Tag Archives: Erin

Changing His Game by Megan Erickson – a Review

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Changing His Game by Megan Erickson – a Review

 

Changing His GameAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
He controls the game, but she’s rewriting all the rules…

Marley Lake is no stranger to awkwardness, but getting caught watching a dirty GIF by the company’s hot new IT guy exceeds even her standards. That is, until she realizes he’s as turned on by it as she is. But with a big promotion on the line, she refuses to let her current dry spell be her downfall. Maybe.

Austin Rivers has no business lusting after the irresistible editor of Gamers Magazine. He’s a secret partner in the business—and technically Marley’s boss. One look at that GIF, though, and he’s ready to install a whole lot more than just software…as long as she never finds out who he really is.

But reality’s not as virtual as it seems, and when Austin’s identity jeopardizes Marley’s promotion, he has to change his game or risk losing the only woman with the cheat code to his heart.

 

Review:

Changing His Game, A Gamers Novel by Megan Erickson is the first book in the incredibly funny, erotic – The Gamers Series.  This book tells the story of Marley Lake, a beautiful, smart, young, head of the copy editing team at Gamers Magazine.  She is well respected and well known in the gaming industry for her knowledge, reviews, and news on new games hitting the market.  While working late one night and on a deadline her computer freezes.  Knowing that she is about to miss her deadline, and almost everyone is gone for the day; she decides to call on IT.  She is patiently waiting for “Cheese Stink Abraham” from IT to arrive only to realize that he has been replaced with dark and brooding Austin Rivers.  While Austin sets out to fix her computer issues she soon remembers that she had forgotten to close out of her Tumblr account.  And the next thing you know he is clicking on that particular internet tab and up pops a hot and steamy GIF.  One that she has spent many times fantasizing over.  Awkward and embarrassed she soon realizes that it may have turned him on just as much as it did her. And with one click of her tab – their worlds would change forever. 

Marley Lake is career driven; detail oriented and has been having a dry spell in the romance department as of late.  But one interaction with the companies hot, new IT guy is not going to dissuade her from working hard and striving for a new job opportunity within her company.  Or will it?   While out one night to see a newly released movie based on a video game, she runs into Austin and the alcove in the movie theater lobby will never be the same.  But can she keep her mind off this co-worker who should be off limits and do what she needs to do to get the promotion she wants. 

Austin Rivers is a secret partner and owner of Gamers Magazine.  When the one woman in the company that should be completely off limits calls for IT help one night, he doesn’t know why, but he decides to go and help her.  From the moment he saw the pornographic GIF on her computer his thoughts are constantly about her.  He can’t seem to think straight or even remotely concentrate on anything work related.  But can he have a relationship with her without her knowing that he is really her boss.  And what will happen when she finds out?  He isn’t sure he wants to risk any of it.  But yet again – he can’t seem to get her out of his head.

I absolutely loved the premise of this book and the book description I read before accepting to review it was hilarious, sexy and quite intriguing.  My first thought was how is this author going to make gaming, cosplay and computer geeks sexy, romantic and erotic?  But I am pleased to say that it was all of that and more.  Much, much more… 

This book was highly erotic, sensual and yet all the while funny and witty.  It is exactly the kind of book that will have you flushed and hot and turning on the AC and laughing and tearing up the next.  It was the perfect mix of eroticism, romance, lust and humor.  I couldn’t wait to turn the page and see what was going to happen next and what Marley was going to do once she found out the truth about Austin.

The characters were real and quite relatable.  I fell for Austin’s nerdy yet dark and brooding personality from the start.  And Marley was hilarious and witty and quite a joy to read.   The sub-character of Marley’s brother Chad added an amazing sibling banter that made me laugh out loud and I could relate to the embarrassment Marley felt at times with his crazy sense of humor.  And just for the record – I am totally rooting for a Chad and Owen book – oh please oh please!!!! I literally found myself yelling at Marley – HELLO – CHAD and OWEN!!!!!   

Austin’s best friend and business partner Grant was warm and funny.  His constant antagonizing of Austin was hilarious and was exactly how a friendship since college would play out in the real world.  I loved the bond that Grant and Austin had for one another and add Grant’s daughter Sydney to the mix and it was complete and total love.

I completely enjoyed the play on words and puns that were rampant throughout this book. All of which made it all the more enjoyable.  If you love gaming, cosplay,  erotica, romance, lust and laughing – this book will be right up your alley.    I will happily continue on with this series. 

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Pippa of Lauramore by Shari L. Tapscott – a Review

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Pippa of Lauramore by Shari L. Tapscott – a Review

 

Pippa of LauramoreAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Princess Pippa of Lauramore is about to turn eighteen, and in honor of the great occasion, her father King Ewan invites thirty princes and lords from kingdoms near and far to compete for Pippa’s hand in marriage.

Arrogant Prince Lionel of Vernow is expected to win the competition handily, but spunky princess Pippa refuses to marry such a pompous man without a fight. When she spies Galinor, the dark-haired, blue-eyed prince of Glendon, she sets out to make him hers—convincing him to join her on a midnight ride away from the festivities.

When King Ewan catches Pippa, he orders her to spend twelve days of confinement in the castle, but she refuses to be contained while her fate is decided without her. Enlisting the help of her childhood friend Archer, master archer of the kingdom, they make a pact to do everything in their power to ensure Galinor’s victory in the marriage games.

But as the games progress and the stakes get higher and higher, Pippa and Archer are forced to not only confront marauding bandits, angry dragons, and King Ewan’s wrath, but also the growing attraction between them…

Review:

Pippa of Lauramore, is book one in The Eldentimber Series by Shari Tapscott.   This is a story that fairy tales are made from.  Our story opens with a celebration of birth for the coming of age Princess Pippa of Lauramore.  Princess Pippa has just turned eighteen, and her father King Ewan has invited thirty eligible Princes to compete in a tournament. The winner of the tournament will receive Pippa’s hand in marriage.  Her family is keen on one such prince – Prince Lionel of Vernow.  But Pippa does not see him the same as her family does.  In the midst of the festivities she knows that she must find the one Prince that is right for her.  There must be one that can and will defeat Prince Lionel for her hand in marriage.   As the guests toast to her eighteenth birthday, Pippa notices the one man that she thinks may just be able to save her.  He is tall, dark and handsome.  He has eyes as blue as a cloudless sky and the face that any artist would love to paint.  His name is Prince Galinor of Glendon.  From the moment they lock eyes Pippa is smitten.  Pippa has decided she wants to leave the festivities and show her new Prince an amazing place.  Just as they are about to leave, the kingdoms Master Archer finds them.  He instructs Pippa that it is not a wise idea to leave the castle walls. But Pippa begs him not to tell her father that she is leaving the castle walls alone with a man. Reluctantly and at Pippa’s urging Archer agrees.    But soon her father finds out and Pippa is punished to her quarters for twelve days.  Punishment means she will miss most of the tournaments festivities and the chance to help her true prince win…  Or will she.

Pippa soon devises a plan to help her Prince Galinor win the tournament. She enlists the help of the one man that has always stood by her side, her longtime friend and mentor, Archer. But the more Archer helps her, the more torn she becomes about the one she has chosen to be her prince.  Her heart begins to realize that the man she may seek quite possibly is the one that has always been there for her.  But they both know that a mere archer can not marry a princess, and so the tournament continues.  Will true love win out or will she be destined to live a life with a prince she does not wish to marry?

Prince Lionel is a cocky, arrogant, brooding prince of man.  He is the character that you will love to hate.  From page one I despised him.  And my feelings towards him did not improve at all throughout the story.  His demeanor is completely off putting and you truly want to see him come to a horrible fate.   Pippa is a young woman, strong willed, witty and headstrong.  She thinks she knows exactly what she wants and does anything in her power to achieve it.  Her character is real and authentic and exactly the type of woman you would want as a friend or for your children to look up to.  She is not afraid to speak her mind in a time when that was unheard of.   Prince Galinor is valiant, handsome and strong. He is the “prince” fairy tales are written about.  He is the one you want to win the heart of young Pippa.  And the one you want to know even more about.   I fell completely head over heels for this young prince.  That is until Archer sauntered (reluctantly) into the picture.  Archer will win you over and leave you begging for more.  And in an amazing and beautiful journey he may just become the true prince Pippa is looking for.

Will Pippa find the prince of her dreams?  Will she end up having to marry the insufferable Prince Lionel?  Will her father allow her to have a marriage based on true love and not the one decided upon by a tournament?  This book is a must read if you want to find out.  This  journey is new and fresh,  the twists and turns are  palpable. 

The authors  writing places you right into the story – it pulls you in and holds you there.  From the main characters to the sub-characters – you want to know it all.  You want the backstory and the future story all at the same time.  This is not your everyday foo foo fairytale – this Princess knows how to go about getting exactly what she wants and she can hold her own with the best of them. But be warned – this book contains magic – and any young girl (or old girl) will get lost in its pages and lose all track of time. I absolutely loved this story from page 1 to the end. Finished it in one day!   It is full of royal regality and reverence.  It places you right in the mix of the tournament and the turmoil.  From kings to princesses, from fairies to dragons it is a pure mix of magic and magnetism. Did I mention the dragons! Swoon!   This is one that I will buy a hard copy of and pass on to my daughter as a true treasure to hold for generations.  And I can barely contain my excitement that this series will continue – as I will continue to follow Mrs Tapscott!

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Author

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Death Wish by Megan Tayte – a Review

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Death Wish by Megan Tayte – a Review

 

Death WishAmazon

Description:
IN SEARCH OF THE MEANING OF DEATH, SHE’LL FIND THE MEANING OF LIFE.

The Ceruleans: mere mortals infused with power over life and death. Five books; one question: If the might of the heavens were in your hands, would you be sinner or saint?

Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Blake is haunted by death. Her estranged sister has made the ultimate dramatic exit. Running away from school, joining a surfing fraternity, partying hard: that sounds like Sienna. But suicide? It makes no sense.

Following in her sister’s footsteps, Scarlett comes to the isolated cove of Twycombe, Devon, with grand plans to uncover the truth. Alone. But she hasn’t reckoned on meeting two boys who are determined to help her. Luke: the blue-eyed surfer who’ll see the real Scarlett, who’ll challenge her, who’ll save her. And Jude: the elusive drifter with a knack for turning up whenever Scarlett’s in need.

As Scarlett’s quest for the truth unravels, so too does her grip on reality as she’s always known it. Because there’s something strange going on in this little cove. A dead magpie circles the skies. A dead deer watches from the undergrowth. Hands glow with light. Warmth. Power.

What transpires is a summer of discovery. Of what it means to conquer fear. To fall in love. To choose life. To choose death.

To believe the impossible.


Review:

Death Wish is the first book in The Ceruleans series by Megan Tayte. Seventeen year old Scarlett Blake has taken the summer to find out exactly what has transpired leading up to the death of her older sister Sienna. This book takes us to the quiet oceanside community of Twycombe.

Here Scarlett will be staying at her grandparents old house, just off of a quaint little beach cove. The same place Sienna was staying when she died. Her first day there she decides to tryout surfing, as that is exactly what Sienna was doing when she committed suicide. At least that is what she has been told. When the waves overtake her she is saved by a rugged stranger named Luke. This chance meeting sets the pace for a whirlwind summer and the quest for the answers Scarlett needs.

One fateful night while traveling home, a deer runs in front of her and in a panic she hits it. Out of the car and confronted with the death of the deer – she lays her hands on it and slowly, curiously, a blue glow sets in around her hands. The deer miraculously lives. What exactly does this light mean? And as the mystery unfolds, memories creep in. Ones in which she remembers her grandfather, of him teaching her to calm dying animals, to bring them peace in their time of need. These memories are all coming together to not only explain her sister’s death but to shed some light on exactly who and what Scarlett is herself.

The answers she gets are confusing and at times chaotic – but as she sets out to find the truth – the answers may not exactly be what she wants to hear. I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Scarlett, vulnerable in the death of her sister, coming of age without the family she needs, strong and determined to find answers. She is strong willed, caring, awkward and vulnerable. Yet she marches on – as she knows her sister did not take her own life. Her relationship with Luke, is exactly the right pace – leading to answers she not sure she wants to hear.

Luke is the strong, matriarch of his family. Raising his younger sister after the death of his parents. He falls quickly for Scarlett, and she reciprocates. But does Luke hold some of the answers she seeks. And will those secrets pull apart the only relationship she is sure of at the moment? Scarlett finds out that everything her parents told her regarding her sister’s death is a lie. But why? Why did they feel the need to lie? Her quest brings her face to face with a mysterious stranger, Jude.

Jude always seems to be around when she needs him and amazingly as the story unfolds, we find out that he seems to have known Sienna quite well also. Towards the end of the book Jude comes to Scarlett. Revealing to her that he is Cerulean and that he can heal or help those who are dying pass on. He also lets Scarlett know that she herself is Cerulean also, and that soon he will need to take her with him. But to where? And what exactly is a Cerulean? Jude brings the exact right amount of the unknown. Leaving you wanting for the same answers that Scarlett seeks. His character brings quite a new and eccentric twist to the story.

This story is extremely well written with just the right amount of mystery and intrigue. The characters are realistic and the relationships prove to be profound for everyone. Romantic and sad all at the same time! This book left me wanting more and I cannot wait to read book two. Highly recommend if you like romance, mystery, intrigue and a touch of the paranormal. Devoured it!

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Author

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Heartsick by Caitlin Sinead – a Review

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Heartsick by Caitlin Sinead – a Review

 

Heartsick

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

 Description:
Quinn is looking forward to her senior year at Poe University. She has big plans to hang out with her best friend, flirt with a certain boy genius, party at her favorite dive bar and figure out what she’s going to do after graduation with her not-so-useful art major. But that’s before she meets Luke, a hot townie who’s moved back home to help take care of his dying sister. And it’s before a weird epidemic sweeps across campus, mysteriously turning people’s eyes purple.Is it an odd side effect from a new party drug?Is it a rogue virus developed in a campus lab?Is it the mark of the devil?

Soon the town starts blaming the university and the student religious group becomes frighteningly aggressive in their on-campus accusations. Quinn and Luke are caught in the middle—until a tragic accident forces Luke to reveal the one part of himself he’s kept carefully hidden. That he’s so much more than the happy-go-lucky boy next door Quinn had believed him to be isn’t a surprise…but this truth might be too dangerous for her to handle.

 

Review:

Heartsick by Caitlin Sinead is chock full of romance, backstory, suspense and mystery. Quinn is a senior art major at Poe University, in Allan, Virginia. She seems to be enjoying her life and the direction it is going in. She lives with her roommate and trusted friend Mandy. Their lives consist of typical college behavior – school, frat parties, and hanging out at the local bar. She has a love interest, Rashid – who she just wants to have fun with, he unfortunately wants more. After letting him down easy, Quinn bumps into a local “townie” named Luke. He’s young, cute and just moved back to town. This is exactly what she needs and wants: to have fun with no attachment. After attending a frat party, Mandy wakes up to a life changing surprise. Her eyes have turned purple. Not just a slight change, full on – everyone will notice purple. Quinn scrambles to help Mandy find out exactly what has caused her eyes to change and who or what might be behind it. Mystery ensues as Mandy’s boyfriend now has the same purple eyes and other students are coming down with it as well. And the same fate now befalls Quinn. The local religious fanatics think that the purple eyes are a sign of the devil, and they are out in full force. And life in Allan will never be the same.

But the lives of the ones with the purple eyes have changed. Any injuries they endure are healed at an alarming rate. Those that were sick with disease are now cured. And Quinn soon finds out that Mandy and her boyfriend may know more than what they are letting on as to whom or what has started all of this. Quinn knows that she must get to the bottom of this. And with the help of Detective Peterson she may just do that. But what will it cost her and who will she lose in the process?

I simply adored the character of Quinn. She knows what she wants the majority of the time and she isn’t afraid to speak her mind and say how she feels. She has a tragic backstory which makes her an ideal friend for Mandy – who also has a horrible life history. But their lives mesh and their friendship is real. The love interests of Quinn were quite entertaining. Rashid is into her, he wants more – but she just can not commit to a relationship right now. She wants to have fun and be free to have fun with whoever she wants. Local boy Luke was my absolute favorite. He was mysterious from the get go and made me want to know more about him.   He is the boy next door with a secret. He loves his sisters and would do anything for them – which are what brings him back to Allan. He is strong and protective and wants nothing more than to be with Quinn. As things progress Quinn finds herself wanting to spend more time with him also. But once his secret is revealed will she be able to move forward with him. The interweaving of her past that causes her to question Luke and his secret were a wonderful, emotional storyline. A story that I fell for completely and totally.

I can honestly say that I felt a connection with the majority of the characters. The sub-stories and backstories felt real and were full of substance. The antagonists made my blood boil. Causing me a wide array of emotions.   This was a not my typical genre of book but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The story is unique and completely different from anything that I have read before. And the ending was just perfect and left you with just enough unanswered questions that you want and must have more. I am hoping that the author has much more in store for us with a follow up book.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Promoter

 

 

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A Curvy Coldwater Christmas by Jenn Roseton-a review

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A Curvy Coldwater Christmas by Jenn Roseton-a review

Christmas Banner 2

A Curvy Coldwater Christmas
Coldwater Springs #5
by Jenn Roseton
Release Date: September 2014
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

A Curvy Coldwater Christmas

FREE—Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When Kate is asked by her friend, Sarah McCord, to appear as Mrs. Claus in the Coldwater Springs Christmas parade, she doesn’t know what to think! After all, she’s only twenty-nine. And although she has a very curvy figure, she’s not matronly and gray-haired – yet.

But when she finds out that the hunky guy she’s admired for the last few months, Flynn Winters, will play opposite her as Santa, she’s glad she agreed to take part. Especially when the script calls for them to kiss ….

This is a sexy contemporary romance novelette of approximately 6,800 words. Although it’s part of the Coldwater Springs series, it can be read as a stand-alone.

Sarah and Chase, Libby and Jake, Cassie and Luke, and Emma and Cade’s romances are in the boxed set, Curves and Cowboys (BBW Romance – Coldwater Springs 1-4) available on Amazon.

•••••••••••••••••••••••

A Curvy Coldwater Christmas is book 5 in the Coldwater Springs Series by Jenn Roseton.

Kate Richmond left Chicago six months ago to open a bakery in Coldwater Springs, Wyoming. Having had enough of the big city she decided that she needed a place where life took on a slower pace.

At twenty-nine she has a curvy figure which is why she thinks she has just been asked to play Mrs. Clause in the town Christmas parade. With a slight reluctance she agrees. That is until she finds out who will be playing Santa to her Mrs. Clause.

Flynn Winters… Tall, dark and handsome is an understatement when it comes to this man. And from the moment she met him she was smitten. Once they find out they actually have a script to follow for the parade, Flynn decides that they must practice to get it right. Kate is quite pleased when she finds out the scene they are portraying involves kissing. And she is quite happy to practice as much as Flynn would like. But she is worried that all the kissing will end after the parade is over. And that she will never get to touch Flynn Winters again. But Santa has other things in mind…

This was a short novelette and was quite wonderful. I found myself giggling like a school girl and smiling like a Cheshire cat. The characters were warm and welcoming and from page one you felt like a friend. I read this book as a stand alone, without previously reading the rest of the series. But after finishing it, I promptly ordered the rest. A romantically, adorable Christmas read!

Reviewed by Erin

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Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren – a Review

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Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren – a Review

 

Dirty Rowdy ThingAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Book Two of the brand-new Wild Seasons series that started with Sweet Filthy Boy—a story of friends, love, and lust.

Despite their rowdy hookups, Harlow and Finn don’t even like each other…which would explain why their marriage lasted only twelve hours. He needs to be in charge and takes whatever he wants. She lives by the Want-something-done? Do-it-yourself mantra. Maybe she’s too similar to the rugged fisherman—or just what he needs.


Review:

Dirty Rowdy Thing is book two in the Wild Seasons Series by author duo Christina Lauren.

Harlow Vegas made one mistake. She married a man she had just met in Vegas and had an earth shattering night of marital bliss.  Only to realize she made a horrible mistake. This book takes you on the journey of what has happened since the divorce.

Harlow has gone on with her life. She is a strong willed, career minded woman who likes to have her share of fun.   She is an intern at NBC and is slowly working her way to her dreams, or at least she believes she is. That is until she sees the one man she has dreaded seeing, Finn Roberts. After a quickie mistake marriage in Vegas and an unexpected trip to Canada to see if the marital bliss was as good as she remembered, Harlow isn’t expecting to see Finn standing in line behind her at Starbucks. Yet, there he is – this sets off an undeniable, angst ridden relationship.

Harlow doesn’t want to find Finn as attractive as she does. She curses the universe for making him as tasty as he is. But soon there will be no denying the way she feels.

Finn is rugged, strong and strikingly handsome. He is running his families fishing business and although he is trying his hardest to keep it afloat – the boats just don’t seem to be cooperating. 

When they meet up again they are both struggling with secrets and issues. Each of them need someone stable to hold onto. Some one to anchor them to where they need to be. What starts out as a sex only friendship slowly develops into something more. But will the secrets be too much for each of them to handle? Will it push them farther apart then they truly want to be.

I absolutely loved Harlow Vega in this story, she is quick witted, sarcastic and hilariously funny. I found myself laughing out loud. Finn is quiet, pensive and reserved. Yet when he gets around  Harlow she seems to bring out the best in him. Their witty banter and sarcastic dialect led to some very interesting conversations.   And let me just say that Finn Roberts does not disappoint in the dirty talk realm. Lord have mercy he is a force to be reckoned with. I found all of the sub-characters just as intriguing and fascinating as the main ones.   Their stories leave you wanting to know more.

The relationship that Finn and Harlow come to have is one of undeniable love and true friendship. I must admit I read this book without reading book one in the series but it seemed to fill in all of the answers and didn’t leave me wondering what was going on. But I will now purchase book one and read it as I found the writing and story line absolutely wonderful.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a sweet romance with a side of dirty!

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Tag by Shari J. Ryan – a Review

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Tag by Shari J. Ryan – a Review

 

TagAmazon

Description:
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.

Review:

Tag by Shari J. Ryan is a breathtaking romance, that leads you on a ride of an adventurous lifetime. Carolina Tate, or Cali, as she likes to be called – is twenty-two years old and she has had a rough time of things. Her mother passed away when she was younger, her dad is a CIA agent, that has several people after him and has disappeared into hiding. And most tragically, her sister was killed by Cali’s supposed boyfriend. The same boyfriend that she loved deeply. But now she is on the run. The people that are after her dad are after her, including her ex and they will do anything they can to find her.

Before her mother passed away – she told her to “Know everyone, trust no one.” Now that she is alone in this world, she has made this her life motto. That is until her father sends her Tango, to watch over and protect her. By the time that he comes along, she has built up walls that no wrecking ball can crash through. Until now! Tango is ex-military, tattooed and extremely good looking. And as much as she wants to, Cali can’t stop the thawing that is taking place in her cold heart. She likes him, and she likes him a whole lot. She is falling and falling fast. But once Tango reveals his secret, her life changes course and she has one mission – and that is to save him!

Cali Tate is one bad ass twenty two year old. She can hold her own both physically and mentally. She is the type of woman that can stand on her own, and takes nothing from no one. Her life has been a series of chaos and catastrophes – of one heartbreak after another. She doesn’t know it but what she wants and what she needs is exactly what she has fought to stay away from. LOVE. Tango is a delicious, sweet, kind-hearted, loving man! He is the kind of man every mother wants for their daughter. The boy next door has come back from war and has a secret to reveal. You pair Cali with the sweetest, yummiest ex-marine to ever walk across the pages of a book and the chemistry is enough to cause a nuclear explosion.

I must say I am a fan of all of Shari J. Ryan‘s books and this one did not have one page of disappointment. From start to finish it moved me. The storyline has a lot of twists and turns. And the action is suspenseful and riveting. Cali’s sarcasm and tough girl exterior at times had me laughing out loud. And Tango, warmed my heart and brought me to tears. Highly recommend this romantic suspense – but be prepared to not want to put it down!

 
Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Althea & Oliver by Cristina Moracho – a Review

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Althea & Oliver by Cristina Moracho – a Review

 

Althea & Oliver

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
What if you live for the moment when life goes off the rails—and then one day there’s no one left to help you get it back on track?

Althea Carter and Oliver McKinley have been best friends since they were six; she’s the fist-fighting instigator to his peacemaker, the artist whose vision balances his scientific bent. Now, as their junior year of high school comes to a close, Althea has begun to want something more than just best-friendship. Oliver, for his part, simply wants life to go back to normal, but when he wakes up one morning with no memory of the past three weeks, he can’t deny any longer that something is seriously wrong with him. And then Althea makes the worst bad decision ever, and her relationship with Oliver is shattered. He leaves town for a clinical study in New York, resolving to repair whatever is broken in his brain, while she gets into her battered Camry and drives up the coast after him, determined to make up for what she’s done.

Their journey will take them from the rooftops, keg parties, and all-ages shows of their North Carolina hometown to the pool halls, punk houses, and hospitals of New York City before they once more stand together and face their chances. Set in the DIY, mix tape, and zine culture of the mid-1990s, Cristina Moracho’s whip-smart debut is an achingly real story about identity, illness, and love—and why bad decisions sometimes feel so good.

 

Review:

Althea & Oliver by Cristina Moracho is a fast paced coming of age novel that bore some of the most intricate, lush details of any book I have ever read.

The story is about friendship – a friendship that spans ten plus years. A friendship so deep and profound that there isn’t much that one does not know about the other. They have been best friends since they were six years old. Now that they are in high school and older, feelings begin to bloom – feelings that neither one of them have ever felt before.

Do they dare to cross that invisible line that may change everything forever? Or do they fight to keep things the same, in the midst of all the changes happening around them. Their friendship compliments each other. They complement each other. You can feel just how true and real the friendship is.

But just when you are getting to know each characters, life gets complicated for Oliver when he starts to fall asleep for weeks at a time and is ultimately diagnosed with Kleine-Levin Syndrome. This disease propels Oliver into a deep sense of hopelessness and sadness that is palpable.

Althea isn’t happy that Oliver keeps having these sleep episodes and when they become more frequent and seem to be lasting longer than the previous ones – she realizes that as hard as it will be, she must tackle the world head on – without Oliver.

During one of Oliver’s sleep episodes, Althea makes a decision that will change their lives forever. Propelling them head first into a world of uncertainty. I found Althea to be quite selfish and all consuming. Yet it is completely relatable if you have ever been around teenage girls, or been a teenage girl.

Oliver is sweet and funny and compliments the harshness that at times seems to be Althea. As the feelings grow between them – the story becomes thick with emotions. The disease that Oliver is diagnosed with left me wanting to know more. And research just exactly what this disease was and does. Truly remarkable that this is real and people do suffer from it.

Althea’s anger and emotions begin to overtake her. The scene becomes set, but will they both decide to make the next step together, or will one decide to go out on their own and make the next step happen? This is where I want to say this is a classic friendship turn romance love story – but it doesn’t quite work out that way.  

The teenage language is factual, the life and exploits are convincing. The one thing that truly set this book apart from others is that it is real. It is plausible. You can understand – the turmoil and tragedy that becomes these teens lives. At times I did not agree with the parents’ behavior in this book but it just added to the emotional onslaught that encompasses you throughout the journey.

I would recommend this book to anyone that loves explicit and absolute details. Wonderful writing!

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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