Tag Archives: Virgin

The Accidentals

By Sarina Bowen

Synopsis

Never ask a question unless you’re sure you want the truth.

I’ve been listening to my father sing for my whole life. I carry him in my pocket on my mp3 player. It’s just that we’ve never met face to face.

My mother would never tell me how I came to be, or why my rock star father and I have never met. I thought it was her only secret. I was wrong.

When she dies, he finally appears. Suddenly I have a first class ticket into my father’s exclusive world. A world I don’t want any part of – not at this cost.

Only three things keep me going: my a cappella singing group, a swoony blue-eyed boy named Jake, and the burning questions in my soul. 

There’s a secret shame that comes from being an unwanted child. It drags me down, and puts distance between me and the boy I love.

My father is the only one alive who knows my history. I need the truth, even if it scares me.

Review

THE ACCIDENTALS is the first young adult novel by Sarina Bowen, and while I don’t usually read young adult, I’ll read anything written by Ms Bowen. Told only in Rachel’s POV, we follow her as she mourns the death of her mother, moves to a different state, goes to a new school, makes new friends, loses old friends, and struggles with intimacy, all while she navigates a relationship with her father, who she knew about but had never met prior to her mother’s death.

Going by the blurb, I thought the relationship between Rachel and her father, Frederick, would be the primary focus of the story, but it wasn’t. There was a lot of other stuff going on, which for me was too much and detracted from what I was really hoping to read: a story about a teen-aged girl and her previously absent father. Rachel and Frederick barely spent any time together, and when they finally had their heart-to-heart, it was done so at the 93% mark and only lasted seven pages. This was where I was expecting to have my heart broken for Rachel. Instead I felt nothing for a scene that felt incomplete and left me wanting.

Overall, I did enjoy this story, but I didn’t love it, and I think that’s because I had expectations that this would be an emotional read, and for me, it wasn’t one. I also felt that some threads were left hanging and when the book ended, it was very sudden and again, felt incomplete.

I’m a huge fan of Sarina Bowen, so it pains me when I (very rarely) give her a not-so-glowing review. I think a lot of readers out there will enjoy THE ACCIDENTALS, but sadly it just wasn’t for me.

The Accidentals

My Rating:

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Hot as Puck (Bad Motherpuckers # 1)

By Lili Valente

Synopsis

The NHL’s biggest bad boy is about to fall for the virgin next door…

I am the world’s biggest dating failure. We’re talking my last date went home with our waitress kind of failure.

But I have an ace in the back pocket of my mom jeans–my sexy-as-sin best friend, NHL superstar forward, Justin Cruise.

Justin owes me favors dating back to seventh grade, long before he became a hotshot with a world famous…stick. So in return for my undying platonic loyalty, all I want is an easy-peasy crash course on how to be a sex goddess.

How hard can it be?

***

I have never been so hard in my life.

The things I want to do to my sweet, kindergarten-teaching, mitten-crocheting best friend Libby Collins are ten different kinds of wrong. Maybe twenty.

But I’m a firm believer in teaching by example, and by the end of our first lesson, we’ve graduated to a hands on approach to her education: my hands all over her, her hands all over me, and her hot mouth melting beneath mine as I prove to her there isn’t a damned thing wrong with the way she kisses.

Give me a month, and I’ll transform Libby from wall flower to wall banger, and ensure she’s confident enough to seduce any guy she wants.

Problem is… the only guy I want her seducing is me.

Review

One of my favorite authors said that HOT AS PUCK was one of the best hockey romances she’s read, so with that glowing endorsement I thought I’d be in for a good and enjoyable read. Sadly, I struggled with this book from beginning to end, unable to get into the characters or their story.

I didn’t feel any connection between Justin and Libby at all, who suddenly go from a decade long friendship, to friends with benefits, to being madly in love in the span of about a week. I couldn’t get over the fact that Justin was suddenly attracted to Libby just because she wore tight and revealing clothing one night, which made him shallow in my opinion. It was the same with Libby, who was suddenly attracted to Justin just because he touched her that same night; something I’m sure he would have done many, many times over the course of their very close friendship.

HOT AS PUCK is listed on Amazon as being a romantic comedy, but I don’t remember finding any part of this story funny or chuckle worthy. Apart from some make out sessions, some sex and some knitting/crocheting, not much else happens in this book. The conflict was a little on the weak side, and while I found the resolution to be somewhat cute, it was also a little cheesy.

HOT AS PUCK is told in dual POVs and comes with a HEA for Justin and Libby. While this story didn’t do much for me, I would give this author another go.

Hot as Puck (Bad Motherpuckers # 1)

My Rating:

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Bad Motherpuckers Series

#Starstruck (#Lovestruck # 1)

By Sariah Wilson

Synopsis

“You’ve done better.”

With one uncharacteristically sassy tweet to her longtime celebrity crush, Zoe Miller’s life turns upside down. Ultrahot A-lister Chase Covington doesn’t just respond to Zoe’s tweet, he does the unthinkable: he messages Zoe directly. Now she must decide between walking away or meeting her crush in person.

Chase knows better than to trust anyone from the Internet, but Zoe’s saucy challenge has totally caught his interest—and her girl-next-door personality is keeping it. He’s been burned enough to know he needs to keep his heart close. But his feelings for Zoe might be a lot more than just an online flirtation. He just has to convince her…

When the press gets wind of Zoe and Chase’s secret relationship, their romance turns into tabloid headlines. Will they be able to hold on to their Hollywood love story?

Review

#STARSTRUCK has been on my radar since it was released at the beginning of the year, and I finally had the time to give this book a go. At the time, I wasn’t feeling too well and I really just wanted something that was sweet and easy to read. #STARSTRUCK fit the bill perfectly and it did not disappoint.

“It’s weird, especially because we don’t know each other that well yet, and I know this sounds bizarre, but it’s like . . . I want to protect you. I’ve never felt that way about a girl before.”

I really liked this book. I liked the story, the buildup, the flow, the conflict, the apology and finally, the HEA. I liked Chase and Zoe, who were both honest with each other about their expectations and their life choices. Though I have to say that Zoe did annoy me a little with her insecurities.

From memory, #STARSTRUCK is told only in Zoe’s POV. It is part of a series, but going by the next book’s blurb, it sounds like each book within the series can be read as a stand-alone.

#Starstruck (#Lovestruck # 1)

My Rating:

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#Lovestruck Series

Yuri (Bratva Blood Brothers #1)

By K J Dahlen

Synopsis

Yuri…
He knew he wasn’t looking for anything pure or righteous.
He’d never known tenderness, nor did he want to know. It didn’t fit with being Bratva.
But when he met her, this tiny bundle of woman he almost wished he were different.
There was something about her that appealed to something deep inside him.
Something he never realized was even there.
She had reached down deep into his soul and taken a piece of himself he didn’t know was even there.
For her, he almost wished he was different.
Because now that he had tasted her he wouldn’t let her go.

Raven…
She knew who he was and what he was but she never expected to be drawn to him,
She had nothing to offer a man like him.
He was one man she should never have met, let alone been allowed to taste.
He was everything she’d ever dreamed of and so much more.
She knew she should have walked away from him for her own sake.
But if she did she’d be nothing more than a shattered soul

Review

Yuri consisted of a great Russian mob story, lots of twists and it was easy to follow Yuri and his four friends from their childhood.

Nicky and Raven were great characters and their story was so meaningful. In saying that, we did hear it numerous times as new characters were introduced. I did find this strange and when the characters from Russia arrived and we heard it again, it started to lose its impact.

Raven was a brilliant and very strong female character, I immediately connected with her and loved the way her story became so central to Yuri and moving forward. She was so loving and compassionate but also fragile at moments. Yuri’s strength and stubbornness provided a great support for her and their lovemaking was perfect and placed well within the story.

When Yuri concluded I was definitely not ready to stay goodbye to this couple, I would have loved to see more of their relationship going forward. Perhaps in the coming books, we also get to see more of Yuri and Raven?

Yuri (Bratva Blood Brothers #1)

My Rating:

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The Escape

By Alice Ward

Synopsis

She needed to escape. I needed to be saved.

Like an angel, Madalyn Durand swoops into my life, rescuing my little girl while I fight for my son. And how is she thanked for her bravery? By having every damn thing she owns taken from her.

Even in her most desperate hour, she’s perfect. Majestic. Me? I’m nothing like her. I’ve failed. At my marriage, at being a dad. I made the Hottest Billionaire Bachelors list, but I can’t protect my kids.

Then I get a second chance.

When my children need me the most, I become a full-time dad, and Madalyn, like some miracle, is by my side. What I didn’t count on was how she would feel in my arms. Under me. Next to me. Maybe forever.

But someone else wants her forever too. Someone she tried to escape, but who won’t set her free.

Can I save her from this evil? Can I save my kids? Myself?

Review

The Escape was an incredibly easy and fast read, it has all the romantic moments but also has a wonderful family storyline.

Xander and his two children were my favourite parts of this story. There were touches of humour but also some moments of sadness with a sensitive subject. Xander definitely stepped up and became the father these two children needed.

Madalyn was an incredibly easy character to fall in love with. From those first few chapters, I wanted her to find freedom from her family. She had such humility and determination and was so caring for Xander’s children.

Xander’s Ex-Wife and Madalyn’s Prince she was being forced to marry created suspense and much drama throughout the story. Towards the end, you knew confrontation was coming and it was perfectly placed within the storyline.

The romantic and sensual moments between Xander and Madalyn had great balance and it was lovely to see their relationship develop.

The ending of The Escape was very enjoyable and neatly tied up their romantic story.

The Escape

My Rating:

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Blood Veil (Mission # 2)

By Megan Erickson

Synopsis

In the midst of supernatural chaos, worlds and hearts collide.

Celia: Having never known my parents, I’ve always felt like an orphan. All I want is a normal life. But after I’m attacked in my bedroom by one vampire—and rescued by another—it’s about time to give up on “normal” once and for all. Idris, the second in command of the Gregorie vampire clan, has come to my aid, but his motives for saving me are unclear. And what surprises me most is my attraction to his heated gaze. . . .

Idris: Terror. Curiosity. Arousal. These are the natural impulses of a human female, not the spawn of the ruthless Valarian king. Is it possible that Celia is unaware of her bloodline—and the power coursing through her veins? As the daughter of my archenemy, she was supposed to be my ransom. But how quickly the heat of desire changes everything. Now the family Celia has always craved is trying to kill her, and it’s up to me to save her again—when all I really want to do is make her mine.

Review

I enjoyed BLOOD VEIL, but not as much as I was hoping to, or as much as I enjoyed the first book in the Mission series, BLOOD GUARD.

BLOOD VEIL takes place over just a few days, so I’d definitely classify this as an insta-love. Usually this doesn’t bother me too much, but in this case, it did. I remember being very surprised when they declared their love for each other, because up until that point, I hadn’t felt any love between them. Idris was focused on getting revenge against the Valarian king, and Celia—as his captive and bait—was simply a means to an end. Was there chemistry? Yes. Love? Not so much.

There are a couple of scenes where secrets are revealed and people are killed, but there’s hardly any shock or emotion exhibited by the characters when these things happened, especially on Celia’s part. It’s hard to get emotionally invested in a story when the characters themselves show very little emotion.

Finally, I’m confused about how this story ended for Celia. As a half vampire with a blood disorder, she can never be turned, but I don’t remember reading anything about what will happen to her. Will she be immortal like a vampire, or will she grow old and die like a human? What about her nightmares that will make her crazy if she isn’t turned? Will she still have those, or will they mysteriously disappear?

BLOOD VEIL is told in dual POVs and comes with a HEA for Idris and Celia. I finished the story quickly, so it easily held my attention, but there were just too many things that kept me from loving it. Despite that, if there is to be a third book written in this series, I would read it because this world intrigues me.

Blood Veil (Mission # 2)

My Rating:

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Mission Series

A Shameless Little Lie (Shameless #2)

By Meli Raine

Synopsis

I did it. I admit it.

I fell in love with Silas. My bodyguard. My protector.

My new informant.

We’re playing a cat-and-mouse game. I’m not sure whether I’m the cat or the mouse, but I can definitely tell I’m in a trap.

A trap with no way out.

I’m not who everyone thought I was. The truth is out there, finally turning the lie about me inside out. I am the shameless little lie. It’s finally been revealed, and now even more people want to kill me.

As a presidential campaign hangs in the balance, a delicate web of international relations and economic stability at risk, power becomes more important than anything else.

Even my life.

Especially my life. I’m a nothing. A no one. Just a tool, remember?

But tools can be used to open locks. Cracking open the truth and exposing it could change the balance of power. Tip the scales. Make a presidential campaign turn on a dime.

Too bad Silas doesn’t believe me when I tell the truth.

And that may make him the biggest tool of all.

A Shameless Little Lie is book two in the Shameless trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine

Read the whole series:

Book 1: A Shameless Little CON
Book 2: A Shameless Little LIE
Book 3: A Shameless Little BET

Review

A Shameless Little Lie is not full of little lies. It has large, blow your mind, hate all character big lies. I finished this and in all honesty, I hated all of them except Jane. I do not know who is telling the truth and who is telling a lie. One asks how is Jane not losing her mind? Jane has turned around and become my favorite character of this entire series. She really has become the pivotal character in both the Harmless and Shameless series.

Lindsay and Drew did my head in, I am not sure what their game is? Silas went from hot to cold and again I have too many questions. Duff is a character who has more questions hanging around him as does Lily.

Meli Raine is amazing how she manipulates the secrets. As a result, there are so many moments leaving you lost and second-guessing characters motives. Interesting was finding out more about Jane’s upbringing and how the Senator played a silent part.

The pace of the story and suspense is woven perfectly for me and I had a feeling a major change in the game would occur. Did I suspect the final move, no I did not?

Silas and Jane’s sexual moments were intense, emotional and passionate. At times I felt teary for Jane as I knew her happiness would be short-lived.

As a reader, I really need Jane to find peace as I feel as exhausted.

A Shameless Little Lie (Shameless #2)

My Rating:

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Justice (Creed Brothers #1)

By K. C. Lynn

Synopsis

Fate made us brothers, loyalty made us family.

A bond that runs deeper than the Mississippi, my brothers and I might not have the same DNA but what we share is far more powerful. Our loyalty to one another and the man who made us a family is stronger than those bound by blood.

The most sought out sharp shooters in the country, our paths were certain, before one woman changed my life and altered the relationship I have with my brothers.

Ryanne Lockwood disappeared without a trace but her memory never faded, torturing me on the darkest nights. Until a twist of fate leads me back to her, sending our worlds to collide once more, and this time, there will be no escaping me.

***

Justice Creed’s bad boy appeal caught my attention from the moment he rolled into town. For years I watched from afar, swallowing up the rumors that surrounded him.

Until we shared a night of forbidden passion. One that destroyed my heart and reshaped my soul, and it sent me fleeing from the only town I’ve ever known.

Now, years later, he’s barged back into my life, uncovering a secret I’ve worked so hard to keep and it’s one that will change our lives forever.

Review

Justice had me hooked from the first chapter, I read in a day, could not put this emotional and beautiful story down. Hannah and Thatcher were standout supporting characters for me, they provided love, humour and poignant moments.

Knox and Braxten, Justice’s foster brothers I fell in love with and I have already added their stories to my Goodreads list. Knox is an enigma and there are still so many secrets to reveal in the next two stories and what amazing women we are yet to meet. It is going to take some incredible women for Braxton and Knox to fall upon the romantic sword.

Ryanne was such a beautiful, strong and resilient character. Her strength and love she showed for Hannah was simple perfection.

Justice and Ryanne have intense chemistry and the way the author built their relationship over the entire story was perfect. Each moment and change to deepen their relationship just made this whole romantic story such a pleasure to read. There is a highly erotic moment towards the end, it was pivotal and held such meaning.

Justice left me so satisfied and I cannot wait to return to this family, these three men are incredibly strong yet sensitive and their love and protection of Thatcher simply put is admirable.

Love the cover of Justice. The flow of the entire story held my attention and made my heart beat with love and anticipation.

Also on a side note love the thanks for Bloggers on her Acknowledgements!

Justice (Creed Brothers #1)

My Rating:

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Undone By You (Chicago Rebels # 2.5)

By Kate Meader

Synopsis

Dante Moretti has just landed his dream job: GM of the Chicago Rebels. And screw the haters who think there should be an asterisk next to his name because he’s the first out managing executive in pro hockey. He’s earned the right to be here and nothing will topple him off that perch—especially not an incredibly inconvenient attraction to his star defenseman, Cade “Alamo” Burnett. Cade has always been careful to keep his own desires on the down low, but his hot Italian boss proves to be a temptation he can’t resist. Sure, they both have so much to lose, but no one will ever know…

As Dante and Cade’s taboo affair heats up off the ice and their relationship gets more and more intense, they’ll have to decide: is love worth risking their careers? Or is this romance destined to be forever benched?

Review

UNDONE BY YOU was a sweet, hot and enjoyable read, one that fits in nicely with the Chicago Rebels series.

Dante is the newly appointed, openly gay GM of the Chicago Rebels. Cade is one of the team’s defensemen, who is in the closet and not ready to let the world know who he really is. Knowing that Dante is someone he can trust, Cade seeks him out, and after a bit of a rough start, the pair embark on a secret relationship.

I loved Cade and Dante, as individual people and as a couple. Dante is older and serious. Cade is younger and the life of the party. Together, they just worked. Despite Cade being in the closet, I loved how open and honest he was with Dante. Again, that’s because he knew he could trust Dante, so he was never afraid to hide his thoughts or his feelings from him. I absolutely loved that about him.

UNDONE BY YOU is told in dual POVs and while it’s part of a series, it could be read as a stand-alone. It is a novella, one that focuses mostly on the M/M romance side of the story. So if you’re expecting to read several scenes about games, the team, or get more insight into the sister-owners, you might be disappointed. I’m not saying those things aren’t in this story, because they are, there just isn’t a great deal of it. UNDONE BY YOU comes with a happy ending, and I absolutely loved, loved, loved the epilogue.

Undone By You (Chicago Rebels # 2.5)

My Rating:

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Chicago Rebels Series

Ryan’s Bed

By Tijan

Synopsis

I crawled into Ryan Jensen’s bed that first night by accident.

I barely knew him. I thought it was his sister’s bed—her room. It took seconds to realize my error, and I should’ve left…

I didn’t.
I didn’t jump out.
I didn’t get embarrassed.
I relaxed.
And that night, in that moment, it was the only thing I craved.

I asked to stay. He let me, and I slept.

The truth? I never wanted to leave his bed. If I could’ve stayed forever, I would have.
He became my sanctuary.

Because—four hours earlier—my twin sister killed herself.

Review

The cover of Ryan’s Bed is simply beautiful and visually expresses the fragility that is Mackenzie.

Admittedly, I couldn’t put this story down, it was gripping and at particular moments had great depth and maturity. Drama surrounding the girls at her new school was not needed in my opinion for this highly sensitive story.

Mackenzie was an interesting character, so closed off with grief and her inner banter with her sister helped to cement their connection. Their moments left many questions as I continued through the story. Over the 12 month period, the author built the relationship between Ryan and Mackenzie realistically.

Her mother and father’s part in this story confused me at times and made me very angry. The way they just left their teenage daughter to fend for herself made me sad and confused. Two favourite moments for me in the book are Mackenzie standing up to her parents and showing them she is alive and relevant. Her brother was a wonderful character and the love between sister and brother mended my heart and gave hope.

Most of all, upon turning the last page, I was shocked but also disappointed because this alarming fact could have made this story so much more.

Left to wonder should I read this again to see if I pick up any clues. The counselor and her sessions are making me question her words. There are moments between Mackenzie and her parents which start to make sense upon the conclusion.

I have too many questions at the end to feel 5 stars satisfied

Quote: I was coming together even as I was falling apart

Ryan’s Bed

My Rating:

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