Review: The Bars That Hold Us

The Bars That Hold Us by Shelly Pratt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a beautiful, beautiful heart-felt story with strong passion and forbidden love. Never read anything like this before!.

I just knew this book was going to be good, and the cover (not the alternative one :/) just caught my eye with the hot and sexy man and the colors (mostly because it was green!. tee-hee) and I immediately fell for it, and knew I had to read the book.

It starts off with our main character, Mercy Cole who is from a family with a long line of Blue Bloods. Cop Family. And usually the case is to more than likely keep it in the family. Her fíance was a cop too. Was. She is still wallowing in sorrow and just down in the gutter since her fíance, Daniel look a bullet for her and unfortunately didn't make it. Her Dad tries to get her to overcome it all and take better care of herself and to basically come back to the world of the living. He tells her about a job offer at a penitentiary. Just so that she can get out and do something. She takes it. This is where she meets Saxon Miles. *squeals* Lord have Mercy *grins*

Cue the forbidden romance!!! :D

No, he's not her boss.
No, he's not her brother.
No, he's not a billionaire.

Yes, he's hot.
Yes, he's sexy.
Yes, he's a bad boy.

He is also an inmate, charged for manslaughter.

Hence the forbidden romance. Duh. *cackles*

I have never read anything with this type of situation before so it was very refreshing and exciting, I mean, just so much anticipation, was having me anxiously biting my nails, siting at the edge of my seat. At the same time I was trying to close myself off, and not get my hopes up because it all felt so surreal. But just like Mercy and Saxon, I fell in love, and felt scared for letting myself. The love scenes really got me fired up! Just the thought of getting caught... *SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE* You'd think I was the one with Saxon. *giggles* (Boy, did I wish!.)

However, I knew something was going to happen. T_T

They are surrounded by criminals for crying out loud!!!

When it turned for the worst, what happened was not what I was already contemplating. It was twisted around. It totally caught me off guard, as well as Mercy and Saxon. In that tragic moment, I felt sucked into both their roles and vividly experienced the fiasco from their point of view. I felt the shock, the anger, the regret, the yearning and longing. It was so heartbreaking and heartwarming and the same time. Like watching something undeniably beautiful break like glass, but even in pieces, still just as beautiful. In the end, my heart really went out to Mercy's father. Even the man that helped Saxon, old man Jessop. I never thought Mercy's father and Saxon were gonna meet.

I really wished the author wrote about resolving the suspicion of who was letting the inmates out and about. Saxon even mentions that he wanted to know who the guy was doing favors for for getting let out at night.

Overall, this story took me to the moon and back, I don't even need NASA ;P Nevertheless, had a blast reading. Great writing. Easy flow. Highly recommended!!!!!


View all my reviews

Review: Rushed

Rushed by Gina Robinson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved it. Loved it. LOVED IT!.

College: Sororities. Frats.
Things will get wild. Totally crazy. But fun...

There was never a dull moment. I literally felt as if I were living the life of a sorority girl and having so much fun and making friends, and more than likely frienemies (ugh), but it is part of the college experience. I, myself, am a college student. I was able to really enjoy the events that occurred and I was more often then not, like-minded with the characters. It was so easy to sympathize with them, and feel as strongly for what they were going through. The fun was so thrilling and the parties were detailed perfectly. It made me wonder why I was reading late at night on a Saturday about going to a party on a Saturday night.

And then I remembered that I love books.

Finally. First off, the main characters are Zach and Alexis. They practically fall for each other the second they gaze up at one another. The fact that they live in the same Sorority house doesn't help much. They just can't stay away from each other. They keep getting drawn together closer and closer. He is the house boy, she is the third-generation legacy...and their are rules in the house. Houseboys are inferior. Not up to standard, and if they are caught sleeping with a girl from the house, the consequences are far from lenient and way past harsh.

The story was set at an easy pace, not too slow or at all rushed (pun intended). Just right. Loved the puppy scene. Very slick and hilarious. I wish there was more to read about the relationship between Zach and his parents, as well as Alexis and her parents, especially her mother. I also wanted to know the depths of Alexis' punishment and what happened to Morgan.

The events that played out were fantastic, not the actual happening of what occurred, but how well they complimented the whole story in general and flowed smoothly. Every detail was on point, I cannot stress that enough. Beautifully written. No big mistakes as far as I could see (even without my glasses). Just a typo here and there, not that much that stood to out me to where I had a problem reading.

Overall, this was just great work. I loved the story and absolutely look forward to the next book coming in the Fall.

View all my reviews

Review: Cop Town

Cop Town by Karin Slaughter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW. Just wow...that was freakin' AWESOME!!!!!!!!

This book had it all, it was just great! It's the 70s baby!.

Lying.
Cheating.
Drinking.
Fighting.
Smoking.
Swearing.
Killing.
Discrimination to the fullest.
Jokes.

In the smack dab center of Atlanta, Georgia. The Atlanta Police Department.

This whole story is basically about civil rights for certain individuals. Blacks, whites, foreigners, homosexuals, women.

The prologue kicks off with some action aftermath. A cop, James 'Jimmy' Lawson is carrying his practically dead partner down many blocks to the hospital.
Next is when it switches to Jimmy sister, Margot 'Maggie' Lawson, who is also on the force. It's the morning after Jimmy bad night. She wakes up wanting an update on her brother. She hears what her Uncle Terry, who is also on the force, says about what happened. She then goes on her own to figure things out. Things don't add up. She questions her brother and still doesn't get anything to make sense.

Along comes newbie, Kaitlin 'Kate' Murphy. Widower, and glamorous rich. What the heck is she doing showing up at the station? Straight from the Academy, Kate shows up, a bit hesitantly, to work. The whole force is tasked to be doing whatever they can to catch this cop killer. A few things they have to go by are fact, but the rest is questionable, and Maggie isn't the only one not believing the load of crap they're being fed. With the help of a mentor, Gail, and a push and shove, Maggie starts to investigate on her own. She ends up partnering up with Kate along the way and together, they move on forward.

These characters all had flaws, all had something about them I didn't like or absolutely hated. But they each played a part in this story. It was very well thought out and organized. I can't think of a better way. I had a strong sense of disgust for the antagonist, utterly revolted and gobsmacked by their way of thinking, their beliefs, and for the most part, their actions. it was extremely creative and completely realistic. As well as too surreal at times for the rawness of the details and how I would imagine how things were. Truly vivid.
The protagonist would get on my nerves a lot. However, they were extremely entertaining. The jokes and sarcasm were hysterical, as we're the fore play and flirting, but I was a bit okay with the way things played out.

The details really got me, I was literally cringing when something relatively gross or shell-shocking happened.

The plot and storyline: INSIGHTFUL. UNNERVING. MIND-BOGGLING. EYE-OPENING, even the characters, although some more than most were effected with things going on. Many changes. A whole lot of new things. That is what the whole situation revolved around. Some embraced it, others fought against it...and things usually don't end well once that tug-of-war starts.

Overall, this was an amazing crime novel, the first I've read. Such a great way to start. Looking forward to more books by Slaughter.

View all my reviews

Review: Until Alex

Until Alex by J. Nathan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful, outstanding, lovely, fantastic!


I absolutely recommend this book!

Beautiful, beautiful well rounded story, extremely heart-felt and filled with many different aspects. The ups and downs were extremely realistic, and each event or occurrence in this story fit together very well.

She's the billionaire.
He's the bad boy.
She's innocent.
He's a player.

She's lonely.
He's lonely.
She's suffered.
He's suffered.

She just can't stay away, and neither can he...

Outstanding characters, with all the right characteristic traits. It made them seem more real than just a depiction from an imagination. A bunch of sass, quirky, and smart-ass comments that not only kept things flowing, but superbly entertaining. The soft moments and mushy-gushy comments were just full of passion, not one ounce of corny-ness/porn-y-ness. Sexy in all the right places, gorgeous inside and out. The main characters complemented one another perfectly. It was really easy and refreshing to be able to sympathize with them for their past experiences and the current situation.
The antagonist was extremely well described and the characteristics were on point. I could feel the negativity, and sense the evilness from the character and literally felt utter disgust and resentment toward them, as well as pity.
A close call for the hero and heroine. The comprehension of the situation was about high school/college level.

Lovely plot!. Cannot think of a better way for this story to turn out. Loved both the pros and cons and everything in between. Very well balanced with the protagonist and the antagonist. Felt strong emotions from both sides. Great choice in vocabulary, easy flow and written with utmost care. The plot never strayed.

Overall, this was just a fantastic read and thoroughly enjoyable. Hope to read some more fantastic work in the near future.

View all my reviews

Review: Branded (The Cavanaugh Brothers #1)

Branded by Laura Wright

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This gives the perfect meaning of country: Hardworking, manly, sexy men and some fun in the sun.

I always fall in love with country-vibe setting stories. The added bonus was that it all happened in Texas in particular, so basically in my backyard. Laura Wright has the cowboy and billionaire wrapped into one, making it even hotter. Stories that take place far away are great, but the ones closer to home make it all seem more real and exciting. Its as if having front row seats to something happening right next door! Thus, my reason for reading this book.

I liked how steady and unwavering the story is written, especially when it traverses from the past to the present, it was done really well. It gives a bit of a backdrop of the Cavanaugh's tragic past directly from Cassandra 'Cass' Cavanaugh's diary as to why problems took place in the present for the Cavanaugh brothers and the working hands on the Triple C Ranch, as well as the reason for the behavior of the main characters, Deacon Cavanaugh and Mackenzie 'Mac' Byrd.

The storyline of Branded flows really well with the romance between Mac & Deacon and the ever-present mystery of Cass' murder. When things start to blend, that is when things get rocky and interesting for the Cavanaugh gang and Mac. A never-ending cycle of secrets being revealed, more secrets being made and deals taking place. And they will all get a shock of their lives, more than once.

When I got near the end, I was hanging onto every single word, and then I was just left hanging, but it left me wanting more! I, for one, do not hate cliffhangers, but I do dislike them if it does not seem promising. This one has completely got me hooked.

Overall this was a great, steamy, and hot-as-heck read, fell in love with it from the start, and I definitely look forward to reading the next book in this series.

-4 Frogs (Steamy)


This was originally posted on The Book Vixen as a guest review.


View all my reviews

Cover Release: The Shadows (The Black Dagger Brotherhood #13)

More BDB Anyone!?.

Release date: April 7, 2015

#13 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series

Trez & iAm's story will be shared at last in J.R. Ward's next book The Shadows...

Two brothers bound by more than blood discover a conspiracy that will change their destiny in the astonishing all-new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, the "frighteningly addictive" (Publishers Weekly) series by #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward.

Pre-order Now!!

 | Amazon |

LAUNCH DAY BLITZ: Review: Dark Paradise **GIVEAWAY** + Excerpt

LAUNCH DAY BLITZ: Dark Paradise by Angie Sandro **GIVEAWAY**

Absolutely thrilling! Dark Paradise is such a page tuner, and leaves you begging for more.

This was a fantastic story! Fell in love from the start. Angie Sandro was able to lure me in with such beautiful writing. So many details on point, I could not, and would not put it down. Such an imagination the author has, to have that in writing is just captivating. The gorgeous cover got me first, then it was the synopsis:

DARK LEGACY

Mala LaCroix has spent her whole life trying to escape her destiny. As the last in a long line of "witch women," she rejects the notion of spirits and hoodoo and instead does her best to blend in. But when she finds a dead body floating in the bayou behind her house, Mala taps into powers she never knew she had. She's haunted by visions of the dead girl, demanding justice and vengeance.

DEADLY SECRETS

Landry Prince has always had a crush on Mala, but when Mala discovers his sister, murdered and marked in some sort of Satanic ritual, he wonders if all the rumors about the LaCroix family are true. Yet after Mala uses her connection to the spirit world to identify his sister's killer, he starts to form his own bond to her . . . a very physical one. As they move closer to each other and closer to the truth, Mala and Landry must risk everything—their families, their love, and even their lives.

The characters were imperfectly perfect. They each had their own background, as well as many issues that came along with it. The two main characters, Mala LaCroix and Landry Prince, are in a Romeo and Juliet perdicament. Their families are at major odds, leaving Mala and Landry completely isolated in their own bubble to figure out everything that is happening to their lives. The moment their world turned upside down, they knew they only had each other. However, they need to be able to trust and rely on one another [first]. There are so many things trying to keep them apart, but they are utterly helpless when separated. The only time when things make semse is when they are together.

I really appreciate the traverse between Mala and Landry's perspective. It helped me a lot to be more capable of understanding Landry's infatuation of Mala and how much it clashes with the way Mala is really looked upon in their community. The fact that she is from a line of slavery and mistresses, not to mention that she is also from a line of witches, it really effects her view on how she sees herself and her expectations of how people treat her, as well as her goal[s] in life. Landry in Mala's eyes is everything she hates, but at the same time the exact opposite. I wish the author revolved more on Lainey and George's relationship to give more evidence to the murder case pertaining to Landry mentioning is sister becoming a totally different person.

Overall, this was a wonderful read, I really enjoyed the story, great work from the author, and no doubt I look forward to the next book in the series.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt:

He looks down, and our eyes meet. 

“Kiss me,” I blurt out. 

“What?” His breathing quickens. “What did you say?

Oh, shit! I just propositioned him. Me, squeaky clean, cowardly Mala. Lack of oxygen must’ve given me brain damage. I take a shaky breath and straighten in his arms. “I said kiss me.” My voice cracks. “It’s okay. I won’t punch you or anything. You have my permission.” 

“Your head’s not on straight.” Landry gazes off across the water … distant, cold. Oh, so sad, and it breaks my heart. All I want at this moment is to drink the pain in his eyes. Guzzle it down so it never fills him again. I know nothing’s forever. A momentary patch is about all the comfort I can give him, but maybe for now, it’s enough. For both of us.

“I know. I’m scared.” I take Landry’s face between my hands, holding tight when he tries to pull away. “Stop. Listen. Why do I have to keep dealing with the craziness of my life alone? I’m so tired … Why is it wrong to want to escape?” 

My trembling fingers lightly trace the curve of his jaw. I never in a million years thought I could be so bold. I’ve always protected my heart because I feared it would get squished. Being afraid hasn’t gotten me anywhere but alone. “I like you, Landry. And … and I think you like me. At least a little bit, right? You make me feel safe … alive. Maybe … maybe I can make you feel the same way.”

His eyes, thick, black lashes outlining luminous silver, close as I trace my fingers across his eyelids. I press my lips to the angled plane of his cheekbone in a gentle kiss. His skin tastes salty from sweat and smells of grass. Rich and pungent. Intoxicating. His stomach muscles tighten against mine, but he doesn’t move. I kiss the other cheek, then tilt his head toward mine and brush my lips across his, so lightly that it’s more a mingling of breath.

My tongue caresses his lips. I taste him in small nibbles, and then, feeling bold, I pull his plump bottom lip between my teeth, gently teasing him until he finally responds. 

Impatient, he threads his fingers into my hair so I can’t pull away. His tongue flicks against mine as I open my mouth to his, deepening the connection between us. I’ve heard about French kisses, in high school the girls giggled about them and rated the boys according to skill, but until now, I’ve never liked a guy enough to want his tongue in my mouth.  Landry rated pretty high on the Awesome Kisser scale. Now I understand why. 

The rush of excitement chases away any lingering fear. At some point, he stretches out on the ground, and I lay on top of him. My hands caress his wide shoulders and rise to tangle in his silky hair. I rub against his chest, wishing our clothing didn’t separate us. I want to feel the softness of his skin against mine. I want to trace the tempting dimple in the small of his back and lick the faded scar to the left of his belly button. 

Yeah, I totally peeked when he did his striptease in the boat. I may be the queen of denial, but I couldn’t deny myself the sculpted beauty of Landry Prince in all his glory. I pull my mouth free of his lips and slide down the hard length of his body. He sucks in a breath, stomach tightening when I run trembling hands up his chest, lifting his T-shirt to give me access to that scar. I trace my tongue around it a swirl of motion, like licking an ice cream cone. He tastes ten times better than chocolate—maybe like chocolate and caramel with marshmallow chunks—all gooey and melty in my mouth. So tasty that I want to lap him up. But I bite him instead. 

Satisfaction throbs at his growl. The soft bit of flesh between my teeth almost sends me over the edge. I’m so hot … burning up inside. 

I release him, licking the soft indentations in his skin. 

“Mala,” he moans, quivering when I pin his reaching hands to the ground. I give him a wicked grin, then lower my head. I steadily work my way up his chest, biting and licking until I reach his pecs. I run my tongue around his left nipple, then blow across the hard nub. His hips shift, a slight jerk upward. His erection presses against the fabric of his jeans. Is it uncomfortable? 

I bite my lip, scared at the bold nature of my thoughts. It’s like years of repressed sexuality screams to be set free. Too many romance novels have given me a working knowledge of what goes on. I can fake it until I make it, but I’ve got to decide right now how far I want to go. Soon I’ll be too far gone. My body decides for me. 

About The Author: 

Angie Sandro was born at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Within six weeks, she began the first of eleven relocations throughout the United States, Spain, and Guam before the age of eighteen. Friends were left behind. The only constants in her life were her family and the books she shipped wherever she went. Traveling the world inspired her imagination and allowed her to create her own imaginary friends. Visits to her father's family in Louisiana inspired this story. Angie now lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an overweight Labrador.

Angie’s SM: 

http://anjeasandro.blogspot.com/
http://facebook.com/pages/Angie-Sandro/253044268078356 
@AngieSandro

Where Purchase Is Available: 

B&N | Kobo | iTunes | Amazon

Review: Shattered

Shattered by Elizabeth Lee

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I first loved the cover the second I saw it. That caused me to read the sample. Before I knew it, the sample ended, leaving me wanting more. I bought it without a second thought. This book has alot of errors, but I overlooked them. Smart enough to understand the storyline and comprehension of the sentences. Thus, explaining why only 4 stars, however, still pretty lenient considering the type of errors noticed in the book. As if this story didn't go through revising & editing. But great storyline, nontheless. Recommend to those who can turn a blind eye to multiple, and vivid errors.

View all my reviews

Review: Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3)

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not quite exactly fond of the ending. Yes, was indeed euphoric and serene, but I, personally, did not want the ending to come so soon. Haha, I'm sure I'm not the only one to not wanting this story to end. But this was an amazing journey and experience. Highly recommend.

View all my reviews

Review: Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2)

Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book made me actually consider becoming an entrepreneur, I might change the major I intended on going to college for from Japanese to Business & Marketing. *laughs* Or I might just become a writer, author, whatever it is too publish some of my work. Or maybe work at a publishing agency after college.

My first intended major was English, but I didn't think I would be able to become a well known author to actually do well, so my safety net was to become an English teacher since my English teacher never failed to let me know that I wrote 'extremely well'. But I don't know... keep whoever reads this posted.

View all my reviews

Review: Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1)

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Soon to be a major motion picture.

This book reminded me a little of Sylvia Day's Bared to You, just a bit. But other than that, was very interesting nonetheless. This is the first book I've ever read to have BDSM. I always thought that sort of thing wouldn't be my cup of tea. But this book changed my perspective completely.

I know that not all authors don't write exactly the same way, so I've prepared myself to never read anything else exactly like this book pertaining to how the BDSM scenes were written. But there will always be this spark of hope that something might come up.

Anyhow, the little disappointment I got from reading this book is just the comments from others about this book not being appropriate for me. When I was told this, it made me assume that this book must be extremely hardcore. And that was what I prepared myself for when I got down to reading it. Thus, explaining the little disappointment, but was nothing less than an intriguing, and exciting new experience.

Loved the that this book was different from anything I've ever read. Gave me a new visual to see things and a better understanding to this in particular. Even though I was not up to par with reading the way the book was written, it never put me off. Would recommend.

View all my reviews

Review: When Summer Ends

When Summer Ends by Isabelle Rae

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read this awhile back on Wattpad and fell utterly infatuated with this story. I kept it in my library so that I could read it over again. Then when I got my Nook Tablet for Christmas, I was ecstatic.

Once I got the hang of things, I just randomly typed in names of some of the books I read on Wattpad to see if anyone actually went through to publishing their book. I found this story along with several others.

Although I've already read this story countless times before. Just actually buying the story gave me the sense of actually having it for my own.

Highly recommend this story!!!

View all my reviews

Review: Last Chance (Rock Romance #2)

Last Chance by A.L. Wood

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okayy!. This was way better than the first book, I think, although still had the same type of errors here and there.

View all my reviews

Review: Keep Me Safe (Dark Erotica #1)

Keep Me Safe by Skye Warren

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a good mixture, a lot of hardcore, but underlying it was a romance I could not turn away, and in the end I was right. Love. The hardcore was a little too much on some parts, I guess because I have never read anything quite like this and it sort of overwhelmed me.

Wasn't used to the hero/heroine being put down so much. But loved how in the beginning, Zachary was portrayed as in control, but then when later, its Rachel who truly has the control. Although Zachary is protecting Rachel, but she puts up with the bad because she knows it could end bad for him as well.

Great read, recommend to those who like hardcore BDSM.

View all my reviews

Review: Not Until You Part VI: Not Until You Surrender (Loving On The Edge #3.56)

Not Until You Part VI: Not Until You Surrender by Roni Loren

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh gosh, left wanting more and totally hit my Nook Tablet with my fist when I got to the end. I wanted to know what happened next!.

I think Cela should have accepted the damn thing and wore, the least she could do it for was to give him a peace of mind, and I was thrown off when Foster said the name 'Bret' and it ended up being a 'she', I don't know about anyone else but my thoughts wondered to him with another man, and I thought that things where gonaa spice up with a new twist in the mix, but I guess it was just wistful thinking.... And just a huge down pour that it turned out to be a, as Cela so eloquently put it, " blonde amazons who wore fuck-me boots."

View all my reviews

Review: Pushing the Limits (Pushing the Limits #1)

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book literally caught my eye, well, just the title itself, as well as countless reviews that were the last straw to the temptation of the outstandingly well written story. Those two things got me to stop reading in the middle of this other book I was really getting into, and jump on to reading this book. And am so glad to say that it didn't disappoint. Highly recommended!.

View all my reviews

Review: Illicit

Illicit by Opal Carew

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sad to say that this book was only 4 stars, I thought this book really shook me to my toes, but not to my core... Nevertheless, this book was enticing, wild, and outrageously unique compared to other books I've read so far. Can honestly say that I have never read anything like this before.


View all my reviews

Review: Beautiful Bastard (Beautiful Bastard #1)

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh this book!. In the beginning, I was not really liking it, but then I read more and I was about to half liking it, then near the end I think I liked it a little bit more than before. But the french was just to die for so that gave it a boost.


View all my reviews

Review: Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11)

Lover at Last by J.R. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ahhh, Dearest Virgin Scribe, I wanna cry, hug them kiss them both and laugh at the moment Quinn asked Blay to dance.


View all my reviews

Review: Dark Wolf (Dark #25)

Dark Wolf by Christine Feehan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a GREAT read!. Can't wait for the next book in the series.


View all my reviews