COURTNEY REVIEWS: TWISTED SUMMER by LUCY V. MORGAN

Series: n/a
Category/Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: self-published
Publication Date: April 2013
Format: ebook
Pages: 168
Source: Received from author for review.

A dark New Adult romance

You have to understand that we never meant for it to happen. We knew it was stupid. We knew it was wrong.

Eighteen-year-old Danni Warren has big plans for her last summer before college: a cool job, a concert she wouldn’t miss for the world, and spending time with her beautiful girlfriend, Esme. But after one hell of an argument, Danni’s mother packs her off to stay with her estranged step-uncle, Gabe, in his lodge on the English coast. So begins a weekend of the worst punishment imaginable: no phone signal.

With his sun kissed good looks and sarcastic manner, twenty-nine-year-old Gabe Asher isn’t anything like Danni expected. She wants to hate him—he’s her punishment for standing up to her mother—but between surfing lessons and beach hikes, Gabe and Danni grow close. Maybe too close.

Now Danni’s questioning everything: old family secrets, her future, her strained relationship with Esme. One sun stained afternoon, Gabe and Danni go too far. And then everything else falls apart…

 

 

Twisted Summer was a story for me that had a lot of moments I really liked. My absolute favorite thing about it was the dialogue, and the authenticity coming from a British author made it that much more enjoyable. My rating was 3.5 stars and I hope I can explain why, since I've been stewing on what I think for a few days!

Danni is an 18 year old girl who is sent to spend the weekend in the middle of nowhere with her mom's step-brother, who (whom?) she hasn't seen since she was a small child. So Gabe, the non-uncle as he is usually referred to, is 29 and totally smoking hot. Having the name Gabriel Asher just screams it really, so he had to be! The premise of this taboo take on things completely had my interest. And unfortunately for me, I clearly did not read the blurb close enough or too fast, and missed the part where Danni is the one with the girlfriend. I honestly thought Gabe was who that was going to be about so I started it thinking he was going to be a typical grade A jerk, and it took me a bit to get on track with where the story was going instead of where I thought it to be going.

I always feel a little funny with the whole cheating plot line. I hate it, and I hate myself when I don't feel bad about it happening, at all. This book twisted my emotions, pun intended, and I flip flopped every few pages about how I felt about Danni. Esme was...controlling and possessive, and really judgey. I didn't like her, but at the same time felt really, really bad for her. Danni tried to have her...cake, yeah cake is what I'm going with here, and eat it too, and THAT'S when I wanted to shake her like a shake weight. She really was in a huge shit storm of her own creation, and I really couldn't feel a bit sorry for her. I have a favorite series that has a bisexual character, and you never for a second doubt or are confused about this part of him. I think Danni's age played a huge role in this confusion, but a lot of what she said and did made me side with Esme on questioning her feelings and intentions. She never even told her girlfriend that she thought she was bisexual. I'm no expert, but in my opinion that is a very big deal when the other person thinks you are on the same page as them, not matter what sexual orientation.

On the flip side though, it was an interesting array of events that was truly a coming of age story. Even when I didn't get it, I had to tell myself this girl is 18 years old, and we're inside her head 100% of the time. She thinks she is wise and knows what's up, but it is painfully obvious that she has some growing up to do. I am drawn to these sorts of things, not only because I got married when I was 18 and have a different story than most college age people, but I like stories that are different like this one and opens my eyes. I like to pretend "I would NEVER have acted like that when I was that age," but we all know that really who the hell knows. I digress. The point is I liked this story because you're right there with Danni navigating all of these adult situations, with a newly adult mindset. She has a teenage view when she thinks that just because she's in her Gabe bubble and being sneaky, people won't be on to her.

I was quite surprised to be honest with the end of the story, and Danni's growth and maturity finally shined through. After all of the drama and heartache she caused, it was especially nice to find out where everyone ended up.

 

 

 

Purchase Twisted Summer at:

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

 

 

About the author: 

Lucy writes sharp contemporary fiction, usually with a liberal splatter of filth. She is a Lyrical Press author and a screenwriter.

Her upcoming new adult novel, TWISTED SUMMER, is a gutsy take on forbidden love starring an even gutsier heroine.
Her contemporary series, encompassing CHAIRMAN OF THE WHORED and THE WHORED'S PRAYER, features slick London lawyers with a penchant for sensual violence. It's definitely on the darker side. BEAUTIFUL MESS, her current release, is a snarky, sexy friends-to-lovers romp.

Lucy is currently working on new novels, and is developing a paranormal television series with producers (think The Vampire Diaries meets The 4400).

She is still trying to kick her dirty Pepsi habit.

 

Connect with Lucy at:

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook

 

 

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY ~ UNTIL I BREAK by M. LEIGHTON + TEASERS!!

 

 Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selection is...

 

 

 

Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Publisher: M. Leighton Books

Publication Date: 5/13
 

 

"I’m intrigued. Tempted beyond what I’ve ever been before. To know her, to open her up. To break her."

In love, sometimes what you fear most is exactly what you need.

Laura Drake is an author. She writes bestselling paranormal romances that continue to top the charts. She is sharp. She is confident. She is in control.

And she doesn’t exist.

Samantha Jansen is the woman behind the wig, the woman most of the world doesn’t know exists. She is shy. She is insecure. She is nothing like her main character or her alter ego. She is scarred—deeply scarred—by a past she can’t let go of and a present she can’t make peace with.

Samantha’s dreams are consumed by one man, the broken hero from her books. Mason Strait is both her wildest fantasy and her most terrifying nightmare.

When Samantha meets Alec Brand, a corporate consultant, it is as though Mason has come to life. Alec is handsome to a fault, as elegant as he is arrogant, and more intense than any man has a right to be.

Samantha is soon sucked into a world that mirrors the fiction she writes. Just like her main character, Daire Kirby, Samantha finds herself unable to resist the forbidden lure of Alec. And just like Daire, she also finds that she is faced with taking a chance on a man who could either set her free or destroy her.

The scale tilts toward destruction when Samantha finds out that Alec is as much a work of fiction as Mason. And he has scars of his own, scars that could ruin them both.


**This book may be read as a stand-alone, as the story of Alec and Samantha comes to a conclusion in this book**

 

 

 

Why I'm Waiting ~ Technically, I already have this book, and plan to start it in a couple days. I'm such a big fan of Michelle and her books. I'm sure Until I Break will be amazing! But in the meantime, enjoy a couple of teasers....

 

 

 

 



 

BLOG TOUR: A TERRIBLE LOVE ~ REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

Welcome to The Bookish Babe's stop on A Terrible Love Blog Tour! The tour is hosted by AToMR Tours; you can find the schedule here. My stop includes a review and tour giveaway.

 

 

Series: A Terrible Love #1

Category/Genre: New Adult Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Self-Published

Publication Date: 2/11/13

Format: Kindle

Pages: 269

Source: Received from author for review.

Jess Mackey is living a meticulously fabricated lie of necessity. She's left the secret tragedy of her past behind along with who she was and is forging ahead with a clean slate. Jess soon discovers that passion can't be left behind; her own and that of the one man that sees who she really is. Whose presence caresses her soul in a way that may breach the peaceful life Jess has made for herself.

Devin Castile sees a young woman that is the missing puzzle piece to his existence and who is also the victim to a heinous crime. Devin convinces himself that he can remain emotionally distant even while indulging his physical desire for her. When the lies that Jess has made crumble before their attraction and the truth is revealed, one of them might pay with their life... or their very being.

(Due to sexual content and language, this book is recommended for 17+ - Adult Contemporary Women's - New Adult Fiction)

 

A Terrible Love is a dark and twisty story of a tormented heroine, the unreadable man she loves, and a mystery that leaves you guessing until the end.

 

First things first, I love this cover. I like the dark and mysterious tone it conveys, and that it fits the story. Gorgeous.

 

As for the story, well, I was intrigued right away. The story begins with a frightening prologue, and I couldn't help but read the story just waiting for the other shoe to drop. And though I won't go into the specifics, because really, it's a lot to cover, but also, is best left to the story. The suspense was a continuous presence throughout the story, and what really kept me on the hook.

 

Another reason I enjoyed the story... Devin Castile. He was an edgy and mysterious guy. I wanted to believe, and hoped, he was a good guy. His intensity, especially in the intimate scenes with Jess, were pretty great. I would have definitely loved to have had more, more, more of him in the book!

 

While I did enjoy the overall premise of the story, there were certain aspects that didn't win me over. I found some of the writing to be a bit heavy on the metaphors. I had to reread several passages just to make sure that I was correctly comprehending what was being said. And the ending, in my eyes, was confusing. When the big mystery was revealed, I wasn't sure who did what to whom and why. I'm not sure if the issues was plot holes, or just me, but I didn't completely buy it.

 

Having said that, I did like A Terrible Love. I was fascinated by the complex and insatiable relationship between Jess and Cas. And I did find the overall story to be very cool. If you're looking for a story that brings the steam and will keep you guessing until the end, A Terrible Love may hit the spot.

 

Favorite Quote:

  I put my head in my hands in defeat. I guess I'm giving in to life. It's like the ocean breaking against the rocks: It simply wears me down until I give in.  ~11%

 

 

Purchase A Terrible Love at:

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

 

 

GIVEAWAY

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About the author

Marata Eros is a mixed-genre writer of dark erotica and fantasy with elements of romance and horror. She has completed her first contemporary romance, A TERRIBLE LOVE as her next new release. Marata is a passionate reader who loves interacting with her readers and is more grateful than she can express for their support.

Connect with Marata at:

Blog  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  GoodReads

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEASER TUESDAY ~ WRECKED by ALYSSA ROSE IVY

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

·Grab your current read
·Open to a random page
·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.



Series: Clayton Falls #3
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: 4/30/13

When your past catches up, it's time to stop running.

Jake Mathews messed up yet again— but this time his misstep lands him in the hospital. He wakes up to find the girl of his dreams and the memory of having his deepest secret revealed.

Emily Taylor needs a break. She's been working double shifts as a nurse just to pay the bills while trying to heal a broken heart. The last thing she needs is to fall for a patient.

Strapped with community service and the knowledge that he's disappointed everyone in his life, Jake is determined not to let Emily slip through his fingers. Emily wants Jake, but can she really open herself up to heartache again?

 

 

My Teaser ~

 

   "It's good to have the real Molly back."

  "What does that mean?"

  "I don't know how to deal with you when you're nice." I smirked. Smirking always pissed her off.

  "Like you should talk? Are you ever nice?"

  "Just like old times." Ben put an arm around Molly's shoulders.  ~eARC, 10%

 

 

So, what do you think? Pretty good, huh? Be sure to check out my stop on the Wrecked Blog Tour on Thursday.

 

REVIEW: THE WANDERER (THUNDER POINT #1) by ROBYN CARR

Series: Thunder Point #1
Category/Genre:
Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Publication Date: 3/26/13
Format: ARC
Pages: 384
Source: Received from publisher for review.

From Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the popular Virgin River novels, comes Thunder Point-the highly anticipated new series that will make you laugh, make you sigh, and make you fall in love with a small town filled with people you'll never forget.  

Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands.

Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful.

With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.

Though I read a lot of adult contemporary romance novels in my teens and early 20s, I had never heard of Robyn Carr until I saw a review for one of her Virgin Creeks books on another blog, several months ago. The reviewer had so much respect and passion for Carr's work, which instantly grabbed my attention. So when I was approached about reviewing the first book in Carr's new Thunder Point series, I was excited for the opportunity. And now I can consider myself a big Carr fan as well.

Based on the synopsis, The Wanderer seems like a pretty straightforward story. Hank "Coop" Cooper heads to the Oregon coast to learn what happened to his recently deceased best friend, and finds he has inherited the property. As a man who has never settled down in one place too long, Coop just wants to find out exactly what happened, take care of the property in a way that respects his friend's wishes, and move on. But, Coop quickly becomes acclimated to the small town of Thunder Point, becomes involved the lives of the residents, and finds that his wandering ways may be coming to an end. Along the way, Coop becomes friends with the local deputy sheriff, Mac. He befriends a talented and bright teenage boy, Landon, and becomes involved with his sister Sarah.

What really made The Wanderer special to me was that the story was so much bigger than Coop and his realization that life in Thunder Point, Oregon, and with Sarah, suits him. The story revolves around so many people. There's Mac, a single father and best friend to Gina, a single mother. I found their friendship and hidden romantic feelings to be so sweet and heartwarming. And there's Mac's daughter Eva who falls for Sarah's brother Landon. Mac's aunt Lou even has a spicy romance going on. These stories, in addition to Coop and Sarah's reluctant romance pulled me in, and made me fall in love with the characters. Carr made this town, the entire area so appealing that I found myself wishing I could just up and move to the Oregon coast.  

Robyn Carr has such a charming and heartfelt writing style. I can't wait to read the next two books in the Thunder Point series, The Newcomer and The Hero. I can now safely consider myself a big fan.

Favorite Quote:

  "I have to go," Cooper said. "I'm going to meet Sarah at my place.

  "I don't need to know that."

  "Sometimes she's tired from her jog and needs to lie down awhile."

  "Really, you can keep it to yourself, asshole."

  "Hamlet likes to watch."

  "You're a sick f*cker, you know that?"

  "I'm kidding, all right? I have Gatorade."  ~pg 307

 

  

Thunder Point Series 

About the author:

A RITA award-winning author of 25 novels, Robyn Carr has found a whole new following with her stories about the independent women and former marines of Virgin River."

RT's Career Achievement Best Author Award winner (2010) for Contemporary Romance.

Connect with Robyn at her website.

COVER REVEAL ~ UNTIL I BREAK by M. LEIGHTON

I am so excited to be taking part in today's cover reveal for Until I Break, by the fabulous Michelle Leighton. I am dying to get my hands on this beauty.

Take a look!

Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Publisher: M. Leighton Books

Publication Date: 5/13

"I’m intrigued. Tempted beyond what I’ve ever been before. To know her, to open her up. To break her."

In love, sometimes what you fear most is exactly what you need.

Laura Drake is an author. She writes bestselling paranormal romances that continue to top the charts. She is sharp. She is confident. She is in control.

And she doesn’t exist.

Samantha Jansen is the woman behind the wig, the woman most of the world doesn’t know exists. She is shy. She is insecure. She is nothing like her main character or her alter ego. She is scarred—deeply scarred—by a past she can’t let go of and a present she can’t make peace with.

Samantha’s dreams are consumed by one man, the broken hero from her books. Mason Strait is both her wildest fantasy and her most terrifying nightmare.

When Samantha meets Alec Brand, a corporate consultant, it is as though Mason has come to life. Alec is handsome to a fault, as elegant as he is arrogant, and more intense than any man has a right to be.

Samantha is soon sucked into a world that mirrors the fiction she writes. Just like her main character, Daire Kirby, Samantha finds herself unable to resist the forbidden lure of Alec. And just like Daire, she also finds that she is faced with taking a chance on a man who could either set her free or destroy her.

The scale tilts toward destruction when Samantha finds out that Alec is as much a work of fiction as Mason. And he has scars of his own, scars that could ruin them both.


**This book may be read as a stand-alone, as the story of Alec and Samantha comes to a conclusion in this book**

 

About the author:

I was born and raised in the United States, and I’ve lived in several of the fabulous fifty. Though I currently live in the deep South, I spent much of my childhood up North and hope to return there one day. A few other things about me: I believe that sometimes you have to look really, REALLY hard to find the good in people, but it's there. I believe that I'm shrinking (I swear five years ago I was two inches taller). I believe my husband is quite possibly one of the most amazing men in the entire world (I can't be sure because I haven't met all of them). I believe coffee and chocolate, when combined, could be the basis for world peace. I believe that Jesus rocks and communism doesn’t. I believe that white makes me look fat and black collects lint. I believe summer's too hot, winter's too cold and fall was made for football. I like dogs better than cats and the first movie in a trilogy is invariably the best. But most of all, I believe that love conquers all.

Connect with author M. Leighton at:
her website | Twitter | GoodReads page | Facebook

COVER REVEAL: FOREPLAY (THE IVY CHRONICLES) by SOPHIE JORDAN

I'm excited to share the cover for an upcoming book from Sophie Jordan. This is really gorgeous.
Check it out!





Add Foreplay on GoodReads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17254035-foreplay

EXCERPT AND GIVEAWAY: SLOW NO WAKE by DAKOTA MADISON

I'm happy to be able to share an excerpt and giveaway of Slow No Wake, by Dakota Madison. This book looks so good, I can't wait to read it myself. This event was organized by AToMR Tours.

Category/Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Self-Published

Publication Date: 3/15/13

After finding her sister in bed with her fiancé, 25-year old Lexie Wilkins decides to relocate to southwest Florida to start a new life and escape relationships all together. What she doesn’t expect to find are two attractive kite surfers, who both want her.

So much for Lexie’s vow for her fresh start in Florida: a no wake zone. Having two guys in her life is sure to make waves.

Eddie is the captivating bad boy, who lives next door. Daniel is Lexie’s sweet and ruggedly handsome co-worker. The differences between the two men are just as extreme as their sport…

Who will she choose?


---

This NEW ADULT ROMANCE contains language and content indented for adult readers (18+).

 

EXCERPT

Purchase Slow No Wake at Amazon 

 

Then I heard a pounding on the front door, which I had left propped open.

“Is anyone home?” called out a male voice.

I went over to the door and opened it fully. I could feel my mouth drop open when I saw the guy standing at my threshold. He was bare-chested, wearing just swim trucks and flip flops. And, oh what a wonderful chest it was, six-packed and bronzed from the sun. The guy was about six feet tall; muscular and toned. When I could finally steal my gaze from his magnificent physique, I looked into smoldering brown eyes and my breath was momentarily stolen from my body. His dark hair was messy and damp. That’s when I noticed he also had a bit of sand on his broad shoulders. I guessed he was one of the surfer boys, as Hans called them, who lived next door.

The gorgeous guy gave me a titled half smile that showed off a sexy dimple in his cheek. The man was clearly the whole package and he definitely knew it. He carried himself like he owned the world. He could easily own any girl with the dimple alone.

Any girl, except me, of course.

It would be a very long time before I was interested in any involvement with the opposite sex. My heart was still broken into a million little pieces from my messy break-up with Jeff. 

“Just move in?” Mr. Whole Package said.

“Is it that obvious?” I quipped.

“The moving truck out front kind of gave it away,” he said. He held out a hand. “I’m Eddie. I live next door.”

I stared at his hand for a second, wondering how rude it would look if I didn’t shake it. A big part of me was scared to even touch him. Finally, I just thought fuck it and grabbed his hand.

Oh, God. What a HUGE mistake.

Why hadn’t I listened to my inner, obviously much smarter voice, which warned me not to touch him? His grip was firm and his hands were rougher than I had imagined they would be; but what got me were his eyes. As he held my hand, I was captivated by the intensity of his fiery stare. I nearly drowned in the cascade of shivers that flooded my body. 

Eddie had game and knew exactly how to use it. Shit.

“I’m Lexie,” I said as I quickly removed my hand from his grasp.

He arched an eyebrow. “Short for something?”

“Alexandria.”

“Pretty name.”

I smiled. “Well, I’ve got a lot of work to do.” I wanted him to leave. He was making me nervous. He was making me feel things I didn’t want to feel. A lot of things I didn’t want to feel. All the things I was trying to escape by moving to Florida.

“Need help carrying in the rest of your stuff?” he offered. It was tempting, but it also meant spending more time with him, which might put us near the danger zone.

When I moved to Florida, I decided that I would put up an invisible sign: Slow No Wake. I didn’t want any waves or any drama. I had had enough of that in Illinois. Men usually caused waves and Eddie definitely seemed like the heavy wake kind of guy. I needed him gone as quickly as possible. I had a foot in dangerous waters and I didn’t want to get swept up in the tide.

“Hans said he would give me a hand with the furniture,” I said.

Eddie leaned in very close, like he was going to tell me a secret. I could feel his breath on my neck and it made me shiver a bit. What was that I had just said about the no wake zone? Eddie was already causing a lot of waves. “I would watch out for Hans,” he whispered. “He’s kind of a perv.”

Hans did not seem like a perv to me but I hadn’t spent much time with him. “He’s old enough to be my father,” I said with a bit of skepticism in my voice.

Eddie shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He turned away from me. “But have you seen his girlfriend yet? She’s at least five years younger than us.”

“Wait,” I said.

Eddie turned around and grinned at me. “Change your mind?”

I nodded.

Eddie rested his arm on the doorframe right above me and leaned in close. He smelled like suntan oil with a hint of saltwater and sweat. “I’m happy to help you in any way I can. All you have to do is ask.”

His words were laced with so much innuendo and sexuality, I found it difficult to swallow. “Thanks,” was all I was able to mutter.

Then he turned and headed for the truck. I followed and in that moment, I felt like I would have followed him anywhere.

GIVEAWAY

I have an ecopy (mobi or pdf) of Slow No Wake to give away, courtesy of the author.

Entrants must be 17+ years of age.

Open Intl.

Fill out the form to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author
Dakota Madison has been writing since she learned to read and fell in love with books. When she's not at her computer creating spicy new romances, Dakota is traveling to exotic locales or spending time with her husband and their bloodhounds.
Connect at:
Tumblr  |  Twitter



REVIEW: DROWNING IN YOU by REBECCA BERTO

Category/Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: 4/12/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 314
Source: Received from author for review

Secretly crushing

Crushed by a tragedy

Charlee May’s been crushing on Dexter Hollingworth since she was fifteen. Five years later, a horrific skiing disaster at Mason’s Ski Lift Resort leaves her millionaire dad critically injured and her mom dead at the hands of Dexter operating the lifts. Charlee is suddenly the sole caretaker for her little brother while their world falls apart.

Dexter couldn’t be more different from Charlee. He’s tattooed, avoids exclusive relationships and his Dad has a fair share of illegal dealings. With Dexter’s reputation, almost everyone believes he planned the Mason’s skiing disaster.

And after all these years he’s still crushing on Charlee May, the girl who’s too good for him.

When this cruel twist of fate ties Charlee’s family and Dexter’s reputation together, Charlee and Dexter wonder if their feelings are reciprocated, while Dexter discovers his dad is trying to steal the May’s millionaire fortune.

But like an addiction, one look, one touch, one taste—they’re hooked no matter the consequences.

Disclaimer: Recommended for mature readers due to sexual content and crude language.

 

 

The basis of Drowning in You makes for a great story. A girl and a guy, who've always had crushes on one another, but never acted on it. The girl's parents are in a tragic accident, one in which the boy was partially responsible, but not really. Of course this causes a lot of strong emotions between the two, but doesn't stop their attraction. How do you get past tragedy like that?

 

But, despite my liking of the premise, Drowning in You is a story I had a bit of a struggle connecting with. I think most of my lack of enthusiasm can be attributed to confusion. Since the story begins after the accident, I didn't feel Charlee and Dexter's long-term attraction. I was told they've always felt it, but I had no reason to be strongly rooting for them. It felt like there was a lot of struggling, just for the sake of it.

 

I also didn't get why everyone in town hated Dexter. It's made clear right away that he had no responsibility in the accident. So why did everyone in the town hate him. Charlee didn't hate him. Her brother didn't hate him. He was officially cleared. I mean, I know how unfair people can be, but it just didn't ring true to me that Dexter could be so reviled for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

However, there are some really sweet and intense moments between Charlee and Dex. I actually liked both of them, a lot. Dex was a really sweet, sexy guy who just wants to do the right thing. Charlee was a fabulous sister, and was so brave. (But I didn't like her tendency to fall to the floor every time she got upset, personal peeve of mine.)

 

Like I said before, Drowning in You is an interesting story with a very dramatic premise. And though I didn't ever personally connect with, others may fall in love with Charlee and Dex.

 

 

Favorite Quote:

 

  Charlee May and Dexter Hollingworth can't be apart, so we might as well stop making living apart hell because that was never going to work.  ~eARC, 84%

 

 

Purchase Drowning in You at:

Amazon  |  Kobo  |  Smashwords

 

 

About the author:

Rebecca Berto is the author or the dark contemporary/literary novella, PRECISE and the new adult contemporary romance novel, DROWNING IN YOU. She is also a freelance editor.

She writes stories that are a bit sexy, and straddle the line between Literary and Tear Your Heart Out. She gets a thrill when her readers are emotional reading her stories, and gets even more of a kick when they tell her so. She’s strangely imaginative, spends too much time on her computer, and is certifiably crazy when she works on her fiction.

Rebecca Berto lives in Melbourne, Australia with her boyfriend and their doggy.

 

Connect with Rebecca at:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

THE WEEKLY REWIND, #49

THE WEEKLY REWIND is a weekly post in which I recap the bookish awesomeness from the past week, and post a book haul. Warning: I tend to ramble in my vlogs. Sometimes I get excited about things and I flail. Enjoy.

Book Haul

 

 

For Review:

• Strings (Hard Rock Harlots #1) by Kendall Grey ~ Received from author for review. It rocked.
• South of Surrender (Hearts of the Anemoi #3) by Laura Kaye ~ Received from publisher for blog tour.
• Stripped by Brooklyn Skye ~ Received for blog tour
• Famously Engaged by Robyn Thomas ~ Received for blog tour
• Lost and Found by Nicole Williams ~ Received for blog tour

Bought:

• The Other Fish in the Sea (Grab Your Pole #2) by Jenn Cooksey ~ Released this week! I had to support my girl Jenn Cooksey.
• Rock My Bed (Black Falcon #2) by Michelle A. Valentine
• Talania: A Trip Down Memory Lane by Crystal Spears ~ Bought after reading Autumn's review.

Free on Amazon

• What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor
• Henry (The Beck Brothers #1) by Andria Large

Gifted or Won:

• Taking Chances by Molly McAdams ~ gift from the publisher

Thanks to:

• Kendall Grey
• Entangled Publishing
• Brooklyn Skye
• Nicole Williams
• Harper Collins

 

 

Blog Rewind

Reviews: Dolls Behaving Badly by Cinthia Ritchie, Forty Days (Neima's Ark #1) by Stephanie Parent, The Other Fish in the Sea (Grab Your Pole #2) by Jenn Cooksey, The Best Man (Blue Heron #1) by Kristan Higgins, Twisted Perfection (Too Far #3) by Abbi Glines, If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin, Broken at Love (Whitman University #1) by Lyla Payne, Touch Me (One Night with Sole Regret #4) by Olivia Cunning, Strings (Hard Rock Harlots #1) by Kendall Grey

Features: Release Day Spotlight ~ Nissa: a Contemporary Fairy Tale

Cover Reveal: Good Vibrations by S.L. Scott
 

Memes: Teaser Tuesday (Twisted Perfection), Waiting on Wednesday (Hard As it Gets)

Giveaways: Forty Days Blog Tour Giveaway (Amazon Giftcard, ebooks/Intl), Showers of Books Giveaway Hop (2 books/US), Twisted Perfection Blog Tour Giveaway (iPad Mini), Broken at Love Blog Tour Giveaway

 

 

In other news: 

I'm not going to be around this weeked, or next. Next weekend is because of RT13, yay! But this weekend my gorg husband and I are going to Rockville in Jacksonville, Florida!
We got VIP tix, which means booze, food, and shade! We might also get to ogle some of the bands as they pass through.
Anyway, Rockville has over 40 awesome bands performing. We get to see Shinedown and Three Days Grace again! (Just saw them last month) We get to see Papa Roach and Buckcherry again. (both awesome live acts!) We also get to see Alice in Chains, Bullet for My Valentine, and  Skillet!  There are a lot of newer bands we're excited about too: Pop Evil, Stone Sour, Nonpoint, Halestorm, In This Moment, Young Guns, All That Remains, and tons more.

Have I bored you yet??? I love music about as much as I love books, so I am so so so super excited!

Wanna see how hard I dorked out at the Three Days Grace concert last month? (In my defense, that's my favorite song.)

 

 

Thanks for stopping by. Leave a comment, and I'll come check out your blog. Have a great week!

SULTRY SPRING SATURDAYS: STRINGS by KENDALL GREY and TOUCH ME by OLIVIA CUNNING

 

"Spring is here, and pollen is in the air. While you're sneezing your way towards Summer, pop those Claritin and lose yourself in a Sultry Spring Read."

Sexy Saturdays is a weekly post we started to challenge ourselves to read more steamy books and have a lot of fun. Feel free to join in. (let us know so we can add a link to your post).

The Autumn Review
Sim-Sational Books
Hackaroo's Review
Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Reviews
Insightful Minds Reviews
My Secret Romance
Globug and Hootie Need a Book


**The books featured on SULTRY SPRING SATURDAYS are for adults. If you are under 18 years of age, or do not like smexy books, please stop here. **

 

 

Series: Hard Rock Harlots #1

Genre: Erotica

Publisher: Howling Mad Press

Publication Date: 4/20/13

Format: ebook

Pages:

Source: Received from author for review
 

 

 WARNING: STRINGS is not suitable for slut shamers, uptight stone throwers, Holier-Than-Thou prudes, humorless virgins, persons with chronic neck or back pain, pearl-clutching bitties, those who disparage crude humor or vulgarity in their many forms, closed-minded people with sticks up their asses, or anyone under the age of 18. The vile, base language and shocking, unholy sexual acts contained herein are not condoned by anyone with a lick of sense and should certainly not be reproduced without proper training and protection. The potty-mouthed and perpetually horny "heroine" (the term is used loosely) of this book does not resemble a normal, well-adjusted, or remotely believable person in any way, shape, or form. The author acknowledges that the characters in this book are shallow and two-dimensional; the plot is both ridiculous and insipid. She makes no apologies for any of it.

* Readers are strongly advised to wear latex gloves whilst reading to minimize contamination risks.

Free-spirited musician Letty Dillinger adheres to a strict, “no strings attached” policy when it comes to men. After a wild night of unabashed sex in a fancy hotel room, she never expects to see the adventurous stud she dubs “Shades” again. When her all-girl rock trio books a tour at the last minute as the opening act for their archenemies, Letty’s shocked to discover she knows the competition’s new lead singer. Intimately. Shades is no longer a one-night stand. Now he’s the guy she has to one-up on stage every night for the sake of her career.

Sharing close quarters on a bus with her sexy nemesis and his bad-boy buddies puts Letty’s Golden Rule to the test. On this tour, guitar strings aren’t the only things being played. And when heartstrings are pulled too hard, they’re bound to snap sooner or later.

 

 

With it's kickass heroine and her raunchy romps with the sexy opposition, Strings is a book that will surely rock your face -- and your panties-- off.

 

Holy. Crap. I don't even know where to begin with this book. Well for starters, take a good look at the disclaimer at the top of the synopsis. Take those statements seriously. If you can't handle balls-to-the-wall, scandalous, reeeeaaallly descriptive and raunchy dialogue/thoughts/sex scenes, then I can almost guarantee that Strings is not the book for you. That's okay.

 

Buuuuut... if you can handle all the aforementioned crude, graphic, hardcore filth, shot through with an insane amount of humor, then CONGRATULATIONS!, because Strings just may be the book you you.

 

Y'all know I love a good rockstar story, but how often do we get an unapologetic, unfiltered, purely badass rockstar chick? Letty was incredible. I love how she just goes after what she wants, and that she lives her life freely. She is passionate about her band and her music. She is wild and uninhibited.  And by wild I mean, she picks up and has really hot sex with a really hot guy. And by uninhibited I mean this sex was jaw-dropping, intense, and will likely set your undies on fire. Yeah.

 

And who can blame her with Shades. This sexy mofo is every rockstar-loving woman's wet dream. Hot. Intense. Fun. Willing to do WHATEVER Letty wants. Now, I'm not saying that I would bow down in worship at the alter of Shades (totally lying, I would), but let's just say that I would make some really hot, really sweaty music with him any day of the week.

 

I had such an awesome time reading Strings. I laughed hard. I got extremely ahem... excited, by the naughtiness that transpired, and I truly enjoyed the story. This series promises a lot of good times ahead, and I cannot wait to hang with these rockers again in Beats and Nocturnes.

 

 

Purchase Strings at:

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Smashwords






 

Series: One Night with Sole Regret #4

Genre: Erotic Romance

Publisher: Vulpine Press

Publication Date: 4/19/13

Format: Kindle

Pages: 156

Source: Bought

 

 

 

Book 4 in the One Night with Sole Regret serial series

He went there looking for a sure bet…
Sole Regret’s bassist, Owen Mitchell, is convinced that romance is for chumps. He’s only looking for a good time, and when he spots an attractive, older woman emitting men-suck vibes at a brand new sex club, he’s sure he’s found it.

She went there hoping to get over her ex-husband…
Successful business woman, Caitlyn Hanson, is still infuriated and hurt over her ex-husband’s affair with a much younger woman. She’s only looking to scrub his claim from her body by offering it to the first attractive man who shows her interest, and the young, hot stud, who just sat down at her table, will do quite nicely.

They never meant to get personal…
Caitlyn knows she’s not supposed to get attached to Owen just because he gives her body pleasure unlike any she’s ever known, but it’s her first one-night-stand and she can’t seem to keep her heart out of the equation. For once, Owen finds himself in the same conundrum. He likes Caitlyn too much to keep his heart at a safe distance, but will a mistake from Owen’s past drive her away forever?

 

 

Autumn and I always read Olivia Cunning's books together. Once again, we decided to go with a review chat.

Enjoy!

 

 

Andrea: You ready?
Autumn: let's do it!
....I have absolutely no plan in place

Andrea: Me neither. Let's see....

After reading Share Me, how excited were you to get Owen's story?
Autumn: Well, I was pretty excited about knowing more about Owen and his piercing.
Andrea: lmao YES! Piercings always make for an interesting man. I think Owen was a really sweet, really fun character. And after the... ahem, interesting turn of events in Share Me, I needed to find out exactly what is going on with him.
Autumn: Well, this one certainly started off with a "bang".
After Share Me, I think I was most surprised to learn how self conscious Owen is.
Andrea: Oh yeah! That was a big surprise and I have to say, was a turning point between my really liking him, and loving him. What a sweetheart.
Autumn: Owen is really sweet.


What did you think of Caitlyn?

Andrea: I really liked Caitlyn. I loved that she was in her 30s, successful, and a true sweetheart. She was vulnerable, but so brave to go to that sex club. I mean, I know people probably think I'm weird for admiring her for that. But really, I admire people who know what they want and just go for it.
Autumn: I admired her willingness to try something new. The, to go for a younger guy took balls.

You know I appreciate a ballsy chick.

Andrea: You are a ballsy chick! So I'm sure you appreciated one of your own.

So the sex in this book. It was...surprising, yes? What did you think?
Autumn: Ok, so yes I really enjoyed the sex, but that's not surprising. I think OC always pushes the boundaries further in each book.

The strap-on...surprisingly a big turn-on.

Andrea: I know, right? Seriously, who knew?

And it's funny because I am surprised by Olivia every single time. And I know that she's going to push it each and every time.
I will say, that first really big scene, that baby had a looong build-up. And it paid off. The other scenes were good, but no comparison.

After this book, the men whose wives read OC are going to be giving their ladies the side-eye.

Autumn: I agree. The other scenes were still hot, but the first one was the "biggie".

The side-eye indeed!

What was your favorite "thing" about this book?
Andrea: By "thing", do you mean sexual act or moment? Cos I think we know my favorite sex moment, but my favorite other moment was Owen dancing in the diner. Toooo stinking cute!
Autumn: Oh that was cute. Other than the sexy parts, I really loved that he wanted her to stay with him.

Another thing I liked was his relationship with his brother. I don't know if it will be a big part of the overall story or not, but I liked his phone conversation.

Andrea: Yes! I love the emotional vulnerability of OC's men. Owen reminded me a lot of Master Sinclair in that way.

I loved the moment with his brother.

Autumn: OMG, you're right!

You know the Master is my fav.

Andrea: Master Sinclair can be the Master of My Domain anytime he wants.

Autumn: WORD. Don't get me all hot and bothered thinking about the Master.

I need to be focusing on Owen. LOL

Andrea: OH! Another favorite moment, and I know for you too, was Gabe!! I love him.

Autumn: Of course!!! I love Gabe so so much. He's my fav in the Sole Regret Series. I love that he and Caitlyn bonded over "nerd" stuff.

That Force is one hot MF.

 

What are your thoughts on what's to come? That ending was pretty shocking.
Andrea:  That ending was so shocking. It made me sick, emotionally. Pissed me off. Then, that text happened, and that made me feel tons better. I was out of sorts when I went to bed after finishing. I woke up thinking about it. Then Eric offered his opinion on what's next (which we've discussed) and that made me feel pretty okay with things. I just wished that big twist stayed in the past.
I will give OC credit, even though I didn't love that turn of events, because it definitely caught my attention, and I'm dying to see how that whole shit storm is resolved.

So yeah, I have feelings about that. lol
Autumn: I agree. I was pretty upset about it. I woke up upset as well. But, I do believe the direction we discussed is the path she's going to take with it. We'll have to see. I'm more curious about Kellen after reading this book.

He's never been a significant interest to me, but I think I'll probably like him in the end.

I'd just need him to cut his hair.

Andrea: Kellan? Well, the broodiness doesn't turn me on, that's for sure. But have you seen the "Kellan" pics on OC's blog? Rawr. He's hot.

Yeah, I'm interested in Kellan for sure. Any man who can tie somebody up like that is a man I want to know.
Autumn: I think Kellen has skillZ.

You know I'm bossy, but I wouldn't mind being tied up by him. I'm a bit surprised that I'm as intrigued as I am.

Andrea: Yeah he does. And apparently he's a big fan of pie.

What's your favorite kind of pie, Autumn? Mine's pecan.
Autumn: PIE! Fuck hot

I love pecan too!!! And pumpkin. Not big on the fruit pies.

Andrea: Same here! I'm telling you, peas and carrots.

You know in Louisiana, we used to eat meat pies.
Autumn: Meat pies. That might be something I could do.
Andrea: Yep. Delish.

What was your favorite quote, term, or new word you want to steal from this book?
Andrea: I can't think of a word right now. What's yours.
Autumn: I have several quotes. But I'd have to say my new favorite saying is Fuck Hot.
Andrea: Oh yeah. Probably the same here.
Autumn: Favorite Quote: "This is Force," Owen said. "May the Force be with me," Caitlyn mumbled, lost in Force's amazing green-eyed gaze.
Andrea: Favorite Quote: "Shit no," Adam said. "I swear, Owen Mitchell is a synonym for gullible." "Adam Taylor is a synonym for asshole," Owen countered.
"Gabriel Banner is a synonym for let's get the fuck on the stage," Gabe said.


Let's rate the members of Sole Regret.
Andrea: For me: Shade, Owen, Gabe, Kellan, and poor Adam.
Autumn: Poor Adam--LMAO

Ok, my order: GABE, Shade, Owen, Kellen, and Poor Adam.

 

Five words to describe Touch Me.
Autumn: Sexy, surprising, tender, funny, and jaw-dropping
Andrea: Sexy, Fun, Surprising, Sweet, and Shocking

Purchase Touch Me at:

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Smashwords