5 STAR REVIEW !!!
Title: Desolate
Author: Ker Dukey
Genre: Dark Erotica
Cover Design: Ker Dukey
Photography Credit: Unbound By Words Photography
Model Credit: Dax McClannahan
I was a son,
A friend,
A brother,
A psychopath.
Eighteen years of being in a psyche ward; I was released into the world. Things have changed, Blake is married to Melody and is a father to my new fixation, Cereus. My beautiful niece who knows nothing of my existence. When consequences of past sins begin playing tricks on me, old cravings demand to be satisfied.
There is no cure for my kind of sickness.
I am void of everything but obsession.
I can’t love,
I can’t feel,
I am Desolate
I have to say I nearly Wet my pants when Desolate finally turned up in my kindle!! I was so desperate for closure with this EPIC story!
This book had its work cut out for it, but Ker Dukey did an incredible job at bringing this story round and giving us our much needed answers and again her writing is just flawless..... just quality!
I thought I knew the lengths of Ryan's depravity but boy was I wrong. He scared the ever living hell out of me in this book but still managed to retain his enigmatic, perplexing appeal.
In theory Ryan's character should be one we despise but somehow Ker has made him bewitching and utterly facinating.
Blake & Melody's relationship is going strong however they quickly learn how fragile their peace is when it is abruptly destroyed upon Ryan's release, after 18 years, and becomes fixated with their daughter Cereus who shares some of the qualities of her infamous uncle.
This is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish with a well timed crescendo leading to one of the best wrap ups I've read!
A must read for lovers of dark & twisted love stories
5 brilliant stars!!!!
I have always had a passion for storytelling, whether it be through lyrics or bed time stories with my sisters. I wanted to be an actress growing up so I could live many roles but I learned early on that my mind was too active... I would want to change the script.I would watch films and think of ways they could of improved the story if they took another direction so i thought it best that i tell my own.
My mum would always have a book in her hand when I was young and passed on her love for reading, inspiring me to venture into writing my own. I tend to have a darker edge to my writing. Not all love stories are made from light, some are created in darkness but are just as powerful and worth telling.
When I'm not lost in the world of characters I love spending time with my family. I'm a mum and that comes first in my life but when I do get down time I love attending music concerts or reading events with my younger sister.
You can find me on Facebook where i love interacting with my readers.
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Breakdown by Amanda LanceMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Breakdown byAmanda Lance
I hadn't heard much about this book, but for me that’s a plus because then I don't have any expectations. I like to dive in blindly. If thats you then just know I am going to discuss the plot here.
I’m glad for that because this book turned out to be such a well written story. Not what I expected at all and I loved it!
It centres on young Charlotte Ferro who is consumed by depression, brought on by traumatic events in her past.
She struggles with her life until she finally decides that she can no longer deal with the blackness and emptiness in her heart and decides to commit suicide. Her attempts are thwarted by “Do- Gooder ” William O’ Reilly. He is sweet charming, funny but harbours secrets of his own. However he never relents in his quest to save her and keep her safe. The two are inexplicably drawn to one another in powerful way, and slowly Charlotte begins to realise there is much more to her knight in shining armour than meets the eye as his well-covered secrets begin to unravel.
Amanda Lance did a superb job at giving us a sobering insight into the heart and mind of those suffering depression and the ramifications it has on their loved ones. The story kept me guessing, from to what had happened to Charlotte to devastate her in such a way to what William Reilly was hiding and my heart was heavy with the revelation of both. The external elements surrounding these characters intrigued me as well. I have a newfound appreciation for hotted up fast cars and cupcakes (you'll see).
Theirs is not your typical HEA, (although they do get one) but an emotional rollercoaster that will melt your heart. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and those who are fans of N/A will Love it! its 5 shiny stars from me!.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
SYNOPSIS
Finding Eden is the continuation, and conclusion, to Becoming Calder.
When the world as you know it has ended, when all that you love has been washed away,
where do you find strength?
where do you find strength?
When the new world you've stepped into is as isolating as the last,
when your heart is broken, and your future is unclear, where do you find hope?
when your heart is broken, and your future is unclear, where do you find hope?
Finding Eden is a story of strength, discovery, forgiveness, and undying love.
It is about believing in your destiny and following the path that leads to peace.
It is about believing in your destiny and following the path that leads to peace.
THIS IS THE SECOND PART, AND CONCLUSION, IN A TWO-PART SIGN OF LOVE SERIES INSPIRED BY AQUARIUS (BECOMING CALDER SHOULD BE READ FIRST). New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and graphic sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.(less)
MY REVIEW
(No Spoilers)
In this compelling conclusion we follow Eden after her dramatic escape from Arcadia.
Not only is Eden dealing with the unspeakable grief of what
she has experienced, she is also trying to re identify with her surroundings.
Scared, hurt, untrusting...she is desperately clinging to her last threads
of hope as she endeavours to find her place in a new, unfamiliar world,
and find the answers she needs to unlock the mystery of her past.
Scared, hurt, untrusting...she is desperately clinging to her last threads
of hope as she endeavours to find her place in a new, unfamiliar world,
and find the answers she needs to unlock the mystery of her past.
Hector had denied her the right to her true identity for so long, and thrust her into
a life that oppressed her, and took away her free will, but he could
not encumber her spirit or her fight.
a life that oppressed her, and took away her free will, but he could
not encumber her spirit or her fight.
My heart absolutely broke for what Calder and Eden went through, but I
could not have asked for a more fulfilling climax to this story.
Both Becoming Calder & Finding Eden are
awe-inspiring books that I truly believe must faithfully depict
the real life trauma experienced by those who have lived in,
and survived dangerous cults.
*****
could not have asked for a more fulfilling climax to this story.
Both Becoming Calder & Finding Eden are
awe-inspiring books that I truly believe must faithfully depict
the real life trauma experienced by those who have lived in,
and survived dangerous cults.
*****
WOW!
Another smash hit by Mia. The last page of Becoming Calder left me
gasping for breath. With my fingernails gone, I was CRAZED... literally, and I pined for days over Calder, my beautiful Lion-Hearted boy!!.
Thankfully Mia, in her her mercy, did not make us wait for it's conclusion,
Finding Eden.
The characters that come to life in this monumental story will occupy a corner
of your heart long after you've finished.
Mia Sheridan's writing is just so transcendent. She somehow manages
to pull us into her stories to such a gut wrenching degree, but never neglects to
allow us a well timed reprieve, by injecting some unexpected humour.
Another smash hit by Mia. The last page of Becoming Calder left me
gasping for breath. With my fingernails gone, I was CRAZED... literally, and I pined for days over Calder, my beautiful Lion-Hearted boy!!.
Thankfully Mia, in her her mercy, did not make us wait for it's conclusion,
Finding Eden.
The characters that come to life in this monumental story will occupy a corner
of your heart long after you've finished.
Mia Sheridan's writing is just so transcendent. She somehow manages
to pull us into her stories to such a gut wrenching degree, but never neglects to
allow us a well timed reprieve, by injecting some unexpected humour.
(**Bed of Healing lol yes please **)
Mia Sheridan consistently gifts us with stories that revive and enkindle our hearts. ❤️
Reading one of her books is like getting VIP access into her mind;
which just has to be some kind of paradisiacal utopia!
Mia Sheridan consistently gifts us with stories that revive and enkindle our hearts. ❤️
Reading one of her books is like getting VIP access into her mind;
which just has to be some kind of paradisiacal utopia!
Finding Eden is an exceptional and faultless ending to a BIG love story
that every person NEEDS in their treasury of "keeper" books. Thank you Mia!
that every person NEEDS in their treasury of "keeper" books. Thank you Mia!
5 BILLION SUBLIME STARS
AVAILABLE NOW
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven.
Connect with Mia Sheridan
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads Author Page
As He Bids by Olivia RigalMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
As He Bids by Olivia Rigal
Applying for a summer internship at an upscale auction house just because she has a mad crush on one of the bosses, may be Career Fail 101 for Hannah Cohen.
Certainly, she is heading that way when she spends her first week focusing more on the way Bruce Nelson’s mouth shapes his words than their actual meaning.
My Review
So this story centres around beautiful, smart young intern Hannah Cohen, who nurses a secret obsession with one of the most eligible & successful art auctioneers in Manhattan. She is born to art royalty but retains her humility and refuses to use her name to get ahead in the art world.
She is thrilled when she is assigned to work along side the object of her desires, the very sexy Bruce Nelson, as his intern, but quickly realises that working in such close proximity to this man is as unnerving as it is arousing and the sexual tension that develops between them is positively palpable.
Bruce Nelson... well HANG ON...SWOON... this is a man who knows his place in the world, he exudes a sexy confidence that has women falling over themselves to be with him, but he gives nothing away. He holds his cards close to his chest.
Slowly it becomes evident that perhaps the feelings Hannah has developed for this domineering, sexy man may not all be one sided. The question is, can Hannah be prepared for the events that transpire between them? And can she be the person he wants her to be?
If your after a raunchy lunchtime read then this short but steamy little pocket rocket of a book is for you, I loved it!
I gave it 4 shining stars ****
View all my reviews
Bang by E.K. BlairMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well with Bang being one of the most highly anticipated reads for 2014, I was super excited to read it. All the teasers and trailers certainly did a fine job of piquing my interest.
I'm already familiar with E.K Blair's books and a huge fan so I thought I kind of knew what to expect....let me tell you there is NO WAY I could have predicted what was coming!
From the very first page this book had a stronghold on my mind and as I read the words on the pages, wide- eyed and mouth agape, I was taken to the deepest darkest parts of my own soul. There is no way I could have related to Nina...and yet I related to her...how can that be?
Your typical HEA romance this is not.
E.K. Blair will drag you into the abyss and mess with you so bad but you will love every dark, crazy, tragic, gripping, moment of it. I wont divulge any of the plot you'll just have to read it for your self...if you dare.oh, I probably should mention it does have a mother of a cliff hanger but its so well executed that you can almost hear E.K. Blair's evil laugh!
This is the first book in the Black Lotus Series and now I have to find a way to move on with my life until the arrival of the second instalment.
5 stars doesn't seem like enough but I give it 5 flawless shining stars!
View all my reviews
Fighting Redemption by Kate McCarthyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
SYNOPSIS
Finding Eden is the continuation, and conclusion, to Becoming Calder.
When the world as you know it has ended, when all that you love has been washed away,
where do you find strength?
where do you find strength?
When the new world you've stepped into is as isolating as the last,
when your heart is broken, and your future is unclear, where do you find hope?
when your heart is broken, and your future is unclear, where do you find hope?
Finding Eden is a story of strength, discovery, forgiveness, and undying love.
It is about believing in your destiny and following the path that leads to peace.
It is about believing in your destiny and following the path that leads to peace.
THIS IS THE SECOND PART, AND CONCLUSION, IN A TWO-PART SIGN OF LOVE SERIES INSPIRED BY AQUARIUS (BECOMING CALDER SHOULD BE READ FIRST). New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and graphic sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.(less)
MY REVIEW
(No Spoilers)
In this compelling conclusion we follow Eden after her dramatic escape from Arcadia.
Not only is Eden dealing with the unspeakable grief of what
she has experienced, she is also trying to re identify with her surroundings.
Scared, hurt, untrusting...she is desperately clinging to her last threads
of hope as she endeavours to find her place in a new, unfamiliar world,
and find the answers she needs to unlock the mystery of her past.
Scared, hurt, untrusting...she is desperately clinging to her last threads
of hope as she endeavours to find her place in a new, unfamiliar world,
and find the answers she needs to unlock the mystery of her past.
Hector had denied her the right to her true identity for so long, and thrust her into
a life that oppressed her, and took away her free will, but he could
not encumber her spirit or her fight.
a life that oppressed her, and took away her free will, but he could
not encumber her spirit or her fight.
My heart absolutely broke for what Calder and Eden went through, but I
could not have asked for a more fulfilling climax to this story.
Both Becoming Calder & Finding Eden are
awe-inspiring books that I truly believe must faithfully depict
the real life trauma experienced by those who have lived in,
and survived dangerous cults.
*****
could not have asked for a more fulfilling climax to this story.
Both Becoming Calder & Finding Eden are
awe-inspiring books that I truly believe must faithfully depict
the real life trauma experienced by those who have lived in,
and survived dangerous cults.
*****
WOW!
Another smash hit by Mia. The last page of Becoming Calder left me
gasping for breath. With my fingernails gone, I was CRAZED... literally, and I pined for days over Calder, my beautiful Lion-Hearted boy!!.
Thankfully Mia, in her her mercy, did not make us wait for it's conclusion,
Finding Eden.
The characters that come to life in this monumental story will occupy a corner
of your heart, mind and soul forever.
Mia Sheridan's writing is just so transcendent and beyond compare. She somehow manages
to pull us into her stories to such a gut wrenching degree, but never neglects to
allow us a well timed reprieve by injecting some unexpected humour.
Another smash hit by Mia. The last page of Becoming Calder left me
gasping for breath. With my fingernails gone, I was CRAZED... literally, and I pined for days over Calder, my beautiful Lion-Hearted boy!!.
Thankfully Mia, in her her mercy, did not make us wait for it's conclusion,
Finding Eden.
The characters that come to life in this monumental story will occupy a corner
of your heart, mind and soul forever.
Mia Sheridan's writing is just so transcendent and beyond compare. She somehow manages
to pull us into her stories to such a gut wrenching degree, but never neglects to
allow us a well timed reprieve by injecting some unexpected humour.
(**Bed of Healing lol yes please **)
Mia Sheridan consistently gifts us with stories that revive and enkindle our hearts. ❤️
Reading one of her books is like getting VIP access into her mind;
which just has to be some kind of paradisiacal utopia where
Sexy Greek Gods and other mythical creatures dwell...oh if I could only spend a day there, the things I would see!
Mia Sheridan consistently gifts us with stories that revive and enkindle our hearts. ❤️
Reading one of her books is like getting VIP access into her mind;
which just has to be some kind of paradisiacal utopia where
Sexy Greek Gods and other mythical creatures dwell...oh if I could only spend a day there, the things I would see!
Finding Eden is an exceptional and faultless ending to a monumentally BIG love story
that every person NEEDS in their treasury of "keeper" books. Thank you Mia!
that every person NEEDS in their treasury of "keeper" books. Thank you Mia!
5 BILLION SUBLIME STARS
AVAILABLE NOW
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven.
Connect with Mia Sheridan
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads Author Page
Fighting Redemption by Kate McCarthy
As with all great books , writing a review for them is tricky. I want to make sure I at least attempt to give an accurate account of my reading journey. I have concluded that whatever I write here will never really do this book justice. This book deserves more respect than just "wow" and "omg". So with that in mind I will try and convey how incredibly profound this story is.
Synopsis
Ryan Kendall is broken. He understands pain. He knows the hand of violence and the ache of loss. He knows what it means to fail those who need you. Being broken doesn’t stop him wanting the one thing he can’t have; Finlay Tanner. Her smile is sweet and her future bright. She’s the girl he grew up with, the girl he loves, the girl he protects from the world, and from himself.
At nineteen, Ryan leaves to join the Australian Army. After years of training he becomes an elite SAS soldier and deploys to the Afghanistan war. His patrol undertakes the most dangerous missions a soldier can face. But no matter how far he runs, or how hard he fights, his need for Finlay won’t let go.
Returning home after six years, one look is all it takes to know he can’t live without her. But sometimes love isn’t enough to heal what hurts. Sometimes people like him can’t be fixed, and sometimes people like Finlay deserve more than what’s left.
This is a story about war and the cost of sacrifice. Where bonds are formed, and friendships found. Where those who are strong, fall hard. Where love is let go, heartache is born, and heroes are made. Where one man learns that the hardest fight of all, is the fight to save himself.
********MY REVIEW*************
While I've always appreciated and respected what the defence force does in war torn countries on a daily basis, I'm ashamed to confess that I've always been slightly detached from it all. I guess its normal to a degree to not fully understand the difficult plight of deployed troops and their loved ones, especially when you have no frame of reference for it. Kate McCarthy, with her beautifully woven story, gave me that frame of reference and as I read it I gradually felt my detachment waning , my eyes and my heart were being opened and melted.
The story follows the lives of Ryan Kendal, Jake Tanner & his sister Finlay. Ryan has carried the burden of guilt for most of his young life, when he finally breaks free from his abusive father the Tanners take him in as one of their own and he and Jake form an unbreakable bond. Ryan meets Finlay and feels an instant connection with her and an innate need to protect her. She feels it too and over time the seeds of their love are planted. Sadly however, their lives take them on different paths, and it seems that they are destined to live parallel lives; running side by side forever but never meeting, and so their love for each other remains... without closure... quietly simmering and as hard as they try, neither one can truly let go of the other.
"you've always been mine even if I never get to keep you, you'll always be mine"
Fin convinces herself that she and Ryan are an impossible dream, until their lives are thrust into turmoil and the events that take place violently pull the rug out from under them, forcing them to finally address what's always been there between them.
Redemption by definition is the action of saving or being saved from sin, error or evil says the Oxford, and to reach it one must leave their exile. The question is can Ryan leave his self imposed exile and find his redemption in Fin?
I really don't want to divulge any more of the plot but I will say this book is one of those rare books that touches the deepest part of your soul and you cannot help but be permanently affected by it. After reading this book I Googled the Australian Defence Force and perused the hopeful faces of so many young soldiers who sacrifice so much. No longer will I take for granted these brave young men and women.
This is a powerful story of sacrifice, human resilience and love. A thought provoking read that will remain among my all time favourite books.
*****I gave this 10+ emotionally charged, beautiful Stars *****
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Archer's Voice by Mia SheridanMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
I sat down to write this review a few times and each time I had to walk away exasperated after writing, scribbling it out, writing some more then deleting. The reason was simply that this book stunned me and rendered me incapable of forming any coherent sentences. I mean I've always loved English; it was my favourite subject at school. While those around me either slept through it or wore glazed over expressions I devoured it, the English language thrilled me, and it’s never failed me until now.
I have scoured through countless dictionaries and thesauruses and I have failed to find words potent enough to convey my feelings about this book. There just aren't any, which is a funny thing because then I remember that in this book Archer Hale conveyed so much using no words at all.
SYNOPSIS
When Bree Prescott arrives in the sleepy, lakeside town of Pelion, Maine, she hopes against hope that this is the place where she will finally find the peace she so desperately seeks. On her first day there, her life collides with Archer Hale, an isolated man who holds a secret agony of his own. A man no one else sees.
Archer's Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice. It is the story of suffering, fate, and the transformative power of love. THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. The first three books in the series need not be read to enjoy this book. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
MY REVIEW
This book has made such an impression on me that I have come to the conclusion that my life can now be clearly categorised into BAV and AAV – yep before Archer’s Voice and after Archer’s voice. It has left me with a renewed faith in love and it has also forced me to reflect on the times when I have failed to reach out to those who are marginalised or even just misunderstood for fear of judgement or just fear, period.
I felt so much sadness for Archer the child who saw and experienced immeasurable pain and suffering and I lamented for Archer the man who had been changed at such a fundamental level as a result.
I am in awe of Mia Sheridan’s ability to bring to life this complex character who displays so much innocence, integrity, gentility, inner strength and of course the sex appeal of a thousand Greek Gods while still allowing him to be authentic, raw, fragile and tormented.
I fell in love with Archer over and over slowly, and as the story unravelled I knew I too was unravelling. The underlying themes are many but for me, one that really resonated was forgiveness, it was almost a spiritual experience. I really could wax poetic all day long when it comes to this “awkward, beautiful, silent boy” but I’ll move on to Bree Prescott.
“I didn’t know enough to dream you, Bree, but somehow you came true anyway. How did that happen?”
Isn’t it wonderful when a book has enough room for two equally grand and loveable characters? Even though Bree has endured insufferable pain and struggles daily with PTSS. She remains true to herself. Her past has done nothing to erode her brave and sweet hearted nature. She has no reservations about pushing down the defensive walls Archer has placed around himself.
“Archer Hale had taught himself an entire language but hadn’t a single person to talk to…until me”
She is the first person to truly see him and offer him what no one else in town has ever bothered to; friendship, and so their soul connection begins to form. Perhaps the pain that haunts Bree enables her to recognise it in Archer and that is the reason she is so drawn to him.
This book has it all, the romance and steam are off the charts, and the humour is unexpected and endearing. The secondary characters are engaging and the plot is so well thought out, you are barely conscious of actually reading it. It’s more like the story is whispered to your soul as you move through the book. I know I am rambling on a bit but I make no apologies this book warrants it. Archer’s Voice is in a league of its own. You need to prepare yourself to read this book, clear your plate so you can honour it properly. I know I will read this book thousands of times before they bury my old bones.
Thankyou Mia Sheridan, for the gift of Archer Hale.
10+ beautiful, heartfelt, sparkly stars.
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Take a Chance by Abbi GlinesMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fans of the Rosemary Beach series have been eagerly anticipating this one. Its the story of Grant Carter who we met (& fell in love with) in Fallen to Far and quiet and shy Harlow Manning, daughter of a mega famous rock star Kiro Manning.
As Kiro is about to embark on a 9 month tour with his band he decides to send Harlow to live in Rosemary beach with her half sister Nan. Readers familiar with this series know that Nan is a total nut-job, she is the character you love to hate! Nan absolutely despises Harlow and is consumed by jealousy because Harlow is clearly the "loved daughter".
Harlow is not too pleased with the living arrangements however she resigns herself to the fact that its only 9 months. What she doesn't anticipate is running into the handsome smooth talking Grant Carter,the only guy to ever really break through her walls and the guy who Nan is enjoying stringing along. Grant being the good guy that he is has always tried to fix Nan, running to her rescue when no one else cared. He endures and over looks her bitchiness until he realises that she is broken beyond repair and sees her for the manipulative, nasty and emotionally unstable person she is. Grant is shocked when he runs into Harlow and realises he wants to explore the intense attraction he feels towards her, however Harlow isn't having any of it. Grant is determined to convince Harlow that he is through with Nan but its like that old saying says "you can judge a person by the company they keep" and Harlow just cant get past the fact that he has been with Nan.
Can he convince her that he is for real? and can shy and sensitive Harlow finally open up to someone and trust someone with the secret she has been hiding? or will it destroy any chance they may have?
Abbi has done it again! This is such a well written & thought out series. Every book in this series has pulled me into its world and this book was no exception. I fell in love with Grant back in Fallen too far when he filled up Blaire's car with petrol! He totally had me at hello and Harlow, I love that she is a sweet, shy & polite book worm but I also love seeing her spine of steel come through in this book. Nan Ugh I've never hated anyone as much as I hate Nan, even more than a certain twatwaffle I don't care to mention by name ; p. I really cant wait for the continuation of this story. 5 sparkly stars!!!
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Secrets in the Shadows by T.L. HaddixMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Secrets in the Shadows by T.L Haddix
*Book gifted in exchange for honest review
MY REVIEW
You know the old cliché never judge a book and all that? Well I never really paid it much attention till now. This book was a real surprise, not what I was expecting at all, and I love that; it takes a lot to surprise me.
The story centres on divorced single mother Lauren Taylor Grant who owns a successful café and is living a quiet but content life. She has come a long way since surviving a harrowing, life-altering attack as a teenager although the residual effects of that summer are still evident and have left her emotionally guarded and incapable of true intimacy. She believes she will never be able to truly open her heart to another person until she meets Charlie Clark, her parents good looking and sweet neighbour. She is immediately drawn to him and finds, for the first time, the desire to connect with someone intimately. Just when she believes life is finally dealing her the hand she deserves, her past resurfaces in the most hostile way forcing her to face up to demons she buried long ago.
The author has done an impressive job at weaving this tale, allowing the plot, with all its twists and turns, to reveal itself slowly chapter by chapter through the various characters’ point of views. I felt compelled to keep reading and liked the “who done it” undertone.
There were times in the beginning of this book where I struggled to remember who the characters were in relation to each other but the author thoughtfully provided a glossary of characters that I was able to refer to, and once I settled into this book I really enjoyed it.
This book deals with traumatic and gritty topics such as incest, murder and revenge and the consequent devastation they leave behind and how beauty truly can come from pain.
*"Secrets in the Shadows" is the first book in the Shadows Collection, Romantic Suspense novels set in small-town Indiana. Other titles include "Under the Moon's Shadow," "Shadows from the Grave,""Hidden in the Shadows," and "In the Heart's Shadow."
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Just Shoot Me by Becky McGrawMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
*book gifted in return for honest review*
CLIMB IN THE SADDLE AND GET READY FOR A RIDE!
Reading this book has taught me something- Cowboys & Men are two totally different breeds. I have always batted for the sexy CEO team and honestly, I wasn't sure if cowboys would be my thing; boy was I wrong I.HAVE.BEEN.CONVERTED - hallelujah!!!!
This is the story of brooding, cranky but sexy as hell alpha Cowboy Dean Dixon, who is struggling with raising his son after his cheating ex-wife took off leaving him bereft and bitter. He is emotionally shut off from everyone around him and bides his time with the back breaking work of running a ranch. His family tiptoe around him enabling him to continue to wallow in his misery - which is just fine by him until he meets her.
Straight shooter Tina Montgomery is a sassy, strong, pint-sized & beautiful advertising exec with baggage of her own. In order to get the promotion she so desperately needs to provide a better life for her sister and her niece, she needs to find the perfect model to be the next Texas Tomcat for an upcoming jeans campaign. She almost all but abandons hope of finding her real life Cowboy until she meets Dean- Aka MR Crankypants.
She is exasperated by his rude and abrasive demeanour but the electricity between them is undeniable. He is everything she has been looking for. He embodies the authentic,rugged sexy look she needs,and now that she has seen him she knows no one else will do. The question is can she convince this complicated, moody Cowboy to help her?
WOW...Just wow. This story had me laughing,fanning myself,wringing my hands & cheering. Dean & Tina are magic together and the love that grows between them becomes the ultimate balm Dean needs to finally face the demons of his past.
I'd wear Dean's Cowboy hat any day of the week!
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The Reunion by Jennifer HaymoreMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Initially it was the title of this book that peaked my curiosity.
"The Reunion", by definition it is the act of coming together again. A wise man once said "Distance is to love like wind is to fire, it extinguishes the small and ignites the great".
If your expecting a long, drawn out, intense love story this is not that book but what this book is will touch your heart and resonate with you because all of us, at one time or another in our lives have felt the magical, zingy, heart-stopping reunion in love; whether its after a lovers quarrel or a long separation we've all felt it and for me Jennifer Haymore did a worthy job at rekindling that feeling, and that's what I look for in a good book; I want to feel the words I'm reading.
So the story introduces us to Zoey Hanson an ambitious and determined 5th grade teacher in an inner-city school in D.C. She strives to make a difference, however small, to the lives of her young students, many of whom have had to endure many a hardship.
After a heart breaking split with her ex, investment banker Nathan Richards, she finally finds herself at peace with the direction her life is taking. She has a job she loves, she is on the verge of buying a house of her own and she is surrounded by friends who adore her. She is proud of her accomplishments and ready to tackle the next big challenge- a holiday with her best friends at Sugar Cay, the challenge? Her old flame Nate will be there.
She braces herself certain that Nate will no doubt be parading his latest supermodel conquest around. Little does she know that Nate has been missing her and is on a mission to win her back after realising that walking away from her to pursue his own ambitions was a mistake. Time and distance have done nothing to suppress their feelings for each other and the sparks that ignite between them are evident to all, however again distance is not their friend. Can they merge their lives this time? or will their love forever be unfinished business?
I really enjoyed this story, it resonated with me on many levels and reminded me that no big love comes without big struggles. A beautiful short story.
*book gifted by author in return for honest review
Fate by Nikki SexMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fate by Nikki Sex
4 spandangly stars!!
SYNOPSIS
How far would you go to get something you really wanted?
Emily Malone has had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Paul, all her life.
Unfortunately, he just sees her as his friend’s little sister.
Desperate and infatuated, Emily resorts to lies and deception.
She only needs one night with Paul, to finally get over this obsessive crush.
But Fate has other ideas. . .
MY REVIEW
So I decided to read this finally after hearing so much about it. I have to admit that I wasn't sure it would be my thing as I'm not overly moved by BDSM. I even recall saying to someone "yea maybe not, not really my thing" well I EAT MY WORDS! I loved this book. I sat down to read it one afternoon and THREE hours later with no dinner cooked, children scattered to who knows where, there I was totally engulfed in this book.
This book made me wonder, how far would you go for love? And when do the lines between love and obsession blur?
As I was reading Emily's story, I was amazed at the lengths she went to for the man she loved, but then most of us know when it comes to love logic flies out the window because the heart wants what it wants. I mean what could be more sad than unrequited love, it drives people to the edges of their own sanity.
Some of us have known the pain of lost love or forbidden love or betrayed love but nothing is as lonely as, unrequited love...being all alone in love, when the person you would die for "friendzones" you. When you look at it from that perspective you gain a better insight into what motivates Emily and the lengths she goes to in order to have this man, even if its just for a night.
Paul has always seen Emily as the innocent, sweet, reliable sister figure he never had. Emily is desperate to make Paul see that she is now a woman, a woman capable of fulfilling all his fantasies.
Enter Andrew Chevalier the suave, sophisticated, alluring Dom she enlists to help her. Andrew sees into her soul with such clarity that for the first time she feels affirmed in the choices she has made in her life. He seems to know her intimately and she immediately trusts him.
" Trust me Ma Petite Lapine, you have come to me I know exactly what you need"
I fell head over heals for this sexy French alpha who not only helped Emily to bloom into the woman she knew was inside her, but also enabled Paul to see that by running from his past he was short changing himself, with Andrew's subtle prompting Paul realised he was not only capable of loving, but that it had been there, simmering under his nose for years.
A fab read, BDSM fans will love it. 4 giant stars to Nikki Sex!
View all my reviews
Running Back to You by Suzanne SweeneyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Running Back to You by Suzanne Sweeney
****SYNOPSIS****
Juliette Fletcher is a girl with a plan. Not one to sit back and wait for life to happen, she moves back home after graduation and begins to carve out a life for herself.
Evan McGuire is desperate for a fresh start. His career in the NFL depends on it. Years of partying and carefree living have caught up with him. After buying a beach house in need of renovations, he begins to rebuild his life and his reputation.
What Evan doesn't expect is a chance meeting with Juliette out on an early morning beach run with her dog. A strong mutual attraction draws them together, but fear of scaring her away keeps Evan from revealing his true identity. Evan finds himself in an unfamiliar situation – forced to work harder than he ever has before to prove himself worthy of her affections.
Tragic misunderstandings and unexpected obstacles threaten to derail a fragile relationship. Someone is watching, waiting, and tormenting Juliet, desperate to destroy everything. Can they find the strength to overcome jealousy, insecurity, and fear before it’s too late?
******* MY REVIEW********
I didn’t really know what to expect with this book, I hadn't really heard much about it, I read the blurb and thought it sounded like something I would like, and after reading it I have to wonder why no one told me about this book sooner?
This book had me at helooooo. From the very first page I was launched into its nucleus and I knew that it was going to be a slow day around here because I was sold!
I really identified with the female lead in this book, Juliette Fletcher, to me her insecurities and doubts made her all the more authentic. She is just fresh out of a bad relationship with an” emotionally dominating douche- bag”. Sworn off men, she is finally in a good place in her life when out of nowhere in walks self-assured, devastatingly good looking Sentinels Quarterback Evan McGuire (AKA Big Mac). His celebrity status is unknown to her and she sees him for who he truly is, without all the glitz and glamour. He tries in vain to keep her in the dark about just how famous he is. Although she has no desire to embark on any kind of relationship with this mysterious and handsome stranger she cannot deny that she is not immune to his charms and when he keeps popping up in her life she begins to fall for him...
"You are so beautiful, I don't think I'll ever get enough of you, he whispers in my ear"
Evan is at a point in his life where he is no longer satisfied with the shallow and meaningless exchanges with women he had previously enjoyed. That is cemented when he meets the beautiful brunette baker/bartender. He gently begins to court Juliet and the embers between them begin to ignite into volcanic explosions that would rival Mt Etna.
Theirs is a tumultuous love connection and it seems the odds are stacked against them with life seemingly throwing every obstacle in their way. There was just enough angst to keep my foot shaking and my knee bouncing, I mean I was gone...Hook. Line. Sinker.
The supporting characters in this book are all so captivating and engaging and so vital to the story, it was a joy getting to know them.
There is a fantastic "who done it" undertone to this story and although I usually can pick the secret villain early on in books I have to say I was totally blind-sided and it kept me guessing at every turn. A fantastic read and lovers of Colton Donovan & Hudson Pierce, will love Evan McGuire.
5 stars for this hot read!
** Book received in return for honest review
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