RELEASE DAY: UGLY TRUTH by A. M. Trinidad + Excerpt

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PREQUEL IN THE SOUTH SERIES 

Victoria Gutierrez is about to start college, along with moving into her new home with her mother. 
She is all set. 
All she has to do now is get a part-time job, and get by on her classes. 
It doesn't hurt to let off some steam by hanging out with her cousin, Gabe, more often. Gabe is in a band, so also spending time with the other band members is a given, right? 

Especially with one in particular...

Victoria truly has a good life. 
Simple, yet engaging. 
Until her life irrevocably changes. 

She thought her and her mother would finally be able to recreate themselves. Start living. Spend time with family and make new friends, but some things are just not that easy. 
Every family has its own faults. This family, however, just happens to have some pretty significant ones. 

Lies are told and secrets get exposed...

And not only does it include Victoria and Gabe, but also Gabe's best friend and band mate, Keanu, who is the lead singer. Too bad her immediate impression of him didn't last... 
Victoria and her family need to make sense of everything soon or it is all going to break apart, indefinitely.

:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･

Excerpt

My eyes continue scanning the myriad of people that showed up, whether it was for the show or not, everyone seems pumped for tonight. Everyone is basically feeding off of each other's energy, causing the entire place to surge with adrenaline and sweat.

At the corner of my eye, I spy the bartender come with my drink. Damn, that was pretty fast. I didn't think I'd get it so quickly. If it's ass-to-pelvis everywhere else, then it's elbow-to-elbow here at the bar counter.

"Thanks."

I'm pretty sure he didn't hear me with the crowd and all, but I could make out his grin and perfectly aligned white teeth in the very dim lighting. I could've sworn I saw him wink at me before tending to another person waving a twenty in his face.

I take a sip and another glance, expectantly at the closed curtains. Knowing that Gabe and the rest of the guys are behind them. Checking everything that needs to be checked before the curtains open, signaling their time to start playing on stage.

Already, I start to hear some people chant their band name, urging them to hurry up and come out since it's real close to show time. As I am about to take another drink, somebody bumps into my shoulder, causing me to spill the beverage all over my leg.

Son of a bitch.

I felt somewhat lucky that I'm wearing black skinny jeans, so it won't be that noticeable. However, I'm not lucky enough. I'll still be able to feel the wetness of it and its sticky residue, which is just peachy. 

I then feel a hand on my shoulder and hear someone speak into my ear, so that I'm able to hear them over the crowd. "I am so sorry, let me get you another drink." I turn and watch the guy dash off into the sea of gyrating fiends before I get the chance to say anything.

Well so much for that drink, I thought.

Waiting for the performance to begin, I start to get excited again. The downside of my new stain and the soon-to-be sticky leg leave the forefront of my mind as the drummer behind the curtain does a quick sound check on his set. Once he's done, riffs from a guitar surge throughout the speakers, and then I hear another session of chords play out from another guitar. Now the band is playing all together and checking their sound.

I turn back and face the bar to ask the bartender for a dish towel or some napkins to dry myself a bit. My lips part slightly and my eyelids blink in recognition. The bartender from before is gone, in his place is the same guy who offered to get me another drink.

Before I get the chance to call him out, the buzz from the crowd immediately shoots up, causing a frenzy. The reason being is that the heavy velvet curtains opened and revealed four figures up on the sad excuse of a stage. Turns out that those women were on point. All I see is them.

What was I saying about the stage again?

The atmosphere changed almost instantly. The bassist with colored eyes looks like he belongs on the beach somewhere catching a few waves, Gabe is the guitarist so I won't go into too much detail about him, but even I have to admit he looks bad-ass up there. The singer isn't up there yet so the next guy that got my attention was the drummer. His banging skills were on point, extremely talented that guy is, although I'm pretty sure that wasn't what that girl behind me was gushing about.

I suddenly hear one girl shriek so loud above the rest of the crowd, "OH MY GOD, THERE HE IS!" Almost immediately, girls begin to scream high-pitch. That group behind me began jumping up and down and trying to push forward to get a closer look. I finally lift my gaze to the guy that just sauntered onto the stage with a guitar draped along his back and a microphone in hand.

His camera-ready smile turns into a seductive grin, "Evening." Everything went on mute for me, but in the back of my mind, I know the crowd's cheer just went way louder after he greeted them. I fixated on at those familiar pearly whites for a while until some other facial feature caught my attention. He has two dimples, one on each cheek. My blazing stare draws down, languidly, past his beautifully structured jaw, to his virile, expansive chest. The way his plain black t-shirt just stuck to his physique in all the right places... The dark material makes his vibrant green eyes stand out nicely.

The longer I look the more hot I feel. Licks of heat run up my back and spread into my cheeks. I'm flushed.

I was a goner. Sucker punched in a way that left me breathless as he continued to talk to the crowd and introduce the band members. Usually people get annoyed when a band doesn't play right away, but he seemed to be relaxed up there, like having a normal conversation and taking his sweet time.

When he began to sing the first song of the night, his voice pulled me in to a vortex and held me captive. There was no way I could've fallen so quickly, so unexpectedly. His voice had me in awe, the way he sang didn't so much as take away from the other band members' playing, but in a way complimented them all. So that when they all came together, it was like having a tidal wave wash over and take you to wherever you dared to desire.

This was all too surreal.

During their breaks in-between songs, he mostly sweet-talked the ladies and gave them seductive looks as if saying 'Meet me after the show' or 'I want you here and now'. I wouldn't be surprised if every single woman here would do anything, and I mean anything, to have a night or two with him, or any of the others. Except for Gabe because he's butt ugly.

I'm really starting to wonder why they aren't even signed yet. People at record labels and agencies would have to be blind not to be able to see stardom in their image and sound. These guys could really hit it big and be set for life if they really wanted it.

One of their songs they played was a ballad and a part of the song was acoustic. They had the spotlight on just the singer, and the other guys ceased to play. He was on a stool and for the first time that night, brought around his guitar and strung a few cords.

That moment was not lost on him, I'm sure.

I could tell the difference from when he's having fun and teasing the crowd with gestures and stuff. This time, it was just him and his guitar. His eyelids were closed shut, and he sang from the heart. When that serene moment was over, the crowd practically roared their enjoyment and excitement. His gaze flickered all around, as if searching the crowd. He glanced toward the bar and where I was sitting, but that quickly ended and moved on to other parts of the crowd his eyes haven't covered yet. That was supposed to be the last song of the night, but it was obvious that everybody wanted an encore. They played two more, then they came to an end. They walked off stage, but not before high-fiving the people that were right in front of the stage and waving bye to the rest of the crowd.

I turned in my seat to face the bar and came face to face with the bartender and another drink.

Some of the house lights went back on after the show, so I was able to get a good look at the bartender that bumped into me. Before I could say anything, he throws a rag at me.

"For your leg, it's probably feeling sticky right about now," people began yelling their drink orders left and right, now that there's nobody to watch on stage, not allowing me to voice out my thanks so I nod.

:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･

Author

When she isn't reading, she's writing. Or sleeping.

Eating. Farting. Watching anime. Reading manga. Watching YouTube videos. There also are those rare (not really) times where she gets sucked into the mindless scrolling of social media (mainly Instagram). Or just sitting in the restroom. Doing all of the above.

Trinidad is an emo otaku at heart. Meaning, she can't take a joke, thinks about a lot of dark shit, weird as hell and is super lazy. So, her family and friends aren't too surprised if something shows up in a story or poem. Something is inevitably going to spark an urge for her to write and expand on it. Create. No one is safe. Writing is therapeutic and she will utilize it.

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Blog Tour: Pulled **GIVEAWAY** + Excerpt

Blog Tour: Pulled by A.L. Jackson **GIVEAWAY** + Excerpt

A very tragic and lovely story you can't afford to miss!

Melanie Winters and Daniel Montgomery shared a love most only dream of, a love they believed bonded them together for life.

When their world is shattered by the tragic loss of their daughter, overwhelming grief and misguided guilt distorts the truth, and their relationship ends in uncertainty and unanswered questions.

For nine years, they drift through life, each unable to forget the one who holds the strings to their heart. In an attempt to escape the pain of her past, Melanie finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage, while Daniel loses himself in a career that means nothing without Melanie by his side.

Now, when their lives again intersect, neither can deny the connection they felt so long ago. But will the power that drew them together be enough to heal the wounds from their past, and will they have the courage to overcome the insecurities and fears that threaten to keep them apart?

Pulled is a story of attraction and separation, of destiny and duty, of a love so 
strong it refuses to give up even when all others have.

:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･｡,★゜･:*:･ 

★★★

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nice scenario, wonderful outcome, although a bit idealistic. But you can always hope for that one in a million.

The odds at finding your true love again from way back are slim to none, Especially with the way things ended for Melanie and Daniel.

They both had a rough life and experienced a lot, however, had faith in each other and handled everything together, until they were separated.

I did scan through when I was reading, rushing through it. I just felt that I had to read it quickly and finish it. I was still able to grasp what happened, who was who, what was what. I wasn't put off, but I wasn't overtly amazed by the story. Although the plot is probably more than likely real and has happened in reality, but it was the first story I've read with this particular scenario and storyline.

I was on good standing with the characters' personality, the emotions a character felt were detailed and were enough to enlighten me with the reasons someone did what they did and felt whatever they felt.

Overall, it was an okay, really nice, enjoyable read.

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Excerpt:

I stared down the hallway. Both fear and longing consumed me. I willed myself to walk, but every footstep was heavy, dragging with what I feared I would soon be regret. I stalled outside his door, my heart listening to his. I could feel it pounding, drawing me forward.

I didn't even knock. I turned the knob and pushed the door open. My feet locked in place when I saw him. Daniel. I blinked several times as I took him in. He was leaning over, bracing himself with his palms flat on his desk. He must have realized that it was me just before I opened the door. His head was cocked, his hazel eyes wide.

I couldn't move. I felt as if I were caught in time and the second hand was unable to tick on.

Finally he rose, cautious and slow. His eyes were fierce and desperate, a fire that I’d never seen before burning behind them. My feet moved of their own accord and my arm dropped from the door. Silently it closed behind me. Everything in the room was still except for the energy roaring between us.

“Melanie,” he called to me, a whisper directly to my heart, pumping it with life. I was mesmerized as he wet his dry lips. His shoulders were held rigid, his chest trembling with his staggered breaths. I felt it all—his longing, his desire, his hunger. And I knew he could feel mine. Quivering under his intense stare, my muscles twitched in anticipation. My knees went weak when I saw him snap, undecided no more.

I could barely register the movement before he rounded his desk, and his lips crashed against mine. His hands sank into my hair, pulling my body roughly against his.

It felt as if my body had burst into flames with his sudden touch. Everything about him was overpowering, consuming, dominating. Rough and gentle at the same time.

I pressed into him, my chest against his, our hearts beating in rhythm. Digging my fingers into his neck, I struggled to get closer. We were desperate as we clung to each other. We needed to feel, to heal the scars disfiguring our hearts, to erase some of the hurt. His hands rushed with need, twisted through my curls, down my back, and then into my hair again. His kiss was forceful—too intense—ice and fire and sweet—all Daniel. I breathed him in, touched him, memorized the way he smelled, the way he felt.

His hair was so soft between my fingers. A shiver traveled down his spine.

With a sudden slant of his head, he swept his tongue across my lip. I opened to him, drawing him in. There was no teasing or testing. Aggressively, he moved his mouth with mine, sucking in my bottom lip at the same time he bit at it. Rough. Hard. Perfect. He pushed me back against the door, his body flush with mine. A moan escaped my mouth.

Oh, how I had missed this body.

I ran my hands over his shoulders and down his arms, his muscles firm under my touch. His lips were incessant, his tongue hot and wet.

Fisting a hand in my hair, he pulled it tight, exposing my neck. His movements slowed as he licked down the sensitive skin, seeking out the spot behind my ear he knew would ruin me. He sucked, tugging with his lips, lingering at the delicate hollow below my jaw. I drew in a ragged breath, and my emotions caught up with me. He remembered.

He kissed his way back up, found my mouth again. Fingertips caressed and massaged the back of my neck, the skin afire with his touch.

When he grabbed the back of my knee and hooked my leg over his hip, I gasped.  His palm traveled up the exposed flesh of my thigh, his thumb rubbing circles, coaxing, persuading, demanding a reaction. I pushed back into him, my body deprived of his for far too long.

“Melanie, my love,” he whispered, the words vibrating against my lips.

“Daniel,” I breathed into his mouth.

He pulled back, hooded eyes flaming in their intensity as they sought mine. I couldn’t look away as I peered deep into his soul. The love I found there was never ending, but shrouded in vast regret, grief imprinted on his heart. He ran his nose along my cheek, murmuring in my ear, this time the words dripping in sadness. “Only you.”

Those words resonated in the air, and as much as I knew he wanted to convince himself that they were true, they weren’t.

The weight of what I was doing crushed me. Thoughts of his wife and child lay heavy on my heart, and I remembered how we had gotten here in the first place. He hadn’t chosen me. He didn’t want me.

With trembling hands, I shook my head, trying to keep my insecurities from pouring out. It was impossible. The feelings of complete rejection I’d swallowed down and harbored for all these years came bubbling to the surface and spilled over, erupted as  tears rushing down my face.

“You didn’t want me.”

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About the Author:

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including If Forever Comes, Pulled and When We Collide, as well as the New Adult Romance Come To Me Quietly due out January 7, 2014.

She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children. Her favorite pastime is spending time with the ones she loves.

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Review: Yes, Chef!

Yes, Chef! by Lisa Joy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Very realistic, and crazy and enough to rant about.

Main character, Becca Stone is a reservations girl at a very fancy, extremely famous restaurant that is owned by a famous chef, Damien, who is everything I despise. From from the way he wrongly treats women to the way he thinks he is all but completely innocent. He literally made it to the top of my hit-list, and had me pulling out my hair while I was mentally setting him on fire. Then extinguishing him just to set him on fire again. That is how bad. It wasn't any less for his wife, how can she be the way she is, I just wanted to switch bodies with her to start making right decisions for her. I then thought about how she probably would've done something worse if she were in my body so switching was no longer an option.

Becca Stone is being thrust into the life of catering to these horrible people because Damien's PA, Abigail, is going on vacay. Becca is working so much, she is losing track of time, and much more because she is now permanently Damien's PA. Abigail had been wanting to quit for the longest time and Becca gave her that chance. That should've been more of a sign that Becca was in for some deep shit.

Every single character had something to complain about. That became a never-ending cycle that got real tiring very fast.

I felt that this story was very bitter and cynical than sweet, until the very end. The writing style was something I could not quite exactly follow. I found myself skimming paragraphs and at times skipping a few pages.

So many things went horribly wrong and others were just completely sad and depressing. The whole time, I wanted to stranger Becca for not seeing what was right in front of her. She was necia(sorry, Spanish mixed in here.) and a pendeja. I strangled her every time she made a wrong move, which was almost all the time. I loved her mom though. Gosh did I love her mom, she knew what she was talking about.

Dean was an angel, a miracle, a gift. The best thing in this book, to be totally honest. Finally, things were looking up for a change. Dean was practically the only great person in the story: he was always in a good mood, flirty, sexy, handsome, considerate, passionate, funny, intelligent, successful, and sexy. He was that wonderful and amazing.

There were funny parts, not too much, but just okay. Becca's friend, Samira, was refreshing and quite interesting. Her other friends also worked there with Becca, hence the reason why their complaints were about the same thing, but came from a different person.

I fell head over heels with Italy, and Dean! I'd order myself a Dean with a side of Italia any day. Great food, beautiful language, the community and the environment was such an experience. Ah, love it all...

Overall, this book was an alright read, chic-lit all the way. The outcome of reading this story is me falling in love with Italy. And Dean.


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Mail: You Can Love Again

OH. MY. GOSH.

This came in the mail yesterday!.

You Can Love Again: The Guide of Finding Love That Lasts in Later Life by Jan Haldane

And that's not all!.

I entered a giveaway on Goodreads and I kind of just forgot about it 'cause I really didn't think I'd win. And I was trying to focus on setting up the Blog Hop post to go live on Monday and last the rest of the week. 

When my Grandma told me something came in the mail. I was like 'What?' I saw that it was from New Zealand. That made me even more clueless.

I finally opened it up, and was completely shocked, and ecstatic. I couldn't believe I won the giveaway. I just can't wait to read this book. Thanks Jan!

Review: Scandalous Summer Nights

Scandalous Summer Nights by Grace Callaway

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The epitome of Historical Romance in this wonderful Anthology. Every story was its own and written beautifully.


The Widow Vanishes Prequel to the Heart of Enquiry series by Grace Callaway

I absolutely adored it!! Hands down. No questions asked. I really enjoy romance stories around the Victorian era. It just gives a feel of vintage-like love and just the way things were or could've been. The characters were marvelous, both protagonists and antagonists. I completely fell apart when certain words were commonly spoken that gave more feel to the story and added fire to the flames of the aspiring romance like 'randy' and 'beauty' and 'lass'. [They] really played their part. The writing was on point. [I] just couldn't get enough. I am definitely looking forward to the start of the Heart of Enquiry series.

Solo- 4 stars


Scandal Before Sunrise (Novella) Book #1 of The Weekly Scandal series by Sabrina Darby

I didn't get to really enjoy this story very much. I think my dislike is having to do with having taken so long to read this story. I usually love Regency romance, I mean, any historical romance to be honest, but something was a bit odd for me. It put me off in the very beginning. I did like the characters and the plot, but I just feel like something was in my way of getting a better feel of the everything. Nonetheless, great writing, nicely done in with the character dialogue, very intriguing with everyone's characteristics. Although, things didn't start out right as rain, however, I still look forward to the next book of The Weekly Scandal.

Solo- 3 stars


A Highlander's Heart Book #1 of Highland Knights by Jennifer Haymore

Such a sentimental story, absolutely beautiful, and adored the Scottish brogues. This was my first having ever reading something highlander-like, but the only other Scottish bit I've read other than this bit is Grace Callaway's The Widow Vanishes Prequel in the beginning of this anthology. I fell in love with the rekindling romance and new discovery in heading home to one another. I found the part where the men say 'petting' hilarious. They were saying it back and forth to each other and I just felt that they were referring to women as a pet that needs attention, so I just laughed 'cause it sounded funny and a bit odd. Communication is key people! I highly recommend this read and hope to read the rest of this series.

Solo- 4 stars


Lord Lucifer's Disciple of Haberdashers Nights by Sue London

Brilliant, Completely phenomenal, and fairly outrageous! I could not get enough of the masquerade theme and the scandalous rendezvous. Immensely enjoyed the guide and quotes, as well as the amusement each character had throughout the whole situation, it completely held everything in a lighter aspect of living in this time period and the way society was made out to be. Fascinating literary talents here shown overall and best shown its more creative side in the wittiness expressed by the characters and the thoughtfulness in how everything played out. I irrevocably fell for the main characters and their masque'd journey to learning each other and come to love like no other. I give the utmost recommendation to this story.

Solo- 5 stars


How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days Book #1 of What Happens in Scotland by Kate McKinley

Such sexual tension, undoubtedly alluring, scandalous and genuine all in one. I loved the magnetic pull between the main characters. Their infatuation with one another was a fine line between love and hate. The challenging, mischievous heroine was a perfect counterpart to the all male, brooding hero. All along the way they discover that their intentions and assumptions were all wrongly appointed. The hot, scorching romance firing up between them is only just beginning and soon, both will fall into the fiery pits of wondrous pleasure. Lovely plot, everything fit rightfully so. An enticing read all around.

Solo- 4 stars


Miss Amelia Lands a Duke A Prequel to The Caversham Chronicles by Sandy Raven

Incredibly enticing, different from other historical romances I've read, but nonetheless an exceptional read. The sex scenes were getting really close to modern contemporary romance or NA. The characters were aware of their modest conservative ways in their time period in society, but behind closed doors, or the curtains in the confinements of a carriage in this setting, there is no telling what to expect, but to expect something. I loved. For me, it was something wild and excitingly new to the table with the historical setting. Especially with the characters age difference. I was intrigued with their relationship and how they were both considered passed their prime, but at the same time, acted like young lovebirds. The love that transpired was strong, and beautiful. I applaud the author for their magical literary talents. I look forward to reading the rest of The Caversham Chronicles.

Solo- 5 stars


Overall, I felt that I was able to see some connections between stories here and there or maybe trying to paste some parts of history with or parts of history. I do not know but majority of the time I has a blast reading these stories, fell in love more than twice, and drooled over the teasing and love scenes, and laughed off every witty comment I could find. Great work form these all of these authors, I completely recommend'em all.


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Review: Lex and Lu

Lex and Lu by J. Santiago

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Complete heart-throb, utterly bittersweet, undeniably real!!

The beautiful cover caught me at first sight. the synopsis was soul-catching, literally got me hooked to proceed on to reading the book. This was a beautiful story of two childhood sweethearts who've went through so much so young and having to once again come together to be able to see it all through.

In the very beginning, I felt really confused. It was obvious that I was left out of knowing what was going on. It was totally mind-boggling. The main female character, Lu, was the one with the secret, that every one else knew about. And when mentioning the male character, Lex, it was absolutely clear that he took some part in what happened, but obtuse about the secret. I was put into his shoes. Completely ignorant of what everyone was hiding, but completely aware of being left out.

I was able to relate and understand Lex; his behavior, and thought-process. I was also able to understand Lu and her struggle with letting the truth out as well as feeling deserving of whatever Lex lashed out on her. They were complete opposites. He was a famous soccer player, she was admirably intellectual and just about to graduate with a PhD while still in her early twenties. All of the characters were their own person and struggling with their own part in this family dilemma, even after so many sentences adding up how much they took off their parents.

I felt equally happy and sad, giddy and annoyed, chipper and irritated, angry and gobsmacked at all the things that occurred.

The secrets.
The sex.
The lies.
The love.
The hate.
The regret.
The grief.

It all turned for the better I can assure that, but it does take time for Lex and Lu to gain equilibrium with everything turning on its axis.

This bittersweet love story was marvelously written. Every single page spoke volumes. Many times were fun, hilarious, melancholic, shocking, and beautiful.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this wonderful story, and really appreciate the author's hard work.


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Review: One is Enough

One is Enough by Love

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Neutral all the way!

I was at first giddy at the upbeat romance starting to begin between the two main characters. I admit, it was super fast. They literally just met, but that wasn't really a big issue for me because it is a manga.

So, when things start to crumble way faster than how it started, I knew there was something wrong. The best friend ends up having to comfort the main character, and wind up getting used and hurt in the process.

Meanwhile, the other main character is already in a relationship that he doesn't really care about either. His past is what torments him constantly, and therefore causes him to push people away or keep them at a distance.

The two main characters end up coming together again and are now both willing to meet each other half way and be in a committed relationship.

In the end, everyone seems to be content and happy and able to move forward.

Overall, I enjoyed this very quick and cute manga.


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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: 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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