Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Because of You (Playing With Fire, #2) by T.E. Sivec

Rating 5/5 stars
Pub. Date April 29 2013

Maybe if I had realised sooner, listened earlier, put way pride and belief that everyone has some good in them deep down, I wouldn't be where I am now- fighting for my life and wondering if the person I love cares enough to save me from this hell.

Brady after some bad decisions that led to some people's death. He can't  cope with that and he has started drinking and going home with random women. When he can't pay the electricity bill he is persuaded to accept a job as a bodyguard to a pop star princess. Layla is not the diva he was expecting her to be. Her mother is forcing her to sing songs that she doesn't like and not her own (you can see a part of one and another complete) and the father she loved and thought he was the only person she could be herself with did not want her and was leaving her behind. With their past hunting them and a stalker threating Layla, Layla and Brady will find true love.


Do I let the darkness swallow me?
Do I let go and finally be free?
This pain leaves a scar that you cannot erase.
Only the darkness can take away my disgrace

I really like that T.E. Sivec names her books after songs. Because of you  is a song a love and I am sure you do too.

If you read the lyrics and  the book you will see the similarities they have. The heroine is afraid because of what happened and it's not easy to open up.

I love everything about The Playing with fire series. T. E. Sivec combines romance with military, less military in here but still plenty, but the book has some medium steamy scenes.  I laughed a little but overall the book was serious. I liked A beautiful lie more, maybe due to the fact that I might have been wanting to read a book more similar to AB.L. and less to something I can read from another author. I loved the songs Layla wrote, the twists and the revelations, Brady who made mistakes and tried to find a way to fix them and I know that Because of you is the book worth reading. An hour hasn't passed since I finished it and I am already screaming "Where is the third book? When is soon?" .  You should try the series and you will not be dissapointed.


I am still not sure if Because of you is about her father or Brady. Both men are the reason Layla did something. Because of her father she became a pop idol and because of Brady she became herself.



Every day is another step closer,
to where I don't want to be.
Another smile, another laugh, another moment
of this fake reality.
Because of you
I see clearer than I ever have.

Because of you
I cant let anyone else inside.
Because of you 
I learnt how to be alone.
Because of you I am ashamed.

Just for a moment, I was back in time,
to a place where I belong.
Where dreams could lead you everywhere 
and wishes could make you strong.
But then I wake up and my eyes are open wide.

Because of you 
I see clearer than I ever have.
Because of you
I cant let anyone else inside.
Because of you 
I learnt how to be alone.
Because of you I am ashamed.


Every day I lose
more of who I am
Afraid to cry, afraid to hurt because
you taught me it was wrong.
Someday there`ll be nothing left,
just a shadow of who I was

Because of you
I see clearer than I ever have.
Because of you
I cant let anyone else inside.
Because of you 
I learnt how to be alone.
Because of you I am ashamed.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

To Seek A Master: Black Lace Classics by Monica Belle




Rating 1/5 stars
Pub. Date April 11 2013

To seek a master is such a nice title, the cover also promises a lot. Too bad the inside is not as good. It's really awful. It took me a week to read a book that I can finish in less than 12 hours. And it's not because I was busy. It was so bad I could not make myself to read it. 1/3 of it is about the identity of the man who sends her the emails. If you read the synopsis you will know who he is but Belle must not know what to write since she took her time to reveal that is The Devil the one who sends the emails. That 1/3 was also the hottest part of the book. The rest of it to me felt as the beginning of their relationship when they still trying to learn the other and I did not felt a meaningful bond between them. Nothing huge happened and the rest 60% could be simply less or the same length with some twist or something. 

The devil is omega male and not alpha as the author wanted him to be and to me seemed that Laura was the boss even if he is the one that gives the orders. As for Laura I think she is the horniest person I have ever seen and I did not liked her personality. The book seemed more like porn book than anything else with all her fantasies.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Gilded Destiny: A Vesper Novella by Nola Sarina



Rating 4/5 stars
Pub. Date May 13 2013

This better be a short story of a series otherwise is a fail. While it explained some things about Vipers but I did not felt as if the story had a destiny. A reason to begin and a reason to end. A reason to explain something. I would prefer a different end to Callie's story. You don't even have to read further than the first chapter to find out what happens in the end. The rest of it is about how it got there. The last chapter was confusing and if the author does not continue the book it would be a total fail. I liked it but I wanted more. I did not get that something that I didn't know I was looking for until I realised that I did not had it.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Touch me (One night with Sole Regret #4) by Olivia Cunning



Rating 5/5 stars
Pub. Date April 19 2013

Touch me put my panties at twist. A bomb was dropped in the end. I had a bad feeling from some previous encoumter with one night with Sole Regret (I won't explain further so I won't spoil the book) turned out that it wasn't just a feeling. That was not something I had ever read in a book of Olivia Cunning and it scares the s*** out of me! I hope Tex is the guy and not someone from the band. But something familiar made me curious. Owen and Kelly have a bond similar to Brian and Trey's. Also Owen seems to /has feelings for kelly the same way Trey did for Brian and Kelly's reaction seems to be the same as the one Brian had. I really hoped for almost all the book to see Caitlyn, Owen and Kelly to have a scene together. It turned out that Touch me has more complications than expected and that made me like it more. The end left me feeling a little sick but I will get over it.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The Elite by Kiera Cass


Rating 5/5 stars
Pub. Date 23/4/2013

I tried to remeber what I did not liked from The Elite. I felt a strong dislike somewhere in the middle but the end was mind blowing for me. I really did and nothing comes to my mind with one exception. Maxon and the way the girls. All the girls including America. But he is looking for a wife so his behaviour is understandable. Also in the first chapters they seemed like a sure thing but then they are not. Aspen for me could simply not exist in the book and America became more likeable to me as the book was processing.

The end left me expecting a lot from the third book and I am looking forward to see America trying to win. America and Aspen's relationship was almost through all the book the same as we had seen it in The Selection when he arrived at the palace. America and Maxon's though has ups and downs. First everything seemed so perfect and good but America's inability to choose forced Maxon to consider that he might have to choose another girl to be his wife. In the end I think the triangle is not a triangle anymore but America knows who she wants. I want to see a bada*s America (as bada*s someone can be in this genre) The rebels attacked more frequently which  leads me to think that in the end of the trilogy Illea might not have a king and Queen. (It's not spoiler, just a guess). As a team Maxon girl I would hate not to see him together with America.

After reading some reviews pre-release of the Elite I saw what some Selection readers wanted from the Elite I can say that Kiera Cass must have satisfied many of them because she included everything. 4 girls remain... Suggested title for book 3: The One or The choice.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Breaking the Rules (Random Romance #1) by Kate Belle


Rating 1/5 stars
Pub. Date January 2 2013

I did not liked it. I did not see Ramon as a great lover more like a fairy godmother. It doesn't have any steamy scenes and I could not see the bond between him and Grace or Grace and Andrew. Andrew had to fight more than he did (which was close to unexisted) A mystery was created around Ramon and yet nothing was revealed about him. I don't think I would buy it if I had a chance or would lend it to someone. I am hoping for a better sequel. I might read book 2 (Bloom) but only because once I start a book series I have to finish it even if it's not good.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

The Seduction Hypothesis (Science of Temptation #2) by Delphine Dryden

Rating 4/5 stars
Pub. Date May 6


The first thing that made me consider reading this book is the cover and the title. Of course the description played a vital part. Actually it described the kind if story I like. A couples that has broken up but the want to be with each other and trying to make that happen. Plus BDSM which I had not read for a while and I was craving for it. I got my fill ;) 
I didn't know that it's sequel to Theory of attraction (which I had really liked and I should have guessed form the way the way both titles are written that there must be a connection). I like the Big Bang Theory characters gang in a book idea and their personalities make the characters even easier to like.

I expected something more from the book and even though I didn't get it I still found it a good read. It was easy, it wasn't tiring and boring. Maybe if it was a tad kinkier and had a little more possession it would get one more star. It was nice to see Cami and Ivan again. I would like to read the graphic novel the characters are talking about too...
I recommend this book to almost everyone. If you don't like BDSM don't read it.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Reckless (Thoughtless #3) by S.C. Stephens


Rating 10/5 stars
Pub. Date March 5 2013

*Synopsis*

Can love survive when life gets Reckless?

When the band hits it big, Kiera and Kellan must ask themselves: Can their love for each other survive the constant pressures of superstardom? The friendships they've formed, the new family they've found, and the history they've forged will all play a part in helping them navigate the turbulent waters of the band's exploding popularity. A greedy executive hell-bent on success, a declining pop star looking for an edge, and a media circus that twists lies into truths are just some of the obstacles the lovers will have to overcome if they are going to remain together. Fame comes with a price-but will it cost Kiera and Kellan everything?
“Am I making a mistake? Making an album, going on tour . . . am I making amistake? All I want is a quiet life with you,” he continued.” 

Do you know the feeling after you finish reading a book series and you have read the books for a really long time? That's how I felt a day after finishing Reckless. It is sad that the trilogy is over but I also have a million great feelings. S.C. Stephens did an excellent job in Reckless and I am so happy I read it.Honestly the Monday before I couldn't sleep because I was way too eager for the book to be released.

As Kierra and Kellans story continues we then and the rest of D-Bags in LA and later on tour. And arent we proud of out guys?! *jumps up and down* Yes we are. But Sienna a famous singer has set her eyes to Kellan and tries to steal him away for publicity. Damn the publicity!! And if that wasn't enough Kell-Sex fans are all over the place. And the question forms. Is Kiera and Kellan's love strong enough to survive?

I cried a lot in the last 6 chapters. Sad tears, happy tears, proud tears you. It was amazing to see the characters "growing" up, become famous, finding their soul mates and staying with them, being happy and have babies. I loved all the characters but Kellan is my favorite.
I did not liked Kiera much in thoughtless and half the effortless but after that she changed became a better person and I ended up really liking her.

I love you too, Kiera. Just you. You’re my always.”

Kellan must have been wanting to prove that he is the best book boyfriend. In every page I turned he was proving how sweet and amazing he is.If you put aside the heartbroken lyrics in Grenade the song will be the best to describe Kellan.

Kiera is a stronger person and I loved her. She is more mature and has learnt from her mistakes. Honestly I was expecting more drama from her but she left me stunned.

We all know that Kellan is going to do and say the most romantic things. But the next words where one of the most shocking things I read in the book and they weren't from Kellan. My mouth dropped open and I had to read the words three times: 

“I’m in love with you, and I don’t want anybody else.” 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

If He Had Been with me by Laura Nowlin

5/5 stars
Pub. Date April 1 2013

And I know, I know, I know, I know. If he had been with me, eveything would have been different.

A warning to everyone who is going to read this book or is considering about it first. If he had been with me doesn't have a HEA. In the last 60 pages I was crying and I couldn't stop. Because I knew the end, the author made that pretty obvious and yet I was still hoping for a better end, not the one I got. The weird part of all this is that the author revealed the end of the book in the first chapter.
Many ifs were created inside the story and they didn't get their chance to show to the couple what would happen if things were different. This now might not make sense but once you read the book everything will be clearer.

“I've loved him my whole life, and somewhere along the way, that love didn't change but grew. It grew to fill the parts of me that I did not have when I was a child. It grew with every new longing of my body and desire until there was not a piece of me that did not love him. And when I look at him, there is no other feeling in me.” 

A fell in love with Finn. He was a wonderful person.I liked Autumn too.I felt bad for them. I felt sad and desperate and heart broken. They didn't even got the chance to be together. They spend so much time apart and so little time with each other and it is awful. Allow me to say that If he had been here with me is a morden version of Romeo and Juliet. Finn and Autumn are fighting against faith. Some things are not meant to happen and Nowlin though they weren't too.

Honestly I don't have to say much.There so many feelings in me now but I cannot find a way to express them.I had to stop reading the book for a while and then start again because it was painful.I could see the end coming and I could do nothing.It could have been a greater book if the end was different. If he had stayed with her in.

*Copy was provided from the publisher via NetGalley*

Monday, April 8, 2013

Hero of My Heart: A Loveswept Historical Romance by Megan Frampton



Rating 4/5 stars
Pub. Dat April 8 2013

Fromm Goodreads:
In this emotional and powerfully erotic tale of love and redemption, a tender vicar’s daughter and a tortured war hero discover that sin may be their only salvation.

When Mary Smith’s corrupt, debt-ridden brother drags her to a seedy pub to sell her virtue to the highest bidder, Alasdair Thornham leaps to the rescue. Of course the marquess is far from perfect husband material. Although he is exceedingly handsome, with a perfect, strong body, chiseled jaw, and piercing green eyes, Alasdair is also too fond of opium, preferring delirium to reality. Still, he has come to Mary’s aid, and now she intends to return the favor. She will show him that he is not evil, just troubled.

Mary was a damsel in need of a hero, but Alasdair’s plan is shortsighted. He never foresaw her desire to save him from himself. Alasdair is quite at home in his private torment, until this angel proves that a heart still beats in his broken soul. The devil may have kept her from hell, but will Mary’s good intentions lead them back to the brink—or to heaven in each other’s arms?

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: Along Came Trouble, The Notorious Lady Anne, and The Baron.

I liked the book. I liked their world,the bubble they had created when they weren't in London. I liked how they fought together against everyone, her brother and his cousin. Against their worst self. Each trying to help or save the other. They tried to overcome the obstacles. There wasn't a part of the plot I found boring, which was a relief. Both were doing everything possible make it better for the other forgetting their own needs which, for me, is always a great plus in any book I read. It was a very good way to spend my evening though I felt as if there was a story before this one, the story of Mary's friend (Amelia is her name if I am not wrong).

*Copy provided via Netgalley*

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Walking Disaster (Beautiful #2) by Jamie McGuire


Rating: 1 zillion stars
Pub. Date April 2 2013

Blurb:

Finally, the highly anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster. 

Can you love someone too much?

Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. But just when he thinks he is invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Beautiful Disaster, Abby had her say. Now it’s time to see the story through Travis’s eyes.


Review:

Some people might say that Travis is overly possessive and he should go to see someone specialist for his behaviour. I don't think so. Travis is the most intense and possessive person I have ever seen. After reading Walking Disaster I could understand better the reasons for his behaviour. Even when he didn't. I cannot be completely honest with you for this review. I love Travis and the way he is so you won't hear a bad word from me in this post.

Walking disaster is the re-telling of Beautiful disaster only a little edited and with a 3 chapters of brand new material. First there is an prologue that it explains why Travis is acting the way he is. His mother's death affected him and made him to not want commitments and relationships. That is until he meets Abby. She becomes  his pigeon and the reason for him to start loving again someone out of his family. What I found very interesting was the explanation behind Abby's nickname. I was just staring at it
 for 5 mins. After that how can somebody not melt a tiny little bit?

I decided a long time ago I would feed on the vultures until a dove came along. A pigeon. The kind of soul that didn’t impede on anyone; just walked around worrying about its own business,trying to get through life without pulling everyone else down with its own needs and selfish habits. Brave. A communicator. Intelligent. Beautiful. Soft-spoken. A creature that mates for life.

One more night is a song that fits the book in more than one way and is linked to my mind as a W.D. song. They are dysfunctional but still they try to work things out. The lyrics match the story of the book.

“I know we’re fucked up, all right? I’m impulsive and hot tempered, and you get under my skin like no one else. You act like you hate me one minute, and then you need me the
  next. I never get anything right, and I don’t deserve you . . . but I fucking love you, Abby. I love you more than I’ve loved anyone or anything, ever. When you’re
  around, I don’t need booze or money or the fighting or the one-night stands . . . all I need is you. You’re all I think about. You’re all I  dream about. You’re all I  want"

If you have read B.D. you will know about the fight he and Abby had. The thing is that I can not blame Travis for what happened. Everyone seemed to blame him and saying it was his fault but I don't think so. I think both parties were equally guilty. I mean that Abby made Travis's life harder than someone normally would and while he tried to be in a relationship. I am not saying that he didn't do some wrong moves too but everyone seemed to pinpoint that in the books.

It’s over. Go home.”
My eyebrows pulled in. “You’re my home.”

The epilogue was sooooo worth it and it simply made an amazing book even more amazing! It was a great end to Abby and Travis's story and now I am waiting for the other books in the Beautiful series.(Travis's brothers books).