All of Me by Kelly Moran – a Review

All of Me by Kelly Moran – a Review

 

All of MeAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
For ten months, bestselling novelist Alec Winston hasn’t been able to type a single word, and he’s coming dangerously close to breaching his publishing contract. An invitation from his brother to spend the summer in Wilmington Beach might be just the thing to blast through his writer’s block. Yet Alec discovers more than a spark of inspiration on the sunny sands. He meets an amber-eyed muse who makes him think about much more than books . . .

Faith Armstrong has finally gathered the courage to leave her past behind and accepted a job as a private tutor, hoping for a fresh start on the North Carolina coast. This is the home she’s always longed for—not just a place, but a state of mind. She’s felt invisible her whole life, so the host of new friends and the attention of a sexy author have her head spinning.

But Alec has a secret that could prove this isn’t the life Faith dreamed of after all . .


Review:

All of Me by Kelly Moran is the second book in her Covington Cove series. Alec Winston is our hero, as he returns to Covington Cove to attend his brother Jake and Lacey’s Wedding. Mia and Cole, our heroes in the first book are already married. This is certainly a family affair, and turns into another wonderful romance. The best part of Covington Cove is being able to spend time with the Covington’s.

Alex is a world famous author, who writes horror stories. By the time he arrives in Covington Cove for the wedding, he is in the midst of a long writers block. With the pressure high, that could threaten his career, Alex is not in a good frame of mind.

Faith Armstrong is our heroine, and she arrives around the same time to work with Ginny, who is Mia’s sister, and who has downs syndrome. Ginny lives with Mia and Cole, and it is Mia who hires Faith to help her, since Faith was the one who took care of Ginny at the home she was in before.

On his first night, when he is walking the beach, Alec sees Faith staring quietly out to the ocean. As each day passes, he becomes more and more intrigued by Faith. She is sweet, kind, and very caring with Ginny. But Alec can also see her shyness, and her reactions when people show interest in her.

What follows is a slow to build romance between two people who have strong issues that will create hardships in any possible long term relationship. Faith lost her sister years before, and has lived in an environment of her family being distant and showing no expressions of love. This has left Faith feeling inadequate and not deserving of a better live. She slowly comes out of her shell, especially because of Mia and Lacey, who befriend her and invite her to all the family gatherings. She senses for the first time in her life, since her sister died, what it’s like to have friends and be surrounded by a loving environment.

Besides his writers block, Alec has not allowed himself to commit to any woman, due to a terrible tragedy years before. He finds himself falling for Faith, and in the time he spends with her, she helps him slowly come out of his writers block. Will Alec find a way to get past his past, which is still ongoing, to commit to Faith.

This is a wonderful fun story, but it is also an emotional read; especially when we feel Faith’s pain, and her fear of opening herself to others. Not to mention when we learn more about Alec’s predicament, though I personally did not agree with him willing to give up his happiness for a lost cause.

Kelly Moran has written another heartwarming story, a great addition to her Covington Cove series.   If you enjoy a sweet romance, small town atmosphere, great secondary characters, and a wonderful couple, then All of Me is the perfect read for you.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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All of Me (Inside Out #6) by Lisa Renee Jones-a review

All of Me (Inside Out #6) by Lisa Renee Jones-a review

All of Me

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 2, 2015

Passion. Mystery. It all collides in the breathtaking ALL OF ME.

He’s rich and famous, his past dark, but so is hers. Can they save each other? Or will the darkness tear them apart?

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ALL OF ME is the final installment in Lisa Renee Jones’s contemporary, adult Inside Out erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on artist and millionaire Chris Merit and high school English teacher Sara McMillan. Their continuing story and final chapter focuses on wrapping up the investigation into Rebecca’s death, closing doors and opening new ones. For cohesion and backstory, the series must be read in order; the history regarding Rebecca’s disappearance, and her connection to Mark, Chris and Sara is revealed and documented throughout the series.

Lisa Renee Jones wraps up Chris and Sara’s love story looking towards the future and their own happily ever after. Chris is an artist whose past and present collide forcing him to take a long, hard look at what it is he wants and he wants Sara McMillan in his life; but first he must process and accept that which he cannot change. Guilt, misdirected as it is, weighs heavily upon our hero’s heart and soul.

Mark and Crystal play a cameo role, along with Chris’s godparents, and the security personnel from Walker Brothers Security. There is some resolution into the death of Rebecca and subsequent arrest of those responsible but Ella’s story is only beginning. Lisa Renee Jones has plans for another spin off series focusing on Sara’s still missing, best friend Ella.

Sara and Chris have grown throughout the series taking the reader through a retrospective of their lives as well as the people with whom they have forged friendships and alliances; disappointments and loss. Rebecca’s final words are woven throughout the final installment-acceptance and sorrow woefully interlaced into a love story that she will never be able call her own.

Lisa Renee Jones takes the reader from America to Europe, San Francisco to Paris, France. We tag along on Chris and Sara’s journey from misunderstanding to realization; acknowledgment and acceptance; friendship to love and through it all we have a front row seat into the mind of the characters we have grown to love.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight Black and White

No In Between Series List all of me

1. If I Were You
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository
2. Being Me
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository
3. Rebecca’s Lost Journals

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO
4. The Master Undone
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca/Amazon.uk / Barnes and Noble /KOBO
5. His Secrets
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble
6. Revealing Us
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository
7. My Hunger
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /
8. My Control
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble /
9. No In Between
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository
10. I Belong To You
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository/ / KOBO
11. All of Me (Feb 2015)
Amazon.com/ KOBO/ Barnes and Noble

About The Author Black and White

Jones_Lisa_Renee-1ABOUT LISA RENEE JONES

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT TRILOGY which has sold to more than ten countries for translation with negotiations in process for more, and has now been optioned by STARZ Network for a cable television show, to be produced by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland).

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 30 books with publishers such as Simon and Schuster, Avon, Kensington, Harlequin, NAL, Berkley and Elloras Cave, as well as crafting a successful indie career. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her through her website and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.

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Taking It All (Surrender Trilogy #3) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

Taking it All by Maya Banks (Surrender Trilogy #3) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

Taking It All Banner

Taking It All
Surrender Trilogy #3
by Maya Banks
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Taking It All Sep 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

About the book:

Chessy and Tate have been married for several years. In the beginning, their relationship was everything she wanted. Passionate. All consuming. She offered her submission freely and Tate cherished her gift with a tenderness that made her feel safe. Content. Wanted. And loved beyond all measure. But as the years have gone by, Tate has become more immersed in making his business the success it has become, and Chessy has taken a back seat to his business obligations. Growing unhappier with the status of their once blissful marriage, Chessy knows that something has to give. Or they stand to lose it all

Tate loves his wife. Has always loved her. Providing for her has always been his number one priority. But lately she’s seemed unhappy, and he’s worried. Worried enough that he arranges for a night together that he hopes will reignite the fire that once burned like an inferno between them.

But a business call at the wrong time threatens everything. Chessy’s safety, his concentration, his wife’s faith in him as her husband, a man sworn to love and protect her above all else. Gutted with the realization that he’s going to lose her—has already lost her—he readies for the fight of his life. Whatever it takes, he’ll get her back. And prove to her that nothing is more important than her love. And that if she’ll allow him to prove himself one more time, he’ll take it all. Everything. But he’ll give far more back. Himself. His undying love.

Review:
To say that Tate screwed up royally is quite an understatement. I’ve known all along, while reading the first two books in this trilogy, that Chessy and Tate’s book would be intense. After all, she is his submissive and those tend to be intense stories as a rule, but when we see what happens when Tate totally drops the ball and breaks the number one rule of being a dominate………….Let’s just say “cringe-worthy” just does not do it justice. Her safety and care is supposed to be his utmost priority, but as the blurb about the books says, “……..a business call at the wrong time threatens everything”. Not only does it threaten Chessy’s safety, it also threatens to destroy their relationship. Because for a time, it DID destroy her faith and utter trust in him.

I read an interview recently that Maya Banks had given. In it, she said that she has always been interested in writing stories that happen AFTER the couple’s initial HEA. Because, let’s face it. Most everyone’s relationships are great in the beginning, but then life happens and things kind of fall to the wayside. Taking it All IS that story. Tate was so consumed with work the he let his relationship with Chessy take a backseat. And, after that ‘business call at the wrong’ time happens, I honestly thought, even if for just a minute, that they might not be able to get past what happened. Because what happens was shocking to me. Like, screaming at my Kindle shocking……… I literally didn’t think I could get past it and like Tate again. But, I warmed up to him. Only after a lot of groveling on his part! LOL!!

Maya Banks has once again written a gripping story that is ultimately about the long, bumpy road back to each other and forgiveness. And redemption. If you are a fan of Maya Banks, you will not be disappointed. And, as I’ve said before, if you’re not reading Maya’s stories, you’re sorely missing out!! I just hope that in the future, we might get to see a glimpse of the awesome people we met in this trilogy. Well done Maya Banks!!

Surrender Trilogy

Reading Order
Letting Go
Giving In
Taking It All

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M

Giveaway

Maya’s publisher is offering a paper copy of TAKING IT ALL to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Goodreads

6. Giveaway is open to USA only

7. Giveaway runs from August 12-16, 2014

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All of Me by K.E. Osborn – a Review

All of Me? by K.E. Osborn – a Review

 

All of Me?
Trust Me? Trilogy – Book #3
by K.E. Osborn
Release Date: March 11, 2014
All of MeLilnks to order All of me?: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords

Description:
In the second book of The Trust Me? Trilogy, Jeni Taylor and Aiden O’Connell seemed to find life challenging, but as the third book begins, we are faced with the idea that maybe they may not get their Happily Ever After. Jeni is broken and confused after a vicious physical and emotional attack, leaving her with no energy to fight for her relationship with Aiden. She’s terrified and feels like the world is against her. Through some tough love and help from an old friend Jeni finally realises how deeply in love with Aiden she is. She asks him to take her back, but when she discovers Aiden is moving to help run a new business acquisition in Tokyo, is it too late?

Alistair’s taunts and abuse toward Jeni worsen, leaving her already broken and fragile state to deteriorate even further. Will Jeni find the strength to pull her life back together? With jealousy over a possible new love and with tensions high, the conclusion to The Trust Me? Trilogy will take you on a rollercoaster ride. The electricity and love between Jeni and Aiden is undeniable. Will they see past all the hurdles and find their way to each other? In the end, Jeni will be asking the ultimate question: Does Aiden know that he really does have all of me?


Review:

All Of Me is third and final book in The Trust Me? Trilogy by K.E. Osborn. This book begins right in the midst of utter turmoil for our couple Jeni and Aiden. 

Jeni has trust issues, always has. But it seems that Aiden has left her feeling vulnerable and scared.  She doesn’t trust herself to be around him let alone in the same room. As she struggles to move past the trauma that has befallen her, can she get past the fact that when she needed him the most – Aiden just wasn’t there for her!   Jeni’s heartache is palatable.  Each page is dripping with emotions as you want to fight for her to get past what’s keeping her from moving forward.  And when she realizes what she truly wants and needs – it just may be too late. 

This story began with the same heartbreak I felt at the end of book two.   Can Jeni get over her trust issues to be with the man that she knows was meant for her?  And if and when she does will Aiden’s father Allistar leave them alone long enough to enjoy the life she has chosen?

I have waited patiently for this final book and it exceeded my every expectation.  I wanted to crawl into the pages and yank Jeni to her senses.  I wanted to yell at Aiden for leaving her vulnerable and crushed.  And Allistar – he is the character that makes you pause for a moment while reading and dream of ways for him to die.  The love story continues and every page leaves you guessing if happily ever after can possibly come true.  In the end – it is a beautiful thought provoking love story that one does not want to miss out on.  I envisioned each character in my mind as if a movie was playing out. Of course my movie would be so much better than any Hollywood one as I would leave nothing out. 

The world in which K.E. Osborn brought forth was one so vividly told that I cried, laughed, screamed and even danced a little dance (at the funeral scene – of course).  The sub-characters again were some of the best I have ever read. Chris and Sarah did not disappoint – several times leaving me gasping with laughter at their shenanigans!  And Mike and Callie left me smiling from ear to ear!  Who could want for anything more!

An amazingly written love story that leaves you enthralled from beginning to end.  Trust can be a difficult thing to obtain and maintain – especially if you have ever had your trust broken.  This is a story that will stand the test of time.  And will always be one of my favorite Trilogies. And will be added to my favorite shelf of paperbacks!

Thank you for creating the wonderful world that is Aiden and Jeni.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Author

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