*Cover Reveal* Redemption by Jessica Ruben

Check out this gorgeous cover of REDEMPTION by Jessica Ruben! Don't forget to add it to your TBR! Links to the first two books are below, just in case you need to catch up. 

Cover by: Okay Creations

Adult Contemporary Romance

Goodreads

Blurb:

Vincent
Through every drop of blood I spilled, I lost a piece of my soul. I’ve sacrificed seven long years and the woman of my life for the Family. With prison behind me, I’m finally taking the reins of my destiny. I won’t allow the choices of my past to define my future. But I’m not done fighting—not yet.

Eve is still out there.

I will stop at nothing to get her back.


Eve
After having my heart torn out by the son of the biggest crime family in New York, I was forced to start over in California. With three thousand miles between me and my past, life is finally set on cruise control. I’m a lawyer at one of the best law firms in the country, I own my apartment, and I even have a doting boyfriend by my side.

As for love?

It’s not worth the fight.

*Redemption (Vincent and Eve Book 3) is the final book in the Vincent and Eve trilogy. You must read Rising (Vincent and Eve Book 1) and Reckoning (Vincent and Eve Book 2) in order to enjoy the conclusion of this heart-stopping romance.

NOW AVAILABLE!

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2HxzVmH

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2vrf2V7

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2r1OFDT

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2vOEM1r

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2KhW75N

Paperback: https://amzn.to/2HF4Pxp

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2LSl0J7
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2HBb8NJ
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2xYC22r
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2HAqQJ1
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2LEsU4X

About the Author:

Jessica Ruben lives and works in New York City, where she spends her days dominating in the court room as an attorney. Come nightfall, she writes romances centering on gorgeous alpha males and the intelligent women who love them.

Jessica is an insatiable reader, and will devour a few books a week without batting an eyelash. Books have always been her drug of choice, and she has no plans on detox anytime soon. She has three wildly delicious children and a husband who, for reasons unimaginable to her, loves her brand of crazy.



http://jessicarubenauthor.com

**New Release & Review** Toying With Her by Prescott Lane

Rating: ⛤⛤⛤⛤

 Release Date: August 17th 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Toying with Her, an all-new standalone from Prescott Lane is coming LIVE!!!

No one said finding love was easy, but when you invented the world’s best selling vibrator, it’s near impossible. Yep, that’s right. That little toy hidden in your bedside table is my brain child. It’s aptly named Woman on Top. And you know what they say . . . it’s lonely at the top.

So I’m headed home to my Southern roots. It’s supposed to be an extended Summer vacation — nothing more. But Rorke Weston has other plans for me. Plans that not only involve me being on top, but also underneath him.

It’s been said you never forget your first. For me, that’s definitely true. No night has ever lived up to the one I spent with Rorke.

He’s turned into quite a man. Tan from the Southern sun, and stubborn as the day is long. And there’s nothing sweeter than the swipe of his tongue.

Rorke wants his chance. The one we never had. But that was a long time ago. When I still believed in Prince Charming and Happily Ever Afters. Even ten years later, I feel a pull. And it’s not simply Rorke yanking down my panties.

Do second chances really happen? Or is my heart simply toying with me?

Read Today!

(only 99¢ for a Limited Time)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2wa1D6K

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2v1qV1N

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2i6kf18

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/G7qAFh

Dot's Deets:

***ARC Received in exchange for an honest review ***

This is the first I have ever heard of Prescott Lane and I am glad I was introduced to her. A woman who invented sex toys? Right up my alley! I just don't feel like it was a page turner. I wasn't on the edge of my seat wanting more. It was well written and had complex characters, but it just didn't leave a lasting impression. I was ready to read my next book immediately. I didn't even sit down to write out my review before I forgot any juicy details. 

Don't get me wrong, it was good. Spicy. And an interesting read. But it won't be on my must read books. I mean, yeah, you should read it. But you don't have to. Yes, I recommend it. But, you get my drift. 

It is a sweet love story.

Okay, let me edit this a bit. I had a cup of coffee and I don't feel like I wrote everything that needed to be said.

This is the story of the heart wanting what it wants. Of what happens when you never really let go. It pulled at my heart strings and tugged at my emotions. Everyone needs a Rorke to fight for them. 

About the Author:

Prescott Lane is the Amazon best-selling author of Stripped Raw. She's got seven other books under her belt including: First Position, Perfectly Broken, Quiet Angel, Wrapped in Lace, Layers of Her, The Reason for Me, and The Sex Bucket List. She is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and holds a degree in sociology and a MSW from Tulane University. She married her college sweetheart, and they currently live in New Orleans with their two children and two crazy dogs. Prescott started writing at the age of five, and sold her first story about a talking turtle to her father for a quarter. She later turned to writing romance novels because there aren't enough happily ever afters in real life.

Connect with the Author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottLane1

Twitter: @prescottlane1

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lfhlrh

Instagram: instagram.com/prescottlane1

http://www.authorprescottlane.com

***REVIEW*** Palm South University Season 3 by Kandi Steiner

• Rating: 5 out of 5 HOT ⛤
• Recommend: Yes 
• Release date: August 10, 2017
• Genre: New Adult
• Read time: 2 days 
• Triggers: rape 
• Book 3 of a series 
• ARC Received in exchange for an honest review. 

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/PSU3GR
Purchase:  http://amzn.to/2vu2dLL

***Book Blurb***

Drama. Lies. Sex. 

Welcome to Palm South University. 

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up in South Florida. At a school where fraternities and sororities don’t exactly play by the rules, relationships are bound to be tested. Parties and sex are definitely key ingredients in the Palm South recipe, but what happens when family issues, secret lives, and unrequited love get tossed in the mix? 

Follow Cassie, Bear, Jess, Skyler, Erin, Ashlei, and Adam as they tackle college at a small, private beach town university. Written in television drama form, each episode of this serial will pull you deeper and deeper into the world of PSU. 

Where the sun is hot and the clothes are scarce, anything can happen. 

****Dot's Deets****

Please keep in mind that my review may contain spoilers. If you have not read the first two seasons, do not pass go, you're not getting $200. Maybe $10 on a giveaway via my Facebook page HERE. Anywho, you've been warned!

I had to get this off my chest right here and right now before I picked up my next read (I said I was taking a break from signing up for reviews, but I lied). 

This one left me a little heartbroken. But after binging on all three books, I will say that this is my favorite out of the three. This one I couldn't out down. Maybe because I was so emotionally invested in these characters by book three. It's nice to see some strong POC in these books. Bear is by far my favorite and Mr. CHURCH...YESSSS! It is really funny because at the Colleen Hoover panel at Bookcon, they touched on the lack of POC in a lot of new adult and romcom books. But this was a breath of fresh air. The black guy wasn't a drug dealing, gun slinging, thug...he was a hot frat guy just trying to make a dollar out of fifteen cents. We need more Bears and Brandon Churchs. So, to those writers who feel they can't identify with a POC: I understand. However, just write us as human beings. As real life feeling people as you would write someone that is not a POC. just as Kandi Steiner did in these books. It's okay. Well, to me. People can be cruel. But as someone who loves to read this genre, it's hard sometimes when your reader wants to relate on more than just an emotional aspect. Thank you Kandi. 

This book/series left me wanting more. It wasn't filled with HEAs but with realness. You could actually be like, "okay, it hurts, but it hurts good." I honestly don't know how those who didn't binge read them like me waited between books. But, now I am one of you. 

My little heart is slayed and I don't think there's any coming back from that one. I want to write to Kandi Steiner and ask her, "how dare she do this to me??" In the words of Ms. Blige: :Gas me up, get me drunk, hitthe skins and scram!!" How dare she do this to me? Now I have to wait. 

I will definitely be hung over from this one. I know I said this last time, but yes, it is a perfect summer read!

I feel like there's so much more to say. I could relate to each character in my own way. And that made me love it even more. It made me miss college and the friends I gained while being there. It made me a little sad there wasn't a sorority on campus that I could possibly relate to to join. It made me wish I was back, soaking up that Tennessee sun. It made me wish I was more outgoing and put myself out there more. But this book also made me glad I had all those experiences. I cannot wait for the next season!!

***About the Author***

Kandi Steiner is a bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.

An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.

When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys live music, traveling, anything heavy in carbs, beach days, movie marathons, craft beer and sweet wine — not necessarily in that order.

Facebook - http://bit.ly/2hepyvg

Twitter - http://bit.ly/2vcEIGw

Website - http://bit.ly/238sAhY

Goodreads - http://bit.ly/2dqsZtd

The Weight of Life by Whitney Barbetti *Review*

• Rating: 5 out of 5
• Recommend: YEEEESSSS
• Release Date: June 28, 2017
• Triggers: None
• Read Time: 2 days
• Genre: Romance 
• Standalone, but some characters from another book appear :)
• Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb: (Courtesy of Goodreads):

-Mila-
“Don’t let go.” Those were my first words to him, as I hung over the side of a London bridge. The words I would soon say again, in a moment that didn’t involve bridges, but something much more fragile: my heart.

He held onto me for three weeks, in a time when I needed to be held. Needed to connect to someone who understood how loss tunneled unrepentantly through the fabric of your soul.

Although he said he'd stay, we both knew he wouldn't. I had already survived one loss—I didn't know if I'd survive another.

-Ames-
She spun into my life like a tornado of smiles and chatter and everything else I'd long avoided, with a persistence that I admired, albeit begrudgingly. She broke down each neat wall I’d constructed without even trying. Her presence alone caused me to remember what it felt like to smile, to look forward to what the day would bring.

But it was only supposed to last three weeks.

“Don’t let go,” she’d pleaded.

I’d promised her I wouldn’t—but I would. I didn't have a choice.

*****

Sooo...What did I think? HELL YES! I could not put this book down. I must admit, I walked away from Barbetti's Bleeding Hearts series hating Mila. I was just like what kind of person would...seriously?? But The Weight of Life redeemed her for me. Ames and Mila! Oh my heart. This is a must read. Add it to your Summer read! Grab this book, a box of tissues, a glass of wine (soda for you underagers) and curl up with this good book. I do not have much more to say about it than this. I loved it, I hated it and then I loved it once more. Read it. Love it.

Available for purchase on AMAZON (Free for KU members)

***New Release*** Paper Fools by Staci Hart

In the game of love, she never loses.

Paper Fools by Staci Hart is now LIVE!!

Title: Paper Fools

Author: Staci Hart

Cover Designer: Quirkybird Designs

Photographer: Lauren Watson Perry

Aphrodite knows love — just don’t ask her to figure out her own mess.

Rather than deal with her sticky love life, she toys with the hearts of unwitting humans. It’s a little game she plays, and the stakes are high. Lucky for her, she’s just found the perfect match.

Lex is everything Dean needs, but he can’t have her.

It doesn’t matter that her eyes speak to a long forgotten part of him, or that her art and poetry touch his shredded heart. She’s off limits — crossing that line would implode his band and everything he’s ever cared about. There’s only one option: stay away from her, no matter the cost. Even if the price is his heart.

Dean is everything Lex wants, but she can’t take the risk.

The second she meets him, she knows her heart is in danger. She’s convinced it’s only attraction that has her hung up on the dark, quiet lead singer, but with every day that passes, she knows it’s more. It’s just that she can’t put her heart on the line. She won’t — love has never been worth the sacrifice.

If only they knew they were just pawns in a much bigger game. And in the game of love, Aphrodite never loses.

*Formerly titled Deer in Headlights, Paper Fools has been rewritten and reedited just for you.*

Read Today!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2pBid8h

Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/m5ST2M

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/SggznE

About the Author

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. From roots in Houston to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

Connect with Staci:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2hv5OA5

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacihartnovels

Twitter: https://twitter.com/imaquirkybird

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/imaquirkybird/

Website: http://stacihartnovels.com

Newsletter: http://stacihartnovels.com/get-the-newsletter/

Revelry by Kandi Steiner

Rating: 5 out of 5
Recommendation: Heck yes!
Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 20, 2017 (like my page on fb for updates on release and other goodies Dot's Dirty Deets)
Triggers: none
Read time: 2 days
**Received an ARC for an honest review**


Blurb (Courtesy of Goodreads. Add to your TBR list HERE.):


Wren Ballard is trying to find herself.

She never expected to be divorced at twenty-seven, but now that the court date has passed, it’s official. The paperwork is final. Her feelings on it aren’t.

Spending the summer in a small mountain town outside Seattle is exactly what she needs. The peaceful scenery is a given, the cat with the croaky meow is a surprise, but the real kicker? A broody neighbor with nice arms, a strange reputation, and absolutely no interest in her.

Anderson Black is perfectly fine being lost.

He doesn’t care about the town’s new resident — he’s too busy fighting his own demons. But when he’s brought face to face with Wren, he can see her still-fresh wounds from a mile away. What he doesn’t see coming is his need to know who put them there — or his desperation to mend them.

Sometimes getting lost is the way to find yourself. Sometimes healing only adds a new scar. And sometimes the last place you expected to be is exactly where you find home.

****

You know the drill by now. If you don't want spoilers, then do not read beyond this point. Because this one was a good one and I have a lot to say!

Well, Ms. Steiner, you have gone and done it again. I do not know why I torture myself and read your books. I really don't. This one will probably be on the top of my list of books that you have written. But I still have a few to play catch-up on, so the jury is still out. But...the feelings I felt when I read this one made me want to crawl inside myself and never come out. Why? No clue. I have suffered a loss. I have not suffered a big break-up like a divorce. I haven't run away to find myself (unless you count college, but nah). I guess the book was so real to me. All too often, when reading books, you think to yourself. "Come on, not in a million years would this happen." But this probably will touch so many hearts that it is so relatable. The word that poured out onto the pages, were brilliant. Beautifully written. Extremely heartbreaking. I have never rooted for two characters to stop worrying about outside forces and be together. Ugh.

Wren, Wren, Wren. I kept thinking in my head, "Who cares?!" So what you just got a divorce months ago. So what! So what! So what! She's just going to let this man who is giving her what she wants just walk out of her life? Anderson! I was having angry anxiety. I wanted him to just be like, "Shut up and be with me." That scene right before she left and the words Momma Von spoke to her ran through her head. She felt it. I felt it. The readers will feel this! OMG. Then Kandi Steiner pulls out the Morton's, grabs my shoulders and pours onto my open heart when Beau shows up at the end. Seriously? That entire story wasn't enough? You had to add that one last knife twist to make me hurt and feel more? Thanks. Thanks a whole effing lot.

If you all can't tell by this review, I loved this book. Revelry will have you all in your feelings. I almost gave it a 4.5 because she just made me feel way too much. It is definitely a can't put down book. I was up til 1am last night finishing it. Looking at my progress at the bottom of my app, thinking, "Just one more chapter...just 5 more minutes." Well, yeah...I'm tired. But this book...just read it. Yes. Please.

Release Blitz coming soon!



A Thousand Letters by Staci Hart

• Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• Recommend: YES!
• Standalone Book
• Triggers: none that I could think of...
• Release date: 2/9/2017
• Read time: According to Goodreads, a whole month...lol 2 days. Sigh.

Blurb (Courtesy of Goodreads - add to your tbr HERE):

Sometimes your life is split by a single decision.
I’ve spent every day of the last seven years regretting mine: he left, and I didn’t follow. A thousand letters went unanswered, my words like petals in the wind, spinning away into nothing, taking me with them.

But now he’s back.

I barely recognize the man he’s become, but I can still see a glimmer of the boy who asked me to be his forever, the boy I walked away from when I was young and afraid.

Maybe if he’d come home under better circumstances, he could speak to me without anger in his voice. Maybe if I’d said yes all those years ago, he’d look at me without the weight of rejection in his eyes. Maybe if things were different, we would have had a chance.

One regretted decision sent him away. One painful journey brought him back to me. I only wish I could keep him.

*A contemporary romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion*

******

Two in one day? Yes! I have been on a reading spree playing catch up! And I should have sat down and written this, but needless to say, Staci Hart ripped out my heart, cut it up into little pieces then lit it on fire for good measure. With that being said, read this book and click exit from my blog now or I will ruin it for you.

My heart hurt from start to finish...well, maybe not finish, but the residual hurt poured out once I finished this book. Losing a father, mentor, friend, loved one is never an easy task. Now picture yourself watching yourself losing him over the course of a few days or weeks. Seeing his life slip away from him. And then add the one person that you wished you never walked away from to the mix. WOW! Talk about a love story. Honestly, I really can't sum it up better than that. Read it. You won't be sorry. 

Purchase on Amazon here > A Thousand Letters *Free for Kindle Unlimited Members*

Suddenly Us by Marie Skye

• Rating: 4.5 out 5 stars
• Recommend: YES! DOUBLE YES!
• Standalone book, but we do see some of our favorite characters from previous books. 
• Triggers: There is an attack in a dark alley that could possibly trigger someone.
• Release date: 4/11/2017
• Read time: 1 day
• Received ARC in exchange for an honest review

Blurb (courtesy of Goodreads- add to your tbr here):

Gwen
Love. Who needs that? Who would want that? Who hasn't had their heart split in two, because they were never their first option, and damn sure their second. I have. But I stayed. Why did I stay? It was love. I wanted to finally feel that I was wanted. It didn't matter if he thought I was worthless. It didn't matter if he degraded me, because he felt like it. Any love is better than no love...right?

Hawkins
Every day, I'm haunted and tormented. When, I look in the mirror I see a failure. A failure that let people that needed me down. I worry that it will happen again. If it happens to the people I care about the most, I don't think I could live with myself. Can I put my torturous past behind me and start to enjoy life? Especially now that I have a reason to live it?

******

This is where I tell you that you need to walk away from this review if you do not want this book spoiled for you. But, before you close out of it, please do me a favor and buy this. I promise, it will entertain you, pull at your heart strings and have you cursing out the characters.

So, the plot of this story, right? Hmm..where do I start? Boy meets girl, girl and boy both chase each other away and then finally find their happy ending together. But there is so much more than that. I know, it is a typical plot and a little rushed for my liking (which is why I gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars), but for what it is worth, the layers and complexity of the characters did it for me. And Marie Skye is climbing up to be a top 5 favorite author. Yes, that is pretty big, I know. And it kind of sounds weird that I gave this book a 4.5 and it is sealing her standing on my list, right? Well, I'm not to be understood. 

I just wanted a little more. What that is? I am not too sure. It took me a day to read it. So, that means I didn't want to put it down. (And NOT because my review was due!) I actually finished last night, but was too tired to type this out and needed a moment to process. Enough about me.

My new hashtag for this book is #canihaveaHawkinsplease 

Oh, layers...I love when authors write more about minor characters from other books (but only when I have read those books ha!). And I am getting the weird idea that we will see more of these folks. 

Purchase Suddenly Us on Amazon. *Free for Kindle Unlimited Members*

"Fourteen Shades of F*cked Up" Cover Reveal

Roses are red. So is passion. And blood.

★★★COVER REVEAL★★★

Coming February 14th, 2017

Fourteen Shades of F*cked Up - An Anthology

Authors: Alyson Hale, Ariel Marie, Brittney Coon, Cristina Slough, J.A. Kerr, J.L. Baldwin, Jennifer Loring, Lilly James, Marie Skye, ML Rodriguez, N. Mills, QUINN, S. Valentine, Zack Halford

Cover Design by Rock Your World Promotions

Stock Photos via Adobe Stock

★ SYNOPSIS ★

Fourteen authors have brought you stories of pain and love.

Struggle and dissonance.

Lust and depravity.

Whether your poison is a naughty husband and wife, a kinky night out on the town, edging toward the pinnacle of pain and pleasure, or something a little more supernatural, come indulge in your deepest, darkest, most f*cked up cravings.

We promise we won’t judge...if you won’t.

Click HERE to add to Goodreads TBR

★ JOIN THE PARTY ★

Click HERE to join the release event on Facebook!

★ LINK AVAILABLE SOON ★

Tell me FIRST when it's live!

Hosted by:

Bringing indies into the spotlight

Incapable by Marie Skye

Rating: 4 out of 5
Rated: XXX (it's for the mature crowd)
Recommend: Yes
Book one of a series
Will I read the next ones? SURE

Amazon synopsis and you can purchase here:

"Emmalin Gone. Everything I ever had is gone. Ripped away, taken before I was ready. So I just hid. Hid in the shadows, hoping to disappear, blending in, fade away. I didn't want to be found, and I sure as hell didn’t want, to be discovered. But one man did. He saw me. Saw right through me. He's overbearing, egotistical, and did I mention a total asshole? When I'm with him, I want to scream. Punch him. And then have him rip my clothes off. I gave him one night. He wants more. And so do I. I'm his. Grayson Mandrake owns me. Grayson I take, because I can. I claim, because I can. She was mine the moment I saw her, and I will destroy her soul to keep her. Have her. Own her. I'm ruthless, and relentless. A total asshole. And I will do anything for her. Emmalin Ross is mine. This is PART ONE of the Incapable series. Warning: This series has a foul-mouthed male, dirty talk, and strong sexual content. Intended for mature audiences 18+ only."

***Spoilers to follow***

Whew. It was HOT! I would have given it a 5 out of 5, but I believe Marie Skye has potential with her writing. It was super sexual, but I just needed more substance. Maybe Riley Jean spoiled me a bit with that almost 6 day read...I just don't like that I had to read so much to learn that the main character had green eyes. And all of a sudden they're this beautiful thing to the other main character. I know, such a minute detail, but if I am going to fall in love with a character, I want to know more about them than the movement of a piece of hair behind her ear. I get it. It's a sweet gesture, but what else?

So...the green eyed girl is Emmalin. She's got everything going against her. She's working two jobs and barely making ends meet. She's obviously incredibly smart because she does freelance work in accounting. But she has demons (don't we all?). But her demon came in the form of her stepfather who we put the pieces together eventually that he is raping her. We learn that she has so much tragedy in her life that she has a fear of all things that involve love and being restrained. 

In comes Grayson Mandrake...beautiful blue eyes (we learn this from the start), rich (really really rich), handsome, a playboy...Are you getting the Christian Gray feel? Yeah, me too. But I digress. He has his demons too. Tragedy struck at a young age for him also...So, why are these two good for one another? Because they bring out the best in one another. Everyone else sees it, but Emmalin has a hard time accepting it. Did I mention he was into bondage?

There were other mention-able characters: Tyler- Emmalin's best friend. Chace- Grayson's best friend. I am hopeful to learn a bit more about the both of them. But I have to take a pause on these books because of other books that I have to read. But I promise you, I will be back for more of this sexy, saucy, raunchy book.

To have your book reviewed by Dot: Send all request to dotsdeets@gmail.com

Use Somebody by Riley Jean

Rating: 10 out of 5
Recommend: was my rating not enough
Standalone...you won't be left feeling empty or needing more either.
Genre: romance...all the feels
Received free via author promo in exchange for an honest review

I had to immediately get my thoughts down on this book so I could continue on to my reads. This one took a little longer to read than I would have liked because I have several deadlines to meet with reviews. If you have a book you would like to recommend, please comment or email dotsdeets@gmail.com

Amazon synopsis:
"For straitlaced Scarlett Rossi, college was supposed to be all about finding herself. But when a whirlwind romance goes tragically wrong, what she finds is much darker than expected. Reeling from the fallout, she returns home, lost, alone, and scarred. Determined to rebuild what was stolen that night, she embraces the fighter within.

With a heart of gold and a smile like the sun, Vance Holloway can light up any room. So when his charms are rejected by the new girl at work, his curiosity is piqued. Vance sees right through Scarlett's stubborn walls. And he'll stop at nothing to break them. Over ice cream, music, and a handful of moments, he slowly earns her trust. Finally Scarlett's found somebody safe... that is, until he falls in love.

So begins an explosive tryst of push and pull between one broken girl and one irresistible boy. Scarlett won't survive another heartbreak. Can their friendship survive a compromise?

Vance may be set on healing her heart, but he has no idea what he's up against. As her walls continue to crumble, grief looms and triggers resurface. Until both are faced with the heart-stopping truth: what really happened the night she swore she'd never love another man, and whose hands are stained with his blood?

Join Vance and Scarlett on this powerful journey of romance, mystery, and redemption."

So...spoilers....don't read ahead if you don't want it to be ruined for you. And I assure you, this one, you will want to read.

Where to begin?

Feelings. My feelings were used, abused and taken on a roller coaster ride. I cried. I yelled at my screen (I read via kindle app). I threw my phone. I hugged it to my chest. I felt. I felt hard. I related.

Scarlett. Young. Doesn't know how beautiful she is. Has gone through so much. And I found myself relating to her so much it hurt. Not in the "I got used by someone and the ended up robbing my bank" kind of way. But her social awkwardness. Her inability to feel comfortable in social settings spoke to my heart. I did not get drunk and kiss boys, but I did drink to feel comfortable at a college party. But this isn't about me. After her dramatic experience, she dyes her hair black. Shortens her name to Scar...and in walks Vance.

The boy she never thought she needed and kept at a painful (for him). Dreamy green eyes. Everything a girl could want in a guy, but why won't Scar let him in? She's been hurt. We get that. I had so many "Oh my God, just be with him!" moments, I can't even begin to tell you.

Honestly, I do not want to ruin anyone's experience with this book. Now that I am typing away. I just don't think it's fair at all. I am so emotional from reading this book and I highly recommend it.

This love story will leave you satisfied. It will have you mad at the writer. It will make you hurt for her for thinking up something so heartbreaking. Wondering (from her author's notes) which part was her experience.

Just read it.

Buy here (free for kindle unlimited subscribers)

Up Next: Incapable by Marie Skye (just finished reading so post to follow shortly)

Bad Mommy by Tarryn Fisher

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Recommendation : yes, but have your anxiety pills handy
Buy Here
Series: as of right now, since it was released in December 2016, it is standalone. But there's possibilities.
Genre: I don't know...mindf*ck? Psychological Thriller? Nut-job?

Before we get started, here's a blurb from Goodreads in case you wish to not read my review because...spoilers:


"When Fig Coxbury buys a house on West Barrett Street, it's not because she likes the neighborhood, or even because she likes the house. It's because everything she desires is next door: The husband, the child, and the life that belongs to someone else."


***SPOILERS BELOW***


Well, well, well...Tarryn, you slayed me with this one. And I am not sure in a good way. The entire first part of the book I was on edge with anxiety. Is she going to kidnap this kid? The book cover shows someone falling on train tracks!! Is she going to jump? Is she going to push Jolene? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON??? This trick is crazy. And that husband, ooh boy. I could not put this one down.

I do have a few questions as to George. I am guessing Fig left George out because of her craziness, but to find out he was there all along was pure genius. I really can't believe that someone would be so crazy. This story is so crazy it makes you feel like it is so real. Honestly, I felt like all three of the main characters were a few french fries short of a happy meal. But let me get back on track.

Thank you Tarryn Fisher for Jolene. Jolene is very strong willed, but compassionate to our crazy friend Fig (more on her later). She is who Fig labels as "Bad Mommy", but once we read more of the story, we learn that she is actually a great mom. A super mom. She has a bit of a drinking problem (and I use that term loosely because who doesn't like a glass of wine to cool their jets after a long day of mom-ing?) and immerses herself in other's issues and her writing. Some would see this as a character flaw, just like her husband pointed out time and time again.

Speaking of her husband. Ugh. What a douche. What was his name? Darius. Right. Darius? Ugh. User. Womanizer. Cheater. Whore. Nasty. Shall I go on? On the outside looking in he is a great father, husband, friend. But when you take a gander at this piece of work..he's ugh.

Fig, Fig, Fig.

Boy oh boy. Single White Female to the max. B*tch is crazy. I can't really even say more than that. She wants everything that Jolene has and then some. You can't help but feel bad for her.

Read it. Seriously.

Next up: The Gender Game by Bella Forrest

A Love Letter to Whiskey By Kandi Steiner....and a few other things

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Whew! I haven't posted a book review since August of last year. Well, life and new babies can prevent a girl from curling up with a good book and enjoying the finer things in life. But I'm back and better than ever. I just launched my new Facebook page and I could not be happier! I am also working on my own little project that is coming along very well. I think I may be a little overzealous, but I have set my Goodreads  (click link to add me!) 2017 to 400 books!

Okay, so down to the good stuff. I have been trying to figure out a way to review books without giving away too much stuff and there really isn't much of a way to do this. So, I will post my rating, recommendation, the published book synopsis and then my spoiler alert warning if you do not want to read any more than that. If you do end up reading, please share your thoughts here or on the Facebook post!

Now that all of that is out of the way. I stumbled upon Kandi Steiner through a Facebook post she tagged Colleen Hoover in (and we know how much I am obsessed with Colleen). So, here I go clicking away being all stalkerish and adding her on my friend's list because she's a writer. I search through her books and this one has me pretty intrigued. So...here goes:

Rating: 5 out of 5
Recommend: YES! I could not put it down. I was being so mean to my fiance (sorry babe) when he was trying to talk to me about his game. Whoops. But that's what a good book will do to ya.

Book Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

It’s crazy how fast the buzz comes back after you’ve been sober for so long. 

Whiskey stood there, on my doorstep, just like he had one year before. Except this time, there was no rain, no anger, no wedding invitation — it was just us. 

It was just him — the old friend, the easy smile, the twisted solace wrapped in a glittering bottle. 

It was just me — the alcoholic, pretending like I didn’t want to taste him, realizing too quickly that months of being clean didn’t make me crave him any less. 

But we can’t start here. 

No, to tell this story right, we need to go back. 

Back to the beginning. 

Back to the very first drop. 

This is my love letter to Whiskey. I only hope he reads it.

~~~~SPOILERS AHEAD~~~~

So, where to begin? I'm just going to start with my thoughts on it.

I loved this love story. I hated the main character, Brecks or B (she didn't want to be called by her full name because of how she was conceived) throughout most of the journey through the book. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe it was because she came off as a brat to me. I can't quite put my finger on it. But this is a the love story of: boy meets girl, boy ignores girl for cute best friend, boy realizes he's dumb, wants original girl, can't have her, gets her, loses her, she wants him...its a long vicious cycle right up until the end of the book. But it is so perfectly written, I could not put it down. Book boyfriend status for Whiskey aka Jamie: achieved. Oh, okay, here's why I hated her: SHE COULD HAVE HAD THE BOY FROM THE JUMP, BUT WAS BEING SUPER STUPID. But I mean, if she got the boy then there would be no story right?

This book is a massive tangle of webs of love, mistrust, hurt, pain, joy and everything you could want in a book and I highly recommend reading it. Don't take my word for it, just read it!

If you have Kindle Unlimited, it is currently free to read or for purchase here.

Up Next: Pending my mommy book club.

It Ends With Us By Colleen Hoover

Well, it's been over a week since I have read It Ends With Us. And I am not going to do the traditional blog like I always do because...Colleen...And if any one out there knows me or have read a previous blog, I have explained that she is truly one of my favorites. Have I met her? Yes. During her book tour of November 9. She probably won't remember me, but that day was one of the best days of my life. I got to meet not only her, but my "book lady",(she sells Usborne books and if you've never heard of it, I recommend you checking it out) Danielle. She's the one who introduced me to Colleen Hoover. And I instantly gobbled up each and every one of her books.

Confess is my favorite if you're wondering.

Anywho, Danielle and I got to talking one night and we just clicked. I told her that I needed someone book recommendations and the rest is history. So back to book signing. I had just found out I was pregnant with my youngest,  so maybe I was just being an emotional pregnant lady. I thought she was the coolest down to earth person I had ever met. I was going to share my news with her but I got so nervous when it was my turn, that I didn't even bother. I would never have done anything like this by myself, but I had to meet her. I drove an hour or so to New York and I did it. I'm quite proud of myself.

Oh, the book...right. so, this is really one of those books you shouldn't give anything away. I went in blind and I think you should to.

When I was asked one line to describe it, i said, "Devastatingly beautiful." I do have a love/hate relationship with the book. I wanted it to be longer. I wanted it to be more. I wanted one of the characters to get his happily ever after. But I loved the message. And even though I wanted different, I was happy about a character's choice.

The content is heavy. But I think you should read it. I really think everyone should. Go buy a copy. Heck, I will buy someone a digital copy if they want to read it. It took me a couple of days to wrap my head around it and I was waiting for my laptop to write it, but I decided to do it via phone. If you need a blurb, then look it up. I don't want my readers to, so I won't post it here. I won't even tell you the characters' names. I just want you to read it and enjoy it for what it is. Be book hungover like me.

Just keep swimming.

I'm currently reading Loraine Moriarty's Truly Madly Guilty.

And after I'm done, I will be reading Confess again.

The One I Gave My Heart To (book 2) By Mercedes G

Rating 4.5 out of 5
Recommend: yes!

This one would have gotten a 5 but there were too many grammatical errors that messed up a perfect score. Now that I am over the language, I just hope she hires a good editor to get her stuff together.

It took me a few hours to finish this one and I can't wait for the next book.

Book 1 left out with a bang. Literally. And this book kept me on the edge of my seat also! Book 3? I will be waiting.

So, if you have not read the first book...do not pass go, don't collect $200. I know you need that money, but now that I can speak freely about things that happened in book 1, go home, you will collect your cash later.

*spoilers ahead*

At the end of book, Mia went to visit Dola (against his wishes) and discovered the love of her life between two vending machines, having sex with a random chic. Yes, honey. He was getting it in and my jaw dropped. Poor Kelsi gets shot in the end of book 1 by Ruth's psycho girlfriend.

Yeah...book 2 makes you fall in deeper with Dola. And all I will hint at is birthday scene...oooh...hot! Lol read it.

Sharing Rylee by D. Kelly

Rating: 4 out of 5
Recommend: yes. But only if you're okay with mm mfm situations. Like seriously, if you're not into reading this type of stuff...not even a little bit, put it down. This is also a stand alone book, but it is connected to Chasing Cassidy which was written first, so if you have plans to read that, don't read this first due to spoilers.

Took me about a day and a half to read this book. I honestly don't even know how to review this book. It's romantic and heartfelt and sad. It is also hot and steamy and sexy.

Rylee is young and lost. I mean, what woman in her 20s actually knows herself? She is confused by her sexuality and seeks out therapy. Her sex therapist does nothing but encourage her to be who she is. And what is that? In love with two men. But there is a little more to that. She is in love with two men, but wishes they love each other. Crazy, right? Don't judge her.

Nick and Rylee have known one another since they were kids and have been having a secret relationship since they were old enough to do so. Nick is a lawyer. Professional and in love with Rylee. But Rylee is closed off because she thinks he would never accept her for who she is.

Pete is Rylee's twin brother's friend (nick is also her brother's bestie and enemy to Pete...but for reasons you wouldn't believe). And the two are falling head over heals for one another.

There's so much history between the trio and so many secrets that I do not want to give one bit away. It was difficult to read some of the sex scenes at first, but I'm open-minded and non-judgmental, so I went with it. And I really loved this love story. Yes. Yes, I did.

The One I Gave My Heart by Mercedes G

Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Recommend: if you need something to read to pass the time. It is a part of a series and the second part is being released on the 15th, I will be reading it. So, I guess it wasn't too bad, right?

Soooo...I love me a good hood book. But I want a hood book that I'm not cringing at every other curse word and "n" word. It's just not for me. So if that bothers you to the point where you can't read it, don't read this book. It was entertaining to read, but there are plenty of grammatical errors (I hope that Mercedes G's career takes off so she can hire her a good editor). But that's my warning to you all.

If you want to be entertained, you will be. About a quarter into the book, I found myself interested in what was going to happen with the rest of the characters. It took me a minute to see past the curse words and actually enjoy the book.

But here's a rundown of the characters:

Mia- she's independent, hardworking and the main character of the book. Even though the book is told from the perspective of different people, it is clear that she is the main focus and everyone else revolves around her. She quickly falls for Dola- he's good looking and everyone knows who he is because...drugs...sigh. *side note mind thought* Can I get you all who write Urban Novels to figure something out and give us more character and substance...thank you... Anyway, Dola. The entire time reading the book I pronounced it Dolla. Shame on me. Doe-la is the correct way. He's a drug dealer. All the ladies want him. He is fine as hell. Blah, blah, blah. Typical mumbo jumbo.

Then there's Mia's friends Terri and Kelsi. Terri is battling with whether or not she wants to be a lesbian, knock her baby daddy in the head, and/or fall for Dola's boy Sy. Meanwhile, Kelsi gives it up to his boy Ruth the morning after meeting him...and...well...drama ensues shortly after. I won't give it away.

I think Mercedes G could do a little better with giving her characters more depth to them. She doesn't describe them all but for Dola's darker member and Mia's thickness and bob. Maybe she calls one of them a linebacker with dreads. I don't know. But yeah. Give me more substance and a little less drama.

Why do I wish to read book 2 if I didn't really care for this one you ask?

Because the cliffhangers at the end of the book need to be answered for me. So now I wait 3 days. Ugh.

First Grave on the Right By Darynda Jones

Rating 3.5 out of 5
Recommend: sure, why not?

You can read it free on the wattpad app HERE.

So...this was a book club read for the month of May. There were two picks this month and the other was Game of Thrones. Right now I have a few ARCs I have to read and review so I can not commit to reading that series at the moment. Little did I know there are several more books to this series. HA! Shame on you, Dot!

I gave this book a 3.5 because I can't stand the many cliches that are flowing through this book. Yes, I can get over it, but one of my favorite professors told us to try to stay away from your reader being able to finish your sentence. I guess that stuck with me.

This is the story of Charley Davidson (I cringed when the joke on the Harley was finally made). Charley was born with the ability to see the dead. She is, in fact, a Grim reaper and a Private Investigator. Charley uses her powers to help her cop uncle (and before that her cop dad) solve crimes. She does not let many in on her secret -- I mean, would you?  But those who do know either think she's crazy or the best thing since sliced bread. *CRINGE* I did that on purpose! Charley is pretty much hated by her stepmother and sister. The hatred from her stepmother is clear, but from her sister, Gemma, it is really not too clear. Maybe it will be discussed further in "Second Grave to the Left"? I sure hope so. I have a lot of questions.

At any rate, in this book, Charley is helping her uncle solve the mystery as to who killed three lawyers. She is also trying to come to terms with her own powers and what this mysterious entity that has followed her since the day she was born.

Oh! Charley has some scandalous "love" scenes, so I wouldn't recommend this for a younger audience.

Read it. Love it. Read more of it. I have a whiny 18 month old who needs my attention, so I have to end this here.

Currently reading:
to catch up so I can read my ARC of  



 

Me Before You By Jojo Moyes

Rating: 4 out of 5

Recommend read? Yes

I picked up this book because the movie preview intrigued me. I do not know why I do this to myself. Books to movies are NEVER ever the same. After reading, I watched a few more previews and *sigh*, I found several things that were not true to the book. But, oh well, I will be going to see it once it releases on June 3rd.

It took me about a day and a half to read this. I could not put it down because it kept me wanting to know more. I fell in love with Will Traynor. Was it empathy or sympathy? I'm not too sure. But I was pulling for him the entire time. Maybe it was my connection to the disabled. My mom was restricted to a wheelchair when I was younger, so reading about this character who found himself in one, touched a place in my heart.

Will was full of life. He went on many adventures that included traveling, skydiving, and anything that I probably would never have the balls to do! Until one day, he was involved in a motorcycle accident. Life changed for him. He was at the end of his ropes. After an incident, his mother decided that she would hire a caretaker for him in addition to his nurse. Cue Louisa Clark. She had just lost her job at a local cafe and needed to find something quick to help her family pay bills. After a few bad experiences at jobs she was placed at, she went to interview for the caretaker position. This is the story of the six months they had with one another.

It is hard to give a summary without giving too much away. I loved the story, but I hated the ending, which is why I gave it a 4 out of 5 rating. I would recommend this book. Honestly, go read it now. Drop what you're doing and fall in love with these two. This book made me smile, laugh and cry. Even though I can tell the movie has been altered a bit from the book's story line, I would say go see that too. 

Next Blog/Currently Reading:


You can read this one too on the Wattpad App for free HERE.

*Please be patient with me while I figure out the structure of my blog and how I want it to flow. I'm trying here. Thank you for reading and don't forget to click follow!