Sunday, April 30, 2017

Book Review: Midnight Target by Elle Kennedy

Midnight Target (Killer Instinct #8)
By Elle Kennedy 
Release Date: April 15, 2017
Four years ago, Cate’s entire life changed when she discovered she was the daughter of a supersoldier. But Jim Morgan’s overprotectiveness has pushed her away. These days, she’s working as a freelance photographer and living the dangerous life Jim never wanted for her.

When Cate snaps a photo linking a corrupt South American politician with the leader of a notorious drug cartel, her mercenary father leads a team to rescue her—only to get shot and critically wounded in the process.

As Morgan’s operatives rally together on a revenge mission, they’re faced with new alliances and old heartaches. Cate is forced to work with David “Ash” Ashton, the man who broke her heart two years ago, while Liam Macgregor and Sullivan Port resurface after years apart to finally try to deal with everything they’d left unsaid.

Soon it’s all-out war between the cartel and the mercenaries—with two couples caught in the middle of the blood feud. Love and redemption are within their reach...but first they have to make it home alive.



Elle Kennedy can write in any genre and I'm going to read it. I fell in love with her Killer Instincts series when I picked up Midnight Pursuits and I have devoured every book since. I can't believe this is the end of the series and I couldn't wait to see what would happen with my favorite mercenary crew. 

Cate has grown up watching her mother suffer as she was kept alive by Cate's grandfather. Four years ago, though, Cate's life changed when she was united with her father Jim Morgan. As the leader of a mercenary team, Jim is just a bit overprotective of his only daughter. Cate is tired of being forced to live a normal, sheltered life by Jim and wants to make a difference as a freelance photographer. When Cate takes a picture of someone who is supposed to be dead, she finds herself having to call her dad in to help protect her. Jim ends up getting hurt while protecting Cate and his whole team reunites to protect Jim and Cate and the only family they've ever known. 

I was dying to read Cate and Ash's book ever since they met. There was an age difference when they met and Cate was too young for Ash to make a move on, but now that Cate is in her twenties, there is no excuse for Ash not to act on his attraction. Well, except for the fact that Jim Morgan would personally torture and kill Ash for touching his daughter. It was so sad watching how conflicted Ash was over his feelings and loyalty to Jim while Cate couldn't understand why Ash would continuously reject her when he obviously had feelings for her. There was just so much emotion among the main characters, especially when Jim is critically wounded and they don't know if he'll make it. I have followed these characters for so long and have become so emotionally invested in them and I just wanted to see them all happy and healthy! Oh, and we finally got Sully and Liam's story, which we've been following for sooooo long. We really got two romances in one, which I really loved! 

As always, there is intense action and heart pumping moments that had me praying everyone would end up okay. They dealt with a seriously dangerous man in this book and I had no idea if someone was waiting around the corner to hurt them at any minute. It was heart crushing when Jim got hurt and you didn't know if he would make it out or not. Every member of his team did not hesitate to run to his side and show the loyalty they've felt towards one another throughout this whole series. 

If you have read and loved this series, you have got to pick up this concluding novel. If you haven't started this series yet, you must! Elle Kennedy is a master of addicting action and hot romances with characters who are kick-butt and insanely loyal to one another. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to an amazing series!



Saturday, April 29, 2017

Stacking the Shelves (241)

 
Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where bloggers share what books they got throughout the week!

From Authors in the Bluegrass 

I attended Authors in the Bluegrass last weekend and met so many amazing authors! I wanted to buy every book I saw there, but I held myself back and only came out with seven books. All of these books are signed to me and I got to meet the authors! I can't wait to read them all! 

From Author

I am part of Kennedy Fox's Instafam, so I am sent a box with each new release in the Checkmate series. For This is Effortless, this is the box I received! So much fun stuff! 


From Publisher

I received an amazing package from Penguin Random House to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Outsiders. The anniversary edition of the novel is gorgeous and I'm so excited I have it! I can't wait to give this one a reread! 

Ebook for Review

I received an ecopy of Misbehaved by Charleigh Rose and I've already devoured this book. IT WAS SOOOO GOOD! It's on sale for 99 cents now, so you should definitely check it out!


That's it for me! What did you all add to your shelves this week? 

Friday, April 28, 2017

Cover Reveal: Royally Endowed by Emma Chase


     
Logan St. James is a smoldering, sexy beast. Sure, he can be a little broody at times—but Ellie Hammond’s willing to overlook that. Because, have you seen him??

Sexy. As. Hell.


And Ellie’s perky enough for both of them.


For years, she’s had a crush on the intense, protective royal security guard—but she doesn’t think he ever saw her, not really.


To Logan, Ellie was just part of the job—a relative of the royal family he’d sworn to protect. Now, at 22 years old and fresh out of college, she’s determined to put aside her X-rated dreams of pat-downs and pillow talk, and find a real life happily ever after.


The Queen of Wessco encourages Ellie to follow in her sister’s footsteps and settle down with a prince of her own. Or a duke, a marquis…a viscount would also do nicely.


But in the pursuit of a fairy tale ending, Ellie learns that the sweetest crushes can be the hardest to let go. *** Logan St. James grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, in a family on the wrong side of the law. But these days, he covers his tattoos and scars with a respectable suit. He’s handsome, loyal, brave, skilled with his hands and…other body parts.


Any woman would be proud to bring him home to her family.


But there’s only one woman he wants.


For years he’s watched over her, protected her, held her hair back when she was sick, taught her how to throw a punch, and spot a liar.


He dreams of her. Would lay down his life for her.


But beautiful Ellie Hammond’s off-limits.


Everybody knows the bodyguard rules: Never lose focus, never let them out of your sight, and never, ever fall in love.

 

PRE- ORDER NOW


     

About the Author


Emma Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the hot and hilarious Tangled series and The Legal Briefs series. Emma lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two naughty (but really cute) dogs. She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Book Review: PS I Like You by Kasie West

PS I Like You
By Kacie West
Release Date: July 26, 2016
Source: Thriftbooks
Signed, sealed, delivered…

While spacing out in chemistry class, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day, she finds that someone has continued the lyrics on the desk and added a message to her. Intrigue!

Soon, Lily and her anonymous pen pal are exchanging full-on letters—sharing secrets, recommending bands, and opening up to each other. Lily realizes she’s kind of falling for this letter writer. Only, who is he? As Lily attempts to unravel the mystery and juggle school, friends, crushes, and her crazy family, she discovers that matters of the heart can’t always be spelled out…

To say that I had high expectations for this book would be an understatement. I've read one Kasie West book and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to read this one. Throw in the fact that this has over a 4 star rating on Goodreads and I thought I was going to love it. Sadly, the main character just didn't mesh with me. 

Lily hates Chemistry and the only way she can survive is writing song lyrics in her notebook. But when her teacher takes her notebook away, Lily starts doodling on her desk to pass the time. When she comes back the next day, she's shocked to find someone has finished the lyrics on the desk. Soon, Lily and her seat mate are exchanging notes and talking about music and life in general. Lily feels a real connection with her pen pal and starts to develop a crush, but she has no idea who he is. When Lily uncovers his identity, will she like who he is and, more importantly, will he like the real her? 

This book sounded so so so good. I love the movie You've Got Mail and this one sounded just like it. Two people are exchanging letters and have no idea who each other are. It's so much easier to tell your darkest secrets and insecurities to someone you don't ever have to meet in person. I don't know if it's because I'm outgrowing YA, but I really didn't like Lily's character from the start. She was so whiny and judgmental and I really didn't like how she badmouthed other characters. Lily had strong opinions about certain people in this novel and it was shoved down our throats. I get that she was supposed to not like a certain character for a reason, but it didn't have to be so extreme and juvenile. 

As the book progressed and Lily found out who her pen pal was, I actually did start to enjoy the book a little bit more. Lily kind of started to mature and I thought how she started falling for the real person behind the letters was cute. I still, though, couldn't fully connect with Lily's character or care about her problems. I just expected a more mature main character than the one we were given. 

Overall, this one was a huge disappointment for me. While the end did redeem the story a little, I was still disappointed with the main character and how judgmental she was. I couldn't relate to Lily or care enough about her as a person to enjoy her story. I'm hoping I can still try out some more Kasie West books, but this one was a miss for me.



Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday (179)


This is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine where every Wednesday bloggers highlight a book that they are eagerly anticipating the release of!

Misbehaved
By Charleigh Rose
Release Date: April 30, 2017
Remington Stringer has never been like most girls. She’s outspoken, brazen and wants nothing more than to escape the Nevadan hell hole that she calls home. 

On the brink of eighteen, with a deceased mother and a well-meaning, yet absent father, she is forced to fend for herself. The only person she’s ever had to depend on is her borderline obsessive stepbrother, Ryan. But, what used to be her anchor is quickly becoming a loose cannon. 

When Remi gets the opportunity to attend the best private school in the state during her senior year of high school, she jumps at the chance. Then she meets Mr. James. Ornery, aloof, and totally irresistible. 

Most girls would swoon in secrecy. 

Most girls would doodle his name with hearts in their notebook.

But Remi Stringer has never been like most girls.


----------------------------------------

The cover for this book was released yesterday and just look at it! The whole cover together (the front and the back are one larger picture) is so gorgeous. Looking at the synopsis, I am definitely intrigued. This sounds like our main character is a very independent, hard 18-year-old who has learned how to deal with the rough things in life. I'm interested to see who this Mr. James is and how their relationship is going to play out. It sounds like Remi takes charge and knows exactly what she wants. I can't wait to read this one! 

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Release Blitz + Review: Checkmate: This is Reckless by Kennedy Fox



Title: Checkmate: This is Effortless
Series: Checkmate Duet Series (Drew & Courtney, #2)
Author: Kennedy Fox
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trope: Friends to Lovers
Photographer & Designer: Sara Eirew
Release Date: April 25, 2017


Introducing book 2 in the new Checkmate Duet Series from a secret duo of romance authors who teamed up under the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym, Kennedy Fox! This friends to lovers romance will have you swooning and laughing from the first to the last page! Are you ready to play the game?
Courtney Bishop is as sugary sweet as her famous blueberry muffins.
Southern belle at heart, Cali girl by choice.
She barged into my life and easily became my best friend.
All was great as roommates and just friends, but then I fell for the girl who could chop firewood, deliver baby calves, and bail hay without breaking a sweat.
She’s the perfect mixture of sugar and spice, and I love her.
Being more than friends and trying to build our future isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Moving forward and creating memories is all I want for us, but when the past continues to come back and haunt me, I’m not so sure she’ll stay for the ride.
Loving her is easy, but losing her will break me. Burning passion combined with an undeniable chemistry constantly pushes and pulls us together. In the end, I’ll prove we’re worth the fight, even when the game is far from over.
Checkmate, sweetheart.
*Recommend for ages 18+ due to sexual content and adult language.*
**This is book 2 in the Checkmate Duet Series–a friends to lovers romance. You must read book 1, Checkmate: This is Reckless first. Highly recommended to read the Checkmate Duet, This is War and This is Love first, but not necessary. This can read as a standalone duet.**



It's no secret that Kennedy Fox is my jam. I love their books and I am addicted to the romances the secret duo creates. They create couples that I fangirl over and neeeeeeed to be together. 

Courtney can't believe that Drew finally sees her as more than the friend she's been to him over the years. They've finally given into the attraction Drew has started to feel but that Courtney has felt all along. The only problem is that something (well, someone…) stands in their way and is determined to keep them apart. As they try to build a future together, they don't know if the threat that's constantly at their back will finally drive them apart. 

I've got to say, I loved watching Drew and Courtney fall in love with This is Reckless. Courtney was so fun with how much she pined after Drew while they were just friends and roommates. It was so entertaining how Drew was so confused with his emerging feelings and attraction for Courtney. Since they already got together in that book, though, this book was too…sunshine and rainbows and happiness. They were constantly telling each other how much they loved each other and using pet names and it was a little too much too fast for me. And the threat that was against them was something that I was already over in the previous books of this series. It seemed like the easy answer to use as a conflict that tested Courtney and Drew's relationship. 

While it was cute watching Drew and Courtney be in love and try to build a future, I wished we could still see that love build. I did enjoy how they built up the beginning of a relationship for Kayla and Logan, who are getting the next two books in this series. There is something about how Kennedy Fox introduces a couple that has you rooting for them to get together and has you reading until you finally see it happen. I still devoured this book and loved seeing Viola and Travis, it just wasn't as great reading about a couple that was already madly in love. 

Overall, this was still a good addition to the Checkmate series. We get some great heated moments with Courtney and Drew and they had me wishing for a deputy of my own. I still fell in love with these characters and am already dying to visit them again in Logan and Kayla's story. If you haven't yet, you must pick up this series! They're addicting and will make you want to watch some Harry Potter while devouring some delicious blueberry muffins.







CHECKMATE: THIS IS RECKLESS (BOOK 1)*MUST READ THIS ONE FIRST
THE CHECKMATE DUET (TRAVIS & VIOLA)


ALSO AVAILABLE ON OTHER PLATFORMS

BOXED SET AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2oUZ6Wr
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2nSXXze
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2nzWSKR
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2o5taBy
A secret duo of romance authors team up under the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym, Kennedy Fox who share a love of You’ve Got Mail and The Holiday. When they aren’t bonding over romantic comedies, they like to brainstorm new book ideas. One day, they decided to collaborate and have some fun creating new characters that’ll make your lady bits tingle and your heart melt. If you enjoy romance stories with sexy, tattooed alpha males and smart, independent women, then a Kennedy Fox book is for you!
SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kennedyfoxbooks | @kennedyfoxbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kennedyfoxbooks | @kennedyfoxbooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennedyfoxbooks/
Website: www.kennedyfoxbooks.com
Email: kennedyfoxbooks(at)gmail(dot)com

Monday, April 24, 2017

Book Review: Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre

Hollywood Dirt
By Alessandra Torre
Release Date: September 7, 2015
Source: Christmas Gift
Cole Masten. Abandoned by his superstar wife, Hollywood’s Perfect Husband is now Hollywood’s Sexiest Bachelor: partying hard and screwing even harder. Watch out Los Angeles, there's a new bad boy in town.

Summer Jenkins. That’s me, a small town girl stuck in Quincy, Georgia. I cook some mean chicken and dumplins, can bluff a grown man out of his savings in poker, and was voted Most Friendly my senior year.

We were from different worlds. Our lives shouldn’t have collided. But then Cole Masten read a book about my small town. And six months later, his jet landed on our dusty airstrip, and he brought Hollywood with him.

From the start, I knew he was trouble. For our town. And for me.

Sometimes, opposites just aren’t meant to attract.
 




Ever since I saw that this book was being turned into a movie, I have been dying to read it. I know that Alessandra Torre writes a lot of romances but I had only read The Girl in 6E, which I loved. After my sister read this one and told me great things about it, I finally decided to pick it up. 

Cole Matsen is a god in Hollywood, but when his marriage falls apart, he feels like he's left with nothing but the movie he's put his heart and soul (and money) into. Escaping to the small town in Georgia where he's filming, he definitely doesn't expect to find a fiery southern belle to be the answer to the movie's problems. Summer Jenkins isn't a girl to back down in a fight, no matter how gorgeous the person she may be fighting with is. When the opportunity arises to work on the movie in town and earn herself some money that could finally get her out of town, Summer decides to take the offer. But that means spending more time with Cole Matsen and finding her hate for him turning into something more. 

Talk about a southern romance! I absolutely loved the southern town and atmosphere that Alessandra Torre created in this book. The dialogue and characters were so authentic that I felt like I really was in a small town in Georgia. I absolutely loved how southern Summer was, but how she wasn't so peachy. Instead, Summer was a headstrong girl who didn't fall all over Cole Matsen's feet when she met him. Summer and Cole were the perfect match to bicker and push each other and I loved the laugh out loud moments we got with them. 

Aside from the romance, I definitely loved how this book was about the making of a movie. I love books that have to do with the entertainment industry and it was so fun watching them try to complete the project that has become so important to Cole. It was cool seeing the changes that were made as a movie flows through its production and how much Summer was able to connect to the story they were filming. And talk about chemistry! Sparks definitely flew between Cole and Summer and I loved every minute of it. 

As my first regular romance from Alessandra Torre, I fell hard for everything. I loved the romance, the characters, the setting, and the storyline of this book. If you want a fun enemies to lovers romance that takes place on a southern town movie set, you have to pick this book up.



Saturday, April 22, 2017

Stacking the Shelves (240)

 
Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where bloggers share what books they got throughout the week!

From Publisher

Three awesome books came in the mail for me! I got a finished copy of Pipe Dreams from Berkley and I have already read and loved it! I also got a hardback of The Chosen from Piatkus, so it's the UK cover! Lastly, Penguin Random House sent me And We're Off, which is a YA that has to do with traveling, so I can't wait to read it! Thanks to the publishers for sending me these wonderful books!


That's it for me! What did you all add to our shelves this week? 

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