ARC received from Jettie Woodruff for an honest review
One thing I can say about Jettie Woodruff is she is one of those authors who always has a unique story to tell everyone. Jaq With a Q is a crazy, thought-provoking story and those were always my kind of stories to read and even movies to watch. I love stories that grip me, catches my attention, makes me think, and takes me on an emotional ride and this author always manages to do that to me.
But why 2.5 stars, you ask?
While the premise intrigued me and this book held me captive for a while, somewhere along Jaq and Ollie's story, they lost their hold on me. Maybe because I'm left with feeling uncomfortable and couldn't keep my connection with the characters or maybe the huge chunk that took from my rating was that ending. I don't even know if that is considered a cliffhanger because I know the next book won't be about Jaq and Ollie.
Then again, this is yet another book that made me crazy and confused on how to rate it. I liked it but... there's a but. That alone is a sign that this is not at all a bad read, no. This is just me and my mood and if you have read the other reviews, you can also see how the other readers loved it. Jaq With a Q is interesting and intriguing. Unfortunately, it just didn't hit the right spot for me like I thought it would until the end.
You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a- holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her quiet time; Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.
Brooke enjoys writing sassy contemporary romance, whether in the form of comedy, suspense, or erotica. The latter has scarred her conservative Southern family for life, bless their hearts.
If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find - just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.
If you’d like to be the FIRST to know about a new release, sale, giveaway, or upcoming signings & events, make sure to join Brooke’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/brxPkP
Ella Frank is the author of the #1 Bestselling Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” And “enticingly sexy!”
A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author
Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R.Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.
"I didn't care anymore if the things he said sounded cheesy. It's not cheesy when it's real."
I would like to say that this is my first M. Mabie book. I have her first books but I'm so scared to read them because I know they're full of angst, drama, and love triangle. But when I saw that she is releasing a book that is so unlike her first works, I thought this is a nice, gentle way to introduce myself to her writing.
What I enjoyed about Roots and Wings?
It was an easy read. Probably one of the lightest books I've read this year. And true to what the synopsis said, it was indeed -- "Low on drama. High on love." Their story has the potential to drag on to their sad pasts but I enjoyed that Roots and Wings was not about the past, the drama. It was all about someone planting his roots some place new and someone who has to finally spread her wings.
Mutt and Vaughn are two likable characters. The story had that realistic feel because it was about two simple characters in a simple town, it was ordinary but not boring. Roots and Wings is like watching your neighbors fall in love, in real life, only we get to experience it with them in this book.
A funny, friendly tomboy, and a swoony, protective dentist, a small town where everyone knew everyone, it looks like we don't need a sex-filled, angst-filled love story to still fall in love with our books. Roots and Wings made me smile with how sweet and light-hearted M. Mabie wrote Mutt and Vaughn's story.
Also, have you taken a good look at that cover? Love it, too!
Stars: 4 stars
Recommended to: Everyone who is up for a good, sweet read.
Series: Yes. Standalone.
POV: First person. Dual POV.
Extra Comment: No, the heroine's name is not Mutt.
4 Worth It All Stars ARC received from Random House Publishing - Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review "Because for the first time in so many years, his mind was completely full of something else. Someone else."
Well, look at that... Claudia Connor is back and made me fall in love with her characters all over again.
Worth It All is JT McKinney's heartwarming and inspiring story. What I loved about this book is how the author wrote JT, Paige, and Casey. Reading this was so addicting, sweet and cute! The emotions that I felt while devouring each page was worth it all. And since I felt like a part of the McKinneys with how much I adore them, I was giddy to read the other brothers and their now families make appearances in here. It was like watching a good family TV series. Couples, love, kids, family, drama, cheese, spice, the McKinneys have it all. Casey added so much tenderness in the rather sad history of JT and the struggles of Paige to provide the best for her daughter.
I would like to applaud the author for being an amazing storyteller, writing a story with amputees but not making it into something depressing. It was inspiring and hopeful. Worth It All made me smile the entire time I was reading it. Stars: 4 stars Recommended to: If you enjoy family sagas, give this one a go! Series: Yes. Standalone series. POV: Third person. Dual POV. Extra Comment: I want more!
It's April and April was when Mara's Bookshelf blog started. So, this means we are celebrating by giving away some cool prizes on this blog and a few takeovers over at Mara's Bookshelf's Facebook page throughout the month! This Rafflecopter giveaway will run until April 30, 2016 and winners will be drawn and contacted after at least a week. Thank you so much to everyone who donated!
Pam Godwin has been my master for everything dark, forbidden, thrilling, and sexy since I have read her Beneath The Burn in 2013.Dark Notes is proof even more how much of a master this author is when it comes to her words. This one gripped my heart and mind, refusing to let me go until I reach the end of Ivory and Emeric's erotic, heart-rending story.
"He doesn't give me nightmares. He makes me float through the air in a dream."
The first introduction to Ivory Westbrook was rather horrifying not because of her as a character but because with that first scene, it already gave me the idea of what she has been going through and made me feel for her right away. She made me feel sad, angry for her, yet at the same time admire her strength. While I wished she handled things differently, I wouldn't really know because I've never been in her shoes. I just understood how her emotions and self-control affect her decision making, because if it were me, I would have stabbed those little fuckers with a bread knife. Repeatedly. Again, that was just me and that is why I admire her strength amidst the ugly things that happened in her life, she knows how to go with the flow without losing her dream.
Emeric Marceaux may seem like the typical privileged guy; rich, young, and successful. Okay, he's really that but also more. Mr. Marceaux is dominating, sexy, and extremely protective. His chemistry with Ivory was palpable during their first meeting and even though their sexual relationship was a slow burn, the build up was as much sexy as the actual sex happening. Of course, nothing will beat (ha!) the scorching aura Emeric has going on. H O T. S E X Y.
Dark Notes is another brilliant masterpiece from Pam Godwin. Everything about this book had me in pins and needles, worrying, anticipating what happens next. Reading this has also been an emotional one for me. I don't feel for Ivory only because of the ugly things that has been happening to her when it comes to guys, what struck me the most is that she lost her dad and how much her dad loved her. It reminded me of my relationship with my dad. Then there's another death in her life that made me bawl my eyes out. It may not be a big deal for some but it's always a touchy thing for me.
Ivory and Emeric's relationship was intense, both of their lives hold some unpleasant history, and Pam Godwin penned the characters and story in a way that you experience their growth with them. Dark Notes is more than just a forbidden romance book, it's also an emotional journey of life and love.
Stars: 5 stars
Recommended to: I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys their kink and student-teacher love story.
Series: No.
POV: First person. Dual POV.
Extra Comment: I still can't get Schubert off my mind.
ARC received from Rock Star Lit PR via NetGalley for an honest review
"Just for today, Yve, let me hold you together."
It's official. Meghan March is slowly but surely climbing up on my list of go-to authors for addicting characters, sizzling romance, and irresistible story and writing. Beneath These Scars is only my 2nd book by the author, and even though this is book 4 in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Though, after reading Beneath These Chains earlier and this one, it is so fun to see the characters in the previous book make appearances here.
Yve Santos and Lucas Titan make for a steamy couple. That is when they're not both at each other's throat with their self-denial. Their chemistry is off the charts hot, both are independent individuals trying to prove something to the world, both coping with their pasts, both not ready for a relationship but even with all that, both of them lean on each other for support, care, and love. I love that this book is in dual POV, not only because I enjoy getting both sides of the story, but because without Titan's POV in this book, I don't think it will be the same. He added more feelings to the story, he made me understand why he is the way he is and he made me adore him even more.
"No one makes it through life without scars. It's impossible. But they're not signs of shame; they're badges of honor showing that you fought and survived."
Beneath These Scars is a sexy, angsty, and thrilling story about the characters' scars from their pasts and how they braved through it and became strong and resilient. Both of their pasts left them with self-doubt, and hurt but it was wonderful to read that with each other, they became the better versions of themselves. Stars: 4 stars Recommended to: Everyone looking for sexy, emotional book, grab this book now. Series: Book 4. Can be read as standalone. POV: First person. Dual POV. Extra Comment: I just wished the ending stretched a bit more.
It’s been seven years since Daniel Finley left his hometown in Florida for the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s city life.
Since then, he’s worked hard for his position at the prestigious law firm Leighton & Associates, even when it’s caused distance and isolation from his family and friends. But that’s all about to change.
On his thirtieth birthday, he receives the one thing he never dared hope for. Something that was promised to him years earlier—a note. One simple sentence from the man he’s never been able to forget.
Six words will forever change the course of their lives.
Brantley Hayes has it all. Or so he thinks. When he first made the decision to take a job down in Florida, his family thought he was crazy. But, after years of living in the quiet beach town, he finally feels a sense of community. He’s surrounded himself with friends who are like family, has a job he loves, and owns a spectacular beachfront property that is his sanctuary.
Yet he still feels unfulfilled, as if a piece of the puzzle is missing, and he knows exactly which piece it is. On an impulse, he follows through with a promise he made years earlier. A promise to call home the one he sent away.
Nothing is as simple as it seems.
After years of separation, the former lovers are reunited, but Brantley wasn’t expecting to encounter the high walls now guarding Daniel’s heart.
Daniel may not be the same person he was when he left, but he knows that the first step to healing is the note in his hand.
5 It's Finn Stars
ARC received from BTS Promotions for an honest review
"I want to forget. Forget how much it hurts when I'm not with you."
Let me tell you a little secret.
I dove right into Finley completely blind. Except maybe when I was lusting over the cover. But the synopsis? The little teasers the author posts? Nope. I didn't read any of them at all. I just saw Ella Frank's new book announcement, signed up to read and review, and waited for it to arrive in my Kindle. Because that's what you when you see "Ella Frank" in a book. You just read it.
What did I get from doing that?
It was an absolute enjoyment of a read.
I was left open-mouthed with surprise and excitement because Ella, in all her ingenious writing skills, rolled most of my weaknesses into one irresistible package:
Second chance romance? Yep! Seven years apart, yo!
Age gap? Uh-huh! And it's not the usual 1-3 years, either. Me love it!
Forbidden relationship? Student-teacher, anyone?
Sizzling chemistry and erotic scenes? Get your cold shower, ready.
Lovable and fun supporting characters? Loved them!
Writing that will absorb all your thoughts and feelings? Ella Frank does magic.
With all of what I've mentioned above, can you imagine how excited I was that not only was I reading a new book by Ella Frank, but it was also all of the things I love about in a book? Yeah. I was all smiles! Finley put me in a daze of love and agonizing heartache, but by the end, Daniel and Brantley made everything worthwhile.
"He'd always been his Finn. From that moment in the club, Daniel had been his."
I enjoyed getting to see glimpses of Daniel and Brantley's past, how they started, how they came to be, and I enjoyed even more how the author intertwined between the past and the present. It's not too long of a flashback but enough for the readers to "meet" and get the feel of young Finn and Professor Hayes and understand why Finn is feeling the way he is at the present. While I adored Finn at 23, Finn at 30 was thrilling, more breathtaking and after 7 years, it looked like the roles have reversed and Professor Hayes became the "student".
Finley is yet another addition to the author's list of incredible stories she's ever written. With Ella Frank, expect to always be in for a surprise.
Stars: 5 stars
Recommended to: Every M/M romance readers out there! Or everyone looking to pop their M/M cherry. ;)
Series: Standalone series.
POV: Third person. Dual POV.
Extra Comment: It's also fun to see Tate and Logan!!
BRANTLEY KEPT A discreet eye on the final student to leave for the morning as Mr. Finley strode down the stairs to the front of the classroom. They were three weeks into the semester and he was ashamed to admit that, with every day that passed, his fascination with the young man grew.
At first, he’d tried to convince himself that it was purely academic. The kid was smart. He’d aced all the weekly quizzes, and Brantley was more than aware of the way he watched him lecture with keen, intelligent eyes that never strayed from him.
Oh, he was fascinated, all right, but he made sure to tell himself at the end of every class that it had nothing to do with the mischievous grin Daniel would flash at his friends or the easygoing laugh that would bubble up out of him at any given moment. But he knew he was lying. Daniel was quite possibly the happiest person he’d ever met, and his joy of life lit up the room and everyone in it. Including him.
When Daniel stopped in front of him and dropped his paper on the desk, Brantley acknowledged him with a glance before returning his gaze back to the notes he was going over.
“Any big plans this weekend, Professor?”
The question had been so unexpected that he didn’t think to catch himself before he replied, “Nothing too big. Just going out with some friends. You?”
Daniel smiled at him as he shoved his arms through the loops of his backpack, and Brantley couldn’t help but look at his shirt as it stretched across his broad chest.
“I’m going to hit the beach. Such great waves right now.”
“Ahh, you like to surf. That explains it.”
When the side of Daniel’s mouth crooked up, the effect was charming as hell. The kid was a knockout.
“Explains what?”
Annoyed that he’d made such a stupid slipup, he looked back at the papers in front of him, hoping Daniel would get the message and leave. No such luck.
“Explains what?” he asked again.
Brantley sighed and rested his arms on the desk as he studied Daniel’s inviting face. “It explains your hair.”
“My—oh,” he said, touching the ends of it. “Do you like it?”
Stunned by the direct question, he sat back in his chair and fought the smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Do I like your hair?”
“Yeah.”
“Does it matter?” Jesus, fuck. Stop it. Stop flirting with him.
But it was too late. Daniel put his hands on the desk and leaned forward, Brantley toed the ground, shoving his chair back.
“It could…”
“No. No, it couldn’t,” he said as he got to his feet, shaking his head.
Daniel straightened and tucked his thumbs into the straps of his backpack, no doubt to taunt him. His eyes were too knowing for someone his age, and when they held his longer than was acceptable, Brantley’s heart skipped a couple of beats.
“Was there something else, Mr. Finley?”
“You said you were going out with friends this weekend…”
Shit, did I? “Yes, that’s right.”
As Daniel ran his thumb down the left strap of his bag, he admonished himself for noticing every little move he made. He needed to get a fucking hold of himself.
“Are any of them more than a friend?”
If he hadn’t been watching Daniel quite so closely, he wouldn’t have believed the words that had just come out of his mouth. But he had been. So he did.
“I don’t believe that’s any of your business. You better hurry or you’ll miss your next class.”
Satisfied that he’d firmly dismissed Daniel, he sat down and made a show of focusing on the books lining his desk and didn’t dare look and see if he had left this time or not. He wasn’t sure what he’d do if he was still standing there.
He reached up to adjust his tie, which suddenly felt a little too tight around his neck, and with each passing second that he was consciously not checking to see if he was alone, he swore that it was getting tighter.
“Professor Hayes?”
His head snapped up at his name, and when Daniel had his attention, he continued.
“Are you gay?”
Brantley’s eyes widened, and he wondered how his mouth hadn’t fallen open at the blunt question. Instead, he went with, “Excuse me?”
“I asked if you were—”
“I heard what you said. But I don’t see how that is any business of yours, either. You should think before you speak, Mr. Finley. I’m your teacher, and it’s time for you to leave. This conversation is over.” He flipped open one of the books on his desk and shook his head. He couldn’t believe the audacity of the kid—or the fact that he was so damn forthright. As he sat there, grinding his teeth in an effort not to look at his student—who was still standing in front of his desk—a bead of sweat ran down his collar and he cursed the fact that his nerves were getting the better of him.
“I only asked because, well, I am too. And I thought it would be nice to have someone to talk to.”
Well, hell. He couldn’t fault him for that. The only problem was…talking wasn’t what sprang to mind when he was around Daniel Finley.
He clasped his hands on the desk and stared into the anxious face peering down at him. Daniel was worrying his lower lip with his teeth, and he suddenly looked very much the young man he was.
“Are you?” he asked again, and there was no way he could deny that hesitant curiosity.
“Yes, Daniel. I am.”
As his words drifted between them, Daniel’s mouth slipped into a smile. “Oh.”
Brantley laughed at that. He wasn’t sure what Daniel was thinking right then. He’d thought for sure with the way he’d been looking at him earlier that, if he’d admitted this, he would be fending off—or at least putting up a good show of fending off—an unwanted pass. But, instead, Daniel appeared thoughtful.
“Does that bother you?”
Daniel adamantly shook his head. “No.”
“Are you sure?” he pressed, and the look that entered Daniel’s eyes then was so hot that he thought he may overheat.
“Yes. I'm very sure.”
Oh, fuck. Okay. Where the hell did the nervous guy disappear to? One minute, Daniel was endearingly awkward, and the next, he was looking at him like he wanted to strip him out of his clothes and—“Stop right there,” he said, and he wasn’t sure if he was telling himself that or the contradiction eyeing him with newfound knowledge. “Whatever you're thinking, stop thinking it.”
“Why?”
Yep, he was fucked. That wasn’t a word he generally used, but in this case, he was well and truly fucked. He should’ve just stuck to the run-along-now speech.
“Because I'm your teacher.”
“This isn’t high school. I’m an adult.”
He sighed. “That may be true. But I’m your professor and this conversation is inappropriate.”
“How? I just asked if you were gay and you said yes. I don't see what the problem is.”
When Daniel aimed a mischievous grin at him, Brantley knew he was very aware of what the problem was.
“Out,” he said, pointing to the door. “Time to leave, Mr. Finley.”
This time, he made sure to watch Daniel so he knew he was actually leaving. He walked to the door, but at the last minute, he turned around to look back at him. Not willing to back down and show weakness, Brantley kept his eyes on his student as Daniel ran his tongue along his lower lip.
“You should call me Finn. Everyone else does.”
Christ. The kid was going to drive him to an early grave, but damn if he didn’t laugh at his audacity.
“Out,” he said again, and this time Daniel pushed out the door and disappeared into the hall.
Ella Frank is the author of the #1 Bestselling Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, A Desperate Man. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”
A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author
Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.
