Review of Reviving Haven

Reviving Haven
by Cory Cyr


Squeeeeee!!! OK.... so where to begin??. Oh I got it, Latch McKay!!! I don't really need to say anymore than that, but I will. Cory Cyr, oh how I love the way your mind works. I think I may even need a re-read of this, because I couldn't put it down. I was probably half desirous by the time I finished in the wee hours of the morning, but I couldn't not finish it in one sitting. 5 Stars for me all the way. Haven and Latch are combustible and the comic relief of Wezzie was great. I'm crossing my fingers that may be we'll get a taste of Weezie and Keenan's story. Please Please!


Haven Wells is a 37 year old reclusive Bookstore owner with some serious self esteem issues and relationship issues. Being in a long term relationship that was abusive and toxic Haven found a way out but still harbors a lot of pain from that time in her life. She's content with her life living vicariously through fictional characters and her amazingly funny roommate Weezie. (Side note: I want a BFF like Weezie, where do sign up for that) When Weezie convinces Haven to step out and have some fun, she reluctantly agrees. When Haven notices a guy across the room she's already let the liquid courage take over for the night and she's agreeing to things she never thought she would. 


Latch McKay is 25 years old and a successful video game designer.  Latch notices her right away and he can't look away. With all of his charm (oh let's not forget the accent) there is no doubt there will be an explosion of chemistry. Haven thinks a fling is all that is in the cards with Latch, but he has other plans. There are a lot of twists throughout that will keep you flipping the page. Latch and Haven go to some dark places, but I promise you will not be disappointed with the outcome and the hotness ;). Enjoy!!!


~Shannon

Review of Deciding Tomorrow (These Days #3)

Deciding Tomorrow (These Days #3)

by Renee Ericson

Wow!! I just absolutely love this series. Big round of applause for Renee Ericson. 5 Stars all the way. I had cheek aches from smiling through this whole book. If you have not read Books 1 and 2 then do so ASAP, so you can feel all warm and fuzzy inside like me. The character growth from book 1 to 3 was great. You really had this connection to Ruby and Brent. I have to say the epilogue had me misty in a good way. I look forward to good things to come from this author.

Ruby and Brent are perfect. It's refreshing to have a "nice" guy for a change. Book 3 starts right where we left off in book 2. After a chance run in Ruby and Brent spend a great weekend together reminiscing that spark old familiar feelings. Promising to give their relationship another try Ruby makes a trip to L.A. to visit Brent a week later and things move quickly toward togetherness. With years of hurt and secrets that separate their time apart there is bound to be  some obstacles to overcome. 

You can't help but love Brent. He is just so likeable. Ruby grew on me big time in this book, because I was not happy with her at the end of book 1 and borderline frosty to her in book 2. I've now forgiven her and we can all now be friends in their HEA. :) Grab all three of these up and enjoy.

~Shannon

Review of A Novel Obsession (Novel Series, #1)

A Novel Obsession (Novel Series, #1)

by Jeff Joseph

Jeff Joseph gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for my review. I  have to say I really think he has something here with this plot. There were some twists that I definitely did not see coming and I am anxious to grab book two in the series to see where this goes. I give it 3.5 stars. I know for me saying I really liked it 3.5 doesn't seem very high but I will explain my reasoning. The plot was good and I think there is a lot to say about keeping your readers guessing, but my only hang up was the dialogue. The characters spoke way to formally and for the "average joe" reader you don't find that kind of dialogue relatable. I know I myself would never say to a friend "I had the most glorious romantic evening, I was so happy and fulfilled." It really makes the characters seem much older than they are supposed to be. I realize a lot of the grammar, dialogue and vocabulary used was due to the fact that the heroine was a English teacher and the hero was a Novelist, but I still felt slightly detached from their chemistry. That being said, once I put my dictionary down to understand some of the wording, I found the story and plot line very intriguing. If the dialogue had been a little more "youthful" I would have easily given this a 4 Star review. 

Abby is a small town English teacher who has a slight obsession with well renowned novelist Daniel Shepherd. When Abby sends a well written from the heart fan letter to Daniel requesting he come speak to her English class she has little hope that Daniel will actually read it. Abby has a hard time coping with the reality that is her life and tends to live in the fantasy world found only in romance novels. Daniel has a way with words that gives Abby hope that there truly is the perfect guy out there for her, and in Abby's mind that person is Daniel.

Daniel is feeling detached from himself. He's struggling to find the inspiration to write what he is so well known for. Daniel has gone down a spiral of self pity and can't find a reason to write anymore. Secluding himself from the hustle and bustle he's grown to detest, he finds himself sifting through the ever inappropriate fan mail he's had piling up. When he comes across an eloquently written letter from a small town high school teacher Daniel instantly is inspired by her word of appreciation for his literary work. He sets out a goal to find Abby and see if there truly is that perfect someone out there.

There are so many twists and turns in this story that you really do breeze through trying to figure out where this will all lead. I'm anxious to see how Abby and Daniel's chemistry pans out in book two. There are sure to be some surprises from Bill and possibly Rick (still mind boggled by that one). Grab this one up and let me know what you think!

~Shannon

Review of Hemlock Grove

Hemlock Grove

by Brian McGreevy

Review by Laura Leigh

3 Stars – I’m not going to lie… I picked up this book after watching the Netflix series. I really liked the show but was a little confused on what all went on so I thought the book might help clear up some of my unanswered questions. Now that I am finished reading it though I am even more confused than ever.

Brian McGreevy wrote both the book... and the script for the television show. Unlike its HBO counterpart, True Blood, the Hemlock Groves TV series stayed pretty much on track with the book. There was even direct dialogue (quite a bit of it) in the book that was also in the TV show. I really did like this aspect of the book. What I liked even more though was that you heard every central characters inner dialogue. You learned more about their past, more about why they did the things that they did and who they are as a person. It really brought the story to life in a way that the television show couldn’t. Now for the characteristics I didn’t like about the book: CONFUSION! PLOT HOLES! DEAD END STORY LINES!

I have never seen so many drawn out and long winded sentences. McGreevy is one of those people that loves to learn new five-dollar words and then find any reason to use them in a sentence. Does he know he is doing this? Is he just a braggart? All of the above? I’ll go with the latter. Seriously though, the main two characters in the story are 17 year old boys… They wouldn’t talk this way. And I really hadn’t planned on pulling out my dictionary to read my gothic horror novel.

One of the major story lines in the book is around “Ouroboros”. I won’t give anything away by explaining what this is… not only because I don’t want to ruin the book for you but also because I am still not sure what exactly it is!!! It kept getting brought up by each of the characters and then at the end it is not explained how it even fit into the story. I am mad just thinking about it. Also, there is someone narrating the story, in first person perspective, but we never find out who this person is! I’m not sure how they know everything that everybody is doing but somehow they do. Maybe it’s God? I really think God would be embarrassed to even be mentioned in this story, let alone narrating it.

To sum up this review (I guess you could call it a rant!), if I had only read the book and not seen the show I would have only given it 1, maybe 2, stars. It gets an extra star because the show is entertaining and Bill Skarsgard is pretty excellent eye candy *wink wink*.

Review of Scoring Wilder

Scoring Wilder

by R.S. Grey

I really enjoyed this one! 4 Stars on this warm / fuzzy read. There wasn't anything about the characters that you wouldn't like. No drama filled back and forth indecisiveness that makes you want to pull you hair out. This is really just a very quick, easy feel good read that you can't help but enjoy. 

Kinsley Bryant is a well known up and coming soccer star. She is starting her collegiate soccer career and has high hopes to land a spot for the Olympics. Starting off the season Kinsley learns that her team is getting coaching help from the well renowned professional soccer star Liam Wilder. Kinsley knows she isn't supposed to pursue a relationship with him but something keeps pulling them together. 

Liam Wilder has a reputation that proceeds him, not only on the soccer field but also in his personal life. Liam decides he needs a little PR help and volunteering to assist with a college soccer program seems like the best way to take the spot light off of him. Knowing the team he is assisting has just recruited the well known Kinsley Bryan, Liam is anxious to meet the young soccer star that shows so much potential. Liam wasn't banking on feeling a instant connection to her though, and with the spotlight on him to keep his nose clean or risk losing endorsement deals he'll have to ignore that connection or secretly begin a relationship that no one can know about.

If you're looking for an easy read that you feel really content with after this is it. Kinsley, Liam, Penn and Becca are all loveable characters that you feel the connection to.

~Shannon

Review of Three Years (Gypsy Brothers #5)

Three Years (Gypsy Brothers #5)

by Lili St. Germain

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I am literally at a loss for words on how to even begin this review. I feel like I just ran a marathon reading this book as my emotions went every which way. 5 FREAKING HUGE STARS. I cannot get over how with each installment of this series the OMG and WTF factor triples. Three Years may have even quadrupled the craziness. NO Spoilers but I will say that there is no lack of suffering, revenge and lies in book 5. If you've read book 4 then you know we were left in quite a big cliffy. Well that cliffy was at the top of a mountain and book 5 would be the outcomes of the avalanche. I just can't help it with each book I am fist pumping in the air for Julz. I love it! Her drive, determination makes her one of my all time favorite heroines. I am also super pleased that this one was a little longer than Four Score. Check it out for sure  and you will not be disappointed. I am anxiously awaiting book #6 come on September. Three Years will be available on all major online stores starting July 20, 2014. I leave you with this quote from the book because it pretty sums it up.

"however bad you think this is going to be. It's going to be so. Much. Worse."

~Shannon

Review of Four Score (Gypsy Brothers, #4)

Four Score (Gypsy Brothers, #4)
by Lili St. Germain


4 Huge Stars!!! These keep getting better. Alright I sound like a broken record but I wish they were longer if this would have been a chapter or two longer I would have given it 5 Stars all the way.. I'm on the edge of my seat for the next one!!! At this point I'm not sure we're even close to a conclusion. There is far too much to clear up. I love Lili St. Germain and her insane Gypsy Brothers Series. This series is beyond crazy, dark and sexy. Juls is the heroine of all heroine's. There is no denying her drive and obsessions for revenge. Love it!!!!!


~Shannon

Review of Our Hearts Entwined (Entwined #1)

Our Hearts Entwined (Entwined #1)

by Lilliana Anderson

Not a surprise that I loved this book. 4 Big stars for Our Hearts Entwined #1. Another great series start from this wonderful author. Lilliana has created yet another group of people that you can't help but be sucked into their world. This was a very easy quick read. I really felt like I sat down for an hour and realized it was after midnight when I finished. I look forward to where Lilli will take us in Entwined #2 coming August 8th.

Mia Smyth lives a normal life and is very content with how things are going. She has a loving, caring boyfriend , Eric, whom she's dated for 5 years. She has a fulfilling career as a teacher at a school for the deaf. One day she has a early meeting about a troubled child in her class. When Mia walks in to meet with his parents and psychiatrist she is at a loss for words. Mia has come face to face with Cayd and something tells her that her world may be forever changed. Being in a solid relationship Mia quickly declines the handsome doctors request to see her again, but something in the back of her mind is questioning whether that's what she truly wants. Mia goes on with her life but something is not right. Mia is losing time, blacking out and her friends and boyfriend are telling her things she's done that she doesn't remember. Worried that she's lost her mind Mia seeks out the help of Cayd. Grab it up and read to see how this one turns out. It's really great and still FREE on amazon at the time of this post.

~Shannon

Review of Blood & Roses serial Volumes 1-3

Deviant (Blood & Roses, #1), Fracture (Blood & Roses, #2), Burn (Blood & Roses, #3)      
by Callie Hart


Reviewed by Shannon


So as most of you know from prior reviews I've posted, I'm not a huge fan of serials. I hate to be spoon fed chunks of books with a never ending amount of cliffys, leaving you pulling your hair out and counting the days until you get your next fix. Well this one was well worth the slight feel of frustration for my next fix. FINALLY a serial that isn't 50 pages a piece. There is actually potatoes with this meat. I finished each one feeling mostly satisfied but still excited for the next installment. There will be 7 total in this series and the 4th is due out today 7/8. Yes my 1-click finger will no doubtedly be picking that one up here shortly, but I thought I'd get my thoughts down on 1-3 before moving on.


What would you do if you only sister was kidnapped and sold in a human traffic ring? For Dr. Sloane Romera there is nothing she wouldn't do. That even means meeting a strange man at a hotel in return for information of her sister Alexis' whereabouts. Giving in too giving herself for one night to a stranger seems well worth getting her baby sister back. In her encounter that fateful night Sloane did not see this arrogant, confident stranger but she will never forget him. When the deal turns out to be a lost cause and no information is found Sloane begins to come to terms that she may never see her sister again. Two years later she's working as a resident in the ER when a strange man brings a suicide victim in. There is something scary and intimidating about this man. When she begins to talk with him his voice is eerily familiar and Sloane instantly knows that this is the man that has haunted her dreams and fantasy for two long years. There is one problem Zeth is not a knight in shinning armor. He's a criminal and involved with some shady people and some questionable extra curricular activities. There is no doubt there is a pull from both sides and the good doctor will have her world turned upside down, her life put in danger and her boundaries pushed to their limits from this bad boy all in the quest to save her sister.


Bravo I can't say enough about this series. So much crazy stuff happens I can't even begin to explain. I can't wait to see where this series ends up because I have to say the way book 3 ended....... I'm on pins and needles.

Review of Lexicon

Lexicon
By Max Berry

3 Stars – I really wanted to like this book. I really did. I was so excited when I found it at the bookstore. It is a Time magazine top 10 fiction book of the year, a NPR best book of the year and... had rave reviews; including one from one of my favorite authors describing it as “A masterpiece.” So what went wrong? “Lexicon” had such potential yet it took me over a week to get through this book. A week! I brought this book with me to the beach so at just under 400 pages I should have gotten through this in 3 days… tops. I think the last time it took me a week to get through a book I was reading “Under the Dome” which is almost 1100 pages. The truth is that it was a real struggle to even finish this book, but I wanted to give it a fair shake and read to the end.

“Lexicon” follows two characters, Wil (an Australian who is abducted at an airport) and Emily (a homeless girl who is given an invite to attend a very elite school), and their intermingling stories. At the beginning of the story Emily is a con-artist who is skilled in the art of “slight-of-hand card games”. The school (a nameless organization) takes notice of Emily’s talents and extends an invite. The reason they are so intrigued by her is that unlike other schools, which teach math and science, this school is only interested in language… and more specifically how to use it to persuade others. Because of these abilities the graduates of the school are called “Poets”. As you progress in the story you learn that some of these Poets have gone rogue so the organization is in need of an outlier (someone who cannot be persuaded by words). Enter Wil. Wil has no knowledge of this organization or that such people exist, or that he even is an “outlier”, but he is the key both sides of the Poet Wars need. As Emily and Wil’s two worlds converge you finally discover all the shocking secrets and hidden powers behind this elite mysterious organization.

The idea behind this story is as titillating as it is original. I have read books where certain characters have a great power of persuasion, and this occurs in real life (can anyone say “Jim Jones”?), but it’s never been expounded upon in this way. It is not a single individual that is using his words of persuasion but instead an entire organization. Can you imagine the possibilities? You could convince anyone of quite literally anything. So, the 3 stars I gave “Lexicon” is solely from this awesome concept. But then you actually start reading the book. It might have been better if it hadn’t skipped around so much. First you are reading Emily’s story which takes place when she is 16, then you are reading Wil’s story current day, skip forward to Emily in the future, backwards to Wil in the past…. Sooooo confusing. Then the end just got sloppy, like Berry was trying to just wrap it up. One paragraph you are reading that Emily was given a choice to make (but she never states what her decision is) then you turn the page and it has flipped forward a few months and she is acting upon her decision. And then the very end… so corny. Regardless to say, I was not very impressed with this book and don’t see what all the hype was about. If you really want to read it for yourself I suggest buying it used off Amazon


~Laura

Review of This Man Series

This Man (This Man #1), Beneath This Man (This Man #2), This Man Confessed (This Man #3)
by Jodi Ellen Malpas


5 BIG Stars for this series. That's right, I read all 3 in a day and a half. I couldn't put it down. I had heard great things about this series and never started it, shame on me for showing up late to the party. From the description it seemed like a FSOG or a Crossfire knock off, but let me tell you it's not. This is a whole new world and I absolutely loved it. Thank you Jodi for finally creating a heroine that I don't want to strangle 90% of the time and let's not forget about my new BB Jesse Ward!!! The heat in this series is palpable and there is drama, drama, drama to keep you on your toes.


Ava O'Shea is a young up and coming designer. She's made a name for herself and is in high demand in her field. When she's asked to meet with "The Manor" owner to discuss designing their new addition she comes face to face with Jesse Ward. She knows instantly that he is older than her but she can't deny her attraction. There is something that draws her to him and straight away she heads for the hills. Knowing that a relationship with someone that good looking is doomed from the start, Ava is determined to stop this before it even begins. Jesse has other plans though, and he's not going to let the first person that made him feel something slip away. 


There are so many secrets  in this series and I loved that they were both so stubborn. Starting with what is "The Manor" is the first bump in a rocky road. I wont spoil it, but let's just say this is the main source of tension. Add in a lot of jealous exes, stalkers, addictions and some friends that keep things VERY interesting. If you haven't already I highly suggest you get started on this series you will not be disappointed. I loved all three of them and was very pleased with the ending.  


~Shannon