"Impulsion" by Jamie Magee (Station 32 Book #1)

"With a glance Wyatt Doran stole Harley Tatum’s heart. With each summer that passed, touch by touch, they robbed each other’s innocence, birthing a love that was so deep that it scorched within. Without warning, they were ripped from the clutches of each other, placed in lives that were worlds apart. Only to cross paths after a freak accident where Harley’s horse rig was flipped. An accident that Wyatt Doran, from fire station 32, responded.

The tension was immediate, the emotions were raw. One breath told them they were not the same as before, one touch…changed their world."

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Impulsion by Jamie Magee (Station 32 Book #1)
Completed: 06.04.2015

* I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Impulsion is the first 'more adult' read from the author, and it did not disappoint.

The story starts off with Harley taking riding lessons over the summer, and gradually falling in love with Wyatt throughout the summer and her little trips back to the estate. One fine day, their love affair was found out and it ripped them both apart. Now, it seems like the fates are not yet done weaving their story, and a freak accident brings them back together again.

The story was so delicately written with great descriptions and I felt like I could relate to both characters. The element of rekindled young love was also great to read, the chemistry is still there for both Harley and Wyatt, but can they overlook the problems of the past and finally be together again?

This is the first time I'm reading a piece of work by Jamie Magee, and her style of writing is so different from most, but once I adjusted, I started flying through the book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, and I literally mean anyone, because if you don't read this book... Man, you have no idea what you're missing out on!

Four stars!

"Seal's Desire" by Elle James (Take No Prisoners Book #2)

"Navy SEAL teams with a sexy NCIS agent undercover as a stripper to find a missing naval officer. 

Navy SEAL Remy LaDue wants Mitchell Sanders, but hasn't made a move since he slept with her the night of his buddy, her former boyfriend's funeral. A year later, his plan to be her Valentine date runs amuck when he finds her undercover as a stripper at a local club. 
NCIS agent Mitchell Sanders never wanted to settle, dedicated to her job and justice is finally ready to commit to the SEAL she accidentally fell in love with. When her friend, a female navy officer, goes missing she puts her love life on hold and goes undercover to find her friend, only to discover her SEAL is back in town and threatening to blow her cover. 
Remy and Mitchell join forces to find her friend and uncover a human trafficking organization in the darkest heart of Virginia Beach while their attraction for each other burns hotter than the sun."

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Seal's Desire by Elle James (Take No Prisoners Book #2)

Completed: 01.04.2015

* I received this book from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Holy smokes, I don't even know where to begin. This ebook only had 94 pages but packed more of a punch than most of my other full length books! Remy, is your resident 'bad' boy, and an amazingly hot SEAL. While Mitchell was the sassy NCIS agent who would go through hell just to find a missing friend.

The story was well written from start to finish, the contents flowed through the book smoothly, and found myself finishing it in a very short time without even realising it. There was a ton of action going on, amidst the steamy romance that Remy and Mitchell shared. I loved how the author introduced several other members of Remy's Navy SEALs Team, they were all so lovable and fun to get to know, and I will definitely be picking up the rest of the books in the Take No Prisoners series, because this book was that good!

I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a short, fun read, filled with action and heart-pumping romance scenes!

A huge shout out to Elle James, for writing such an amazing story and for giving me the opportunity to read and fall in love with the story!

FOUR STARS!
Give me the next book!

"Where the Road Takes Me" by Jay McLean

Chloe has one plan for the future, and one plan only: the road. She’s made a promise to herself: don’t let anyone in, and don’t let anyone love her. She’s learned the hard way what happens if she breaks her rules. So she’s focused on being invisible and waiting until she can set out on the road—her dream of freedom, at least for a little while.

Blake Hunter is a basketball star who has it all—everything about him looks perfect to those on the other side of his protective walls. He can’t let anyone see the shattered pieces behind the flawless facade or else all his hopes and dreams will disappear.

One dark night throws Chloe and Blake together, changing everything for Blake. For Chloe, nothing changes: she has the road, and she’s focused on it. But when the so-called perfect boy starts to notice the invisible girl, they discover that sometimes with love, no one knows where the road may lead.

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Where the Road Takes Me by Jay McLean
Completed: 30.03.2015

*I received this book from Amazon Publishing via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Where the road takes me was a much more difficult read for me to actually get into, there were a lot of issues for me, starting with the connection between Chloe and Blake, I really could not relate to the attraction that Blake had for Chloe. There was a lot of indecisiveness on Chloe's half, she kept pushing him away, and to be frank, I don't believe any guy has the patience for the amount of 'running away' that she does.

Chloe as a character did not have that reader-character connection for me, I guess it was mostly due to her general attitude towards life? I'm not too sure. But I did take a liking to Blake further on into the story, he would come up with the most cliche things to say, some were sweet, and some were just a little bit too corny for my liking.

The story in general was alright, and had so much going for it. I'm still at a loss as to why I couldn't get into it, as I normally do with other books. There were a few inconsistencies in the writing, that really threw me off, and the story did not flow nicely throughout the book, and has taken me this long to actually finish reading it.

Overall, I am so disappointed with this book, as I was so excited to read it as the blurb made it sound like such an amazing story. I really hate to give such a negative review, especially to authors like Jay McLean who has written such excellent books, I'm a huge fan of her More Than Series, but this just did not cut it for me.

Three Stars.

"True Blue" by Jules Barnard (Blue Series Book #3)

In the Blue Series, love in Lake Tahoe means looking beneath the surface.

Mira Frasier survived a dark childhood. Now she’s in trouble and forced to live with Tyler Morgan, the boy whose heart she broke in high school. Something’s going to crack. Will it be Mira’s hold on a haunted life, or Tyler’s self-control for the girl he never got over?

"This story of Mira and Tyler is one filled with misunderstandings, heartbreak and passionate love. I thought the characters were well defined, and the book flowed through the plotline seamlessly. A sprinkling of danger, powerful punches of lust were what held my interest throughout the book." -- Deliciously Wicked Books

Mira Frasier has worked hard to pull herself out of the darkness of her Tahoe reservation childhood, but rough beginnings shape a person in all the wrong ways. Mira gets mixed up with shady people while trying to bail out her destitute mother—and now Mira’s life is in danger. 

Tyler Morgan grew up a star athlete and scholar, but a tragedy he hasn’t dealt with has him regrouping in his home town of South Lake Tahoe. The last person he expects to see is Mira, the girl he lost his virginity to in high school, and the only woman who ever took a piece of his heart. He’d rather live in a tent than do what his sister asks and stay with Mira while they figure out how to keep her safe from the men who attacked her. 

To ensure Mira remains in his past where she belongs, Tyler agrees to look out for her temporarily until she’s safe enough to move out on her own. And if he has to push that process along by snooping around and figuring out what she’s hiding, he’ll do that too. Only, Mira is still beautiful, and she’s feisty as hell, and she has all his attention—just like she did six years before.

Mira is driving Tyler crazy, the tension between them off the charts while they’re trapped under the same roof. Something is going to crack. Will it be Mira’s last hold on a haunted life, or Tyler’s self-control around the one girl he’s never been able to get over?

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True Blue by Jules Barnard
Completed: 31.03.2015

* I received this title from the author via [New Adult Book Club] on Goodreads as part of the Read It Review It programme, in exchange for my honest opinion.

I've really been on a role with receiving books by authors that I have never read. True Blue was no exception, it was perfectly written with just the right amount of 'pazzaz' in all aspects, you want thrilling moments? Check. Swoon worthy male? Check. A kickass female lead? Check. I could go on and on, naming things to check off your list, but you get my flow.

I found myself flying through the pages, wanting to know more, needing to know more with every single page. It follows the story of Mira and Tyler, two individuals battling demons of their own, and by a twist of fate are thrust back into each others arms in the most unexpected way. It is a story about second chances, and shows just how deeply first love impacts a person, however, the underlying fear of losing those you love, especially on a family level really hit me hard. However, towards the end I found myself disappointed with the lack of action happening, especially after the building tension that I felt throughout the whole book. I wish the author would've added a chapter or two just to satisfy the readers' budding tension.

Nevertheless, True Blue was an enjoyable read, and I love love loved the relationship and electricity I could feel through the pages of my e-reader every time Mira and Tyler came into contact. Do prepare yourself for moments where things turn in the complete opposite direction, and you're left slack-jawed in complete disbelief, and you may experience moments where you feel like throwing a tantrum because of something someone does, that completely ruins everything you anticipated.

Four stars! I will definitely be getting myself a copy of the first two books in the series!

PS: Thank you so much, Mrs. Barnard for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book :) 

"Safe at Home" by Christina Kirby (The Warm Springs Trilogy Book #1)

"Driven by fear and desperate to protect her family, Samantha is forced to leave Chicago and everything she’s worked to achieve, only to start over by tossing a dart-at-the-map. The Georgia townsfolk’s true Southern charm is the unexpected prescription needed to heal her soul, and the sexy carpenter who touches her heart are distractions she didn’t plan on, but they might offer her a chance at a new life, if she can let go of her past. 

Town heartbreaker, Spencer Malloy, isn’t looking for anything serious. His days are perfect working as a contractor, attending his nephew’s baseball games or taking him fishing. He never expects to fall for the big city girl, Samantha. She’s not his type, timid and closed off, but in her unguarded moments, he’s intrigued by the woman he can’t get out of his mind. The urge to get closer to her grows stronger each day, and when the shadow of evil resurfaces, he vows to protect Samantha, even if it means abandoning his home and joining her on the run. 

When confronted by the man who’s bent on revenge, Samantha must choose between running again to save the people she loves, or if she has the strength, to stay and fight for her new life."

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Safe at Home by Christina Kirby
Completed: 03.03.2015

This is the first book I have ever read by Christina Kirby, and I must say, I am so glad I got myself a copy of Safe at Home. This book follows Samantha, who finds herself in danger from a psychopath (no, really. He's a frickin psycho!), and in order to keep those she loves safe she leaves her hometown and starts a new chapter in a completely new town, where she can hide herself. Enter bad boy, Spencer Malloy, this guy had me swooning throughout the whole book. I couldn't even think of anything else but the electric connection between Samantha and Spencer.

The book was written beautifully from the descriptions to the interactions between all characters in the book. I don't think I've ever had as many emotions as I did reading Safe at Home... So much feels, bad and good, EVERYWHERE. I thought the book would have been one of those easy going romance reads, however - I found myself stuck in the middle of a freaking thriller. I always wanted to know what happens next, I like the element of a psychopath as well, not because I like psychopaths, it's just that it adds so much more flavour to the book, and is essentially what set it apart from all the other books I've read recently!

I am so satisfied with this read, and can't wait for the next book in the Trilogy!!

FOUR STARS!
:)

"Everything Has Changed" by Mia Kayla

"Imagine finding the love of your life at the age of six.

Bliss Carrington did. 

Bliss has known Jimmy Brason since first grade. He took on the role of the big brother Bliss never had, breaking Bliss out of her shy shell, encouraging her to have fun in high school, and pushing her to live her life to the fullest. They have always been friends—until one day, Bliss wanted more. Now seeing women everywhere swooning over Jimmy, head quarterback of the New York Cougars, is enough to drive her to madness.

Jimmy has been in love with Bliss forever, but she doesn’t know and she can never find out. In all the craziness of his fast track to fame and money, Bliss is the one person who has kept him sane. He firmly believes that history repeats itself and with his tainted past, he’s afraid that he’s fated to hurt her if he allows himself to follow his heart.

Bliss has watched Jimmy grow from a boy into a man, and it’s not fair that someone else will get to keep him when she knows in her heart that he only belongs to her.

When they tiptoe on the edge of love, can their friendship remain intact with both of them ignoring the rumblings that’s threatening to explode?

EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED is a story of love, loss, and longing for the one you grew up loving.

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Everything Has Changed by Mia Kayla

Completed: 17.02.2015

* I received this title as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful story about two friends who struggle to find their way through life, and the gut wrenching story about two people who have been in love with each other for years but never found the courage to confess.

The story is written in Bliss' point of view, she's your average college law student, who is in love with someone (Jimmy) who isn't so average. I found a whole zoo of butterflies throughout this book, and I also found my heart constricting, with the overwhelming urge to write myself into the book so I could punch the living daylights out of certain people. *no spoilers here*

I started reading this book in the morning over a cup of coffee, and found myself glued to my seat until I'd turned the last page. This is the first time I'm reading a book by Mia Kayla, and I've been so blessed recently to have found such amazing authors, and being given the opportunity to read and review their books. I fell in love with the characters, the way the book was written, and the emotional roller coaster ride I was put through while reading.

Four stars! 

"One Song Away" by Molli Moran

"She needs a fill-in boyfriend. He needs a favor. It's the perfect, no-strings arrangement until they both realize it's too real...

Sophie-Claire Wright's life is like a bad country song on repeat. She keeps running into her cheating ex, her songwriting career isn't taking off, and her roommate just kicked her out of their apartment. With nothing to lose, she decides to do the one thing she said she'd never do: she moves back home. She left her small Southern town with big dreams, but now she's going home with empty pockets. 

Life moves at a slower pace in Sophie's blink-and-you'll-miss-it hometown, but her well-meaning, matchmaking mama doesn't have a slow gear. Sophie invents a boyfriend to hold off her mother's efforts, but she's out of luck when her mom wants to meet him. Sophie panics until she runs into Jake Cooper. Her high school crush (and former best friend) is back in town, too, and when he asks her for a favor, she agrees... on one condition. He says he'll be her fill-in boyfriend so it should be simple: re-introduce him to her family and then "break up" with him after a few weeks.

Sophie is sure she'll be able to resist Jake this time. Sure, she was in love with him years ago, but that was then. This is now, no matter how great he looks, or how she feels around him. But she didn't bargain for moments that feel all too genuine. Dates that don't seem fake. Kisses that leave her shaken and wanting more. Sweet moments where she forgets they aren't really dating. And she didn't count on old feelings resurfacing and complicating their arrangement -- which is starting to feel less like acting and more like the real deal.

Soon, Sophie can't tell which kisses are real or fake, but she knows she's in deep...and she thinks Jake is, too. When she gets a chance to go back to Nashville and chase her dreams again, she has a choice to make: stay or go? Continue hoping that the life she wants is one song away, or finally write her own song?"

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One Song Away by Molli Moran
Completed: 15.02.2015

* I received this title from the [New Adult Book Club] on Goodreads as part of the Read It Review It programme.

Where do I start? One Song Away is a book for those who love stories about best friends who turn into lovers. (like me!) The way in which the book itself was written was so different, it didn't have one of those overnight love interest kinda things. I absolutely loved reading about how the friendship gradually turned into something more.

When they first started their (fake) relationship, I was constantly waiting for something more to happen. However, like I said above nothing was rushed, and the whole relationship was handled delicately. The one thing I look for in any book I read is being able to relate to the character, and to feel the happiness, pain, confusion and all the other things that come their way. And wow, did I get the feels on every single page I flipped!

The characters were all very, VERY realistic. I felt like they were the kind of people I would want in my life, they both experienced the ups and downs of life, and from that they grew stronger as individuals. This book is about making the most of the cards life hands you, being daring enough to love and not know whether you will be loved back, and to follow your dreams no matter where they take you. The best thing about it was that it also teaches you that sometimes chasing your dreams doesn't mean travelling halfway across the world, sometimes you can find them in your own backyard.

I am so glad I got a copy of this book to read, I believe it is one of my favourite reads so far this year.

Four fanfrickintastic stars!

PS: I just want to share a small part of the book with all of you, that I will remember always!

"'Shooting star' relationships, as Mama calls them. She claims some people are in our lives for a short time, for a purpose, and then no matter how amazing the relationship, they're gone."

"Too Many Reasons" by Kristen Strassel (Spotlight Series Book #2)

"Abby Gauthier is close to getting everything she's worked so hard for. The band she manages, Sinister Riot, has been offered a major record contract. But it comes with a catch: the band must add Eli Jamison, winner of the talent show The Spotlight, to the lineup.

Devon Sinclair is the singer of Sinister Riot, and he's Abby's best friend. She's in love with him, but fears she'll lose him if she makes the first move. Devon knows adding Eli to the band is a mistake, and he's right. Eli's interested in more than just making an album. He wants to take control of the band, and he wants to get to know Abby better. A lot better. When tensions between Devon and Eli threaten to destroy Sinister Riot, Abby must act on her true feelings or lose everything she's ever wanted."

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Too Many Reasons by Kristen Strassel (Spotlight Series Book #2)

Completed: 04.02.2015

* I received this title as an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Abby is the manager of Sinister Riot, and has always been in love with the lead singer, Devon. When Sinister Riot is forced to add Eli into their band, a move that could make them big, tensions are high. Will Sinister Riot finally make it to where they want to be?

This book is for fans of band-based romance, and love-triangles! The author made the relationship between each individual character very differently. Which I found extremely refreshing, because not everybody got along with everybody - and it wasn't the typical situation where a protagonist comes along, and you feel like he would be the 'annoying one' throughout the entire book. No, it was nothing like that. Everybody had their plus points, as well as their bad sides.

This is the first time I've read any book by Kristen Strassel, and I was pretty impressed, to be honest. The book was really well written, and the characters were realistic. The only reason I won't be giving this book four stars is because I'm not too keen about love-triangles. There were parts of the book where I found myself wanting to smack someone. I won't spoil it for you, but I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for band romance, as well as, a little something different!

Three Stars!

PS: Do you have to read the first book in the series in order to enjoy this one? Nope. Not at all, Too Many Reasons is great as a stand alone novel.

"The Forgotten Ones" by Laura Howard (The Danaan Trilogy Book #1)

"Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity."

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The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard

Completed: 04.02.2015

The Forgotten Ones is a story about Allison (Al), a normal girl who's got her life pretty much planned out; a job, grad school & taking care of her schizophrenic mother. She has no time for distractions, especially one by the name Ethan. However, a twist of fate lands Al in a heap of trouble. Especially with her long-lost father suddenly turning up on her front porch claiming he can 'heal' her mother. 

It was a really short, fun read. I loved the determination Allison had. Ethan was super swoon worthy, I found myself biting my lip, and smiling to myself for quite a large portion of the book. The descriptions of places in the book were magical, especially Tir Na Nog. (No pun intended)

The other characters were great, Niamh, Aodhan, Liam, as well as, Nicole. They add so much character to the book, each having their own distinct attitudes. 

Overall, it was a great read & I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in Irish folklore, more specifically the Tuatha Dé Danann. Awesome start to a trilogy.

Three and a half stars! Almost at four!

"TAG" by Shari J. Ryan

"What if your family had a big secret . . . a life changing secret. My dad, the bigwig CIA agent, was always on the run, whether he was being chased or doing the chasing. I missed him. Then my mom passed away, and my sister was murdered. I turned my solitude to strength because the alternative was too bleak.

But my luck seemed to turn: I met Tango. And while I want him more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my twenty-two years, danger lurks around every corner and I simply can’t take the chance of it finding me. But his tattoos, his smell, his darkness, and his body— that marine has taken over my every thought. But, what if he too isn’t what I think? A ticking time bomb isn’t going to leave me much time to waver. Even the bravest person can be in need of a miracle.

Before she was gone, my mom warned me to know everyone and trust no one. But what was I supposed to do when I found out I am the one not to be trusted? Turns out, I was always the bait in this conspiracy.

In author Shari J. Ryan’s gripping novel, TAG, the canyons hold secrets, the waterfalls provide safety, and romance has a pesky way of showing up when you are sweaty and dirty and least expect it."

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TAG by Shari J. Ryan
Completed: 02.02.2015


"Know everyone... Trust no one."

When I first started reading this book I didn't really know what to expect from it, the genre itself was way out of my normal reading zone but I was not disappointed at all! That prologue. Holy wow, from the moment I finished reading it I found myself wanting to know more.

So let me see, I'm going to try and write this review without spoiling the book for you.

Cali isn't your average run of the mill kinda girl. She's got spunk, a sick sense of humour, and a whole lot of badass-ness! She's been through some pretty tough crap in her life, and is now, in her own way, trying to pick up the broken pieces. 

Cue Tango, the amazingly sexy bodyguard, who has some secrets of his own. I loved how Shari J. Ryan managed to create a manly aura about him, however as the book progresses you kinda get to see a completely different side of him. I was pretty much swooning over him from about 25% into the book. :D

TAG is basically the story of two broken people trying to find their way through the toughest of times. As fate has it, they land in each other's paths. Both seemingly unsure about whether to trust each other, or not. There was a lot of character building throughout the book, whenever you think you know it all, well, just stop. Because there's MORE for you to know. There is a plot twist, that made my stomach churn. There is an amazing love connection between the two main characters, but it doesn't overrun the entire story. Which is probably what I loved most about this book, it wasn't just 'oh he loves me.' or 'no, I don't know if I love her".

It was such a refreshing read, I would definitely recommend this book for anybody who loves a heap of badass, or anybody who's just looking for something different to read.

Four big fat stars!

An excellent stand alone novel, the only reason I didn't give it five stars was because I found the later part of the book lacking in certain areas. HOWEVER, I will be here anxiously awaiting the arrival of Red Nights by Shari J. Ryan!

2015!

Hello there!

For those of you who are looking to expand your reading list this year, I think I may have just found the perfect reading challenge for you!

A huge thanks to POPSUGAR for the challenge, you can now access a printout version of the checklist if you'd like to manually tick off all your books as you go along.

What are you waiting for? Start reading & enjoy challenging yourself!

HAPPY READING! :)

What's new?!

As of today, I've decided to continue writing this blog.
(And be more consistent about it!)

Also, I'm in the midst of writing my own books on Wattpad!
Maybe one day I'll post the link to one of my stories,
but for now - I'll be keeping very hush hush about it :)

Love lots,
F