"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."

---

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.

"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.

---

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! 

"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.

"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!

"Tempest Revealed" by Tracy Deebs (Tempest #3)

"Half-mermaid Tempest Maguire is trying to have it all: fulfilling her duties as second-in-line to the merQueen Hailana while periodically returning home to the California coastline to be with her family and longtime boyfriend, Mark.

Living under the sea and rebuilding Coral Straits is grueling work, while being back home reminds her of everyone she loves and misses. But when her old flame Kona arrives bearing news that Hailana has died and Tempest is now officially merQueen, she returns permanently to Coral Straits, even though it devastates her family and rips her apart from Mark.

Once there, she discovers that an old enemy has resurfaced, hell-bent on taking over her throne... with or without her. As Tempest prepares for her final showdown against Tiamat and anyone who stands with her, she must decide what - and who - is really important to her. Because there will be few survivors in the ultimate sea battle that is brewing - and Tempest isn't sure she will be one of them."

---

Tempest Revealed by Tracy Deebs
Completed: 02.08.2013

After waiting for what felt like eons for this books to come out, I was considerably excited to read this book, seeing as it's the final installment... Let's just say that the excitement started to disappear as I continued reading, and within the first five chapters, I completely lost it.

Starting with the fact that Tempest, who I thought was a strong female character, has turned into the most infuriatingly dependent person. Always expecting someone to fix her mistakes, or deciding to run away instead of facing her problems head-on, not to mention the fact that she's become extremely whiny. I also found that the book had a large amount of loose-ends, so many things left unexplained, or even just certain parts of the book didn't feel... justified.

Then comes the love story. WHAT IN THE GOOD LORD WERE YOU THINKING, TEMPEST? From book one, I had never liked Mark, not that I had anything against him as a character, but I found that he was always so possessive and dominative over Tempest, telling her what to do, where to go, how to deal with things. Gah!

The final book in a series, definitely has to be, for me, one of those books that go out with a BANG! But this one just seemed so, anticlimactic. Now don't get me wrong, there were some parts in this book that had my heart racing, and adrenaline pumping, but I just didn't feel like the author packed enough of a punch into her final book.

Three stars.

"Summer of Frost" by L.P. Dover (Forever Fae #3)

"The Land of the Fae is strong with all four courts banded as one, but uncertainty still remains as they all work together to end the dark sorcerer’s evil reign. Sorcha—the one and only Winter Court princess—has a secret, a secret that she has enjoyed keeping for the past six months. When a much awaited announcement brings her to the Spring Court, and face to face with the man in her dreams, will she be strong enough to keep up the façade of her icy exterior, or will she melt into his arms like she does in her dreams?

After formally meeting Sorcha at the Winter Ball, Drake—Summer Court prince and army leader—knew there was a fiery passion underneath her winter skin, a passion he wanted desperately to ignite with his own. However, with her frigid responses toward him he’s decided to keep his distance, except how can he when his dreams feel real? Seeing her again only ignites his interest, and this time he’s not going to let his arrogance or her frosty heart stand in his way.

Through unexpected tragedy, Sorcha discovers the one thing the dark sorcerer has spent his whole existence trying to protect, but what makes it more difficult is that only one of the Four is strong enough to retrieve it. The tides have now changed. With Drake’s help, will Sorcha find what she’s searching for? Or will the dark sorcerer beat them to it, shattering all hope of finding out the one thing that could save the Land of the Fae … how to destroy him?"

---

Summer of Frost by L.P. Dover
Completed: 26.07.2013

Sorcha is a Winter Court princess, except she acts nothing like a dainty, flowers & butterflies-kinda princess. She's smart, quick, witty and hot headed. Drake is the prince of the Summer court, a prince that has a secret of his own. 

I loved how L.P. Dover continues to blow my mind with her books, I must say though - that this book was really up and down for me, there were some parts that just did not intrigue me as much as others did, I found that some parts of the book lacked in details, and I also felt as though everything between Sorcha and Drake progressed far too quickly. One moment I was watching them fall in love, then the next, BAM! they were kissing and holding hands and claiming each other. Do not get me wrong! I loved this book, and I have loved this series from the very first book, and when the next book comes out later this year, I WILL be in line to get to a copy of it.

I highly recommend this book, for anyone who's into action, romance & one heck of a plot twist. (Do read the first two books in the series first though, you won't regret it.)

Four stars!
:)

"Taking Back Forever" by Karen Amanda Hooper (The Kindrily Series #2)

*Recommended for ages 15 and older due to mature content.* 

"Forever is worth the fight.Maryah erased all memory of her past lives, but she couldn’t erase her soul mate Nathan, or his undying love. Now, Maryah and Nathan have a second chance at a future together, but first Maryah must remember the person she used to be and embrace her supernatural gifts—more than one kindrily member’s life depends on it.Maryah’s power is Harmony’s best hope of finding her kidnapped soul mate, Gregory. But Harmony isn’t big on asking anyone for help, and she’s tired of waiting, so she’s taking matters into her own hands. Heaven help anyone who stands in her way."

---

Taking Back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper
Completed: 25.06.2013

"Then imagine that you started reading the most interesting and fascinating comic book ever created. You fell in love with some characters, you hated others. Endless plots unfolded and every one was an emotional page-turner you couldn't read fast enough because you had to know what was going to happen next. You felt like the world would end if you didn't find out how the story ended. But then you get to the end and there was no end. The author didn't finish it. You don't know if good or evil won. You don't know if the guy got the girl. You don't know any of the answers to all your important questions." 

This quote from the book explained exactly how I felt once I reached the last page.

When I first read Grasping at Eternity (the first book in this series) I didn't think a series could get any better. But man, was I wrong. Taking Back Forever blew me to a whole new dimension! There was so much action and suspense in this book, I thought my head might implode from the awesomeness. But no, it gets better, the romance had me biting my lip to stop me from smiling like a goofball, and my toes were curled throughout the entire thing! 

We get this book from two perspectives, Maryah's and Harmony's. We watch them both struggle with their own problems. Harmony narrates while looking for her lost soul mate, and Maryah's still trying to regain her memories after she decided to Erase herself. This book was such an intense, emotional page-turner. Secrets are revealed, people are lost, and what exactly are the antagonists up to?!

The ending, there is a choice! You get to read it, or wait til the third installment to see what happens. Guess which one I chose!? OH HEAVEN HELP US ALL. WHY DID I CHOOSE TO READ THOSE LAST CHAPTERS. WHY! Now I'm here wishing I hadn't but at the same time, I'm glad I did. The third book is going to be a-m-a-z-i-n-g! I'm not even going to be able to contain myself when it comes out, this year? Next year? Oh dear god, please let it not be too long before I can sink myself into the Kindrily once again.

Four stars!

*I recieved this book as an eARC from Starry Sky Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

"New World Order" by Elle Casey (War of the Fae #4)

Will the fae will be able to make the sacrifices they must to survive?

Jayne Sparks and her Light Fae changeling friends face off in the final battle against their enemies. But the identify of their true enemies isn't as clear as it once was. Are they the ones breaking down their doors ... or perhaps another entity, hiding in the shadows?

Friends come and go, bridges burned are rebuilt, love is lost and found. The survival of the fae depends on the answer to one question: Which burns hotter ... hatred or hope?

---

New World Order by Elle Casey

Completed: 14.06.2013

In the final installment of the War of the Fae series, we find Jayne struggling to understand the extent of her powers, as well as who exactly is in the right (or should I say wrong?). Elle Casey adds new characters to the story plot which makes things a whole load more interesting.

I must say, throughout the whole book, I honestly just wanted to know what became of Chase. I'd been in love with his character since the beginning of the series. The silent tough guy, who lives only to protect Jayne Sparks. *swooooon.* But also, after the ending of the third book, I was so angry at him for some of the choices he'd made.

Many secrets were uncovered in this book, some I saw coming, but others had me face-palming myself like... how on earth did I not see that one coming?! As usual, this book was well written & more action packed than her previous books. Well, duh. What else can we expect from Elle Casey, just when you think she can't make the books any better, she pulls a miracle out of her writing bag. 

I must warn you though, this book is absolutely heartbreaking at certain points. (It definitely had me bawling more bucket loads than usual, or well... considerably more than I thought was humanly possible.)

FIVE STARS!

This series is continued in her Clash of the Otherworlds series. And I certainly cannot wait to pick up the first book! I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT JAW DROPPING CONCLUSION.

*Spins around in my chair like a crazy person.*

"Ignite" by Jenna Bernel (The Secret Trinity #2)

"If time heals all wounds, then Aria Darwin’s clock has stopped. No amount of magic elixir can repair a broken heart. In the aftermath of untruths and tainted love, Aria is unsure if she will ever recover to see the light of her destiny.

Now living in the enchanted city of Draíochta, along with her two best friends, Aria struggles to find her place in the Kingdom. A plan must be set to ensure the safety of her people, but how can they believe in her if she can’t believe in herself.

With the assistance of her Guard Keeper, Clay, she slowly develops her powers, but will she be strong enough to destroy her enemy? Will she ever remember what was once ignited in her soul, and the real question is will she run or will she fight?"

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Ignite by Jenna Bernel

Completed: 09.06.2013

In this book, we meet a heartbroken, no - heartSHATTERED Aria, betrayed by the one person she thought was being real with her. But she's grown so much as a character, although she occasionally allows herself to wallow in her never-ending misfortune, she's become such a strong female character. (THUMBS UP!) I thoroughly enjoyed the way in which she came to learn of the powers that she had, it kept me entertained and highly intrigued!

Thank the good heavens we got to see more of Clay in this book. I swear if I didn't get my dose of Clay-Aria romance, I would've probably withered away and gotten frustrated. They both kept their guards high around each other, there were moments though where they let their walls down just a little, only to find another reason to throw them back up again. It's so frustrating how oblivious they are to their own feelings, and even when they do acknowledge the way they feel, there always has to be some godforsaken reason that comes up, and they go on trying to convince themselves that there's absolutely nothing going on.

Many secrets are revealed during this book, all of which either broke my heart, or sent it into overdrive. There was also the occasional time or two that I ended up screaming, rather unladylike things, at my kindle. After I finished this book, I couldn't help but pick up the next because... TALK ABOUT A CLIFFHANGER. 

FIVE STARS, AGAIN! :)

"Touched" by Corrine Jackson (Sense Thieves #1)

"Remy O’Malley heals people with touch—but every injury she cures becomes her own. Living in a household with an abusive stepfather, she has healed untold numbers of broken bones, burns,and bruises. And then one night her stepfather goes too far.

Being sent to live with her estranged father offers a clean start and she is eager to take it. Enter Asher Blackwell. Once a Protector of Healers, Asher sacrificed his senses to become immortal. Only by killing a Healer can a Protector recover their human senses. Falling in love is against the rules between these two enemies. Because Remy has the power to make Protectors human again, and when they find out, they’ll be coming for her—if Asher doesn’t kill her first."

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HOLY BALLS.

So initially I was hesitant to pick up this book, I was scared of reading yet another one of those typical paranormal love triangles that most authors love to incorporate into their books. But alas! It was anything but!

Remy is a girl who suffered from continuous abuse from her "step-father" or more appropriately named, her mother's new "man". After an attack that leaves Remy in a hospital bed, her long-lost father suddenly reappears and takes her back to his home in order to keep her safe. There she meets the mysterious and OH-SO-SEXY Asher Blackwell.

The way in which the author builds the relationship between Remy and Asher defies all other storybook romances (or well, in my opinion anyway). I could literally feel their sparks fly off the pages of my ebook. Asher knowing exactly who and what Remy is continuously allows their relationship to grow, becoming more and more intense as the book progresses!

FIVE STARS FOR CORRINE JACKSON!

I cannot wait for the next book to come out!

Love,

Francine.