Waiting on Wednesday (97)

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Holding Onto Forever

By: Siobhan Davis & S.B. Alexander

Release Date: September 15, 2019

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Book Synopsis:

Secretly dating Coach Parker’s daughter was never part of the plan. Neither was becoming her dealer… 

ADAM

Returning to my drug-dealing past wasn’t on the agenda when I accepted the full ride to play ball at Cypress U. But Mom lost her job. And my sister’s medical bills are mounting. So, I’ve no choice but to change the playbook. 

When Emily walks into my life, like a fallen goddess with the ultimate power to destroy me, I know I’m screwed. I should steer clear, but I’m the one supplying her poison of choice. Falling for her is a complication I don’t need, but the more she’s around, the harder it gets to walk away. She needs me, and I crave her more than the sport I love. 

Now, it’s all on the line. Including the NFL career that’s tantalizingly close. 

The stakes are high, but family means everything, so I’ll take my chances. 

EMILY 

It’s only a problem if it’s out of control. And I have it in hand.  

Except a certain a-hole discovers I’m using again, and he threatens to rat me out to my folks. Mom’s president of Cypress U, and Dad’s the illustrious football coach. Appearances mean everything to them, and I’m a continuous disappointment. They told me I’d be out on my ass if I fell off the wagon, so keeping it a secret is my number one priority. 

Until the super-hot all-star QB takes more than a passing interest in me. Adam gets me, in a way no guy ever has, filling my head with ideas of forever—and now, I want more. 

Dating my dealer is a recipe for disaster, especially when it’s forbidden, but I can’t help myself. 

Because I’ve fallen too deep. 

And the hole is too large to crawl out of.

Why I'm Eagerly Waiting:

I've read a few books by Siobhan Davis, and really enjoyed them!  Her stories always leave me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails, because they are so full of suspense, drama, danger, and steam.  Her characters are always flawed, but she makes me root for them and want the best for them.  This story sounds like it's going be riveting!

What Are You Waiting On?

Book Review: Sapphire Flames (Hidden Legacy #4) by Ilona Andrews

Sapphire Flames (Hidden Legacy #4)
By: Ilona Andrews
Publisher: Avon Books
Release Date: August 27, 2019
Source: eARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society… 

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery. 

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame. 

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.

Hidden Legacy Series:

My Review

My Review

My Review

My Review

My Thoughts:

I am in love with the Hidden Legacy Series, and it's colorful, real, and unforgettable cast of characters.  I loved the first three books in the trilogy, and was sad to say goodbye to Nevada and Rogan, but at the same time, oh so very excited to get Catalina and Alessandro's story!  

After Nevada was working herself to sickness and exhaustion, running House Baylor, as well as being there for House Rogan, Catalina and Arabella stepped in to make sure that their sister could have all of that pressure alleviated. Catalina being the oldest Prime in House Baylor is now in charge, and overwhelmed with all of the responsibilities and duties that come with her new position.

When Catalina's friend comes to her, because her mother was murdered, and her sister kidnapped, Catalina can't possibly say "no" and be able to look at herself in the mirror everyday. However, Catalina quickly finds herself in over her head and targeted by lethal assassin mages, and horrific monsters illegally created by the misuse of the magical serum which gave people their magical abilities.  Along the way she crosses paths with the crush she never got over, Alessandro Sagredo, a powerful Prime surrounded by mystery.

Sapphire Flames was an alluring, and exhilarating read!  I loved Catalina's character.  She reminded me of myself.  Catalina was introverted, didn't really have many friends, kept to herself, but was extremely close to her family and would die for them. She was a beautiful and powerful Siren, who was very serious, lacked confidence in herself, but had the world at her fingertips.  

Alessandro was her opposite.  He was gorgeous, charming, flirtatious, confident, and fun loving. When the two of them were together, you could cut the romantic tension with a knife.  I loved the way that Alessandro charmed, and flirted relentlessly with our heroine, and I loved how she put him in his place, (because he wasn't use to a woman telling him "no."  On the other side of the coin, Alessandro was a powerful and deadly assassin.  He had skills, and when he was in action, there was a serious side to him.

I loved the Baylor Family.  Special love goes out to Grandma Frieda.  She makes me laugh with her commentary and teasing.  I love that she has an Instagram account, is tough, but also tempers it with how loving and nurturing she is.  Grandma would die for her family, and being in her seventies, she is still a force to be reckoned with.  

Since this is book one in the second trilogy, we get more foundational information, so the first part of the story was a little bit slower, than the second half, which just flew by.  I would have liked to see more Nevada and Rogan in this book.  I know that the focus was suppose to be on Catalina and Alessandro, but I missed them.   

I would say Sapphire Flames was an epic success as the first story in Catalina and Alessandro's story.  I'm suffering from a major book hangover, and don't want to wait for the next book.  This husband and wife author team can write!  I loved all of the mystery, magic, action, and the build-up to a romance that is sure to be both sweet and steamy!

Purchase At:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | IndieBound | Kobo | TBD

About the Authors:

"Ilona Andrews" is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.) They have co-authored two New York Times and USA Today bestselling series—the urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and the romantic urban fantasy of The Edge—and are working on the next volumes for both. They live in Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats.

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Book Review: Handle With Care (Shacking Up #5) by Helena Hunting

Handle With Care (Shacking Up #5)
By: Helena Hunting
Release Date: August 27, 21019
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Source: eARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review
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HE WANTS TO LOSE CONTROL. Between his parents’ messed up marriage and his narcissistic younger brother, Lincoln Moorehead has spent the majority of his life avoiding his family. After the death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the drama. To top it all off, he’s been named CEO of Moorehead Media, much to his brother’s chagrin. But Lincoln’s bad attitude softens when he meets the no-nonsense, gorgeous woman who has been given the task of transforming him from the gruff, wilderness guy to a suave businessman 

SHE’S TRYING TO HOLD IT TOGETHER. Wren Sterling has been working double time to keep the indiscretions at Moorehead Media at bay, so when she’s presented with a new contract, with new responsibilities and additional incentives, she agrees. Working with the reclusive oldest son of a ridiculously entitled family is worth the hassle if it means she’s that much closer to pursuing her own dreams. What Wren doesn’t expect is to find herself attracted to him, or for it to be mutual. And she certainly doesn’t expect to fall for Lincoln. But when a shocking new Moorehead scandal comes to light, she’s forced to choose between her own family and the broody, cynical CEO.

My Thoughts:

I was thrilled to finally get Lincoln's story and is was such a fun and fabulous reading escape. We got a lot of his character in the previous book, Making Up, because it was his cousin/best friend Griffin's story, and the two of them are like brothers. 

Lincoln "Linc" Moorehead comes from a wealthy and powerful family.  However, he is not close to his parents or his younger brother, Armstrong.  Lincoln attended boarding school since he was ten years old, his father was a workaholic who never really participated with the family, his mother was cold and pretentious, and his younger bother was not a good person.  The only one that he could count on was his grandma "G Mom," and cousin Griffin.  

Lincoln had his MBA from Harvard, but spent all of his time going to impoverished countries and building homes, wells so the people could have fresh water, and doing all sorts of humanitarian work.  He was dedicated to his passion, and enjoyed the backbreaking hands-on hard work.  When Linc's father dies of a heart attack, he is called back to New York for the reading of his father's will.  He is shocked to discover that he has been named as CEO of Moorehead Media.  Linc's G Mom guilts him in to staying on as CEO of the company for six months, until they can find and train someone else to take his place.  

Enter the gorgeous and fearless "Wren Sterling." Wren was hired by Linc's mom, Penelope Moorehead, as a P.R. Handler to clean up indiscretions and bad press for Armstrong.  She took the position as a favor to her mother. Penelope asks Wren to stay on and handle Linc for the next six months, and she'll double her pay for working with both sons.  At the end of that time period, she'll give Wren a glowing reference so that she can get her dream job. While Wren would rather move on an d pursue her passion, she agree's because it is a good deal and she is trying to mend the fractured relationship that she has with her mom.  However, between suit and tux fittings, charity events, and press conferences, Wren and Linc never expect to fall in love.  How can these two navigate their sizzling chemistry, and growing feelings for one another, between business, and family pressures?

I love how strong Ms. Hunting's female characters are.  Wren is one of the strongest to date.  I enjoyed her confidence, assertiveness, strong moral compass, and her ability to not only verbally put people in place when they needed it, but utilize her strong verbal tongue lashings when needed, as well as her excellent self defense skills.  She could even bring Armstrong to his knees by putting him in a headlock when he stepped out of line! She was such a strong female role model and I couldn't have possibly loved her more!

Lincoln was gorgeous, brooding, loyal, (to those who deserved it,) down to earth, and had strong ethics.  He was a manly man, and I enjoyed his gruff, rugged nature!  It was so much fun watching Linc and Wren interact with one another.  The beginning of their story was hilarious!  I loved Wren's bossiness when she dug her heels in to do her job, and I loved the way that Linc pushed back and could expertly push her buttons.  Together these two were hilarious at times, combustible at other times, and adorable once they figured things out.

Handle With Care was another win for readers.  It balanced Hunting's usual humor and light heartedness, with a little bit of drama, and a whole lot of sizzle!  Romance readers, you are in for a delightful treat with this new addition to the Shaking Up Series, and don't worry if you haven't been following along, because each of these books can easily be read as a standalone.

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | IndieBound 

About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

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Stacking the Shelves & Sunday Post (43)

Hosted by:  Tynga's Reviews

Hosted by:  Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Last week I got a lot of reading in, and had a ton of blog posts/reviews scheduled.  On Friday, we celebrated my daughter's birthday at her school and brought cupcakes, juice boxes, and goody bags for the class :) Saturday, we went to a concert to celebrate our 12 year wedding anniversary, and my parents watched our daughter for us. Sunday, is our actual anniversary and daughter's 11th birthday :) 

Last Week on the Blog:

*I Hate You by Ilsa Madden-Mills (Release Blitz & Book Review)
*Broken Knight (All Saints High #2) by L.J. Shen (Blog Tour & Mini Review)
*Twisted Betrayal (Rydeville High Elite #2) by Siobhan Davis (Release Blitz & Book Review)
*Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry (WOW)
*Cruel Prince (Royal Hearts Academy #1) by Ashley Jade (Release Blitz & Book Review)
*Twisted Betrayal (Rydeville High Elite #2) by Siobhan Davis (Blog Tour & Excerpt)

Purchased:
Kindle Books-

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For Review:
Kindle Books-

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Thanks to Candi Kane PR, and LK Farlow :)

Blog Tour: Twisted Betrayal (Rydeville High Elite #2) by Siobhan Davis

Twisted Betrayal 
Rydeville High Elite #2

By:
Siobhan Davis

Release Date:
August 20, 2019

Add to:
Goodreads

Source:
eARC in exchange for a honest review

Warnings:
Explicit Physical/Sexual Abuse
Mature Content 18+

Book Synopsis:


He thinks he’s broken me. That I’m finally under his complete control. But I’m biding my time, gathering intel, making plans, and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. So, when an unexpected savior appears—offering me a way out—I grasp it with both hands. 

But the man I love refuses to let me go, and he’s hell-bent on protecting me at all costs.

Except he’s far too late.

Kaiden’s betrayal fuels the anger flowing through my veins, and now our roles are reversed—I’m the hunter, and he’s my prey. I enjoy torturing him, lying to him, and letting him believe in false truths that were never our reality.

Until the stakes are raised, and I’m forced into playing their game again. Only this time, it’s not just my life hanging in the balance.

I thought he’d done his worst. That he didn’t have the power to hurt me anymore.

But I was wrong.

His depravity knows no bounds, and now, he’s taken everything from me.

This time, it means war, and I’m taking no prisoners.

Start the Series with Cruel Intentions!

My Review

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Book Excerpt:

He shoots me a shit-eating grin Jackson would be proud of as he locks the door and stalks toward me. “What the fuck does it look like?”

“Like you’re crazy as shit and have a death wish,” I say, backing away from him.

His eyes are thick with lust, his body cloaked in anger, and he wears it proudly like body armor. 

I scramble around desks as I avoid capture. All the while he advances. Like this menacing form hell-bent on punishing me.

Liquid lust races through me, and my core pulses with a desperate need.

I love it when he’s like this. 

Looking at me like he wants to fuck me so hard I’ll bleed. 

My body purrs in anticipation as my back slams against a solid obstacle. 

I know I’m sick and twisted, but I think that’s why we’re so well matched. 

He wants to punish me, and I want to be punished.

Book Teaser:

Purchase At:
Download your copy today or read FREE 
in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon | Amazon Worldwide 

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Siobhan Davis writes emotionally intense young adult and new adult romantic fiction with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime! She is the author of the international bestselling Kennedy Boys, Saven, and True Calling series’. 

Siobhan’s family will tell you she’s a little bit obsessive when it comes to reading and writing, and they aren’t wrong. She can rarely be found without her trusty Kindle, a paperback book, or her laptop somewhere close at hand. 

Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in human resource management. 

She resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons. 

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Release Blitz & Book Review: Cruel Prince (Royal Hearts Academy #1) by Ashley Jade

Cruel Prince
Royal Hearts Academy #2

By:
Ashley Jade

Release Date:
August 20, 2019

Add to:
Goodreads

Source:
eARC from the author in exchange for a honest review

Book Synopsis:

Welcome to their kingdom...  

I never thought I'd step foot in Royal Manor again. But four years later, here I am...back to finish my senior year at Royal Hearts Academy. 

And forced to face Jace Covington. My first friend. First crush. First kiss. The one I left behind. 

Only—he isn't the same boy I gave my heart to. 

This new Jace is as cruel as he is gorgeous. And he's determined to make my life a living hell. Along with the rest of his glorified family and crew of tyrants. 

They expect me to worship the ground they walk on like everyone else, but I'd rather eat dirt. 

If Jace Covington wants me gone...he'll have to try harder. Because I've never been the kind of girl to play by the rules. 

WARNING: Royal Hearts Academy is a New Adult/High School series of standalones filled with drama, a touch of angst, and boys who are bad to the bone. This series is recommended for mature readers due to graphic language and sexual content.

 

My Thoughts:

Fans of the Fall Away Series by Penelope Douglas, you need to read the first book in the Royal Hearts Academy Series, Cruel Prince!  You are going to love it!!!  Cruel Prince was a story that I could not put down.  It dealt with so many heavy and difficult topics, such as loss of a loved one, mental health issues, suicide, dysfunctional families, bullying in schools, and  more. This is a story that should be read by mature readers, as it deals with serious topics, even though it takes place in a high school setting.  I love when a story is so much more than what it at first appears.

The author alternated chapters by flashing from the past, when the main characters were in elementary school, to the present, where the main characters are now seniors in high school.  We learn that Dylan and Jace became best friends in the fifth grade.  They connected over the losses of their mothers and were inseparable.  Dylan and Jace spent every waking moment together, shared their grief, their secrets, their hopes, and knew each other in a way that no one else did.  Dylan became close to the Covington's; twins Liam and Cole, who were one year younger than Jace, and little sister Bianca.

Then, after Dylan's father marries a gold-digger, he abruptly moves her away the night of the eighth grade dance, and doesn't give her time to say goodbye to Jace.  After she moves, she repeatedly tries to contact Jace through calls and social media, but he doesn't respond to her.  Dylan is devastated. 

Right before her senior year of high school, Dylan's father gets imprisoned for embezzlement, and she comes to live with her aunt, uncle, and step-cousin Oakley.  Dylan finds herself attending the same school as the Covingtons' and is excited to reunite with her best friend.  However, things don't go as expected, and Jace treats her cruelly, bullies her, and has a lot of anger towards her.  

There is a lot Dylan doesn't know about the night she left.  There's a thin line between love and hate, and Dylan is not going to let anyone intimidate or bully her.  However, these two still share chemistry and deep feelings for one another.  Will Dylan get her best friend back, or as more happens, will she even want to?

I really enjoyed Cruel Prince.  I wanted to know what could possibly have happened to make Jace hate Dylan so much.  I suspected what it had to do with, but did not know the details.  The explanation bothered me, because I felt like there should have been more trust with the situation, and Dylan should have been given the benefit of the doubt.  There was never a dull moment in this story, and the ending was perfect!  I swooned and got teary-eyed! 

I loved the strong cast of secondary characters.  Dylan's best friend, Sawyer was amongst my favorites.  Initially, she was quiet, and timid, but she became stronger through Dylan's friendship.  I could tell Sawyer and Cole had feelings for each other, but she was quiet, religious, and didn't share the same social status.  Cole's story is next, and I'm hoping he wises up!

Oakley, Dylan's step-cousin, made me so angry at the beginning of the story, but he eventually grew on me.  His character added a lot of humor to the story.  Bianca, the youngest Covington was sassy, feisty, and fiercely loyal.  I'm looking forward to her story as well, and suspect that she's going to fall in love with the Covingtons' biggest enemy's little brother!

Cruel Prince was a story that I did not want to put down!  If you enjoy new adult contemporaries, dark bully romance, angst, drama, serious issues, and combustible sexual chemistry, you need to check out this story!

Teasers:

This series is recommended for mature readers due to graphic language and sexual content.

Book Excerpt:

“Is that why you wore this sexy little shirt tonight?” His warm breath tickles the side of my neck. “Hoping to get my attention.” 

“No.” 

That earns me a husky chuckle. “Too bad.” He presses his lips against my throat. “Because it’s working. You have all my attention.” He walks his fingers down my torso. “Question is…what are you going to do with it?”

Purchase At:

AVAILABLE NOW!! 

FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

About the Author:

Ashley Jade loves to tackle different genres and tropes within romance. Her first loves are New Adult Romance and Romantic Suspense, but she also writes everything in between including: contemporary romance, erotica, and dark romance. 

Her characters are flawed and complex, and chances are you will hate them before you fall head over heels in love with them. 

She’s a die-hard lover of oxford commas, em dashes, music, coffee, and anything thought provoking…except for math. 

Books make her heart beat faster and writing makes her soul come alive. She’s always read books growing up and scribbled stories in her journal, and after having a strange dream one night; she decided to just go for it and publish her first series. 

It was the best decision she ever made. 

If she’s not paying off student loan debt, working, or writing a novel—you can usually find her listening to music, hanging out with her readers online, and pondering the meaning of life. 

Check out her amazon page and Facebook page for future novels. She recently became hip and joined Twitter, so you can find her there, too. She loves connecting with her readers—they make her world go round’.

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