Dare You To by Katie McGarry ~ Review

Synopsis:

"I dare you…"If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does….

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock—with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams—and his life—for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all….



Buy Dare You To on Amazon


Review

I loved Pushing the Limits and was so pleasantly surprised when I loved Dare You To just as much or more than Pushing the Limits. Dare You To was beautiful, emotional, gritty, and raw. 4.5 stars.

We were introduced to Beth a little in Pushing the Limits but Ryan is a completely new character. Obliviously base on the title, it all starts with a dare between these two. Ryan and his friends are competing to see how many telephone numbers they can get their hands on...being typical boys. When a tough-looking chick (Beth) comes in the door, Ryan is dared to get her phone number. Never one to back down from a bet, Ryan is up for the challenge but Beth has no problem turning down the cute little jock at Taco Bell that's hitting on her and trying to get her number. But life is full of surprises......Beth sees Ryan much sooner than she expects, after she is sent to live with her uncle in a town outside of St. Loius after a run-in with her mom's jerk abusive boyfriend. Beth does not want to be in Groveton at all and her life gets a little out of hand, but when her uncle gives Beth an ultimatum she can't refuse, Beth has no choice but to agree to her uncle's rules and try her best to lie low and follow the rules.

Things heat back up when Ryan sees Beth at school--dare's back on! Things change when Ryan quickly falls for the beautiful girl with tough exterior and Beth against her better judgement falls for Ryan. What starts out as only a game ends up being so much more, but will this only end in heartbreak for this couple? Read on to find out!

Dare You To is a def must read! The story is beautiful and the writing is amazing and sucks you in. . Katie McGarry is one of my favorite authors and this is one of my favorite YA series!

*Review by Brandi 

The Nature Of Cruelty by L.H. Cosway ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Synopsis for THE NATURE OF CRUELTY


Cruelty is a cycle. Once inflicted, it spreads.


Her name is Lana. She wasn’t dealt the easiest cards in life. She wasn’t dealt the hardest. She has an illness, but she doesn’t let it rule her. The first time she laid eyes on her best friend’s twin brother, she fell in love at first sight. It didn’t last very long. He was a hateful boy who made her miserable. The happiest day of her life was when he moved away to London six years ago.


His name is Robert. He breaks the ones who love him. He’s always liked to play games with Lana, see how far he could push her. He once thrived on her pain, but no more. Now she’s coming to London to live with his sister for the summer and this time he plans on being her friend instead of her tormentor. But Lana is scarred by his past bullying. She doesn’t trust him, nor does she have any reason to.


When the two find themselves living under the same roof, they call a truce. This summer will change both of their lives, as they put their history aside and learn one another from scratch.


When fear takes over, we use cruelty as a mask. Robert and Lana’s story will see their masks slip away as the love they felt on the inside shows its true face.


Excerpt

We leave my bags in the hallway and go into the kitchen for a cup of coffee. That's when my heart practically stops beating, because standing by the counter, taking a bite out of a sandwich, is Robert.


The last time I saw him was two years ago, and that was only from far away when I'd looked out the window and seen him visiting with his mum. I've built him up in my head so much over the years that he almost doesn't seem real. The bruises beneath his eyes from the “husband bashing” he took are almost healed, and his dark brown hair looks a mess. He's wearing a rumpled black dress shirt, a loosened silver tie, and grey pants. He is dishevelled but beautiful, looking like he just got home after a night out.


“What the fuck are you doing here?” Sasha asks, annoyed. She knows how Robert's presence might make me feel uneasy, so she's clearly pissed off that he's decided to let himself into her house (not to mention helped himself to a sandwich).


Despite all of the times I imagined seeing Robert again, and how I thought I would be confident and breezy in the face of his arrogant stare, I find myself reverting back into my tortoise shell. My cheeks blaze red as I let my eyes drop to the floor, just as his deep brown gaze locks in on me. There's a calculating look in his eyes, like he's figuring out some new and creative form of torture. Only now that he's an adult, his abuse will probably be ten times more elaborate.


“Well, look who it is,” he declares. “Tampon all grown up.” He grins and dusts some breadcrumbs from his hands, eyes travelling over my body in a strange way. His brow furrows a little then as he takes his time lingering over my face.


“Tampon” is one of the cruder names he thought up for me over the years. “Ginger minge” and “Fanta pants” were close seconds.


“Call her that one more time and you’re dead. I told you Lana was coming today,” Sasha informs him coolly. “You're not supposed to be here.”


I glance up just as Robert drags his gaze away from me to look at his sister. He grins with teeth. “Yeah, about that — you know how Kara moved into the penthouse a few days ago?” he asks.


Sasha nods impatiently and gestures for him to continue.


“Well, we had a fight, decided to break up, and now she's locked me out of the apartment. This was the closest place I could think to go.”


Kara is Robert's long-term, on again/off again girlfriend. I take it they were having one of their “off” periods while Robert was with the married woman. Although you never know with him. Sasha's told me all about Kara and how she and Robert have this intense, drama-fuelled relationship. They're always getting into fights and cheating on one another, then enjoying passionate reunions. I don't get why people can't just fall in love and be happy with one another these days.


“What the fuck, Rob? It's your apartment, not hers. If the two of you had a fight, then it should be you kicking her out.” She pauses to run a hand through her short hair, making the ends go all spiky. “I don't need to be dealing with this right now.”


Robert puts on what I have come to think of over the years as his “puppy dog face,” which always seems to win Sasha over.


“I would have kicked her out, but she was acting like a hysterical nut, throwing shit all over the place. I decided it was better to leave before she tried boiling my bunny. Oh, please, Sash, just let me stay here for a few nights.” He puts his palms together in a begging gesture.


Sasha smirks at the “bunny boiler” comment. “What about the place in Finsbury Park — can't you go and stay there?”


“Nope. Dad's got the builders in. They're installing new pipes or something.” Robert crosses his arms over his chest, a very faint smug gleam in his eye. You wouldn't recognise it if you weren't used to studying him, like I am. He knows she's about two seconds away from giving in.

Review


This is my first read by L.H. Cosway and I really enjoyed the story.  The Nature of Cruelty was emotional, angsty, drama filled, and a passionate love story. 4 stars.

Lana is getting ready to start her PhD, but before she gets going on her thesis, she she heads off to spend a summer with her best friend Sasha in London.  What she's not expecting is to see Robert right away, Sasha's twin brother, who tormented her repeatedly and treated her horribly since they first met as children and made her life hell. Lana grew stronger in the six years Robert wasn't around to torment her.  She had a major crush on Robert growing up and Robert used it to his advantage to break her time and time again.

Robert has the looks, he's cocky, arrogant and he's cruel.  He does regret the way he treated Lana when they were younger. Lana and Robert come to a truce, and decide since they will be around each other all summer, they are going to be friends. When Robert starts crossing the lines of their friendship, the attraction between the two is smoldering hot.  When Lana comes to realize that Robert was actually using cruelty to hid his feelings and was in love with Lana, she's not really sure how to deal.  Can Lana forgive Robert for all the wrong he has done to her and these two finally break past their barriers and have a future together? Read on to find out!

Congrats on the release L.H. Cosway! I def recommend you read this book.  The story is well written, beautiful, and it will stick with you for a long time.


*Review by Brandi

Buy Links

GOODREADS | AMAZON | SMASHWORDS

About L.H. COSWAY

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.


Author Links


Website - http://www.lhcosway.com/
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5622223.L_H_Cosway
Twitter - https://twitter.com/LHCosway
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/LH-Cosway/171041853046034

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Savor You by Emily Snow ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Blurb

Kylie Wolfe and guitarist Wyatt McRae have been bad for each other for the last several years, but it’s impossible for them to end their toxic push and pull. Not when their attraction is constantly fueled by lust and proximity—she’s her older brother’s Lucas’s assistant and Wyatt is his best friend and band mate. 

So when Your Toxic Sequel makes a move to record a new album in Nashville, Kylie decides to make the latest break with Wyatt official by getting the hell out of town. She’ll spend a week in New Orleans. A week to immerse herself in the Mardi Gras scene. One week to not think about the last time she was in New Orleans, seven years ago with Wyatt. Seven days where she won’t have to see Wyatt every day just to fall ridiculously in love with him all over again—where, if she wants to, she can have a normal, no- strings attached fling that won’t end in heartbreak.
Too bad Wyatt ruins everything by showing up, as gorgeous and demanding and goddamn awful for her as ever. 

Wyatt refuses to let Kylie give up on him. Not without reminding her why they both fell so far and hard in the first place. Not without making her savor the good memories and what could be their last chance with each other. 

Note: This is a spinoff from the Devoured series.

 

Buy Savor You on Amazon

Excerpt


“Lucas,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm, “why is there a huge chunk of money missing out of your business account?”


Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars isn’t just a huge chunk of money, though. It’s several years of my income, and it’s gone from an account that I’m supposed to be monitoring.


The man who answers me a few seconds later doesn’t sound like my older brother at all. He sounds broken, like a wounded animal. “It’s nothing. Mind your own fucking business, Kylie.”


The fear that has seized my chest for the last hour and a half suddenly shifts and now it feels like poison rippling through my body, wrapping around my bones and slithering through my veins. “Not on your life, Lucas. It’s Sam, isn’t it? Are you paying that bitch off again? Where’s Sienna? What the—”


I hear the faint click, and I know that I’ve lost him. I know that whatever it is my brother’s gotten himself involved with has only gotten worse since he and Sienna took off for Atlanta.


And I feel like I’m dying inside.


For several minutes, I sit silently on the bed, inhaling the faint, masculine scent Wyatt left behind. I know what I have to do. I know that I have to call Sienna to check on her, but I also know that I’m not going to like what I hear.


By the time I work up the nerve to call her, I’m crying.


“Please tell me he didn’t?” More than ever before, I want to be wrong. I want her to tell me that she’s still with Lucas, and he hasn’t kicked her out. But, I’m not wrong.


Her voice sounds like she’s a million miles away as she answers me, “Why does it matter?”


It matters because I wanted my brother to take care of her—for him to be happy. It matters because I was the one who convinced her to go along with him. I was the one who told her that taking Lucas up on his offer was all worth it.


But judging by the way Sienna sounds today, that was the only thing I was wrong about.

Review

I knew this book was going to be heart-breaking and angsty, and I love a good book that can rip my heart to shreds and play with my emotions, but my only complaint was the length....this is a good thing right? I needed more of the history between Kylie and Wyatt because this book had the potiental to wreck me and be a 5 star read, but I just didn't quite connect to the emotions like I wanted to.  I still enjoyed Savor You.....it was passionate, sexy, and angsty. 3.5 stars

We meet Kylie and Wyatt in Devoured, so Savor You is a spin-off. Their relationship, or lack of committing to a relationship has caused nothing but problems for them off and on over the past eight years. Kylie is sick of the relationship and giving Wyatt her heart and getting nothing in return, so she decides to leave a take a small vacation.. She decides after 8 years it's time to break the cycle of their on again off again relationship and Wyatt breaking her heart, which has happened 18 times and Kylie has tiny blackbird tattoos to prove each heart ache. Since we don't get alot of the back story of the tattoos, maybe that will come in Kylie and Wyatt's next book.

Wyatt is a sexy, bad boy rocker who knows what he wants and that's Kylie. He's just not good at vocalizing how he really feels.   He follows her on her trip and comes up with a plan to convince Kyle he wants to be with her.  Problem is, he screws up and Kylie just can't forgive him this time...she decides this is it.  Kylie and Wyatt both have their own demons they are dealing with. Can Wyatt convince Kylie he really does love her and wants to try and do right by her? Read on to find out!

Congrats on the release Emily! I enjoyed this story......really looking forward to the continuation of Kylie and Wyatt's story. 

*Review by Brandi

Author Bio

Emily Snow is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the erotic romance series
Devoured, which includes Devoured, All Over You, and Consumed, as well as the new adult novel Tidal.
She loves books, sexy bad boys, and really loud rock music, so naturally, she writes stories about all
three.


Author Links

Website http://emilysnowbooks.com/

twitter username https://twitter.com/EmilySnowBks

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emily-Snow/363370467075260

Goodreads Page http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6519108.Emily_Snow

Goodreads book link http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17281601-savor-you

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Submissive by Tara Sue Me ~ Review

Book One of the Submissive Trilogy
More than 8 Million Reads Online
The first in Tara Sue Me’s seductive and scandalous series that has enthralled millions…
Abby King has a secret fantasy.

New York knows Nathaniel West as the brilliant and handsome CEO of West Industries, but Abby knows he’s more: a sexy and skilled dominant who is looking for a new submissive. Yearning to experience a world of pleasure beyond her simple life as a librarian, Abby offers herself to Nathaniel, to fulfill her most hidden desires.

After only one weekend with the Master, Abby knows she needs more, and fully submits to Nathaniel’s terms. But despite the pleasure he takes in Abby’s willing spirit, the Nathaniel hidden behind the rules remains cold and distant.

As Abby falls deeper into his tantalizing world of power and passion, she fears that Nathaniel’s heart may be beyond her reach—and that her own might be beyond saving…


Buy The Submissive on Amazon


Review

God lord, I need a fan after this one! While this book is very 50 Shadish (Not really sure the whole story behind this book or which came first, just seen it was fan-fiction) I still really enjoyed it and I so love reading about dom/sub relationships and escaping into that fantasy. 4 Hot, Steamy, Tie-Me Up, and Spank Me Stars!

This story starts out with Abigail (Abby) going in for an interview with Nathaniel to be his submissive. She is a shy librarian who has had a crush on Nathaniel for years. Nathaniel is handsome, wealthy, and powerful and Abby has been following him on paper ever since he helped save her Mom's house from foreclosure.  Abby is an inexperienced sub and Nathaniel doesn't train submissives but there is something about her that captivates him so he decides to make an exception in her case. Right away this book is focusing on the BDSM side of things.

Abby's willing to do whatever Nathaniel wants right from the start to be his submissive.  She will fill out the medical forms, meet his requirements on fitness, sleep, and exercise all to get a taste of the man she has fantasized about and desired for so long. Abby just hopes that Nathaniel will let her in and one day feel the love that she fills for him.

For the love that is purest and sweetest
Has a kiss of desire on the lips.

Nathaniel slowly begins to break Abby in as his submissive, even though he seems a bit cold and aloof at times, the sex scenes are off the charts smoldering hot! The more time they spend together you can see Nathaniel's walls wearing down....Nathaniel lost his parents when he was little so he has been broken but you see him slowly letting Abby into his heart. Then there's a twist thrown in that I didn't see coming, and that is where this story take on a life of it's own and things get very angsty!

"You were the goddess I longed to worship. My unobtainable dream. The relationship I could never hope to have."

Although this story was packed full of panty-dropping, HOT sex, The Submissive ends up being one heck of a romance/love story that is expressed passionately through poetry throughout the book.  The ending leaves you anxious to start the next book,  The Dominant which will be from Nathaniel's point of view. I can't wait to read that one and the final book in the series The Training! If you loved 50 shades, I definitely recommend you read this series.


Review by Brandi - ARC provided by NetGalley.

About the Author

Tara Sue Me lives in the southeastern United States with her family, two dogs, and a cat. She will be following up The Submissive with two new novels, The Dominant and The Training.

Made For You by Vi Keeland ~ Review and Giveaway

Made for You Synopsis

Jack and Syd spent a week in paradise. It was only supposed to be a fling. But life can be funny sometimes, and circumstances brought them back together again. Together they seemed to have found their happy ever after. But when Sydney is offered a chance at the career she has always wanted, she must leave Jack behind to follow her dreams. Can their love survive long distance? Sydney’s touring with a man every woman wants, but he only has eyes for Syd. And an unexpected tragedy leaves Jack feeling remorseful. Can the two find a way through to forever?

**If you haven’t read book one yet, Belong to You, it’s on sale this week for .99!**

"Made for You" Review:


5 Stars!


"I have no self control around you. Sex is usually a release of energy for me - when it's over, I'm done - but every time I touch you I only want you more."

This is the continuation of Sydney and Jack's blooming relationship. Sydney and Jack finally decide to give the relationship a try after several times Jack attempts to run from any type of relationship. He has never been relationship material but Jack can't resist Sydney.


"I knew what I wanted the minute I saw your face. I'm a man that gets what he wants, one way or another. "

As they begin their relationship, Sydney gets the offer of a lifetime to go on tour with her Best Friend Sienna with the hottest rock group. The problem is the tour is in Europe for 4 months. And of course this offer comes from the man Jack hates the most, his father. Sydney has to leave Jack behind to follow her dreams she gave up so many years ago and Jack knows this. Since Jack doesn't want to lose her by making the same mistake, he promises they will continue their relationship long distance and see each as often as possible. The tour is with a group that Sydney and Sienna are old friends with. One of the men Justin used to have serious feelings for Sydney. So of course she is back in the picture, Justin tries to worm his way back into her heart.


As the tour progresses and Jack and Sydney's relationship becomes more serious........things begin to unravel as they both try to understand and accept each other.


There were many twist and turns in this book to add to the stress of a blossoming relationship. Jack and Sydney both fighting their own personal issues and trying to understand and accepting the others flaws and downfalls.


Vi Keeland has totally sucked me in. She definitely has spent much time developing her characters and bringing them to life. I felt so connected and loved every part of each relationship in this series.....


Congrats Vi Keeland! Job Well Done!

*Review by Kim


Buy links:

http://www.amazon.com/Made-You-Cole-Novel-ebook/dp/B00DPWVKS6


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Made-You-Cole-Novel-ebook/dp/B00DPWVKS6



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Click here for Grandprize Rafflecopter Giveaway

The Last Husband (Forever Love #2) by J.S. Cooper ~ Blog tour and Giveaway

Synopsis:

The Last Husband (Forever Love #2) by JS Cooper

Description

Lucky wanted a guy to be her last boyfriend but she never counted on love not being enough.

Lucky Morgan fantasized about the hot guy from her diner for months. And when he offered her a dream job, she jumped at the chance to get to know him better.

Zane Beaumont was skeptical about love and guarded his heart. Even though he was falling for Lucky, he was still scared to fully let go. So he makes a decision that may ruin their once chance at happiness.

Both of their lives are turned upside down by some unexpected news and Lucky has to decide, once and for all, if Zane is the guy she wants to spend her forever with.

Add to Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17858603-the-last-husband


Amazon I Barnes & Noble



The Last Husband Review

4 stars

After reading "The Last Boyfriend" and not really connecting to the book, I do have to say I believe "The Last Husband" did flow a little better and the story line again was very good. This book was somewhat better but still the same problems as in book 1 the dialogue at times was awkward and continuously repeating the same information.


BUT I really, really LOVED the story line and having POV from both sides!!!!


"The Last Husband" continues where "The Last Boyfriend" left off. Zane begins to open up more to Lucky and pleads with her to give him a chance of trying to be a real boyfriend and to be patient with him since he doesn't 'do relationships'. As they work on the documentary together, Zane and Lucky begin to open up more with each other. Zane shares information about his past that helps Lucky to begin to understand why Zane acts the way he does. Zane is trying to recover from the death of his brother and find out information that could possibly be why his brother died so tragically. As more secrets are revealed, Lucky becomes more aware of her deep feelings for Zane and realizes no matter what happens between them the risk she took to be with Zane was worth it.


So many secrets, twisting plots keep you guessing what will happen next. This was the most exciting part of the book for me. Their relationship grew stronger and ends on a very happy note.....but the story will continue in the next book which will feature Noah, Zane's brother.

*Review by Kim

About the Author

J. S. Cooper was born in London, England and moved to Florida her last year of high school. After completing law school at the University of Iowa (from the sunshine to cold) she moved to Los Angeles to work for a Literacy non profit as an Americorp Vista. She then moved to New York to study the History of Education at Columbia University and took a job at a workers rights non profit upon graduation. She enjoys long walks on the beach (or short), hot musicians, dogs, reading (duh) and lots of drama filled TV Shows.



Author Links

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1013599.J_S_Cooper

http://jscooperauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/J.S.Cooperauthor

https://twitter.com/JSCooperauthor

Giveaway
Just leave a blog comment with your email address and winner will be chosen at random for an ebook of The Last Husband.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All the Right Things by Audrey Harte ~ Cover Reveal

Synopsis 


In “Love in All the Wrong Places”, Annie tried her hand at online dating, but it brought her nothing but a broken heart. This girl can't seem to catch a break in the dating world! While wondering what went wrong once again, she met an attractive, funny and sincere hip hop dancer in the parking lot at work. But just as Casey expressed interest in taking her out, he had to leave town to tour the country with an up and coming pop star. Annie was willing to wait for him to return, but then she received an apologetic text from Nate, the last guy she met on Craigslist.

Join Annie on her adventures in “All the Right Things” as she makes some of the biggest decisions of her life. While she thoroughly enjoyed the time she spent with Nate and is still attracted to him, he screwed her and then ditched her at the bar without a word. Will Annie accept Nate’s explanation and his heartfelt apology and give him a second chance or will she kick him to the curb? Or will Casey’s charm and determination to show her how a real man should treat a lady win her over? Or will both of these guys be left in the dust when someone from her past reappears?

Add to Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18081384-all-the-right-things