Review: The Scorpio Races

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is, hands down, my most favorite book ever. EVER.

I can say that because it's true.
You will believe it because you can see I've read this book about five times.

I've never fallen more in love with the characters in a book quite the way I fall in love with Sean and Puck and Corr and Dove with each reading.

Each time I pick up this book or push play on my audio, I fall in love with something new. Whether it's the love Finn has for The Morris, or the way every single person calls Sean Kendrick by his first and last name, or how deeply Puck loves the island, I find something new to love. Something old to love.

I find myself, for the first time since encountering The Scorpio Races, reading this book at the most perfect time of year. It's the time the water horses come out of the sea. It's the time we start preparing for the races. It's a time when many will die. It's October. And on the first day of November, someone will die.

It is rare that I find a book that can continue to bring tears to my eyes. I've officially listened to this book twice this year and each time I find myself crying at the end. I find myself laughing when it is time to laugh, I find myself smiling, and frowning, and crying.
Every.
Single.
Time.
I.
Read.
This.
Book.

What kind of power is that? What kind of magical, lyrical prose does Maggie Stiefvater have that others do not? What does she do to make me come back time and time again?

Does she speak to me in the way the water horses speak to the people of Thisby? If I touch the book with bare skin, will I feel the pull of the world inside the pages? Is there a certain Island magic that brings out the courageous and the brave who are willing and ready to battle it out? Does the sea speak to me the way it speaks to Sean Kendrick? Will I find myself rooted to the ground with Thisby growing around me? Or do I have one foot on land and one in the sea?

*Fiona Hardingham and Steve West bring these characters to life, in a manner of speaking. I always hate saying that because the author gives them life, the author gives them their voice, but the narrators add a whole new element that gives them a bit of the creative genius as well. They breathe life into already living characters, they give voice to people who speak on their own, they bring the settings and the scenes and the entire story to the front of your mind, even when you're already thinking about it. So, yes, listening is a completely different experience. I can no longer read this book without hearing these narrators and their accents and their voices. But Fiona Hardingham is Kate "Puck" Connelly and Steve West is Sean Kendrick.

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Review: Move the Stars

Move the Stars by Jessica Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 I Made a Mistake Stars

He became demanding, hard almost angry. I was willing, soft, almost terrified.

This is the ending we've been waiting for all year. Lake and Manning have been plagued with struggles. First she's too young, then he's in jail, and when he gets out? He chooses someone else.

Now, you're probably wondering how in the world Jessica Hawkins can recover from that ending in Something In the Way, but just know she does. She recovers, but not before breaking you just a little bit further. If you were hurting during the first two books, well, hold on, because you aren't going to feel any better while reading this.

Until you do feel better.
And you fall in love.
And you find yourself.
And you realize that it was never really something anyone could control.
And you finally see that you really can't move the stars.



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Review: Mr. & Mrs.

Mr. & Mrs. by J.A. Huss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

6 MISTERS Stars

Because, well, there are SIX Misters and they all deserve a star to call their own.

JA Huss is back and she is just as fine as ever. Not only has she delivered the Five story we all waited oh, so patiently for, but she has now given us the HEA to top the last HEA. She has given us the Misters in all their family glory.

Five and his Princesses.
Mac and Ellie.
Nolan and the girls.
West and his son.
Pax and Cindy.
Oli and Kat.

The entire clan is here. The entire clan is looking for something just a little bit more .
Gimme more.

I've never been so happy for a "like father, like son" moment as I was when Oli and Kat found those bikes.
And can we talk about Nolan and those princesses he finds himself mixed up with? Just, there's nothing sweeter or more lovable about Romantic than him learning how to host a tea party for his very own princess.
The hike for Ellie and Mac? God, I couldn't stop laughing.
What about West? And Pax? And Match?

Oh, god. The family is all here. All the Shrikes, the Astons, the Misters. THEY ARE ALL HERE.

Don't read this without reading the other Misters books. And if you want the whole story, read the Rook and Ronin series too. You won't be sorry.

JA Huss is perfection. I quit. No one can do this better than she can.

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Review: Hooking Up

Hooking Up by Helena Hunting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Does Helena Hunting ever disappoint?
The answer is no.

5 Hooking Up Stars

We all met Amie in Shacking Up. We all met Armstrong. Did we all hate Armstrong? Thought so.
Just a little warning, you won't like him at the end of this book either. Or the beginning. Or anywhere in between. You will continue with your hate-fest for Armstrong.

Now, on to Amie. Amie is fantastic. She's fun, sweet, an amazing friend, and has a little wild streak which gave her the name Anarchy Amie. Seems reasonable that after her husband screws her over that she'd go a little crazy. I know I would.

Anarchy Amie comes out to play.
But who does she want to play with?

Going on the honeymoon of a lifetime--alone--Amie finds herself again. She gets back to what it means to be Amie and she finds a hot, sexy, tattooed bad boy to hook up with while she's there. It's just the thing she needs to get over her cheating jerk of a husband.

Helena will make you laugh and swoon and fall in love while reading Hooking Up. You'll cheer for Amie and her Hottie Hook Up throughout the entire book. You'll want more, but you'll be completely satisfied with the end.

The perfect blend of romance, comedy, and finding yourself while losing yourself at the same time. You're gonna love this book.

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Review: Current

Current by Abby McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jake and June will be the romance you want to reread. I am so disappointed that I didn't read this book sooner. I could have experienced all the things if only I had picked it up!!

As it stands, I listened to this audio and it was perfection. The narrator is the perfect June. She's the perfect third person voice for Jake's scenes--despite it not being in his POV.

Well written, beautifully crafted, and a bit magical. Current will pull you in. Current will push you away. Current will keep you.

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Review: Unloved

Unloved by Katy Regnery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 I want it too Stars

It's the age old question: nature versus nurture. Which prevails? Which is more important? Nature? Nurture? Both?

That's what I didn't realize I would be pondering while reading this story. I knew the love story would be unconventional, but I didn't realize just how different and how amazing it would be.

Well, beyond the fact that Katy Regnery wrote it and she's pretty freaking amazing--I haven't met a book of hers I didn't like.

But Cassidy and Brynn? Wow. I experienced ALL THE FEELS with this book.

I feel like I trust him, like I need him, like I want him.

Brynn has to find a way to move on. She has to find peace. She needs closure. She will say goodbye.
On Katahdin. The place where Jem's soul would live on.

But what do you do when the worst case scenario happens to you? What do you do when you are experiencing something unfathomable?

Do you run? Do you fight? Do you succumb to the pain?

I watch her. I memorize her. I drink her in.

Cassidy lives a quiet life. He is isolated from society and seems to be content with the way things are. He's been fighting demons that aren't his, but demons he can't escape nonetheless. He will do whatever it takes to conquer those demons.

But what do you do when you hear a scream? What do you do when you stumble upon something unfathomable?

Do you run? Do you fight? Do you give in to your demons?

"But don't go too fast, huh?"

What unfolds in this book is unlike any other book I've read. The questions, the longing, the desire. The complications. The need. The want.

Can Brynn get the closure she needs on Katahdin? Can Cassidy save her from her past while holding his demons back?

Will the two find happiness with each other?

Will they find love?

I love her. I will love her until the sky falls. Until the sun and moon fail to rise. Until Katahdin crumbles. I will love her forever.

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Review: Sweet Talk

Sweet Talk by S.L. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Danny Weston.
Supermodel.

Danny Weston.
Sweet Talker.

I've read Danny before. I've loved and lived for Danny Weston. I devoured Danny Weston.

But listening to Sweet Talk, having Danny in my ears, speaking to me, whispering to me, reaching inside my soul and holding on tight?

God, it's more amazing than I could ever explain.

Kylie Stewart and Eric Rolon are freaking spectacular. Perfect. The chemistry is real, the emotion is raw, and the love is deep. And these two bring Danny and Reece to life like never before.



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Review: From This Moment

From This Moment by Melanie Harlow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another heartbreaking love story from Melanie Harlow.

Just when you think she couldn't get any better, she does. She pushes the envelope on love. She makes you think outside the box. She makes you feel.

And I felt.

I felt happiness, sadness, loneliness, closeness, and everything in between.

Hannah is a widow, left to raise her daughter on her own. She's doing everything she can to survive, but sometimes life is just too hard, too much.

Wes is surviving his brother's death. After spending years overseas, he finally comes home to his family. While learning the ropes at the family practice, he's building and mending bridges with Hannah, his sister-in-law, and Abby, his niece.

But what happens when you start to fall for the one person you should never have feelings for? What happens when others stick their noses in your business and think they know better than you do? What happens when it all blows up in your face and the very thing you've been fighting against is inevitable?

Do you embrace it?
Or just let it slip through your fingers?

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Review: Something Wicked

Something Wicked by Teresa Mummert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I never know what I'm going to get when I read a Teresa Mummert book. And I like it like that.
She has a unique writing style, her words are easy to digest and absorb, her characters are flawed and messed up and redeemable.

Drake is that redeemable character. You aren't sure if you're going to like him when he first shows up, but when it's all said and done, you do. You may even love him a little.

Gabby is fun, yet serious, beautiful, shy and outspoken. She's quite the contradiction. She's also one of the coolest chicks out there.

And she catches the attention of Hollywood A-lister, Drake.

Yep, it's a fun ride. You better hold on because Teresa throws twists and flips and turns that will have you all over the place.

**I listened to this book. LOVED it. I've gotten to where i typically only choose books by narrators I like and these two make that 'like' list.

"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."

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Review: Sure Thing

Sure Thing by Jana Aston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 She's Real Stars

I'm a sucker for all things Jana Aston. She stole my loyalty when she gave us that rom-com about the sexy gynecologist. Then she just kept going with the sexy, older men and I haven't looked back.

Well, Sure Thing is no exception to this 'haven't looked back' thing I have going with Jana. And Jennings? Well, what's not to love about a sexy, older man who is British?
Nothing, by the way. Absolutely nothing.

I fell in love with Violet first. She is cute and quirky and fun. She's likable. I want to be friends with her. This is probably one of my favorite things about Jana's characters--they're likable. And I wish I knew them all. I wish I could meet up and have lunch with them. Especially Violet. Probably because she's got that hot British guy on her arm and I'd like a hot British guy. Because....well, British. And hot. And British.

"How do you want to fuck? Soft or hard? Fast or slow? Dirty or dirty?"

The answer is 'yes, please!' in case you're curious. Jennings thinks so, too. And said in that accent? Oh, where's the audio for this book? I need it.

"Knees, love. I want to feel your warm, wet mouth wrapped around me."

Why does that sound so hot?

Oh, right. The accent. That'll do it. I'm with Violet on this one, the accent makes smart women dumb. At least it would me. Let's face it, Jana is a go-to favorite, an automatic one-click, my favorite rom-com author. In fact, she's almost my only rom-com author. I can't wait to see what she gives us next (I'm hoping for Daisy, Rhys, or even Canon)!!!

When she remembers this night it shouldn't be with another woman's name on my lips. And she will remember this night.

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Review: Her Rogue Russian

Her Rogue Russian by Leslie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Her Rogue Russian is the second book in the Karev Brothers series. I have not read the first book, but I do not think that distracts from the story. In fact, if I didn't know it was book 2, I wouldn't have realized there was a book before this one.

Maxim Karev. Russian mafia. Killer. Number one suspect in his father's death.

Savannah. FBI. Going undercover to flesh out the real killer in Maxim's father's case.

Who knew going undercover could be so hot and steamy?

The chemistry can be felt, the story is well-written, and the characters are all unique. For this to only be a 3ish hour audio, I did not feel cheated or like I missed anything.

I can't wait to read book 3 because I have to see how this plays out.
I'm going to go back and grab book 1 first though. I want to know what the other Karev brother is like because I've gotten to know Maxim and I love him.

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Review: Destiny on Ice

Destiny on Ice by S.R. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We all know I love the hockey boys.

This is no different. I want a Brent Oliver to call my own. Where can I get one?

Another hockey series for me to love. New hockey hotties to call my own.

One day, I'll hit puck bunny status and you all will know exactly what led me there.

Books. Book led me there. Smutty, sexy, funny, romantic hockey books.

I won't regret a minute of it.

*I audio'd this fantastic book. Tracy Marks will forever be a favorite. I can't wait to hear more of her narrations.

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Review: Scandalous

Scandalous by L.J. Shen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All the Stars!

Okay, so I guess I'll give it the 5 I'm allowed, but just know I'd give it more if I could.

I wanted what was forbidden, and wrong, and fucking crazy.

The Four HotHoles of Todos Santos have ruined me. They have owned me, destroyed me, claimed me, loved me, and hated me. They have confused me, wooed me, fucked me, and left me. These men have done unspeakable things and I couldn't care less.

Anything that could drive you mad cannot be all bad, right? Even jealousy. Even hate.

Hate is a maddening thing. Jealous isn't any better. The line between love and hate is riddled with holes and twists and turns and it can leave you breathless. It can leave you wanting. It can leave you in pain.

"The things I want to do to you will undo you."

Okay, let's get down to it. We all knew Trent Rexroth would break us. We knew he would bend us against our will. We knew he would undo us.
But did we really see it going down like this? Were you expecting that twist and turn and fucking loop that only LJ Shen can force you to ride?
No?
I wasn't expecting it either. I wasn't expecting the sheer craziness of Trent and Edie. I wasn't expecting Bane--BANE!--and I wasn't expecting the people to be so connected in ways that weren't expected.
I loved the ride.
I loved the thrill.
I loved the heartache.
I loved the pain.

"Every inch of you is mine.
Your breath is mine.
Your mind is mine.
Your body is definitely mine."

Trent might be my new favorite HotHole. I'm not sure how it's possible to give me a better man with each subsequent book, but it has happened. Each HotHole has that something that draws you in and doesn't let go. Trent "the Mute" Rexroth will grab you and not let go.

"My girl, my obsession, my Tide."

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