Book Review: Ruled (Outlaws #3) by: Elle Kennedy

Release Date: November 1, 2016
from Berkley
Goodreads | Amazon

Source: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

"The latest novel in the series with the “sexiest, baddest, hottest”* outlaws around, from the New
York Times bestselling author of Claimed.

In the latest novel in the series with the “sexiest, baddest, hottest”* outlaws around, one woman must choose between the two men who want to claim her...

...Or does she?

Despite his magnetic personality, Rylan can’t seem to seduce Reese, the deadly leader of their town of outlaws. Winning her over is a welcome challenge, but her indifference isn’t the only thing standing in his way. If he wants Reese, Rylan must also win over Sloan, her stoic protector...

Sloan has always loved Reese, but their painful past has stolen his chances of a future with her. Rylan’s interest in Reese only intensifies the tension—until Sloan begins to wonder if the reckless man might be the one person who can bridge the distance...

The last time Reese fell for the wrong man, she had no choice but to kill him. Now, she desperately wants to take what both Rylan and Sloan are offering. But if she makes the wrong call again, she risks losing them both."

My Thoughts:

Just when I think Elle Kennedy’s books can’t get any hotter, she goes ahead and gives us Ruled. Ruled is a ridiculously hot read. I’m not usually one to care what I read in public, but Ruled should not be read in public. It is downright dirty and I loved every single second of it.

I’m not gonna lie, Reese has never been my favorite, even though her full name Teresa is made of awesome. But because she wasn’t my favorite I was worried about her having her own story. I shouldn’t have worried though. While Reese still makes me crazy at times, I truly admire how strong of a character she is and that she is the one making the calls. For me though, it was Sloan and Rylan that stole the show here. I knew going in that I adored Rylan. I’ve loved him from the get go and I loved seeing him get more page time. He is so funny and I love his banter, but I also loved getting to know him better. Sloan is awesome too and I love his quiet strength and small smiles. I also love how domineering and alpha the guys are, but the moment Reese says so they fall in line. I really love that about this series. It delivers the alpha guys but it leaves no doubt about who is really in charge here.

Rylan, Sloan, and Reese make quite the trio and their relationship works well. And yes, the three of them, so if that’s not your jam then this isn’t the book for you. This is an interesting dynamic and it’s hard to make this work and balance all the aspects, but it works for these three. They each bring something to the table that makes it all balance perfectly. And it isn’t just all about Reese. Honestly, I think my favorite part was the relationship between Rylan and Sloan. I never thought Sloan would want to put up with Rylan, but Rylan brings out a funnier side of Sloan.

All in all, Ruled is a seriously delicious read and fans of this series will not be disappointed. I love the balance of the steam and sexy with the dystopian world. The stakes are high and that makes everything more intense and keeps you turning pages.

On My Shelf: Love Is Darkness by: Caroline Hanson

On My Shelf is a feature I started here on the blog and I'm sure there are a ton of similar ones out there, but basically I just wanted to start spotlighting some of the MANY backlist titles I have accumulated on my shelf and kindle. The idea is to spotlight an older book I have on my massive TBR. I also thought it would be a fun way to discuss these books with my fellow bloggers, get some of your thoughts and figure out which ones I need to read ASAP and which ones can wait a bit more. And if you want to join in too, I would love to see what is on your shelf! Just leave me a link in the comments.

I grabbed this book as a freebie ages ago because I absolutely adored the cover. Also because VAMPIRES. I forever love anything and everything with vampires. But like so many of my books, this one has sat on my kindle unread. 

So tell me. Have you read it? Did you love it? Hate it? Was it meh?

Book Review: Best Kind Of Broken (Finding Fate #1) by: Chelsea Fine

Release Date: March 4, 2014
from Forever
Goodreads | Amazon

Source: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

"Pixie Marshall wishes every day she could turn back time and fix the past. But she can't. And the
damage is done. She's hoping that a summer of free room and board working with her aunt at the Willow Inn will help her forget. Except there's a problem: the resident handyman is none other than Levi Andrews. The handsome quarterback was once her friend-and maybe more-until everything changed in a life-shattering instant. She was hoping to avoid him, possibly forever. Now he's right down the hall and stirring up feelings Pixie thought she'd long buried . . .

Levi can't believe he's living with the one person who holds all his painful memories. More than anything he wants to make things right, but a simple "sorry" won't suffice-not when the tragedy that scarred them was his fault. Levi knows Pixie's better off without him, but every part of him screams to touch her, protect her, wrap her in his arms, and kiss away the pain. Yet even though she's so close, Pixie's heart seems more unreachable than ever. Seeing those stunning green eyes again has made one thing perfectly clear-he can't live without her."

My Thoughts:

I’ve had this book for ages and I can’t believe it has taken me so long to read it. I should have read this a long time ago because it was a great read. It reminds me of the new adult books I read back when the genre was new and those are still my favorite, so of course I really enjoyed this one.

Pixie and Levi are both fantastic characters. I love friends to lovers and second chance romances and this book was a bit of both. Pixie and Levi have a complicated history, but gah they are so perfect for one another it hurts. I adored them together. Their banter and fighting was so much fun. My heart also hurt for both of them so damn much. I also absolutely adored Ellen. She is a fantastic character. Oh and Jenna too! I am so excited she has a book and I cannot wait to get to it.

Obviously I loved the romance, but I think my favorite thing about this book is how funny it was. There is definitely an emotional aspect to the story and it’s not all lighthearted fun. But it also made me laugh out loud. The inner monologues for both Levi and Pixie were fantastic. The author did an amazing job balancing the serious aspects with the humor. The book never felt like it was all fluff, but it also never felt as if you were drowning in sadness. It was a great tone. Like for example, in the middle of a very serious conversation, this happens “It’s okay to be afraid of lizards. It’s really weird, but it’s okay.” “They’re like tiny, terrifying dinosaurs.” That quote had me cracking up and there were so many little moments like that.

Best Kind Of Broken was a really great read and anyone who is looking for a good new adult read needs to pick this one up. The characters are great. The romance is great. The story is great. And the banter is great. You won’t be disappointed with this one.

Excerpt: My Rogue, My Ruin by: Amalie Howard & Angie Morgan

MY ROGUE, MY RUIN releases November 21st, but we couldn't wait to share a sneak peek at what you can expect from this incredible historical romance! Sexy and fun with a bit of Robin Hood and a badass heroine, you do not want to miss the first book from writing duo Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan. Get your first look at MY ROGUE, MY RUIN below!

“Smart and fast-paced with plenty of steam! This writing duo is a powerhouse of talent!” – New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan
He stole their riches, she stole his heart The Marquess of Hawksfield’s lineage is impeccable and his title coveted, but Archer Croft is as far from his indulgent peers as he can get. His loathing for the beau monde has driven him to don a secret identity and risk everything in order to steal their riches and distribute them to the less fortunate. Lady Briannon Findlay embraces her encounter with the Masked Marauder, a gentleman thief waylaying carriages from London to Essex. The marauder has stirred Brynn’s craving for adventure, and she discovers an attraction deeper than the charming thief’s mask. Brynn is a revelation, matching Archer in intelligence, wit, and passion. Stubborn and sensuous in equal measure, she astonishes him at every turn, but when someone sinister impersonates Archer’s secret personality, and a murder is committed, Archer begins to think he doesn’t stand a fighting chance without her.  MY ROGUE, MY RUIN releases November 21st – add it to your Goodreads list here!  Preorder MY ROGUE, MY RUIN now: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Get your first look at MY ROGUE, MY RUIN:

“Why are you out here at this ungodly hour?” he asked. 

“I could ask you the same thing,” she replied. “As well as why you are trespassing on private property.” 

Archer smiled at her tone and leaned against a nearby tree, easing the weight of his injured ankle for the moment. There it was—the brief glimpse of the woman he’d met in Dinsmore’s carriage, not the quiet mouse he’d waltzed with. “Ah, but I believe this tree, right here,”—he slapped the trunk with a rakish grin—“marks the dividing line between my estate and yours. So technically, I’m on my property and you are on yours.” 

Her eyes narrowed at his teasing before plucking up the tweed cap from where it lay on the ground and tugging it back into place upon her head. She then picked up the spent pistol and tucked it into the narrow, single holster gun belt looped around her waist. “No matter. It’s hardly any of your concern why I am out on my own land. Go on your way, and I’ll be on mine.” 

His jaw dropped as she wound her fist into the horse’s bridle, loosely slung around its neck, and pulled herself deftly up onto the horse’s back. She sat astride in a way that made his pulse shorten. 

“Where is your saddle?” he managed. 

She eyed him imperiously. “I don’t like them, not that it’s any of your business.” 

“It isn’t safe,” he ground out, surprised by his sudden irritation. 

“I’ve been riding without a saddle since I was a child,” she shot back. “I’m safer without one than I am with one.”  

"As you were before you got thrown into the river?” Archer couldn’t resist taunting. 

Her jaw jutted forward, a mutinous look in her eyes. She pressed her lips together, likely to stop herself from uttering something completely inappropriate. Perhaps one of the colorful words she’d been using while attempting to climb out of the gulch. 

“And what if you were attacked by the masked bandit—again?” he continued. “Or haven’t you had enough danger for the time being?” 

“I can protect myself,” she said. 

“What with?” he asked before he thought of the clean hole in the boar’s forehead. 

Briannon sighed dramatically. “Why, with my knitting needles, of course.” 

Struck again by her lightning-quick wit, the short bark of laughter left his lips before he could contain it. “Pray, where was your pistol the other night when you were robbed?” 

“In my knitting reticule, of course, where all ladies’ pistols are kept,” came her tart response. “I assure you, if I had my pistol, the outcome of that robbery would have been quite different.”  

About Amalie Howard

AMALIE HOWARD grew up on a small Caribbean island where she spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book or being a tomboy running around barefoot, shimmying up mango trees and dreaming of adventure. 25 countries, surfing with sharks and several tattoos later, she has traded in bungee jumping in China for writing the adventures she imagines instead. She isn’t entirely convinced which takes more guts. She is the award-winning author of several young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Spring 2014 Kid’s INDIE NEXT title. Her debut novel, Bloodspell, was a #1 Amazon bestseller, and the sequel, Bloodcraft, was a national silver IPPY medalist. She is also the co-author of the adult historical romance series, THE LORDS OF ESSEX. As an author of color and a proud supporter of diversity in fiction, her articles on multicultural fiction have appeared in The Portland Book Review and on the popular Diversity in YA blog. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children. Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Tumblr

About Angie Morgan

Angie is the author of several critically acclaimed young adult and middle grade books written under two other names (Page Morgan and Angie Frazier), and is now thrilled to be taking a much-anticipated leap into the world of adult romance. My Rogue, My Ruin is the first of three books in her new Lords of Essex series, co-written with good friend and fellow author, Amalie Howard. Angie lives in New Hampshire with her husband, their three daughters, and a menagerie of pets.Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Waiting On Wednesday #204: Lucian Divine by: Renee Carlino

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine. 
It spotlilghts upcoming releases that we are dying to read.

Add To Goodreads

"“My guardian angel is a drunk.”

Evelyn Casey's life is at a standstill. She's in her mid-twenties, struggling with the dating scene in San Francisco. Nothing seems to be working out, and she’s starting to think that she’ll live out her days in her crummy apartment with her overbearing roommate, Brooklyn. It's absurd, but sometimes Evey longs for a guardian angel to show up and save the day.

And then he does. Seriously. His name is Lucian and he's a guardian angel, been on the job for two thousand years. His sudden presence in her life is both good—he's brilliant, witty, and warm—and bad—he's brilliant, witty, warm, and hot as ----. But as perfect as Lucian seems, he’s got problems of his own. He’s taken up drinking and he’s brazenly inserted himself into Evey’s life, going against the greatest cosmic law ever created.

For Evey, the rules are simple: You are not allowed to hook up with your guardian angel. But sometimes fulfilling your destiny requires a leap of faith, a confrontation with God. 

Yes, God as in God." 

I so love the synopsis for this book! Guardian Angels and swoons and YAY. I also love Renee Carlino, so I am excited. 

Lucian Divine will be released on January 9, 2017.

What are you waiting on?

Top Ten Tuesday: Halloween Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.

This week I am going to feature ten of my favorite Halloween type reads. I don't read many truly scary books, so I am going to feature books with a creepy vibe or paranormal aspect that fits the Halloween theme. 

Book Review: Empire Of Storms (Throne Of Glass #5) by: Sarah J. Maas

Release Date: September 6, 2016
from Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Goodreads | Amazon

"The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken
and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?"

My Thoughts:

Before I start, this review has spoilers for previous books in the series but is spoiler free for Empire Of Storms.

Sarah J. Maas is a queen and we are not worthy. Seriously, her books continually deliver everything I want in a book and that is why she is my favorite. My expectations for Empire Of Storms was ridiculously high and the book still managed to exceed every single expectation I had.

Gotta start with my girl Aelin. I’m trying to think if there has ever been a heroine I’ve loved more than Aelin and I don’t think there is one… maybe Hermione and Feyre but even then I don’t think so. I am forever and always Team Aelin and I love how she continually shines. Not only is she a badass, but she is insanely smart. She surprises me left and right and no matter how dire the circumstances I know she has some sort of plan. Also, I absolutely love her swagger and sarcasm.

But aside from Aelin, this book delivers a horde of amazing heroines. I’m completely obsessed with Lysandra because she is a rock star. I could gush about her for days on end. She is so strong and smart and her friendship with Aelin is amazing. And Manon, gosh there are no words to truly express how awesome Manon is. Or Elide who is so strong in a way that is so different from Aelin, Lysandra, and Manon. I seriously love them all.

Now what would this review be if I didn’t talk about our guys. Sarah J. Maas delivers delicious characters. I mean we all know how I feel about Rowan. From the moment he swaggered into Heir Of Fire I was hooked and with each book the hooks dig in deeper. I absolutely adore him… to whatever end. And Dorian. I’ve loved Dorian from day one and I still love him. And then so many newish and older guys to love in this one. She just crafts such wonderful characters that you can’t help but get invested in.

Empire Of Storms delivered in every single way. I was heartbroken and devastated. The book gutted me. But I was also swooning and smiling and crying. It’s such a wide range of emotions and you really live the story. You don’t just read it. It gets under your skin and into your soul. The plot keeps you on edge and turning pages and reading for hours on end. The book is huge but you still demand more once you are done.

All in all, this series is forever solidified as an all-time favorite and I know there are many re-reads to come. Here’s to surviving a year waiting for the final book.

Weekly Recap 10/23/2016

So I grabbed some freebies this week in Hard To Love, Seven Year Itch Compilation, and Venom & Vanilla. Then I also grabbed Wait while it was on sale. I keep meaning to read this author! For review I got My Rogue My Ruin which I am super excited for. I love Amalie Howard and I have been itching to read a historical lately. Thanks Entangled! And then lastly I got a paperback of Succubus Dreams. I have been slowly getting this series for myself and I have been super picky about making sure I get these specific paperbacks.

Goodreads Links:

Hard To Love by: Kendall Ryan

Seven Year Itch Compilation by: Jennifer Foor

Venom & Vanilla by: Shannon Mayer

Wait by: A.L. Jackson

My Rogue My Ruin by: Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan

Succubus Dreams by: Richelle Mead

Recent Posts:

Chapter Spotlight: Touching Down by: Nicole Williams

Cover Reveal: As We Know It by: Carrie Butler

Book Review: Their Fractured Light (Starbound #3) by: Amie Kaufman & Megan Spooner

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Characters I'd Name A Child/Dog/Cat/Car/Etc. After

Waiting On Wednesdat: The Valiant by: Lesley Livingston

Cover Reveal: Lucian Divine by: Renee Carlino

Blog Tour: Harley & Rose by: Carmen Jenner (Review, Excerpt, Teaser, & Giveaway)
On My Shelf: The Falconer by: Elizabeth May

On My Shelf: The Falconer by: Elizabeth May

On My Shelf is a feature I started here on the blog and I'm sure there are a ton of similar ones out there, but basically I just wanted to start spotlighting some of the MANY backlist titles I have accumulated on my shelf and kindle. The idea is to spotlight an older book I have on my massive TBR. I also thought it would be a fun way to discuss these books with my fellow bloggers, get some of your thoughts and figure out which ones I need to read ASAP and which ones can wait a bit more. And if you want to join in too, I would love to see what is on your shelf! Just leave me a link in the comments.

This book sounds like it was made for Teresa so I have no idea why I haven't read it yet. I even have the sequel too. This cover is basically the prettiest thing and LADIES WITH DAGGERS FOR THE WIN! 

So tell me. Have you read it? Did you love it? Hate it? Was it meh?

Blog Tour: Harley & Rose by: Carmen Jenner (Review, Excerpt, Teaser, & Giveaway)

Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for Harley & Rose by Carmen Jenner. I adore Carmen and I am super excited to be taking part today.

Once upon a time they had been more than friends….

Harley & Rose by Carmen Jenner is NOW AVAILABLE!! 

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Kobo

Release Date: October 18, 2016
Goodreads

"Ever since she was a little girl, thirty-year-old Rose dreamed of the day Harley would carry her across the threshold on their honeymoon. So what if this isn’t her actual wedding day, and that she’s only here because Harley was left at the altar just a few hours earlier?

Trading San Francisco for paradise and swapping her bridesmaid’s bouquet for a Blue Hawaii, Rose hopes she can finally escape the friend zone.

Once upon a time they had been more than friends, but life got in the way. She’s spent every day since wishing Harley would get a clue.

She’s always been his best friend.

He’s always been hers.

She’s in love with him.

He’s … not in love with her.

He’s … marrying someone else.

He’s … hiding something.

He’s … well—it’s complicated."

My Thoughts:

This review is going to be short. I have so much I want to say, but I don’t want to spoil a single damn thing about this book because it was not at all what I was expecting in the best possible way and I want everyone to experience that. I hurt all over and you need tissues for this one, but it’s beautiful and it makes you feel. The last time I felt this much over a contemporary book was Collared and The Empty Jar and those books are very special to me and Harley & Rose brought out that same level of emotion from me.

Harley and Rose are both so so real and that’s why I love them. They are stupid and make mistakes and they are flawed and you will get angry with them both, but all of that is also what makes them wonderful. Harley and Rose fell in love at such a young age and that makes everything hard. Sometimes you aren’t ready for that kind of love when you’re young, but that doesn’t stop it from finding you. Harley and Rose found something special at a time when they weren’t really ready for it and that made everything harder but there is no denying it was worth it. Because at the end of the day without the romance, Harley and Rose are most importantly best friends and everyone needs a best friend. 

The only way I can describe this book is with the phrase emotional whiplash. This book. I went from “Harley you are a douche canoe and Rose you can do better” to “Rose, stop it you love Harley” to completely and utterly shattered. Like I said before… this book is not at all what I was expecting… it was better. 

I have a lot more I want to say about this book and if you’ve read it please message me so we can chat, but I need to stop here because to say more would be to spoil it. Just know that Carmen Jenner once again delivers with Harley & Rose.

Excerpt:

He doesn’t make it five yards before the truck slams to a stop, its red taillights hovering, taunting me in the early SF morning. He isn’t moving, but I’m on autopilot. One step, two steps, my feet swallow the ground between us, and then he’s out of the truck, catching me up in his big arms as I wrap myself around him and smash my lips down on his, kissing him in a way that the parentals probably wished they weren’t privy to.

When our kisses return to gentle sorrowful pecks I pull back and whisper, “I love you, Pan.”

“Wendy, my Wendy,” he says breathlessly. “You wait for me. You wait for me or I’m going to come back and gut the asshole who takes my place.”

“No one ever could take your place,” I tell him. He nods, setting me on my feet and smoothing the hair back from my forehead.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About The Author:

Carmen Jenner is a thirty-something, USA Today and international bestselling author.
Her dark romance, KICK (Savage Saints MC #1), won Best Dark Romance Read in the Reader’s Choice Awards at RWDU, 2015.
A tattoo enthusiast, hardcore makeup addict and zombie fangirl, Carmen lives on the sunny North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, where she spends her time indoors wrangling her two wildling children, a dog named Pikelet, and her very own man-child.
A romantic at heart, Carmen strives to give her characters the HEA they deserve, but not before ruining their lives completely first … because what’s a happily ever after without a little torture?
Stalk Her: Website, Facebook, Goodreads
Published titles to date:
Welcome to Sugartown (Sugartown Series #1)
Enjoy Your Stay (Sugartown Series #2)
Greetings from Sugartown (Sugartown Series #3)
Now Leaving Sugartown (Sugartown Series #4)
REVELRY (Taint #1)
KICK (Savage Saints MC #1)
TANK (Savage Saints MC #2)
Finding North
Toward the Sound of Chaos

Cover Reveal: Lucian Divine by: Renee Carlino

We have the beautiful cover for the upcoming release from Renee Carlino, LUCIAN DIVINE releasing on JANUARY 9, 2017. Get ready for this breathtaking and unforgettable story!

       

“My guardian angel is a drunk.”

Evelyn Casey's life is at a standstill. She's in her mid-twenties, struggling with the dating scene in San Francisco. Nothing seems to be working out, and she’s starting to think that she’ll live out her days in her crummy apartment with her overbearing roommate, Brooklyn. It's absurd, but sometimes Evey longs for a guardian angel to show up and save the day.

And then he does. Seriously. His name is Lucian and he's a guardian angel, been on the job for two thousand years. His sudden presence in her life is both good—he's brilliant, witty, and warm—and bad—he's brilliant, witty, warm, and hot as ----. But as perfect as Lucian seems, he’s got problems of his own. He’s taken up drinking and he’s brazenly inserted himself into Evey’s life, going against the greatest cosmic law ever created.

For Evey, the rules are simple: You are not allowed to hook up with your guardian angel. But sometimes fulfilling your destiny requires a leap of faith, a confrontation with God.

Yes, God as in God.

Pre-order now Available
iTunes | B&N | KOBO | AMAZON PRINT
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Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of contemporary women's novels and new adult fiction. Her books have been featured in national publications, including USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, and Publisher's Weekly. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she's not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate. Learn more at www.reneecarlino.comFACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM