Review of Hooked On You by Brittany Anne

“Sometimes, you need to fight for what you want in life.”

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length (Est.): 217 pages

Book Description/Synopsis:

They were each other’s biggest mistakes. Hers, for letting him in, and his, for letting her go.

Seven years after what was supposed to be the best night of Victoria’s life, she is finally ready to return home and face the memories that she spent so long running away from. She is certain she has moved on, but the minute she sees Gabe Matthews, all of the feelings she repressed come right back up to the surface. Gabe says he’s changed, but can she ever truly trust the man who shattered her heart all those years ago?

Gabe Matthews was not a good man, but he had spent the last three years doing everything he could to redeem himself. When the only girl he ever truly cared for walks back into his life, he is faced with the ultimate test: do the right thing and let her go, like he tried to do so many years ago, or be selfish and make her his. He wants to be the good guy, but sometimes, chemistry just can’t be controlled, and Gabe will be damned if he lets Victoria walk out of his life a second time.

***

This book contains mature content and language, including (but not limited to) sexy romance scenes and plenty of f-bombs. You’ve been warned.

Mindy’s Review:

Gabe Matthews has spent the last several years trying to be a better man. Losing his sister at a young age made him get sober. He feels it is his fault for not being a good example. Gabe has made some bad decisions in his life and all he wants to do is find happiness.

Victoria knows all about Gabe and who he is. When he walks into her life again she tries to keep her feelings suppressed and remember that her heart was shattered by him all those years ago.

Gabe and Victoria have a rocky past. She was in love with him for so long. That is until he slept with her and then acted like nothing happened the next day. Victoria knew not to get involved with her best friends older brother but her heart lead the way.

This book deals with loss, addiction and love. I really felt for the characters. I could feel their pain while talking about Gabe’s sister. I love how this book was written (although it was predictable). Feeling like you are part of the characters is what really draws you in.

*Clicking on the book cover above will take you to the Amazon purchase page.

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Review of Hot & Heavy (Lightning #2) by Tracy Wolff

“More kisses, more pleasure, more him.”

 

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance (Football)

Book Length (Est.): 208 Pages

Book Description/Synopsis:

When a daredevil football stud tries to get into your yoga pants, you know class is about to get interesting. The New York Times bestselling author of Down & Dirty returns with Hot & Heavy.

Sage: Although I come from a long line of free-spirited yoga teachers, sometimes I wish my life could be just a little more normal. More ordinary. More boring. Easier said than done, especially since it’s on me to keep my family’s studio up and running every time my mother wanders off to find herself. But that’s when my best friend sends me a sexy new student: Shawn Wilson, a slick wide receiver with a death wish and a chip on his broad, muscular, irresistible . . . wait, what were we talking about again?

Shawn: They say I’m an adrenaline junkie. The truth is, I only really feel alive when I’m risking my life: Snowboarding, parachuting, BASE jumping . . . the kind of fun team management considers breach of contract. When my coach orders me to take yoga to “center myself,” I’m pissed—until I get an eyeful of delectable, flexible Sage Kaufmann. Unfortunately, she’s determined to keep things between us strictly business. But if Sage can get me to enjoy downward dog, maybe I can convince her that scorching hot sex could be the perfect shot of adrenaline.

With their own sweet HEAs, Tracy Wolff’s red-hot Lightning novels can be read together or separately:
DOWN & DIRTY | HOT & HEAVY

Jennifer’s Review:

*I received an ARC of this book free from Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Let me start by saying that I did not read Down & Dirty first and I don’t feel like I missed anything, but after reading some of the highlights during ‘girl talk’ I might just need to go back and see what I missed because it sounded quite interesting…aka hot.

Sage is a rule follower. She avoids danger. And she thinks she’s happy with her life until things like her mother happen and she’s reminded of why she has rules. Rules she broke one night with a stranger…in a bar…against a wall. And can I just say HOT DAMN what a way to start a book!

Opposites is almost every way.

Shawn is a risk taker, even when it puts his career at risk, but he has his reasons and they’re somewhat understandable. However, he always knows the risks he takes, that is until he meets Sage. He can’t take his eyes off her. He wants her and even after he has her recklessly against a bar wall he still wants more…and even though it scares him it’s not something he’s willing to walk away from.

Their romance is hot and demanding just like the characters themselves.

Hot & Heavy is a fast paced, can’t put it down, and don’t want to kind of book. It literally starts with a bang and never loses its momentum. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for the Lightning series.

*Clicking on the book cover above will take you to the Amazon purchase page.

 

Review of Dirty Like Dylan (Dirty #4) by Jaine Diamond

“Do you think… Is it possible to like cock and pussy in equal amounts?” 

 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length (Est.): 105 ??? Pages

Book Description/Synopsis:

One woman.
Two rock stars.
A threesome that will change everything…

Photographer Amber Malone sucks at love. She’s been dumped, duped and dated more a-holes than any girl should ever have to.

Then she meets rock star Dylan Cope, drummer for the mega-successful rock band Dirty; gorgeous, charming and all-around nice guy. For once, the stars seem to be aligning in Amber’s favor.

There’s only one problem.

Dylan’s rock star best friend, Ashley Player, is not a nice guy. He’s broken, bitter, protective of Dylan—and wants Amber gone.

It’s almost enough to send her packing…

But when Amber and her camera inadvertently catch Ash kissing Dylan, she finds herself sucked head-over-heels into a world of secrets, lust and heartache… and a three-way relationship that will change everything she thought she knew about love.

Dirty Like Dylan is the fourth full-length novel in the Dirty series—a rockstar romance series about the members of the rock band Dirty and the women and men who love them.

Novels in the Dirty series are interconnected standalones, each with an HEA; other books (novella/story collection) are not HEA, but are essential pieces of the overall story arcs. (There are ongoing storylines that develop throughout the series; reading them in order is not crucial but is HIGHLY recommended.)

Reading order:
Dirty Like Me (Dirty #1)
Dirty Like Us (Dirty #0.5) (novella)
Dirty Like Brody (Dirty #2)
A Dirty Wedding Night (Dirty #2.5) (story collection)
Dirty Like Seth (Dirty #3)
Dirty Like Dylan (Dirty #4)

Jennifer’s Review:

*I received an ARC this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*

I have to say that this has been one of my favorite Dirty books. I stayed up two nights in a row reading it and wished I could have been reading it during the day…if it wasn’t for work I probably would’ve read it all in one sitting. Who needs sleep anyway?

Amber is pretty much a homeless photographer who loves to travel and her sister always hires her when she’s in town to help her out. This time it was an underwear commercial for Dylan. Her photographs were fantastic, but her mouth (like always) got her fired before she could finish.

She ran away with her tail between her legs to a house her sister told her she could stay in. Ash’s. But she didn’t know that and  it turns out that Ash did show up and literally next door was Dylan’s house. Talk about awkward.

Ash has an attitude that drives Amber insane. But he’s sexy as hell in that brooding way.

Dylan is perfection with nothing but sweetness poured her way.

“I’m crushing on a gay guy…

Well, two gay guys.

If I’d ever had a more dumbass crush in my life, I couldn’t remember it.”

Ash has been nursing a broken heart by clinging to Dylan, whom he is in love with, but has never told him.

Dylan wants his best friend to stop brooding and get back in the saddle again. He thinks Amber is the perfect girl for the job. Only thing is she’s kind of perfect for him. And there comes a point where he no longer wants to share. Hello jealousy!

With not only one, but two hot guys, Amber is one night away from overdosing on their lust-crazed relationship. She is torn between what her body wants and what her heart is telling her she needs. And although it’ll be confusing and possibly hurtful she’ll eventually let her feelings be known, even at the risk of the pain.

“Mental note to future self: when you like a guy and you don’t want to complicate things, don’t have hot sex with his best friend.

Even if his best friend is insanely hot and has a pierced dick.”

Dirty Like Dylan is pure captivating hotness! I’m still trying to recoup my sleep, but it was worth every single hour that I missed. The Dirty Series only seems to get better and I cannot wait for book 5, Dirty Like Jude.

*Clicking on the book cover above will take you to the Amazon purchase page.

 

Review of Without Regret (Without #2) by Aubrey Bondurant

“It was official: I’d been fucked senseless.” 

 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length (Est.): 307 Pages

Book Description/Synopsis:

Rejection and I have an understanding: I don’t put myself out there and it doesn’t screw with my life any more.
I keep my feelings hidden, and my heart locked away.
It was working well until he came along and threatened my impenetrable armor, one honeyed word at a time.

With his clean cut looks, and southern manners, I’m convinced he’s not my type. Until I learn Trevor isn’t the same gentleman
in the bedroom as he is in the boardroom.

But once he learns my secrets, and my carefully constructed facade starts to crumble, it’s my turn to do the rejecting.

I only hope he doesn’t listen.

*** Without Regret is a standalone romance for mature audiences due to steamy bedroom scenes that are in no way contained to just the bedroom.***

Jennifer’s Review:

*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*

If you read Without Apology first then you already know Emma and her like of tattooed and pierced men. In Without Regret you learn the details of why. She has a sad past and I think the way she’s dealt with it, dating wise, is even more sad. She actually isn’t sure how to love and the thought of actually falling for a guy terrifies the crap out of her…but sometimes you just can’t how you feel. Especially when it’s one determined cowboy.

“Despite telling him and myself I wouldn’t get attached, I was already missing his stupid face.”

Trevor isn’t the typical suit. He a tattooed, pierced, motorcycle riding, sweet talking… gentleman. He wants her from the time they met, even if it was a completely awkward situation that involved his hysterical sister, and he refused to take no for an answer or be permanently friend zoned. He’s one determined man who knows exactly what he wants and just how to get it.

“So much for friend-zoning my feelings – they were busy figuring out a way to friend-suck her bottom lip.”

Without Regret was completely captivating and difficult to put down. The characters were very well written and had no problem capturing my full attention. The storyline had just enough twists and turns to keep me interested and the satisfaction of finally getting to witness one well deserved person punched in the face was worth the wait. I look forward to seeing where the Without series goes…but can I just say that Trevor’s sister with Trevor’s best friend…now that is what I want to see…fingers crossed.

One of my favorite snip-its (I just love his gentlemanly determination mixed with her sass.)…

“What are you doing here?”

“That’s my question for you. Your date – what was his name?”

I gritted my teeth. “I don’t know.”

He leaned against my door jamb, amusement in his eyes. “We’ll go with Operation Make Trevor Jealous, then.”

My temper riled. “I did not leave with him to make you jealous.”

*Clicking on the book cover above will take you to the Amazon purchase page.

 

Review of Dirty Like Seth (Dirty #3) by Jaine Diamond

“I wanted her… and I wanted her to want me.”

 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length (Est.): 505 Pages

Book Description/Synopsis:

They all thought they knew him…
but she knew his heart.

Seth Brothers had it all: the hottest album in the world, more money than he’d ever dreamed of, and Dirty—the band he loved like family. But as Dirty hit the big time, Seth hit bottom.

Now all Seth’s got is the guitar on his back, a heart full of regrets, and one last chance to get it all back… including the one thing he never expected.

Her.

Elle Delacroix has it all—talent, money, fame… except the one thing that truly matters.

Love…

The only thing Seth has left to give.

There are two sides to every rock ’n’ roll story;
it’s time for Seth to tell his.

Dirty Like Seth is the third full-length novel in the Dirty series—a rockstar romance series about the members of the rock band Dirty and the women and men who love them.

Novels in the Dirty series are interconnected standalones, each with an HEA; other books (novella/story collection) are not HEA, but are essential pieces of the overall story arcs. (There are ongoing storylines that develop throughout the series; reading them in order is not crucial but is HIGHLY recommended.)

Reading order:
Dirty Like Me (Dirty #1)
Dirty Like Us (Dirty #0.5) (novella)
Dirty Like Brody (Dirty #2)
A Dirty Wedding Night (Dirty #2.5) (story collection)
Dirty Like Seth (Dirty #3)

Jennifer’s Review:

*I received an ARC of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Seth used to be in Dirty back when they first started becoming big, but his demons led him down roads that caused him to get kicked out of the band. He’s wanted nothing more than to be a member of Dirty again because the music was in his blood, but he had to find himself and get his life under control before he could do that. Then he got his second chance, but that did not work out at all…and he’s been trying ever since to make things right and do whatever it takes to be back in the band. Playing is everything to him…that is until he finds something that means just a little bit more, and he’ll give up his dream of playing if it means he can keep her.

“It’s simple. All you need is a man who wants to be your man, and want it hard.”

Elle just wanted her heart to heal. Ash helped her get over the pain, but it was replaced with emptiness. He was falling in love with her and she was wanting it over. This time she was in the reverse position, which didn’t make it any easier. After Seth’s appearance she longed for her old friend, and after seeing him on her way to the airport she can’t help but take him with her. And since he wants forgiveness the fact that any member of Dirty is talking to him is a miracle he’ll take.

“I wanted those steel-gray eyes looking up at me, and I wanted her smiling.”

She breaks through Seth’s past, learning every little dark secret, but in doing so she drops her own wall and lets him in. Together they realize it isn’t a friendship they’re salvaging, but a relationship they’re starting. One neither will want to walk away from even if it affects Dirty.

Dirty Like Seth is another fantastic book in the Dirty series. It brings together raw emotion and passionate desires. Two people afraid of not being wanted falling into a hope of never wanting to be let go. Their story is captivating from page one. And oh how I loved her ‘little surprise’ and how it brought them even closer.

*Clicking on the book cover above will take you to the Amazon purchase page.

 

Review of Knocked Up (Crazy Love #2) by Stacey Lynn

“I’m not falling for Braxton Henley. I’ve already landed.”

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length (Est.): 3394 locations (estimate)

Book Description/Synopsis:

First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes baby in a baby carriage. Just not necessarily in that order. . . .

Braxton: I should probably be dead or in jail right now. Instead, thanks to some tough love, I worked my ass off and now I own a string of tattoo parlors throughout the Pacific Northwest. And yet the one thing I’ve always wanted—a family—still seems out of reach. When my best friend gets married, I’m just hoping to blow off some steam with the super-hot maid of honor. But after Cara Thompson tracks me down to tell me she’s pregnant, she’s more surprised than I am when I tell her I’m all in.

Cara: For the first time in my life, I’m living for myself—not for my parents and their ridiculous expectations. I gave up on my MBA, dropped out of the Ivy League, and moved to Portland to pursue my dream of becoming an artist. And what’s the first thing I do? Get knocked up. For a tatted-up sex god, Braxton Henley seems way too eager to “be there for me.” Is this guy serious? Maybe. He sure is patient. Because he won’t back down until I admit what I know in my heart: that our one night standmight’ve led me to the one.

Mindy’s Review:

*I received this book free from Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Braxton and Cara have a hot one-night stand at their best friends wedding. Neither one are looking for a relationship but some fun in the sheets cant hurt, can it?

Braxton gets a surprise visit from Cara letting him know that he is going to be a daddy. After letting him know she passes out from being so sick. Cara ends up having a condition that makes her have severe morning sickness throughout her entire pregnancy. Braxton wants to take care of her any way that he can. Including having her move in with him.

Braxton has all he has ever wanted except or a family. Cara seems to bring that straight to him. He will do whatever it takes to make sure that Cara and his baby have all that they need. Braxton never had a family growing up and Cara’s parents are not the parenting type. Together they can make their future very bright. They have to realize they are in love with each other first. Braxton has a hard shell but underneath he is a soft teddy bear that has a heart of gold. Cara wants to be independent but loves being taken care of by Braxton.

This is a very fun book to read. I was unable to put it down once I started.

*Clicking on the book cover above will take you to the Amazon purchase page.

Review of Malsum Pass (Malsum Pass #1) by Kimberly Forrest

“I can’t believe she shot someone.”

 

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance

Book Length (Est.): 282 Pages

Book Description/Synopsis:

After locating some letters her mother had kept hidden from her all her life, Tara Mason journeys to the small town of Malsum Pass, Vermont to find the family she never knew she had and to discover just why her mother had kept this place such a secret.

The town seems idyllic despite the townspeople’s odd habit of staring and… sniffing? And her new neighbor Riley Cooper looks like he could have been conjured from one of Tara’s fantasies, but there is definitely more going on here than meets the eye. Tara is determined to uncover all of the secrets, even if it reveals things she never knew about herself.

Jennifer’s Review:

*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.*

Tara grew up with her mother and step-father, but after her mother passes away she finally learns the secrets of where her family comes from and everything that goes with it. Wanting to connect to her roots she travels to find her long lost grandfather and ends up finding a lot more.

Riley is drawn to Tara the moment he sees her and goodness gracious he doesn’t seem happy to have to wait. HE’s a downright pain in the rear that needs his mouth taped closed half the time, but whereas his mouth gets him in trouble his actions make him seems quite wonderful.

Malsum Pass is what I imagine a Disney shifter book would be like. Yes there’s a little violence, nudity, and sex, but the townspeople are one song away from being a Disney cast. Everyone is too nice and accepting that I kept waiting for something sinister, but even the ‘evil’ stepmother was disappointing in that aspect.

The writing itself was in serious need of an editor. Sentence structure and punctuation can be quite annoying to read when it’s incorrect.

*Clicking on the book cover above will take you to the Amazon purchase page.