Review of: "A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell. 

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.

I tell you what....haters are gonna hate. ALL the reviewers that are hating on the book just don't appreciate a good NOVEL. They just want it fast and hot and over. All "wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am". YOU DON'T GET THAT WITH THIS BOOK! You get details, you get history, you get anticipation, you get explanations, you get CONNECTION WITH THE CHARACTERS!  This book has been on my TBR list for quite a while and finally got my opportunity to read it! It was so very different than what I expected. Because...wait for it....I was expecting it to be the "wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am" type book that I've grown accustomed to. THANK ZEUS that didn't happen with this book. I adored learning so much about Diana and Matthew. I'm excited for their story to continue and to read on to the second book! Check it out on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8667848-a-discovery-of-witches

Review: How to Kill a Rock Star by Tiffanie DeBartolo

Written in her wonderfully honest, edgy, passionate and often hilarious voice, Tiffanie DeBartolo tells the story of Eliza Caelum, a young music journalist, and Paul Hudson, a talented songwriter and lead singer of the band Bananafish. Eliza's reverence for rock is equaled only by Paul's, and the two fall wildly in love. 

When Bananafish is signed by a big corporate label, and Paul is on his way to becoming a major rock star, Eliza must make a heartbreaking decision that leads to Paul's sudden disappearance and a surprise knock-your-socks-off ending.

One of those fantastic love connections that you are just in complete envy of. From the moment these two lay eyes on each other their connection is pure and honest. They see the world through different eyes than someone like myself does, and that is so refreshing to read. It really makes me appreciate the small moments and the connections I have with my loved ones.

How to Kill a Rock Star was so very amazing. Though I did feel that I knew what was going to happen, and foresaw the big moments, I still think it was well written and a fun story to read. I think there are the clues that were given that gave me the "Oh, so that's where this is going" moments and I'm not 100% certain if that was purposeful of the author or not but it really doesn't even matter. It was worth reading and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a good TRUE love story and not just cheesy romance.

Check it out on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/113791.How_to_Kill_a_Rock_Star

Stepbrother FML by: Claire Adams

Mia has always been "one of the guys," and with her

friends in the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity it's no different. But when one of the senior members of the frat, Jaxon, starts to pay more attention to her, she isn't sure whether to go for the attractive and athletic guy or to just keep things the way they've always been. Her mind is made up when Jaxon makes a move--but then she's thrown into confusion as he goes out of his way to ignore and snub her after they sleep together. Mia decides to move on with her life--right up until her mother announces her marriage, and introduces her to her new stepbrother... wow.

**I'm reviewing this "mini series" as a whole**

Mia and Jaxon's story started off with a bang! I loved getting to know Mia and her connection with the 'guys' at the frat house and how they became friends. I really adored her right off the bat. Same with Jaxon, he was sweet and adorable and I just loved how he treated Mia even when they were just flirting.

But once the deed was done, it went downhill from there.

Mia became utterly annoying with her repetitive mental narration of what happened. Talk about over thinking it! 

The barrage of going through the motions over and over and over and over and over....I don't think I could handle it again if she said one more time "the look on my mom's face..." along with many other lines that were the same! 

There is no doubt that Mia and Jax's sexual chemistry is off the charts hot! But I just wasn't a big fan of the story as a whole.

Pleasure Unbound by: Larissa Ione

In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life . . . 

She's a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure-but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life. 

Two lovers will dare to risk all.

Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his quest to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable-and let Tayla possess him, body and soul . . .

I'm so happy I stumbled upon this series!! 

I've been wanting to find a new long series that I can really sink my teeth into! Or at least "sink my butt onto the couch and get lost in the fantasy world" into. 

I knew I'd heard of the Demonica series before, but I don't think I'd ever actually heard of anyone talking about it or have it come across to me in recommendations (at least not to my knowledge). So anyway, when I came across them the other day in Listopia on Goodreads, I just knew I needed to give it a go!

And boy, I wasn't disappointed!

It took me a little extra time to really get through the first few chapters, but that's solely because there is a lot of information thrown at you and I didn't want to miss anything! Once I got the major gist of the sitation, I couldn't put the book down!

Eidolon and Tayla were amazing characters, and I really cared about them. There were twists and turns when I least expected it and I loved every minute of it!

Metamorphosis by: Erin Noelle

Scarlett MacGregor has lived a very sheltered life courtesy of

her over-the-top controlling parents. Having never been to a co-ed party, much less on a date, Scarlett has relied on her books, her music, and living vicariously through her best friend Evie to keep her sanity as she's patiently awaited her freedom from their rule.

When Scarlett and Evie go away to college, Scarlett quickly meets Ashton, Dylan, and later, Mason, and is thrown into a crash course of like, love, and lust. With Evie's help, she must figure out the difference in the three and which one she wants before she ends up without any of them.

Metamorphosis is the story of Scarlett's transformation from a young, naive girl to a strong, mature young woman and her search for self-discovery and true love.

What a fun story!!

It's seriously as if one of us book nerds got to live out the fantasy of our book boyfriends! What a fun concept!

I adored Scarlet and thought she was way better adjusting to her life outside of her jail of a home life she had, with a great sense of humor to boot!

Very emotional parts and a few twists and turns throughout...made for a great/fun read!

Souls Unfractured by: Tillie Cole

"For fractured souls are like magnets.

Drawn to collide into an impossible bliss…"

Labeled a ‘Cursed’ woman of Eve from birth, Maddie has endured nothing but pain and repression at the hands of The Order’s most abusive elder, Moses. Now living with her sister in The Hangmen’s secluded compound, finally, Maddie, is free. Free from the suffocating faith she no longer believes in. Free from endless years of physical and mental torment.

Just… free…

At age twenty-one, the timid and shy Maddie is content to live within the confines of her new home—safe from the outside world, safe from harm and, strangely, protected by the Hangmen’s most volatile member; the heavily pierced and tattooed, Flame. 

Flame. 

The man who ceaselessly watches over her with his midnight dark and searing eyes. The man who protects her with a breath-taking intensity. And the man who stirs something deep within her numbed heart. 

But when circumstances conspire for Flame to need HER help, Maddie bravely risks it all for the broken man who has captivated her fragile soul. 

The Hangmen’s most infamous member, Flame, is ruled by one thing—anger. Plagued by haunting demons from his past, an all-consuming rage, and isolated by an abhorrent hatred of being touched, Flame's days are filled with suffocating darkness, pierced only by a single ray of light—Maddie. The shy, beautiful woman he cannot purge from his thoughts. The woman he has an overwhelming need to possess… 
... the only person who has ever been able to touch him. 

Flame’s mission in life is to protect Maddie, to keep her safe. Until a trigger from his troubled past sends him spiraling into madness, trapping him in the deepest recesses of his disturbed mind. 

His Hangmen brothers fear that Flame is beyond saving. 

His only hope of salvation: Maddie and her healing light.

Dark Contemporary Romance.
Contains explicit sexual situations, violence, disturbingly sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language, and very mature topics.
Recommended for age 18 years and over.

Such an amazing and inspiring story!

I don't think I could adore Flame and Maddie more if I tried...their back stories and their paths that lead them to each other is such so heart felt and epic.

I'm a late recruit on the Hangmen series...having only read the first two books in the past week by chance before I found out when this story was coming out...so I know I was one of the lucky few...that I didn't need to wait very long to get right into Flame and Maddie.

There are so many hard topics to deal with in this book...so many times you just cry for the characters. But Tillie Cole is absolutely such an amazing writer and she just leaves you on the edge of your seat.

I think this was everything it was hyped up to be! 

Heart Recaptured by: Tillie Cole

Even salvation can be delivered through the love of the damned…

Beauty can be a curse.

Faith can be a cage.

Only love can set you free.

A few long weeks after being reluctantly ripped from the comforting embrace of her sacred prophet’s religious commune—the only life she has ever known—a terrified Delilah is thrust into a world enveloped by evil and swimming in sin. 

Steadfastly devout in her faith, and retaining the deep belief that her soul is innately tarnished as a branded ‘Cursed woman of Eve’, Delilah is determined to find her way home to her people in The Order and away from the corrupt and damned outlaw motorcycle club—The Hades Hangmen—who hold her at their secluded compound for her protection—a 'protection' she strongly resents. 

Delilah yearns to return home, convinced that only amongst her own people, and under the holy guidance of the Lord’s revealed prophet, can her Satan-spawned soul be truly saved. Conditioned her entire life to believe she is a witch... a life-long temptress… the devil’s whore... Delilah increasingly resents her beautiful face, her shapely body and her sensuous effect on men. But when a man of the motorcycle club—a deeply sinful yet stunningly beautiful man—is charged with her care, Delilah begins to see that this dangerous and moralless sinner from the 'outside' may offer her something she did not know could truly exist: unconditional love.

Kyler ‘Ky’ Willis loves his life: a daily abundance of brotherhood, liquor, the freedom of the open-road and—best of all—his pick of hot women. Raised a biker brat and now VP of the most notorious MC in the States, Ky has no shortage of club sluts warming his bed; a situation he takes full advantage of… until a certain blonde enters his life… a gorgeous pilgrim-blonde he can’t get out of his head… a pilgrim-blonde he and his club recently-rescued from some backward religious cult… and a pilgrim-blonde he’s been ordered to keep the hell away from and his whorish hands off.

When yet another in a lengthy line of drunken blunders forces Ky to reluctantly take charge of the pilgrim-blonde’s care, he realizes that there could be more to this woman than just supermodel looks and a stacked set of tits. He begins to see that she could be the woman who could do the impossible—tame his wild ways and capture his reluctant heart.

But the unyielding bonds of Lilah’s past are strong, her ‘people’ determined and, with a new Prophet in charge and hell bent on revenge, they are mightily reluctant to let her go...

Oh be still my poor heart! My heart is aching for Leila and Ky! OMG! These two have an amazing story in the continuation for the Hangmen series! 

So many times while reading this book that I just wanted to either slap that girl or just hold her! She's gone through so much and she just doesn't get it!

Not once though did I put this book down...not at all!

The Hangmen have really touched my heart and become a part of literature family! 

I'm so glad to have found this series and eagerly await Maddie and Flame's story!!

It Ain't Me, Babe by: Tillie Cole

Sinning never felt so good… 

A fortuitous encounter. 

A meeting that should never have happened. 

Many years ago, two children from completely different worlds forged a connection, a fateful connection, an unbreakable bond that would change their lives forever… 

Salome knows only one way to live—under Prophet David’s rule. In the commune she calls home, Salome knows nothing of life beyond her strict faith, nor of life beyond the Fence—the fence that cages her, keeps her trapped in an endless cycle of misery. A life she believes she is destined to always lead, until a horrific event sets her free. 

Fleeing the absolute safety of all she has ever known, Salome is thrust into the world outside, a frightening world full of uncertainty and sin; into the protective arms of a person she believed she would never see again. 

River ‘Styx’ Nash knows one thing for certain in life—he was born and bred to wear a cut. Raised in a turbulent world of sex, Harleys, and drugs, Styx, unexpectedly has the heavy burden of the Hades Hangmen gavel thrust upon him, and all at the ripe old age of twenty-six—much to his rivals’ delight. 

Haunted by a crushing speech impediment, Styx quickly learns to deal with his haters. Powerful fists, an iron jaw and the skillful use of his treasured German blade has earned him a fearsome reputation as a man not to be messed with in the shadowy world of outlaw MC’s. A reputation that successfully keeps most people far, far away. 

Styx has one rule in life—never let anyone get too close. It’s a plan that he has stuck to for years, that is, until a young woman is found injured on his lot… a woman who looks uncannily familiar, a woman who clearly does not belong in his world, yet a woman he feels reluctant to let go… 

Just take my money, Tillie...just TAKE IT!!

Shut up, I can't even stand how much I fucking loved this book!!! I was really, really wary, because of the whole religious cult thing...but OMG! Ugh!!! 

I have never read a MC series before...I have watched SOA, but that's as far as my knowledge of MC's go....and I don't think my reaction to this genre could have been any better!

Styx and Mae's story is absolutely, soul devouring, heart stopping, amaze-balls!

I couldn't put this book down, and I got sucked into the world of the Hangmen! I am 100% dedicated to this series and I can't wait to continue on!

Master No by: Lexi Blake

Disavowed by those he swore to protect…



Tennessee Smith is a wanted man. Betrayed by his government and hunted by his former employer, he’s been stripped of everything he holds dear. If the CIA finds him, they’re sure to take his life as well. His only shot at getting it all back is taking down the man who burned him. He knows just how to get to Senator Hank McDonald and that’s through his daughter, Faith. In order to seduce her, he must become something he never thought he’d be—a Dom.

Overcome by isolation and duty…

All her life, Dr. Faith “Mac” McDonald has felt alone, even among her family. Dedicating herself to helping others and making a difference in the world has brought her some peace, but a year spent fighting the Ebola virus in West Africa has taken a toll. She’s come home for two months of relaxation before she goes back into the field. After holding so many lives in her hands, nothing restores her like the act of submission. Returning to her favorite club, Mac is drawn to the mysterious new Dom all the subs are talking about, Master No. In the safety of his arms, she finds herself falling head over heels in love.

Forced to choose between love and revenge…

On an exclusive Caribbean island, Ten and Mac explore their mutual attraction, but her father’s plots run deeper than Ten could possibly have imagined. With McKay-Taggart by his side, Ten searches for a way to stop the senator, even as his feelings for Mac become too strong to deny. In the end, he must choose between love and revenge—a choice that will change his life forever.

Well done, Lexi, well done.

I don't think I've cried so hard in a book in a LONG time! I had to throw my tablet away from me to get myself under control multiple times!

As all of the fellow Lexi Blake fans knew, something drastic was going to happen in Master No, and yet it still shocked the shit out of me! Man....Lexi, you are an amazing writer and I just get sucked into your stories and into your world. I seriously felt like it was someone I knew personally and I was taking it so very hard!

Ok, onto Tennessee and Faith...

I really loved how these two were set up. How they got to know each other, and how they really came to be. I honestly think I expected a bit more out of Ten as a Dom though. I don't think they had the hottest sexual chemistry out there, especially among the other Masters and Mercenaries couples, but I still loved them. Faith was an amazing and strong character...I don't think anyone less than she could be with Ten.

Overall, very good book! One of my favorites series and they never disappoint!

You Loved Me At My Darkest by: Evie Harper

Blood is thicker than water…



Having endured more than their share of tragedy, sisters Lily and Sasha embark on a dream holiday—only to find themselves in hell. Kidnapped by a rich madman, Sasha is sold into slavery, while Lily is forced to join The Collection, a unique bevy of exotic beauties enduring frequent horrors at the hands of elite bidders. However, no amount of pain and suffering will break Lily, who will stop at nothing to save her younger sister. Possibly with help from an unlikely ally. 

Love is stronger than loyalty…

Attempting to prove his allegiance to his employer, Jake is tasked with guarding the unruly and uncontrollable Lily. He can’t afford to help her in her quest to free Sasha—not if he hopes to fulfill his own agenda. But in their dark, gritty, tension-filled world, solace is taken wherever it’s found. Bonds are formed and hearts engage despite Jake’s resistance and both their attempts at self-preservation.

When certain secrets come to light, the resulting explosion has breathtakingly bittersweet consequences that, by the end, may not leave everyone whole…or alive.

Where the hell did this book come from!?!? How did I just happen upon it a week ago and be able to read it with amazing speed in just 10 hours today because I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!! 

• Take the tablet with me to the bathroom? Check
• Place it on the counter so I can make the kids lunch while reading? Check
• Totally ignore my role as a mother so I could stay with these characters? Check

OMG this book so so great. I felt so connected to Lily and the totally awful situation she found herself in being selected as part of the "collection". Yes, I do feel these two hotties kinda fell into each other a little more quickly than it would seem normal,...especially considering the whole kidnapping thing, lol. But that's kinda true in most books anyway. It definitely didn't deter the story in any way, shape, or form.

Being who I am, I couldn't just let the book play out as is, I had to have my suspicions of Jake's real intentions during the book. But at least I can say some items were accurate and some weren't! So it still kept me on my toes.

So yea, I really enjoyed this darker romance style book and I recommend it to anyone that has similar tastes in book styles (but be warned, there is a rape scene).

Midnight Rising by: Lara Adrian

In a world of shadows and dark, consuming hungers, desire is the deadliest weapon...

For journalist Dylan Alexander, it began with the discovery of a hidden tomb, thrusting her into the center of a gathering storm of violence and secrets. But nothing is as dangerous as the scarred, lethally seductive man who rises from the shadows to draw her into his world of dark desire and endless night.

Fueled by pain and rage over a shattering betrayal, the warrior Rio has pledged his life to the war against the Rogues. He will let nothing stand in his way—least of all a mortal woman with the power to expose the entire vampire race. For an ancient evil has been awakened, and a stunning darkness is on the rise. Suddenly Dylan is powerless to resist Rio’s touch, even as she uncovers a shocking link to her own past. And now she must choose: Leave Rio’s midnight realm, or risk it all for the man who has shown her true passion and the infinite pleasures of the heart. . . . 

Latest book in the Midnight Breed series....a bit more of a let down than the last couple books for me. 

I thought I'd be head over heals in love with Rio because of his poor situation and because I have such a soft spot of guys like that (in books only, lol)...

But I really just didn't get into his and Dylan's story. 

I really loved their connection and I think everything that happened, needed to happen to really make everything continue well, but I just wasn't feeling it this time sadly.

I will continue on though! Hopefully the next book will get back on track for me and be amazing.

Luscious by: Lexi Blake

When Macon Miles meets sweet waitress Allyson Jones, he knows she’s trouble, but he can’t imagine how her secrets will rock his world.

This was a great sweet addition to the Masters and Mercenaries series! :)

I loved starting to get to know the crew at "Top" and the love for food! HAHA, yum!

Our little buddy, Adam has a younger brother that's gone through hell. Macon is a seriously adorable character and I just loved him!

Ally, the little sly devil is a little bad ass that was a fun character and always keeping me happy.

Together they are super sweet and a great couple! Their dilemma was pretty sad and heart wrenching...but I bet Ian will be there for them...right? Gotta love Ian!

(If you bought the box set that included this book you'd get the "sweet" jokes!)

Midnight Awakening by: Lara Adrian

With a dagger in her hand and vengeance on her mind,

Darkhaven beauty Elise Chase prowls Boston’s streets in search of retribution against the Rogue vampires who took from her everything she cherished. Using an extraordinary psychic gift, she tracks her prey, well aware that the power she possesses is destroying her. She must learn to harness this gift, and for that she can turn to only one man—the deadliest of the Breed warriors, Tegan.

No stranger to loss, Tegan knows Elise’s pain. He knows fury, but when he slays his enemies it is with ice in his veins. He is perfect in his self-control, until Elise seeks his aid in her personal war. An unholy alliance is forged—a bond that will link them by blood and vow—and plunge them into a tempest of danger, desire, and the darkest passions of the heart. . . .

AHH! Omg I can't even believe how much I loved this book!

I have a special place in my heart for those who are tormented and hurt! Their stories always seem to be so hard hitting and special.

Tegan and Elise's story are no exception! OMG these two are so amazing together.

Elise is a serious little spitfire after being coddled all her life. She's so strong and so amazing. I really liked that she was already familiar with the world of the Breed and knew how things worked....so no delaying in having to explain.

Tegan is of course one hot piece of ass! Holy cow! Tormented soul, hero, selfless, ugh....I just can't stand him (and of course by that I mean I LOVE HIM).

This series is getting better and better!