Review: Deal Breakers By Laura Lee

Deal Breakers

Bu: Laura Lee

Release Date: September 1, 2015

Series: Dealing With Love #1

Description:

How were they supposed to know that one night would change everything?

Devyn has life all mapped out. She just needs to accomplish one more thing before graduating college and becoming a full-fledged adult—lose her virginity. And who better to assist her than her best friend, Riley?

Riley is the self-proclaimed king of fling. His college years have been filled with meaningless hookups until the one night that ruined him for all other women. The one night he spends with his best friend, Devyn. Right before he screws it all up.

Balls to the wall, baby!

Now five years later, Riley is determined to atone for his mistakes and prove that he can be the man that Devyn deserves. Little does he know that Devyn’s been keeping a secret from him all these years. A big secret. Now he has to figure out how to win back the only girl he’s ever loved while navigating the pitfalls of her unexpected revelation.

Deal Breakers is filled with lots of laughs, a sexy romance, and an overflowing swear jar. 

Review:

I really enjoyed reading about these two who couldn’t really be more the same in some ways and completely different at the same time.  You could tell from the moment they met that they were perfect for one another.  But Devyn just wanted to be friends, isn’t that how it starts though.  The author did a good job of depicting both their lives together and separately.

I really enjoyed reading about their college years and how the two got along so well, Riley tried so hard to be with Devyn then but it didn’t happen until the very end when they were about to go their separate ways.  I appreciated how much the author spent on telling the story of their college lives and then moving on to the future and what was waiting for them.

The characters in this book were very entertaining.  Sometimes I didn’t think much of Riley only because he seemed like such a player that it turned me off but then there were sweet moments that made me rethink him.  Devyn on the other hand seemed very determined to keep on the track she started but as you will see something deters her, but she is still very determined and very naïve. The background characters like Devyn’s brother are just too hilarious and I can completely picture him in real life as a big bear who acts like he’s all tough but really just a big teddy bear.  And let’s not even start with the little guy.  Too cute for words is what he is! I fell in love with him right away, I love little ones and their honest mouths.  Be careful what you say around them because they are like little tiny sponges that soak it all in.

Overall this book was very enjoyable to read through and I was happy things worked out in the end for all the characters. 

Review: Firsts by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

Firsts
By: Laurie Elizabeth Flynn
Release Date: January 5, 2016

Description:
Seventeen-year-old Mercedes Ayres has an open-door policy when it comes to her bedroom, but only if the guy fulfills a specific criteria: he has to be a virgin. Mercedes lets the boys get their awkward, fumbling first times over with, and all she asks in return is that they give their girlfriends the perfect first time- the kind Mercedes never had herself.

Keeping what goes on in her bedroom a secret has been easy- so far. Her absentee mother isn’t home nearly enough to know about Mercedes’ extracurricular activities, and her uber-religious best friend, Angela, won’t even say the word “sex” until she gets married. But Mercedes doesn’t bank on Angela’s boyfriend finding out about her services and wanting a turn- or on Zach, who likes her for who she is instead of what she can do in bed.

When Mercedes’ perfect system falls apart, she has to find a way to salvage her reputation and figure out where her heart really belongs in the process. Funny, smart, and true-to-life, FIRSTS is a one-of-a-kind young adult novel about growing up. 

Review:

This story was raw, real and unique. There are many different types of people in this world and they all go through different things.  Sometimes it’s nice to see a different side of a story, it’s not all a bunch of roses for some people.  Occasionally there are those who have dramatic things happen to them which lead them to do things for justification and this is one of those stories.  Firsts was an amazing read that brings you into the mind of a girl who is just trying to help, or at least that’s what she feels is true in her mind.

Mercedes doesn’t live in a happy home, there is nothing wrong with her home just she doesn’t really get the loving attention a child needs when growing up.  Because of her broken home situation she turns to the wrong things for satisfaction and for the need to feel wanted and helpful.  Of course the way she does this is by “helping” guys lose their virginity so that when they do sleep with their girlfriends it will be a memorable experience.  I know this all sounds like a plan that just isn’t going to work but in Mercedes mind she is helping people out to have a better first time than she did. 

There are many strong characters in this book and even if she doesn’t want it she does have people she can lean on but doesn’t realize that until the end of the book.  In the meantime she’s just going through the motions and vying her time until she leaves for college.  There were times when I felt sorry for Mercedes but then there were times when I just wanted to give her a hug.  There are a lot of intense emotions in this book and intense situations.  Some more than others but the ones that mean the most are the situations that scare Mercedes the most, especially those moments she shares with Charlie and essentially Luke who started this whole downfall. 

I’m not too fond of her bible loving best friend, but I get the charade she puts on for her because she needs that purity in her life that she doesn’t have.  And I completely understand her relationship with Zach even if she doesn’t, it’s sweet the way he constantly pursues her, it’s endearing.  In regards to Faye she came in to save Mercedes from herself and I think she’s a brilliant character.  There is just so much goodness in this book along with the craziness.  It’s another look at harassment and how schools do nothing about it, seriously the school did nothing.  It’s another look at abuse and how if you keep your mouth closed and don’t talk about it there are consequences that will eat you alive and change you into a person that you don’t want to be.  It’s also a really great look about trust.  Trust is a very big thing and I believe it needs to be earned and not given so freely.

Overall this book was amazing from beginning to end.  I sympathize with the main character and all her experiences.  The plot was something different and a new perspective to look at in the young adult world.  Kids are mean, but harassment is never an answer.  I really like the cover because the girl even if it’s just her feet looks so insecure.  It’s sweet.  You should definitely read this book it’s worth it to read about something other than insta love.  Just saying!

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (St. Martin's Griffin), so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Review: Did I Mention I Love You? (Did I Mention I Love You (DIMILY)) by Estelle Maskame

Did I Mention I Love You? (Did I Mention I Love You (DIMILY))

By: Estelle Maskame 

Release Date: December 1, 2015

Series: DIMILY #1

Description:

Love is everything but expected.

Eden Monroe came to California for a summer of sun, sand and celebrities what better way to forget about the drama back home? Until she meets her new family of strangers: a dad she hasn't seen in three years, a stepmonster and three stepbrothers.

Eden gets her own room in her dad's fancy house in Santa Monica. A room right next door to her oldest stepbrother, Tyler Bruce. Whom she cannot stand. He's got angry blue eyes and ego bigger than a Beverly Hills mansion. She's never felt such intense dislike for someone. But the two are constantly thrown together as his group of friends pull her into their world of rule-breaking, partying and pier-hanging.

And the more she tries to understand what makes Tyler burn hotter than the California sun, the more Eden finds herself falling for the one person she shouldn't...

Did I Mention I Love You? is the addictive first book in Wattpad sensation Estelle Maskame's DIMILY trilogy: three unforgettable summers of secrets, heartbreak and forbidden romance.

Review:

This book was intense from beginning to end and had my attention captivated.  My heart is still pumping hard for this book, beyond entertaining.  Some might not like it because of the content but I was intrigued and enthralled with the characters and their situations.  Estelle Maskame did an amazing job bringing this story to life and I can’t wait to read the next chapter.

We meet Eden as she is shipped off to stay with her dad for a summer, why? she doesn’t know but goes along with it, anything to get away from the drama with her friends at home.  But with this move comes four new people into her life that she’s never met before, a stepmother and three stepbrothers. Her relationship with all these new people and friends in her life are interesting to watch and experience.  Especially her growing relationship with oldest stepbrother Tyler.  Who seems like a lot of trouble but really there are just some deep seeded issues that he’s trying to work out.

I loved when they interacted because it seemed like he hated her so much and the second he says to her “Me Frustras” I knew exactly where this was going and even though yes it’s weird sort of but only in technicalities, it still put a smile and I still have a smile on my face for these two.  Their story and budding romance and secrecy was intense and really sweet because all Eden wanted to do was save Tyler and make him a better person.  Together they were good but it’s hard when they couldn’t show that to the world. 

There were a lot of different and interesting characters in this book.  Tiffani the crazy one, Rachel the sensible one (sort of), Dean the sweet one who stays in the background, but nevertheless sweet.  Then there was Jake the player.  Tyler the bad boy who no one wanted to mess with but everyone wants to be around.  Even Ella the stepmom and her dad had their own issues but overall still interesting characters that bought something a little more to the story overall. 

I really enjoyed the west coast beach setting, the intense stimulating plot throughout the whole book, the fascinating characters and being given the opportunity to review this book, it was a joy to read and I’m off to read the next one in the series because I am now addicted to the DIMILY series!

I love all the different covers they have out there but I think this one caught my attention the most, just saying.  It’s sweet and innocent, like their relationship in a way.  I love the sweetness of it all, no you won’t be gushing but you will feel the intensity between the two of them and it is undeniable.  

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire, so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Book Highlight: Did I Mention I Love You? By Estelle Maskame

Did I Mention I Love You?

By: Estelle Maskame

Release Date: December 1, 2015

Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire

Praise for Did I Mention I Love You?

 “Readers will root for them, like they would with Edward and Bella—the mutual attraction and need for one another is palpable. It rings of passion, excitement, and first love.” –VOYA Magazine

 “An edgy young adult romance with dark layers” –The Examiner

 “A believable coming-of-age story and an unconventional romance, set against a present-day California summer... . The fallout of divorce, the insidiousness of substance abuse and family secrets, and especially the pangs of first love drive this emotionally resonant tale.” – Publishers Weekly

 “Written in first person, Maskame’s trilogy opener is an excellent portrayal of a teenage girl’s life in the 21st century. Eden has to adjust to her blended family, try to feel pretty, be body conscious, and make friends, all while falling in love for the first time. She is someone all young people can relate to...Romance fans will be captivated by Eden and her journey to finding herself and true love.” –School Library Journal

Summary:

Love is everything but expected.

Eden Munro came to California for a summer of sun, sand, and celebrities- what better way to forget about the drama back home? Until she meets her new family of strangers; a dad she hasn’t seen in three years, a stepmonster, and three stepbrothers.

Eden gets her own room in her dad’s fancy house in Santa Monica. A room right next door to her oldest stepbrother. Tyler Bruce. Whom she cannot stand. He has angry blue eyes and an ego bigger than a Beverly Hills mansion. She’s never felt such intense dislike for someone. But the two are constantly thrown together as his group of friends pulls her into their world of rule-breaking, partying, and pier-hanging

And the more she tries to understand what makes Tyler burn hotter than the California sun, the more Eden finds herself falling for the one person she shouldn’t…

Did I Mention I Love You? is the addictive first book in Wattpad sensation Estelle Maskame’s DIMIY trilogy: three unforgettable summers of secrets, heartbreak, and forbidden romance.

Goodreads

Buy Links:

Amazon | Apple | Barnes&Noble | BooksAMillion | !ndigo | Indiebound

About the Author:

Estelle Maskame started writing at the age of thirteen and completed the Did I Mention I Love You?  trilogy when she was sixteen. She has built an extensive fan-base for her writing by serializing her work on Wattpad. Fitting book writing between work, Estelle has amassed followers from all over the world. She lives in Scotland. For more visit estellemaskame.com

Social Media Links:

http://books.sourcebooks.com/dimily/

https://twitter.com/EstelleMaskame

Did I Mention I Love You? Excerpt

I can almost see the road through the gaps in the fence by the side of the house, and I squint through. There’s music playing. More like blaring. I can hear it over the crappy music that’s already bouncing around the back yard, and as a sleek white car speeds up to the edge of the sidewalk and skids against the curb, I grimace in disgust. The music cuts off the second the engine is killed.

“What are you looking at?” Rachael asks, but I’m too busy staring to even attempt to answer.

The car door swings open roughly, and I’m surprised it doesn’t fall straight off its hinges. It’s difficult to see clearly through the fence, but a tall guy gets out and slams the door shut just as aggressively as he opened it. He hesitates for a moment, stares at the house, and then runs a hand through his hair. Whoever he is, he looks su-per depressed. Like he’s just lost all his life savings or his dog just died. And then he heads straight for the gate.

“Who the hell is this jackass?” I mutter to Rachael as the figure nears us.

But before either of us can say anything more, Jackass decides to hit the gate open with a fist, drawing the at-tention of everyone around us. It’s like he wants everyone to hate him. I figure he’s probably that one neighbor that everyone despises, and he’s only here in a fit of rage because he wasn’t invited to the lamest barbecue get-together that’s ever been hosted.

“Sorry I’m late,” Jackass comments sarcastically. And loudly too, with a smirk on his lips. His eyes flash green as emeralds. “Did I miss anything besides the slaughtering of animals?” He throws up the infamous mid-dle finger to, from what I can see, the barbecue. “I hope you guys enjoyed the cow you just ate.” And then he laughs. He laughs as though everyone’s expressions of disgust are the most entertaining thing he’s seen all year.

“More beer?” I hear my dad call out to the silent crowd, and as they chuckle and return to their conversations, Jackass heads through the patio doors. He slams them shut so hard I can almost see the glass tremble.

I’m stunned. I have no idea what just happened or who that was or why he’s just entered the house. When I realize I’m slightly slack-jawed, I close my mouth and turn to Rachael.

She bites her lip and pushes her sunglasses down over her eyes. “I’m guessing you haven’t met your step-brother yet.”

Coming Soon!

Did I Mention I Need You (March 2016) & Did I Mention I Miss You (June 2016)

 Book Info:

Title: Did I Mention I Need You?

Author: Estelle Maskame

Release Date: March 1, 2016

Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire

Eden and Tyler have desperately tried to ignore their love for each other for the sake of their family. But they can’t seem to stay apart for long, especially once Tyler invites Eden to spend the summer with him in New York.

Away from their life in California and caught up in the excitement of the city, their summer fling turns into something much more serious. Unable to deny their feelings, Tyler and Eden must face reality. But how will their family react when they confess their romance? And is their relationship strong enough to survive the fallout?

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon | Apple | Barnes&Noble | BooksAMillion | !ndigo | Indiebound

Book Info:

Title: Did I Mention I Miss You?

Author: Estelle Maskame

Release Date: June 7, 2016

Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire

Eden’s on her way back to Santa Monica for the summer, and she hasn’t seen Tyler since the devastating fallout of their forbidden relationship. Eden claims to have moved on—but Tyler wants to rekindle the flame.

He convinces Eden to visit his new home in Portland, Oregon, where he has set up a center for troubled teens. Eden’s proud of what he’s built, but the last time they were together, it nearly destroyed Eden and their family. Then a tragedy draws them together, and Eden must search her heart and decide if Tyler is worth the risk once and for all.

Giveaway!

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Review: In the Company of Wolves By Paige Tyler

In the Company of Wolves
By: Paige Tyler
Release Date: December 1, 2015
Series: SWAT: SPECIAL WOLF ALPHA TEAM series #3

Description:

Description

He opened his mouth to order her to drop the MP5 she had aimed at him, but nothing would come out. It was like she'd robbed him of the ability to speak. Shooting her wasn't an option, though. And the idea of arresting her didn't make him feel any better.

There's a new gang of criminals in town who are organized and ruthless in the extreme. When Eric Becker, along with the rest of the Dallas SWAT team, ends up in the middle of a shootout, he immediately senses werewolves-a lot of them. Turns out, the new bad guys are a pack of wolf shifters.

In a spray of gunfire, Becker comes face-to-face with the most gorgeous woman he's ever seen. Becker does the logical thing. He hides her and leaves the scene with the rest of his team.

Jayna Winston has no idea why that SWAT guy helped her, but she's glad he did. Ever since she and her pack mates got mixed up with those Eastern European mobsters, everything had pretty much fallen apart.

So what's a street-savvy thief like Jayna going to do with a hot alpha-male wolf who's a police officer?

SWAT (Special Wolf Alpha Team) Series
Hungry Like the Wolf
Wolf Trouble
In the Company of Wolves

Readers are hungry for Paige Tyler's SWAT and X-Ops series:
"The action is nonstop and topnotch."-RT Book Reviews
"Hot and wild...Paige Tyler delivers non-stop action and thrilling romance."-Cynthia Eden, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
"The sexy wolves of SWAT are not to be missed!"-J.D. Tyler, national bestselling author of the Alpha Pack series

Review:

I haven’t read the other books in the series so I’m definitely just jumping in but the title is what got me.  I haven’t read a book about wolves or anything supernatural in a very long time and I was intrigued.  Rightfully so because this book was really good.  Had me at the edge of my seat more than I’d expected.  Paige Tyler did such a great job with this book that it just makes me want to go and read the other books in the series to find out how they all got together.

Her were meet Jayna who in her eyes is just a Beta following her Alpha around and doing what he beckons his pack to do, which is not very savory as he has them running around for a bunch of thugs and doing illegal things.  This is where she meets Eric, both on opposite sides of law but an attraction that is undeniable and at first sight.  For wolves I can believe it, there is nothing like finding “the one”.  He goes to extreme lengths to find her and when he does there is a lovely relationship and trustfulness that helps their bond strengthen even more.

These Alpha swat members sound like some hot commodities that I wouldn’t mind falling into line with, just saying.  Between all these very alpha males and all the illegal actions going on there is quite a bit of drama in this book.  I love a good action suspense type of book with a little romance thrown in this book had just the right amount of all of those elements to keep me happy from beginning to end. 

I really enjoyed meeting all the characters and wish them the best after the book finished because that’s how they made me feel, happy and satisfied that everything will work out in the end.  I know it’s weird but if you read books and they make you feel good for the people in them you can’t help but feel good for yourself too.  Ok but remember there was a lot of action and I’m not talking about only in the bedroom, wink, wink. 

Overall this was a great read, can’t wait to read about the other SWAT members.  I love the cover I think that’s what got me at first and then I saw the title and I was hooked.  Great book, great writing, loved the setting and plot. 

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Review: Rock Me Two Times by Dawn Ryder

Rock Me Two Times
By: Dawn Ryder
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Series: Rock Band Book 1

Description:
First in Dawn Ryder’s sizzling new Rock Band series.

A partnership with the hottest new rock band, Toxsin, is a major opportunity for Kate's small custom leather shop, but she's determined to resist her burning attraction to the lead guitarist, Syon Braden. Sex is a commodity in his world, and that's just not enough for her. Or so she thought. 

With the multiplatinum success of his band, Syon thought he had everything he'd ever wanted…and then he met Kate. He knows that sleeping with her could distract him from his music and even interfere with his close bandmate friendships, but despite all this, Syon just can't seem to keep his mind—or hands—off of her…

Rock Band Series: 
Rock Me Two Times (Book 1)
Rock Steady (Book 2)

Review:

Lots of Leather, lots of Rock n Roll attitudes and some super steamy intimate scenes, this is a rock stars life and you’re living in his world throughout the entire book.  Dawn Ryder did a great job depicting this lifestyle and throwing in some deceitfulness and some real emotion into all the characters.  I’m intrigued about the rest of the band and will be happy to read about them in the next book.  But for now let’s focus on Kate and Syon. 

Kate is a part owner in a custom leather shop and when something happens to another employee she has to take over their account this one time, which leads to a full time costumer for one of the biggest rock bands around.  Even if we didn’t read any of the lyrics to the songs it was described so intensely it kind of in my mind reminded me of Queen of the damned soundtrack all raw and emotional and totally addicting rock music.  If that makes sense to anyone else.  Anyway so Syon aka the Marquis is intrigued by Kate.  Their dominating relationship with one another is an interesting read, especially when you throw Ramsey into the mix. He and Syon have been friends and family to one another for a long time so to see Kate come between them in a way is sweet because you can see how strong their bond is.

Kate tries to fight it as much as she can, but hello rock star, super-hot, super yum who could possibly resist that?  I know I couldn’t.  There were some very steamy, sexy, hot scenes in this book and I knew there would be a little risqué action going on and that’s one of the main reasons I picked this book up, let’s not forget that cover, super yum! Anyway there are some issues that arise between Kate and Syon, but you really have to read the book to find out what they are.  It was a good read, kept you interested in the character from beginning to end.  I’m not one for reading such steamy books like this so I did end up skipping a few pages at the end because I was over it, but again that’s just me.  Sometimes I just want to get to the story, but even still I liked it and am definitely interested in reading the rest of the series.  Especially Taz. 

Great book, great story, hot cover and I would definitely recommend this to anyone!

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Review: Everything But the Truth By Mandy Hubbard

Everything But the Truth
By: Mandy Hubbard
Release Date: November 17, 2015
Series: An If Only Novel

Description:

Enjoy Everything but the Truth and the other standalone titles in Bloomsbury's contemporary If Only romance line centered around an impossible problem: you always want what you can't have!

Holly Mathews' mom is the new manager of a ritzy retirement home, and they just moved in, which means Holly's neighbors are all super-rich retirees. Still, it's not a total bust, because gorgeous, notorious Hollywood playboy Malik Buchannan is the grandson of one of the residents. Just one problem: when they meet, Malik assumes Holly's there to visit her own rich relative. She doesn't correct him, and it probably doesn't matter, because their flirtation could never turn into more than a superficial fling . . . right? But the longer Holly lives in Malik's privileged world, the deeper she falls for him and the more difficult it becomes to tell the truth . . . because coming clean might mean losing Malik forever.

For anyone who has dreamed of their own Cinderella story, this title in the If Only romance line is about how when it comes to true love, the best person to be is yourself!

Mandy Hubbard is the author of many books for young adults including the previous If Only title Fool Me Twice, Prada & Prejudice, and You Wish. She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and daughter. She works as an agent at D4EO literary. Visit her online at www.mandyhubbard.com and on twitter @mandyhubbard.

Review:

This book was a quick and easy fun read that kept a smile on your face.   It was a very clean book which is not something you see much with young adult books nowadays and it was refreshing.  Mandy Hubbard did a great job with these characters and her story.  Loved every minute of it.

The books in this series can definitely be read alone but it’s still good to see a group of authors working together to make a series along the same theme.  In this installment we meet Holly who isn’t as well off as the residents in the retirement home her mother works and lives at.  But she’s genuine and real, especially when she meets Malik Buchanan.  But then again not that genuine as he’s under the impression she’s really someone else, mistakenly of course.

But you know what happens.  Sometimes it’s easier to keep the lie going then telling the truth, and then sometimes it’s too late to tell the truth so you don’t tell the truth for fear of hurting ones feelings.  It’s a very tangled web she has woven and one that she can’t seem to get out, until she’s pushed out.  It’s hard thing to do but I have to say if you are ever in a situation like this make sure you are honest from the very beginning, relieves a lot of stress. 

It was nice to see how these two meet and grow to admire one another and push each other in the right directions.  Sweet really the amount of encouragement that Holly gives Malik throughout the book to help find himself. The relationships with the parents, friends and family members are also very thoughtful.  It’s hard being in a retirement home but it’s great when young people show involvement in their lives to help ease their transition from complete independence to having to live in a home.

This book overall was sweet and I would recommend to everyone.  I would be very interested to read other books in the series.  

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and Bloomsbury, so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!