Review: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Title: To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys
 I've Loved Before #1)

Author: Jenny Han
Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Fiction
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Borrowed ARC
First published on Kid Lit Frenzy

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.

I just finished this book and I have to say wow, I really liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Though I've heard lots of great things about Jenny Han (I have her Summer series one shelf waiting to be read and have met her and find her think she’s funny and adorable), contemporary YA novels aren't usually my thing and I wasn't sure how I would feel about this. However, the pretty pink cover drew me in and I decided to give it a chance, and I’m so glad I did. To All the Boys is fantastically written, with well developed characters and relationships that make for a standout novel.

It was hard for me to connect with Lara Jean when I first started reading. Her voice is a lot younger and more naive than what I expected of a 16-year-old in a contemporary YA novel. However, as the story progressed and I got into Lara Jean’s head, I found myself really liking her and relating to her in a lot of ways. Lara Jean reminds me a lot of myself at her age. She is quiet and, while not unpopular, is not a part of the cool crowd. She isn't afraid to be herself but she still cares about what people think of her. She's a little naive and is afraid to move outside of her comfort zone. In a landscape littered with cunning teen assassins and snarky mean girls, Lara Jean’s sincerity and earnestness is a refreshing change.

Another thing I loved in the book were the relationships. While I don’t have sisters, the sibling relationship between the Song sisters rang true. No one knows how love you and to hurt you as much as a sibling does. I loved how strong the family ties were and how they supported each other. There is no absentee parenting in this book. I was also happy that there was no insta-love. I am usually pretty wary of love triangles, but it worked here because all of the characters were well developed and I can see why Lara Jean would be drawn to both boys for different reasons.

The book had some good secondary characters as well, the standout for me being Kitty, Lara Jean’s little sister. She reminds me a little bit of Louise Belcher from Bob’s Burgers and I have a feeling that she will be ruling the world one day. It was also nice to see a little diversity in the book with a bi-racial main character.

My only small gripe about this book is that I wish the ending was a longer. It felt a little rushed and wished I’d had a little more resolution. I’ve heard that the finished copy of the book (I read an ARC) has a longer ending though and I am interested in re-reading the ending to see if it provides a little more closure. And good news is that there will be another book! Things were left a little open ended and I am glad to hear that there will be another book in this charming series.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a sweet, quirky coming of age story that will appeal to fans of contemporary YA fiction and romance. Now that I’ve read Jenny Han I can see why her books are so popular and I look forward to reading her backlist.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Short Story Review: Misbehaving by Tiffany Reisz

Title: Misbehaving

Author: Tiffany Reisz
Publication Date: February 1, 2014
Publisher: Cosmo Hot Reads from Harlequin
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance/Erotica
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Kobo
Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Wanted: Adventurous, open-minded man willing to try anything…

As a popular sex blogger, Beatriz gets paid to have orgasms. So being on deadline the week of her sister’s wedding isn’t as rough as it sounds. There’s just one hitch: Bea’s assignment is to write a review of a sex position manual, but she doesn’t have a plus one to play with.

The good news: Ben, the one who got away back in college, is also attending stag--and he's as temptingly gorgeous as ever.

The bad news: Ben turned down Bea’s offer of graduation night sex five years ago.

The best news: He’s not planning on making the same mistake twice.

If you don't already know, I am a huge Tiffany Reisz fangirl. Her Original Sinners series is fantastic and I'll pretty much read anything that she releases. When I heard that she was releasing a new short story about a blogger who writes about sex and her weekend wedding fling with the one that got away, I jumped at the chance to read it. Could Reisz pull off a satisfying romance without without the BDSM and without the familiar cast of her Original Sinners series? I'm happy to say that Reisz does not disappoint and Misbehaving is a fum, sexy and laugh out loud funny read that will leave you wanting more.

Of course, this being Tiffany Reisz, even her more conventional romances are anything but vanilla. Beatriz is a sex blogger. She's paid to orgasm and write about it. Bea is off to her sister's wedding where Ben, her college crush and the one who got away, is the best man. Five years have passed but the attraction is still there. An urgent deadline for a sex book provides the perfect excuse for Bea and Ben to pick up where they left off years ago.

I had a good time reading this. While I missed the angst and kink that usually comes with a Tiffany Reisz novel, Misbehaving is a fun read that you'll finish in no time. I liked how open both Ben and Bea were with their sexuality and how willing they were to try new things. Their review sessions were often hilarious while still being super sexy.

I didn't give this a higher rating because I had a couple of small issues with the story. First, I thought that Bea's sister and her husband totally overreacted when when the big conflict happens. To me, it just didn't seem like the most rational response to the situation. I also didn't like how Bea immediately turned on Ben when he wanted to find out more about the situation before taking sides. I thought his reaction was the most rational one but Bea was ready to throw him out the door. A little bit of calm thinking and discussion could have prevented a lot of strife, but then I guess there would't have been on obstacle to overcome.

This is an easy, fun read - just the thing for a day at the beach or a bit of light vacation reading. Fans of The Original Sinners series might find this a bit tame compared to that series but Reisz knows how to spice up any story. If you haven't read any Tiffany Reisz yet, this is an easy primer into her writing and I would definitely recommend it for fans of sexy romps and romance.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Review: One Sweet Ride by Jaci Burton

Title: One Sweet Ride (Play by Play #6)

Author: Jaci Burton
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Library

Gray Preston was born into money, but he’s built his racing empire on hard work and muscle. And now that Gray has millions of fans, his senator father sends one of his aides, Evelyn Hill, to elicit Gray’s help in garnering votes for the upcoming national election. Gray wants nothing to do with his estranged father’s campaign, but Evelyn can be pretty persuasive. She’s willing to learn about racing, and maybe even get a little dirty.

Evelyn’s number-one goal is politics, which makes working with Gray difficult, because his only passion is fast cars. As she and Gray spend time together, he teaches her about the sport he loves, and she learns a lot about the man behind the wheel. The more she learns, the more she wants him. But any desire that threatens to derail the carefully laid plans for her future is a dangerous one.

With the passion Gray and Evelyn share running hotter than either imagined, one of them is going to have to compromise, or else run the risk of losing more than their hearts.

Let me just start off my saying that this series really has the best covers. Every single one of them is drool-worthy and, even though they usually feature a half naked man on the front, I would not be embarrassed to read them in public. Because really, look at those abs.

Now that I am done drooling over the cover, let's get to the review. One Sweet Ride is the sixth book in Jaci Burton's Play by Play series. I am a fan of the series but admit to being two book behind. This sixth installment has veered away from the Riley family (who were featured in the first 5 books). While I still miss the Riley (and will go back and read the previous books), I went into this with an open mind.

Sadly, I was disappointed with this book. It wasn't bad, but there was nothing in it that really made it stand out either. I think part of my problem was that it took me a long time to warm up to Evelyn. She doesn't have much personality and I was annoyed that she thought she could just waltz into Gray's life and presume to tell him that he really need to re-think his relationship with his father, all for her own agenda. I liked up to her more as the story went on but it was a lukewarm feeling at best.

I liked Gray better, though he, too, was pretty bland. I liked that he was passionate about racing and charitable causes but he didn't illicit any strong feelings in me. I thought that the chemistry between the two was just OK. With a love/hate story I usually expect a lot of tension and sexual energy. I didn't feel that between these two until much later in the book. The sex scenes, while hot, started to get boring after a while. And trust me, I am all for a good love scene and am not one of those people who usually says less sex in books, please. The scenes all just seemed really similar and weren't as exciting or inventive as what I've come to expect from Burton.

Another small thing that annoyed me was that we are introduced to characters that are obviously going to be featured in their own books down the line. I didn't mind the intro so much, but it felt forced and took me out of Gray and Evelyn's story. I wish that these characters had been introduced in a more subtle way.

Jaci Burton is usually hit or miss for me. When it's a hit (Changing The Game), it's a big one, but this one was a miss for me. The stakes didn't feel high enough and I just wasn't as emotionally invested in the relationship as I should have been. No doubt others will enjoy but I am glad that I borrowed a copy. I still plan reading the Riley clan books I missed though and would definitely still give the next books in the series a try.

Review: When the Rogue Returns by Sabrina Jeffries

Title: When the Rogue Returns (The Duke's Men #2)

Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Publication Date: January 21, 2014
Publisher: Pocket Books
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Victor Cale never imagined that his sweet, shy bride, Isabella, would use her talents for creating exquisite imitation jewels criminally. But there's no denying that her handiwork was used in the theft of the Dutch royal diamonds-- right after Isa disappeared into the night.

Ten years later, Victor is sent to Edinburgh to investigate a wealthy baron's mysterious bride-to-be... who turns out to be Isa, masquerading as an alluring widow. No longer the meek girl he once knew, Isa boldly asserts that it was Victor who abandoned her, after he helped steal the royal diamonds!

Piecing together the truth of the past reawakens their volatile passions, which burns hotter than ever. But with a decade of secrets between them, Victor and Isa must trust each other to bring the real thieves to justice-- without getting burned themselves.

When the Rogue Returns is the story of Isabella and Victor, two young newlyweds who were separated in a scheme instigated by Isa's family. Isa believes that Victor has abandoned her with his share of the stolen jewels while Victor believes that Isa has stolen the jewels and left him to take the blame. But Victor never stopped looking for Isa and, after almost 10 years, he finally finds her, living under an assumed name and posing as a widow in Scotland. He wants answers and so does she. Even though they're angry at each other and hurt, they still have feelings for one another. Can they overcome their past and have to have a future together?

I am a fan of Sabrina Jeffries and really enjoyed the first book in this series, What the Duke Desires, and had pretty high expectations for this one. Happily I was not disappointed and When the Rogue Returns is a quick, sexy read with a lot of heart. The estranged lovers trope is one that I usually enjoy in romance novels. There is a chemistry that is present when two people have known each other and are then apart for many years that ratchets up the intensity of the story. I also love the idea of two people who were once in love re-learning each other and falling back in love. I liked that Isabella and Victor took their time getting to know each other again. They both have secrets and they have to learn to trust each other and their feelings. Years of bitterness, anger and resentment take time to heal and I liked that Jeffries did not rush them. It made their relationship more believable and I was rooting for them the whole way.

I really liked both Victor and Isa but Isa was my favorite. She is not your average historical romance heroine. Isa left the only two people she knew in the world to start a new life, while she was pregnant no less. She has a skilled job and is at the top of her field. She held her own against Victor and the two clash but also compliment each other beautifully. There's a lot of sexual tension in the book and when Victor and Isa finally get together, well, it's worth the wait.

There isn't a lot of suspense or mystery to the plot (though it gets more exciting in the latter part of the book) but I didn't mind and was happy to focus on Isabella and Victor. I had high expectations for this book and I was not disappointed. When the Rogue Returns is a sexy, funny and satisfying romance that begs to be read in one sitting. This series has become one of my go-to reads when I need a pick me up and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Review: The Professional: Part 3 by Kresley Cole

Title: The Professional: Part 3

Author: Kresley Cole
Publication Date: January 20, 2014
Publisher: Pocket Star
Genre: Adult Contemporary Erotic Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Kobo
Source: Purchased

Are you ready to play?

Yet all is not as it seems. To remove Natalie from an enemy's reach, Sevastyan spirits her into hiding. From an opulent palace in Russia to the decadent playgrounds of the mega-wealthy in Paris, the two lovers will discover that even their darkest - and most forbidden - fantasies can come true  cover that even their darkest—and most forbidden—fantasies can come true.

The final installment of The Professional finds Natalie and Sevastyan at a crossroads in their relationship. Their courtship was brief and intense but now it's time to see if they physical connection can translate into something more lasting. Sevastyan is intent on hiding his part from Natalie, but Natalie knows that they cannot move forward without knowing all of each other.

This book started with a lot of promise for me. I really liked Sevastyan and Natalie, two very different people who found a way to connect. However, as the story went on, I felt like their characters actually regressed rather than moving forward. Sevastyan continues to close himself off from Natalie, pushing her away even while he asks her to stay. I really did not like his behavior at the airport. It was mean and manipulative and it would have served him right it Natalie had left him there. One of the big reasons that Sevastyan is so closed off is because he is hiding his deep, dark past Natalie. However, by the time his past is revealed I found myself wondering what the big deal was. Knowing who he is and what he does now, I don't think Natalie expected him to have some idyllic childhood and I was expecting a lot worse. The introduction of his mysterious brother was interesting but again, fell a little flat. After hiding his existence from Natalie for so long, I expected him to be a

I also hated how Natalie ended up blaming herself for Sevastyan's inability to open up. Suddenly it was her fault for not being patient enough and understanding. I am not sure how she came to that conclusion but I call BS. The independent woman that Natalie started out as was nowhere to be found by the end of the book.

I also found the resolution of Natalie’s family ties to mob a little unbelievable. Maybe I am just a realist but it seems like it would take longer than a few weeks to undo a lifetime of mob dealings. It did wrap things up nicely for Natalie and Sevastyan though and let them go about their lives spending mob money guilt free.

As a fan of Cole’s Poison Princess series, I had high hopes for this book. The world building and character development in that series shows what the author is capable of. However, those qualities are not as apparent in this book and was left feeling a bit let down. 

Overall this book gets a 2.5 rating from me. I really enjoyed Part 1 but the lack of character development made the book less enjoyable in the later installments. If you're interested, definitely give it a go. While this isn’t my favorite Kresley Cole book, The Professional is still a fun read, with plenty of hot sex and daring escapes to keep things interesting. 

Also, check out my reviews for Part 1 and Part 2 of The Professional.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the author online at kresleycole.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @kresleycole

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Review: Cursed by S.J. Harper

Title: Cursed (Fallen Siren #1)

Author: S.J. Harper
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Roc
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Purchased

Emma Monroe is a Siren, cursed by the gods and bound to earth to atone for an ancient failure. She’s had many names and many lives, but only one mission: redemption. Now that she works missing persons cases for the FBI, it could be just a rescue away. Unless her new partner leads her astray.

Special Agent Zack Armstrong just transferred into the San Diego Field Office. He’s a werewolf, doing his best to beat back the demons from his dark and dangerous past. As a former Black Ops sniper, he’s taken enough lives. Now he’s doing penance by saving them.

Emma and Zack’s very first case draws them deep into the realm of the paranormal, and forces them to use their own supernatural abilities. But that leaves each of them vulnerable, and there are lines partners should not cross. As secrets are revealed and more women go missing, one thing becomes clear: as they race to save the victims, Emma and Zack risk losing themselves.

Cursed is the first novel in a new series but authors Samantha Sommbersby and Jeanne Stein. I stumbled upon this book last summer when I made an impromptu trip to Mysterious Galaxy in Redondo Beach and found myself just in time for a Q&A and signing by the authors. After reading the book's synopsis, I decided that it was intriguing enough to warrant staying for the presentation and the subsequent signing.

I was immediately drawn to Emma, a Siren who has been punished by Demeter to spend all her days on earth without love until she can prove that she has atoned for her sins. She works as a detective in the missing persons division, giving a voice to those without one. I really liked Emma. She's tough, smart and determined without being a cliche. I empathized with her and felt the unfairness of her situation. 

Zack Armstrong is the resident werewolf in the story and he's got all of the good alpha male traits - confidence, intelligence, passion, and he's easy on the eyes. He and Emma had good chemistry and I liked that they had a bit of a past. Like Emma, Zack is also trying to atone for his past by finding out what's happening to these missing persons. 

The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing throughout. There is some hinting at a possible love triangle in the future, which I am not sure how I feel about. As a rule I am not a big fan of love triangles but this one hasn't even come to fruition yet so I'll reserve my judgement for a later date. 

Overall I think this is a solid start to a new urban fantasy series. It has a few steamy bits to keep it interesting and I enjoyed the police procedural format. While it's not groundbreaking, it's certainly enjoyable and has the potential to get even better as the series goes on. This is my first book but either author but it won't be my last. I am looking forward to catching up with Zack and Emma in book 2 of the series, Reckoning, which comes out later this fall. 

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Visit the author online at sjharper.me, and follow Jeanne on Twitter @JeanneCStein and Sam on Twitter @samsommersby.

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Review: Game On by Tracy Solheim

Title: Game On (Out of Bounds #1)

Author: Tracy Solheim
Publication Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Purchased

The only way to win is to score…

With a reputation for fast moves on the gridiron and even faster moves off the field, Shane Devlin was a player in every sense of the word. Unfortunately, his bad-boy persona has made him a risky prospect as a quarterback, and only the Baltimore Blaze are willing to give him a chance. And he’s about to take a hit he never expected.

Working for the Blaze, Carly March knows too well how jocks think—and what they think with—so she’s always made a point of keeping them at arm’s length. But when she shares a kiss with the devilishly handsome Shane, she finds it hard to play by her own rules—and even harder to resist him.

Can a football hero and a business-minded beauty take it all the way? Or will their mutual attraction cost them the big game?

What do you do with a story where you actually like both the hero and heroine but you want to still knock them upside of the head? This was my dilemma with Game On by Tracy Solheim. First, let me say, I gave it 4 stars because overall, I enjoyed it. When I read a book nearly straight through with only necessary life breaks, I have to give it at least 4 stars for grabbing my attention. Additionally, Solheim made me want to see what would transpire between the two main characters.

In Game On, Solheim has given readers a sexy, hot, bad boy of football in her hero, Shane Devlin. Devlin is a talented athlete but has a few flaws that resulted in teams not wanting to touch him thanks to his reputation. However, the Baltimore Blaze is giving Devlin a last chance to play when their starting quarterback is out with an injury for the season. Despite being offered a contract, Devlin recognizes that he still needs to prove he should be the starting quarterback while being monitored by the conservative Blaze owner.

Our heroine, Carly March works for the Blaze and just happens to be the sister-in-law of the Head Coach. Carly’s past history comes quickly to light. Her mother, a famous reporter, died when she was a child, which landed Carly in the eye of the media. Additionally, Carly’s recent relationship with a European soccer player ended up in a very public break-up. Consequently, she isn't interested in dating another athlete or dealing with the paparazzi.

Most romance writers would stop with just the challenges two characters would face given working for the same organization and some past history. However, Solheim does not shy away from adding in some additional issues. On one level, I truly appreciate Solheim's desire to create a more complex story than just a hot and steamy romance. However, at times, I was left wondering if there were too many issues.

In addition to the conflict of Carly working for the Blaze and Shane's need to focus on making the team as starting quarterback and  that it's probably best to stay away from the Head Coach's  attractive sister-in-law, Solheim brings in a few more threads. Both Shane and Carly lost their mothers when they were children. Though this gives them a common ground, their reactions to this significant life event has shaped them both in different ways. Shane struggles with issues with his father and feeling abandoned by him as a child. When his father and stepmother die in an accident, Shane needs to confront issues related to his father, general commitment issues, and the pressing need of caring for his 12 year old half-brother. Throw in another thread where Carly is dealing with a stalker and the book becomes weighted down at times.

As a result, I felt Solheim was ambitious in drawing in so many levels of conflict for her main characters. When I did find myself “eye-rolling” over certain actions by Shane or Carly, or my annoyance with Shane’s resisting change or Carly’s being too kind, I wondered if I was being fair in my judgement. How much of their actions were justified because of what they were dealing with? Together they were good even if both were afraid to commit -Shane more so than Carly. And Carly was good for Shane, though I wasn't always so sure Shane was good for Carly other than she had great chemistry with him, coupled with passion, hot sex, and a sense of security.

Since this was Solheim’s first book, I decided to rate this with four stars. I have high hopes for Solheim and I look forward to seeing her grow as a writer, and I would love to see her continue with complex stories without things feeling like there is a little too much going on. I do like her characters and plan to pick up Foolish Games (Out of Bounds #2) and read about Carly's friend Julianne.

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Visit the author online at tracysolheim.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @tracyksolheim

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Review: Lush by Lauren Dane

Title: Lush (Delicious #3)

Author: Lauren Dane
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.

Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.

What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of him: proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand.

Lush is the third book in Lauren Dane's Delicious series. Somehow this series had gone under my radar but knew that I wanted to read it after I saw the cover and realized that it was about a woman who runs a supper club. I love food and if I can have romance and good food in one book, I'm taking it.

Lush starts off with a bang and Mary and Damien find themselves in a hot fling during her friend's wedding. Both of them know it's just for fun though and neither is expecting a commitment. But the two continue to see each other while Damien is on the road with his band and it becomes apparent that this it's more than a fling. Mary is wary of Damien's bad boy rocker rep but Damien is out to prove that he's serious about their relationship. I thought that the two had great chemistry and, despite his reputation, I found Damien to be very sweet and he treated Mary well.

Unfortunately, the beginning of the book was probably my favorite part and I started to lose interest in it about halfway through. While I normally don't have trouble jumping into a series halfway through (though I prefer not to) it was clear that Lush was part of a larger series. There were so many side characters in it and they actually took up a lot of page space. I felt like the author really wanted to catch us up on the lives of these characters and it really took me away from Mary and Damien's relationship, which is what I was most interested in.
I found myself losing interest in their relationship as the focus veered away from them.

I also hated how Damien was made out to be the bad guy in this. Sure, he has a reputation, but he never did anything to Mary to make her assume the worst of him. He did all he could to assure her that he had real feelings for her and wanted a relationship with her but, at the first sign of trouble, she runs and cuts him off - and then we're supposed to think it's all his fault for being such a bad boy. His behavior should have garnered more trust than he received. It also annoyed me how Mary's friends and family were all so quick to warn Mary away from him repeatedly and rudely, when it was really none of their business (as Mary even told a few of them).

I really wanted to like this book but there was just too much focus on all of the other characters and not enough on Damien and Mary. I was never able to fully invest in their relationship and was bored for much of it. I might have had a different opinion if I had read the other books in the series but I still think a series book should be able to stand on its own and, unfortunately, Lush did not work for me.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the author online at www.laurendane.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @laurendane

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Review: Improper Relations by Juliana Ross

Title: Improper Relations (Improper #1)

Author: Juliana Ross
Publication Date: April 23, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Adult Historical Romance/Erotica Short Story
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Purchased

When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified--but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.

The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something about Leo that draws her to him.

When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can't bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking. As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she's losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?

I originally bypassed this story when it first showed up on NetGalley and picked it up later based on a recommendation from a couple of friends. I am really glad I did, too, because this story is a bit of a hidden gem. Short stories can be really good or really meh and this one happily falls into the really good category.

Hannah is a widow living in her late husband's family's home. Hannah has no income of her own and has no option but to stay with them or face destitution. Hannah was taught that sex with one's husband was meant to be endured an not enjoyed. When her cousin Leo offers her lessons in pleasure, Hannah cannot say no. It may be her only chance to learn about it, and it doesn't hurt that she is attracted to Leo.

I am a fan of the sexual awakening/education trope in romance and Proper Relations handles it quite well. What begins as a sensual, educational relationship soon turns into something more and I found myself really rooting for them as a couple. This book did have a lot of anatomical language, which I don't usually love, but I did not mind it here. It fit with the tone of the story and was not too clinical.

I expected this to be a fun, smutty read and nothing more but I found it to be a surprisingly emotional read. I did get frustrated with both Leo and Hannah a couple of times. Hannah for not having enough backbone and fighting for the man she loves and Leo for not telling Hannah of his feelings earlier on. A lot of grief could have been avoided if Leo had given Hannah any indication of having deeper feelings for her. But it all turns out right and I loved their reunion at the end of the book.

Overall I really enjoyed Improper Relations and can't wait to see what Ross does next.

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Visit the author online at julianaross.com.

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Review: Long After by Cheryl McIntyre

Title: Long After (Sometimes Never #3)

Author: Cheryl McIntyre
Publication Date: October 14, 2013
Publisher: Cheryl McIntyre
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Purchased

For Annie Phillips, there is a right way to do things and everything has a place. College and her flawless GPA are top priority, as is planning her perfect future. Anything less than perfection is unacceptable. So when she meets Loden Guiles, she believes she has finally found her perfect happily-ever-after.

Chase Malloy is funny, loyal, and an all around nice guy. He’s also sloppy, tattooed, and undirected. All Chase wants to do is survive college, hang out with friends, and make music. Knowing his best friend’s step-sister since they were fourteen, Annie and he have always had a love-hate relationship. The last thing Chase expects is to fall for Annie, but he knows he’ll never live up to her idea of the perfect man.

On the outside, Annie and Loden’s relationship appears picture perfect. But behind closed doors, Annie quickly realizes Loden isn’t the man he pretends to be. Every time her not so well laid plans crumble, and Loden proves to be not so Mr. Right, Chase is there to pick her up and brush her off. Will she realize the perfection she’s been searching for has been in front of her all this time?

*Long After is a companion novel to Sometimes Never and Before Now. Many of the same characters appear in Chase and Annie's story. However, it can be read as a stand-alone book.

**This is a new adult novel. Due to harsh language, sexual situations, and violence, this book is recommended for 17+.

Chase and Annie - *sigh* I reviewed Before Now by Cheryl McIntyre at the beginning of January. I expected to complete the review for Long After at the same time, but I find that when I love a book it takes me forever to write up the review. I loved Before Now but Long After touched me at an even deeper level. How do I write anything that makes sense when all I want to do is re-read the book and shower it with lots of love?!

Readers are introduced to Chase and Annie in McIntyre's earlier books, and their relationship is hinted at in Before Now. Unlike many romance stories, there is no insta-love in this book. Chase and Annie have known each other for seven years. Quintessential opposites, they have had a non-romantic relationship characterized by on-going verbal sparing and snark.

Annie is bright, driven, and often a bit rigid with her compulsion to do well and be perfect. Chase is still figuring out where life is taking him but along the way, he proves himself to be a great friend. Though Annie is an intelligent young woman, she is desperate to escape what she sees as the mistakes her mother has made. When she catches the attention of Loden, attractive and goal-oriented, she begins dreaming of her perfect future. However not all is what it appears to be. Shame and fear cause Annie to hide what is happening in her relationship, but eventually Chase discovers what is happening and attempts to help as much as Annie will allow.

At times, it was hard to watch the struggles Annie must go through and the decisions she makes. Chase proves to be the caring and patient friend that Annie needs. Readers quickly learn that Chase obviously loves Annie, and as a result is willing to give her time and space she needs to recognize her feelings towards him. It is their friendship and the safety that Chase provides for Annie that helps her finally confront what is happening between her and Loden. Unfortunately, this doesn't spare the couple from also dealing with additional consequences that arise.

I loved Chase and Annie. I loved the snarky banter between the two, and how Chase dealt with Annie's insecurities and other concerns. There were so many special scenes between the two that I found myself re-reading. And as a fan of sticky notes, I liked their inclusion in several scenes. As a result, Chase is my new fictional boyfriend crush.

In Long After, McIntyre takes on the difficult issue of being in an abusive relationship. It isn't an easy topic, and she doesn't treat it lightly. For many young women, college is a time to explore various dating relationships, but even when they think they are smart enough or strong enough not to be caught in an unhealthy, controlling relationship, they may find themselves in one. McIntyre does not preach, but does handle the situation realistically. One thing I would have liked at the end of the book would have been some tips/resources similar to what Tammara Webber includes at the end of her book, Easy.  

****Spoiler if you haven't read Before Now*** On a lighter note, readers do get an opportunity to re-connect with Park and Lucy from Before Now including seeing their wedding from Chase and Annie's eyes.
I love updates on previous characters from earlier books.

My love for Cheryl McIntyre's characters and stories continue, though I wonder if I could love anyone more than Chase and Annie.

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Visit the author online at www.cherylmcintyrebooks.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @cherylhmcintyre

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Review: Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher

Title: Ketchup Clouds

Author: Annabel Pitcher
Publication Date: November 12, 2013
Publisher: Little Brown for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary/Drama
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Library

Dear Mr. S. Harris,

Ignore the blob of red in the top left corner. It's jam, not blood, though I don't think I need to tell you the difference. It wasn't your wife's jam the police found on your shoe. . . .

I know what it's like.

Mine wasn't a woman. Mine was a boy. And I killed him exactly three months ago.

Zoe has an unconventional pen pal--Mr. Stuart Harris, a Texas Death Row inmate and convicted murderer. But then again, Zoe has an unconventional story to tell. A story about how she fell for two boys, betrayed one of them, and killed the other.

Hidden away in her backyard shed in the middle of the night with a jam sandwich in one hand and a pen in the other, Zoe gives a voice to her heart and her fears after months of silence. Mr. Harris may never respond to Zoe's letters, but at least somebody will know her story--somebody who knows what it's like to kill a person you love. Only through her unusual confession can Zoe hope to atone for her mistakes that have torn lives apart, and work to put her own life back together again.

One thing I can say for Ketchup Clouds is that it's definitely a unique read and I can't think of another book quite like it. Ketchup Clouds is told from the point of view of Zoe (an alias), a teenager suffering from debilitating guilt. From what, we're not exactly sure. Zoe decides to share her story with a death row prison inmate in order to assuage her guilt and share her secret with someone. Zoe relates to the inmate because, in her mind, she's killed someone as well. Through Zoe's letters, the reader learns about the events leading up to the fateful day that would change Zoe's life forever and leave one young man dead.

I don't read many epistolary novels (novels written through documents, like letters and diary entries). I think it's really hard to do well. Zoe's letters read more like diary entries and I think the book would have worked better for me if that's what they were. Instead, the letters feel awkward and gimmick-y. It also bothered me that Zoe took such a long time to tell her story. She confesses a burning desire to share her tale, and then takes months to do it, even as the inmate's execution draws near.

Zoe starts writing to this inmate because she says can relate to his crimes. However, after hearing her whole story, I found it hard to believe that she would identify so much with a man who murdered his wife and her lover after he caught them cheating. Zoe feels like she murdered someone but the situations were so different it was hard for me to believe she'd relate so much, though I guess it just shows how guilty Zoe feels.

Zoe is an interesting character though not one that I can say I really like. She really likes one brother but starts going out with another because he happens to be available.  While I don't expect every character to be a paradigm of good human behavior, I found Zoe's actions to be very selfish and immature. She's acting like a normal teenager but there was just something about it that rubbed me the wrong way. She did win a few points with me though with her relationship to her sister. She was very protective of her and their relationship was very sweet.

As for the romance in the story, I definitely fell on the Team Aaron side. It was clear to me that Zoe and Aaron had so much more in common and more chemistry than Zoe and Max. I think that's why I was so annoyed that she kept things going with Max because she and Aaron seemed to have a much deeper connection.

This book was really a mixed bag for me. The overall premise is original but the execution was not quite there and it fell short of my expectations. It's still a worthwhile read just because it is very unique point of view and the identity of which brother died left me guessing until the very end. No doubt this book will find fans, but it just wasn't for me.

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Visit the author online at www.annabelpitcher.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @apitcherauthor

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Review: Beautiful Beginning by Christina Lauren

Title: Beautiful Beginning (Beautiful Bastard #3.5)

Author: Christina Lauren
Publication Date: November 19, 2013
Publisher: Pocket Star
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Purchased

Back when not being able to stand each other also meant not being able to keep their hands off each other in Beautiful Bastard, neither Bennett nor Chloe could have seen this day coming.

An exasperated bride who just wants to elope. A determined groom whose only focus is getting to the wedding night. And—of course—a whole lot of name calling.

Chloe and Bennett are finally getting married! Their relationship has seen its ups and downs but the two are finally tying the knot, in true Bennett and Chloe fashion.  Full of all of the humor, snark and super hot sexy times that I've come to expect from Christina Lauren, the final chapter of the Beautiful Bastard series was as good as I'd hoped and I am really sad to see the series end.

Of course there are going to be a few hiccups, but a couple randy aunts and a small flood aren't going to stop these two from getting married, though it just might make them a little insane. Bennett and Chloe have always been one of my favorite couples. They bring love/hate to a totally new level but, underneath it all, there is a really strong bond of love and trust. They know just how to push each other's buttons and neither is easy to be with but they accept and support each other through it all. I love the quieter moments that we see between the two as well. The two still have amazing chemistry and the tension is ratcheted up even more by Bennett's no sex before the wedding rule.

The gang's back together for the wedding and it was really great seeing Max, Sara, Will and Hanna again. Max and Sara are still head over heels for each other and Sara is expecting their first child. Will gets a bit of payback in the form of a practical joke, with some pretty hilarious results. While I was happy to see everyone again, I am glad that the story did not focus too much on the other couples. As much as I love them, this was Chloe and Bennett's story and I didn't want to be distracted from it. That said, I full would fully support a novella for each of the other couples to finish out their stories as well (hint, hint).

If you're a fan of Bennett and Chloe, I think you're going to have fun with this one. I am really hoping that this isn't the end but, even if it is, I am satisfied with Chloe and Bennett's HEA. Very excited to see what Christina Lauren cook up next.

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Visit the authors online at www.christinalaurenbooks.com, Twitter (Christina, Lauren) and Facebook.
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Review: The Professional: Part 2 by Kresley Cole

Title: The Professional: Part 2

Author: Kresley Cole
Publication Date: January 6, 2014
Publisher: Pocket Star
Genre: Adult Contemporary Erotic Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Kobo
Source: Purchased

He makes the rules . . .
Mafiya enforcer Aleksandr "The Siberian" Sevastyan’s loyalty to his boss is unwavering, until he meets the boss’s long-lost daughter, a curvy, tantalizing redhead who haunts his mind and heats his blood like no other. Ordered to protect her, Sevastyan will do anything to possess her as well—on his own wicked terms.
Rules are made to be broken . . .

PhD student Natalie Porter had barely recovered from her first sight of the breathtakingly gorgeous Sevastyan before the professional hit man whisks her away to Russia, thrusting her into a world of extreme wealth and wanton pleasures. With every day she spends under his protection, she falls deeper under his masterful spell.
Are you ready to play?

Yet all is not as it seems. To remove Natalie from an enemy’s reach, Sevastyan spirits her into hiding. From an opulent palace in Russia to the decadent playgrounds of the mega-wealthy in Paris, the two lovers will discover that even their darkest—and most forbidden—fantasies can come true.

Though I enjoyed parts of The Professional: Part 2, it didn't live up to my expectations. I had a lot of fun reading Part 1 - Sevastyan is possessive and dominant, with a sexy Russian accent to boot and Natalie, while a little annoying at times, was, for the most part, a heroine that I could root for. 

While they continue to explore their sexual relationship in Part 2 (hot!), there was little emotional or personal development in the characters. Sevastyan was especially frustrating and ran from one extreme to the next. One minute he wanted nothing to do with Natalie and the next he couldn't live without her. And while I found his intensity slightly unsettling but still sexy in Part 1, it bordered on creepy in Part 2. I hated how he distanced himself emotionally from Natalie and thought that it really bordered on cruel. He asked her to commit to him completely, while he held himself back from her at every opportunity. I also hated how his dark past was hinted at all the time but never revealed. This has happened to me before in books and the actual reveal almost never lives up to the buildup.

Natalie got on my nerves as well and I found her to be really whiny and annoying. She and Sevastyan definitely had physical chemistry but not much else. Overall I just felt like the characters and relationship lacked depth and I wanted more than hot sex.

Though this installment left me feeling frustrated, I am not giving up on this book. Natalie and Sevastyan seemed to be making some headway in their relationship near the end of this segment and, well, there's still the smoking hot sex. This installment also has a bit of action in it which added some excitement.

The bad thing about serialized novels is that authors often like to end things on a cliffhanger, which Cole does here, to great effect. I am dying to know what happens in Part 3 and how things will resolve. Will Natalie and Sevastyan be able to work through their issues and have a relationship that's more than just sex? Who is after Natalie and can Sevastyan keep her safe? I guess I'm going to have to read Part 3 to find out!

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Visit the author online at kresleycole.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @kresleycole

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Review: Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare

Title: Romancing the Duke (Castles Ever After #1)

Author: Tessa Dare
Publication Date: January 28, 2014
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

In the first in Tessa Dare's captivating Castles Ever After series, a mysterious fortress is the setting for an unlikely love . . .

As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities.

And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one.

Ugly duckling turned swan?
Abducted by handsome highwayman?
Rescued from drudgery by charming prince?

No, no, and… Heh.Now Izzy’s given up yearning for romance. She’ll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who’s never even been kissed?This one.

Isolde (Izzy) Ophelia Goodnight is twenty-six, plain and penniless. The daughter of a well-known children's book author, Izzy grew up dreaming of knights, romance and a life of adventure. However, after years of disappointment, Izzy no longer believes in fairy tales. Orphaned and homeless, she suddenly receives word that she has inherited a castle in Northumberland. Thinking that perhaps her luck has changed, Izzy uses everything she has to travel to the castle and claim her inheritance. Unfortunately she finds the castle still occupied by its former owner, a very irate and brooding Duke of Rothbury (Ransom). Nearly blind from a recent duel, Ransom has been hiding out in his castle and claims that it was never sold. It's a standoff now as neither Ransom nor Izzy is willing to give up the castle. They decide to work together to unravel the mystery and end up finding more than either of them bargained for.

I am fairly new to Tessa Dare's writing but have become a fast fan. Her stories are charming and sweet with a lot of humor. Romancing the Duke is the first book in a new series, each with a heroine who inherits a castle. Izzy is the heroine of this book and I really liked her. She's been disappointed a lot in life but she isn't jaded or mean. I liked her curious mind and the fact that she didn't let Ransom scare her away. She's tenacious, loyal and more than a match for the Duke.

The Duke is a difficult character to love - at first. He's moody, mean and gruff and does everything in his power to get rid of Izzy. His scars, inside and out, have made him a hardened man who pushes people away. But as Izzy chips away at his rough exterior, we find a man who is romantic and charming (though still rough around the edges).

Both of them have grown up believing that they weren't good enough - Ransom because of his jackass of a father who blamed him for his mother's death, and Izzy because she she thinks herself plain and isn't able to live up to the legend of The Goodnight Tales. It broke my heart to see how neither of them really knew their own value. But, as their relationship grows, they do as well and both start to see each themselves in a different light.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. While it's not my favorite Tessa Dare book (I still prefer the Spindle Cove series a bit more), I had a lot of fun reading it and will definitely be re-reading it in the near future. I am excited to see what is going to happen in the next book in the series. Romancing the Duke is another great romance to add to my growing Tessa Dare collection.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the author online at tessadare.com, Facebook and follow her on Twitter @tessadare

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