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!!!!!


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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.

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Review: Hotter Than Helltown (Preternatural Affairs #3)

Hotter Than Helltown by S.M. Reine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Drop. Dead. HILARIOUS!.

I READ THIS KNOWING NOTHING!!

Well..just the synopsis of the first two books in the series, but other than that, I knew nothing!!! It was the bomb! I was able to catch on fairly quick, whenever there was a moment that mentioned something happening in the first two stories, it was well explained and I took it in stride. the storyline never wavered. Absolutely hilarious!!

I literally busted out laughing when reading this in my kitchen. My grandparents just stared at me, and then my Grandpa asked my Grandma, "What's wrong with her?" I had to hole myself in the restroom cause I couldn't take knowing that they're only looking at me because I'm laughing. and I'm laughing at what happened in the book. Thus, making me crack up all over again. It was a never-ending cycle.

I can't really explain that to them, they won't get it....

I need a friend to book talk with, or gush over the hot male character and call dibbs on him first!.

This reminded me a lot of the Anita Blake series. Although, I consider this book YA and the Anita Blake series New Adult pertaining to the books' content, I still found some similar qualities. However, I do find this more appropriate for younger readers. Even with the jokes and the sarcasm, it fit perfectly.

I was trying to mentally grasp an image for the main character, Cesár Hawke, as well as Fritz and near the end, since having never read the first to books, I was finally able to judge their characteristics and get more of a feel from them. I only wanted to punch Janet and the Vice President in the face. Sorry to be so blunt, but not that sorry.

The details were so descriptive, I felt as if I were watching the whole thing while reading it. Great wording.

Overall, I am satisfied with the outcome and about what I thought of the book as a whole. To be honest, I was scared to start this book that is in the middle of a series. I always start from the beginning because I don't like missing out on things that may or may not be crucial in the next book. Anyways, I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading more great work.

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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.

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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.


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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.


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Review: Willing Victim

Willing Victim by Cara McKenna

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was just too good to be true. This read was like an answer to my heart's deepest desires. Truly, a dream come true if this were to happen to me...

Not only do I compliment the writing style, but how surreal it all seemed, although it did seem as if it could really happen to anybody.

Reading this made me envy Laurel, and happy for her as well. Even before her confession moment about her mother.

To be honest, I can relate to Flynn. His mention of insecurity, self doubt and shame. Especially when it came down to sexual prefernces.

I have his preferences, but Laurel's experience and willingness in the beginning.

That's where the envy kicks in *chuckles*

I mean, what were the odds of Laurel meeting Flynn that day, and him being open to take her offer for lunch, and to invite her along to see what he was really like that weekend? What were the odds of Flynn actually being only with Laurel and no one else? And what of his sister and niece, much less his mention of Robbie and how he idolized him.

In the end, Laurel just wanted someone to take care of her and love her, unlike her mother. Michael Flynn was a really great guy. He made himself seem like a no-good-son-of-a-bitch, well, if you wanted him to be...
He was real sweet, and a good body language reader. He called her out and she was grateful afterward. She finally analyzed everything that made her hold an invisible shield up and she her own insecurity for what it was. They had there laughs and tear jerkers, and not to forget the hot moments.

Overall, this read was perfectly right for me. This book was recommended to me and I cannot thank them enough for their suggestion. This was just my cup of tea.

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Review: Letting Go (Surrender Trilogy #1)

Letting Go by Maya Banks

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Repetitive. Corny. Dragging. I was hanging from a thread. Not my cup of tea.

First of all, this took me way too long to finish, and this isn't even that long!!. The reason why it took me so long to even finish was that is repeated a lot of things the characters said. They even repetitively thought about it and the dialogue was either worded differently or the same, nevertheless, I just couldn't take it anymore. So, I would stop torturing myself and read a different book. Whenever I felt confident enough that I could read it carefully, I'd pick it up again. But at times the corny wording became too much so, again, I would have to put it down, however, I was determined to finish. Even when I felt forced to read it, I would take a break, and maybe read something else to spark some interest. After that, than I would go back and continue reading.
The only time this book sparked my own interest was when an argument happened or something bad occurred, because it was something other than corny-ness , and repetitive wording that dragged the whole thing. The end was sadly the best part. Because for one, I was almost done, two for the fact that the characters weren't so corny anymore, and three for the characters actually getting fired up. If it wasn't for the end, this would have been only a 1 star rating, but I gave the benefit of the doubt and let the last part win me over for the 2 star rating. Although, a 2 star seems more fitting, to me... But maybe it was also the fact that read this book in the span of practically one month.
Regardless, I will continue on to the next book in the trilogy and hope it picks up better for me to grasp the writing style and it's contents. This was the worst book I've ever read, out of all the books I have read from this author. It literally went off a cliff and down a mountain. Something seriously went wrong here.
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