Book Review: Beautifully Broken Redemption

Has Christmas taken over your life yet? Because it has for me and I'm just... plugging right along. I think my office tree might go up today because I want to get the spirit of it now. We might be traveling for Christmas Day and I don't know why, but that makes me not want to put in any effort on other trees, isn't that sad? Ugh. Maybe it's just my mood in general. 

Beautifully Broken Redemption 

Catherine Cowles

She’s hiding secrets.

For Anna, keeping her deepest scars hidden from the world has always been a necessity—from the bruises of her childhood to the mistake that nearly cost her everything. To keep herself safe, she must keep everyone around her at a distance—especially the man who has tempted her since the moment they met.

His demons are taunting him.

Mason has done his best to bury the past by achieving more than he ever thought possible. But even with all of his success, his life feels empty.

When tragedy strikes, Anna is left fighting to protect the only family she has left. And Mason will do anything to keep her and her loved ones safe—even if that means the ring of wedding bells.

But as a new spark ignites between them, someone is watching.

And they’ll do whatever it takes to snuff out that light for good.

Catherine Cowles is an auto-buy author for me. Anytime I see anything by her, it's an automatically click because everything she has written has been so great for me, and this one is no different. Secondly, I am LOVING her Sutter Lake series, I feel like now I really need to buy the physical copies of all of these because I just love them that much. Not to mention that fake relationship tropes are one of my favorites and this was just all of my favorites rolled into a book and I loved it. 

Interestingly, this book begins with Anna being released from prison and I honestly can't say I've read a book where the woman is a convict, but I'm here for it because anything that sets any book apart from everything else on the shelves already is great in my book. She unexpectedly becomes the caregiver for her niece and nephew, but her sketchy past puts legal custody in jeopardy so she does what any normal person would do, marry her co-worker. 

I mean, hasn't that come across all of our minds? 

Interestingly, Mason has always had a spot reserved for Anna in his heart but for lots of dumb ass reasons, she has put him firmly into the friend zone. Well, you know what happens when you fake marry a person, eventually you catch feelings but Anna is absolutely convinced that when it's time, Mason is going to high tail it out of there like literally every person in her life. She's had too much happen in her life and too much is at stake so she's trying to hold out. 

I really loved Mason. He's just that steady but great guy that hangs in the background hoping that the one he wants really takes notice of him. He's just solidly good. As with all of the books in this series, we have a reluctant romance but we also have an element of danger, mixed in with an actual real world problem so many are dealing with. I like how the author can seemlessly blend all of those together and still give us a quality story you'll find yourself flying through. I love that these characters pop up in the previous books so if you read those, you'll have seen more of their personality, at least parts that aren't really shown here, but this book can absolutely be a stand alone. 

The only thing I wish we had more of is Anna and Mason's working relationship/friendship before all of this. We do get some, but not really enough that would make you think them getting married would totally work. I mean, I've made friends at work, I even dated one, but I've literally never had one I'd really go out of my way to help out like that or anywhere near it. I feel like we would have understand why Mason's feelings were the way they were more. 

If you're looking for a series to sink into, consider this one. If you just need an easy, quick read to pull yourself out of a slump, definitely pick this one up. 

Thank you to Catherine Cowles and Social Butterfly PR for having me on this tour! 

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Book Review: Tie Me Down

I thought yesterday was Friday and now I think today is Friday and no. Today is Thursday. I'm so over this not being Friday thing already. Just super over it. I don't know why I'm all hardcore about it being the weekend, we really don't have any plans despite it being Memorial Day and all but ugh... I need a life. That's what I need. A life. 

Tie Me Down - Melanie Harlow

Just friends.

That’s all Beckett Weaver and I have ever been.

Sure, he’s a hot cowboy who left Wall Street behind to take over his family’s ranch. Yes, I’ve had a secret crush on him since we were seventeen. And who wouldn’t appreciate those strong hands, that massive chest, and the way he fills out a pair of Levis?

He makes a girl sweat just looking at him . . . and I look. A lot.

But I’m a single mom trying to move on with my life, and he’s running that ranch single-handedly while taking care of his elderly father. We don’t even live in the same state. I only returned to my hometown of Bellamy Creek to sell my late mother’s house, and he just invited me and my son to stay with him because he’s got a big heart.

That’s not the only big thing he’s got--which I discover the night I finally sneak across the hall to his bedroom and shed my inhibitions right alongside my pajamas. And once we give into each other, we can’t stop.

The hayloft. The bed of his truck. The dock by the pond.

Nothing has ever felt so right, but his past has taught him not to believe in happily ever after, and every perfect night I spend in his arms brings us closer to goodbye.

First off, I have been anxiously awaiting Beckett's story because I absolutely KNEW I was going to love it and Melanie Harlow didn't let me down. 

She nailed it. *snicker*

I am a fan of friends to lovers trope, which is kind of the theme to this series as a whole. I also love the single mom getting it for herself- I'm here for that. If I had to rank these books, this one isn't at the top, it's maybe the bottom but please good lord don't let that steer you off! This entire series is so dang great and I hate to even rank them because they were all really great for their own reasons. The great thing about this one is that all of the little story lines and pieces from all of these books come together in this and it feels like it's a nice little bow at the end of it. 

This is a second chance romance and it goes back and forth to present day but also their friendship/chemistry from 15 years ago. There isn't a lot of steam in this one between Beckett and Maddie, but in the place of that it feels like a deeper love but also mutual respect, which is sometimes missing from other romances, so I did really like that. The only thing about this that made my eye twitch is one of my big pet peeves is when there is a commitment fear. He wants Maddie, it's like all of the things are lining up and the stars are perfect and then he's like, "Nah girl, this can't work" and it's ALWAYS for a totally stupid reason and it drives me crazy. It's kind of a theme in these books and knowing that going in prepared me a little more for it in this book. 

It doesn't make me hate it less though. 

Overall? I did love this one, I had all of the feels, and I'm sad to see Bellamy Creek go. This is definitely a series I would re-read, and I wouldn't hesitate to grab the next Melanie Harlow I'd see. 

A huge thank you to Melanie Harlow and Social Butterfly PR for having me on this tour! Have you read this series yet? It's a perfect one to add to your summer reading list for sure!

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Book Review: Make You Beg

I promise on Wednesday I am going to have a crazy full post of what has been going on in my tiny piece of the world. I've been insanely busy and I'm trying to not let small things get to me and send me over the edge. I'm really struggling with that but you know what? It's spring break for the kids, they are going to grandma and grandpa's for a few days and I just really need the break. 

Make You Beg - Shantel Tessier

To the world, she’s known as Henley Greene.

To me, she’s a little doll— a toy to be played with and tossed to the side once no longer wanted.

She will pay for her betrayal however I deem necessary.

Imagine living in a constant nightmare where you have no control. Running from someone or something, you can hear him getting closer and feel his breath on your neck. You know that no matter what you do, he’s going to get you.

He will win.

But I don’t have just one. I have four.

Ryan Scout, Van Rellik, Dax Monroe, and Grayson Law are the Reapers of Westbrook High, my ex-best friends, and now my biggest enemies. They run the school and own this town. They want nothing more than to make me pay for what I saw that night at Death Valley. A sick and twisted game that leaves me dirty and bruised with torn clothing.

So how did I fall in love with one?

I was raised to fear the dark side, but he showed me it was in the dark where the truth came to light. He played with me until my body craved his touch. I was going to prove I could be his most trusted servant in every form of the word. Whether kneeling before him or lying on my back, my sole purpose in life was to be his.

But when you’re a toy everyone likes to play with, you’re bound to end up broken.

Whoa, nelly. I have to tell you that if there were disclaimers on this one when I signed up, I clearly did NOT read them because boy... was I in for a surprise. I can't let you go into this without some basic knowledge: it features a MF and a MFM romance/sexy scenes. It is not a reverse harem, so we've got that going for it. (I'm not a fan of the harem or reverse harem books, it just isn't my thing.) I mean, this IS a dark bully romance so you can assume there will be violence and some sexual situations, both of which may be a trigger for some. I mean, they are not for me but even I was feeling a bit uncomfortable a couple of times. 

I'm going to first say... I kind of wish this wasn't told in multiple POVs. I understand why the author did it and a lot of people would really like the full circle of the story, but it left me wanting more of the romance kind of bubbling throughout. I really didn't want to get too into other characters, I wanted more of our real main couple. That said, if you're looking for a book with a high steam level and you don't mind some language, I've found you your next read. 

The story comes down to Henley, a girl who was drunk and on drugs one evening when she saw one of her friends rape a girl. Despite being friends, she turns on him and testify in court. The group of four boys, all of whom were her friends, are all wealthy (obviously) and Henley isn't (of course), so you can see where that storyline is going already. If ever there was a book that you want to throw some clothes on a character and drive her to regular therapy, this would be the one. The "relationship" between her and her "four best friends" (yes, these are the same guys who are making her life a living hell and there's sex happening everywhere and it is the absolute definition of dysfunctional) is so strange and I really had a hard time keeping it straight. 

While it seems I'm kind of down on this book, I will say what sold it for me is the story at the core: did her friend rape the girl? I mean, she is CERTAIN she knows what she saw but throughout the book you find yourself doubting her, then not, and it's just this suspenseful ride where I was more invested in that story than I was any of the romance. 

Overall, I'd give this one 3 stars. It isn't one that I'd read again, but I also didn't dislike it. It was OK, and I think I would read Shantel Tessier again because she really did weave an interesting story, and it was a fast read for me. 

Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for sending me an ARC for review! All thoughts and opinions are my own. Happy reading, lambs!

 

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Book Review: Eastern Lights

I feel like I was doing so awesome on my reading in January, but now that I'm approaching March I'm wondering where my gumption went. I do have an ambitious March, so cross your fingers that I can get my mojo back, lambs. 

Eastern Lights - Brittainy Cherry

I once met a man on a cold Halloween night. He dressed as a superhero, and I dressed in red. For one night, I was his break from reality, and he was the temporary fix for my broken heart.

Two years later, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to become a senior editor at one of the biggest magazine companies in the world. The only catch? Nail an exclusive interview with New York’s finest bachelor: Connor Roe.

To the rest of the world he was becoming one of the wealthiest men in New York City. To me, he was simply my once upon a time superhero.

My job was to get an exclusive interview with New York’s hottest bachelor. Never in my life did I expect him to want an exclusive with my heart, too.

The only problem with my growing feelings for him? I was set to marry his new business partner. 

You know I am a huge Brittainy Cherry fan. I will read anything she gives me and I have yet to find one I am not in love with. Not a shocker, I completely loved this one, too. 

The best thing she can do is write a story that pulls you in and also breaks your heart, but makes it all better again. I mean, if there was ever a one line description of literally every book she has written, that would be it. She always writes the best characters and Connor in this one was right up there. He is a solidly great guy and he's every guy we want. I absolutely loved him. I also really loved Aaliyah and sometimes the gal gets a little meh for me, but I really liked her. 

I'm going to tell you right off this was a 5 star read for me, and I am over the top excited for the next two books in this series. Eastern Lights is book two in the Compass series, but they are all completely stand alone, so you'll be fine no matter where you jump in. (You'll remember that Connor was in the first book, but he was the assistant... and in this book he's all grown up and making moves.)The only, and I mean ONLY thing I wish were just a *little tiny bit more* was their relationship. I mean, I know what happens, but I wouldn't have hated a little more romance. My other issue? I feel like the steamy scenes aren't as.... present in Brittainy's more recent books? I'm not saying sex sells but... I'm saying she writes it well and I wouldn't hate it if there was just a bit more to the scenes. The added drama towards the end was just... I'll be honest and say that kind of thing in romance books is basically part of the formula and I'm kind of over it. Even though that's that... 

I still loved this book. I laughed, I cried, I swooned (kind of a lot), and I had an audible sigh at the end. Now I can't wait for the next book because that is Damian's story and I am DYING FOR IT. 

I really want to talk about some of the details in this (including how Connor and Aaliyah's story started) but I feel like I'd be giving out details that you need as this rolls out. I just loved this. Have I mentioned that yet? The reoccurring theme in this series is a chance childhood/teen/young adult friendship that later on morphs into a lasting romance... so know that going in. Brittainy Cherry can literally do no wrong for me and she is 100% an auto-buy for me. 

Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for having me on this tour and indulging my love for everything Brittainy Cherry. 

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Book Review: Love in Moments (Love Distilled #2)

I wish TGIF shows were still a thing. When did we just collectively decide no more wholesome family TV? I've been thinking about that lately.  

Anyways. Today is Friday and I'm so grateful for it. Not that I have an exciting weekend ahead, but I do have a virtual meeting with a friend on Saturday, I have to get my headshots done for Duluth Moms Blog since I no longer look like mine at all, and then I'm hoping that I can have lunch with Matt after and call it our Valentine's date. What are your plans? 

Love in Moments - Scarlett Cole

Swedish hockey player, Anders “Iceberg” Berg, is counting the days until he’s an unrestricted free agent and can land the contract he’s worth. Yet, instead of recovering and resting at home so he can play to impress his dream organization, he’s in Denver for his brother’s wedding at a gin distillery, watching the pretty brunette who organized the whole thing.

Olivia Dyer can’t wait to put the year behind her. Her father died, and the event hall she ran at her family’s distillery was destroyed. The cost to the business and her mental health more than she could ever afford to repay. Rebuilding both takes all her effort leaving little time for anything else. Except for a single night of fun with the hot hockey player who’s been watching her every move.

When a kitchen catastrophe throws Anders and Liv together, it ends with an evening neither of them can forget. It was only meant to be one night. But when Anders is unexpectedly traded to see out the rest of his contract with the Denver Rush, and his plans to leave as quickly as possible are disrupted by the sultry brunette who defines courage, their only option is to give to the attraction they feel for one another.

Yet with Liv stuck in the past and Anders firmly focused on the future, can they put aside their differences and allow themselves to find love in the present?

Full disclosure, I did not read book one and I will tell you that I don't think it matters. Maybe book one talks more about the PR nightmare that is referenced in this book but honestly, for as much as Liv obsesses over it in this book, you won't need it. 

With that, let's just get into it and say that Liv was kind of annoying for me. Let me back up a bit though, OK? Olivia owns/operates a distillery with her two brothers and through a series of bad business decisions on their dad's part before he died, there was a pretty awful incident that became a PR nightmare once people started bombing the company's social media pages with 1 star reviews just because they could. It was pretty awful and a lot of the comments ended up being directed to her and it was a full mob mentality thing, and rightfully and expectedly so, she had a bit of a breakdown. Well, kind of a big one. 

Fast forward to now, a year later, and she's trying really hard to get back into things and kind of find her way but also be confident in what she brings to the table. She has some real PTSD from the entire incident but my problem in this book is it was OVER. THE. TOP. Like, we get it, we understand your issues, let us not beat the poor horse because he is dead. He's a bag of bones kind of dead. 

One night during another mini disaster she meets Anders, a famous hockey player also kind of at a weird crossroads in his career. He has plans but the universe isn't lining any of it up and he isn't able to see that he can really achieve greatness where he is, he doesn't have to be where he thinks he deserves to be. He has some commitment issues but suddenly when he meets Olivia, he realizes she's really too good to pass up. 

I really liked them together, I felt like they were a good balance for each other. Not quite opposites attract, but kind of? I loved that he was able to help her bad experiences with men in relationships and sex were just that, a one off, that all men aren't like that. He makes her feel again, and that piece was done really well and I loved it. 

I also realized I am not reading near enough hockey romance because I love them and I always forget about it until I'm elbow deep into one. I liked the steam level in this one, it felt adult but also maturely done. The romance isn't over the top, again, it feels like it was maturely and intelligently done so it feels more honest. I loved his Swedish terms of endearments throughout, too. 

I think if you're open to reading a sports romance (hockey) with a not overly romantic, but just enough guy, a girl with some depression/anxiety issues, and both of them finding themselves but not at the same pace, this is going to be a great read for you. I can't quite give it 5 star, but it was a solid 4 for me. I flew through the book and I would definitely read more from Scarlett Cole again, no doubt. 

Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for having me on this tour and sending me an ARC for review! 

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Book Review: Wrecked Palace

I am such a fan of Catherine Cowles and I think I have been on the last three or four tours of hers and I don't even look to see what the book is about before I sign up, I just know I'm going to love it. 

Wrecked Palace - Catherine Cowles

One night was all it took for everything to change.

From college student to guardian in a single breath.

My siblings became my world.

No time for date nights or romantic dreams.

I traded quiet weekends for sleepless nights.

Giving my all to make sure they were cared for.

But Griffin had a brokenness that called to me—one that mirrored my own.

Gruff and just a little bit reckless.

He was the last thing I needed. But everything I wanted.

Only someone isn’t happy about this new life I’m building.

Deciding to set fire to everything I hold close.

And when the smoke clears, there might be only ashes left behind…

Have you ever started a book and knew instantly that it was going to wreck you and make you cry? Yeah well, that happens almost every time I read something from Catherine Cowles and that's what happened here. It turns out I am a sucker for books where a main character suddenly becomes a parent to siblings. I am also a sucker for broken guys and LUCKY US, this book has it all in spades. 

WRECKED PALACE features Caelyn, who we met in RECKLESS MEMORIES, and Griffin, who is the moodiest grump in all the land and I love it. I love a moody grump because you know under all of it there is someone who would absolutely love and cherish you to the death, it just takes a long time to get it out. While this is definitely a slow burn romance, it is worth the journey because the end is everything. 

Also prominently featured in the book are the siblings: Mia, Ava, and Will, who were so great and I really loved them. The story line of Caelyn basically giving up all of her life plans to take care of them is so great and the author does a fabulous job making you sympathetic towards Caelyn but also glad that she was willing and able because these kids are so great and you hate to think of the what if. Also? There are SO MANY one liners in this book that made me swoon, tear up, and want to squeeze Griffin. Both Caelyn and Griffin are dealing with different kinds of grief that brings them closer, but you guys, this book will break you. I mean, it gets better, but just know going in it will wreck you.   

I very highly recommend this one, and if you haven't read anything else by Catherine Cowles, get on it. For real. She is one of my go-to authors and I have never been disappointed. While this is book three in the Wrecked Series, it is a stand alone so you are totally OK to read out of order. Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for once again having me on her tour, I am so grateful. 

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Book Review: Dead Man Walking

Are you looking for a romance to um.... make it hard to put down and make you love a guy you know that you absolutely should not love because you know... he kills people? 

Here you go. 

Dead Man Walking - Giana Darling

A killer. A criminal.

A psychopath.

The Irish enforcer for The Fallen Men MC is everything good girls are taught to stay away from.

Only, I found myself inexorably drawn into his dark gravitational pull. I wanted to know what it would be like to walk beside the human personification of Death and hold his hand, feel his kiss, and maybe even earn his undying love.

But Priest McKenna is older, cold as ice, and notoriously unfeeling.

So what are the odds that a dead man walking would come to life for little, insignificant me?

When a serial killer begins to target the women of Entrance, BC, and The Fallen suffers another terrible blow, Priest resolves to hunt down the killer himself.

And when the murderer sets his eyes on me?

My very own psychopath steps between me and certain death, thrusting us into an intimacy I prayed we would never recover from.

Listen, I knew when I read Inked in Lies this summer that Priest was going to be the next book. We got enough of a teaser in that to know that Priest wasn't going to be the regular hero and I kind of had a fear I would hate him. 

I didn't, I actually kind of liked this tortured self. I really struggled though, I'm not even going to lie to you. I love that he is paired with Bea because she is the direct opposite of Priest. He is dark and death, she is literally sunshine and rainbows. Priest is fairly guarded about his past but he will tell you straight up he is a psychopath. 

In this book we are centered around a serial killer with a focus on the motorcycle club. We have a gut wrenching blow (I'm not spoiling it for you but if you've read this entire series this one will hurt), but suddenly it is obvious that Bea becomes the next target. Of course, the club's resident killer, Priest, is attracted to her but knows that his life is not the one she deserves. He can't give her the white picket fence but he doesn't know she's longing for him. So while they are dealing with that, we've now got a serial killer on the loose and Priest is now charged with guarding her and catching the person responsible and you know... handling it. 

Without triggering anyone or giving it away (because honestly, I feel like you need to be semi-surprised by this in the story because that will kind of give you the same feeling that maybe Bea was having), he has an unconventional way of showing affection. Honestly, I can read a lot but I had to skip over a lot of that because it made me uncomfortable. I know many didn't have an issue with it but if I had to knock points off, I'd say that was a little too much for me. This is the epitome of a dark romance, just know that going in. Also, Bea is kind of obsessed with serial killers (which is why I kind of loved her, shout out to my Crime Junkie buddies!) 

At the end of the day- I freaking LOVED THIS BOOK. This is only the second book from Giana Darling I have read but I'm all in. Her writing is good, her stories pack a punch, this had me on the edge of my seat, I was squirmish but I couldn't stop. The way this story played out was great and she hit all of the personality points of both characters perfectly. Even with taking some points off for some icky parts, this is still a 5 star book. It was phenomenal, highly recommend. 

Thank you to Social Butterfly PR and Giana Darling for having me on this tour. I would drop everything to pick up one of her books, she is fantastic. 

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Book Review: Make Me Yours

It feels like it  has been forever since I've been on my own blog but I feel like I really needed the break. I just feel overwhelmed with life right now in general and sometimes I need to just admit that and do something about it. 

So I took a mini break. Did I get rest and relaxation? No, but I was able to take a few things off my plate for a few days and in the life of a mom, I guess that's the same thing as rest and relaxation, am I right?

Make Me Yours - Melanie Harlow

He’s my brother’s best friend.

The hot single dad next door.

And one accidental sext later, my massive crush on him is no longer a secret.

It’s my own damn fault. I’m thirty years old, for heaven’s sake. I’m a kindergarten teacher and a (reasonably) responsible adult. I should know better than to get tipsy and draft a fake text listing all the dirty things I wish Officer Cole Mitchell would do to me.

I wasn’t supposed to hit send.

He wasn’t supposed to see it.

And he definitely wasn’t supposed to text back telling me to go on . . .

Because after that, things escalate quickly.

Cole is everything I’ve ever wanted. He’s sexy and protective. A devoted father to his little girl. A dedicated cop the whole town adores. The kind of guy you can trust to keep his hands to himself, even when you’re desperately hoping he won’t.

I’m not the girl he thought he’d end up with, but after all this time, I might finally get the chance to say the words I’ve always dreamed of . . . make me yours.

If you remember way back in August, I reviewed Drive Me Wild, which is book one in this series so this is book two. We pick up where Drive Me Wild leaves us (though this can be read as a stand-alone, don't worry), Blair and Griffin are getting married. Griffin's younger sister Cheyenne is a local elementary school teacher, living at home to regroup after a series of terrible breakups. Practically next door is Cole, Griffin's best friend, who is a single dad after his high school sweetheart wife died during the birth of their daughter, and is living at home to also regroup. 

Cheyenne babysits for Cole's daughter periodically so they've grown quite close and though Cheyenne adores her, she really adores Cole. She has since she was 13 and just never acted on it because it wasn't the right time and frankly, she's a bit of a chicken. What she doesn't know is that Cole is starting to see her differently but he feels like she's completely off bounds because he's best friends with her brother but also, he isn't sure if he's ready to move on from his wife and is hyper-focused on being the best parent he can since he's the only one his daughter has left. 

This is a trope I sometimes struggle with because it's a taboo/out of reach romance, they decide to get together, something happens to jeopardize it all, and then happy ever after. It's too cookie cutter and I just... I get bored. While this one almost had me bored, the fact that these characters were so... normal, I guess, really helped. They felt like real people, with real feelings and responses, and I could understand Cheyenne's feelings on not wanting to be the one to push. I could also understand Cole's fears about being alone, or going through the pain of loss again. 

Overall? I really liked this one, it was an entertaining read while on an airplane, though the guy next to me was CLEARLY reading over my shoulder and was pretty uncomfortable during the phone sex pages and serves him right. HA! I loved coming back to this greater cast of characters, I can't wait to see how the other relationships play out (I have an idea of what book three has in store and THAT is the one I'm excited for!), but I also love that this had real emotion in it, it made the ending so much sweeter. 

Thank you to Melanie Harlow and Social Butterfly PR for having me on this tour! I am so glad this is what I had as my traveling read, it made the ridiculous layover a little more bearable. 

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Book Reviews: Perfect Wreckage

Happy Monday! What is on your calendar for this week? I have a LOT going on: I have an appointment with pain management I'm not thrilled about, the dog needs a hair cut (badly), Olivia starts physical therapy for her knees, and I'm actually participating in an online conference that I'm nervous but excited for. 

Perfect Wreckage - Catherine Cowles

My past taught me to play it safe.

To stay far away from handsome men who promised it all.

My life was good without them. Stable, secure, predictable.

But one kiss showed me that I’d been playing it safe for far too long.

One night, and all I wanted was more of his wildfire.

One challenge and my carefully constructed walls tumbled down.

Amidst the rubble, I realized there was more to this man than I ever dreamed.

When everything fell apart, he showed me what it meant to stay.

How to truly live.

But when my demons return, that life might end up shorter than either of us expected…

You might recognize this author from other reviews I've done both for Reckless Memories and Beautiful Broken Control. I loved both of those so when I saw that Perfect Wreckage was up for review, I absolutely jumped at it. Imagine my squeal when I actually got on the tour and received the book. 

I scared the dog, you guys. 

I am a sucker for a romance with two people who are basically messes but they get better together. Just know going into this that it is going to hook you and you will not put it down. 

In this one we have Kenna, the product of basically a loser mom, but fortunate enough to be taken on by Harriet. In her teen years, her first love is Grant (Harriet's grandson) and he turns out to be an absolute douchebag, and her world is turned upside down. Months later she would be devastated again and it would change the course of her life and close her off. She believes everyone will eventually leave her, so she doesn't let anyone in and she doesn't make plans with people, and she's convinced this is the best way to lead her life. Once Harriet dies (calm down, its not a spoiler, you know she's old and sick almost right away), that puts her into a tailspin. Her housing is in limbo but Grant comes back to town. She clearly has no desire to have anything to do with him but he (and his family) are a threat to the life she has built herself. They promise to make her life hell and she's absolutely positive that everything is going to be ruined because she's the daughter of a town drunk, surely she can't be better than that. 

Enter Crosby. Crosby and Kenna have chemistry and while they've got a little something going on, Crosby is also her lawyer and the one to defend her against Grant and his family. He doesn't know anything about her past and doesn't know why she is the way she is, but he knows he's interested. Well, just for casual fun, he's got his own crappy past and he's certain he isn't down for long term relationships or having a family of his own, but he's not really telling all of the details of why to Kenna either. 

OK, so I'm not going to be able to give you a lot more without ruining some key plot points, but I LOVED THIS BOOK. Catherine Cowles has cemented herself onto my list of favorite authors. I couldn't put this book down, and I loved Crosby so much. My heart broke for Kenna at the beginning and I could understand her need for absolute control, but I will say.... the fact that she wouldn't rely on Bell and Caelyn (her best friends) was confusing to me. Bell and Caelyn have been there for her for YEARS so you'd think that alone would reassure her that they could be trusted and she could let them in.. so that bothered me a bit. Also, she doesn't want people to make assumptions about her based on information they heard, but she's willing to do just that with Crosby, and that hypocritical bit rubbed me wrong. 

I loved Crosby, have I mentioned that?! His persistence on taking Kenna on adventures and trying so hard to help her expand her horizons, but also how he is a rock for her when she needs it. He doesn't question why she needs something, he just is there, he just does. 

*Swoon*

I really loved this book and I have to tell you, I CANNOT WAIT for Caelyn's story in Wrecked Palace, because this trilogy is everything for me. I will read anything Catherine Cowles gives me, that's where I'm at. Absolutely 5 stars, I was legit disappointed when this one was finished. Sadsies. I am so grateful Social Butterfly PR and Catherine Cowles had me on this tour and sent me an ARC for review! I wish I had recorded the dog's response when I squealed and scared him, but there's always next time, right!? 

Book Review: My Fallen Saint

I feel like the rest of this week is going to be bananas so I'm starting a new book (a thriller) tonight and maybe I'll finish it for Friday. We'll see. Today though? You're going to like it. 

My Fallen Saint - J. Kenner

His touch is her sin.

Her love is his salvation.

Charismatic. Confident. Powerful. Controlling.

A brilliant investor with a Midas touch, Devlin Saint turned a modest inherited fortune into billions, and now operates one of the world’s foremost international philanthropic organizations. He’s a man determined to help the underprivileged, to fight injustice, and to make the world a better place. And that, at least is true.

It’s not, however, the full truth.

Because Devlin Saint is a man with a dangerous secret. One he’ll do whatever it takes to protect. And when investigative reporter Ellie Holmes turns her attention to an unsolved murder, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and passion as Devlin draws her closer and closer. But as the intensity and sensuality of their relationship grows, so do Ellie’s suspicions. Until she is no longer certain if the heat between her and Devlin is real, or only a facade he constructed to hide his dark and twisted secrets.

Do you remember forever ago when BDSM books became a thing, and suddenly the romance genre in general kind of blew up and got super popular again? We were all looking for our next author that could do it well, and of all of them, J. Kenner was at the top of my list. It isn't whips and spreader bars but it's equally hot but also has the emotional pull to it, and I discovered her with Release Me. I feel like a lot of us did, so when I saw she had a new series coming, I absolutely jumped on board because I knew this would be good and IT WAS. 

In this book we have Ellie, she's a reporter now but she used to be a cop and that was because she has an entire history of people dying or taking off on her. Her dad and her uncle were both murdered, and the love of her life took her virginity and then disappeared. She's gone over a decade not handling the trauma of any of it, and she spends a lot of time thinking about Alex and wondering why he would just up and leave. 

Fast forward to now, she's having to go back to the city it all began, the one she ran away from, to do an article on this charitable organization with an elusive man at the helm. I'm just going to leave you there because I am 99% sure anyone with a brain already knows where that story line is going. The story doesn't end there, Ellie is also there to find out more about her uncle's death and see what he got himself involved in before his death. A whole LOT of secrets come tumbling at her throughout the book, let's put it that way. 

I have to talk about the good and the bad. The good, I loved Devlin Saint, he's good and he's a tough cookie to crack but it is very clear he has it bad for Ellie. I loved his organization and the work they are doing, even though I think they maybe have something else going on and I'm not sure that I'm going to love that, but we'll see. The bad, I really don't like Ellie. I shouldn't say that. It's not Ellie so much but she is coming of as a little over the top. She's obsessive, she's terrible at reading between the lines, she's completely oblivious to the potential danger for her. I can't tell if she's actually that stupid and haven't watched enough Law & Order or if she's just stubborn with a death wish. I mean, jury's out there I suppose. The rehashing of what Alex did and how she felt about that got to be a little bit much, by mid-book WE KNOW what he did, I don't need a reminder every time she's feeling some kind of way. 

Overall though? I really enjoyed it. Enough that I am really excited and anxious for book two. I felt like we had conclusions, but there is a bit of a cliff hanger here, enough that made me say, "WHAT NOW?!" out loud. The book had the right amount of suspense, we've got a dangerous undercurrent going through it, we have a solid best friend in Brandy, plus the intimacy between Devlin and Ellie is pretty great and worth the read. Nobody is being whipped but someone is tied to the bed, how's that for a rating scale? 

Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for having me on this tour! 

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Book Review: Miss Understood

Happy Monday! I know, Mondays are gross, but we're going to go into today hoping for the best, alright? I have a really busy week and I'm half excited to have things to do, a set schedule, but also already overwhelmed and wanting to just cover my head with a pillow. So I'm going to get through the week, and I have a few book reviews for you this week and maybe some other fun posts, so stay tuned for those!

Miss Understood - Miranda Elaine and Amie Knight

I've waited my whole life to catch her. They call her a criminal. A con-woman. A thief and too wild for her own good. But me? I just call her mine. --Officer Nathan Trent.

He's one of the good guys. Honorable. Reliable. I’ve loved him since we were kids. But there's no way I’ll let my wild ways tarnish his squeaky clean reputation. No matter how badly I wish he was mine. --Tillie Coletrain

Full stop, this is book two in a duet and I really think you have to read the first book, Miss Apprehended. Just know that going in. Don't let that overwhelm you because both books are less than 100 pages each so you will fly through both of these in a day.

You also need to go into these knowing these are a bit over the top in an absurd way. Is it reasonable to get married to someone in a day? No, that's nuts. The absurdity of it is what makes it fun and its what makes you laugh, and frankly, that is the kind of book we need right now. 

The story revolves around Tillie, basically the town's white trash bouncing checks all over town. Nate is a police officer charged with bringing her to justice. Well, he does that and it's hot but also unrealistic at minimum. We find out why Tillie is the way she is, and like her sister, she's kind of an idiot who doesn't understand that other people can and will help you. 

Overall, this was fun, I laughed a few times, and I really liked Nate the most. If I had to give a critique, I kind of wish there was more between Nate and Tillie. I feel like there was more between our main characters in book one, but this isn't a deal breaker. Also? Hannah! I want more of Hannah, especially after this story, what the heck?! Haha! 

I gave book one a 5 star, but this one is only a 4 star for me, it didn't feel as strong as the first one. It was still fun, it helped get me through my crappy mood yesterday. If you need a solid pick me up, or you are trying to hit your Goodreads goal and need some shorter books, these would be a fun duo to get into. 

Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for having me on this tour and sending me ARC's of both books!

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Book Review: The Wreckage of Us

I am so behind in life right now, so I'm late on this. I am and I hate it. I hate it because I loved this book so I should be shouting it from the rooftops. Sigh. 

The Wreckage of Us - Brittainy Cherry

I know I should stay away from Ian Parker.

But when my drug-dealing stepdad kicks me out, I have nowhere to go. Squatting in an abandoned shed on Ian’s grandpa’s farm seems like as good a plan as any.

Ian finds me there, of course, and he insists on me moving into his spare room. I should say no, but the appeal of a roof and a warm bed is too much. Not to mention Ian’s brown eyes and strong arms.

We’re nothing alike, but the spark between us is undeniable. My life is finally looking up.

Until I call the cops on my stepdad and unintentionally get my pregnant mom arrested.

Now I have to sacrifice my dreams to take care of my mom’s baby. She’s the only family I have left. Meanwhile, Ian’s band is taking off; his dreams are coming true.

Ian is my one chance at love. I just hope he doesn’t become the one chance that got away. 

If you've been around here for awhile you know that I am a huge Brittainy Cherry fan so I jump at the chance for any and everything she does. I've yet to be disappointed by her books and this is another home run for me. 

We have Hazel, who right away you know she has a pretty awful home life. She's 17, her mother is a drug addict, she's basically taking care of her and her mother's husband, Charlie. Charlie is bad news, he's the town drug dealer and he's violent and it's said that he would have violated Hazel if only she was a bit more feminine. One day she gets kicked out and finds herself basically squatting at the ranch owned by Ian Parker's grandparents. She's recently started working there and it is fairly clear her and Ian don't get along. Ian blames Hazel's parents for getting his parents hooked on meth, which caused them to abandon him as a young boy, and now he's forced to train her on the ranch.  

Over time though, things start changing and as Ian gets to know Hazel and realizes she isn't the villain that he's imagined her to be, the attraction grows for both of them. In the middle of all of this, Ian is the lead singer of The Wreckage, who are on the verge of really making it big. Can their relationship survive fame amidst their pasts? 

I don't know why I thought this was going to be a short book because it comes in around 360ish pages, so I did not give myself enough time to read and that's on me. It very loosely reminded me of the book Drive by Kate Stewart and that is great because that is one of my favorite books. I loved Hazel, even though she makes a really ridiculous decision towards the end and when characters do that kind of thing. I also really liked Ian, and I felt like he wasn't as stubborn as men usually are in romance stories and I really appreciated that. 

If I had to pick flaws, I would say the end of Charlie's story was kind of rushed. It was like one second they've got a plan, and then boom it's done and we're moving on. I would have liked to have more of an event for that. Same with Garrett, that felt like it was just kind of dropped? At least I don't remember anything with that, so this could fully be on me. I did love the quieter theme that sometimes your dreams change and its OK. 

Overall? I loved this and I always get sad when I know the book is ending because Brittainy Cherry always creates great characters and a story that you become emotionally invested in. I feel like I have a personal connection to the story and that alone is amazing. Definitely a 5 star from me. 

A huge thank you to Social Butterfly PR for having me on this tour, I will rave about Brittainy Cherry until I die because her books are always an emotional ride. 

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Book Review: Miss Apprehended

Happy Thursday! The end of the week is near, you guys and I am so excited about it. I am absolutely exhausted and I was hoping we would be able to do nothing but instead... we've got stuff happening. We have Olivia's birthday (fifteen!!!), we have to move some stuff out of the garage, figure out a solution for heating the front porch over winter so it can remain usable space, and I really want to paint a basement wall so Matt can finally get a laundry sink put in. 

No relaxing for us. 

I do have plans to read though! If you are looking for something quick and fun, I've got one for you. 

Miss Apprehended - Amie Knight & Miranda Elaine

I’ve got ninety-nine problems and all of them begin and end with the Coletrain twins.

Especially Millie Coletrain.

I don’t know whether to kiss her or spank her.

Either way, she’s mine.

Warning: This is an erotic novella with laugh-out-loud ridiculousness, insta-love, a smart-mouthed heroine, and an over-the-top alpha bail bondsman.

Before I even get into this, let's just be upfront, OK? You will read this in an hour, maybe two if you're slow. It's a novella and if you get bored with long books or just have a hard time staying focused on them, I think you need to get yourself into the novella fan club. Seriously. Novellas are a great size, and I think we can all appreciate that feeling when you finish a book. So we know this is short, but with that, you have to know going in that the story line is ridiculous and over the top. 

That's the fun of it. 

I'm a big fan of Amie Knight's anyways, so I'm game for anything she has out and this was just fun. I've been in a funk the last few days and I decided I would just pick this one up to mark it off my calendar and an hour later I find myself smiling and wanting the next one! 

Millie and Tillie Coletrain are twins, and one of them is wanted by the law. The other one routinely gets mistaken for her sister so when she finds herself up against a wall, being placed under arrest by Jake, she knows the deal. Until she turns around and it soon becomes clear between the both of them that there is real chemistry here and that this might be a bigger problem than either bargained for. 

I loved the humor in this book. The Britney Spears references, the dynamic between the twins themselves, even Jake's alpha male thing that isn't over the top/caveman, all of it was fun. I finished the book wanting to know what happened with Tillie, but she has her own novella, Miss Understood, so I'm anxious to read that because she seems like a firecracker to say the least. Also? I loved the "three years later" at the end! I always want to know what happens with our characters and so often we get squat diddly, but our authors know what we want and they gave it to us. 

A huge thank you to Social Butterfly PR for having me on this tour, this was definitely far more fun than I anticipated and it got me out of my little funk. I can't wait to keep going with these authors. 

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