Falling into You

Falling Into You by Jasinda Wilder


My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


4.5 Painfully Healing Stars!


"I wasn't always in love with Colton Calloway; I was in love with his younger brother, Kyle, first. Kyle was my first one true love, my first in every way."

This book is truly heartbreaking. There was a point when I almost didn't think I could take much more. My heart literally broke in two, espcially watching Nell try to cope at the loss of her first true love.

"I wanted nothing more than to climb into the box with him and quit breathing, find him in whatever came after life."

Kyle was the perfect boyfriend: caring, sensitive, romantic, and loving. He had their future all planned out, things were going to be perfect! But sometimes reality is painful and almost too hard to bare. But we keep living, replacing pain with a different kind of pain, sometimes physical and sometimes mental.

"Time heals all wounds, right? Well, maybe I've had enough time, and now I just need to move on, let go. Have something that makes me happy, after so long in misery."

Two years later, Nell runs into Colton (again), Kyle's older brother. They're in New York, she's going to school and he's running a mechanic shop in Queens. As a hobby and a passion, he performs at a bar and out on the streets. He plays beautiful music with his guitar and his sexy raspy voice melts my heart, and he catches hold of Nell's soul. They have chemistry and connect on a level that's both foreign and unexplainable to them. Knowing their both broken, they try to heal each other.

"Forgetting is the mind's way of helping you heal. Helping you move on. You did love him, Nell. He was your first. Your best friend before that."

Sometime's in death, people say everything happens for a reason. I don't believe that, so I don't believe that Kyle died so that Colton and Nell could be together. Fate would have to be one cruel bitch for that to be the reasoning behind his death. But sometimes I think shit happens, no reason or explaination, it just does. However, I am a believer that what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. Colton and Nell used each other to chase away the ghosts of loved ones, bury the pain, and to try and move on.

"He doesn't fix me, doesn't heal me. He just makes life worthwhile. He helps me remember to breathe, shows me how to smile again. He kisses me, and I can forget pain, forget the urges to cut for the pain that erases the emotions."

I have to admit, I was almost glad it was over. There's only so much heartache one can feel, right? I was at my breaking point, if I had to suffer through one more episode I may just have broken down myself. But I was also disappointed how quickly it ended. I only hope there can be more for Colton and Nell. They were painfully beautiful together, they both were damaged but that's what made them perfect for each other.

"I'm not just falling in love with you, Nell. I'm falling into you. You're an ocean, and I'm falling in, drowning in the depths of who you are."

 

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Comfort Food

Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


4.5 Stars!

Warning: This book is NOT a love story. It's not a light read so if you're easily offended or looking for a HEA, then turn back now. There is no love story here. There's a connection between these two people but it was built more on conditioning than love, hence why I did not label this a 'romance' novel.

I'll never look at Chicken Noodle Soup the same way again, this book may have just ruined it for me! I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this, I was just looking for a challenging story...becareful what you wish for, eh? Total MIND FUCK!

It's hard to write a review on such a complex story. I could break it down by paragraphs or chapters but then it'll take away from the individual reading experiences. You're left to form your own opinion but here's my take on it...

Emily went from being a victim to a willing participant. This gradual transformation was easy for me to justify since I felt her pain, her fear, and also learned from her conditioning. He ruined her, broke her, and this became all she knew. Her life before no longer existed and she could never go back, not after all that had happened.

The author changed POV's during the sex scenes, I'm guess it was to lessen the blow about being raped, since first person POV makes it hard to seperate yourself from the character. But I wasn't bother by it, maybe that makes me shameful too? I never judged either character, infact I was pleased the way Emily handled things...in theory, I would have done the same. I even felt bad for him, at one point. I understood what he wanted and what he needed. Sure, it was a LITTLE unethical, but it worked, didnt it?

I felt a little let down at the end, I wanted more. The plot came around full circle, but the romantic in me wanted more details and to see how the rest of their story played out.

This author is certainly unique with her writing. She conditioned ME during this book. I wanted to have a normal reaction to this book, of disgusted and horror, but instead I was captivated by this experience and accepted the fate of Emily...with open arms. I will definitely keep her other books in mind, when I'm in the mood for something different.

The Dark Prince

The Dark Prince by S.L. Jennings


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5+ Magically Delicious Stars!

A cliffhanger of all mother loving cliffhangers! Ugh, can't a girl catch a break??

This book was TERRIFIC! Full of suspense, action, mystery, magic, love, sex, TWISTS & TURNS galore, witty banter, and so much more! Passion heats up, relationships crumble, new desires are brewing, and the unexpected happens.

I've already introduced you to Gabriella & Dorian, so let's meet two more important characters:

First up, for best supporting character, Niko...Dorian's playboy little brother:

This man had me in STICHES! He was crazy, sexy, flirty, and would have gotten into my panties upon first glance. "...I mean, come on, look at me. I'm every girl's wet dream plus I'm pretty fucking awesome. You'll see." Sure, he was a little full of himself, but he's got every right. But in all seriousness, he played a major part in this book, filling the absence for a certain character who had other 'obligations'. Him and Gab's didn't hit it off right away but she eventually warmed up to him. He had some hilarious moments, I'll say just wait until the Halloween party, you'll love his costume!!

 

Next up is Jared. Gab's long time crush and best friend:

He played a big part too. Like everyone else, he had some ups and downs but I couldn't have imagined this book without him. He was Gabs savior, her rock, comfort, and strength. He stepped in when she felt alone and broken. "I'm not asking to be a replacement. I know that's something I could never be...but if you could just try. Try to let me love the hurt away. Try to let me in so I can heal the parts of you that are broken. I'll make it my mission to bring you back to life." Oh sweet, sweet Jared. You take my breath away. He didn't deserve Aurora or even Gabs. He deserves someone that can return the love that he wholeheartedly gives. Not just a piece of someone's heart, body, and soul...he needs to possess it all! So many unresolved things with Jared, the book will leave your loved for him shattered.

Then there's Aurora. That piece of shit female who makes me ashamed to be a woman. She almost had me fooled, I almost wanted to like her. Her true colors finally made an appearance and she's as dark and manipulative as they come. I couldn't possibly cast her, I couldnt find someone ugly enough on the inside to properly portray her essence. She deserves to rot in hell for what she's done, I only hope she gets exactly that in the next book!

So carrying on, the book picks up exactly where the first leaves off (after another cliffhanger, which I hate so damn much)! Gabriella decides to confront Dorian. To find out who he really is and how he fits into her world. The title I'm sure will explain some things, but let's say he knows exactly who Gabriella is and has known this whole time...maybe even longer.

Dorian was like a roller coaster in this book, up and down. I was pissed at him, then fell deeply in love with him, then I was broken hearted for him, and then I was blaming him for everything wrong that happened. But despite what went on, I never once doubted his love for Gabs. It was hard to see but I always figured there was a reason for all the termoil in this book...his heart was always in the right place. One thing for sure, his fiery chemistry with Gabs was hot in the first book, but was EXPLOSIVE in this one. The things that man can do with his hands...HOT DAMN!

Now Gabs, I really loved her in this book. So strong, determined, brave, courageous. But her worst fears came to life. She was left broken hearted, betrayed by the love of her life. The soul she was meant to love for an eternity. But she had two men to pick up the pieces. "Just keep holding me for now. Just don't let go. Because right now, you're the only thing holding me together." Poor Gabs, I felt her pain, her emptiness, and I too, was lost. But what surprised me the most, was her final decision into ascension. What side did she choose? That's for you to find out!

Now, if this whole book was about me, I'd tell you exactly what side I'd choose (this has NO reflection on Gabs decision, just my own desire). Here is the alluring explanation of sexuality by Niko: "We don't put a label of sexuality, Gabriella. We aren't limited by human taboos. We do what we feel. We, the Dark, are free to express ourselves intimately with whomever we please."  Mmmm yum...can I have Niko, Dorian, AND Jared then??
OK, sign me up...I'm in!

This author definetly made my watch list. I can't wait to see what she writes next...hopefully it's the next book in this series!

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Dark Light

Dark Light by S.L. Jennings


My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


4.5 Magical & Mysterious Stars!!!

"It's easy to take something as conventional as your humanity for granted when it isn't threatened. And being that I had no idea what life would be like without mine, I lived it up like there was no tomorrow. Now I have an eternity of tomorrows..."

This book put a spell on me! The complexity of this mythical world is spellbinding. I'm drawn in and desperate to find answers!

There's a war brewing between the Light and the Dark. Two forces, good and evil, natural enemies, and Gabriella is both of them...Light and Dark. She's a hybrid, no one else like her. And both sides fear the unknown, what she'll become, who she'll side with, and how powerful she'll become.

Gabriella just turned twenty. After living a normal life, always blending in, never being anything more than average, she find out that her world is about to change and that she's about to become anything BUT ordinary.





Meet Dorian Skotos, he's sexy and mysterious...and Gabriella can't get enough of him. Hell, I can't get enough of him! He's sex on a stick!



"I want to take my time with you. Torture you slowly. I'm going to savor every second of your undoing." *Melting*

Their physical relationship becomes explosive. He is intense, potent, possibly dangerous, and irresistibly magnetic. But it scares her more, how much she craves him.

"I'm not what I am. I'm not Light. I'm not Dark. I'm HIS."

Setting aside their lust, she's trying hard NOT to fall in love with him. There's an unnatural force pulling them together but it's not just her, because he feels it too.

"No one has ever moved me like you. Ever. The feeling you give me is insane. It's unnatural. You intoxicate me."

Meanwhile her life is quickly changing. She's loosing the relationship of her best friend, Jared, who's heartbroken that she's with Dorian. She's fighting off Aurora, Dorian's ex fling. She finds out a family secret about Morgan, her other best friend, that not even Morgan knows about. Her (adoptive) parents, who've been protecting her, warn her about what's to come, what will happen when she turns 21. She'll gain her powers and then will no longer be hidden from the Light and Dark. She's been invisible to them so far, thanks to her birth parent's dying request, but that won't last much longer.

This book is more of an introduction into the story and characters. There's not much of a climax and ends abruptly on a cliffhanger, which you all know that I hate, but luckily I can start the next book! I'm too curious to stop now...What side will she choose? Who will find her first, Light or Dark? Will someone she loves turn on her? Will she be strong enough to defeat the ones who are after her? SOO MANY QUESTIONS!

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Leo

Leo by Mia Sheridan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


5++ 'The Truth Shall Set you Free' Stars!!!

To say that I LOVED THIS BOOK would be a dramtic understatement. A debut novel this strong? This author will be on my watch list, can't wait to read what she writes next!

When I first started this, I was immediately hooked. The first scene with Leo and Evie was emotional and heartbreaking. After leaning on each other for support while living through the foster care system, their bond grew into something so powerful that it'd take more than death to keep them apart.

Leo:

 

  "I'm going to kiss you now, Evie, and when I do, it's going to mean that you're mine."

Evie:

 


  "Maybe I'm an open book, or maybe love is like a magnifying glass straight into the souls of those who own your heart."

Beautiful story that came from pain, loss, abuse, and being left behind. Eight years after Leo left, Evie had persevered through life regardless of the shit she had been given. She made a life for herself and even though it was without the glitz and glammer, she was content. With her charming personality, compassion for the poeple around her, and love for life, she had a profound impact on me.
Poor Leo, he was separated from the only thing in life that gave him hope...his Evie. She tried to keep his memory hidden, it was too painful to bare, but she still wondered...What became of the boy who left so many years ago??


  " I will prove to you that forever is not just a word, not just a measurement of unending time, but that forever is a place here I will treasure your heart."

Then there's Jake. He had lived a life of recklessness, had his share of women, and had almost driven himself to the point of no return. Then, as a favor to Leo, he watched Evie on the sidelines just to make sure she was ok. But then after their first encounter, his life was never the same. Jake has his secrets but like always, the truth will set you free.

So who won Evie's heart? A memory from childhood? Or the strikingly handsome man before her? Thats for you to find out!

But I will say...Leo had my heart from the start. And Jake? He was a close second.

I would recommend this to everyone!!



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The Tied Man

The Tied Man by Tabitha McGowan


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 *I've Gone Bloody Mental* Stars!

(Yes, I now talk with an accent)

Warning: This is not a typical love story. This is not hearts and flowers. Most of the sex is NOT consensual! There's also severe drug use and forms of torture (physical & mental).

Normally I prefer my men strong, powerful, witty, stable, and clean. Finn was the exact opposite of then men that appeal to me...but that didn't stop me from loving him!

"...but I had never met anyone quite like the willow-thin young man standing before me: Finn had the face of a fallen angel."

He was broken but tender. His appeal was explained in the book as a "soul to save", which is very true. I enjoyed his interaction with Lilith. No matter how hard he tried to fight his feelings for her, she became a chuisle...his pulse.

Finn was being held prisoner, so to speak, being blackmailed by Blaine mother-fucking Albermarle. Over the past few years at the manor he'd been beaten, raped, and drugged. He'd come to a point in his life where he was slowly dying and didn't have a care in the world...until he met Lilith.

Lilith was spunky, witty, free-spirited, fearless, and had a foul mouth...I loved her! She didn't take shit from ANYONE. If anyone deserved Finn, it was her.

After an unfortunate demand of her father, Lilith is coerced into a 'visit' to the manor. There she meets Finn and discovers that something's just not right. Now she's also being held against her will, for fear of her brother's safety, and she'd determined to fight for Finn...even if that means sacraficing her own wellbeing.

The manor was just pure evil. This is a place where demons came to play. Sick bastards who were into rape, blood play, sodomy, and extreme bondage used the manor for their playground. Blaine, the sole owner and operator of this estate, was horrifying-she knew no boundries and was never told "NO". She blackmailed and coerced people into doing the unthinkable. I would have gotten a LOT of enjoyment out of someone beating her to death! I think her demise was well-played but she deserved SO much more!

I had a hard time with this book. It was long and there were just a few parts in the story that I felt lagged but only because I could not escape the terror, it was continuous. But that's all part of the reading experience, right? Living the terror just like Lilith & Finn did? But the book was written very well. The author changed POV's from Lilith to Finn, so we got to see things from both perspectives. One big disappointment was the abrupt ending, but a little birdie told me there's going to be another book! Overall, regardless of the sick & twisted story, I really liked it...even the crazy dialect, which I found funny.

Bravo Ms. McGowan...you are a pure-evil-genius.

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Wait for You

Wait for You by J. Lynn


My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


4.5 YOU DON'T DESERVE HIM Stars!

There, I said it...Avery didn't deserve Cam.
I mean, look at him! His eyes make me delirious...




Overall, I really liked it. Cute, romantic, swoon-worthy male lead, great sub-characters, interesting storyline, angst, and more.

I have to be honest here, I didn't feel much of a connection with Avery...not until the end. When reading books like this we usually know something happened to the heroine, that she's harboring a secret. I felt Avery brought up her past too much, even without going into detail...it wasn't much of a mystery to the reader. With that same aspect, it PISSED ME OFF the way she held back from everyone else, ESPECIALLY Cam! She pushed him away more times than she had the right to do...how she didn't loose him permanently is BEYOND me! She went through something awful and had the scars to prove it...I feel bad for her, I really do....HOWEVER, I just didn't like the way she handled it.

Moving on, Cam Cam Cam...how do I love thee? Let me count thy ways...
He was funny, smart, sarcastic, tall, gorgeous, affectionate, romantic, and set-my-panties-on-FIRE sexy (and endowed...the devil in me can't forget that)! But all his goodness was unfortunately held back by the fact that this book is more YA than erotic...bummer :(

Accepting the award for best supporting character, Jacob & Brit. These two had me in stiches! Jacob was flamboyantly batting for the other team and always drooling over Cam. Brit was outrageous and funny. I enjoyed them being around more than being left with Avery's thoughts and the little pity parties she had going for herself. I know, I'm harsh but I just wasn't feeling it with her...sorry. The only redemption she had was towards the end when she finally stood up to her parents and the way she handled things with Molly.

I was also a little disappointed with how it ended. I'm a big fan of Epilogue's and this sorta ended abruptly. But I still enjoyed it. Happy Reading!



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