Review: Debase by Rachel Van Dyken

With blood on my hands, I held her. 

With death in my soul, I took from her. 

With the devil in my heart, I coveted her.

There're many definitions of Hell. 

My list was exhaustive, my definitions tragic. 

Tonight I was adding something new to the very top. 

Girl number six thirty-two.

She arrived on my birthday, the same day, every year, I play Russian Roullete and pull the trigger.

She was my omen. 

My end game. 

She made it personal. 

And for the first time in my life, I gave in. 

A virgin mob boss with no soul.

My name is Andrei Petrov. 

They call me the devil.

All I want is for the pain to end. 

All she wants is for me to share it.

I am the last remaining heir to a dynasty that should burn in Hell. 

And my last wish remains for it to die with me. 

Review:  4.75 of 5 Stars

I have to confess, when I opened this book I wondered how I was going to feel about it.  I absolutely adore the Eagle Elite series and the characters.  It is by far the best mafia series out there. But the last couple of books, while great, did not hit me with as much emotion and impact as some of the earlier ones.  But then I opened Debase.  And damn, Andrei Petrov.

Andrei is probably the darkest character that Rachel has written about in the mafia.  Don't get me wrong, they are all ruthless and have their own issues, but they are still fun loving and funny.  I know it sounds weird but it works.  But Andrei was different.  He had some serious issues and I was heartbroken for him and the more I learned the more I wanted to help him.

Girl Six Thirty Two is one of the best female characters as well.  She has her own set of things she has gone through and being born in a family is a big part of it.  But I just love her strength and tenacity.  I loved watching the story of these two unfold.  Even though this book is intense, it is amazing and you won't be disappointed that you read it.  Well done, Rachel!

Review: The Phoenix (Spy Girl #6), by Jillian Dodd

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From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the next book in a sizzling series filled with action and adventure. Fans of The Selection and The Hunger Games will discover a heart-pounding thrill ride of espionage and suspense set in glittering high society.

A single sentence is muttered from the lips of an assassin dangling from a four-story building, “It starts in Montrovia.”
That sentence led Black X to send a spy to protect Prince Lorenzo.
And that sentence haunts Huntley as she realizes her time is running out. 

When athletes from around the world descend on Montrovia for the Olympics, another group is coming together, its years of planning a new world order finally coming to fruition. 
A disease is released.
People start dying. 
And, with rumors of an impending coup, the country falls into chaos. 

Alliances are betrayed. 
Lives are lost. 
Loves are challenged.
And hearts are turned.

Can Huntley stop what has started, or will Montrovia and the world fall?


Review
4.5 out of 5 stars

I just LOVE everything about the Spy Girl series.  I love the main character Huntley, I love the mysterious plot line and every ounce of suspense that comes with constantly trying to figure out the the end game.  It's utterly addicting.  The Phoenix dives right into the continuation of Huntley's story and honestly it never slows down.  Major plot lines are revealed, character identities are answered and the mystery still continues.  It's like solving a puzzle and this book gives you almost all the pieces but in the end it's really just enough to keep you coming back for more.

Huntley's strength and passion continue to amaze me.  She has grown so much as a person, not only does she follow her instincts but she hardly every jumps to the wrong conclusion. She is very careful to examine things from all angles before making a decision, but what if even after doing all that she still doesn't see the end game?  What if she isn't able to save Montrovia? Part of me wonders if at the end of this mission the real lesson was learning one person alone cannot be responsible for Montrovia's safety but instead it comes from trusting the right people, depending on the people you love and working together?  It's just one theory running through my mind as to what we will find in book #7.   

Jillian Dodd throws us readers some serious curve balls with The Phoenix.  The rumors are all true - yes this book ends on a cliffhanger, yes characters die and yes you will be nervous about book #7 because I have real fears things are going to get even worse for Huntley before this mission is over.  This series is awesome, full of interesting characters you will find yourself wanting to live vicariously through and mystery in spades!  Thank you Jillian for this guilty pleasure, I for one love it!! 

Review: Risky Play, by Rachel Van Dyken

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What else can a virgin do when she’s ditched at the altar? Seattle heiress Mackenzie Dupont is treating herself to a single-girl honeymoon in Mexico and a desire to relinquish her innocence to a gorgeous one-night stand. Fake names. True pleasure. But when she wakes up alone, Mackenzie realizes just how much anger is left in her broken heart.

Suffering a tragic personal loss, pro soccer player Slade Rodriguez has his reasons for vanishing without a goodbye. Right or wrong, he’s blaming the beautiful and infuriating stranger he never wants to see again. They’re both in for a shock when Mackenzie shows up as his new personal assistant. And they both have a lot to learn about each other. Because they share more than they could possibly know, including a common enemy who’s playing his own games. And he’s not afraid to get dirty.

Now there’s only one way Mackenzie and Slade can win: to trust in each other and to stop hiding from the lies they’ve told, the secrets they’ve kept, the mistakes they’ve made, and the attraction that still burns between them.

Review
4.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit I loved this one!  It was a classic Rachel Van Dyken book.  The perfect amount of angst, humor, chemistry and drama all rolled into one HEA.  Rachel is one of my favorite go to authors, mainly because she seems to nail it every single time. 

Mackenzie is left at the alter on her wedding day - sure she's upset but not in the way you'd expect.  Fast forward several months and in the hopes of self re-discovery she's off on her honeymoon alone.  Here's where Slade Rodriguez comes into the picture and I have to say this meet cute was absolute perfection!

These two connect on a deeper level than either would expect, but to say it's a short lived romance would be putting it mildly.  Here's where the story gets juicy!  Yes, I could give you a play by play but I'm not because this story is one that deserves to be read and experiences first hand!

I loved watching Mackenzie work through her struggles and watching her grow.  From beginning to end it was a beautiful transformation of a character who's been incredibly lost become a strong independent women, who yes would love the support of the man she's in love with, but who finally not only knows what she wants but also has the courage to fight for herself.

Slade is broody, exhausted with the circus that's his life and so angry he honestly cannot stand himself.  But underneath all this is this amazing book boyfriend who's passionate and caring - and let's not forget his looks, basically he's the total package.

They are both lost in their own circumstances but together they make one heck of a couple.  Risky Play is going to be one of those RVD book's you're absolutely going to want to read again and again.  Such a fun escape - thanks Rachel - this is why we all love you so much!!!

Review: Reveling in Sin, by Meghan March

  

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Whitney Gable is the kind of woman you fight to the death to protect. To keep. To cherish. I’ve finally learned my lesson, and it’s time to prove I’m the man who’s worthy of her. I don’t care what it takes, because failure is not an option. No matter who or what stands in our way—this time, she’ll be mine forever   
          
Review
5 out of 5 stars

Meghan March the queen of twists you never see coming!  How is it possible one author can continue to surprise me with the twists and turns of every single plot in every single book she has written?  Nevertheless I love it and I'm going to keep coming back for more and more.  I mean clearly Whtney and Lincoln are going to end up together - they are destined to be together.  That much was obvious and the journey in all three of the books in this series never for one second disappointed.  What I loved so much about the final installment is we finally get to see Whitney and Lincoln actually team up, trust one another and truly fight for their own HEA.  It was pure perfection.  Their characters have grown, evolved and they've finally realized they are stronger together than they are apart.  I'm also going to commend Meghan's ability to cross over character's from other series into each other.  No one else I've ever read has been able to do is as seamlessly.   

This series isn't just a second-chance romance.  It's so much more.  It's drama and chaos with twists and turns.  Kind of like a soap opera where characters lie to one another, where you believe one person is so good only to find out you really don't know them as well as you think you do.  It truly encompasses all aspects of family relations from love and protection to drama and surprise.  I could go on and on but Meghan March's books are the kind of stories enjoyed best when you go into them with as little knowledge as possible.  Just one click, sit back, get sucked into the story and let you own reality slip away. 

                

A New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels, Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. Sign up for Meghan's newsletter and receive exclusive content that she saves for her subscribers: http://meghanmarch.com/subscribe To get the inside scoop on a daily basis, search Meghan March's Runaway Readers on Facebook and join the fun. FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | TWITTER | PINTEREST

Review: The Dauntless (Spy Girl #5), by Jillian Dodd

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From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the fifth book in a sizzling series filled with action and adventure. Fans of The Selection and The Hunger Games will discover a heart-pounding thrill ride of espionage and suspense set in glittering high society.


Review
4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank goodness this book is finally out!  I have a love hate relationship with cliff hangers.  I love how they leaving me wanting more while at the same time find myself frustrated with having to wait what feels like forever for the next installment to release.  I couldn't wait to jump right in and see what would happen with Lorenzo and Huntley now that the Queen announced, without warning, an engagement between Lorenzo and Lizzie.  Secretly what I most hoped were these two characters wouldn't go back to square one.  I really didn't want to see their character regress.  I won't give it all away but I'm pleased to say not only was I not disappointed but I really think Lorenzo and Huntley managed to strengthen their bond.

While the pace of this book never slows down I found myself reading slower than my normal pace.  Partly due to wanting to savor my time with these characters and partly because I found myself even more engrossed with the "spy" part of the story.  I think in some of the previous book within this series I've felt lost or even overwhelmed but I think having Huntley go "rogue" and work through all the details in her mind helped me get a better grasp of all the different players in this mission.

The Dauntless is a page-turner filled with lots of surprises, and honestly a lot of love and I'm not just talking about the romantic kind.  Boundaries are established and then their pushed.  We're introduced to a new character and we even get to know a couple of regular ones on a deeper level.  You're constantly trying to figure out who can be trusted, whose the enemy and what's their end game.  Of course by the time you reach the end you're left with another pretty crazy cliffhanger - one I never even saw coming.  But it's one I think is going to take this series to the next level.  Well done Jillian Dodd!  I don't know how you keep dreaming up these stories but I hope you never stop! 

Review: Dangerous Exes, by Rachel Van Dyken

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In #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s scorching series, revenge is a justified pleasure…

Isla made one teeny little mistake. Now she and her PI company, Dirty Exes, are being targeted by one seriously angry and furiously sexy ex-quarterback. Jessie freakin’ Beckett. But there’s no way some NFL superhunk is going to take her business away. If only he didn’t make her so hot—and bothered.

Jessie wants payback for a ruined reputation. His plan? Top secret. His hard-to-hide arousal for Isla? Not so much. Especially when they let down their guards and sneak a kiss. Like any juicy scandal, it goes so viral, so fast, that only a good lie can combat the bad press. Mortal enemies in a fling? No way. Um…this is love!

Actually…could it be?

Isla’s not faking it. Jessie can’t. As the game of let’s pretend gets real, Jessie forgets all about revenge. That’s the problem. His plan is already out of his control. Now it could undo everything they’ve been trying to build. Coming clean may be the only thing that can save it.

Review:

4.5 out of 5 stars

We loved the first book in this series, Dirty Exes, so as soon as the widget for book 2 arrived in our inbox I immediately downloaded it and managed to devour it in one sitting.  I'm more than happy to report this one is equally good if not better!!!

Jessie and Isla couldn't be more different and as much as they want to hate and destroy one another their undeniable chemistry manages to thwart their best laid plans.  Jessie and Isla are both strong characters, yeah they each have a few hang-ups but overall they are easily likeable and you just cannot help but root for them as a couple.  

It's a story full of pranks, lough-out loud moments, a crazy aunt, a good dose of angst with a side of drama.  You won't be able to put it down and when the last page is turned you're going to be grinning from ear to ear.  It's a happily ever after, but the journey from beginning to end is the best part.  

Review: Guilty As Sin by Meghan March

Guilty until proven innocent.
That’s the way the world works, right?
I’m tired of being convicted without evidence, all because my last name is Gable.
The Riscoffs might own this town, but I’m done following their rules.
If only I could forget just how easily Lincoln Riscoff can drag me under his spell.

Review 4.75 of 5 Stars:

Guilty As Sin is the second installment in the Sin series by Meghan March.  It picks up right where Richer Than Sin ends.  Honestly, I was dying to read this second book, but at the same time, I almost wanted to drag it out.  These books are so addicting that I don't want them to end!

The bomb that was dropped at the end of RTS had me reeling and truthfully, it still does!  To say Guilty As Sin is explosive is an understatement.  The one thing I love most about Meghan March is her ability to mix drama, angst, sexiness and sweetness all into one book.  I love Lincoln and Whitney's characters and the things you discover in book 2 will cement that even more for you.

Guilty As Sin, was everything I expected and way more.  I am still trying to get over the ending.  If you don't know by now that Meghan March is the absolute Queen of Cliffhangers, you better strap in, this book is a roller coaster ride for sure.  I cannot wait to see how their story concludes and see if a Riscoff and a Gable can finally be together despite everyones best efforts to keep them apart.

Review: Richer Than Sin by Meghan March

A Riscoff and a Gable can never live happily ever after. Our family feud is the stuff of legends.
Ten years ago, Whitney Gable caught me off guard with her long legs and grab-you-by-the-balls blue eyes.
I didn’t know or care what her name was.
Like any Riscoff worth the family name, I went after what I wanted. We burned like a flash fire until she married another man.
She hates me, and she should.
I objected on her wedding day.
Now she’s home, with those same long legs and man-eater stare, but there’s no ring on her finger.
They say a Riscoff and a Gable can never live happily ever after . . . but I’m not done with Whitney Gable.
I’ll never be done with her. 

Review:  4.5 of 4 Stars

If there is one thing Meghan March is an expert at, it is getting you hooked from the beginning of a book.  Richer Than Sin is no exception.  From page one, I was in deep.  Richer Than Sin is told in alternating POV from Lincoln and Whitney and is also told in the present and past.  Not many authors can seamlessly do that, but no surprise, this book flowed perfectly.

Whitney Gable is such a relatable character.  She left her small town to escape and live the dream, but now is coming home and wants to hide from the world.  She has such great qualities but can't seem to see them in herself.  And her past isn't helping.  Lincoln Riscoff and all Riscoff's for that matter, are her sworn enemies.  Think Hatfield and McCoys, they can't be friends and they certainly can't be anything more.  But there is always an underlying attraction.

Lincoln is set to inherit his families multi-million dollar lumber company, assuming his grandfather actually leaves it to him.  He has proved his worth time and time again, but he won't give his grandfather the one thing he wants-an heir.  Why?  It's complicated to say the least.  But when Whitney Gable heads back home, all bets are off.  Whitney is the one that got away, but she won't get away this time if Lincoln can help it.

Now, if you're a fan of Meghan March, you know that this book ends on a cliffhanger, that is her style and I love it.  Except for when I have to wait to read the next book.  I cannot wait to see more of the Sin series when the next book releases!  Run, don't walk, and get this book NOW.  You will love it!

Review: Envy by Rachel Van Dyken

Every family has rules, the mafia just has more....
Do not speak to the bosses unless spoken to. 
Do not make eye contact unless you want to die. 
And above all else, do not fall in love. 
Renee Cassani's future is set.
Her betrothal is set. 
Her life, after nannying for the five families for the summer, is set
Somebody should have told Vic Colezan that. 
He's a man who doesn't take no for an answer. 
And he only wants one thing. 
Her. 
Somebody should have told Renee that her bodyguard needed as much discipline as the kids she was nannying. 
Good thing Vic has a firm hand.

Review:  4.25 of 5 Stars

I have loved every Eagle Elite book, however, the last one was lacking something for me.  Maybe it was because I was so upset for the character.  I am not 100% sure, but I almost did not want to read this one for fear it would make me not want to keep going.  I am so happy to say that this book reminded me so much of some previous EE books that I am excited to read the next one!

Vic is Nixon's cousin and swore an oath to protect the 5 families.  The oath included celibacy and that he would never have a family.  No big deal at the time, and he has become the best bodyguard for the EE families. Until the Nanny comes into the picture.  He is so screwed.

Renee Cassani knows her dad is part of the mafia and can't wait to escape this life when she finishes her final year of college.  All she has to do is make it through her summer job, being a nanny to the scariest mobsters around.  Shouldn't be hard, right?

I really enjoyed the character development of Vic and Renee.  Their story is fun and somewhat light hearted compared the the previous book and that made me happy.  But it also lays the groundwork for the next book in the EE series.  While I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next one, I am unsure how many more books will continue to work for this series.  I love it and part of me doesn't' want it to end, while the other wants it to end before more characters I love die.

Review: All Your Perfects, by Colleen Hoover

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Quinn and Graham’s perfect love is threatened by their imperfect marriage. The memories, mistakes, and secrets that they have built up over the years are now tearing them apart. The one thing that could save them might also be the very thing that pushes their marriage beyond the point of repair.


Review
5 out of 5 stars

One thing is for certain when you start a new Colleen Hoover book, she’s going to take you on a truly one-of-a kind unique experience.  Her stories’ originality continually blow me away.  I feel like if I go into too much detail with this review I’m going to ruin the experience for anyone reading this review so please bear with me as I try and explain my thoughts on this gem!

All Your Perfects is told from our heroine Quinn’s POV.  Throughout the entire book one chapter is told from the past and the next in the present.  Quinn isn’t going to be an easy character for a lot of people to like.  Her story is absolutely devastating and there were so many times when I wanted to scream open your mouth, say something, do anything, and just take a baby step.  But in that same breath I could empathize with her.  I got her struggle, I was able to even sympathize with her obsession.  It literally broke my heart, there were points I honestly wanted to put the book down because I was so sad but at the same time I needed to know how her story was going to end, so I waded through the heavy emotions and pushed forward.  Quinn is one of the most real characters I’ve ever read about. 

Graham our hero is the entire package, talk about a beacon of light.  He fully encompassed romance, sensitivity, humility, grace and determination.  He loves his wife and is prepared to do whatever it takes, even if it means losing her completely in order to put her happiness above his own.  In the end when the contents of “the box” were revealed I was completely blown away by his honesty, sacrifice and pure love.  I have to say it was my absolute favorite part of the entire book!

Quinn and Graham’s story from beginning to end was incredibly well executed and packed full of honest, real, and raw emotions.  It’s a genuine story with what I consider a perfectly designed ending.  All Your Perfects may not be a story I read time and time again, but it’s a story that left an imprint on my heart I won’t soon forget.