Review of Worth Forgiving by Vi Keeland

Synopsis: 

They say men like a lady in the living room and a whore in the bedroom. I never knew the sentiment was reciprocal. Until I met Jax Knight. A gentleman in public, a commanding, dirty talking rogue in the bedroom.

Daughter of legendary fighter “The Saint,” Lily St. Claire knows firsthand how fighters can be. As the owner of a chain of MMA gyms, she’s no stranger to aggressive, dominating, and possessive men. That’s why she’s always kept her distance. But the day Jax Knight walks through her door she’s captivated by his charm. Stunningly handsome, well mannered, Ivy League educated, and confident, he shatters all the preconceived notions she’d come to think were true about men who trained to fight.

But falling for someone so soon after her breakup wasn’t something she’d planned on. And definitely not something her ex plans to allow

Leia's Review:

I’m torn here. I can’t decide how I really feel about this book. A part of me absolutely adored it. The other part of me wanted to throw my kindle against the wall. No lie. Now, regardless of how I feel, let it be known that Vi Keeland’s writing style and story-telling skills are amazing. I am always drawn to her stories, and this one was no different. 

Jax has come to NY to escape the publicized drama that is surrounding his family. When he decides to continue his training, he does so at Lily’s gym. Lily has taken on a lot in life. After losing her father, she became co-owner of a chain of MMA gyms. She has been trying to break free from a control dominated relationship, but her ex is making that harder than she thought it would be. Jax and Lily have a chemistry that is hard to ignore, but with so many factors weighing on any kind of relationship that they try to pursue – it makes you wonder if they will ever make it. 

Here’s the thing – I absolutely adore Jax. He is a contradiction in the best sense of the word. He’s classy yet he likes to get down and dirty. He’s a suit and tie kind of man who can hold his own in the ring. He’s a complete gentleman but a domineering lover. He will pull out your chair at dinner and tie your hands up at home…..it’s delicious. He was my saving grace in this book. Everything I uncovered about him kept me wanting more. Turning the pages to find out what else there was to know about him. 

The story line in this book was well written and flowed great. There was plenty of angst and lots of swoon worthy moments. There was a lot going on but it was well balanced. 

So, my problem with this book lies in one thing…..Lily. I wanted to smack her over and over again. There were points of the book where I was actually yelling “C’mon!” . Her ex, Camden was the epitome of everything I despise in a man. Abusive, controlling, stalkerish (I know that’s not really a word, but you know what I mean). He was a disgusting person. And Lily just….dealt with it. She made excuse after excuse for him, yet she was so unwilling to give Jax any sort of leeway. It really pissed me off. I have a hard time dealing with weak heroines. I don’t know why. It’s just something I have a low tolerance for. And Lily was just that type of girl. She irked me. 

I enjoyed this story, though it was my least favorite in the series – which is a shame considering how much I loved Jax. Overall, the book was a good book, and I would highly recommend this series – especially if you have a thing for uber hot MMA fighters. :-) 


3.5 - 4 Stars 

ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for my honest review

Review of The Real Thing by Cassie Mae

Synopsis: 

Eric Matua has one friend—his best friend and childhood sweetheart, who needs a place to stay for the summer. Mia Johnson has thousands of friends—who live in her computer. Along with her email chats and Facebook notifications, Mia also devours romance novels, spending countless hours with fictional characters, dreaming of her own Romeo to sweep her off her feet. When she starts receiving supersweet messages from a stranger who thinks she’s someone else, Mia begins to believe that real love is possible outside her virtual world. 

When the two friends become roommates, Mia finds herself falling harder than she ever thought she could. But Eric keeps his desires locked away, unsure of himself and his ability to give his best friend what she deserves in a boyfriend. As her advances are continually spurned, Mia splits her time between Eric and her computer. But she soon realizes she’s about to lose the only real thing she’s ever had.

Leia's Review: 

The Real Thing was the first book I have ever read by Cassie Mae. 
This was an absolutely adorable book about figuring out what is really important in life. 

Mia Johnson is a technology fanatic. Twitter, Facebook, E-books, Emails and online reading clubs are her thing! This is great – because, well, it’s my thing too. Through her social media, she has been able to keep up with her high school best friend (and guy she’s always had a crush on), Eric. Now she is off to spend the summer with him at his beach condo. 

Only Mia doesn’t realize, Eric isn’t the same Eric. He’s older, more mature and super sexy! Eric has always been in love with Mia. However, a high school relationship changed him. Already struggling with anxiety, this relationship pushed him over the edge. And he hasn’t had one since. Doesn’t know if he can. But he’s willing to try – if he could just get past his insecurities and try with Mia. 

As Mia and Eric try to transition from friends to…more, their relationship faces challenge after challenge of learning each other in a new capacity. I will say, first and foremost, I LOVED Eric. He was sweet and cautious, but he loves deeply and flawlessly. 

“You’ve always been that girl. You’re beautiful, and funny, and loud, and everyone likes you, wants to be around you. You’re my best friend, and I want you.” 

Mia has to juggle trying to balance her social media world with the real world, and that challenge proves more trying that she realizes at first. And Eric has to confront fears that he has had imbedded into him. Breaking away from your norm is always scary. But what happens when the potential of facing those fears is so huge! Can Mia and Eric break away from their pasts and habits to find something together in the future? 

“Scary things can be beautiful.” 

This was a great book that continued to hold my interest. The only real thing I struggled with was Mia. I hate to say it, but she drove me a little nuts! I am a social media geek too. I love connecting with people who “get” me and my love of book boyfriends. But there is a balance to life. And she struggled so hard to find that. 
Overall, I enjoyed this book. And I look forward to reading more from Cassie Mae! 

3.5 Stars

*ARC kindly provided by the author via NetGalley for my honest review*

Review of Kick by Holly S. Roberts

Synopsis: 

Cami Avesque is a shy, wannabe journalist, working for the largest newspaper in Ohio. She’s stuck editing classified ads until she lands her big break. That break comes when the only female sports reporter goes on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. For some reason, Cami is chosen to cover The Slam, a rugby team in Colt, Ohio. They have a chance of going all the way to the Rugby League Championship.

Unfortunately, Cami has a poor track record with jocks and going all the way is one of her problems. Because of her past, she hides her assets behind clothes that are a size too large and big glasses that camouflage the sexual sizzle that eats ripped bodies for lunch. Shy, she must remember she’s shy. If only man muscle didn't bring her wild side out to play she might survive a rugby try.

Gorgeous brothers, Van and Joel Stelson, own, manage, and play for The Slam. They see through Cami’s cover up and attack in order to make their goal. Who will be the first to get her in bed? Who will be the first to win her heart?

Remember in rugby… 80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Lets Ruck!

Leia's Review: 

Okay, so I want to preface this review with a few facts: 

1. I have not read the other books in this series.

2. I know NOTHING about Rugby. At all. 

These little facts did not hinder my reading experience at all. The authors writing made it easy to follow along, learning more about this exciting sport as you read. 

Cami is a news reporter who is desperate for her big break. Once a current employee is out on medical leave, she is assigned to covering something other than the classified ads. However, discovering the her new assignment is a series piece on a rugby team – she has her reservations. You see, Cami has a weakness for athletes. And try as she might to hide her body and come off as a shy person, she tends to lose her mind around too much muscle. 

Enter the gorgeous Stelson brothers, Van and Joel – owners and players for The Slam. Though they are brothers, Van and Joel couldn’t be more different. Joel is quiet and reserved, almost to the point of being rude to Cami when they meet. Van, on the other hand, has his sights set on Cami. He is persistent with his flirting and his pursuit of her. It eventually pays off. Cami gives in – letting go of her preconceived notions of athletes. She decides to let go and give in to Van. 

It doesn’t take long for her to realize that Van is like every other athlete she has ever known, causing Cami to throw her walls back up faster than you could imagine. Joel steps in to help Cami. Hoping to salvage some of his brothers wrongdoings, Joel takes his time showing Cami that she wasn’t wrong….you can’t cast a stereotype on a group of people based on a few bad experiences. But what happens when Van decides he wasn’t ready to give up just yet? Can Cami realize which brother she is supposed to be with before it is too late? 

This was a fast paced, fun loving novel. I actually loved both brothers to pieces. Van was a player, but he was funny and he had his moments of sincerity that were precious. Joel is the brooding older brother with a past he can’t let go of, but he was sweet and attentive. And they were both hot, hard-hitting rugby players…..what’s not to love? Cami and I had issues, though. I definitely wanted to slap her multiple times. She tended to make unfounded excuses for her actions. It was a little annoying and it continued throughout the book. Overall, this was a cute, quick read. It wasn’t emotionally draining or heart wrenching, but instead delivered several laughs and some seriously steam-worthy moments. I would definitely recommend this book for fans of athlete-based romances. 

3.5 – 4 Stars

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author through NetGalley for my honest review

Buy KICK on Kindle US Here

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Review of Exploration by Peyton Sloane

Synopsis:

Being with the same man since she was 18, 26 year old widow Jazz Mickelson is hoping to catch up on all the life experiences that could have been hers has she not leapt into a committed relationship so young.

Julian St. Sauveur is looking for three things: romance, comfort and trust.  He mistakenly thought that he had them once many years ago.  He sees the potential for him and Jazz but knows it is too soon for her. 

Will she accept his unusual proposition, one that allows him to hold on to her while she catches up on life?....and will she choose him after experiencing all the wonders that await her?

Find out as Jazz and Julian explore their potential…

Leia’s Review:

Exploration is the story of Jazz and Julian.

Recently widowed at such a young age, Jazz has learned to seize life.  She sets off on an adventure to Paris, a city she has always wanted to visit. As luck would have it, on the plane to Paris she ends up next to Julian.  Julian is an extremely wealthy and talented architect who is finishing a job in Paris. He just so happens to be incredibly attractive!

Things escalate quickly on their flight, both emotionally and physically, leaving Julian no doubt that he want to pursue Jazz.  However, with her past he knows that she is not ready for such a bold statement. When fate steps in again, landing them in the same hotel, Julian sets his sights on Jazz and decides to pursue her diligently.

As Julian decides to open Jazz’s eyes to his world, their relationship progresses - until Julian makes an intriguing proposal to Jazz regarding the future of their relationship.  Things get interesting, and it definitely sets the stage for a great second book.

Though it is not something that normally bothers me, there did seem to be a lot of grammatical errors in this book. Also there were times that the point of view changed so rapidly that it was hard to keep up. However, I must give credit where credit is due, and as the book progressed this did get better. I think that with the right editor, this book has great potential.  The story was fresh and the sex was off-the-charts hot…. I mean H-O-T-T-T! I was incredibly impressed with Peyton’s ability to have the characters so completely compatible in the bedroom.  I do wish that compatibility would have transcended outside of the bedroom.  I think that both Jazz and Julian have so much potential to be more “in depth” characters.  I do keep reminding myself, however, that this is a trilogy – so perhaps their emotional connection will be developed more in the coming books.  I would definitely love to see that.

Overall, I was intrigued throughout the entire book.  Though at first this book seems like it is going to be your traditional “billionaire romance” there are some definite twist and turns that give it it’s own unique spin.  This book does end on a slight cliffy, so you’ve been warned – but I cannot wait to see where Peyton takes Julian and Jazz in book two. 

(Also, please note - Book Two "Obstruction" is out now!!)

3.5 Stars!

 Buy Exploration for Kindle US Here

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Review of Only for you by E.L Todd

When Scarlet realized Penelope was dumping Sean, her best friend, she was devastated. Penelope was the love of his life, the woman of his dreams. Scarlet knew how far her best friend was going to fall and she had to catch him. Scarlet became Sean’s rock and helped him through a very painful breakup, but her own hidden desires bubbled to the surface in the process. When they finally gave in and slept together, she thought it was the start of their new relationship. Unfortunately, Sean didn’t feel the same. 

Humiliated and heartbroken, Scarlet moved across the country and found what she least expected. She rekindled her damaged relationship with her brother, who she hadn’t spoken to in a year, and her brother’s best friend was attractive and interesting. Their relationship was natural and unforced, and she was immediately drawn to him. Would she be able to get over Sean, forget about him, by sleeping with Cortland, or would that just be another repeated mistake? 

THIS IS NOT A CLIFFHANGER 




Erycka's review- 

The beginning of this story had great promise.Somewherearound the middle it started to fall apart for me. The flow became sporadic and there seemed to be disconnect with the characters.

Scarlet realizes she is in love with her best friend Sean of ten years. She thought he felt the same way. And because of this she makes a huge assumption. Well as we know when you assume, you.....

Sean is devastated when the woman he plans to marry delivers him some news that blindsides him. In a moment of deep sadness, he turns to his best friend and uses her in a way she didn't expect.

Scarlet's feelings are so hurt by her friend Janice and Sean that she up and leaves NYC for greener pastures in Seattle with her brother Ryan and his friend Cortland.

I had a difficult time with the conversation and conflict in this book.I found them both at times to be disingenous. And at times, choppy.

I enjoyed the first part of this book and because of that; I'm giving Only for You a 3.5 out of 5 stars. 

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