romance

Review: When You’re Back, by Abbi Glines

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01 whenTHIS!!! This is what I was waiting for. I am very happy with the way this book transpired. I knew Mase was going to have a good story.

“Before Reese, I didn’t know the world could be full of dreams. That you could wake up every day excited to breathe. That one little smile from her could make me feel like a fucking king. Loving her is worth…it’s worth it all. Living in fear of love isn’t living.”

I like Reese in this book. She was strong and trying to move past her setbacks, by taking control doing something with her life that she never thought she could do. I love that she had Mase to encourage and support her through this. That boy would do anything for her.

That cowboy loves fiercely. He will do anything within his power to protect those he loves as well, even if that means dealing with his dad, so his sister doesn’t have any added stress. He loves his sister so much, that he still tries to protect her.

I was glad to see the past characters throughout this book. I like to keep up on them and see how they’re doing.

The theme of this book, however, was crazy family. No joke. Well, maybe crazy isn’t the right word. Maybe wild?? Either way, family members had a way of causing all sorts of trouble in this book. Mase’s “cousin”, Aida, thinks she loves him and tries to do anything to get him to notice her. Then have Captain(River), Blair’s brother, who decides to set his eyes on Reese. But with Captain, it was friendship bordering on a little something more. But I did like his character. I didn’t always like his actions, but I understood them. I am DYING for his story. I know there’s a perfect girl for him.

There are quite a few heart stopping and dropping moments and a twist or two in here, that I never saw coming. And seeing how this ended, I am seriously dying for the next book. THAT ENDING!!!!! I can’t wait!!!

~Melpomene

Buy When You’re Back: A Rosemary Beach Novel (The Rosemary Beach Series Book 12)

Review: Elude by Rachel Van Dyken

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01 elude How am I supposed to type when tears are pouring down my face?? And it’s not the simple cute tears. No, it’s the big fat ugly crocodile tears. The ones that make your eyes all puffy and your head hurt. That’s what this book did to me. But it wasn’t all sad tears. Oh no, this book had many beautiful moments that made me cry lots of happy tears as well.

This story is a story of love, family, heartache and hope. It’s about coming together, because you’re family. It’s about forgiving yourself for the past and finding a way to have a future.

But mostly, this book is about love. A love that sneaks up on you, when you least expect it.

Sergio was the ghost. He was always called in to handle difficult situations that no one wanted or couldn’t do. He was an outsider. He had no one but himself. That is a horrible way to live and die. But in the mafia, things can change like the snap of a finger. Like one day, all is fine and next thing you know, you’re being told you have to marry a Russian mob’s daughter, in order to protect her. All in a day’s work, right?

Andi is dying. She knows it and accepts it, but now she’s in danger and has to marry in order to live out the rest of her life on her terms. But what she doesn’t plan on is actually falling for the guy. I mean, he’s cruel and insensitive. Why would anyone want to be with him??

I have been a fan of the Eagle Elite books from the very first moment Nixon opened his mean mouth. I knew these were going to be great, but I had no idea how much they would suck me in. The characters are so real and crazy, but they’re family. These people fight like cats and dogs, but the moment you need them, they would fight to the death for you. They will cheer and celebrate with you and make you laugh when you’re about to lose it. And when you finally lose it, they will hold you up when you fall apart.

Elude has more heart than all the other ones combined. I was not prepared for the emotions that ran through this entire story. This book had me feeling everything. One minute I was swooning and fanning my face, the next I was hugging my pillow and crying. I was put through the ringer. But I loved every moment.

~Melpomene

Buy Elude (Eagle Elite Book 6) for only 99 cents!! Grab it before the price goes up!!

Review: Chasing River by K.A.Tucker

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01 chas Let me start off by saying that normally I’m not one for suspense books. They makes my nerves shot and my stomach all twisty. But this Burying Water series by K.A.Tucker is one of the exceptions. This series has characters that draw you in. While some may not be the “perfect” characters(I mean, let’s face it, no one’s perfect) but you’ll find yourself rooting for them and hoping they find the right path. River is one of those characters.

SYNOPSIS
Armed with two years’ worth of savings and the need to experience life outside the bubble of her Oregon small town, twenty-five-year old Amber Welles is prepared for anything. Except dying in Dublin. Had it not been for the bravery of a stranger, she might have. But he takes off before she has the chance to offer her gratitude.

Twenty-four-year-old River Delaney is rattled. No one was supposed to get hurt. But then that American tourist showed up. He couldn’t let her die, but he also couldn’t risk being identified at the scene—so, he ran. Back to his everyday life of running his family’s pub. Only, everyday life is getting more and more complicated, thanks to his brother, Aengus, and his criminal associations. When the American girl tracks River down, he quickly realizes how much he likes her, how wrong she is for him. And how dangerous it is to have her around. Chasing her off would be the smart move.

Maybe it’s because he saved her life, or maybe it’s because he’s completely different from everything she’s left behind, but Amber finds herself chasing after River Delaney. Amber isn’t the kind of girl to chase after anyone.

And River isn’t the kind of guy she’d want to catch.

I liked River. I mean, let’s face it, he’s Irish. What’s not to like? He risks his life for someone, when most people would’ve just ran away. He works hard to keep his family’s pub running smooth, while trying to keep his trouble maker brother out of harm’s way. So when this American girl shows up and shows interest in him, he really should try and push her away. He’s not good enough for her.

Amber Welles has wanted this trip for years. She even made a crazy vacation bucket list, with her brother’s girlfriend, Alex.

#1 Have a torrid affair with a foreigner.

Sounds easy enough. Everyone does that. Well, when you’ve just been saved by a ridiculous hot Irishman, an affair sounds like a good idea. YOLO, and all that. What she doesn’t know is that her savior, isn’t all she thinks he is. He has secrets that could change this course she’s on, if she’s not careful.

Their love affair was not without lots and lots of bumps in the road. His past isn’t all sunshine and roses, and getting mixed up with the Sheriff’s daughter, who always does the right thing, may not be in his best interest. But maybe, just maybe, being chased is the best thing for him.

I actually found myself really liking all the side characters, in this one. The Delaney family, with the exception of the oldest brother, was fun to read. I could hear Rowen’s teasing tone, right through the pages. But my favorite was Ivy. She may seem tough on the outside, but that girl has a sweet side that I’m sure will come out in the next book. I just know her book is going to be great!!

~Melpomene

Buy Chasing River: A Novel (The Burying Water Series)

Review: Taming Lily by Monica Murphy

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01tameYES!!! It’s Lily’s turn in the spotlight. Well, technically she’s always in the spotlight, but it’s not for the right reasons. But I’ve been patient, and I’m quite happy I was. This story was filled with secrets, lies, a hefty amount of heartache and quite a bit of romance. All in all, I am very satisfied with the ending of this series.

SYNOPSIS
I’m in trouble. Again. And instead of facing my problems head on, I’ve run away. Far away this time, and no one can catch me—not my two younger sisters, Violet and Rose, not my father, my grandmother, or that witch Pilar who wants to take control of my family’s cosmetics company. Now I’m in Hawaii, enjoying the sun and the sand and water, where nobody knows the hot mess known as Lily Fowler. And I’m loving every minute of it.

But someone is watching me. Following me. He’s gorgeous. And soon we’re talking, and against all my instincts, I reveal bits and pieces of myself to Max. It feels good, though I know he can’t be the man for me. These sudden feelings we share are way too complicated, too fraught, too intense.

Then everything explodes and I’m forced to return home. My intentions have always been true, but now everyone’s mad at me. I don’t know who to turn to anymore . . . except to Max. He’s who I want to trust. But I’m not so sure I should. Maybe it’s worth the risk—and what-ifs be damned. . . .

Lily has always wanted love and respect from her family. After losing her mom, in a very selfish way, and having her dad ignore her, unless she was bad, has left her feeling lonely. She has no one in her corner. No one to defend her. No one to support her. And when she gets herself into major trouble, she runs away, cuz she knows she’s on her own to fix it. What she isn’t planning on was finding Max.

“Keep me wild.”

For once, she may have found someone to put her trust in. Or has she? As she grows closer to Max, she finds herself wanting to tell him everything. All her deep dark secrets. But she has always been alone, so trusting someone is quite difficult for her.

Max has a way of tearing down some of her walls and soon she’s falling for him, faster than anyone before him. Their chemistry is off the charts hot. The sexual tension is so thick, I was squirming in my seat. But I loved every minute of it. But Max has a secret of his own. And when Lily finds out, her world is flipped and she’s beginning to question if there’s anyone she can trust.

I just want to be free. To fly. To lose myself and let this man to whatever he wants to me. I just want…to feel nothing.

And everything. All at once.

I enjoyed reading quite a few scenes with her sisters and brothers in law. I did wish, however, that her father somehow manned up and told her that he loved her. But I doubt that relationship will ever be like that. But that’s alright. She has the love of her sisters and Max, and that’s all she needs.

~Melpomene

Release date: July 7, 2015
Buy Taming Lily: A Novel (The Fowler Sisters)

Review: Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley

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01 ride I swear to God, Kristen Ashley can do NO WRONG. This book had all the feels. Oh my word, did it ever. One moment I’m giggling and the next I’m tearing up, and five minutes later I’m swooning. She writes the perfect story.

Right off the bat, my heart was breaking for Carson”Joker”Steele. His home life was made from nightmares. Pure nightmares. But some how he finds a way to break free and move on from the damage his father has done to him, and make a name for himself with the Chaos MC. He found a place to belong. A place of safety. A place where he’s not alone. But he was just treading, not really putting forth an effort to create livelong bonds. That is until he ran into Carissa and realizes that just skimming the surface isn’t a way to live. He needs to dive in deep.

Carissa had the perfect life, until it wasn’t. She married her high school sweetheart and gave him a child, but then he threw her away. She was forced to scrounge up and try and make a life for her and her son, with no help from her jerk off ex. Then one day she gets a flat tire and is rescued by the one boy she always felt something for. The one boy who was hurting but tried to hide it. The one boy that’s going give her the ride of her life.

Chaos is family. No matter what. They care for each other and will stand by you, until you get the through your thick skull. So when Joker is suddenly in the position to finally have something real in his life, his brothers will do anything to help him achieve that. Because everyone deserves to be happy.

I loved watching Joker transform into the man he was meant to be. He went from a non smiling, no emotion showing guy, to a smirking, full out rolling laughter in a matter of weeks. His feelings made me tear up half the time. He was straightforward and calm, and majorly swoony.

I swear, watching the big tough “manly man biker” with an eight month old, was enough to make me melt right to the floor. And then to watch him defend that boy’s mama, really made me melt. He was fierce and super loyal and he is the standard by which all men should be ranked against.

This is, by far, my most favorite MC series EVER. I hope there will be many books to come. I love the fact that some of the past characters, from the Rock Chicks to the Dream Men, make an appearance. I love seeing all their worlds collide and work together to keep everyone safe. Well done, Kristen!!

~Melpomene

Buy Ride Steady (Chaos)

Ride steady can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend you read the rest of the Chaos books. Trust me, you will love this series.

Own the Wind is only 99 cents!! That’s a great incentive to get started with these guys!!

Then grab Fire Inside to continue the series.

Review: Kiss Me by Susan Mallery

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Zane is a rancher with a closed heart. He protects his family and property with stern love, but leaves no room for any other relationships. 

Phoebe is a softie on the outside but protects her heart fiercely. When she heads to Zane’s ranch on the recommendation of her best friend (and Zane’s sister) Maya, she doesn’t expect to fall into lust. Or love. 

This installment of Fool’s Gold romance included the requisite – and hilarious – antics of Gladys and Eddie. Mallery has a few other Fool’s Gold regulars make an appearance as well. But for the most part, you could read Kiss Me as a stand alone. 

You’ve got a cattle drive, campfires, sleeping under the stars, a drowned-out tent, a couple of rescues, and Pheobe talking to Zane’s steer-in-charge to get him to cross a raging river. 

That makes for many damsel-in-distress scenarios, and a few damsel-saves-the-day ones, too! 

I enjoyed Kiss Me like I enjoy all the Fool’s Gold novels. I liked reading a strong, silent hero, and I REALLY appreciated the sibling and friend relationships. I sort of rushed reading this one because I wanted to hurry and get to the HEA (I must have needed one!) … and now I’m eagerly anticipating Thrill Me!

-calliope

Buy KISS ME

Review: Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis

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Aidan and Lily are risk-takers – with anything except their hearts. So when Lily returns to Cedar Ridge for a job and heart-healing, she finds herself more likely to climb rock faces than to kiss Aiden. In the spirit of sexy, contemporary romance, Aiden gives Lily her space while he falls in love with her. And of course she can read it all over his face … and starts to fall hard. 

I love these Kincaid brothers! They pull some pretty dumb moves, but they work hard and love hard. Watching brothers and friends look out for each other in matters of life, death, and love really touched me. Shalvis writes a realistic but exciting adventure that left me breathless. Or maybe I was left breathless from the sizzle between Aiden and Lily… 

Check it out! Release date: June 30. 

-calliope

Buy SECOND CHANCE SUMMER

Review and Giveaway: The Forgotten Mountain by Heather Lyons

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01for Oh my word….

This book takes place immediately after the previous one, The Hidden Library, and we all know how THAT one ended. Yelling, screaming, and a whole lot of “Oh No!!!” So be sure to read the first two books, The Collectors’ Society and The Hidden Library, before you venture into this one. You can thank me later.

SYNOPSIS
After years spent in Wonderland, Alice Reeve learned the impossible was quite possible after all. She thought she left such fantastical realities behind when she finally returned to England.

Now Alice has become a member of the clandestine Collectors’ Society, and the impossible has found her again in the form of an elusive villain set on erasing entire worlds. As she and the rest of the Society race to bring this mysterious murderer to justice, the fight becomes painfully personal.

Lives are being lost. Loved ones are shattered or irrevocably altered. Each step closer Alice gets to the shadowy man she hunts, the more secrets she unravels, only to reveal chilling truths. If she wants to win this war and save millions of lives, Alice must once more embrace the impossible and make the unimaginable, imaginable.

Sometimes, the rabbit hole leads to terrifying places.

Emotions runs high as Alice and her friends try to a way to heal their loved one all the while still searching for the evil mastermind who is determined to destroy their worlds, one at a time. Alice will be forced to trust her instincts and do whatever it takes to make this happen. A lot is riding on her shoulders, this time, but she is up for the task.

They’ll meet all sorts of new characters, some which turn out to be allies, while some enemies. Alice has to take so many risks, but she’s the only one who can do this. I love seeing the traditional characters in a new light. You may think you know them, but you really don’t. I love seeing which fairy tale characters pop up in each book. It brings back so many childhood memories seeing them here. The craziest thing about this book is that one of the characters is actually named after me. She is CRAZY. And I love her.

Heather has a way of spinning the “normal” fairy tale world into something way more complex and exciting. These are most definitely not your children’s stories. And this next addition is no exception. The Forgotten Mountain was filled with loads of excitement and adventure, a nice dose of romance and friendship, and of course, a nice sprinkling of “Oh no!!” Now I must sit here and wait patiently for the next book. I wonder if Mary has something to help me…..

~Melpomene

Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway
for a signed copy of the first book, The Collectors’ Society, and a book inspired bangle!!

Don’t forget to grab your copies of
The Collectors’ Society
The Hidden Library (The Collectors’ Society Book 2)
The Forgotten Mountain (The Collectors’ Society Book 3)
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Review: Cocktails at Le Carmen by Isabelle Andover

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Chloe’s transferred from London to Paris for a one- year work contract. And while she’s there she misses her mediocre boyfriend Scott, crushes on handsome boss Jean-Luc, and meets new confidante Rosie. All’s well that ends well, but a lot goes on in the meantime! 

This is a very light, fun story about shopping and girlfriends, cocktails and hangovers, and finding a good man while finding oneself. I enjoyed it but found some things a little disconcerting. Andover wrote in a few pages here and there that I thought were to move the plot in a certain direction, but then didn’t.  They weren’t quite plot twists, and they weren’t quite plot inconsistencies. They were just odd hints or teases that I expected to be fulfilled in some later chapter, but weren’t.  Some extra editing would have helped avoid these pointless insertions. 

Besides that, I loved the love story, the friendships and the sibling rivalry. Andover wrote a terrific male lead… who wouldn’t adore a Jean-Luc with a French accent?! 

Cocktails at Le Carmen is solid three star chick lit, and I’ll definitely pick up another Isabelle Andover… tout de suite! 

-calliope

Buy (for only $3.99!) COCKTAILS AT LE CARMEN

Review: Grey by EL James

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01 grey Let me start out by saying I haven’t read Fifty Shades in over 3 years. I read them before the hype in 2012, so I had forgotten many of the smaller points. I’ve seen the movie twice, so I have the gist, but still I missed a lot. I was actually planning a doing a reread during my vacation next week. That all changed when EL James announced she was releasing a book from Christian’s POV. I was debating on rereading still, but decided on going in fresh. Let me tell you, I am so glad I did!! She gave us what we wanted, and I couldn’t be happier.

Grey is a retelling of Fifty Shades of Grey. A retelling. This means you will get a lot of the same scenes and even the same conversations. And let’s not forget those fun emails. SHOUTY CAPS and Twitchy Palms. But the best part is now you get to see what goes on in his head. I like that. I’m a girl. I know how we think, but I have no clue how the male mind thinks. Christian Grey is NOT your typical male. So to have glimpse into his brain is very intriguing. I liked his vulnerability. I liked the way he was so unsure of himself. Every time someone would gaze at him or he would look in a mirror, you saw his reaction and how he felt about himself. It was sad at times, yes. He had a rough beginning, so his self esteem isn’t where it should be.

I was completely lost in his feelings for Ana. He adored her. He wanted to be the one for her. His feelings were overwhelming to him. He couldn’t seem to wrap his head around the fact that she was willing to be with him, for love and no ulterior motive.

I went back and forth between listening and reading, and let me tell you, if you have the extra audible credit, get it. Zachary Webber does a fantastic job as Christian. I mean, holy crap, that was HOT!!! Yes, some parts were super sexy and I needed a minute to compose myself, in public, when I was grocery shopping. Word to wise, don’t listen while grocery shopping, unless you wanna end up standing in the frozen food section in front of an open door, for a few minutes. But no only are sexy parts super sexy, the sad and emotional parts will tug at your heart. His dreams, and memories of the past, are what make him who he is, and when you hear them, it’s way worse than reading them. So, I’m warning you now.

She’s mine. She’s heaven.

My most favorite parts of this book were the smiles and strange glances from those around Christian. They knew what was going on with him, even before he did. He’s so clueless, it’s hilarious. He had no idea why they kept looking at him like that. I was smiling right along with them.

I’ve come alive since I’ve know her. These last few weeks have been the most exciting, the most unpredictable, the most fascinating in my life. I’ve been enticed from my monochrome world into one rich with color-and yet she can’t be what I need.

Since this is a retelling from just the first book, you know how it ends. It’s not pretty, but it makes me even more excited for my vacation reread. I look forward to reconnect and remember how he changes and grows.

Thank you, EL James, for listening to us die hards and giving us what we begged for. Now I’m crossing my fingers that she decides to give us the rest of the books also, and perhaps a prologue from 10 years later. Crossing my fingers.

~Melpomene

Buy Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian