romance

Review: Dirty by Kylie Scott

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01 dirty “Do you believe in crazy at first sight?”
Lines creased his brown. “What?”
“I’m not down with the whole L-word and I don’t think this, whatever this is, is that. So don’t freak out and suddenly accuse me of being a stage-ten clinger or something, got it?”
“Okay.” He looked amused.
“But what if there was crazy at first sight? Because I think we have a credible basis for that.”

This book was most definitely Insta-crazy. I swear it takes place in the span of a couple weeks. CRAZY!! But it was a fast read and I did very much enjoy it.

I liked Vaughn instantly. Here was this girl, in his shower, in a wedding dress, and he doesn’t call the cops or freaks out., He listens to her and tries to help her out, all the while slowly falling for her. He has enough on his own plate, but there’s something about this girl that makes him want new things.

It was SUPER fun to see Mal, my favorite Stage Dive character pop in there!! Seriously. I read that entire part with a big cheesy grin on my face. I had no idea any of them were going to pop in.

Dirty was such a nice way to start this new series, Lighthearted and fun, with some sweet chemistry throughout it. I swear it’s been forever since I read a fun book that wasn’t over the top. If you enjoyed the Stage Dive series, you will definitely like this one.

~Melpomene

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Review: The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert

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25650078I absolutely loved this book and I devoured it in less than 24 hours and really wish I could go back for more second helpings!

How refreshing it is to have an author that doesn’t feel the need to rush two people into a bed to keep the reader engaged and invested in the story. Of course we knew (or hoped!) what was going to happen, but it was a joy to read the pages until we got there. It was also refreshing to read a novel about a girl who didn’t rely on the world (or a man) to help her. She had her moments of self-pity, but instead of wallowing in it, she picked herself up and moved on. She didn’t let her disappointments and the downfalls that were happening in one part of her life prevent her from enjoying the other parts that life has to offer.

We could all learn from that.

Perhaps this isn’t my usual book that I absolutely love, but what’s not to love about a book that keeps you up late at night reading it, loving it, and wanting more like it? One mustn’t get stuck on the same old menu day after day…sometimes it really pays off to try the chef’s special and go outside your comfort zone…whether or not we’re discussing books or eating, it’s best to reserve final judgement until you’ve at least sampled the offerings…

Until next time…

Urania xx

Review copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review

buy it now The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E Reichert

Review: Wicked Need by Sawyer Bennett

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01 wicked Well, if you’re looking for a super sexy book, with no holds barred BDSM scenes, then THIS is the book for you.

After Cat’s husband dies, she is told he left her nothing. After living the horrible life she’s lead, it’s hard for her to trust anyone. She has made some very bad decisions, just to stay a float, but now that everything is gone, she’s not sure how she’s going to survive. What she experienced, I wouldn’t wish that on my enemies. Horrible.

Enter, Rand, the part time fantasy maker and The Silo. He decides to help Cat out, for no other reason than he’s just a nice guy. Once he finds out her full story, he is determined to help her realize that none of her past is her fault. When I read his POV, I was quite happy to see how big his heart is. He brought a lot of emotion without all the tears. It was very nice to see.

Since they’ve been together a time or two, at The Silo, they decide to play around and soon they realize that what they have is more than just a fun. This actually could be real.

I knew Rand was a great guy. He’s super sexy and knows how to make a girl feel loved. I love the fact that he went out of his way, MILES out of his way, just to find some key puzzle pieces that were missing in her life.

And of course this had a hefty dose of sauce. Very HOT sauce. The kind that makes you step away and find your significant other. Whew! I can’t wait until the next one!!

~Melpomene

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Review: What We Find by Robyn Carr

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Maggie’s a burned out neurosurgeon taking time off at her dad’s campground and shop. Cal is a grieving attorney trying to start a new life for himself. They meet in the worst of circumstances, but find they bring out the best in each other. 

I have always enjoyed Carr’s ability to authentically and unobtrusively write siblings and parents into her novels. Though I read almost everything with a romance slant, I appreciate the relationship between Maggie and her dad. What a father-daughter love story there! Maggie’s mom offers an opportunity to laugh at those who take their children too seriously. Cal’s parents give us a glimpse of mental illness and its effects on family. I drank up every show of affection, each cookie baked, and all the times the children didn’t pass judgement. 

This story is too substantial for me to call it “fluff,” but Carr writes with a straightforward, even keel that makes reading even the dramatic parts effortless on my part. I didn’t really like Cal’s character – dirty camper doesn’t do it for me – but he redeemed himself with his love for the Sullivans. I did like Sullivan’s Crossing and the occasional traipse to Denver. It’s a fun sounding area of the country I’ve never visited. 

I love that this is a true “reader’s” book: each chapter is preceded by a quote just perfect for the scenes ahead. I ate it right up. That, and of course the ending: a happily ever after. 

-calliope

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Review: A North So True by Serena Clarke

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A North So True combines the best of so many worlds: fast-paced corporate marketing in the city, getting back to nature in the Swedish countryside, family connections and family secrets, icy climate, warm fires, fika, and lots of love. 

Every bit of it is done well. Zoe and Jakob (a quiet, well-mannered, but very alpha male) have the requisite chemistry for my liking, and I appreciate their relationship ebbing and flowing naturally. I love the party Zoe attended – so fun to see a character loosen up! I really got to know her as she shrugs off some inhibitions and socializes. Zoe’s host family is adorable and warm and stable. They provide a thread of constancy in Zoe’s crazy life – and in the novel. 

But my absolute favorite part of A North So True is the juxtaposition of cold and hot. Serena Clarke crafts it so well. No gratuitous snowflakes on eyelashes and fireplace sparks on a bear rug; Every description has a purpose and moves the plot forward. From ice skating and snowmobiling to gut-warming shots and hot baths, my senses soaked up every description.  

I’m not a re-reader in general, but I kinda want to re-read this book just to enjoy the magical Swedish feast again. ❤️❄️⛸🇸🇪

-calliope 

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Review: Forever and Forever by Josi S. Kilpack

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01 for Oh, how my heart is happy!! I must admit when I first picked this book up, I kept wracking my brain to who this Longfellow was. The name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t place it. So I googled it and found my answer and was greatly distraught afterwards. I’m not one for book spoilers and that basically told me how his story ended, not how the book ended. I realize Forever and Forever is their love story, but to know the final part, was almost more than my heart was prepared for. So I sat down and read with a heavy heart and began their journey.

When we first meet Fanny, she’s an 18 yr old with not a care in the world. Very young and immature at times. Most women her age were looking for husbands, but not her. She was content with living under her father’s roof and off his money. She wasn’t cruel or evil, mind you, just very immature. I found as I was reading, I really wanted to shake some sense into her. She was making me so very angry with her attitude towards Henry Longfellow.

Henry was a widower and a professor, when he first laid eyes one Fanny. I loved him instantly. He loved and lost and you knew he wasn’t just going to give his heart away to anyone. He wasn’t even looking for anyone, until he stumbled upon Fanny. Slowly he started to fall for her and spent 7 years convincing her to give him a chance.

And forever and forever,
As long as the river flows,
As long as the heart has passions,
As long as life has woes;

The moon and its broken reflection
And its shadows shall appear,
As the symbol of love in heaven,
And its wavering image here.

As I said before, I knew how their story ended, so I spent most of the book quite angry at Fanny for dismissing him so easily. He was so romantic with his poems and books. She didn’t deserve him, but he loved her and was patiently waiting for God to change one of their hearts. By the time I was done, I had tears flowing. She wasted so many years being stubborn. I’m just glad they had time at all.

Now this book isn’t classified as Christian romance, but it could be. God is mentioned a few times, but it’s a very good balance. Religion was a very important part of this history, so I find it refreshing.

Forever and Forever is my first book by Josi, but I know it won’t be my last.

~Melpomene

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Review: Bounty by Kristen Ashley

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01 bounty There’s just something about a Kristen Ashley book that brings a smile to my face. Not sure if it’s the stories themselves or the many parts of them, but whatever it is, I fall a little bit in love with each of them. Between the scenery, romance, the emotional tone, and even the characters themselves, I am swiftly caught up in all the action and swept away on a happy cloud and left feeling emotionally full and content.

Justice is recovering from a loss and has chosen to do that in a fixer upper, in the Colorado Mountains. She plans on making this her happy place away from the rest of the world. She just wants to be her and not the Justice Lonesome, that the rest of the world knows. She’s done with that life and wants to find her “more.” She’s hoping the simpleness of Colorado will hold that in store for her.

Deke is a simple man. What can I say about him? I love him. We’ve read about him before. He’s proven he’s a good friend and strong man to have on your side. He doesn’t take crap from anybody. He’s always wanted more, but knew that he’d never get it. When he accepts a job to fix up Jus’ house, he had no idea that this woman was going to be the key to his “more.”

I think I felt a connection to this story due to the musical undertones. Something about the lyrics drew me in. I sit back and listen to the songs, that are named, and cry sometimes. I feel it deep down in my gut. I can’t put in words what this does to me. But what I can say that it adds an extra something something to it. Can’t place my finger on it, but it’s there.

In true Kristen Ashley form, Bounty was is beautiful love story filled with a pleasant slow burn that transformed into a hot and saucy romance. And of course it has a bit of confrontation and a hefty dose of family and friends. It makes me wish I lived in the mountains.

“I’m a lucky girl. Blessed. Given so much bounty, it’s almost embarrassing how much God likes me. But he really must like me because I have all I have and He also gave me you.”

~Melpomene

Release Date: 4-18-16
Preorder Bounty (Colorado Mountain Series Book 7)

You NEED to read the first six books in this series. Trust me. Your heart will thank you for it.
The Gamble (Colorado Mountain Series Book 1)
Sweet Dreams (Colorado Mountain Series Book 2)
Lady Luck (Colorado Mountain Series Book 3)
Breathe (Colorado Mountain Series Book 4)
Jagged (Colorado Mountain Series Book 5)
Kaleidoscope (Colorado Mountain Series Book 6)

Review: Paris is Always a Good Idea by Nicolas Barreau

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Rosalie had high hopes for her humble  wishing card shop in the middle of Paris. She had little idea a famous author would stumble in and change her world. She had absolutely no notion she’d have another gentleman stroll in … and rock her world. 

This charming book had me aahhing and mmmm’ing and sighing, as well as laughing with tears in my eyes. Barreau’s descriptions of Paris streets and pastries brought me back to my one and only trip abroad when I was in my twenties. 

The famous author’s past offered the reader a cozy mystery and provided opportunities for Barreau to flesh out Rosalie’s character. Though Rosalie was primarily an artist and shopkeeper, we got to know her better through her mystery-solving endeavors and interactions with other characters. 

My favorite part of this book was finding out about a secret love story in addition to the obvious one. Paris once, Paris twice, Paris always. 

-calliope

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Review and Giveaway: Listen to Me by Kristen Proby

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01 lis What a great way to start this new series!

Addison has been hurt a time or two, by musicians, so she has sworn them off. Never again shall she fall for one. HA! Yeah right. As soon as she makes this statement, it’s like the rock gods look down and laugh at her. She just wants to run her restaurant, with her friends, and just be her. But when Jake Keller steps up on stage and sing his heart out, she get knocked for a loop.

Jake walked away from from his rock life, five years ago. He always though he’d be happy without it, but in truth, he misses the singing. So when he’s offered a chance to get up on a stage and just do that, he goes for it, and it’s like all is well in his world. Plus it has the added benefit of seeing super sexy Addison when she’s working.

Addison is determined to remain closed off to Jake, but he slowly works his way into her heart. She is so afraid to open herself up again. But there’s something about Jake she can’t deny. The fun banter these two have makes the seduction all the more sweeter and creates quite a sizzle. But love doesn’t come easy for these two, that’s why I like it.

This book wasn’t just about the romance, it was about friendship. Jake and Addie have a great support system of friends that had me wishing I was sitting right there with them. It’s such a diverse group of friends and I can’t wait to continue with this series!

~Melpomene

Buy Listen to Me.

Enter giveaway HERE

LtM Teaser 5

Author Pic_Montana About Kristen Proby:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.
Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

Review: Smoke and Fire by Donna Grant

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01 dark I love this series. Plain and simple. Dragons are my weakness and I can’t hold myself back when I see books with them in it. And when you combine dragons with the fae, you have a recipe for Melpomene’s happiness.

Kinsey and Ryder were in love, or so she thought. Then her broke her heart and she never saw him again. That is until during the battle, in Glasgow, when he changed right before her eyes, and she was faced with more than your every day secret. This was a life shattering secret. She was devastated and was determined to never set her eyes on him again. Little did she know that her work was sending her straight into her worst nightmare.

Ryder has loved Kinsey for years. He never forgot about her. And when he was sent to Glasgow to stop the dark from killing every mortal, he had no idea that he would be revealing himself to the one person he vowed to keep in the dark.

This story was different than the rest, in the sense that they already have a history. They’re in love, even if they won’t admit it to themselves. I was actually quite happy with that aspect, since there was so much happening in the background already. If we had to wait for them to find each other and fall in love, it would take away from the dynamic of the entire story. Without saying any spoilers, let’s just say that history almost repeated itself, and in the worst way possible.

Now for the side characters, Ulrik is keeping some very HUGE secrets from everyone. And I mean H.U.G.E. This is a game changer no one even knows yet. Part of me hopes that reconciliation can happen, with Con and the rest of the Kings, but I’m not holding my breath.

Rhi wants to stay with Balladyn, but I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. While being with Rhi makes him more light than dark, his normal side is dark and I fear this isn’t good for her. I have my suspicions as to who her King is, and if I’m right, I’d rather they both get their heads out of their butts and realize it and get back together. After her captivity, she can’t afford anymore dark in her life.

There are many more questions that still need to be answered and I am anxiously waiting for them. Until then, I’ll keep on reading and hope I can draw some correct conclusions and discover answers for myself. #Dragons4Ever

~Melpomene

Buy Smoke and Fire: A Dark Kings Novel

Start from the beginning and fall in love with all the Kings:
Darkest Flame (Dark Kings)
Fire Rising (Dark Kings)
Burning Desire (Dark Kings)
Hot Blooded (Dark Kings)
Night’s Blaze (Dark Kings)
Soul Scorched: A Dark Kings Novel
Passion Ignites (Dark Kings)
Smoldering Hunger: A Dark Kings Novel