The Avid Book Collector

Texas girl, mom, compulsive shopper, chocolate lover, book hoarder, avid reader, bird watcher and pet lover. I will read just about anything...except zombies - I hate zombies! I support indie authors:)

Book Review ~ Suffer by E.E. Borton

Suffer by E.E. Borton (9-Dec-2014) Paperback - E.E. Borton
 
Suffer
by E.E. Borton
 
 
Kate Freeman opened the front door of her vacation villa to a wolf in sheep’s clothing. A few moments later, fifty thousand paralyzing volts shot through her body. Her world went dark; and when she awoke, her family was torn apart forever.
 
After months of agonizing physical therapy to heal the vicious wounds to her body, the Kate who emerged was no longer the loving mother, sister, and friend from before. The Kate who survived was something much different. Something much darker.
 

 

Without hesitation or remorse, she will hunt down the men who destroyed her life, even if it means sacrificing her last shreds of humanity. She will make them suffer.
 
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What if someone came into your home, brutally attacked you, raped you in front of your child and then made you watch as you that person killed your child? This is Kate’s reality as her once perfect life comes shattering down.  The killer thinking that Kate is dead, underestimated her determination and drive to find him and make him suffer for his wrong doings.  Suffer brings the old adage ‘an eye for an eye’ to a whole new disturbing level and I liked it a lot.
 
Suffer is one of those books that after reading the last sentence, I was left wondering what the hell did I just read?  This story is very dark and very twisted and although I wanted to stop reading, I just couldn't put this book down.  It kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the very disturbing end.  Suffer is not for the faint of heart as the author’s very vivid descriptions of the brutally violent and utterly gruesome acts left me  emotionally and physically ill.  Despite the horrific, gruesome and gory scenes, this is a well-crafted thrilling masterpiece I wanted to continue so that I could find out how it would end.
 
With a highly suspenseful, gripping plot and well-developed characters, Suffer kept me captivated and intrigued throughout. If you are looking to reading something dark and twisted, then I highly recommend reading this fascinating and frightening book.  Just be warned that you will want to drop everything and keep turning the pages because you will not want to put this one down even for a second.  This is the first book I have read from this author, but it will definitely not be my last.
 
 
 4 stars
 
 
 
 
Eric E. Borton served six years with Naval Intelligence in North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Middle East. As a civilian he served thirteen years with a rescue helicopter service in Atlanta, Georgia, where he currently resides.
 
 
 
 
Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-suffer-by-ee-borton.html

Book Review ~ The Secret Sister (Fairham Island #1) by Brenda Novak

The Secret Sister - Brenda Novak
The Secret Sister
(Fairham Island #1)
by Brenda Novak
 
Did she once have a sister? Has her mother lied all these years? Why?
 
After a painful divorce, Maisey Lazarow returns to Fairham, the small island off the North Carolina coast where she grew up. She goes there to heal—and to help her brother, Keith, a deeply troubled man who's asked her to come home. But she refuses to stay in the family house. The last person she wants to see is the wealthy, controlling mother she escaped years ago.
 
Instead, she finds herself living next door to someone else she'd prefer to avoid—Rafe Romero, the wild, reckless boy to whom she lost her virginity at sixteen. He's back on the island, and to her surprise, he's raising a young daughter alone. Maisey's still attracted to him, but her heart's too broken to risk…
 
Then something even more disturbing happens. She discovers a box of photographs that evoke distant memories of a little girl, a child Keith remembers, too. Maisey believes the girl must've been their sister, but their mother claims there was no sister.
 
Maisey's convinced that child existed. So where is she now?
 
Click HERE to add to Goodreads
 
In this first installment of the Fairham Island Series, Brenda Novak has once again crafted a romantic and suspenseful masterpiece that had me glued to the pages as the story unfolded.  I loved the romantic aspect of the story, but the mystery surrounding the secret sister is what really held my interest. The story itself gave me the chills knowing that Ms. Novak based this story on a real life event she had heard about.  It’s a complex story with suspense, intrigue and mystery, but it is also a story of a family dealing with a loss and grief.  I loved the characters and really connected with them.
 
Ms. Novak gives the reader just enough information to keep us guessing and with an ending I didn’t see coming, this story will indeed keep you interested throughout with its unique and surprising twists and turns.  This well-written novel is a compelling read that could definitely be read as a stand-alone, but Ms. Novak left the door open for future installments by introducing several of the Island residents.  The Secret Sister is a great start to what appears will be an exciting and thrilling series and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Novak has in store for us.
 
 
4 stars

 

 
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Brenda Novak has penned over 45 novels. A two-time Rita nominee, she’s won The National Reader’s Choice, The Bookseller’s Best, The Bookbuyer’s Best and many other awards. She runs an annual online auction for diabetes research every May at www.brendanovak.com. To date, she’s raised over $2 million. Brenda considers herself lucky to be a mother of five and married to the love of her life.

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-blog-tour-secret-sister.html

Book Review ~ Happily Ever Single by Jessica Frances

Happily Ever Single - Jessica Frances
 

Happily Ever Single

by Jessica Frances
Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 7/9/15
 
Still in my twenties, I have it all. I am young, happy, and healthy, despite my wine and pizza addictions. I am a successful business owner who lives a life I love, free from any romantic commitments. To me, my life is perfect right now, except for just one small problem…
 
My mother.
 
She will tell you I am missing something in my life, that I should be married with kids and have a house with a white picket fence, even though I cannot think of anything worse.
 
Ignoring my constant protests, she manages to set me up on a series of horrendous blind dates. To pacify my mother and avoid being set up with another friend’s son, I am driven to do something I never thought I would.
 
I begin arranging dates through an agency.
 
This idea seems to work well, until my arranged date falls sick right before a family event. With no other options, I am forced to attend with the agency owner’s brother-in-law as my stand-in date. At this point, my perfect life suddenly becomes … complicated.
 
Ollie is sexy, fun, and intense. There is an instant connection between us, but is it strong enough to risk my perfect life plan?
 
I am single, free, and content. I don’t need a man.
 
However, Ollie is persistent, despite my reluctance, and now I am left wondering if it is possible that he may be the perfect match for me.
 
Can Ollie be the one man to finally accept me for me, or does he think he can change who I am and my opinions?
 
Does my story end with me happily-ever-single or with a happily-ever-after?

 

Or can there be room for both?
 
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Lucy is single and happy.  She has set very high standards for herself and she is not going to settle for a man who can't make her happier than she already is.  Unfortunately, her mother does not feel the same way and is constantly setting up blind dates that are total fails.  It’s not until her brother is going to get married that she needs to find her own date for all the functions that go along with getting married, just so her mom won’t set her up with another loser. When Lucy’s best friend, Jules, casually mentions maybe utilizing an escort service might be an option is when the fun begins. The games she and her ‘dates’ play as payback to make her family uncomfortable were hilarious and I found myself cracking up with each and every one of them.  So much fun!
 
For two years Lucy uses the escort service for her dates involving family and everything always went off without a hitch – until the night of her father’s retirement dinner.  The man that was supposed to take her got sick and there were no other men to take his place – except one – Ollie.  Ollie is a friend of the owner of the agency and Ollie is quite the fish out of water when it comes to the whole escort business.  But one thing he is quite sure of is that Lucy is one lady he would like to continue getting to know better.  Too bad Lucy is so hard-headed and bound and determined to stick to her no relationship, no marriage, no children rule. 
 
The chemistry between Lucy and Ollie is undeniable, but with Lucy’s lack of wanting a committed relationship, Ollie comes up with the perfect solution.  The two of them can be exclusively single together (how cute is that?!?!).  You're probably asking yourself, “What the heck does ‘exclusively single together’ mean and how does that work?”  Well, my dear reader, you will need to read this terrific and adorable story to find out!
 
Lucy and Ollie are super cute together, yet no relationship is perfect and this one does have its ups and downs.  Between Lucy’s adorable, meddling mother cheering the couple on and Ollie’s mean and overbearing mother doing her best to alienate the happiness that her son has found, and of course the other hiccups that come and go, this couple will have a lot to deal with in order to make it work.  Will there be a happily ever after for Ollie and Lucy or will Lucy remain happily ever single? 
 
Jessica Frances has proven yet again how versatile she can be in her writing skills.  Happily Ever Single is quite a bit different than her previous works, but it is every bit as good and I like it – a lot!   It's unique and totally different than anything I have read before.  It is quite an enjoyable and delightful read and has every ingredient I love in a romance.  From wittiness to snarky humor to scorching hot romance, this book will indeed appeal to all lovers of New Adult Romance.  There were a couple of times I was wondering how this story was going to end due to some twists I didn’t see coming, but all in all I was really happy with the ending and it left me with a huge smile.  This one is another must read from Jessica Frances and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
 
 
“Whether we live happily ever after together or happily ever single together, what is important to me is that we’re together.”
 
5 Stars
 
“You know, it is so unfair. Why is it so forbidden to be single? Why am I not complete unless I am stupidly in love with someone, even if that someone makes me miserable? Was there a memo that I missed? One the entire population received that I somehow lost? Why is it that my worth is judged on whether or not I’m married? Why do I have to be in love to be whole? I’m perfectly happy and content by myself. However, everyone automatically assumes I only say that because I haven’t found love. What’s so fucking special about love? Sure, it can be great, until it’s not, until your heart is ripped out, and you lose yourself completely. Until your best friend has to break into your apartment and pry the container of melted ice cream out of your hands and throw you in the bathtub because you got more all over your body than in your mouth!”
“Hey, that only happened once … four times,” Jules weakly complains.
“I don’t know why I have to defend the fact that I am single. I hate that I am considered weird or a freak because I am not desperately trying to find love. I don’t want to get married. I don’t want kids, and I don’t want to be trapped in a loveless relationship just because it is considered normal to be paired up.” I take deep breaths, my head swimming from lack of oxygen from my serious ranting.
“Whoa, how long have you been holding that in?” Jules asks.
“My entire life, but overhearing my cousins basically laughing at me earlier and saying I’m going to be a crazy cat lady didn’t help.”
“I’m sorry about that. Your cousins are such bitches.” I don’t need to explain it was my orange cousins; they are the only ones I ever seriously bitch about to Jules.  
“I know, and I shouldn’t let their words get to me. I really couldn’t care less what they think. I just hate how society has given us all this expectation of what our lives should look like, and now, if we don’t meet it, we’re hounded over it. I don’t know the last time I had a conversation with a family member that didn’t have the mention of me being single. I’m sick of it.”
 
 
Jessica Frances was born and raised in South Australia, quite possibly born with a book in her hand already. An avid reader her whole life, a pen finally appeared in her hand and she began her journey writing her own stories. The voices in her head have not slowed down and hopefully they never will.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-blog-tour-happily-ever.html

Book Review ~ Sacrifice (Succubus Kiss #3) by Jennifer Snyder

Sacrifice (A Succubus Kiss Novel Book 3) - Jennifer Snyder
Sacrifice
(Succubus Kiss #3)
by Jennifer Snyder 
 
 
The battle between Kenna Blake and the wraith isn’t over…

As the wraith grows stronger, Kenna is forced to follow the devastating path she has struggled to avoid since becoming a succubus. Her desire to free herself from him increases—but the cost of riding herself of the wraith comes at a shocking cost she isn’t willing to pay.
 
Once she commits an unspeakable act while overtaken by the wraith, Kenna fears he has won and that she is out of options, as well as time. It is after this devastating moment occurs that a savior steps forward, willing to sacrifice eternity for her salvation.

Will Kenna change her mind and allow someone to pay the ultimate price for her soul?
 

 

Click HERE to add Sacrifice to your 
Goodreads TBR List NOW!


Since Sacrifice is book three of the Succubus Kiss series, I am not going to recap what went on during this crazy ride as it might reveal some spoilers for readers who have yet to start this epic and amazing journey that we are taking with Kenna as she battles for her life.  But I can assure you that Sacrifice has so many twists and turns that you will not be expecting, some really hot romance and a plot that will keep you glued to the pages.  From the cover to the actual story, this installment is my favorite in the series so far.
 
With each installment of the Succubus Kiss series, Jennifer Snyder continues to amaze me with her ability to keep me on the edge of my seat and constantly guessing how this story will play out.  Sacrifice is no exception and in fact the story took a few turns I did not see coming and left me with so many questions.  I got so involved with Sacrifice and could not put it down, mainly because of how effortlessly the writing flowed, but the intensity of the drama and romance that unfolded literally had me holding my breath and desperately wanting to know more.  The cliffhanger ending however hit me like a freight train and left me completely and utterly speechless.  It took me awhile to wrap my head around everything that happened and to gather my thoughts.  Seriously, Ms. Snyder has become an expert at keeping her readers coming back for more – craving the next installment like a drug.  Her creative mind is evil and pure ingenious, which results in effectively luring her readers to come back and find out what will happen next. 
 

If you are a fan of paranormal romance and looking for a read that is fast-paced, sexy, fun and intense you will definitely need to check out this addictive and captivating series.
 
5 stars

 
Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing New Adult and Young Adult Fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.
SHATTERED SOUL was my debut novel and no, you haven’t seen the end of me yet…
Facebook Author Page


 
Don't miss the rest of the series!
Here's what readers are saying:
"Seduce provides a very interesting twist on the typical paranormal storyline."
 
"There are several times I laughed out loud and SO many moments in this story had me smiling because this book is charming, funny and addicting."
 
"Dex, LOVEEEEE him and we definitely need more of him! He's hilarious and I loved every scene with him in it!"
 
"It's hot, steamy and guys are drool worthy."
 
Take a glimpse at the books in the succubus kiss series:
 
About Kiss of Awakening:
(Prequel novella to Seduce)
 
With one kiss, everything will change…
When a mysterious letter arrives from her estranged mother, twenty-one year old Kenna Blake and her best friend, Bree, make a trip to New Orleans hoping for a little Halloween fun and to get away. The mystifying Crescent City has something else in store for her though.
Cryptic messages, a hot tour guide, and a new sense Kenna can’t seem to explain are just the beginning of this eye opening trip. Will Kenna accept what awakens with in her or will she crumble under its reality?


 About Seduce (Succubus Kiss, Book 1):Title: Seduce Series: Book #1: Succubus Kiss Series Author: Jennifer Snyder Expected publication: February 24, 2015Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, iTunes, Kobo, Google Play, Paperback

Life isn’t so bad for succubus, Kenna Blake. True, she seems to be the only succubus with a conscience and a specific strategy for finding her male meals, but she has a cute new apartment, a budding graphic design business, and the most unique friends she’s ever had.
Her personal love life, however, is non-existent.
Until the legendary vampire Randal Vincent sweeps into her life. Even though he isn’t someone she set out to date, at least she can kiss him without killing him. But when you’re dating someone who’s the inspiration for Dracula, there are bound to be a few hiccups along the way…


About Savor (Succubus Kiss, Book 2):Amazon, B&N, iTunes, Kobo, Google Play, Smashwords, Paperback

Succubus Kenna Blake has been infected by a wraith…
The infection is just the beginning. As the wraith slowly gains control, Kenna must fight to keep a firm hold on her succubus nature, before she disappears completely.
Following the only clue her mother has to offer, she tracks down the infamous Luke Bloom, owner of Love Potion #9, hoping for the answers she desperately needs. Unfortunately, Luke doesn’t harbor the magic that could rid her of the wraith and save Kenna’s soul…but his twin sister, Lexy does.
The problem: Lexy Bloom relinquished her magic five years ago and went into hiding.
As Kenna finds herself plagued by nightmares created by the wraith, she vows to do whatever necessary to rid herself of its darkness. Until she learns her only escape comes in the form of a rare spell requiring a shocking cost…
 
Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-sacrifice-succubus-kiss-3.html

Book Review ~ You (You #1) by Caroline Kepnes

You: A Novel - Caroline Kepnes
 
You
(You #1)
by Caroline Kepnes
 
From debut author Caroline Kepnes comes You, one of Suspense Magazine’s Best Books of 2014, and a brilliant and terrifying novel for the social media age.
 
When a beautiful, aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card.
 
There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting.
 
As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder.
 
Click HERE to add to Goodreads
 
You by Caroline Kepnes is a book where after reading, you might contemplate cutting off  all ties from social media and maybe email for the rest of your life without even missing it.   This is a chilling read that will dig its claws into you and devour any safe feeling you have when you post your status or pictures on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.  You will not want anyone to know anything about your life after reading this book.  The reason behind this quest for life as a social network hermit?  One Joe Goldberg. 
 
Joe Goldberg is a seriously f**ked up psychotic and obsessive man who will go through any lengths to get the woman of his desire, Guinevere Beck (Beck to her friends).  Poor unsuspecting Beck can’t help herself from constantly posting about her life on any social network site – leaving breadcrumbs everywhere and making it so much easier for Joe to keep tabs on her.  But Joe can be a charmer and Beck falls for him not knowing that in the depths of his sick and twisted mind he is planning for that one day when Beck will forever be his - to control both her body and her mind.
 
I both loved and hated this book - not because of the writing, but for the main character Joe.  Joe is not a character that will give you a warm and fuzzy feeling.  From the very beginning I instantly disliked him and at the end I hated him.  I would like to tell you that Joe is just a misunderstood fellow, that he could seek help to fix this issue, but in all honesty you can't fix this level of craziness.  His only redeeming quality in my opinion is that he is an avid reader who works in a book store - but that is where the love ends for me.  Most of this story is told via Joe’s point of view through his thoughts and actions and the reader really gets to 'see' inside his mind – and let me tell you, it’s a jumbled hot mess. Joe is a seriously messed up person with some major mental problems.  He thought nothing of killing anyone who came between him and Beck.  He is a true sociopath who truly gave me the creeps.
 
You is a dark, twisted and chilling tale that totally immersed me in a reading experience like no other and I am a bit disturbed that I liked it as much as I did.  I wanted to put the book down and stop reading, but just couldn't.  I just had to know how this story played out and as expected, it did not have a happy ending.  Although You wrapped up quite nicely (and by nicely I just mean no major cliffhanger), the author opened the door for the next installment of this twisted series and even after the love/hate relationship that I had with Joe, I can’t wait for its release.
 
 
This well-written book is not an easy read, but it will challenge you as you take a dark and twisted journey into the mind of a cold-hearted, psychotic, stalkerish killer.  Check it out, but be prepared to get the major creeps....because you will have them.
 
4 stars
 
 
 
 

 

Caroline Kepnes is the author of You and Hidden Bodies. She splits her time between Los Angeles, California and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
 
Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-you-you-1-by-caroline-kepnes.html

Book Review ~ Shattered Memories by Susan Harris

Shattered Memories - Susan Harris
Shattered Memories
by Susan Harris
  
 

 

A terrible tragedy forced Alana McCarthy to forget a year of her life. Now she is to be executed for a crime she does not remember committing—the murder of her entire family. Lost and alone, Alana is terrified of unlocking secrets buried so deep inside her mind that she's willing to forget the one person who could set her free.

Daniel Costello hasn't forgotten about Alana, and he will do anything and everything to protect the girl he loves. But first, Alana needs to unlock her memories and find out the truth about what happened the night her family was killed.

The day of her execution is set. Together, will Alana and Daniel be able to uncover the truth behind her family's deaths before it's too late?
 
Click HERE to add to Goodreads
 
I really did not know what to expect before starting this one, but the synopsis and the cover just called out to me and I knew that this was one book that I had to read.  I am so glad that I answered that call, because Shattered Memories was an amazing read!  From the very first page I was hooked with the unique story line and the captivating characters.  Alana is one of those characters and I couldn't help but pull for her as she tried to regain her memories from that awful night her parents and sister were brutally murdered.  She always stayed true to her belief that there was no way she could have done such a horrible thing even knowing that if she ever found out the truth, she was destined to die regardless.  Daniel is another character that I just fell in love with.  Doing everything in his power to prove that the girl he so desperately loved was innocent and in the process risking his life.  The other supporting characters really rounded out this amazing story and made it a fun and enjoyable read.
 
This whole story was simply fantastic and well extremely well-written.  I loved that the author gives the reader a brief history lesson on how this dismal world and way of life came to be which really gave me a better understanding of the events in the story. With every page, I literally was holding my breath at times needing Alana to remember the past year of her life - not only to prove her innocence, but remembering the love that her and Daniel had for one another.  The ending left me breathless and I really did not expect the outcome - not one bit.  Matter of fact, it left me in tears and angry, but also left me full of hope and happiness.  I know, confusing, right?  But in all seriousness, Ms. Harris really drew me into this story with the unique plot and her effortless writing - I loved every second of it!
 
 
Overall, Shattered Memories is an utterly captivating and engrossing read that was unique and exciting.  It's a definite must read for fans of dystopian fiction who are craving something uniquely fresh and thrilling.
 
5 stars
 

 

 
 
 
Susan Harris is a writer from Cork in Ireland. An avid reader, she quickly grew to love books in the supernatural/fantasy genre. When she is not writing or reading, she loves music, oriental cultures, tattoos, anything Disney and psychology. If she wasn't a writer she would love to be a FBI profiler or a PA for Dave Grohl or Jared Leto.
 
 
 
Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-shattered-memories-by-susan.html

Book Review ~ The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Dziewczyna z pociÄ…gu - Paula Hawkins
The Girl on the Train
by Paula Hawkins
 
Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.
 
And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?
 
Click HERE to add to Goodreads
 
Holy schnikes, y’all.  I’m speechless….I don’t even know where to begin without giving anything away, so for the sake of this review, I’m not going to recap anything and just let you know what I thought.  I’m a little late to this party, so my thoughts may not matter, but let me begin by stating that this book was simply AMAZING!
 
The Girl on the Train is an intriguing and an utterly compelling literary masterpiece that has become one of my favorite reads this year.  What started out as a slow burn blazed into this fire – this raging desire to continue reading this twisted tale that kept me guessing throughout.  This whole story sucked me in – keeping me on the edge of my seat and captivated with each word. This is one of those books that I am not quite sure why I waited so long to start and in the end I was kicking myself for putting it off for so long. This book consumed me and I found myself not wanting to put it down for even a second.
 
 
The Girl on the Train will entrance you with the almost lyrical prose and challenge you as you try to peel back the many layers of the complex story.  The story is told from three POV’s and the author switches perspectives flawlessly throughout.  It is extremely well-written and the plot flowed smoothly and effortlessly.  Ms. Hawkins is a new author for me, but one that I will be on the lookout for in the future.  This book is some seriously good writing and one that will appeal to anyone looking for a suspenseful and thrilling read.  But be warned…once you start, you will not want to put it down, so just be prepared for life to be put on hold until the last page is turned.
 
5 stars
 
 
 
 
 

 

Paula Hawkins worked as a journalist for fifteen years before turning her hand to fiction.
 
Born and brought up in Zimbabwe, Paula moved to London in 1989 and has lived there ever since. The Girl on the Train is her first thriller.
 

 

 

 

 

Book Review ~ Deadly Bouquet (Deadly Ridgeview Series Book 1) by Ina Britton

Deadly Bouquet (Deadly Ridgeview) (Volume 1) - Ina Britton
Deadly Bouquet
(Deadly Ridgeview Series Book 1)
by Ina Britton
 
In this new and exciting boomer lit romance there is new love, mystery, and intrigue. If you believe love is possible at any age, then then new romantic mystery is for you.
 
In the wake of her husband’s death, Sarah Fields ventures forth, leaving her teaching career and Atlanta behind. Too many memories and ghosts of the past would have haunted her, had she stayed. Looking for a new start, she relocates to her mountain home, Ridgeview, and opens a small but quaint flower boutique. Sarah isn’t sure she believes in romance over 50, but her shop and new life are a dream. A dream she’s put on hold for far too long. It is a dream that leads her into the arms of retired FBI agent, Jake Green.
 
However, it seems the beautiful, out-of-the-way community has a seedy underbelly run by the mob, and Jake’s been asked to consult on an underground money laundering operation. Soon, Sarah’s blossoming relationship is embroiled in a twisted tale of danger and deceit from which neither may emerge unscathed. Has Jake fallen for Sarah, or does he believe she may be part of the operation?
 
Written for anyone who has loved and lost...and believes in love again. Deadly Bouquet is far more than a typical romantic mystery. Deadly Bouquet is all about romance over 50. If you enjoy boomer lit and romantic fiction, delve into the heart of the matter and download this book today.
 
Click HERE to add to Goodreads
 
Romance, mystery and mayhem is what awaits you as you begin this brand new novel written by Ina Britton.  Deadly Bouquet is a good old fashion romance and “who-done-it” novel that has all the ingredients needed for a great reading escape.
 
Deadly Bouquet falls within a genre that is new to me – boomer lit romance.  Geared more for the boomer generation (those born between 1946 and 1964), this genre is centered on boomers finding love for the second time.  The main characters in Deadly Bouquet, Sarah and Jake, are older and more mature.  They have already figured out life for the most part and are now dealing with widowhood, divorce and just plain starting over from other life-changing events. Along with the adorable romance building between the characters, there is a mystery to be solved.  With these elements combined, the author has created a story that is perfect reading for a lazy day.
 
For a first novel, I commend Ms. Britton for writing a delightful and entertaining story.  I really enjoyed the fact that the two main characters were older, more mature individuals.  They provided a different and unique prospective that was a welcome change from a typical romance/mystery novel.  In regards to the romance, I thought it was sweet and very endearing.  There is nothing like a second chance at love story that always pulls at my heart strings.  Sarah and Jake are ‘real’ people and I think most readers will be drawn to them instantly.  Since they are older, there is none of the drama that is typical with the younger generation that we generally find in the New Adult genre.  The characters in this story deal with real problems and deal with conflict in a more reasonable and mature way and I really enjoyed the change. This is a ‘clean’ story with sexual situations implied, which really leaves it up to the reader to use their imagination.
 
The beginning of the book is somewhat of an introduction to the characters and the town in which the story is located.  With the author’s very vivid and detailed descriptions, I was really able to connect to the story and visualize what was going on and thought it set the stage quite nicely.  In addition to the second chance romance story, there is a nice little mystery to solve.  The author gives the reader just enough clues for us to try and solve the mystery ourselves and it really keeps up the guessing factor throughout.  The story is mainly told from two POV’s, but the reader also gets a glimpse of the thoughts and actions from a couple of the other characters from time to time.
 
Although there were a few misspelled words, they did not take away from the story at all and for the most part was well-written.  I think my one biggest complaint about the story was the repetition of details at times, more specifically revolving the events of opening the flower shop – not a huge deal, but I felt it was not necessary.  Once the actual solving of the mystery commenced, this was not a problem anymore. Overall, Deadly Bouquet was a story that I enjoyed and one that I would recommend if you find yourself looking for a unique read that it is a definite change of pace.
 
 
4 stars
 
 
 
 
 
Ina Britton lives in Oldsmar, Florida (right outside Tampa) with her husband of 30 years, and three feral cats, Pepe, Midnight and Oreo. She loves to spend time with family and play golf with her husband, but her biggest passion is writing. Ina is firmly planted in the middle of the baby boomer generation and believes that life doesn’t quit after 50 but gets more interesting.
 


Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-deadly-bouquet-deadly.html

Book Review ~ Beneath the Cape—The Superhero Anthology (Benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project)

Beneath the Cape: The Superhero Anthology: Benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project - Christine Zolendez, Lynn Vroman, D. Nichole King, Laura Thalassa, Sunniva Dee, Angela  McPherson, Cheryl McIntyre, Magan Vernon

This is simply an amazing anthology with a spectacular collection of stories written by some very talented authors.  And you know what the best part of all is about this collection?  The proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project! 

 

The stories in this anthology center on Superheroes and that is what the real men and women who fight every day are to us – the real heroes. They risk their lives for us – fight for our freedom – our HEROES.   But this fight does not come without cost.  The men and women fighting for our freedom, protecting us from harm, get hurt in battle, whether it’s physically or mentally.  They are wounded and will forever carry around the scars and not really asking for anything in return.  But we can all help in some way and I think it’s great that these eight authors bring it by providing us, the reader, with not only seven action-packed, sexy, entertaining stories, but by donating the proceeds to the men and women who have given so much to us.

 

The stories in this collection are unique and well worth the time and money invested.  Each well-written story grabbed my attention and had me hooked.  I even discovered some fantastic authors I had not previously read before.  You can’t possibly go wrong by picking up this collection and know that you have helped someone that has helped you.  This is a win-win deal any way you look at it and I would highly recommend this anthology to anyone, especially those who like science fiction/fantasy with a scorching hot touch of romance.

 

Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-release-bllitz-beneath.html

Book Review ~ Bad Reputation (Bad Reputation #1) by K.B. Nelson

Bad Reputation - K.B.  Nelson
 
 
Bad Reputation
(Bad Reputation #1)
by K.B. Nelson

Date Published:  June 15, 2015
 
Apple Malloy is a woman scorned. Scorned by a society that has shamed her, and scorned by the men who have claimed her. On the verge of college graduation, Apple finds herself entangled in one last game of manipulation, deceit and sexual corruption with her former lover, and constant enabler, Brick Valmont.

Apple sets her sights on Jensen Moon—the enigmatic professor who had failed her the semester prior—and vows revenge. She’ll make him fall in love with her, and then break his heart, leaving his reputation destroyed in the process.

Brick makes her a wager she can’t refuse.

If Apple can seduce Jensen before Brick can sleep with Tyra Young, the beautiful, innocent daughter of a sitting U.S. Senator, then she will emerge victorious. If she wins, she gets the satisfaction that she has beaten him at his own game. If she loses, she must sleep with Brick one last time before heading separate ways.

Apple is a pro at this. She knows how to maneuver men and wrap them around her finger. She knows how to get what she wants, but Jensen tosses an unexpected grenade into her path to victory. Soon, she realizes it is she that might face the worst fate of all.

She falls in love.

Jensen has a power over Apple and it terrifies her. He can make her feel things. He can make her heart race. He might be the only one capable of saving her soul before it’s too late. But one thing is certain—nobody escapes unscathed in this titillating story of manipulation where nothing is as it appears.

Bad Reputation is the first book in the Bad Reputation series, and is loosely based on the 1782 classic novel, Dangerous Liaisons. 
 
Click HERE to add to Goodreads


It's a game of manipulation based on lies and deceit that leaves a trail of broken hearts behind.  For Apple Malloy, this is her way of getting revenge against any guy that has wronged her.  It's a game she plays very well as she has been trained by the best - Brick Valmont. 
 
The relationship between Apple and Brick is somewhat twisted and has so many layers that would keep even a physiologist dumb-founded. 
 
"I'm his proudest accomplishment and his biggest prize, but underneath all the bullshit, he understands me.  I understand him.  We're two of a fucked-up kind."
 
Yep, they truly are two very effed up people, but I liked how they operated.  The game of seduction they play is sick and perverse, but they do it so well.  With the glimpse's we get of Apple's past throughout the story, you begin to understand why she does what she does.  Brick on the other hand is still a mystery to me, but I have a feeling I will get to know him better in the next installment, and I can't wait!
 
As college graduation approaches, Apple and Brick wager one last time.  But this time Apple faces perhaps her greatest obstacle ever - falling in love with the man she had intended on ruining.
 
K.B. Nelson has done it once again folks!  Bad Reputation is a phenomenal story that made me not want to stop reading.  Seriously.  It pained me to put it down for even a second.  This story is a fast paced, hot and sexy tale that is gritty, hard and has a lot of bite.  It keeps you engaged and anxious to keep turning the pages to see how everything is going to play out.
 

If you are a fan of Nelson, then this is another MUST read.  If you aren't a fan or unfamiliar with the authors work then this is the absolute perfect choice for you to check out Nelson's writing style for yourself and become as hooked as I and others have become.  It's a highly addictive read that is sizzling HOT and I can't wait for the next installment to be released.   
 
5 stars
 
 
 
 

I grew up on a farm in Ohio, but that's not very interesting, is it? When I'm not writing you can find me doing one of two things; getting lost on highways or getting lost in the lives of fictional characters. If my heart had two feet, one foot would be in romance and the other solidly in geekdom. I hope you'll all follow me on my journey through this carnival they call life. I promise there will be a happy ending. 
 

 

 
Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/06/book-review-bad-reputation-bad.html

Book Review ~ Off the Page (Between the Lines #2) by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer

Off the Page - Samantha van Leer, Jodi Picoult
 
 
 
Off the Page
(Between the Lines #2)
by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer
Illustrations by Yvonne Gilbert
 
 
From #1 New York Times bestselling authors Jodi Picoult and her daughter and co-writer, Samantha van Leer, comes OFF THE PAGE, a tender and appealing romantic YA novel filled with humor, adventure, and magical relationships.
 
Sixteen-year-old Delilah is finally united with Oliver—a prince literally taken from the pages of a fairy tale. There are, however, complications now that Oliver has been able to enter the real world. To exist in Delilah’s world, Oliver must take the place of a regular boy. Enter Edgar, who agrees to take Oliver’s role in Delilah’s favorite book. In this multilayered universe, the line between what is on the page and what is possible is blurred, but all must be resolved for the characters to live happily ever after. Includes twelve full-color illustrations, and black-and-white decorations throughout.
 
Full of humor and witty commentary about life, OFF THE PAGE is a stand-alone novel as well as a companion to the authors’ bestseller Between the Lines, and is perfect for readers looking for a fairytale ending. Fans of Sarah Dessen and Meg Cabot are sure to appreciate this novel about love, romance, and relationships.
 
Click HERE to add to Goodreads
 
Once upon a time, there was a girl named Deliah and a prince named Oliver and they fell madly in love and lived happily-ever-after.  The End.
 
Oh wait…..I need to let you know what I thought of this cute story!!!
 
Off the Page is an enchanting and delightful read that I enjoyed reading a lot!  When I first picked it up and noticed that it was a companion novel to Between the Lines, I was a bit leery since I had not read Between the Lines and thought I would not know what was going on.  I couldn’t have been more wrong.  The authors did such a wonderful job; I really didn’t need to read the first book to know what happened.
 
So apparently in Between the Lines, Deliah falls in love with a prince in a fairy tale that she has been reading.  But this was no ordinary fairy tale, oh no.  See, the characters in this book are actually alive within the story and when the book is opened by the reader, they begin their story telling skills.  When the book is closed, the characters live their lives within the confines of the book.  The prince in this story is Oliver, and he and Deliah fall madly in love.  There is just that one problem though of Oliver being a two-dimensional character.   After careful planning and a lot of trial and error, Oliver is finally out of the book living in the real world. 
 
Off the Page continues this story and what an entertaining story it was!  Living in a fairy tale is nothing like the real world, and Oliver has a lot of learning to do in order to look and sound normal.  It was enjoyable to read about him trying to figure out high school and meet new friends.  Thankfully, he has Deliah by his side helping him navigate his new world. 
 
For the most part, this was a happy story, but toward the end, there are some depressing and sad parts – somewhat like real life I suppose.  We have to take the good with the bad and the characters in this book and the story itself demonstrated this lesson very well. 
 
 
As I started reading this story, I was immediately hooked, not only with the wonderful writing, but with the beautiful illustrations that were included throughout.  It was full of funny moments and witty dialogue that made the story that more enjoyable.  This was an amazing story and the mother/daughter author team did a spectacular job in writing it.  This is the perfect novel for any young adult, but really, anyone looking to read a light-hearted story with a unique and delightful story line will enjoy Off the Page.
 
4 stars
 
 
Jodi Picoult is the author of twenty-two novels, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers The Storyteller, Lone Wolf, Between the Lines, Sing You Home, House Rules, Handle with Care, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, and My Sister’s Keeper. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children.
 

 

 
Samantha van Leer is a junior in high school. She conceived the idea for Between the Lines and pitched it to her mom, Jodi Picoult, who was in the middle of a book tour. In her spare time, Samantha can be found playing softball, doing contemporary dance, acting and singing in musicals, and cuddling on the ground with her two dogs, Dudley and Oliver—for whom the prince in this fairy tale was named.
 
 
 
 

 

 
Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/06/book-review-off-page-between-lines-2-by.html

Book Review ~ Give Me Your Answer True by Suanne Laqueur

Give Me Your Answer True - Suanne Laqueur
 
 
Give Me Your Answer True
by Suanne Laqueur
Published June 20, 2015 by Cathedral Rock Press
 
 
 
“What I feel has no name…”
 
Following her award-winning debut novel The Man I Love, author Suanne Laqueur now gives Daisy Bianco a chance to tell her story.
 
It’s been three years since an egregious error of judgement cost Daisy the love of her life. Erik was a conduit to her soul but now he’s chosen a path of total disconnection, refusing to speak to her. Alone and shattered, she attempts to take responsibility for her actions while building her career as a professional dancer in New York City. But Erik’s unforgiving estrangement proves too much for her strength. Plagued by flashbacks to the shootings at Lancaster, she falls into a dangerous spiral of self-harm, cutting into her own skin as a means to atone. Only the timely appearance of an old friend, John “Opie” Quillis, saves her from self-destruction and gives her a chance to love again.
 
Laqueur skillfully weaves flashbacks to the years at Lancaster with Daisy’s present life. Supported by John’s patient affection, she works to separate her evolution as an adult from the unresolved guilt and grief of her youth. As her professional accomplishments lift her out of depression, Daisy learns to hold onto her accountability without letting it become her identity. Years pass and she builds a beautiful life filled with dance and friends. Lovers come and eventually go, leaving her on her own with the old thought: Come back to me.
 
In this parallel narrative, Laqueur peels open the beloved characters from The Man I Love to reveal new and complex layers of vulnerability. The scars from the shooting are deep and pervasive within this circle of friends. Like Daisy, they evolved without being resolved. Because when questions from the past go unheeded, you alone must find and give your answers true.
 

Click HERE to add to Goodreads
 
 “’It’s the first time I understand how love can have a physical expression,” she said.  “Because everything I like about you I want to have inside me.  I want to put it with mine and make it us.’”
 
 
In Suanne Laqueur’s first novel, The Man I love, we read the story from Erik’s point of view and what a story it was – I loved every minute of it.  Truth be told, I was somewhat reluctant to read the author’s newest novel, Give Me Your Answer True because this time it’s told from Daisy’s point of view and I was quite afraid it was going to be the same story with just some minor changes.  My fear was for nothing though as this story is far from the same. This new perspective gives a truly epic story even more depth as we take this journey with Daisy.  Give Me Your Answer True is an absolutely beautiful story that flows as effortlessly as a well-choreographed dance.  I was majorly impressed with the author’s debut novel, but with her second novel, I am just simply astounded at the talent she has.  If I had to sum up Ms. Laqueur’s talent and ability to tell a story in just one word it would have to be perfection.
 
This is Daisy’s side of the story – her words - and is at first told via flashbacks as she is talking with her therapist, Rita – trying to remember the buried memories of that tragic day in April and working through her issues with not only Erik but other things that have plagued her with despair and hopelessness – the need to hurt, the need for pain.  Once the past catches up to the present, Rita really starts to dig into the ‘why’ of everything and helping Daisy deal with her post-traumatic stress disorder and her experience with self-harming.  After discovering the root of her emotional problems, it was a pure joy to ‘see’ Daisy blossoming into the happy person she deserved to be. 
 
I feel that this way of retelling the story really worked as I had a better and deeper understanding of Daisy and the other supporting characters within the story. I actually felt the love, the despair and the heartache in Daisy’s words as the story unfolded.  The many layers of the complex characters are peeled away and the reader gets to see the rawness, the vulnerability, the flaws and the beauty of each individual person and every incident that makes this story an amazing showcase of brilliant, effortless and beautiful writing.  I must also mention that even though I knew the ending of this story, this time around I found the experience much more fulfilling and my heart is happy due to having a greater connection with Daisy and getting to know her more through the poetic and beautiful words that make this a truly epic and awe-inspiring story.
 
Give Me Your Answer True is more than just a love story.  It is also a story of innocence lost, heartache and despair, discovery of one’s self and being true to yourself.  From true love, to the loss of friends due to do a horrific act of hate and the need to feel again through pain, to forgiveness,  this story will grab you and forever haunt you and stay within your heart even when the last sentence has been read.
 

5 stars
 
Suanne Laqueur graduated from Alfred University with a double major in dance and theater. She taught at the Carol Bierman School of Ballet Arts in Croton-on-Hudson for ten years. An avid reader, cook and gardener, she started her blog www.eatsreadsthinks in 2010, and now writes at www.suannelaqueur.com. Suanne lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband and two children. The Man I Love is her first novel, to be followed by Give Me Your Answer True in June 2015.
 
 


Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/06/book-review-give-me-your-answer-true-by.html

Book Review ~ Shadow of a Doubt (The Tangled Ivy Trilogy #2) by Tiffany Snow

Shadow of a Doubt (Tangled Ivy) - Tiffany Snow
 
 
Shadow of a Doubt
(The Tangled Ivy Trilogy #2)
by Tiffany Snow
 
Ivy Mason has it all: beauty, a plush apartment, a fancy car, and a debonair British spy boyfriend who pays all her bills. If only her boyfriend was in her life—and her bed—more than just sporadically.
 
Part of an underground British agency called the Shadow, Devon Clay knows that secrecy is what has kept him alive. Anyone he loves is a liability, and being involved with him puts the other person in grave danger. Yet Ivy is someone his heart can’t resist.
 
When an enemy from Devon’s past returns, the spy and his girlfriend are thrown headlong into an international conspiracy that puts everyone Ivy loves at risk. From the Missouri River bottoms to the brothels of Amsterdam, Ivy and Devon must outrun and outmaneuver the forces allied against them, and no one can be trusted.
 
Click HERE to add to Goodreads
 
 
So, I just finished Shadow of a Doubt and I find myself a complete and utter emotional wreck.  Never before has a book consumed me as much as this story did.  I loved In His Shadow, the first book in this trilogy, but this book?  This book exceeded every expectation that I had.  There is so much to love within these pages – from suspense, hot and steamy romance and characters you just want to shoot.  Let’s talk about the characters for a moment though.
 
Ivy – you know, at first I just wanted to hate this girl.  I was tired of hearing how beautiful she was and how all the men found her attractive.  I got tired of hearing about her taste in clothing, shoes and other fine things.  I was just tired of Ivy (or just perhaps a bit jealous).  But once the story really started, I got over those few nuisances, because I just realized that is who she is whether I like it or not.  She is able to handle a lot of crap, and still come out stronger in the end.  She’s kind, caring and has a huge heart and her love for Devon is almost an obsession – but really, who can blame her.
 
Devon – Oh Good Lord!  What a man - A hot, sexy man who any woman would love to have warm their bed, and their heart.  But when Devon is around, you know there is going to be intriguing and deadly thrills that will have your heart racing.  This man really knows how to treat a woman and he treats Ivy well – really well!  Beneath the tough exterior is this soft teddy bear of a man and I like him – A LOT!
 
Vega – God, I hate this woman.  She is a conniving, back-stabbing, evil and wretched bitch that I truly believe was born without a heart and if she does have one, it is stone cold frozen.  There is a special place in Hell for this woman and someone needs to send her there on a one-way ticket FAST.
 
The other supporting characters really bring this story together and make it thrilling and suspenseful read.
 
While immersing myself in this flawlessly written story, I never knew what to expect with each turn of the page.  It definitely kept me on the edge my seat feverishly devouring each sentence - craving it like a drug.  The writing is absolutely beautiful and flowed so effortlessly.  I quite simply did not want it to end.  This is a love story that is unlike any other and I think Ms. Snow outdid herself in this installment. 
 
I picked out two of my favorite quotes, just to give you a taste of what’s in this spectacular and amazing story:
 
“….just because we can’t have more doesn’t mean what we do have isn’t worth something.”
“We were a pair, he and I.  Both damaged goods, but from the outside looking in we were perfect – our pretty facades hiding the broken and jagged parts of our souls.  Perhaps that’s why we fit so well together.  The shattered pieces of our psyches were just enough to complete the other.”
I have been a fan of Tiffany Snow since her very first book, and her writing just keeps getting better and better.  Shadow of a Doubt has it all - romance, suspense, drama and so much more.   I dare say that this might just be my favorite book written by her so far – and that really says a lot, because her Kathleen Turner Series was beyond amazing.  As I stated before, this book left me an emotional wreck afterward and left me craving more.  The final installment of this trilogy can’t get here quick enough – I NEED MORE! 
 
Fans of Romantic Suspense will love this one, so be sure to check it out – but be sure to read Book One, In His Shadow first if you haven’t already!
 
 
5 + stars
 

 

 
Tiffany attended the University of Missouri – Columbia, attaining two degrees in History and Social Studies Education. After working many years as an instructor and consultant in the Information Technology field, Tiffany now writes full-time.
 
Tiffany loves to read and has been reading romance novels since she was way too young to read such things. She has an unhealthy obsession for all things Doctor Who, prefers Pepsi to Coke and Absolut to both, thinks men who drink girly cocktails are wusses, has learned to never stop believing in her beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and can recite the entire scripts of When Harry Met Sally and Apollo 13. George Washington is cool, Bon Jovi still rocks the house, and Bruce Willis is the ultimate alpha-male hero.
 
Married with two wonderful daughters, Tiffany and her family make their home in Kansas City, Missouri, not far from where she was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri.
 
 
Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-shadow-of-doubt-tangled-ivy.html

Book Review ~ Power Play (The Risky Business Series) by Tiffany Snow

Power Play - Tiffany Snow
 
 
Power Play
(Risky Business #1)
by Tiffany Snow
Expected publication: June 30th 2015 by Forever
 
THIS KIND OF BUSINESS CAN ONLY BE PERSONAL
 
Sage Reese lives for her job. More precisely, she lives for her debonair boss, Parker Andersen. Sage handles everything for Parker, even as she fantasizes about the one thing that isn't in her job description: him. But when a high-stakes account crosses the line from shady to deadly, a tough cop starts giving Sage the attention she wishes Parker would . . .
 
Detective Dean Ryker couldn't be more different from Parker. While Parker wears expensive suits like a second skin and drives a BMW, Ryker's uniform is leather jackets and jeans . . . and his ride of choice is a Harley. While Parker's sexiness is a reserved, slow burn, Ryker is completely upfront about what-and who-he's after. And Sage tops his list.
 
Now, as Ryker digs deeper into the dark side of Parker's business, Sage finds herself caught between two men: the one she's always wanted-and the one who makes her feel wanted like never before . . . 
 

 

Click HERE to add to Goodreads
 
Once again, I have finished a novel written by Tiffany Snow and I find myself awestruck.  Power Play, the first installment of the Risky Business Series was everything I expected from the talented Ms. Snow plus so much more.  If I had to sum up book one of this series, it would be The Kathleen Turner Series on steroids.  It's bigger and better than before with more drama, more romance, and more suspense – just more of everything that I came to love in the other series. 
 
Instead of two brothers, we have two former best friends.  I say former because they both use to be in love with the same woman – a woman who took her own life because she could not stand to come become the two friends.  But what she didn't know is her death tore these two men apart more than ever.  These two men are Ryker, a police detective, and Parker, an investment banker.  Both men are swoon worthy, but I must admit that Ryker has stolen my heart.  This man is the bad boy type that I find myself drawn to who is sex personified and such a smooth talker.  Yep, my heart is with Ryker.  I’m not sure how I feel about Parker yet.  Yes, he is one sexy man, but I just don’t know how I feel about him yet – so I guess you can say that the jury is still out as far as Parker is concerned.
 
Then we have Sage Reese, Administrative Assistant to Parker.  She has been so in love with Parker since day one of her employment and is obsessively dedicated to this man.  She does everything possible to make Parker’s work life flow smoothly.  It’s not until Parker comes under scrutiny due to a big investment deal involving some shady Russian characters that Ryker is on Sage’s radar, and suddenly her love for Parker is not so clear cut.
 
After all the drama and intensity that was never ending, book one ends and it appears that Sage’s decision on which man she is going to choose is pretty clear cut, but then in the final pages we learn that maybe, just maybe, one of the two men wants much, much more than we previously thought.  So yes, we have a love triangle which may turn some readers off, but I must say I loved trying to guess who will end up with whom.
 
I absolutely loved this book!  I finished this one in about a day because I just couldn't put it down.  It kept me guessing throughout and I was biting my nails because of all the high stakes drama that took place. This well-crafted novel had a lot of suspense with just the right amount of romance.  There are plenty of twists and turns that kept me engaged throughout.  Tiffany Snow hit it out of the park with this one and I can’t wait for Playing Dirty to be released. 
 
 
If you loved The Kathleen Turner Series or just love a good romantic suspenseful story with lots of high stakes drama and hot, steamy romance then you’re going to love this new series.  
 
5 stars
 
Tiffany attended the University of Missouri – Columbia, attaining two degrees in History and Social Studies Education. After working many years as an instructor and consultant in the Information Technology field, Tiffany now writes full-time.
 
Tiffany loves to read and has been reading romance novels since she was way too young to read such things. She has an unhealthy obsession for all things Doctor Who, prefers Pepsi to Coke and Absolut to both, thinks men who drink girly cocktails are wusses, has learned to never stop believing in her beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and can recite the entire scripts of When Harry Met Sally and Apollo 13. George Washington is cool, Bon Jovi still rocks the house, and Bruce Willis is the ultimate alpha-male hero.
 
Married with two wonderful daughters, Tiffany and her family make their home in Kansas City, Missouri, not far from where she was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri.
 
 
 
Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-power-play-risky-business.html

Book Review ~ Exposed: An Ethan Frost Novel (Ethan Frost #3) by Tracy Wolff

Exposed - Tracy Wolff

Synopsis ~ 

Ethan Frost, the irresistible leading man from the New York Times bestsellers Ruined and Addicted, returns once again in Exposed—a novel that’s perfect for fans of J. Kenner and Sylvia Day.

 

Will Ethan Frost go too far for the woman he loves?

 

The moment Chloe Girard walked into my life, she exposed secrets and emotions I always thought were best kept buried.

 

She wants to move on, to ignore the past. But I can’t do that. Not when she still suffers. And not when the man who hurt her remains unscathed. So when I discover the perfect opportunity to make him pay for what he did to Chloe, I can’t walk away, no matter the consequences.

 

But there’s a fine line between justice and obsession. As I turn up old crimes and new lies, I know that I’m playing with fire—and risking the very foundations of our relationship.

 

My love for Chloe is absolute. I just hope it’s enough to save us both.

 

My Thoughts ~

Exposed is the third book of the Ethan Frost series, so if you have not read the first two, just stop reading this right now and one-click those babies - you will not be sorry. 

 

Ethan is back and is on a mission to destroy his brother Brandon's life.  It seems only fair as Brandon ruined Chloe's life and Ethan will do everything in his power to protect the love of his life.  But how far is too far? And at what cost to Ethan and Chloe's relationship?

 

In this latest installment of the Ethan Frost series, Tracy Wolff has proven once again that she can write a story that keeps the reader engaged with non-stop action, suspense and steamy sex.  Sebastian and Aria make a cameo appearance and I thought they added that extra special touch to the story.  Ethan and Chloe tie the knot in Vegas and there is a surprise on the way!  Brandon finally gets what is due to him.  My only complaint is that there are a lot of sex scenes in this story and although they are well-written and steamy, there are just way too many of them.  I found myself skipping most of them just to get to the heart of the story and gosh, what a story it is!

 

Overall, this was a fantastic addition to the Ethan Frost series and I can't wait to see what Ms. Wolff gives us in the next book, Flawed.

 

Many thanks to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review ~ Unforgiven: A Soulkeepers Novel by Lori Adams

Unforgiven: A Soulkeepers Novel (The Soulkeepers Book 3) - Lori  Adams

Synopsis ~ 

Otherworldly desire and paranormal action reach new heights in the final installment of The Soulkeepers. As Sophia St. James moves Heaven and Hell to claim her destiny, questions are answered, secrets are revealed—and immortal love is tested.

 

After finally becoming a powerful Spirit Walker, Sophia St. James is shocked to discover that her conjured identical twin, Ka—along with her soul—have been dragged down to Hell by the relentless Demon Knight Dante. Sophia tries to hide the crisis, but there is little hope of keeping any secrets from her red-hot Guardian Angel. Growing suspicious, Michael has been making plans of his own that will bind him and Sophia together forever.

 

But Sophia is plagued with evil visions through Ka’s experiences in Hell. She is terrified that Dante will discover he has taken the wrong Sophia. Desperate to return to her original state before she withers away and dies, she risks everything to go where Michael can’t follow. To bring back Ka and save her own soul, Sophia must now enter the gates of Hell.

 

My Thoughts ~ 

Before I even begin, I want to thank Random House Publishing and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to review this amazing book! The first two installments of the Soulkeepers saga have been so amazingly epic; you can’t even imagine the happiness that filled my heart when I was able to get my hands on an ARC of Unforgiven.  Was it everything I expected it to be?  Oh my, YES - plus so much more than I could ever hope for.

 

Let’s touch on the cover before I dive into my thoughts.  The covers for the first two books in the Soulkeepers series have been beautiful, but this one?  I absolutely LOVE it!  So dark, but yet you know there is about to be an amazing love story between two people.  But who will win Sophia’s heart, Dante or Michael?

 

Now, on to my thoughts.

 

The action starts off right where Awaken left off and Sophia has gotten herself in quite a mess.  Her soul has been ripped from her and placed in her double, Ka, who just happens to be in hell with Dante.  Sophia has to keep this a secret because, well who would want a Spirit Guide without a soul helping you cross over? 

 

Dante is happy as he can be because he believes Sophia finally remembers her past life and the love they had for each other.  As he plans for their life together in Hell, he is totally clueless on what is really going on.  Ka doesn’t help matters any, because she is remembering the love that was lost and now believes she will have everything her heart desires, including power.

 

In Awaken, I will be the first to admit that Michael really did piss me off, but this time around, he redeemed himself.  He now understands that Sophia needs to be her own, unique self and he is 100% on her side and supporting her just as she deserves.  Yet, there is still that little problem that is preventing them to be together – guardian angels are forbidden from loving humans.  Will love conquer all?  Well, just read this amazing story to find out!

 

Just when I thought that Lori Adams couldn't possibly improve what was already perfection, she showed once again what an amazing writer she is by exceeding my expectations – and believe me, they were high.  Unforgiven is so uniquely captivating and so utterly compelling I really had to struggle to put this book down.  With tons of action, hot romance and characters you can’t help but love and love to hate, Unforgiven is a definite must read that I would highly recommend to any fans of paranormal romance.

Source: http://avidbookcollector.blogspot.com/2015/03/book-review-unforgiven-soulkeepers.html