Mara Dyer Series- A Review

Good afternoon, fellow bibliophiles! Hope you all had a lovely holiday and are all putting your lists together for the next batch of holidays down the road! Personally, I think I'll be asking for a stack of books or B&N gift cards.

Anywho, I feel like this last trilogy took me awhile to get through (which, I suppose it did since each book is a good 5-600 pages). I had always seen these books in my bookstore perusing, but I never bought them. I would look them up on goodreads and saw that they had an okay (nut not stellar) rating. On my last trip, however, I was just at a loss at what to buy. My TBR list is ever-growing, but I couldn't pin down a solid novel I wanted to read. I wanted something to jump out at me as I wandered the aisles. After about an hour of searching, these books called to me yet again, and I had to give them a try. Needless to say, I don't regret my decision. Now, let's discuss!


I'm talking about the Mara Dyer series by Michelle Hodkin. The first in the series is entitled, The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer.  Right off the bat, I have to gush over the cover art. I'm obsessed. It's enchanting and haunting at the same time. I totally judged the book by its cover because it drew me in every single time I wandered the bookstore shelves.

This story has a really interesting concept which I was thoroughly pleased in discovering. With novels like Gone Girl or anything with a twist, not to toot my own horn, but I'm pretty decent at figuring out where the story is going. When it came to the events surrounding Mara and Noah, I couldn't really tell which end was up. I enjoyed that aspect of their journey because I didn't want to spoil it for myself by figuring out their secrets before they were told to me. With this novel, I wanted to make the discovery as I turned the page, and their adventures accomplished that for me.

I adored that Noah was so intrigued with Mara (although parts of his observations reminded me of Twilight *cringe*) and that there was something so completely different about them as a couple and as people. I know I'm approaching 31 and reading a YA novel, but it wasn't about the bits of high school drama for me. That was put on the back burner so I could focus more on the dynamic between the two of them, and the strange events happening around them instead.

The one part I couldn't get on board with (which is minor) was the extensive vocabulary these characters have (and use... frequently) as high school students. I didn't find it believable because kids these days just don't talk the way these two did. I justified their vast knowledge and grammar with who they become as characters. There's something deeper there... something more. I just had to find out what is was they were hiding from me.
My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

These books are such a brain buster! If you're a fan of any kind of suspense, thriller, plot twist, etc, then go pick these up ASAP! Book two, The Evolution Of Mara Dyer gets even more intense and I could NOT get enough!

I originally read that these were a sort of paranormal romance, but I don't even consider them in that category. They have a very chilling Shutter Island type vibe that makes a reader uncomfortable, yet wanting (and NEEDING) to keep turning the page.

I had my suspicions all along the way, but as the story and scandal surrounding Mara progressed, little factoids and plot bombs kept dropping which would both confirm suspicions I had while also adding in so much more that I honestly was not expecting.

Thanks to the cliffhanger in book two, I could NOT wait to begin book three!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

The final book in this trio is The Retribution Of Mara Dyer. I'm sad that this trilogy took me longer than I had originally planned. What can I do? Life gets in the way sometimes. In a way, it was a good thing to have life giving me delays because I got more time with these characters in their very weird world, so I'm not complaining!

I know I said it earlier, but this was SUCH an interesting read and quite a different story concept that I've read for the first time in a long time. I don't want to give too much away plot-wise beginning-to-end, so I'll just leave it at this: a billionaire who has the means to genetically alter regular young people to give them super-human capabilities while they're completely unaware. They then use these "powers" without even realizing it for both good and evil. Society catches on, and then the subjects are seen as "certifiable" and sent to a rehabilitation center where even more tests are done. It adds this whole good vs. evil, hero vs. demon aspect to the plot which I was just enthralled with all throughout these pages.

For Mara Dyer, her boyfriend Noah Shaw, and friends of theirs, this is their terrifying and unknown reality. Things mysteriously happen to people around them, and they don't quite understand how it's possible for them to be seeing the things they're seeing. When they're left with blood on their hands and all fingers pointing to them when they don't even know what's going on moment-to-moment, events get real scary real quick.

This all started with Mara playing with a Ouija board with her friends Rachel and Claire. Within six months, her friends (and even her boyfriend, Jude) are dead in some freak accident, and Mara is the only survivor. Shaken, and with no answers, her and her family relocate from Rhode Island to Florida. She's left alone and scratching her head as to what happened. Mara remains haunted by their ghosts while also trying to stay sane and navigate in a new environment.

Her Retribution was such a thrilling read. I can't put into words how exciting not knowing what was coming next was when it came to all three of these books. It had so many twists and turns that it kept me turning pages. I thoroughly enjoyed how much the past, present, and future are constantly intertwined to help determine the fate of the characters.

Now that I've finished all three books, I wouldn't necessarily call these romance novels. I know some categorize them that way, and while I understand, just hear me out. There is a love story among the rest of what is going on (seriously, Noah Shaw is lovely). In some aspects, with the way Noah and Mara make sacrifices for each other, it reminds me a bit of Romeo and Juliet, a tragic sort of love, but there's also other prominent elements involved that just give these stories something extra. Something unknown and a bit majestic.

As usual, I'm content knowing I didn't let negative reviews I read prior to picking these books up influence my experience reading them. I loved getting lost in such a creative concept and experiencing a story so different than what I've gotten used to reading lately. Kudos, Hodkin, this was a fantastic story with stunning writing to boot! I'm thoroughly impressed!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

Confess- A Review

Good afternoon, fellow readers! Happy Tuesday to you all! Hope it's treating you well!

I'll try to make this short and sweet because, well, you'll see my disclaimer below. I just finished Confess by Colleen Hoover, so let's delve right into it, shall we?

**DISCLAIMER: let's talk about how I've written an extensive review for this book twice now and once, the computer froze so I had to close out of the program, and twice, I hit a random key by mistake in the whole "copy and past" process and deleted everything I had just written..**

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I follow numerous book accounts on Google+, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.. and I never seemed to know more about this story save for the cover (which is aesthetically pleasing). My only other encounter with Hoover's books was months ago when I read Ugly Love, and I just don't have much to say once I was done. I didn't fully connect with that story, or it had something missing for me so I didn't love it, but didn't hate it either.  With that as my first experience with her books, I can't help but admit that I was a bit wary of reading her other books. However, I'm glad I went on impulse and grabbed this book off the shelf on my last B&N run.

As far as plot premise, this story was not something I have experienced before, which is saying something. There's your basics in love and angst, but Confess added extra elements that just make it a special tale to tell.

Owen Gentry and Auburn Reed meet, and it is serendipitous. He needs help for a showing at his art gallery, and she's looking for some extra money. The rest is history/fate! The way their story entwines is really touching. I enjoyed every twist and turn their journey took, despite if it was good or bad.

Auburn loses one of the most important people in her life early on, and it's tragic. Owen loses two people, and you have to wonder how he'll survive and continue on for the rest of his life. Somehow, both of their losses turn into their own gain together. They're both determined individuals and despite all they've been through in the past, they've learned to cope and even attempt to be happy.

The things Owen and Auburn learn from each other in a short period of time is nothing short of remarkable. They make you realize the important things in life and also how necessary it can be to find a deep connection with someone that goes past anything earthly and almost transcends into spiritual. Owen's idea of people deserving second chances really made me smile.

The whole concept behind the confessions and their paintings in Owen's gallery was really spectacular. I read the little author's note thanking her readers for sending them in and I was floored! Kudos to all of you who participated in sharing such secrets. It helps keep us aware of the fact that we're all fighting an unknown battle. Thank you so much for being so brave and sharing an unknown piece of yourselves with the world!

Lastly, the added bonus of the artwork within the text was awesome! The pieces were stunning and really helped to put an image to the description I was reading on the page. I'm contemplating removing them from the text and framing them for my bedroom. They're gorgeous pieces.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

 

 

 

If You Dare (Deanna Madden #3)- A Review

I don't think Alessandra Torre could write a book that I would dislike. I began my adventures with her through her Innocence trilogy before branching into her A.R. Torre side with The Girl In 6E. Whether it's something like Innocence that's a bit softer and more sensual, or Deanna Madden with its Dexter-meets- Fifty Shades vibe, I'm thrilled. As Torre states, Deanna is her "wicked girl". She honestly is, and she'll always have that darkness, but I don't think she'll ever realize her potential fo Good morning, everyone! Happy Monday! I just noticed that this is my 50th post! Depending on how you look at that, it could be a good or a bad thing. I either read a lot, or I have too much time on my hands. I'm assuming you all enjoy your novels as much as I do and are therefore forever looking for suggestions, so cheers to 50 more postings! I know I said I'd group series books together in one review, but when I started the one I'm going to discuss today, I thought it was going to serve as a stand-alone, which was The Girl In 6E (You can find my review here: Deanna Madden #1). Since then, A.R. Torre has put out two more books in this series and they are awesome! You can read my review of Do Not Disturb here: Deanna Madden #2 and today, I'm obviously bringing you my thoughts on book three. I had pre-ordered this book via Amazon and an alert on my phone said it wouldn't be delivered until Tuesday. You can imagine my surprise when it turned up on Saturday morning instead. I basically dropped what I was doing and began reading instantly, and I'm not sorry that I did. If You Dare just made me love this whole series more than I already thought I could. I don't think Alessandra Torre is capable of writing a book that I would dislike. I began my adventures with her through her Innocence trilogy before branching into her A.R. Torre side with The Girl In 6E. I'm not sure which I love more. This author has so many different sides and I'm obsessed with every single one of them. Whether it's something like Innocence that's seemingly softer and more sensual, or Deanna Madden with its Dexter-meets- Fifty Shades vibe, I'm thrilled to the max by these books. They all take up permanent residents in prime spots on my beloved book shelves. As Torre states, Deanna is her "wicked girl" and I don't think I could describe her any better. She honestly is wicked, and she'll always have that darkness that lingers just below the surface of what humanity wants her to be, but I don't think she'll ever realize her potential for goodness the way she should. Yes, she's dangerous, but she targets with purpose, so I find myself siding with her no matter what... Even if she's breaking all sorts of laws. I never read author's notes, it's just something I don't normally do, but I'm glad I did on this book. To know Torre has more in store for Deanna has me thrilled beyond words. My heart raced, it shattered, it was a million things.. All within 300+ pages. Job well done, even if there was a bit of a cliffhanger with the whole J situation. I will be chomping at the bit until there's a book four. I need more of Deanna and her twisted mind. My Final Rating: five out of five stars

Go Set A Watchman- A Review

Good evening, all! For those of you who have already been following me via Instagram, Google+, and Twitter... hello again. Now to extend a warm welcome to the people joining us from Facebook!

For once, I'm sad to be discussing books. With the tragedy that has occurred in Paris this evening, I feel like I should take the night off from posting a review. However, I needed to get my conflicting thoughts on my latest read out of my head. I'll explain why shortly.

To those across the pond, I spent time wandering the streets of Paris not long ago and I was totally enchanted by the city of lights. My heart is heavy and bleeds for you all. I'm keeping you all in my thoughts. Stay strong because the rest of the world is with you in spirit! Je Suis Paris! Vive La France!

Now, bear with me because adulthood is not my friend. I will never get used to waking up as early as I do nowadays, so sometimes when I write these reviews, I need to just hope my thoughts are coherent. Feel free to point out if I'm not making any sense! You'd think I'd wait until I was bright-eyed and fully functioning before sharing my thoughts with the world, but who says I ever do things logically? I digress...

Tonight's selection comes from none other than Harper Lee and her (sort of) newest work, Go Set A Watchman. I finished this book hours ago and I'm still debating how I feel about it. I finished it, so that has to say something. Let's see if I can pull my thoughts together properly and hope it makes sense as a review (and not make it seem like I'm insensitive in my opinion). There's so many gray areas and lines you don't want to cross, but you almost have to in order to write your feelings when it comes to this story. I'll explain...

Obviously, I was psyched when I found out Harper Lee was releasing a book set around Atticus, Scout, and Jem after 55+ years. I read To Kill A Mockingbird when I was 14 and it just really stuck with me as a tried and true favorite. When it came to her Watchman text, I had heard mixed things. I read that it was a sequel to Mockingbird, that it was the original text that never got past the publishers, that Watchman was written by Harper recently, that it was written long ago, and I've read that it was neither but rather a different take on the original characters we all love so much without being an encore of sorts. Needless to say, I had to do what I could to brush all the hearsay aside and approach this piece on its own.

I did also go into this with a lot of people saying how much they hated it or wouldn't read it because Harper took everyone's beloved Atticus and turned him into a total bigoted racist. This is not entirely wrong, but it also wasn't what I had formed in my head as I delved into the first pages.

Go Set A Watchman puts us readers several years into the future. There's no Boo Radley, Atticus is a slightly ailing 72 year old man, Jem is no longer around (**spoiler** he passes away from a heart condition), and Scout is 26 and living in New York. Similar to Mockingbird, Scout is our go-to lady. She's finding her footing in not only adult/womanhood, but also in a new city. When she travels back to the deep parts of Alabama during the early stages of the Civil Rights movement, old memories and new realizations come to the front lines and none of them are pretty. This story handles some of the same tough topics Mockingbird did, but approaches them in a darker and cruel fashion.

Good, old Atticus is still his gentlemanly self. Although he has some arthritis and other mild ailments that come with age, he's still fiercely kind and strong-willed. Scout enjoys being home with her father, the one man she's always looked up to and admired. However, being back in town makes her realize how much she doesn't fit in anymore.

Not only is Scout trying to break away from her tomboy persona and embrace her femininity, she's also trying to decide if she's going to get married to the one guy she's known since she was a little girl. She's not entirely sold on anything being thrown at her, so she tries to distract herself with other matters. This is where Lee turned the plot into its unpopular and controversial matter.

Segregation is not only a major issue in the US at the time, but even more so in the south. When an accident occurs and a town council meeting is called, Scout finds herself following Atticus and her potential betrothed, Hank, to the gathering. What she witnesses shocks her to her core. Every white gentleman in town is present, and they're all as cruel as can be. They're filled with hatred and believe black is black and white is white. The things they say are downright despicable. Scout finds herself sick to her stomach, and what she doesn't understand is how the two men she adores can even allow themselves to be present in such a situation. While neither of them participate in the ugliness being said about dividing the races, the fact that they're in the room is too much for Scout to wrap her head around. She reaches her breaking point and decides to cut her ties and go back to NYC.

The true climax of the story is when Scout finally confronts her father. He has always been her superhero and she never felt he could do wrong. In Mockingbird, we as readers get an example of this when Atticus defends a black man in a rape case against a white girl and wins. Justice was served and Scout always adored how her father did the right thing. After seeing him associate himself with this council to support segregation, she is disappointed and disgusted.

I could see how audiences would be upset with Atticus for taking the stance he does. When Scout confronts him on how wrong he is as far as racial issues goes, he doesn't deny it. He maintains his cool and explains to his daughter that he simply doesn't have a choice in the matter. There's almost too many political details to try to understand, but Atticus tries his best to be reasonable and civil in choices. Racial divide situations in the south are bad and people are seemingly at war. Black may be black and white maybe white, but there's a lack of understanding from both sides. Atticus and his council are the last group between "the Klan" and possible anarchy.

Almost anyone reading this book, and especially Scout's argument with her father will take her side. You'd be crazy not to. She believes in peace and equality and doesn't see why her father would even entertain a level of racism and hatred whether he participated in the meeting or not. Her disappointment runs bone-deep and she can barely look at her father. Playing Devil's Advocate, the only thing I could say in the defense of Atticus is that 1) he is an old man living in the south during the Civil Rights turmoil, 2) he admitted that despite his personal feelings, justice is justice and black or white, if there's an injustice occurring, he will defend what and who is right. The beloved man we all remember from Mockingbird is still alive and kicking despite our recent findings about him, and 3) Even though Scout tries to sever all ties with her father completely, he tells her how proud of her he is. She never wavers in her feelings and emotions, even if that means jeopardizing her loving relationship with one of her only living family members.

Reading this didn't change my thoughts towards the Atticus I remember loving all those years ago. I read this story on its own merits and tried to form the best reaction I could. I'm team Scout. I believe in the same equality she preaches, but I could see what her father said to her as well. He wanted her to open her eyes and see how things were in the south. She left home and was having more liberal experiences in the north. The south was a different story entirely and Atticus wanted her to see that and show her as best he could how his feet were being held to the fire in certain aspects. I'm not saying his personal opinions were right. They were definitely too conservative and mean-spirited for my taste, but I have to say, I'm not surprised. An old man of the law, living in the deep south during such a controversial time was going to be set in his ways. I had to expect at least a degree of racial tension.

The most important thing I took from this piece was how profound it was relating to society today. People like to keep blinders on and act like racism in the USA is non-existent. I hate to say, it's alive and thriving. Parts of this story were eerie to read because of how close they were hitting to current event hot topics. If you were or are a fan of To Kill A Mockingbird, I urge you to read this tale and at least gain new insights to history, because it seems to be repeating itself in this day and age.

My Final Rating: three out of five stars

I'm On Facebook!

Good evening, fellow bibliophiles! This is NOT a drill!

I just wanted to stop in and offer a quick note of some news. Ready? You sure? A Blabbing Bibliophile is now on Facebook!

I know to most of you, this obviously isn't news... at least not the breaking kind in any way, shape, or form.

I haven't been anywhere near Facebook in a good..... three years perhaps? Back in the day, I had a personal page, and after some contemplation, I decided to deactivate my account. Out of all social media platforms I've experienced (and there have been several... see below), I just found Facebook to be the place where people could really get on their soapbox and rant about things. I was also guilty of this, and it just wasn't a place I wanted to be. There was a sort of negativity to it that I didn't like seeing, and didn't even enjoy when it came to myself, so I backed off for a long time.

Thanks to other social networking, I've met bibliophiles from all over the world, and I'm beyond thankful for each and every one of them. A few of them have wondered if I had a page, and have asked a couple of times if I ever thought about coming back to Facebook. Obviously, I did more thinking (which gets really old really quick), and came to the conclusion that it might be a great place to branch out and expand my passion for literature. That's how the cookie crumbled.

Anyone who follows my Instagram or blog space already knows how much I truly enjoy not only reading, but bringing reviews and ratings to all of you. I love discussing books and fan-girling over authors, book boyfriends, and great plots more than anything. While I still have no clue how to work the space properly, I am thoroughly excited to a broader future of books and book friends!

For now, I'm going to do this on a trial period and see if people are really interested in hearing more of my rambling mouth. I urge you all to head over to The Blabbing Bibliophile, give the page a like, tell a friend, and discuss all your literary loves with me! I can't wait to meet more of you so hurry up and come say hello!

You can also follow me and my "bookish" addictions on the following pages:

Instagram

Twitter

Google+

Pinterest

Blogger

Goodreads

PS- Okay, someone may need to stage a social media intervention.

The Game Maker- A Series Review

Good afternoon! Happy Wednesday, Hump Day, and most importantly... Veteran's Day! I'm at work right now and just finished up my latest series read, so instead of waiting to post, I figured I would get to sharing right away. The latest batch I've been reading are part of The Game Maker series by Kresley Cole. I've never read anything of hers before, but friends of mine have raved about her work, so I had to dive in eventually, right?

I was wary yet anticipating reading this series. Book one, The Professional, had numerous mixed reviews. However, I couldn't help buying #1 and #2 on a random B&N trip. I've had my eyes on them for awhile, but never went through with purchasing them (until last weekend). With most things that require an opinion (or don't), I decided to see what this book was about and figured I could sort my opinion on my own.

Aleksei Sevastyan is by far one of the most intimidating alphas I've ever met. Why is that? He's not just a dominant man, but also a trained assassin. He prefers to call himself an "enforcer" (cause that sounds much more cozy). He has spent the majority of his life killing, he started at age twelve, and doesn't hesitate to do so in his adult life either.

Natalie, the curvaceous redhead PhD student in the middle of nowhere Nebraska meets Sevastyan in a crowded bar on the most random of chances (or so she thinks). She has her own ambitions, and none of them include a man. She's the total manalyst. When it turns out Sevastyan is working for her long-lost father (who she has never met), breaks into her house, and steals her away to Russia, her life turns into a whirl-wind.

He's ordered to guard and protect her life, and she's intrigued and beyond curious about this pent-up, closed off, angry man in her father's life that he treats like his own son. Needless to say, the two push each other's buttons past the point of anything tolerable.

Aleksei honestly made me a bit nervous from time-to-time, which has never happened to me before when it's come to a dominating man in a book. I knew he had reasons for his brooding attitude, but I didn't know how far back into his past his bad blood ran. Once they get caught up in a relationship, Natalie does what she can to try  to understand him, while also getting him to open up to her and break his walls to bits. Their attempt at compromise is a constant one step forward and two steps back process that nearly destroys them.

 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

I've read my fair share of alpha males, but Maksimilian Sevastyan may have taken the cake as far as terrifying males goes. This book is called The Master for a reason. Talk about an absolutely shattered childhood. His moods and actions are beyond justifiable, yet completely unhealthy. I'm glad he finds such a brave girl in Cat to attempt to become better and see the sun.

He's escaping an abusive and atrocious past, while she's on the run from a murderous husband, and a shadowed history of her own. Both of their walls are built impossibly high, and the more time they spend together, the more you're just waiting for the powder to ignite and the explosion to occur. When it does, it's powerful, and almost destroys everything in its wake. Almost.

Cat was awesome. She's spirited, spiteful, ballsy, and aggressive. Every time you thought Max intimidated her or thought he put her in her place, she'd basically say, "oh yeah?" and (pardon my language) just not give a shit and make life work for her. After the hand she's been dealt, she knows how to survive and make people (even Max) work for her benefit. Plus, the fiery Latina girl mixed in with a tough-as-nails Russian, tempers (and fireworks) flare.

I wondered if either Max or Cat could be swayed from their lots in life, but the more encounters they had, the more their lives snowballed into one life together, and that was exciting to see, even if you know some sort of mess is coming. No matter how closed off and angry they seem to be as individuals, you always want to believe that one partner is out there to make you see life for the better. They're both capable of change and happiness, they just have to allow themselves to be honest and take it.

More than the stories told, I enjoyed the writing as well. That's refreshing. A lot of books nowadays seem to tell a good tale and entertain you enough, but don't always have the greatest way with words, so I'm glad I got that experience as well with this book, and its first installment, The Professional.

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

 

Alabama Summer- A Series Review

Happy Monday evening, all! Tonight, I bring you yet another series, and it's a wonderful one! I'm a massive fan of J. Daniels, and I've had this series of hers sitting dormant in my iBooks for longer than I'd like to admit. Anyway, "the time has come", as the walrus says, and I FINALLY got around to enjoying the Alabama Boys! 

Benjamin Kelly destroyed me in the best way possible! 


The first in the series, Where I Belong, is where this crazy gaggle of friends begins. Mia is visiting her  old friend, Tessa in Ruxton for the summer. They have so much fun together and have amazing plans for a solid three months. There's only one problem. Tessa's brother Ben hates Mia, and the feeling is mutual. The trio grew up together, and before Mia had to move to Georgia, her and Ben butted heads non-stop. Now that Mia is back in town, will the bad blood remain? 

The dislike is there, and it's palpable. Mia's summer is not off to the most ideal start. Aside from the stranger in an Alabama bar she gives her V-card to, she winds up back in Ben's life (and in the weirdest way possible). Hatred turns to to sexual tension which obviously leads to a whole lot of "yummy". Yeah, that's the expression I'm going with, so don't judge. Experience this couple for yourself and then come talk to me about them. 

This book was an emotional roller coaster, but it was worth every single minute. I adored Ben and Mia together more than I can say. She's a very lucky girl to have such a great guy. 

I'm not even super crazy about kids, but little Nolan had my heart melting within seconds. I couldn't wait to see what was in store for this little gang!

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

In book two, All I Want, we focus on Luke, Ben's partner on the police force, and Tessa, Ben's sister. Their tale is not one of warm and fuzzy feelings like book one left me with. 

In all honesty, it just about broke me entirely. Luke and Tessa were constantly at each other's throats, and while I wanted to hate each of them for their own insanities, I also sympathized with their reasoning for their actions. For the most part, everything they said and did was justified, but I just wish they would talk to each other instead of jumping to conclusions every five seconds. 

Tessa adores Luke. The sun rises and sets with him, but she's so angry with the fact that he never lets his guard down. He won't let her in.. Let her love him.. So for that, she resents him. I'm not even adding up the drama they went through in book one with their prior relationship and some of the scares they encountered in the beginning. 

Luke loves Tessa, maybe even more than she loves him, but he's petrified because he's spent the last 12 years of his life so neglected, so alone. Aside from his rescue dog, Max, Luke can't show or accept affection. This is the couple's ultimate downfall. 

Their back-and-forth was infuriating. They wasted so much time arguing and throwing fuel on the fire when they could've been supportive and loving. When you think they FINALLY get there, Luke throws the curveball none of us wanted him to throw. 

The end is what makes this story worth its 4 stars. They had to hit rock bottom before they could attempt to bounce back and finally get on the same page. The emotional struggle of a journey was beyond worth it just for the last page alone. 

Also, the Ben and Mia post-baby bonus had me squealing in delight!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

When I Fall, book three, introduces us to the total lady-lover of the group. 

Reed, Reed, Reed... What a total and utter sweetheart. On the surface, he seems like such a womanizer (and he is, there's no denying that), but once you realize where the source of his pain comes from, you not only understand why he flits from girl to girl, but also know that he deserves true happiness with his soul mate just like the rest of his friends. 

Beth is awesome. She's a perfect mix of vixen but shy and mellow girl next door. She not only adds to what's best for Reed, but also fits in perfectly with the circle of Ben, Mia, Tessa, and Luke. She's had her own rough patch in life, and it was amazing to see how quickly Reed stepped into her life and did everything he could to defend and protect her, regardless of the fact that it went against all of his instincts. 

I'm so in love with this gang of friends.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Where We Belong, the little novella, brought every couple's story to their next stages and ended way before I wanted it to. I'm sure J. Daniels has more up her sleeve with these characters and I simply can't wait! 

I couldn't help but chuckle while also sighing in frustration for poor Ben and Mia. They're blissfully happy, but ready to burst at the seams if they don't get a moment alone. 

Reading their adventure definitely had the tension building up. I'm glad they still remain a team and tend not to let less-than-ideal moments together make them distant. It's easy to let love and chemistry die, so I'm ecstatic that they choose every single day to continue being close and remaining a solid team for each other as well as their boys. 

I also adored seeing where Luke and Tessa and also Beth and Reed are at this point in their own adventures. Seriously, more, more more!! 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

The Grownup- A Review

I know, I know. I just wrote a review mere hours ago. This is happening purely by accident. I was browsing my bookshelves, along with my Kindle and iBooks apps trying to find something in my never-ending TBR pile that jumped out at me to begin. Nothing was striking my fancy as "must-read", so I went shopping in the iBooks store. Bad move, I know. I can hear my bank account liquidating as I type up this rambling review.

I've been a fan of Gillian Flynn since classmates in my Brit Lit class at university suggested I pick up a copy of Gone Girl. It was all the rage at the time, so I gave it a go and enjoyed it. However, I liked her other novels better. Sharp Objects and Dark Places just had this extra darkness added to them that totally spoke to me. Girlfriend has got one twisted mind when it comes to plot development.

ANYWAY, shopping in the online book store, I came across her latest work, The Grownup. It was affordable, and I basically decided there was no turning back. I had no clue Gillian Flynn had something new out, so I had to swipe a copy and get started! 

As stated earlier, I've always enjoyed and respected Flynn's ability to write completely disturbing and (pardon the language), totally f*cked up stories. This is the fourth tale of hers I've read and I'm still left thinking, "what the hell?" despite being wary of every character who comes into play. 

I'd give this five stars if it were longer. I was amped for new material from Flynn, but immediately deflated at the fact that this was only 60+ pages. The upsides were that I got it done within an hour, and also, that the story stayed short and to-the-point.

Lastly, I wish I read this a few days earlier  and the Halloween season was still in full swing. It had all the proper creepy elements of a spine-chilling ghost story. That's my own fault, so, it is what it is. 

Needless to say, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next! I'm beyond ready for more stories from her macabre mind! 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Caged Love- A Series Review

Good afternoon, all! I know it hasn't even been 24 hours since my last review, but I was already on book two of this new series when I was writing up my last review. Trying to stay on top of my goodreads challenge and deliver reviews in a timely manner gets a bit daunting sometimes. I'm happy to do it though if it means sharing the literary love!

Speaking of love... let's talk about Deacon Love. He's the latest alpha I couldn't help but swoon over in today's selected reviewed series, the Caged Love series. This began with the debut novel, Love Hurts by Mandi Beck. Thankfully, she eventually added a sequel, because one book containing all things Deacon Love just simply isn't enough.

What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man. He may have some pent up frustrations he has to fight out (thank goodness for that MMA career of his), but his heart is forever in the right place. He has been in love with the same girl since he was a kid, and that isn't changing. She just can't see that. Or she does, and is too stupid and scared to let a good thing happen to her.

I won't apologize for this. Frankie sucks. Frankie is Deacon's girl. She always has been and always will be, she just loves to do anything she can to sabotage that idea. She says she loves Deacon and always has, but she does little to nothing to show it, from the time they're just friends to the time they cross that line into something way more (and extremely worth it in my personal opinion). For some reason, Frankie is stuck on this idea that she's temporary in Deacon's life. Granted, he's had a revolving door of ladies in his life, he explains that they were all because he couldn't have her (excuse? Maybe). Eventually, he bares his soul to her... and on numerous occasions as time goes on. Every time he does, she somehow finds a way to throw it back in his face and shatter his hope of the two of them having something great and forever-lasting.

I had to read the second book because I needed to know what would happen. I had to hope that Frankie would grow up and stop with all the nonsense before she lost Deacon for good. Girls like her enrage me. You have a good man standing in front of you saying he wants all of you forever (and only you), and you find some excuse to ruin it and break the man's heart. It's really frustrating. Kudos to Mandi Beck for doing her job wonderfully and driving me absolutely batty!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

So I'm going to eat my words here and say that I thoroughly enjoyed this series now that I've finished Love Burns! The "stick and move" bit got a little tiring to close out almost every single chapter, but I was pleased with how Deacon and Frankie were able to wrap up their journey. I was definitely less frustrated than I was at the end of the first book. Frankie became more tolerable in book two, but like they said, they were in different corners a lot, and it was hurting rather than helping them. It was a relief when they finally started seeing things from the same perspective and working as a team rather than against one another to find out how they would navigate their relationship. They loved each other too fiercely to notice the damage they were inflicting due to actions surrounding them. While I found the bit with the Irish mob a little far-fetched, its results still made me crazy emotional. Goodness, Sonny. The ending is what really made me so happy I could burst! The crowd, the mic, the adrenaline, it was just building to that point and how I adore Deacon for his enthusiasm. Frankie is one lucky girl to have her champion Hitman... so I hope she remembers that and how much he has loved and will continue to love her! My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Unblocked (Timber Towers #1-5)- A Series Review

Good evening, fellow bibliophiles! Happy Monday (I say this with a bit of sarcasm). Tonight, I'm bringing you something a little different. It's an erotic romance series broken up into five novellas called episodes. I've done novellas before, but they've always acted as an in-between story between major novels to bridge the gaps in between events. They've always been designed to be an extra treat, in my experience, anyway. 

The series I'm discussing seems to be slightly less known that some of the more mainstream romances out there these days, but I enjoyed it thoroughly! It seems like I was a part of something few romance readers know about. However, I NEED to spread the word because this series is a bit of everything: drama, steamy sex, snark, angst, and total bliss with a stunning specimen of a man. The books in question? Unblocked by Marni Mann. She states on the covers, "one taste was all it took..." and boy, was she right. I know the feeling, and I was just the reader, the silent observer. Let's explore, shall we?

In episode one, we meet our main players. Pay attention because you're going to be carrying them with you for the next five episodes. 

Derek Block. What is there to say about Derek Block? He's a flannel-wearing, filthy mouthed architectural developer and he's looking for the best agent in Boston to have rights to the listing of his prized possession, Timber Towers. Frankie Jordan is the heir to Jordan International, real estate moguls specializing in luxurious properties. 

Derek had his heart shattered two years prior when his ex, Taylor Hall left him high-and-dry for not making enough money. Frankie has thrown herself into work after she caught her fiancé, Reed, cheating on her (literally, mid-act). 

It's obvious upon a first interview that Frankie and Derek have a spark, and that instant attraction is there, and sizzling. Both have their reasons to remain completely professional, but how long can it honestly last?

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Episode two, and what can I say? Derek Block is raising the bar almost impossibly high for an alpha male. Good gravy! 

I adore these novellas! They make me feel like I'm plowing through books without being too daunting, yet, still telling a fantastic story full of drama. 

Obviously, Frankie and Derek given into their tension and temptations, because, Holy Moses, is it there and on fire.  They are finally getting hot and heavy, but, of course, there's a cliffhanger and little bombs going off in front of their face. You'll just have to head into episode three wondering if they can stick out the road-blocks together. At least you get more of Derek's filthy mouth. Who can complain about that?

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Episode three is where these stories become intense and border on dangerous in their unfolding events! I love these novellas so much (I say that more and more every time)! I'm sad I waited so long to read them! 

Derek is an alpha lumberjack and Frankie is his sleek and polished real estate agent. They're polar opposites, but their worlds are colliding and they're doing it with brutal force ,and, in the sexiest way possible. 

Will Frankie choose Derek, or her father's estate empire? Will Derek choose Frankie, or a bad past that continues to haunt him? Can these two mix business with pleasure, or will they walk away forever?

Their choices will stress you out, I'm sorry to say, but keep on and move forward to see how their future will play out!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Episode four...where things get juicy and begin reaching their peak! Frankie and Derek had some tough decisions to make when it came to both their business and their pleasure. Needless to say, they talk (and screw) things out and come face-to-face with some raw and unfamiliar emotions. Now, they just need to kick all their trash to the curb and find their happily-ever-after. 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Episode five and I can finally say.... I absolutely adored this series!! The  rough and rugged architect and and his spicy mouth realtor mogul. What an interesting combo and what an adventure they take together. 

Derek Block is such a perfect mix of alpha, dirty, protective, sweet, and romantic. Frankie is a lucky lady! 

I'm thrilled they got through their road bumps to have a happy future together. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed I get one or two more episodes with a Block wedding and little Block babies. In the mean time I'll miss Derek and his lovely (and super dirty) mouth. Gotta love an alpha male! 

My Final Rating: five out of five stars