Wednesday, July 31, 2013

#2


Remake (Documentary, #2)Remake by A.J. Sand

Erica's charmed life changed in an instant with a devastating act of betrayal. And so with her secret, she ran. From everything and everyone, including the person she loved most in the world.

Now she's back to take control of the life she left behind, even if she's doing so with a lot of uncertainty. And even as that event from the past still hangs over her, unresolved.
But Erica knows a thing or two about survival.

She just wished she knew what to do about Bryson Ellis, the guy who has her heart but doesn't know her secret, and Matt Corso, the one who knows her secret and may want her heart.

Yet just when her life slowly comes together in other ways, she suddenly finds her strength tested again.

But this time...

She's ready.

And she won't run.

This follow-up to "Documentary" picks up with a new point of view in a story about what it means to love, forgive and never back down.

But it's also one woman's chance to remake herself.




Rate & take


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I was thinking book two would continue to focus on the main couple in book one of the series, Documentary. I was very wrong on that score and had to readjust my expectations, but once I did I found I did enjoy my time with this book. I also applaud the deeply ingrained message of survival that resonates through out this book. I noted that there is a book three in this series that focuses on one of the fringes characters....I think I'll call it a day and move on to something else though.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Filming on the road


Documentary (Documentary, #1)Documentary by A.J. Sand

Dylan Carroll, an ambitious college student filmmaker still reeling from the death of her brother, may have just stumbled onto the opportunity of a lifetime.

Musician Kai White is in the middle of a public relations nightmare, and he may be keeping a secret that could turn things around. His manager/publicist wants to create a web series aimed at cleaning up his image. There’s also a promising offer at stake if Dylan can abide by the rule of staying strictly professional, and if she can figure out what Kai is hiding.

But Kai and Dylan already have an undeniable connection, and when they are together, they discover that rules are pretty easy to break. It's battling your own demons that's much, much harder.

As Dylan gets deeper into Kai's world, capturing his life on film, she'll learn that some secrets are so big, they are kept even at the expense of a career.

And that a person's story is often nothing like it appears from the outside.




Rare & take


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Heat Index   1  ☼


Sometimes this book really got in its own way, by that I mean there was a lot of unnecessary details (maybe even too many minor plots going on at once) that made the reading experience at times exasperating. Thankfully the story as a whole came together for me and proved to be worth my time and review, and also lead me to read book two in this the 'Documentary' series. Review of book two will be up next.


Friday, July 26, 2013

Rocking good time


Lick (Stage Dive, #1)Lick by Kylie Scott

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.




Rate & take


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Heat Index  3  ☼☼☼


Another impulse buy that I am so glad I came across - and another new-to-me-author that I look forward to producing many more books for my enjoyment!!

What a fun story this was to read, I could not put it down and read into the wee hours until I reached the end, then I wanted more!!!


So here is the question for you my dear readers, what would you do if you woke up and found yourself married to a hot guy??

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Cheating the Rock


Rock and a Hard Place (The Jamieson Collection, #1)Rock and a Hard Place by Angie Stanton

One day while watching the Interstate exit for her dad’s long awaited return, Libby’s life is rocked when Peter Jamieson steps off his tour bus and into her life. After a couple chance meetings with Peter, Libby breaks away from her rule abiding behavior and her life changes course.

Peter longs for normalcy away from the screaming fans who know nothing about the real him. He is amazed to discover Libby has never heard of him or his band. Soon their friendship turns to love. While Peter battles his family's growing interference so he can spend time with Libby, she struggles with her eccentric aunt who turns more bizarre each day.

Their lives are torn apart when Peter's family intrudes and Libby disappears. Peter’s desperate search for her comes up empty. Can they find their way back to each other while the world plots against them?




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Confession, I started reading this book and thought - 'meh' - so I skipped to the end (not intending to review it or even finish it) just to see how things would be sorted. I know, I know, I can hear all the book purists out there admonishing me for jumping to the end....but I'm glad I did because other wise I would have abandoned this book, and if I had done that I would have missed out. My only issues were pacing, (some parts lagged) and the characters could have used a bit more depth, but overall a decent Y.A. book.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Ever Enjoyable


Eversea (Eversea, #1)Eversea by Natasha Boyd

An orphaned, small-town, southern girl, held hostage by responsibility and self-doubt.

A Hollywood A-list mega-star, on the run from his latest scandal and with everything to lose.

A chance encounter that leads to an unlikely arrangement and epic love affair that will change them both forever.

When his co-star and real-life girlfriend is caught cheating on him with her married and much older director, A-list hottie, Jack Eversea, finds himself in sleepy Butler Cove, South Carolina. Jack hopes the sultry southern heat in this tiny coastal Lowcountry town will hide him not only from the tabloids and his cheating girlfriend, but his increasingly vapid life and the people who run it. He doesn’t count on meeting Keri Ann Butler.

Keri Ann has relied on herself so long, dealing with her family’s death and the responsibilities of keeping up her family's historic mansion, that boys and certainly the meager offering of eligible boys in Butler Cove, have never figured into her equation. But fate has other plans. Suddenly face to face with the man who played the movie role of her favorite fictional character, Jack has Keri Ann yearning for everything she has previously avoided ... and Jack must decide whether this funny, sassy girl is worth changing his life for, before his mistakes catch up to him.




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Heat Index  3 ☼☼☼


On the plus side; I found another great author!!! On the minus side; I have another book to wait for!!! (Book two, Forever, Jack will be out in November of this year.) In fairness there was another plus, book one didn't end on a cliff hanging moment, but I still need more, more!!!

Such a good story, a run away movie star and a small town girl, both with troubles to spare. What was most amazing is how the author took these two people from very different worlds and exposed the similarities in their problems that prevented them from having the life they really wanted. I think this book will deserve a re-read right before book two comes out.

Friday, July 19, 2013

No waiting


Wait for You (Wait for You, #1)Wait for You by J. Lynn, Jennifer Armentrout

Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for




Rate & take



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Heat Index   1 ☼


I have yet to read a book by this author that I didn't think was really good from beginning to end. This is book one of a series but it is also kind of a stand alone because the next book(s) will be about friends of the main couple. So yay for not leaving me on a cliff!!!

While there are some heavy themes in this story it was well paced enough that it never felt too heavy. Between that and the fact that I enjoying all of the characters the pages just flew right by!



Wednesday, July 17, 2013

New author love




Tragic (Rook and Ronin, #1)Tragic by J.A. Huss

Because life so far – just sucks. Some girls get parents. Rook got the foster care system. Some girls get Prince Charming. Rook got an abusive frog. Some girls get lucky…

Rook got a second chance.

And she took it. Because when fate throws you a bone – you grab it with both hands and run.

Antoine Chaput knows the minute he spies Rook in his photography studio that she’s got The Look. The dark and desperate look he must have to land the exclusive TRAGIC media contract.

Rook is paired up with top model, Ronin, and he’s everything her abusive ex-boyfriend wasn’t. Patient, gentle, happy, attentive, and sexy! He knows exactly what to do to make Rook blush for Antoine’s camera.

Rook’s luck changes in an instant and suddenly she’s the darling of the modeling world. It’s a dream job to go with a dream guy and all she has to do is look pretty and follow directions. But there’s always a price to pay – and Rook is about to get the bill.





Rate & take



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Heat Index   1 ☼



I purchased this book on a whim and I am so glad I did. This author is new to me and she writes people so well, the dialog (spoken and internal) never feels forced or fake. The plot feels fresh and none of the main characters are whiny or pity seekers but rather a balance of traits, like most of us. The only bad thing I can say is that I have to wait until August 1st to get book two which will be titled Manic. I look forward to lots more from this author.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Still loving the band


Rock My World (Black Falcon, #2.5)Rock My World by Michelle A. Valentine

After Aubrey Jenson is wrongly dismissed from her job at Center Stage Marketing, she seeks legal advice from her father, The Judge, to see what grounds she has to get her position reinstated. Her surprise visit to her family doesn’t go as smoothly as she hopes when she brings home her new boyfriend, Zach, Black Falcon’s lead guitarist. She soon discovers that father doesn’t always know best when it comes to matters of the heart.

When Zach meets Aubrey’s family, he’s immediately faced with his deepest fear: The love he so desperately wants, he doesn’t deserve. The Judge makes no attempt to hide his disdain for Zach, and will stop at nothing to keep him away from his daughter. But an unexpected twist turns everyone’s plans upside down and no one’s world will ever be the same.

Outside forces attempting to pull them apart are strong and it’s going to take every bit of Zach and Aubrey’s love for one another to withstand the fall-out. Soon, they discover making love last is harder than finding it to begin with and sometimes you pay the ultimate price for true love.
  




Rate & take



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Heat Index   1  ☼


This novella is book 2.5 in the Black Falcon series and while it was a brief read it was very enjoyable. I think a few of us can identify with some of the angst that comes with bringing the new guy home to the parent(s). We also get a new twist at the end that will no doubt add to the future books. So yup, I will still be stalking this band whenever the next pub date is here.

Friday, July 12, 2013

What, what, what??



The Arrangement 8 (The Arrangement, #8)




 
 The Arrangement 8  by H.M. Ward

Nothing ever goes the way it should. Marty is barely a friend any more, and the roommate from hell is doing Naked Guy on my couch again. It's bad enough that it feels like my life is coming apart at the seams. There's one man that has held it together for the past few weeks, but things change. All it takes is a few words and everything shatters.






 
 
 
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Heat Index 1 ☼



Wow, was this ever fun reading! There wasn't much length to it (each installment is more like short story ) it was another page turner that left me with my mouth hanging open as it pushed me up to the edge of a cliff. How, what, huh? Was all I could utter for a while. I hope I don't have to wait too long for my next fix.

You can find my post about books 1-7 here.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

I need your help

                                  To HEA or not to HEA

In reading another book blog the topic of spoilers came up, I at all times try to avoid any spoilers, unless you know me in person and I have just read a book that I need to shout to the rooftops about, then all bets are off! The blogger went on to say they felt that even telling people if there was or was not a happily ever after constituted a spoiler.

                                   I had never thought about it that way!

What do you think? Please leave a comment for me below and make your feelings known.

I sure have been free on this blog to say if I did or did not get a HEA with some of my books, if you all think this is a spoiler I will be sure to change my ways.


                                       Thank you for your assistance!



                                                Liz Scott

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Bound


Bound by Fire (Cauld Ane, #2)Bound by Fire by Tracey Jane Jackson

Pepper Brooks has always dreamed of escaping her small town life and her alcoholic mother. Working double shifts at her dead-end waitressing job, she saves every penny in order to join her best friend in Scotland. Her plans are threatened, however, when she finds herself alone and in danger with no apparent way out.

Connall Gunnach is traveling to the United States to attend the wedding of his brother when he is bombarded with panic. However, the panic is not his own. He realizes his destined mate is in peril and he must find her before it’s too late. But when he does, he discovers she already has a champion and a massive chip on her shoulder…and he is a man of many secrets.

Will Connall be able to convince her to trust him and him alone?

Will Pepper be able to put aside her past hurts in order to fully embrace her destiny?





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This is book two in the Cauld Ane series, so called because it's the term used to label the unique Gunnach clan. We first meet the character Pepper in book one but with very limited exposure. What I did read of her I enjoyed. In this book I found her kind of annoying with her whiny neurotic self, but I continued with the story because I liked the plot and the other characters.

At the end of the book we know which member of the Gunnach family will be featured in the next book as he comes in contact with his one true mate, who interestingly enough wants nothing to do with him. I think that just may be good reading, especially given Pepper will be limited or non-existent as a character in the coming series, just like her namesake she is good only in small doses.
 

Monday, July 8, 2013

Only in Scotland


Bound by Blood (Cauld Ane, #1)Bound by Blood by Tracey Jane Jackson

Dr. Samantha Moore is one of the youngest and most acclaimed researchers in the world. Her specialty is blood and she has been recruited by the largest pharmaceutical company in Scotland. For what purpose she cannot begin to imagine, but in an attempt to break out of her painfully shy shell, she throws caution to the wind and leaves her family and best friend behind in Savannah.

Dr. Kade Gunnach is taking a chance hiring an outsider, but he’s desperate to find out how to help his sister. He believes the key lies in her blood, but so far, no one has found the answers. When the new researcher walks into his office, he’s unprepared for his reaction to her and the life-changing ramifications her arrival brings.

They’re drawn together by a force neither is prepared for, but Kade is holding something back. Something that could scare her away.

When Samantha learns his secret, will she run?

Will Kade be able to live with the answers he’s been desperately searching for?





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I think it's fun that there are more than a few books that give the men in Scotland some interesting abilities....this book and the follow up book Bound by Fire (which will be reviewed next on this blog) are no exception, and I love it!

I won't give much away, but I will say these special guys all mate for life once they found their true one and only, and that sure makes this girl swoon. As for the overall story it was an enjoyable read, lite and fun with a small bit of intrigue thrown in for good measure.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Hers & His


Leo (Sign of Love, #1)Leo by Mia Sheridan

Evie and Leo met in foster care as children and formed a bond of friendship. As they grew, their bond turned to love, and they vowed to make a life together when they turned 18 and were no longer a part of the system.

When Leo unexpectedly gets adopted as a teen and he moves to another city, he promises Evie that he will contact her as soon as he gets there and come back for her in a few short years. She never hears from him again.

Now eight years later, in spite of the odds, Evie has made a life for herself. She has a job. She has friends. She's content. Then a man shows up out of the blue, claiming that her long lost love, Leo, sent him to check up on her. The attraction between them is undeniable. But, should she trust this sexy stranger? Or is he keeping a secret about what his connection to Leo is really all about and why Leo disappeared all those years ago?





                                                         &



Leo's Chance (Sign of Love, #2)Leo's Chance by Mia Sheridan

Does everyone deserve a second chance? Even someone who lies and deceives to get it?

Do we all have a second chance coming? Even if we play a part in our own destruction?

How hard would you fight to have a second chance at love? A second chance at life? Another chance to tell your own story?

Every love story has two sides. Evie told hers. This time it's Leo's

chance.





Rate & take  (for both)



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Heat Index  1  ☼


The books above are are number 1 and 2 in the Sign of Love series. I have seen that there is a third book planned and I am very curious about what's to come since the combination of these two sewed up everything very nicely for Leo and Evie. Guess we'll have to wait on that.

Now for my review...I liked both these books, the story in Leo is from Evie's point of view and in Leo's Chance we get the male side of the story. The only thing that frustrated me and which often does with this kind of dual perspective, is that 80% of book two we learn nothing new. I feel that if you are going to take on another book make it as near to an original as you can while giving people just enough connection back to the first story to follow along the time line. O.k. that was it for my rant. The 20% of Leo's Chance that was new was really good stuff and I am glad I got a chance to read it. It gave me so much more depth and insight into the story.

So, as you can see I gave both of these books 4 skulls. I think they are worth a read. If pressed and someone said they only had time for one of the books, I would suggest Leo's Choice for the reasons I mentioned above.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Strange and not


Between You and MeBetween You and Me by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

What happens when you are followed by millions . . . and loved by none? Twenty-seven-year-old Logan Wade is trying to build a life for herself far from her unhappy childhood in Oklahoma. Until she gets the call that her famous cousin needs a new assistant— an offer she can’t refuse.

Logan hasn’t seen Kelsey in person since their parents separated them as kids; in the meantime, Kelsey Wade has grown into Fortune Magazine’s most powerful celebrity. But their reunion is quickly overshadowed by the toxic dynamic between Kelsey and her parents as Logan discovers that, beneath the glossy façade, the wounds that caused them to be wrenched apart so many years ago have insidiously warped into a show-stopping family business.

As Kelsey tries desperately to break away and grasp at a “real” life, beyond the influence of her parents and managers, she makes one catastrophic misstep after another, and Logan must question if their childhood has left them both too broken to succeed. Logan risks everything to hold on, but when Kelsey unravels in the most horribly public way, Logan finds that she will ultimately have to choose between rescuing the girl she has always protected . . . and saving herself.



Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley for the purposes of review. It was published on June 4th of this year.



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So much is buzzing through my mind right now, but the first thing that surfaces is that the story left me feeling sad. There was no feel good, it seemed like all the characters came out loosing something, and yet I felt bad for none of them because they all seemed to make their own mess. I guess I am just a girl that needs some dose of happy ever after, no matter how small or unreal.


Monday, July 1, 2013

All tied up


Damaged 2 (Damaged, #2)Damaged 2 by H.M. Ward

Home isn't supposed to be dangerous, but for Sidney it is. Returning home means that she has to face her past. It's not just the man who hurt Sidney that makes it horrible, but the family that didn't believe her. They were dead to her, but now that her mom is really dying things seem different. It's a chance to set things right.

What Sidney doesn't realize is that she's dragging Peter into a collision course with his past. Peter must deal with the demons haunting him if he wants to move forward with Sidney. He's willing to give up everything for her, even wade deeper into his past life to help her move forward. But, Peter isn't sure if he can get over what happened to him in New York.




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This offering didn't feel as cohesive as Damaged, it had a small bit of cheese factor but looking beyond that the story of Sidney and Peter was well closed...the happily ever after was served on a platter and yes I was loving it all.

This book (and book one) covered the story of Peter Ferro, the middle brother of the Ferro clan. A series called The Arrangement covers older brother Sean (with more to come) and in August we get baby brothers' story in Stripped. Ah thank you H.M. Ward!