Review: As Long As You Love Me, by Ann Aguirre

Posted by Random Book Muses

WOW! I did NOT expect to feel this way, while reading a book. I couldn’t put it down. I was wiping my eyes a few times also. Beautiful NA story the you’re sure to love.

When Lauren left college, to return home, she never told anyone the real reason. Not even her best friend. Watching her struggle with day to day things that never seem to bother us, gave me a glimpse into a world I never knew existed.

Her struggles seemed to affect her living a full life. But when she starts to hang around Rob, he seems to get her and be able to help her. And while he is helping her, she seems to be able to help him realize his full potential and give him the confidence he needs to get his life in order.

The main character, Rob, was so well written. He is NOTHING like your typical hero. In fact, he seriously was twisting my heart. No one treated him like a guy who could do anything. They saw him for what he looked like and not what he can do. His low self esteem had me wishing I could reach in and hug him. It also had me wishing I could reach in and smack a few people as well.

“I’m the one they sleep with before they meet Mr. Right. Anyone who ends up with me, She’ll just be settling.”

See?!?! That boy needs a big hug!!!

But the more they hang out, the more they realize that they’re perfect for each other. I was rooting for them, the whole time. I needed them to move past their struggles and learn how to deal and be confident in each other.

Very well done, Ms. Aguirre!! I am really enjoying this trilogy and can’t wait to read the next book.

~Melpomene

Buy As Long As You Love Me

Grab the first book: I Want It That Way
See my review HERE.

Preorder book 3 The Shape of My Heart
Release date: November 25, 2014

Review: A Lady at Willowgrove Hall, by Sarah E. Ladd

Posted by Random Book Muses

“I think she is looking for her family, looking for a place to belong. But I want us to be her family, and she belongs with me.”

When I received this ARC, I was super excited, because I was hoping this story would be another I could share with my daughter. And boy, was I right!! This is another perfect romance book. I know it’s a Christian book, and many would assume anyone could read it. But some are geared toward adults and have lot more adult feelings. But this was about young people, so it had a bit less adult feelings and more coming of age feelings. If that makes any sense.

Synopsis, via Goodreads
Willowgrove Hall is full of secrets, but soon everything hidden is brought to light.

Cecily Faire has a secret—and she intends to keep it. But when she arrives at Willowgrove Hall to serve as a lady’s companion, she comes face-to-face with the only person who knows the truth about her past.

As the steward of Willowgrove Hall, Nathaniel Stanton is dedicated to serving those around him. Nothing escapes his notice—including the beautiful new lady’s companion. He is certain the lovely Miss Faire is hiding something, and he determines to uncover it. But Nathaniel has a secret of his own: he is the illegitimate son of Willowgrove’s former master. Falling in love was not part of his plans . . . until he meets Cecily Faire.

When Willowgrove’s mistress dies, everything changes. Fear of exposure forces Cecily to leave under the cover of darkness, embarking on a journey to finally find her long-lost sister. When the will is read, Nathaniel’s inheritance makes him question his future plans. Cecily and Nathaniel are forced to make decisions that will change the course of their lives. Is their love strong enough to survive?

I could feel all the emotions, and I loved it!!

Cecily has been brought to Willowgrove, to be lady’s companion, but comes face to face with someone, from her past. He was someone she never thought she’d see again. But having him here is a constant reminder of the secrets and shame she has had to live with. But keeping it secret takes it’s toll on her, especially when she meets Nathaniel.

Nathaniel is the steward of Willowgrove and is drawn to Cecily, but he refuses to do anything about it, since his own secrets could bring about shame and dishonor to his whole family. He tries to stay away and do his job, but it’s proving hard, when she is just down the hall, everyday.

But when secrets are relieved, can they still move on?? And are the secrets really worth the torment of keeping them inside??

Beautiful and sweet romance. Exactly the way I was hoping it would be.

~Melpomene

Release date: 10-7-14
Pre order A Lady at Willowgrove Hall (Whispers On The Moors Book 3)

Review: Burning Desire(Dragon Kings #3), by Donna Grant

Posted by Random Book Muses

I stopped a book I was currently reading, just so I could read this ARC. I am so thrilled to have received this book! I just love these Dragon Kings!!

So much happened in this book, it’s crazy!! So many side stories that if you haven’t been paying attention, you’ll miss stuff. So PAY ATTENTION!!!

Kiril is spying on the Dark, in hopes of finding Rhi. But then he finds himself drawn to a female Dark, who is trying to set him up. He knows what she’s up to, but can’t stay away from her.

Shara has been on a mission to make her family proud of her again. So she is to bring them a dragon king, so they can prove how powerful their family is. But what she doesn’t anticipate is falling so hard for him.

No matter what happens, they know that a Dark and a Dragon King can never be together, but they don’t care. When they finally give in to each other, it’s an all consuming fire that spreads like mad. I was shocked at the fierceness of their passion. But when you have such power flowing through you, there’s only so many ways to release it. But behind all this passion are secrets that could destroy them.

But soon they have outside distractions that make their secrets known and cause their hearts to break. They are both in very deep trouble, if they can’t find a away to move past and prove to each other that their love is stronger than all the danger around them.

We also find out a few surprises that may change the players in this war. One in particular, I am hoping we see something soon. He may be the deciding factor to which this war would be won.

Oh my gosh, I am so excited to see the next few books!!! I won’t say anymore. Spoilers…. but AHHHH!!!!!

~Melpomene

Buy Burning Desire (Dark Kings)
Release date: September 30, 2014

Read the first two stories in this series.
Darkest Flame (Dark Kings)
Fire Rising (Dark Kings)

And book 4 comes out December 30 and I can’t wait!!!
Hot Blooded (Dark Kings)

Review: What If, by Rebecca Donovan

Posted by Random Book Muses

I am speechless……

I am destroyed……

My emotions are all over the place.

What if you had a second chance? What would you do? Would you take it?

When I heard Rebecca Donovan was writing another book, I was very excited to read it, and yet kinda nervous. The Breathing Series was the most gut wrenching series I ever read, and probably one of the most difficult series to finish. I was a wreck afterwards. Beautifully written, but it destroyed me. When I read the synopsis of What If, I was very intrigued. I knew I had to read this. But when I started this, I had no idea what I was getting into. I was completely taken back.

This is a story about four friends. It’s about what happens when life doesn’t always turn out the way you want it to. It’s about loss and heartbreak. It’s about friendship that can withstand anything. It’s about love.

When Cal was young he had three girls on his street, Rea, Richelle and Nicole. They did everything together. Until day, out of the blue, Richelle and her family moved away and Nicole stopped talking to him and Rea. They had no idea what happened and no matter what they did, they never got answers. But one day, Cal is drinking coffee and looks up to see Nicole sitting near him. But this girl isn’t Nicole. This girl is impulsive and outrageous, nothing like the quiet and reserved Nicole, from his past. He finds himself drawn to her in ways he doesn’t understand. And soon he finds out why. Not everything is as it seems.

Nicole is a perfectly wrapped present tied in a nice neat bow. And Nyelle is wrapping paper strewn across the floor on Christmas morning.

As we slowly see Nyelle’s story, you realize her life is way more painful than you ever thought. My heart was tearing apart bit by bit. The secrets she was keeping, would’ve made a weaker person crumble.

“Then…let the stars take it away and make everything better. And when the sun comes up, and those stars disappear, they take all the hurt with them.”

I did, however, loved watching Cal completely fall for Ryelle. And to watch her give into him, was so sweet. She didn’t want to, but sometimes, the heart has no choice. They needed each other, more than they ever knew.

“Holding your hand. It makes me feel like there’s a butterfly beating in my chest. There’s something about it that helps me believe everything’s going to be okay.”

~Melpomene

Buy

Review: All or Nothing, by Kendall Ryan

Posted by Random Book Muses

“Don’t make me fall for you…”

I have been most excited for this book, cuz it’s about Braydon. If you read the first book in this series, Working It, you will remember this sexy man. He participated in a very VERY hot scene and I nearly combusted. So when I heard Kendall was giving Bray his own book, I couldn’t wait to get my greedy hands on it.

SYNOPSIS
As one of the world’s most sought-after male models, Braydon is no stranger to the finer pleasures in life. The last thing he wants to do is limit himself, especially when it comes to women. His best friend, Ben, might’ve settled down, but Braydon doesn’t want to waste his youth on the messy complications of commitment. He wants fun. He wants easy.

Ellie isn’t looking for a casual relationship, but her tough and sassy personality instantly attracts Braydon, who proposes a “friends with benefits” arrangement. Unable to resist the powerful pull of the charming bad boy, Ellie eventually relents, though she longs for all-consuming love.

As the two spend more time together, Ellie soon realizes that Braydon’s posing skills extend off the runway. His carefully crafted façade masks a secret hurt that he’s reluctant to share with Ellie, even as they embark on a passionate affair that sends them hurtling toward a fate neither expected. Can Ellie risk her heart while she waits for Braydon to let her in, or will she be forced to demand all or nothing?

When two people set out, with a no strings attached, sex only relationship, things are bound to get muddled.

I loved Braydon. He’s sexy, funny, sweet and super loving. He had me swooning half of the time. Just when you thought he may say, or do something, he’ll regret, he pulls himself together and turns on the swoon. Seriously. He may seem like this super player, but he’s just afraid to love. That is, until he meets Ellie.

Ellie is the best friend, who is looking for love, but she isn’t sure she’ll find it in Braydon. But, boy is she wrong. Soon she finds herself in full on love with him, but he has no idea and still treats her like a sex only buddy. It’s hard to keep your heart in check. It does what it wants to do, and it wanted Bray.

This book was the perfect combination of sweet, sexy and all around fun. Makes me wish I was in the fashion industry. 😉

~Melpomene

Buy All or Nothing: A Love by Design Novel

Review: Happenstance 2, by Jamie Mcguire

Posted by Random Book Muses

“There’s only one you.”

If you haven’t read the first Happenstance, you must go and do that now. I can wait….

Done? Good.

Erin is trying to still work through all of the information she has received, while living with her real parents. Having caring and attentive parents is something she has never had, so it’s hard for her to adjust. She just wants love, not things. But she is slowly growing closer to her real parents, while still battling the bullies at school, who don’t seem to care who she really is.

Weston is still her constant, throughout all of this. He will take one anyone who chooses to cause her trouble. But soon she makes a discovery that may change the way she looks at him and the way she looks at herself. As if her life hasn’t been flipped upside down already.

“She doesn’t need us to fix this for her. We’ll just love her through it.”

This was a nice little story. I can’t to see how she handles this information she has been given, in the next book. Thank God she has loyal parents, who would give her the moon if they could, and her boyfriend, who would wrestle dragons.

~Melpomene

Buy Happenstance: A Novella Series (Part Two)

Get caught up with Happenstance

Fall In Love tour: A Day in the life of a fangirl

Posted by Random Book Muses

To say I had fun this past weekend, is a complete understatement. I am still fangirling all over the place. My family is ready to kick me out. I just can’t stop talking about Saturday.

For those who don’t know, Colleen Hoover, Jamie McGuire and Abbi Glines went on a 10 city tour and I got to see them in Dayton. Meeting them doesn’t sound quite right, since I’m in all their fan clubs and get to talk to them, every so often. Seeing them, sounds better. It was like going to see old friends. Except, when I see old friends, I’m not nervous. I’m also not applying deodorant in the bathroom, before they come out either.

The weekend didn’t start very smooth since I never even packed til about a half hour before we were supposed to leave. And when we got to the hotel, I realized that I didn’t pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, straightener or blow dryer. This was not a good sign. But a trip to Target would rectify the situation. *sigh*

Anyways, at least I had all my books and things. So that’s all that really matters.

I’m gonna give you the photographic highlights, since so much happened. I can’t possibly say it all.

I arrived at 8:40 am, event though the signing wasn’t until 2. I really wanted to get a good seat. So I had plenty of time to chat with those around me. It’s kinda wild to meet people in line, that you’ve seen of FB, but have never met yet.

It was so nice reconnecting with people you met last year, when all three were here last. Who knew book signings would make friends out of strangers??

Thanks to my obnoxious, I mean enthusiasm, over these authors, I had people coming up to me and saying my name like we’re old friends. It was CRAZY!! But I loved meeting everyone. It made me realize how small this world really is. And it was soooo nice to see everyone leave their drama at home and just enjoy being surrounded by people who love the authors as much as you do.

By 1pm, when the numbers were about to be handed out, the place looked like this.

INSANE!!!!

And when the bus pulled up, let me tell you, the room hit a whole other level of craziness. Squealing and camera clicking were all the sounds you could hear.

Can I say how it makes a person feel when someone, who you admire, looks you in the eye and smiles or waves? Well it feels pretty darn good. You could different people squealing over that fact. It made me smile. They truly love their fans.

By the time we were sitting upstairs, I was seriously ready to freak out. I was so excited, but very nervous. They had a camera crew there and I was in the front row. Normally I’m a super chatterbox, shocking, I know, but with a camera there, I was silent… until they called me out.

That’s right, they called little ol’ non important me, out. I about died. Lately there have been quite a few Q&As with these authors and I tend to go all in and ask a million questions. But since I’m at home, at my computer, the questions tend to come fast. But when I was called out, I froze. Again, I died. It was wild. But I gotta say, to have your favorite authors know you by name and joke with you, like old friends, I almost started crying. I was so touched. I don’t think they realize the impact they have on us. They even started a singalong for some girl’s birthday. I bet she died in her seat. 🙂 I mean seriously, we all fangirl, and snapshot any and all “comments and likes” we get from them. I know I’m not the only one who does that. But when they call us by name, we light up. I saw it happen many times. It was magical.

So after that, the signing started. And every person was able to get a picture with them, if we wanted. That was the best part. The signed books are great, but having them pose for a picture was perfect. I can’t wait to put mine in a frame with the photo matte I asked them to sign.

This is all of the things I asked them to sign. Some will be gifts and giveaways. That’s another thing I like, they’ll sign anything. Too bad I forgot to ask them to sign my shirt. I’m so forgetful, when I get up there.

I waited around til the end, with some of the girls I met in various fan clubs. And were lucky enough to get group and individual pictures with each of them. They are so great to their fans. I am so lucky to have met them. Not many people get to meet their favorite authors. I am truly blessed.

I also may have gone a little crazy over the bus. I can’t help it. Sometimes I act like a child. I’m not ashamed.

And a few of us may have been invited to tour the bus, with Colleen. *faints*

Thank you, Atria Books for sharing our favorite authors with us. Thank you Colleen, Jamie and Abbi, for being the kindest authors out there. As I sat there and watched you guys greet each person, you did it with a smile. Even though you were on your millionth city, you treated us great and always smiled when you heard 3,2,1. 😉 Please come back and visit us. I promise to have a list of questions ready and waiting.

~Melpomene(AKA Crazy Jenn)

Review: One More Chance, by Abbi Glines

Posted by Random Book Muses

Abbi has done it again. This book actually bumped my current top AG book down a notch. I was very anxious to read this, after the ending of Take a Chance. I wasn’t very happy with Grant. he needed to redeem himself.

This was emotional and had my heart breaking and skipping a few beats the WHOLE time. Over and over I was blown away by heartaches and spent the last half of the book in near tears. But by the end, they were spilling over.

I am glad Grant was able to get back on track. He is my favorite Abbi Glines BBF. I have loved him, from the moment Blaire pulled the gun on him, a loooong time ago. I knew he was special. I’m so glad we were able to hear his story and see just how special he was.

I may regret saying this, but I may even be a Nanhater no more. She is still cruel, but we get to see a glimpse into what she could be, if she chose to change.

I can’t wait to read the next few books, in this series!!

~Melpomene

Buy One More Chance: A Rosemary Beach Novel (The Rosemary Beach Book 7)

But first, you must read Take a Chance: A Rosemary Beach Novel (The Rosemary Beach Series Book 6) It’s only $1.99 NOW!!!

Review: In Her Wake, by K.A.Tucker

Posted by Random Book Muses

Oh my, Trent. You poor broken soul. Let me start out by saying that even though this is a .5, you MUST read Ten Tiny Breaths beforehand. MUST!! If you don’t, you’ll kind of ruin the surprise in TTB, and you don’t want to do that.

Synopsis
Before you knew him as Trent in Ten Tiny Breaths, he was Cole Reynolds—and he had it all. Until one night when he makes a fatal, wrong decision…and loses everything.

When a drunken night out at a Michigan State college party results in the death of six people, Cole must come to terms with his part in the tragedy. Normally, he’d be able to lean on his best friends—the ones who have been in his life since he could barely walk. Only, they’re gone. Worse, there’s the shattered body of a sixteen-year-old girl lying somewhere in a hospital bed, her entire life ripped from her because of a case of beer and a set of keys.

Everyone assures him that they know it wasn’t intentional, and yet he can’t ignore the weight of their gazes, the whispers behind his back. Nor can he shake the all-consuming guilt he feels every time he thinks of that girl who won’t so much as allow him near her hospital room to apologize. As the months go by and the shame and loneliness festers, Cole begins to lose his grip on what once was important—college, his girlfriend, his future. His life. It’s not until Cole hits rock-bottom that he can begin to see another way out of his personal hell: forgiveness.

And there’s only one person who can give that to him…

This was a very fast read, but it still had all the emotions of a full length novel. K.A.Tucker has created a world around these characters that make you feel as though you truly know them. My heart was breaking for what Trent had to go through. I knew he felt guilty, but never on this level.

Trent had everything he wanted, until one mistake changed the rest of his life. Now he must move on and carry on. Easier said than done. Being the one left behind, and having no one to help him, he find that life is way too hard alone. The brokenness he felt, made my heart hurt. He had guilt, the size of mountains. The ‘What ifs” were almost too numerable to count. No amount of them would bring his friends back. So after months of desperation, he finds a way to come out from the fog and to move on.

I have always loved Trent. He was my favorite TTB character. But watching him like this, was a bit hard for me. I think guy’s POVs are always a bit more emotional for me. I guess, in some backwards ways, guys are supposed to be strong all the time. But it’s not true. This book shows that perfectly.

~Melpomene

Buy In Her Wake: A Ten Tiny Breaths Novella

Get caught up with the Ten Tiny Breaths series

Ten Tiny Breaths: A Novel

One Tiny Lie: A Novel

Four Seconds to Lose: A Novel

Five Ways to Fall: A Novel

Review: The Beautiful Ashes, by Jeaniene Frost

Posted by Random Book Muses

I love Jeaniene Frost. Let me just start out by saying that. I loved her Night Huntress series. Cat and Bones were one of the funnest paranormal series I’ve ever read. I hated to see them end. But when I heard that she was writing a new adult paranormal series, I was super excited, and slightly nervous, to read it. I was so used to adult romances by her, I wasn’t sure how I’d take a NA. But she did it flawlessly.

Synopsis via Goodreads
In a world of shadows, anything is possible. Except escaping your fate.

Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions of strange realms just beyond her own. But when her sister goes missing, Ivy discovers the truth is far worse—her hallucinations are real, and her sister is trapped in a parallel realm. And the one person who believes her is the dangerously attractive guy who’s bound by an ancient legacy to betray her.

Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him, but that doesn’t mean he can change his fate…no matter how strong a pull he feels toward Ivy. Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn’t: that every step brings Ivy closer to the truth about her own destiny, and a war that could doom the world. Sooner or later, it will be Ivy on one side and Adrian on the other. And nothing but ashes in between…

The story starts out with a bang. If the first chapter doesn’t grab you, I’m not sure what will.

When we first see 20 yr old Ivy, she is searching for her sister, after the death of her parents, a few days earlier. She has been dealing with hallucinations and is trying to decide what is real and what is not. So searching has been quite difficult, when you never know when visions will pop up and show you a world that seems true, and yet isn’t. Right off the bat she finds herself in a world of trouble, and meeting someone who is destined to be her enemy. Since she has no one to help her, Ivy finds herself going with him, even though she doesn’t trust him.

Adrian wants nothing to do with his “family”. He has chosen a different path. He doesn’t want to believe is his fate, when it comes to Ivy, but he knows you can’t stop fate. It’s going to happen anyways. But when he saves her and finds out who she really is, he has no other choice but to help her. Then he finds himself growing to like her, even though he shouldn’t.

“Nothing but Dark magic had ever felt so powerful, and when I touch you, it’s a thousand times worse. You’re the light I can never have…and I’m the darkness you’ll never succumb to.”

This book had the feel of the Fever series, by Karen Marie Moning, but with a NA atmosphere. Demons, glamour, mystical relics, that sort of thing. But Ivy is your typical 20 yr old and has typical 20 yr old feelings about a very hot Adrian. I was glad to feel the tension, but not have it thrust in my face the whole time. As they go through the many challenges together, they grow slowly closer to each other. Ivy learns about her past and how she is very important for the future. She has powers that only she can, because of her lineage. Adrian learns that it isn’t easy to fight what fate already has destined for you. But, with Ivy, I think he can get past it to prove himself worthy.

I am super excited for this series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!

~Melpomene

Buy The Beautiful Ashes (A Broken Destiny Novel)

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