Molly McAdams – Taking Chances

August 12, 2016August 12, 2016 lizellyn Books More Sweet than Sensual

If you are a fan of Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire, I highly recommend this book.

REVIEW

Don’t judge a book by its cover. I chose this book based on a computer generated recommendation list and a quick glance at the cover. I admit that I didn’t even bother reading the book blurb – shame on me. Looking at the cover, I’m anticipating some type of menage story. Am I wrong? Apparently my guess was wrong.

This is a love triangle story (not menage). The story is unique and moves quickly. I was never bored. There are some serious twists to the story (not going to spoil anything). The heat level in the story is more sweet than sensual, but very heartfelt nonetheless.

BLURB

Her first year away is turning out to be nearly perfect, but one weekend of giving in to heated passion will change everything

Eighteen-year-old Harper has grown up under the thumb of her career marine father. Ready to live life her own way and to experience things she’s only ever heard of from the jarheads in her father’s unit, she’s on her way to college at San Diego State University.

Thanks to her new roommate, Harper is introduced to a world of parties, gorgeous guys, family, and emotions. She finds herself being torn in two as she quickly falls in love with both her new boyfriend, Brandon, and her roommate’s brother, Chase. Despite their dangerous looks and histories, both men adore Harper and would do anything for her, including taking a step back if it would mean she’d be happy.

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Julie Ann Levin – Crazy For You (Divine Island Book 2)

August 12, 2016August 12, 2016 lizellyn Books More Sweet than Sensual

REVIEW

This is a sweet, clean, romance story. There’s a professional conflict with Sarah’s job intermingled with her attraction to Dylan. This provides an interesting strain on the relationship as well as the glue that binds them together.

As a whole – I really liked Sarah’s character. She’s a strong and very giving person, which are precisely the traits that make Dylan attracted to her. I should add that she also looks great in her tiny bikini.

Dylan is a nice compliment to Sarah’s character and personality. It was very easy to want to cheer for a happily ever after for this couple.

The plot is rather predictable but the verbal sparring between Sara and Dylan truly made the book. The author excels in writing dialog that is refreshingly new.

BLURB

Tropical beaches and a business trip that turns into a vacation… how did Sarah let this happen?

Dylan Hammond has one goal: convince his father that the family inn can succeed if he would just let Dylan take over. But when a sexy business executive arrives with an offer Dylan’s father can’t refuse, Dylan’s lifelong dream of running the inn could be taken away from him.

Sarah Battle believes she has her life all figured out. She has a great job, a great boyfriend, and the opportunity of a lifetime dangling right in front of her. The only problem is that opportunity – a huge promotion – will have her competing against her boyfriend. Suddenly, his gentle encouragement turns to bitterness, and Sarah is forced to do whatever it takes to win that coveted position and make the deal of a lifetime.

Things never go as planned. Dylan and Sarah find themselves reeling from the scorching chemistry between them, threatening their plans and potentially altering their future.

Forced to choose between the lives they thought they wanted and romance they never imagined for themselves, which will they choose?

See Related Post:

Julie Ann Levin – Worth The Wait

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Erin McCarthy – Fast Track Novels

August 11, 2016August 11, 2016 lizellyn Books Athlete, Strong Sexy Supermale

I got hooked on this series very quickly in the first book; I just finished this series. Loved, loved, loved it! While the racers (mostly male but one woman as well) get all hot and sweaty in their cars, I was also feeling a bit hot under the collar. The heat isn’t just left on the racetrack. The couples burn up the sheets as well. The stories are hot, fun, and great page-turners. The interaction between this group of characters is flawless. The threads that tie the books together works perfectly. I highly recommend this series!

to Erin McCarthy!

Celebrating Authors/Books that I didn’t blog about but haven’t forgotten (Week 3 – Hot Rock Star Heroes)

August 11, 2016August 15, 2016 lizellyn Books Bookish, Hot Rock Star Hero

Week 3 – Hot Rock Star Heroes

Olivia Cunning

Sinners on Tour

OMG! These are perhaps some of the best characters ever! I refuse to admit how many times I’ve read this series – it really is that sensational. The author wickedly turned five, hot, slutty, rock stars into lovable characters. The only negative thing I can say is that Sinners at the Alter, left me dying to hear more about Trey’s story (the author notes that more will follow in other books – I’m crossing my fingers)

One Night With Sole Regret

For those that enjoy a high sex to story ratio, the second 3-story bundle is for you. I guarantee that it won’t disappoint. There are two more in the series, but I’m waiting for the next 3-story bundle to read (I have little patience waiting for the next story to get published). I hope I survive the wait.

Lauren Dane

Brown Family

I want to be adopted into the Brown Family. Each story is crazy exceptional. There’s nothing that gets old about these stories. These are a must purchase, but do not lend to a friend unless they sign a contract that they will return the book to you. Laid Bare starts off the series with a bang, making you feel raw and exposed. [Todd] “You’re bad for my self-control, Erin. You make me want things I should’t want.” … [Erin] “Or maybe I make you want things you’ve always wanted and only now have a safe place to express them,” she challenged. “Why shouldn’t you want them? Why shouldn’t you get off on what gets you off?” In addition, to some wild hot scenes, Lauren Dane draws out the reader’s appreciation for true love and acceptance.

Delicious Series

Great name for the series because each story is sinfully delicious. This is an awesome extension from the Brown family, but great as a stand alone series too. The friendship between all the women in this series can seriously make a person jealous.

See All Suggested Hot Rock Star Heroes

Shattered by Love Blitz

August 9, 2016August 9, 2016 lizellyn Books Bookish

Title: Shattered by Love

Author: Dani René

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 27, 2016

BLURB

The boy from the wrong side of town.
The girl who stole his heart.

Jayce

For five years, I’ve lived with my choice.
Pain. Regret. Heartache.
A shattered soul.

She was my salvation. My love. My world.
Until I let her walk away.

Ivy

For five years, I’ve lived with my secret.
Hurt. Remorse. Sorrow.
A shattered soul.

He was my life. My love. My world.
Until he let me walk away.

Broken hearts, shattered by love.
Secrets. Deception. Lies.

Can shattered love be mended?

GOODREADS LINK

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29976536-shattered-by-love

VIDEO TRAILER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlI8XdCviCs

PRE-ORDER LINKS

Special pre-order price – $1.99! Price will go up to $2.99 after the release!

US: http://amzn.to/2aFGGTh

UK: http://amzn.to/2aocevT

CA: http://amzn.to/2aLla0Y

AU: http://amzn.to/2b5zSz5

AUTHOR BIO

Hey darlings,

I am an indie author and freelance graphic designer. I started focusing on writing in January 2015 and after a few fan fiction stories, I decided to publish Ace of Harts it was my first full length novella. On a daily basis I have a few hundred characters, storylines, and ideas floating around in my mind. If I am not on Pinterest or Instagram looking for my next muse, you can find me on Twitter or Facebook. So head on over, I love meeting new readers and authors.

When I am in the cave, I am happiest. If you can’t find me sitting behind my trusty MacBook writing about hot alpha males, I am probably drinking coffee at a coffee shop, or wine tasting one of the few hundred wine farms in my home city of Cape Town, in South Africa.

I have an addiction to reading (who doesn’t?), TV series, music, tattoos, chocolate, and ice cream. I am constantly looking for a new book to get lost in and new book boyfriend to fall in love with. My favorite authors include – M Never, K Webster, KL Kreig, Meghan March, and that’s just to name a few!

Much love xo

Stalk Me

WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER

FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK GROUP

GOODREADS | TWITTER

INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | AMAZON

Rebecca Grace Allen – The Theory of Deviance

August 2, 2016August 2, 2016 lizellyn Books LGBT, M/M/F, Three or More Galore

REVIEW

A really well paced and structured story. I loved how the relationship between Krissy, Rafe, and Mikey develops. Some stories go from 0 to 60 in seconds and leave the reader thinking that the transition was too simplistic. This story takes more of a dipping the toe in the water approach. The story gives the virgin a little bit of chance to get used to the water.

The threesome aspect offers a few different homophobic reactions of the religious nature. While the issues may be maddening, the story emphasizes the strength of the characters and their triumphs. In the end, I came to respect the characters more than feel sorry for them.

I might have been able to rate the book higher, if the main character’s name wasn’t Mikey. Honestly, that name doesn’t ever belong in a romance novel. Names are critical to a story. The only image in my head that the name Mikey conjures is that of a young adolescent boy.

This is the third book in the series. I hadn’t read the first two books, but had no problem jumping into this story. After reading this one, I would like to go back and read the first two in the series.

BLURB

Deviance is unacceptable. It’s taboo. And it’s the one thing he’s always wanted.Portland Rebels, Book 3Painful shyness isn’t the only reason Mikey Pelletier is a twenty-five-year-old virgin. Between working for his parents and volunteering at his church, he neither has the time nor the inclination to admit his bisexuality to the world-or to himself.A visit from Krissy Porter will hopefully fix everything. After three months of chatting with her, Mikey’s got one carefully planned week to win her heart and lose his V-card. He’s hoping he can pull it off, even with her roommate along for the ride.Krissy has been drawn to Mikey for a while. He’s so easygoing, she thinks he could be the calm in her storm. But there’s an extra complication when she comes to visit: her friend-with-benefits, “hetero-flexible” roommate, Rafe.During a week of revelations, intimacy, and kink, Krissy and Rafe become the angel and devil on Mikey’s shoulders, tempting him in different directions. And all three of them discover that a week of pure deviance can lead to the most uncontrollable emotion of all: love.Warning: This book contains innocent board game-playing that takes a sexy turn, use of recreational substances, back-door action, and some smokin’ hot threesomes. Plus, scenes of inner-demon slaying. Fans and tissues advised.

to Rebecca Grace Allen!

Jay Crownover – Rule

August 1, 2016 lizellyn Books Bad Boy, Spicy Stories to Savor

REVIEW

Holy Crap! This book is amazing.

This is a MUST READ book for anyone who understands the pain of having a long-lasting, unrequited crush.

I listened to the audiobook version – and the actors are phenomenal! Rule’s voice is like butter: smooth, rich, and makes it all better.

Rule is incredibly hot while being incredibly stubborn. There’s only one woman that could possibly tame this bad boy. He’s nearly impossible to love. Only Shaw is up to the task.

I love how the emphasis on being true to oneself is essential to finding true love.

BLURB

Shaw Landon loved Rule Archer from the moment she laid eyes on him. Rule is everything a straight-A pre-med student like Shaw shouldn’t want – and the only person she’s never tried to please. She isn’t afraid of his scary piercings and tattoos or his wild attitude. Though she knows that Rule is wrong for her, her heart just won’t listen.

To a rebel like Rule Archer, Shaw Landon is a stuck-up, perfect princess – and his dead twin brother’s girl. She lives by other people’s rules; he makes his own. He doesn’t have time for a good girl like Shaw – even if she’s the only one who can see the person he truly is.

But a short skirt, too many birthday cocktails and spilled secrets lead to a night neither can forget. Now, Shaw and Rule have to figure out how a girl like her and a guy like him are supposed to be together without destroying their love…or each other.

to Jay Crownover!

Grace Risata – Nights in the Fast Lane

July 29, 2016July 29, 2016 lizellyn Books Strong Sexy Supermale

REVIEW

The connection between Dane and Izzy has a primal feel. The protectiveness and concern that they show for each other is hot. Dane’s compass seems to be set to due North and his character doesn’t falter. Izzy’s character is a bit manic. Her caring side is very attractive, but her irrational side is over the top.

Overall, I felt like the love interest grew organically, but some personalities were a bit too extreme and detracted from the story.

Dane’s friends, Spider and Ant, add a lot to the story. Each deserve their own story.

Nice little tie-in to her previous novel, My Dirty Detour.

I don’t think I’ll be able to walk down the chip aisle at the grocery every again without thinking about sex.

BLURB

Dane and Izzy.

Complete opposites.

As the New Year begins, they find themselves facing very different circumstances.
Dane is a street racer stuck with a blown engine, no money, and no options after he gets fired for saving a damsel in distress.
Izzy can’t believe she was just rescued by the same handsome stranger she walks past, and lusts after, on a daily basis. With a massive blizzard about to bury the town, she ends up taking him in for the night.
Sparks fly when she brings out his playful side, and he shows her a passion she’s never known before.
As they slowly begin to trust each other, walls come down and tragic pasts emerge. Dane is haunted by the family he never had, while Izzy will stop at nothing to deny her birthright.
When Dane receives an offer he can’t refuse, will one bad decision cost him everything? Or will fate intervene and send these two down the path they were destined for?

This is a full length, stand-alone novel with no cliffhangers. Please be advised that you will find strong language, attractive men with tattoos, a dog with a cat name, steamy bedroom scenes including one involving Doritos, plenty of character backstory, and a very healthy dose of humor.

Grace Risata – My Dirty Detour

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J.L. Leslie – Finding Dawn

July 28, 2016July 28, 2016 lizellyn Books Spicy Stories to Savor, Suspense

Review

I have an extreme love/hate relationship with this book. As a stand-alone book, it is a great dark romance with plenty of twists. However, the dark aspects of this book are not even remotely alluded to in the book blurb, which initially made me react quite negatively to the story. I truly enjoyed the book that preceded this novel (giving it 5 stars) and described it as a “feel good” book. Finding Dawn takes on a drastically different tone. This book is very gritty, including some graphic violence.

If I work hard at trying to parse out my initial negative reactions, I think this is a compelling story. I liked how a lot of the unexpected twists contrast the overly predictable beginning. I find that this pacing strategy enhanced the drama.

Blurb

Moving to California is the best decision I’ve ever made. I no longer work for my ex-fiancé’s father. I’m hundreds of miles away from my ex-fiancé. And I met a woman who completely intrigues me. Dawn. No last name.

Yeah…moving to California was a great idea.

Only I can’t seem to get Dawn out of my head. The way we met. The way she acts. The night we had together. Now she’s just gone.

She bailed on me. But I don’t give up so easily. I’ll find her.

I just wasn’t expecting what I’d find…or who…

**Due to mature language, adult content, drug abuse, and strong sexual content this book is intended for mature audiences only.**

(Finding Dawn is Drew’s story from Let The Waves Come In, but is a stand-alone full length novel. It is not necessary to read Let The Waves Come In prior to reading Finding Dawn.)

See Related Posts:

J.L. Leslie – Let the Waves Come In

Misleading Book Blurbs Lead to Bad Reviews

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Abbi Glines – Up in Flames

July 25, 2016July 25, 2016 lizellyn Books Rich Racy & Romantic Romeos, Suspense

Good book, but deviates greatly from the standard tone of the series.

I could have enjoyed the book more if this book was part of a spin-off series and not included in the original Rosemary Beach series. Let me explain. As stated in other posts, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Rosemary Beach series. It’s fun and romantic. But this book takes on a completely different feel. There’s more suspense. It’s equally as enjoyable, but in an intriguing way more than a carefree fun way. Some of the other “mini-series” within the Rosemary Beach Series were given a distinguishing name. That was fine and great because each mini-series concentrated on a couple of characters. But in Up in Flames, while the book centers around the character Nan, who showed up in the entire series, the tone of the book was considerably different.

In general, I love to read series. I get emotionally attached to the characters and feel of the author’s words. When I open to page one of each individual book, I go in with a particular mindset and expectations. When the book deviates or fails to meet those expectations, I’m left with a taste of dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, that’s where I was left after reading Up in Flames. However, if I had known prior to starting the book that it was going to go in a much darker direction, I would have felt differently. In fact, I would most definitely have rated the book higher.