REVIEW: The Boy Next Door by Ella James

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The boy next door. That’s what he was. Dash Frasier—my hero from the day we met, when I was six and he was nine. His sister was my best friend, the three of us one happy crew. Then one sweaty summer night changed everything. 

No one understood me like Dash. No one made me feel so loved. That’s why, when he skipped town, it wrecked me.

Now I’m older. Wiser. I’ve just snagged my dream job, writing at a film studio. The lead animator on my project? You guessed it.

He’s not the boy next door. Not anymore.

I’m guarding my heart this time. 

But Dash has secrets that could break us both.

 

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Review 

RATING:

Before this, it feels like I haven’t read an Ella book in a long while, which was a shame because I’m a fan of hers. Last one read was Sloth which gave me such a #bookhangover. If I take pause, even now, I can still clearly remember how Sloth made me feel. On that note, I hate to say this but I think that kinda’ tinged how I feel about this one.

I’ll just lay it out there. I think some people will still really enjoy this one, but sadly, not so much for me *sad face*

The 2^nd standalone book in the series, it’s, um *reads blurb again*… yes, Dash and Amelia’s 2^nd chance story. They grew up together, were friends, but something happened, lost touch, and eventually found out that they’ll be working together.

While I don’t have complaints about Dash and Amelie, individually and together, I had a hard time matching the pace that Ella put these characters through. Just when I think Amelie has decided to pull away, her actions said otherwise. Then it made me question Dash’ actions. He almost became this passive participant. Just when I think Dash has decided to let go, he actually held back. Waah… And the ending just felt lackluster (see, I can hardly remember and I just read it a day or so ago only at the time of writing this, yikes)… And for some odd reason, for the first time ever, I noticed the tense used. Could that have been it?

A real shame as I thought they had good chemistry even when things were not going right.

Not a fave Ella read… (sad sigh)... 

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Ella James is the USA Today bestselling author of sixteen teen and adult love stories. She's an angst-a-holic who loves exploring difficult situations and the emotions of the people caught up in them. Also, smut. But always, always romance.

Ella's obsessions include vanilla cream soda, hiking, other weird, crunchy things like rock collecting, and the antics of her three little monsters.

To find out more about her projects, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ellajamesbooks, tweet her at author_ellaj or follow her on Instagram (authorellajames).

Interested in the foreign rights for one of Ella’s books? Contact her agent, Rebecca Friedman, at rebecca@rfliterary.com.

 

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Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

REVIEW: Nothing Special (Nothing Special, Book 1) by AE Via

AMAZON

Blurb

Detective Cashel 'Cash' Godfrey is big, tattooed and angry so people typically keep their distance. He's fresh out of the police academy, however, no one is looking to partner with the six foot four beast with a huge chip on his shoulder and an inability to trust. When Cash scans the orientation room he wasn't expecting to find sexy hazel eyes locked onto him. Eyes of the handsome Detective Leonidis 'Leo' Day.

Leo is charming, witty, hilariously sarcastic and the only one that can make Cash smile. He’s proud, out and one bad-ass detective.

Together Cash and Leo become the most revered and successful narcotics detectives Atlanta’s ever seen. Able to communicate and understand each other, without even having to voice it, they quickly climb up the promotional ranks.

When Cash saves Leo's life in a raid that turns deadly, Leo begins to see something in the big man that no one else does…something special. But Leo fears he'll never break through the impenetrable wall that protects Cash's heart.

Nothing Special takes the reader through various emotions throughout the richly fulfilling plot that’s full of erotic gay romance, heartache, passion, trials and tribulations, police action scenes, and an intriguing twist that comes to an amazing ending that’s impossible to see coming.

Review

RATING:

(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Well, well, well…

This is a freebie gotten via instafreebie. At time of writing, bks 2-4 of the series are on sale on Amazon. AE is a new writer to me. Before I was ready to hand my hard-earned $ to AE for the rest of the series, I thought I’d check out the sample on this one. I’ve read GR friends’ reviews as well and there appears to be a consistent note to their reviews of the series. While none of the books are on point, the readers appear to be guaranteed smexy times at the very least. Ok then…

So there I was trying the sample on Amazon. Before I knew it, I was reaching for my copy to read the rest. By the end of the day, I finished it, wut?!?!

I’m sorry, but there are things that I definitely did NOT like about this.

I’m sorry, but I didn’t like that they went by God and Day. I thought I'd get used to it right from the start, but umm... I had to make sure sometimes that people are not just uttering expressions and are actually referring to God, as in Cash Godfrey. I had to make sure I pay attention to CAPS to ensure that it wasn’t just a description of someone’s day, that it was actually about Leo Day. I didn’t like that it would then switch to their first names. I didn’t like the errors that pop up every now and then. I didn’t like the cheesy lines. They’re both such girls sometimes. As much as they’ve been work partners and friends for a while, I didn’t like that the feeling that they went fr 0 to 60 with their I-love-yous. For a sec, I seriously thought I missed a chapter. I didn’t like how the drama played out with God’s family.

BUT, BUT, BUT...

AE must’ve sprinkled some magical sh!t on those pages because I kept reading and reading and reading. Day is one hilarious dude when he’s not saying those flowery things. God and Day together, they’re funny and hot together. There’s an edge to their interaction that just made it more delish. And I actually enjoyed the pace of the story. And they’re hot together! Oh yah, I said that already *g* Oh, oh, there is this one scene towards the end, I was not prepared for that. Ok, not that I didn’t like it… *giggles*

With this interesting take I have on this book, did I still buy the rest of the series? Yes, yes I did. So that alone should still tell you something, right? While I couldn’t rate this book any higher, I still felt there’s more AE reads in my future… I think… I’m sure…

Yup!!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

REVIEW: His To Take (Out of Uniform, Book 3.5) by Katee Roberts

RATING:

Find your copy of His to Take by Katee Robert: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled | Goodreads

Blurb

Erin Robinson is having an epically bad year. Her blossoming career on Broadway tanked, forcing her to crawl back to home to Wellington. The icing on her failure cake? Her former on-again, off-again fling is in town, and the sexy Marine is taking up way too much space.

Warren Davis always knew Erin was special, which is exactly why he can’t have her. A girl like her deserves something permanent—something neither of them wants. But now that they’re both back in town and she’s right there in front of him, a challenge in her eyes he’s never been able to resist, he’s questioning everything. 

That challenge quickly escalates into an epic game of Truth or Dare. Erin’s sure she’s got him on lock, but as the night progresses, Warren’s dares intensify, drowning her in lust. But with the past still breathing down their necks, there’s no way either of them can win…

Review

Sweet holiday read!

It’s not really friends-with-benefits type of relationship, but I guess close enough. Once in a while, for 6 years, they hook up. It started from when they were in school, then whenever they’re in town as adults. And of course it happened again when Erin returned with her tail b/w her legs, so to speak, to move back to town, and Warren too, as usual, for the holidays.

It feels like this is short even for a Brazen read, and I wished it was just a tad longer, then I think I would have enjoyed it more. It didn’t give me enough time to really feel the connection b/w Erin and Warren. Not that it’s not there, but I would have bought it more, that’s all. Obviously, there’s something b/w those 2 for them to keep coming back to each other, I just wished I saw more.

Otherwise, like I said, it’s a short sweet holiday read to while the time away.

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

 

REVIEW: Rock Redemption (Rock Kiss, Book 3) by Nalini Singh

RATING:

Amazon US || Amazon UK || Nook || iBooks || Kobo

Blurb 

Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness…until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart. 

Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, but he’d rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It’s his saving grace, but it doesn’t silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours’ sleep and his bad boy reputation. 

When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new “it” couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting—needing—to give Kit this, even if he can’t give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful…and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John.

Review

Oy! Angst, angst, angst...

Ummm, not really sure what just happened here… I feel like the angst here was maxed out to the bling, which is not necessarily good. If you’re a chocolate lover like me, it’s like eating a very rich chocolate bar that you can only have a square or 2 at a time. At least that’s how I felt.

This is now Noah and Kit’s story. They’re good friends with a strong connection, until they weren’t, then they were again. They’re both in the limelight and that strong connection they have translated well in pictures so it was decided to best capitalize on it.

Noah was as closed off as a tight-lid jar bursting with liquid except with Fox. He’s damaged but there was attempt to fix things, well, somewhat, esp when it came to Kit. He really is a sweet guy, esp when it came to Kit. Kit, fortunately, has the patience of a saint and has enough sensibilities to deal with Noah. Their friendship is admirable, and their connection is something quite to be jealous about, I thought.

Some readers may be put off by Noah’s action in the very beginning, I was just confused. Was that really necessary to take it that far? I was thinking there were less d0uche-y actions to convey the same message. That’s just me though. Also, I thought Noah’s personal issue was kinda' overplayed, so as painful as it was, he lost some of my sympathy and add to that, the focus on re-building their friendship, it took a lot of pages for what I thought could have been utilized to focus on their relationship as a couple.

Angst aside, there’s enough action to spike up the mood a bit, courtesy of Kit’s personal dilemma. It was nice to see the rest of the band and their women. So really, I think I still enjoyed it enough but I know I could’ve enjoyed it more. Next up is Abe’s story. Of course, I still would want to read that. After all, I want to see them all get their HEA.

The Rock Kiss Reading Order

Rock Addiction (Book One) Rock Kiss Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/WqA2rj

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1G9piir

Nook: http://bit.ly/1t5T7Zt

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1ng9zE9

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1lPqB19

Rock Courtship (Book 1.5) A Rock Kiss Novel: 

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/XXjjxG

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1G9pmhZ

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1lzgNIi

Nook: http://bit.ly/1COgaC6

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1pEeCy6

Rock Hard (Book Two) Rock Kiss Series

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

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1G9oslz

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1utQDee

Nook: http://bit.ly/1KEyBIx

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

Rock Redemption (Book Three) Rock Kiss Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1hP7G54

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1XBZsOB

Nook:http://bit.ly/1VIYkH2

iBooks: http://apple.co/1ITi0i7

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1VIYoXo 

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

REVIEW: Innocent Ride (The Hellions Ride, Book 4) by Chelsea Camaron

Opposites attract, or so the saying goes. When two people from different worlds come together by a chance meeting twisted with an element of danger, can their attraction remain innocent? 

She's a corporate accountant. Her life is full of structure, routine, and organization. Settled, comfortable, and content, Caroline Milton, loves knowing what to expect every minute of every day. 

He's the Catawba Hellions VP and a wild one, refusing to be tamed. His motto, 'hit it, get it, and go; no repeats' where women are concerned, guarantees a new woman in his bed nightly. His life suddenly tilted on its axis, when his wild days come barreling back with a major responsibility. Drexel 'Rex' Crews finds he has a real reason to settle down his wild ways. 

When a situation quickly spins out of control at work for Caroline, she reaches out to the one place she least expected to find herself dependent upon. The Hellions Motorcycle Club.

His cousin's ol' lady, Doll, comes to him with a personal favor, protect her best friend. He can't refuse. Protecting Caroline was supposed to be an innocent task. 

The attraction from their first meeting is still a fire burning strong inside of them both. Neither can deny the pull. They come from different worlds. 

Can Rex show Caroline the safety and security of the MC? Can Caroline tame the wild beast inside of Rex? Can their innocent ride become a journey to long lasting love?

REVIEW

RATING:

*Complimentary ARC received from author*

This is a first Chelsea read for me and as much as it has all the elements that usually appeal to me, it’s quite unfortunate that this didn’t quite work for me.

Alpha H, check. Strong h albeit wishy-washy at times, check. Suspense, check. Other scary biker dudes in the club, check. Heat, most definitely check.

Yet, I felt detached. I think it was the execution. It kinda’ started rough for me because something felt off with the pace, but it did get a tad better eventually. At one point I did wonder if Caroline was just making a mountain of a molehill. Either that or she’s TSTL. As the story progressed, I understood the concerns but I think Caroline's reaction certainly didn’t help. It felt like she was over trivializing the whole thing which made me care less. Then it just kinda snowballed for me from that point on. I couldn’t match the pacing of the story. I stopped buying the connection. The mystery/suspense around Lux’ past held my interest only marginally in the end.

Real shame…Oh but you know who saved this for me? Rex!:D

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

REVIEW: Dominic (Ties of Steel, Book 2) by MJ Fields

RATING:

*Complimentary copy provided by author

Please NOTE: For mature audience; graphic scenes/language

The Italian, seductive, quiet alpha, Dominic Segretti, is leaving Livorno, Italy and headed for the Jersey Shore.
His family's business is in danger of crumbling under the management of a man who tormented and grossly underestimated his investment in a business he grew up loving, and the hatred of a man who made his life hell for thirteen years.
He has been quietly waiting for the right moment to bring Benito Deluca to his knees. He comes to the US, armed with enough evidence to prove his case to, Josephine Steel, his aunt, and his cousins, Cyrus, Jase, Zandor, and Xavier.
The night before he plans to tell them of the corruption that could cause the demise of DeLuca INC, he decides to take a night to de-stress. He plans a night of relaxation and enjoyment for himself at the Hilton Casino on the shore.
Delaney Johnson is starting over after a break-up and graduating college. She has landed the job of her dreams in NYC. Arrangements had been made to stay with her best friend, Nikki Bassett, and her fiancé', Abe O'Donnell.
Feeling that her luck has suddenly changed, she stops to play a few slots, just for fun. She finds herself winning big, and gains an admirer.
One hot night of uninhibited sex with a stranger takes her places she never knew she could go.
Dominic sees something in her, something familiar, something undeniable. Will this one hot night turn into many, or will the Beast's plans crush any hope of them exploring their future?

Review

I’ve come to the conclusion that MJ’s writing and I are not compatible, unfortunately. This is now the 2^nd MJ read for me that turned out just ok. The first one didn’t quite work out as well either but seeing that I’ve gotten a complimentary copy for this one too, I plowed thru it… More comme ci comme ça… sigh…

I’m finding I’m not a big fan of the way she lays out insta-connection b/w the H&h. I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t buy it basically. Unfortunately, the same concerns I had in my head with Abe were prevalent here too, with 1 or 2 minor improvements. I still couldn’t quite match the pacing of the story. From where I stand, the mood of the h seems to dictate the pace of the story. It drove me bat-sh!t crazy, personally. The last 30% kinda’ dragged for me as well. On the plus side, at least there was some semblance of responsibility with the use of protection during the first time and the dialogues flowed a lil more smoothly for me, which both bothered me in the first book…

So I think as much as MJ does her alpha H’s justice and she can write smokin’ smexy times, at this point , they’re not enough anymore for me to keep trying her other books, unfortunately. 

~Leftie