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 Broken by Lauren Layne

Synopsis: 

Lauren Layne’s New Adult novel tells the story of a girl with secrets, a guy with scars, and a love that could save them both... or destroy them.

When Olivia Middleton abandons the glamour of Park Avenue for a remote, coastal town in Maine, everyone assumes she’s being the kind do-gooder she’s always been. But Olivia has a secret: helping an injured war veteran reenter society isn’t about charity—it’s about penance. Only, Olivia’s client isn’t the grateful elderly man she’s expecting. Instead, he’s a brooding twenty-four-year-old who has no intention of being Olivia’s path to redemption . . . and whose smoldering gaze and forbidden touch might be her undoing.

Paul Langdon doesn’t need a mirror to show him he’s no longer the hotshot quarterback he was before the war. He knows he’s ugly—inside and out. He’ll do anything to stay in self-imposed exile, even accept his father’s ultimatum that Paul tolerate the newest caretaker for three months or lose his inheritance. But Paul doesn’t count on the beautiful twenty-two-year-old who makes him long for things that he can never have. And the more she slips past his defenses, the more keeping his distance is impossible.

Now Paul and Olivia have to decide: Will they help each other heal? Or are they forever broken?

Leia's Review: 

4.5 Stars

Breathtakingly Beautiful. 
Those are easily the first two words that come to mind when I think of this book. 
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and honestly, I had my doubts going in. Being that I have family and close friends who have all experienced the tragedy that is the war in Afghanistan first hand, I tend to be weary of book that portray wounded soldiers. 

Olivia Middleton has been born and raised a privileged socialite in one of New York’s core families. She has been attending NYU and planning to take over her family’s business. But one mistake changes everything. Olivia is far from perfect. She makes a mistake that not only hurts her, but also her two best friends. And there is no turning back from what she has done. Even though the people in her family and those in her social circle see Olivia as a “Mother Theresa” figure, her real reason from dropping out of NYU to be a caretaker to a wounded veteran is penance for the things she has done. She thinks that in trying to help someone else heal, she can heal herself. 

Paul Langdon is not what Olivia was expecting. At only 24 years old, Paul has experienced things that are downright unspeakable. He has resigned himself to a life of seclusion. Not want to deal with how other people will react to his outer scars and not wanting to face his internal scars has left him cold, distant and bitter. His father hires Olivia to “bring him back to life”. They both get more than they bargained for. But how can two such different people have anything in common? And how are they supposed to heal when neither of them are ready to face the demons within? 

This book was profoundly different from what I expected. It made me feel so much! What Paul has faced is something that so many of us turn a blind eye to. We tend to ignore the emotional scars of war as long as someone comes home breathing. Physical scars can be healed easily enough, but when they cut deep enough the singe the soul – there is no amount of money and no plastic surgeon to repair that. The way that Olivia pushed him – refused to pity him – was a breath of fresh air for Paul. And Paul’s resistance to any kind of help, physical or emotional, has Olivia bringing out a side of herself that she didn’t know existed. Long gone is the always polite and ever-respectful socialite. 

It was wonderful to watch, page by page, as Olivia and Paul slowly grew into who they were supposed to be. Though it isn’t an easy road, neither Paul nor Olivia can give up. They each have their own reasons for sticking it out – enduring the sweet torture of spending time together. As their emotional connection slowing grows, they start to push each other away using the tactics they know best. It’s a bumpy, ugly and terrifyingly beautiful roller coaster of emotion. But you can only lead a horse to water – and you can’t force someone to change past the point they are willing. 

This is a story of acceptance. Not necessarily earning acceptance from someone else, but more learning to accept yourself and your faults. Embracing a future when the present looks bleak. Paul and Olivia’s relationship is slow building and intense. Unlike most couples, they start their relationship with their “ugly” sides. It’s not a hidden secret that they are both damaged. Their reasons, sure – those take time to reveal, but the damage is there from the start. Bold and in your face. It’s also a story of healing. Realizing that you can do things you didn’t think were possible when you are faced with the fact that the reward far outweighs the risk. I was blown away with the author’s ability to bring out such intense emotions from me. I laughed through Paul and Olivia’s witty banter. I was raging mad at some of the decisions they made. My heart broke on levels I didn’t know was possible. And I loved harder than I have in a long time – it wasn’t a pure love, untouched by ugliness – but it was a true and deep and beautiful.

So, why only 4.5 stars? My only complaint on this book was that I felt the ending was a little rushed. I would have liked to experience a little more of Paul and Olivia at that point in their relationship. That may just be me being selfish as a reader because I loved this couple so very much, but it’s true. 

In the end, I am so very thankful that I was able to experience such a gorgeous story – and I would highly recommend this book to anyone! 

I was generously provided with an ARC of this book by the author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Review for Conflicted by M.M. Koenig

Synopsis:

Mia Ryan was on the path to make all her dreams come true. Her life was everything she wanted it to be; until one fateful night changed everything – leaving her broken and without direction. Nearly a year later, she still has little faith in anyone or anything. Desperate to reclaim her life’s ambition, she takes an unexpected offer that promises to solve all her problems. But as Mia moves forward, she’s faced with obstacles she couldn’t have foreseen. The biggest of them lies within the mystery of Ethan Fitzgerald; a man who affects her like no other, but who she should avoid pursuing, at all costs. 

On a mission himself, Ethan Fitzgerald didn’t care who he pissed off on his road to fulfill his mother’s dying wish. He relied on himself, and was closed off to the world around him – until Mia Ryan walked through his door. Normally one to avoid messy emotions, Ethan’s world is turned upside down by Mia, and he can’t seem to get enough of her. 

There are lines you can cross that will change the course of your life forever …

Review:

This book is about a girl who has been through so much tragedy within the last year, that she is willing to do just about anything to get her life back on track. And I do mean ANYTHING! To and including making a deal with the devil...
Mia is a forced to be reckoned with. She has nerves of steel and when she puts her mind to something, there is no stopping her. So when she is offered the chance to get her life back and to get an amazing job, she grabs the bull by the horns and dives right in. She should have went with her first gut instinct when she met Harrison (the man who offered her a way to fix her problems). She just knew he was going to be trouble. If only she knew how right she was. Now she has no choice in any of it. She'll do what she's told or the only family she really has (her four best friends and roommates) will be harmed, or even worse, killed! Oh yeah, and to add fuel to the fire, the man who destroyed her life decides that now, a year later, he should make an appearance. Nothing ever works out the way it's supposed to.
Ethan is drawn to Mia as soon as he lays eyes on her. She just calls to him for some reason. He refuses to just let it go, even when she tries her hardest to piss him off. It's a match made in Heaven.

I really liked this book. At the beginning it kind of dragged on and on and I was beginning to wonder if it was going to come to a point! I'm glad I stuck with it though! I loved the plot line. But let me just say, I absolutely hate the way it ended. It didn't really feel like a cliff hanger. More like the author just got tired and decided to just end it. I give this book 3.5  stars. I look forward to the next one.

~Review by Tab~

Hard Knox by Nicole Williams - Blog Tour Stop and Review

HARD KNOX

A New Series by NYT Bestselling Author Nicole Williams

The Outsider Chronicles, #1

New Adult/Adult Contemporary

Released August 12, 2014

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Knox Jagger. The name inspires resent in every male at Sinclair University, want in every female, and contempt in Charlie Chase.

Charlie can be summed up in three words: independent, independent, and independent. To Charlie, Knox epitomizes everything that’s wrong with college males: prolific one-night stands, drunken senseless fights, and a body that hints at prioritizing gym time over study time.

As an up-and-coming writer for Sinclair University’s newspaper, Charlie’s tasked with getting to the bottom of who’s been dropping little white pills into girls’ drinks at parties. In an ocean of All-American boys sporting polo shirts and innocent smiles, Knox is the obvious suspect. As evidence piles up against the bad boy of Sinclair, Charlie becomes more and more certain it isn’t Knox. But when her drink is dosed at a party and she wakes up on Knox’s couch the next morning, Charlie’s left with more questions than answers when it comes to Knox Jagger.

How can Charlie ever hope to uncover the truth behind a guy so closed off he’s become . . .

Hard Knox.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22672422-hard-knox

About the Author

I’m the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the CRASH series (HarperTeen, S&S UK), LOST & FOUND series, UP IN FLAMES (S&S UK), The EDEN TRILOGY, and a handful of others. I write stories about everyday kinds of people who find themselves in extraordinary kinds of situations. I tell love stories with happy endings because I believe in making the world a better place, and that’s one tiny way I can make it so. I’m one of those people who still believe in true love and soul mates, and would rather keep my head in the clouds any day over having my feet firmly on the ground.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Purchase links:

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Hard-Knox-The-Outsider-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00MN0TTI4

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hard-knox-nicole-williams/1120116551?ean=2940150334458

*Suz's 5 Star Review*

It is no surprise to anyone that I am a HUGE Nicole Williams fan, and that I love a good broken, bad boy. This story gave me Nicole's amazing writing and a swoon-worthy broken bad boy.

"The icon, the man, the legend...the guy who was earning a memorial statue in the bad boy hall of fame--Knox Jagger."

Charlie Chase is a sassy independent Journalism student who finds herself in a bad situation while attending a sorority party on campus, researching her latest article. The one person that you would think would be the problem, is the person that becomes her solution.

 "One of these days, you're going to realize you can't explain the whole damn world, and everyone in it with a few paragraphs and a few minutes of observation."

Charlie and Knox must work together to help solve what has become a HUGE problem on the campus of Sinclair University. I fell in love with the back and forth banter of these two characters.

 "It's a nice change of pace to have a girl fire words and glares at me instead of cleavage and underwear."

Knox has the reputation, and the panties in his back pocket, that he is a bit of a man whore.... Charlie doesn't want to fall for him and his man whore ways. But when circumstances pull them closer together, she can't help the feelings that come. She pushes farther as Knox pulls back.
Knox has some secrets in his past, that he vows, will never allow him to fall in love.

The twist in the story had in me TEARS

One of my favorite quotes: "With lust, the attraction is based on 'What can you do for me'? But with love, it's about  'What can I do for you'?  Selfish versus selfless.

I had to keep flipping pages so that I could know what was going to happen. I laughed, I cried and I swooned over this book. I can't wait for everyone to meet this sassy girl and bad boy.



Review of Assumption by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Synopsis:

as·sump·tion:

a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof

They say when you assume that you make an ass out of you and me. Kenton Mayson learned this lesson firsthand when he made assumptions about Autumn Freeman and the kind of woman she is based on what little information he had. What he finds out is she’s not only beautiful, but also smart, funny, a fighter, and exactly the kind of woman he wants to share his life with. Autumn made assumptions of her own about Kenton, and now he needs to prove her wrong in order to protect her and their future.

Leia's Review:

It’s no big secret that I love Aurora Reynolds. To me, her books are like coming home. They bring me comfort, wrapped in warm smiles and swoony alpha males. I know whenever I start a book by her, I know I will not be disappointed. Assumption was no different. 

Autumn has broken the mold when it comes to stereotypes. Growing up with a mother who required nothing less than perfection, she has set out to make her own future and her own rules. Studying to be a nurse and a self-made woman, Autumn starts working as a stripper to make ends meet. It’s not the most glorious career choice, but she is doing what has to be done to become that independent woman she has always dreamed of being. However, when her job puts her in danger, Autumn is whisked away to Tennessee to stay with Kenton Mayson…..

We’ve gotten to see little glimpses of Kenton throughout theUntil Series. His air of mystery and sexiness always kept me wondering. Kenton moves Autumn into his house to protect her. Though he is immediately attracted to the beautiful red head, he keep his distance. His preconceived notions about the stereotypical stripper at the front of his mind, he pushes Autumn away. 

As the days and weeks progress, Kenton quickly finds that Autumn isn’t who he thought she was, and thus begins his pursuit of her. But judging someone so harshly causes scars, some that Autumn may not be ready to forgive. As is a trait with all Mayson men, Kenton is relentless. The only thing is, this time – there is more at risk than just their hearts. As Autumn’s life hangs in the balance will Kenton be able to protect her? 

I absolutely ADORED this book. I loved to watch Kenton and Autumn together and individually. Kenton’s family is just as loveable as the Mayson clan, so getting to know them was enjoyable. Autumn – what a little spit-fire! I love when we get feisty independent heroines. It’s such a refreshing change from the needy, dependent and often immature women who are cast in most leading roles. Autumn is fierce. She is confident in who she is and where she is going. She also is loving and kind – unless, of course, you piss her off. :-)

Kenton. Just….wow. It didn’t take long for Kenton to top my list of favorite Mayson men, and knocking Trevor out of the top spot was near impossible. Kenton has supremely wonderful alpha-male tendencies. Combine that with his dangerously sexy good looks and his delicious & dirty mouth – you have one hell of a leading man! 

The angst in this story was just right. And I loved the most of it was from outside sources. It wasn’t a lot of Autumn and Kenton fighting each other. It was Autumn and Kenton fighting together. There were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and lots of fan-yourself steamy moments. As always, Aurora has delivered another fantastic novel. I can’t wait to get more of this new series! 

*5 Stars*

Worth Forgiving - Release Day Blitz

Book Information

Cover designed by Romcon.com

Model: Jamie Dominic

Photographer: Jamie Dominic Photography

Genre: A New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance novel

Amazon:

Amazon UK:

B & N:

iTunes:

Kobo:

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18742801-worth-forgiving

RELEASE DATE: August 21st 2014

Blurb

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.

MMA Series Reading Order

Worth the Fight  (Book One)

CURRENTLY ON SALE for ONLY $0.99 (limited time)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1xC6epE

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1alpVES

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1dbzZ8R

Smashwords - http://bit.ly/1is0zNX

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1co2ZpF

It didn't matter that the ref called it a clean hit. Nico Hunter would never be the same.

Elle has a good life. A job she loves, a great apartment, and the guy she's been dating for more than two years is a catch and a half. But it's boring...and she strives to keep it that way. Too many emotions are dangerous. Her own past is living proof of what can happen when you lose control.

Then Nico walks into Elle's office and everything changes...for both of them. But what can the tattooed, hard-bodied MMA fighter and the beautiful and always steady attorney have in common? A lot more than they bargained for.

***Author's note*** THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Worth the Chance (Book Two)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1xC71aa

B&N: http://bit.ly/1gwTyJw

Itunes:  http://bit.ly/1gHMCZg

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1fqQcnj

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/NU2rCR

Meet Liv Michaels

It may have been seven years, but I'd know him anywhere. Sure, he's grown, filled out in all the right places, but his captivating blue eyes and cocky grin are exactly the way I remember. Even though I'd much rather forget.

Liv Michaels is almost there. She's smart, determined and weeks away from landing the job she's dreamed about for years. Time healed old wounds, even her broken heart from the devastation of being crushed by her first love.

Meet Vince Stone

Women love a fighter, especially a good one. Lucky for me, I'm damn good. But there's one woman that isn't interested. Not again, anyway.

Vince 'The Invincible' Stone is every woman's fantasy...strong, sexy, confident and completely in control. Growing up surrounded by chaos, he's learned never to get too attached. Love will drag you down. He adores women, treats them well, puts their own needs before his own...for the night anyway. With the biggest fight of his life coming up, his focus should be on training.

When fate brings Vince & Liv back together again, there's no denying the chemistry is still there. But can Vince erase the old scars their past left behind? Or will Liv hurt him instead?

***Author's note*** THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the 18.

Additional Graphics

Additional Books by Vi Keeland

First Thing I See

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1qLL4ET

Belong to You (A Cole Novel, Book One)

Amazon US : http://amzn.to/1jdAlRk

Made For You (A Cole Novel, Book Two)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1qLLdIk

About the Author:

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn't change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work.  She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway (Signed kindle cover by some amazing authors

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDk5NjRmMDM5ZDM4YTBjYWM0YzAyYzM0NGI2ODRhOjQyOA==/