Review: All He Ever Needed by Shannon Stacey

Title: All He Ever Needed
Author: Shannon Stacey
Published: Carina Press; September, 2012
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Adult
Series: Kowalski Family

Exclusively Yours
Undeniably Yours
Yours to Keep
All He Ever Needed
All He Ever Desired 
All He Ever Dreamed 

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

He won’t stay put for a woman, and she won’t chase after any man…

Mitch Kowalski lives out of a suitcase—and he likes it that way. Traveling for work has the added bonus of scaring off women who would otherwise try to tie him down. But when he’s called home to help with the family lodge, he’s intrigued by the new girl in town and her insistence that she doesn’t need a man. If there’s one thing Mitch can’t resist, it’s a challenge.

After a nomadic childhood, Paige Sullivan is finally putting down roots. Determined to stand on her own two feet, she lives by the motto “Men are a luxury, not a necessity.” But when Mr. Tall, Dark and Hot pulls up a stool in her diner and offers her six weeks of naughty fun with a built-in expiration date, she’s tempted to indulge.

They’re the perfect match for a no-strings fling. Until they realize their sexy affair has become anything but casual…

Review:

 * A Review Copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley (Thank You, Carina Press!)*

       
     In Yours to Keep, we were introduced to the new Kowalski family, and All He Ever Needed continues with the story of their oldest brother, Mitch. So we all know that Mitch is a PLAYER, and holy-smokin-balls, it's so true. I love Mitch Kowalski. I might even have the biggest girl crush on him. His character was one of a kind and his dialogues were straight out hilarious. The only complain I seem to have is that I wanted more.

     Mitch own a very successful demolition business, and goes back to his hometown, Whitford to help his brother Josh with the lodge. Whitford is one of those town where everyone knows everyone, and Mitch is kind of the crowd favorite/most-talked-about because of his numerous sexual encounters with possibly every girl in the town. Damn that man has stamina! So you see how hard it might be for him to have a relationship in this town. Then walks in Paige, the diner owner of the town, who is unaffected by Mitch's charm. Paige is extremely likable from the start. She sweet, friendly, and just a girl next door. She has moved across country all her life, and is now happily settled in Whitford. She doesn't want anything permanent with a guy who doesn't stay in one place due to his business. So both of them works out a friends with benefit kind of a deal. I loved their relationship, it was fun & flirty with no serious attachment. Both of them knew what they wanted, and went for it. I enjoyed seeing them fall for each other, and not realizing what they have until the very end.

     There were a lot of hints regarding the pairing in other books in the series, and I'm very excited to read about all of them, especially Ryan. He was very mysterious, and angsty, so he definitely have my interest. Also, I was a little disappointed that we didn't get a glimpse of previous characters, and what they are doing except for Emma & Sean. I did miss my favorite family but that didn't stop me from enjoying this book.
     
     All He Ever Needed is the fourth book in the Kowalski Family series, and I can't wait to read other books in the series. I'm so glad that they are releasing within a month so I don't have to wait that long. This book is strongly recommended to all the people who like fast-paced light romance with realistic characters.

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Review: Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey

Title: Yours to Keep
Author: Shannon Stacey
Published: Carina Press; June, 2011
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Adult
Series: Kowalski Family

Exclusively Yours
Undeniably Yours
Yours to Keep
All He Ever Needed
All He Ever Desired
All He Ever Dreamed 

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Sean Kowalski no sooner leaves the army than he's recruited by Emma Shaw to be her fake fiance. Emma needs to produce a husband-to-be for her grandmother's upcoming visit, and, though Sean doesn't like the deception, he could use the landscaping job Emma's offering while he decides what to do with his civilian life. And, despite his attraction to Emma, there's no chance he'll fall for a woman with deep roots in a town he's not planning to call home.

Emma's not interested in a real relationship either; not with a man whose idea of home is wherever he drops his duffel bag. No matter how amazing his "pretend" kisses are...

Review:
            
     Yours to Keep is the third book in the Kowalski family series, and it features the story of Sean & Emma. It has one of those stories that are too silly to be true, but at the same time completely enjoyable. I took it as a work of fiction, and went along with it. Thought it would be hilarious if it happened in real life.

     Emma is a landscaper who lives alone, and for the sake of her grandmother, she has made up a fake relationship with Sean with the help of Lisa. Remember Lisa, one of the Kowalski daughter-in-law. Anyway, Sean works in the army and has no clue about this fiasco going on behind his back, and it was hilarious when he met Emma the first time. Her actions at first did sound stalker-ish until the reason behind them was explained. From thereon, it was a smooth fun ride filled with extremely awkward situation, and very sensual ones too. I liked how they both actually tried to have a real relationship while pretending to be in one. Sounds weird, right. Read the book, you'll get it.

     Sean and Emma were both really cute together, and I loved how they interacted with the sticky notes. On of my favorite part was when the whole family gathered around and played ball. That's when I got to see the playful Sean., and I loved him instantly. We also get to meet another Kowalski, Mitch, and he is a PLAYER. Yup, player with capital letter, and I can't wait to  read his book. There was also a sub-plot with the grandmother, but I skipped most of it. Oops, wasn't interested grandma.

     Shannon Stacey writes really good light contemporary romance, and I love her for creating these characters. However unrealistic they are at times, they are always very much likable. I loved the humor, the romance, and the Kowalski family. Yours to Keep is indeed recommended. It is probably my favorite in the series next to Exclusively Yours.

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Review: Rift by Andrea Cremer

Title: Rift
Author: Andrea Cremer
Published: Philomel; August, 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Historical, YA
Series: Nightshade Prequel

Rift
Rise (Jan, 2013)

Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother's life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world. She also finds herself falling in love with her mentor, the dashing, brooding, and powerful Barrow Hess. When the knights realize Eira, one of their leaders, is dabbling in dark magic, Ember and Barrow must choose whether to follow Eira into the nether realm or to pledge their lives to destroying her and her kind.

With action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality, this book is as fast-paced and breathtaking as the Nightshade novels.

Review:

     I hated how Andrea Cremer ended things in Bloodrose, and in my review I swored never to read another book by the author. Few days ago, it came to my notice that in a new novella in the nightshade series Ren comes back from the dead. What does that mean? Probably *crosses my fingers* a Ren spin-off. Yay! Oh my goodness! You know what the first thing I did, hypocritical of me I picked up Rift. I'm still not sure if it was a wise decision.
           
     Rift was a historical but takes part in the same world as Nightshade, though I have yet to see a werewolf in it. I have a lot of mixed feelings regarding this novel. There were some really good parts, some unnecessary storyline which dragged got a lot, a really fantastic world builting, and some very likable & intriguing characters. In short, I didn't like the first book as much, but I love where the story is heading, so hopefully the next one will be brilliant.

     Ember comes from a high rank family, and has to serve the Conatus when she turns sixteen. In the beginning, it was hard to understand all the terms used and all the different political people/party, but it gets better as you read along. Conatus is basically a group of people whose goal is to destroy all the unhumanly creatures. They have 3 factions in their so called organization which are: Knowledge, Craft, and War. Everyone belongs to one of the three factions, our main heroin belonging in War. I really liked the world, it was very well thought out, and brilliantly executed. I agree that at times I didn't completely understand what was happening and it felt confusing. Those were some of the parts I didn't like. From where I see it, I wished the story would have been cut shorter. For example, there were two POV: Ember, and Eira. Eira is one of the head people of War. I wanted Ember's story, her struggles and her success while she was settling in the new place. I felt it was cut short because Eira's story was given a lot of importance. I didn't need to know about Eira, and during one of her scenes, I even feel asleep. That never happens with me. So you see how bored I was with her. Everything else was good.

     Barrows was mysterious at first, and I just feel that Ms. Cremer hasn't let him open up yet. That's for the next book I guess. But let me tell you one thing, he is no Ren. He is something different who can be very very interesting depending how the next book goes. All in all, I'm glad that I started this series. Usually the first book is not the best one because of all the introductions and world builting, that is exactly what happened here. I didn't liked it very much but I'm looking forward to the next book, Rise. Hopefully there will be as much romance as there will be action.            

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Feature & Follow (3)

Feature & Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted 

by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read.

Q: What is the BIGGEST word you've seen used in a book lately - that made you stop and look it   up? 

Oh My God. What a question? I honestly don't even remember. Hmmm, okay I have it. I recently finished Rift by Andrea Cremer, which is set up in the 15th century, so the words/ language gave a pain in my head. Most of the troubling words were actually made up by the author like Conatus, Templars, and more. So there you have it, the whole book.

What about you?

Let me know in the comments below, and feel free to leave a link.

While you are here, don't forget to enter to win one of the books in the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh. Open Int. Click here to enter.

 

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Review: Skin Deep by Pamela Clare

Title: Skin Deep
Author: Pamela Clare
Published: Self; May, 2012
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Adult
Series: I-Team

Extreme Exposure
Hard Evidence
Unlawful Contact
Naked Edge
Breaking Point
Skin Deep
Striking Distance

Broken on the inside 
Megan Hunter has worked hard to get back on her feet, leaving the nightmare of her teenage years behind. The last thing she wants or needs in her life is a man. But when she is attacked by someone from her past, a scarred stranger intervenes, saving her life and that of her little girl. Looks can be deceiving, for despite the man’s rough appearance, she feels safe with him. And for the first time in her life, she knows the stirrings of desire.

Broken on the outside 
Nathaniel West paid a high price serving with the Marines in Afghanistan. He returned to his family’s ranch in the Colorado mountains to heal—and be alone. Disfigured as he is, he has put all thoughts of sex and romance aside. But something about Megan brings him back to life, heats his blood, makes him feel like a man again. As danger pursues her, and the truth about her past is revealed, he vows to protect her—and to heal her wounded spirit.

But confronting the past is never easy—especially when it’s carrying a gun. Megan will have to learn to trust Nate to survive and to claim a passion that is much more than … Skin Deep.

Review:

     Skip Deep tells the story of Marc Hunter's sister Megan, and a wounded Marine soldier Nathaniel aka Nathan. I have been waiting for Megan's story since I read about her in Unlawful Contact. She was dealt with a horrible hand in life, and  I just wanted happy endings for her. Well we got that here. It was such a beautiful short story, and it shows that good things always happen, no matter how long they take. She got her normal life, a perfect man who completely gets her, and a happy family.   

     Nathan was not what I expected. He was burned in the war, and like most of the war victims I thought he might have some anger issues or something. But he was the most kindest and humble person I've read about. It's unbelievable how good and charming he was. I loved him from the first scene, and I think he was the perfect person for Megan. The author did justice with Megan. They both were made for each other, and I know how cliched that sounds, but it's true. Also, I loved Megan in this book. She has matured so much since the last book. She is positive, courageous, and most importantly, she is such a nice mother for Emily. Overall, Skin Deep was little package of sweets & flowers romance, and happy endings. It is strongly recommended. If you follow the series, then it is a must read. If you're new to the series, then atleast read Unlawful Contact first.

     The bonus story, Marc & Julian Make a Beer Run, was hilarious. So everyone's invited to Zach's house and they run out of beer. Shocking! Well that can't happen! Therefore, the boys go for a beer run. It was a short story with no meaning basically. It was just for fun, and I enjoyed it. Every dialogue that comes out of Marc mouth was epic especially where he comments on why they were really invited to Zach's house. The story just showed us a little glimpse on every character from previous book, and it was nice to see how things were going with them. I thoroughly enjoyed this new little addition to the I-Team series, and can't wait to read the next book.     

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Waiting on Wednesday (3): Just For Now

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by 
Jill @ Breaking the Spine where bloggers share their most anticipated reads.

This week I'm waiting on

Just For Now by Abbi Glines

Sea Breeze #4 

Publication: October 23, 2012
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Adult
Synopsis (from Goodreads):

The day Preston Drake figured out that wealthy women paid well for a set of tight abs and a pretty face his life turned around.

The run down rat-infested trailer he had shared with his alcoholic mother and three younger siblings was now only a place he visited to pay the bills and stock the pantry with food.

He no longer worried about his family starving or living without electricity. The money he made entertaining rich older women more than covered his family’s needs and his own. He had it all figured out. Except…

There was this girl.

She was as innocent as he was tainted.

Amanda Hardy wished her knees didn’t get weak when Preston walked into a room. She hated the fact her heart raced when he flashed his smile in her direction. He had a different girl in his bed every night. He was the kind of boy a smart girl ran from. So, why was she coming up with ways to get close to him? Even when it was obvious he wanted to keep her at a distance.

Maybe her heart knew something the world didn’t. Maybe Preston Drake was more than just a pretty face.

Why I'm waiting?
Do I even have to answer? I'm waiting because I love Abbi Glines, I love all the other books in the series, I already LOVE Preston, and I love everything about this book. The cover is not my favorite in the series but it is still so pretty. I can't wait to Preston ans Amanda's story.

Other Books in the Series:

• Breathe
• Because of Low
• While It Last

What are you waiting for? 

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Review: Something About You by Julie James

Title: Something About You
Author: Julie James
Published: Berkley Sensation; March, 2010
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Adult
Series: FBI/US Attorney

Something About You
A Lot Like Love
About That Night
Love Irresistibly (April, 2013)

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Fate has thrown two sworn enemies...  
Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends with a death. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago—and for nearly ruining his career.

Into each other's arms...  
Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it's no joke; the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes—and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension.

Review:
            Something About You is the first book in the FBI series, and holy scramboly I LOVE IT. In short, this book gives a whole new meaning to Extreme Sexual Tension. I loved every minute of it. Starting from the good cop bad cop routine, the suspense, the FBI action, the bachelorette party (that's the funniest part), till the very end. This book is probably my favorite in the suspense/romance genre, next to the I-Team series by Pamela Clare. It is that freaking good.

           Cameron works at the US Attorney office, and that is how she initially met Jack Pallas three years ago. They broke off their work relationship at a very bad point, and now they literally can't even stand each other. Fast forward, she gets stuck as a witness in a high end crime, whose detective is none other than Agent Jack Pallas. Oh.My.God, from thereon continues their back and forth talk, witty banter, and I-want-you-but-I-hate-you kind of romance. Their scenes were straight out hilarious, and it was fun watching them fight their feelings towards each other. For me, they were the perfect couple, I just wanted them together from the start.

            Something About You was my first book by Julie James, and I'm so glad I found such an incredible writer. I loved her work and I'm looking forward to read more. If you are a fan of the I-Team series by Pamela Clare, then you need to pick this book up and read it. If you haven't heard of I-Team series, then I suggest you read that first. Just kidding, you can read whatever you want. I loved this book, and am expecting so much more from the next one.

PS: I read the other two in the series (A Lot Like Love & About That Night), and I wasn't the biggest fan of them. It was a 2 star maximum from me. I didn't want to rant about how bad they were, so I'm going to link to my Goodreads review for them. I'm sad that they didn't work out, but don't ignore SBY, because it is still my favorite. I will continue the series because I've read Julie James other works and really liked it.

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Review: Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey

Title: Undeniably Yours
Author: Shannon Stacey 
Published: Carina Press; Nov, 2010
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Adult
Series: Kowalski Family

Exclusively Yours
Undeniably Yours
Yours to Keep
All He Ever Needed (Sept, 2012)
All He Ever Desired (Oct, 2012)
All He Ever Dreamed (Jan, 2013)

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

One-night stand + two percent condom failure rate = happily ever after? 

Bar owner Kevin Kowalski is used to women throwing their phone numbers at him, but lately he’s more interested in finding a woman to settle down with. A woman like Beth Hansen. If only their first meeting hadn’t gone so badly...

Beth’s tending bar at a wedding when she comes face-to-face with a tuxedo-clad man she never thought she’d see again. She tries to keep her distance from Kevin but, by last call, she can’t say no to his too-blue eyes or the invitation back to his room. Then she slips out before breakfast without leaving a note and, despite their precautions, pregnant.

Kevin quickly warms to the idea of being a dad and to seeing where things go with Beth. After all, he’s not the player she thinks he is. But she’s not ready for a relationship and, given his reputation, it’s going to take a lot to convince her to go on a second date with the father of her child...

             
Review:

 

     I loved Kowalski Family's first book Exclusively Yours, so naturally I was expecting a lot from it's sequel, Undeniably Yours. Unfortunately, I didn't liked it one bit. I was very disappointed with the characters, and the story wasn't even interesting. This would have been a DNF for be had it not been for the secondary story. 

     Kevin is a sports bar owner, and a supposedly player among the ladies. I didn't get that feeling at all. Anyways, he meets Beth in his bar, then again at Joe & Keri's wedding and has an instant connection towards her. His love at first sight was quite frankly unbelievable and unrealistic. I have read about the same scenarios in a lot of books but in this one, it was straight out weird. There was no reason for Kevin to run after Beth, she wasn't very capturing. They spend the night, and she gets pregnant. Big surprise there. The whole story was very flat for me. I didn't connect with any of the characters, wasn't interested in their so-called romance, and didn't really cared about the ending. The only thing that kept this book going for me was the ever entertaining Kowalski family. I wish they were a real family, I would have loved to visit them. The other thing that heightened my journey was Kevin's bar assistant-ish, Paulie's story. I loved Paulie. She was feisty, kick-ass, and such a strong character. I would have loved to read more about her, but I enjoyed whatever I got.

     Undeniably Yours has a very common baby story, and it didn't stand out like the previous book. It is not my favorite read but I will continue with the series because I can't get enough of this strangely addicting family.

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Cover Reveal: OPAL by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I'm so excited to take part in the OPAL Cover Reveal. 

Opal is the third book in the LUX series by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

It comes out on December 11, 2012 by Entangled Publishing

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

HERE IT IS!

SO BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!! 

No one is like Daemon Black.

 
When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.  

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Follow this link to an ~~~EPIC CONTEST~~~ Announcement. You will want to Bookmark this Page!

 http://jenniferarmentrout.blogspot.com/p/october-1-2012.html

About the Author

USA TODAY BESTSELLING Author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you've heard about her state aren't true. When she's not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russel Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories....which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn. 

Find Jennifer on: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Blog

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Feature & Follow (2)

Feature & Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted  by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read.

Q: What hyped up book was worth all the fuss? 
Any book by Jennifer L. Armentrout was worth every bit of attention it got. She is my favorite paranormal author, and I just can't wait to read more of her work. 
PS. She also goes by J. Lynn for her adult books.
 
Covenant Series:

Lux Series:

What about you?

Let me know in the comments below, and feel free to leave a link.

While you are here, don't forget to enter to win one of the amazing books in the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh. Open Int. Click here to enter.

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GIVEAWAY! Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh

Guild Hunter is one of my favorite urban fantasy series. So here I'm sharing my love for this series with you guys by giving away one of the books in the series.

Initially it was going to be just the recently released book, Archangel's Storm, but then I though what better way than to let you decide which book in the series you want. There will be ONE winner who gets to decide which ONE book you want.

Giveaway prize: Any one of the following books, in US Paperback addition.

Click on the image above to see my reviews.

Who can enter?

ANYONE

Yes, the giveaway is international, as long as the book depository ships where you live.

Just fill out the form below, and you are done. 

GOOD LUCK :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Review: Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh

Title: Archangel's Storm
Author: Nalini Singh
Published: Berkley; Sept, 2012
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Adult
Series: Guild Hunter

Angels' Blood
Archangel's Kiss
Archangel's Consort
Archangel's Blade
Archangel's Storm
Untitled (Sept, 2013)

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

Review:

     Guild Hunter series is back with another amazing book, but unfortunately it didn't made me fall in love with it like all the previous ones did. I was expecting so much from the fifth book, Archangel's Storm, and don't get me wrong, it is still one of the best books I've read this year. Nalini Singh sure knows how to keep her readers interested throughout the book with unexpected twist and turns, and an amazingly written storyline. I love that about her, but when you have read such good books in a series, even a little bad one makes you feel like the worst book you've read. It was disappointing how slow the story turned out to be, and how uninterested I was in the plotline or even the romance wasn't exciting enough.

     In Archangel's Storm, we get Jason's story. Jason is a part of Raphael's most trusted Seven people, and he is considered the best spymaster. Previously we knew Jason as a quite mysterious angel with starkling black wings, and a breathtakingly beautiful face. He wasn't one of my favorite characters, so I didn't really knew what to expect from him. In this book, we get to know about his backstory, and it was so heart-wrenching and sad. I understand why Jason is the way he is, and I fully support and love him as it is. The thing that I loved the most was the Ms. Singh didn't change him as a character, he didn't start singing love poetry once he started falling in love. He was the same person as before, and that is the reason why most people will love Jason. That is also the reason why he came across as a dull person. He is very secretive, mute, and didn't get to have many dialogue. I missed that, I wanted more interactions.   

     Mahiya was a very though-out character. I loved her from the beginning. She did came across as a doormat initially but later on, we get to see the real, very calculative princess. She was strong, passionate, and knew how to use things to her advantage. In some ways, she was like a female Jason. That doesn't sound very good. They both were the lonely people who trusted no one fully, and were just looking for each other to share a part of themselves. I liked them as individuals but not as a couple. I get why they were paired together, but I think that Jason needed a more cheerful person who could actually bring light to his soul. But thats just me.

     The highlight of this book was...wait for it...Dimitri & Honor. I loved seeing them again. Honor has accepted to become a vampire, and Dimitri is taking her through the transformation. Their scenes reminded me of how fun Ms. Singh's previous book were. Also, the connection between the couples was so realistic, and that was something that was missing between Jason & Mahiya. Anyway, we also get to know a little more about Aodhan. Oh, how I wish his book is next. I'm so excited to read more about him. He seems like a very (playful) funny person, we just need to get rid of those shields. Isn't that always the case?

     Archangel's Storm was a nice addition to the Guild Hunter series, but it wasn't my favorite. There were some pros & cons like any other book, but on the whole it was a delightful read. This is not something you want to miss if you are a Guild Hunter fan. Heck, maybe you'll enjoy it more than I did.

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Waiting on Wednesday (2): Burning Blue

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by 
Jill @ Breaking the Spine where bloggers share their most anticipated reads.

This week I'm waiting on

Burning Blue by Paul Griffin

Publication: Dial; October 25, 2012 

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

How far would you go for love, beauty, and jealousy?

When Nicole Castro, the most beautiful girl in her wealthy New Jersey high school, is splashed with acid on the left side of her perfect face, the whole world takes notice. But quiet loner Jay Nazarro does more than that--he decides to find out who did it. Jay understands how it feels to be treated like a freak, and he also has a secret: He's a brilliant hacker. But the deeper he digs, the more danger he's in--and the more he falls for Nicole. Too bad everyone is turning into a suspect, including Nicole herself.

Award-winning author Paul Griffin has written a high-stakes, soulful mystery about the meaning--and dangers--of love and beauty.

Why I'm waiting?

I loved that Paul Griffin was willing to write a story about such situation, and I know it will be an emotional, and heartbreaking read. Also, the book cover is so beautiful, and tells the story itself. I know I'm going to love it.

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Review: Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Title: Exclusively Yours
Author: Shannon Stacey
Published: Carina Press; June, 2010
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Adult
Series: Kowalski Family

Exclusively Yours
Undeniably Yours
Yours to Keep
All He Ever Needed (Sept, 2012)
All He Ever Desired (Oct, 2012)
All He Ever Dreamed (Jan, 2013)

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

When Keri Daniels' editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe's never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he's intrigued to hear Keri's back in town--and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he'll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.

He proposes an outrageous plan--for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she's worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe's sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn't ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever.

Review:

     Exclusively Yours is the first book in Kowalski Family series, and I'm in love with it. It was like watching a really good reality show, and I loved every single scene. The characters were unique and utterly hilarious. The story was not only about two former lovers reunited under unfortunate circumstances, and realizing their forever-and-ever kind of love, but it also included two bonus couple stories. Simply putting, Exclusively Yours is a well written and amazingly executed family drama, and I can't wait to read more about this dysfunctional yet absolutely adorable family.

     Keri and Joe were high school sweethearts, but their relationship drifted apart when Keri moves to California to pursue her dreams. Their paths cross 20 years later, and like any good romance story, they finally got to have their happily-ever-after. Their journey was filled with tons of sexual tension, and witty banter. Both the characters are extremely likable from the beginning, and I enjoyed watching them fall for each other again. The best part about this book was getting to know the relationships the Kowalski family have with each other. There was a loving mom, funny dad, teasing siblings, adorable little kids, and just a very stereotypical funny family.

     Heads up, major part of this book takes place during the camping trip. I've never been camping, surprisingly not even in my backyard, so this book was a sort of my first camping experience, and I absolutely loved it. I'm willing to try out the wilderness if someone will be my camping buddy ( *winks*call me). Anyway, I would highly recommend this novel, and heck, the entire series because I'm loving where this is going. I thoroughly enjoyed Exclusively Yours, and am going to start the next book right away.        

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Review: Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

Title: Such a Rush
Author: Jennifer Echols
Published: MTV Books; July, 2012
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mature YA
Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A sexy and poignant romantic tale of a young daredevil pilot caught between two brothers.

When I was fourteen, I made a decision. If I was doomed to live in a trailer park next to an airport, I could complain about the smell of the jet fuel like my mom, I could drink myself to death over the noise like everybody else, or I could learn to fly.

Heaven Beach, South Carolina, is anything but, if you live at the low-rent end of town. All her life, Leah Jones has been the grown-up in her family, while her mother moves from boyfriend to boyfriend, letting any available money slip out of her hands. At school, they may diss Leah as trash, but she’s the one who negotiates with the landlord when the rent’s not paid. At fourteen, she’s the one who gets a job at the nearby airstrip.

But there’s one way Leah can escape reality. Saving every penny she can, she begs quiet Mr. Hall, who runs an aerial banner-advertising business at the airstrip and also offers flight lessons, to take her up just once. Leaving the trailer park far beneath her and swooping out over the sea is a rush greater than anything she’s ever experienced, and when Mr. Hall offers to give her cut-rate flight lessons, she feels ready to touch the sky.

By the time she’s a high school senior, Leah has become a good enough pilot that Mr. Hall offers her a job flying a banner plane. It seems like a dream come true . . . but turns out to be just as fleeting as any dream. Mr. Hall dies suddenly, leaving everything he owned in the hands of his teenage sons: golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson. And they’re determined to keep the banner planes flying.

Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business—until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers—and the consequences could be deadly.

 Review:
         
     How in the world does Ms. Echols manage to write such mind-blowingly-fantastic book every single time? I have been a huge fan of her books since Going to Far, and Such a Rush was no different. First of all, I am in love with the cover, it is so uniquely beautiful, and makes you want to read the story. I didn't focused much on the synopsis because I wanted to be surprised by the story, and I sure was taken aback by how well it was structured and executed. That is one of Ms. Echols talents; she works around unimportant thing and makes us look at it in a different way. Who cares about banner airplanes, and trailer park people? Not many, but she made their story interesting, and was something you would like to know more about.

     Leah has always lived in a trailer next to a small aviation building, and she is fascinated with airplanes, so one day she's goes there for a job, and three years later becomes a pilot of a small banner airplane. She might come from a poor family but she makes her own choices to have a better life. She is a survivor, and I loved her character. I would gladly have Leah as my best friend. She was strong, determined, passionate, and knew what she wanted in life.

     She works at the airport with the Hall brothers, Alec, and Grayson. All of them are of same age yet they sounded like mature 20 something adults, and it was a nice change to read about them. One of the boys is who Leah always wanted but she is stuck between choosing her career as a successful pilot or the man she wants. There is a lot of manipulation, hurtful games, calling names, but one of the thing that genuinely hurted my feelings were Leah's so called best friend Molly's character. I didn't understand her at all, and whatever bullshit she says, I don't think of her as a nice friend. But you know what, Such a Rush was not about High School dramas and silly friendships, it was Leah's journey to discover herself, get in the career she wanted, and get the man she wanted.

     Ms. Echols books are usually light on the hotness scale but Such a Rush surpassed all the previous ones on that factor. The sensual scenes were so well written, and so HOT. They weren't overly graphic but holy moly, it makes you feel everything the characters felt. I am in love with Such a Rush, and with this book, Ms. Echols proved why she is my auto-buy author.

     If you like a well researched book with genuine emotions, and realistic characters, then Such a Rush is a book for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will re-read it soon enough. Such a Rush is highly recommended novel along with any other Jennifer Echols books.      

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Feature & Follow (1)

Feature & Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted by  
Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read. 

Q: What hyped up book do you think was not worth all the talk?

I wasn't a fan of Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens, which was sad and disappointing because all of my Goodreads friends seem to LOVE it. I know, I know, minority here. From recently released books, I'd have to go with Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec. I was so excited to read that book, but it turned out another thumbs-down for me.

What about you?
Let me know in the comments below, and feel free to leave a link.

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