REVIEW - The Road That Leads To Us - Micaela Smeltzer

TITLE - The Road That Leads To Us AUTHOR - Micalea Smeltzer Synopsis: Things are about to get rocky for Dean Wentworth and Willow Wade. Willow Wade is used to living in the spotlight, with her father a famous drummer in the band Willow Creek—her namesake—it’s been a lot to live up to and oftentimes she doesn’t feel she’s enough. But there has always been one person she could turn to. Dean Wentworth knows a thing or two about how crippling a name can be. His family is worth billions after all. But Dean’s always been content to do his own thing. Play his guitar. Work on cars. And geek out to his various “nerdoms”. But when Willow turns up unexpectedly, he realizes maybe there is more in life he wants. Her. One trip will change their lives forever.  My Review: The Road That Led to Us is a start of a new series, but also a new generation. It is the first book in the Us series, but the characters in the book are the children on the characters in the Willow Creek and the Trace + Olivia series. So this series is good for those who want an update on their favorite characters, while falling in love with a whole new set. The Road That Led to Us follows Willow and Dean. Willow is the daughter of Maddox, the famous drummer from the band Willow Creek. She has had a hard time being in the spotlight as she is a free spirit at heart. Dean is a Wentworth. The Wentworth is a name that is well known as well, but Dean lives his life as a mechanic, which is what he loves to do. Dean and Willow have been best friends their entire lives. Willow, itching for an adventure, goes to Dean and they end up deciding to go on a cross country road trip. What ensues is a wonderfully sweet story of two friends exploring more than the country. Dean is the first character I really see starting to change. I think this is because he has a calm and accepting personality. This is a nice contrast to Willow's spunky and spontaneous personality. Willow really brings out the adventurous side to Dean, which is a role reversal for most books you read. Willow has some evolving to do as well. She is nineteen and has no clue what she wants to do with her life. I really enjoy her story because most nineteen year old's have similar thoughts about their lives and not wanting to disappoint. This story is more sweet, but does have some heat. As the road trip progresses, these two best friends learn more about each other and bond after sharing experiences together. This evolves fairly quickly, which I thought was a bit quick, but enjoyed nevertheless. Their interactions with each other are some of the sweetest I've ever had the pleasure to read about. The plot of this story I felt was lacking. I enjoyed the idea of where the author was going, but I feel like there was something missing. I didn't feel fully satisfied with the way the story was developed. This is my only real complaint though. I liked the book otherwise. Overall, this was a wonderful book. I really like Micaela's stories and I love that she decided to show the next generation. This book was both humorous and philosophical. Some of the best quotes I will now think of comes from, this book. I would recommend this book to others. Favourite Quotes: "People expected greatness from me. I just wanted to graduate college without slitting my wrists." Willow, The Road That Led to Us I clucked my tongue. “You got her the wrong chocolate for Valentine’s day, didn’t you?” He laughed fully at that. “Probably. We just weren’t a good match. She kept trying to hide my Pokémon cards and that wasn’t cool.” Willow and Dean, The Road That Led to Us “Don’t you see, Willow, getting lost is all part of the fun. Sometimes you have to get lost in order to be found.” Dean, The Road That Led to Us “It’s there for a reason so you can discover something great! Without the unknown life would be a stale cheese goldfish cracker!” Willow, The Road That Led to Us Star Ratings: Plot: 3/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 4/5 Writing style: 5/5 Overall: 4/5 CLICK THE COVER TO PURCHASE:

REVIEW - Firebird - Jennifer Loring

TITLE - Firebird

AUTHOR - Jennifer Loring

Synopsis:

Stephanie Hartwell is a journalist chasing the story of her career… 

When superstar hockey player and notorious bad boy Aleksandr Volynsky is traded to the Seattle Earthquakes in a blockbuster deal, Stephanie demands the opportunity to prove herself by scoring an exclusive interview with a man with no love for the media…the same man she once thought, as a naïve teenager, she’d someday marry. 

An Olympian and Stanley Cup Champion, Aleksandr has achieved every goal he’s ever set… 

Now expected to carry a failing team on his shoulders, Aleksandr’s troubles deepen when he encounters Stephanie after a season-opening loss. His lifestyle of drinking and random hookups has been a futile attempt to forget the beautiful tomboy who stole his heart nine years ago. And worse, fame and fortune have made it impossible for him to trust anyone—especially Stephanie, who is engaged to another man. 

Romance rekindles, but tragedy reveals Aleksandr’s dark side… 

Being with Aleksandr in the first place jeopardizes Stephanie’s journalistic integrity and threatens her career, and when he spirals out of control, it reawakens fears from her own history, making her unable to commit to a future with him. 

When Aleksandr discovers the truth behind his self-destructive behavior, will his newfound self-awareness be enough to convince Stephanie to give him one last chance… 

Or will his revelation drive her away for good?

My Review:

“3 stars, a real love story one could get behind” 

Sometimes life shows us our future before we're ready. Like a little glimpse of what is to come if one is patient. This is definitely the case in this story. 

Alex and Stephanie met when they were in High School, he came over from Russia to play hockey and Stephanie was the one to teach him better english. They fell in love and the next thing you know is he has to go back to Russia, thus breaking the relationship. 

Fast forward eight years and they are put into each others paths once again. Stephanie has been playing on the safe side of life since Alex left. She thinks she only deserves mediocre love and a job she isn't happy with. Alex sets her soul on fire and reminds her we all deserve the very best. 

Unfortunately Stephanie has someone else in her life who she has to think about before Alex. 
Alex has been lost since he left Stephanie the first time, and when he finds her again it's game over. He will do anything to get her back in his life. He's a hot headed jock who comes with many issues. Will he be able to keep his woman once trouble comes? Does love truly conquer all? 

Firebird made me feel on so many different levels. I got with my husband when I was seventeen so I understood the struggle they had when they were young. I loved how Jennifer Loring showed a different side to the sports aspect then what I've seen before. It was a real story. Is it worth going against the grain in order to achieve everything you've ever wanted? Would you be able to walk away from the only person you've ever wanted for the second time if push came to shove? 

Here are some of my favorite quotes; 

“I was so angry because I thought you were rejecting me for your fiancé’s sake. But now I get it. You thought that even if we did sleep together, I’d leave. That’s what I do. And I’d do it to hurt you. Am I right?” 

“Maybe this sounds stupid, but some people think there are souls that keep meeting in different lives, and in every new life, they search for each other because there’s something they need to learn or do. So if you believe in that kind of thing, we’ve been traveling together for lifetimes, and in this lifetime, we have to complete whatever we left unfinished.” 

“This is what love is. It’s irrational and extraordinary; it’s pain and sorrow, and joy and laughter. It’s us. It’s always been us.” 

“Though time can change so many things, I know one thing is true— Time will never change the love I feel for you.” 

Star Ratings:

Plot- 3/5

Characters- 3/5 

Heat- 3/5 

Writing style- 3/5 

Overall- 3/5 

CLICK THE COVER TO PURCHASE:

REVIEW - Rules of the Ride - H.J. Bellus

TITLE - Rules of the Ride AUTHOR - H.J. Bellus Synopsis: If it wasn't for bad luck Maverik wouldn't have any luck at all. He is the oldest of the Slatter brothers and the protector of his family. He’s a hometown legend and has one best friend, his dog Jake. Life is simple with Maverik. He loves working cattle on the ranch and keeping the dynasty his granddad built alive and well. He's never believed in second chances.  When Maverik looks into the eyes of Ella James in the middle of his hometown grocery store, he finds himself staring at the ghost of second chance redemptions. Ella walked out on him ten years ago and never looked back. She has returned to town to bury her mom but when their paths collide, it sparks up old flames. Both know better than to indulge, but some train wrecks just can’t be stopped. Ella in her high heels driving her fancy sports car and Maverik still deep in his hometown roots...  Turmoil is at an all time high at Silver Star as buried secrets surface between Ella and Maverik leaving behind irreparable damage. Maverik is left hollow and hopeless wallowing in his bad luck. He has two choices.  Forgive  or  Forget. My Review: Rules of the Ride is the second book in the Silver Star series. This book follows Maverick, brother to Merek, who we met in 8 Second Decision. This story cannot be read as a stand alone in my opinion. While the main story is based around two different main characters, there is an underlying plot that would be spoiled if not read in order. Rules of the Ride left me on the edge of my seat. I am not so patiently waiting to read the next book in the series. I think what draws me into this series is the fact that it is not just another interconnected love series. There is a deeper, action packed plot that is underlying the main plot in each book. There is a cliffhanger, but it is worth it.  I really enjoyed watching the two main characters, Maverick and Ella, develop. They each have so much personality in them that I like. Maverick we are able to get to know in the first book sho it was especially nice to be able to read his thoughts and see his story unfold. We briefly met Ella in the first book, so wet kind of knew a little about her, but I honestly never expected her story. Wow!  One thing I can say about HJ Bellus is that she does not diminish her female characters in order to build up hey main characters. Her female characters are strong, independent, and extremely stubborn. Honestly, it's a lot like I am and I'm glad that the story did not take that away. I also love the variety of characters and personality types. It is nice to see that not all the characters are the same and that readers will not be getting the same old love story with different characters, like shine series do. HJ Bellus can also write some hot and steamy scenes. Some of the mood intimate scenes in this book were sure to melt your panties. I mean who doesn't love a hot cowboy who makes it his life goal to show his appreciation for your body? I sure felt like I needed to cool down after reading this book. Overall, I really liked this book. I love how the author writes. I don't feel like I keep reading the same story, which is important for me. In order to keep me interested, a book has to have some action. This book had that. I would recommend this book to my friends! Favourite Quotes: Maverik’s hand covers my clutched fist on the table. “Thanks, Beans. Just add an extra order of maple nut pancakes and hash browns to my order. Oh, and two eggs sunny side up.”And as if a bad accident just went down in front of me, I can’t peel my eyes from it. Lindsey’s jaw drops and her cheeks flush neon pink. Beans is the nickname a few jocks awarded her in high school. There was some talk about ol’Lindsey and the walking far*s after a night of experimenting with butt s*x. - Maverick and Ella, Rules of the Ride “Let’s get you fed before you Hulk out on me.” “Ha, Maverik.” “I haven’t forgotten.” At the same time, we grab for each other’s hands and walk toward the diner side by side. “It wasn’t that bad. Geez, you make me sound like a beast.” “Ella, you threw a shoe through my window because I wouldn’t leave the arena to get you food.” - Maverick and Ella, Rules of the Ride Star Ratings: Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5 CLICK THE COVER TO PURCHASE:

REVIEW - Ugly by Margaret McHeyzer

Title - Ugly

Author - Margaret McHeyzer

Synopsis

If I were dead, I wouldn't be able to see.
If I were dead, I wouldn't be able to feel.
If I were dead, he'd never raise his hand to me again.
If I were dead, his words wouldn't cut as deep as they do.
If I were dead, I'd be beautiful and I wouldn't be so...ugly.
I'm not dead...but I wish I was.

What I thought

This book, I read it two days ago and I'm still struggling to find the words. This book did something to me. I was an emotional mess. In parts I was so sad I was crying so hard. In parts I was so angry I wanted to launch my kindle across the room, but when it made me happy, it made me really happy!

"Is this how kids feel when they're touched by their parents? Do they smile because they know their moms and dads want to hold them, embrace them, and protect them? Is this the feeling I've been missing out on all these years."

Lily Anderson has had the kind of life no one would want, he father is beyond abusive, everything he does and says is aggressive. He bruises her far worse on the inside than on the outside, and on the outside is pretty bad. Because of the way he's made her think, she's forced herself to become invisible. No one notices her because she's stupid and ugly, and she likes getting by that way. Until she meets Trent, he see's her but he seems to see so much more. He thinks she's smart. He thinks she's beautiful. Him and his parents are the proverbial knights in shining armor, rescuing her from bad dad in spectacular style after one night he finally pushes her further than she can go.

Lily finds herself in a loving home, something she hasn't known for a long time, she doesn't know how to take it all in. people caring for her, wanting good things for her, all seems too good to be true. It is.

Things are not as good as they seem and they're getting worse, fast, by the time Lily goes off to college everything is beyond her control and another man has complete control of her mind and body. After a short time of putting herself back together after her dad, Trent breaks her again in the most infuriating of ways.

"When Trent woke this morning, he saw the blood and was just so good. He drew me a bath, changed the sheets and took care of me. He loves me so much. He tells me every time. It's my fault these things happen. I just have to try harder."

There is light at the end of the tunnel and this book does end with happiness, but the journey there is heart breaking, soul destroying and very illuminating. I personally have never been a victim of domestic abuse, so for me this book was an education. It opened my eyes and made it all very real. scary real. Seeing her whole life story was disturbing, but watching her try and put herself back together, that was harder. She wasn't a fictional character by this point, she was my friend. I found myself fighting for Lily, angry with Lily, upset by and for Lily and in the end, so damn happy for Lily.

"I once thought he was a true gentleman, someone who saw a woman and knew how to treat her. But now I'm convinced he's something much more. Now I know he's an angel."

Star Ratings:

Plot = 4.5/5

Characters = 4.5/5

Heat = N/A

Writing Style = 4.5/5

Overall Rating = 4.5/5

Click cover image below to purchase:

** A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review**

REVIEW - Keeping Secrets by Lisa Eugene

Title - Keeping Secrets

Author - Lisa Eugene

Synopsis:

Is that how a little girl sits?
No, Daddy.
How should a little girl sit?
Shoulders back and tummy in.
And how should a little girl look?
Always neat and pretty
That’s my girl.

Twenty-four-year-old Alexa Kennedy is beautiful, sharp as a whip, and at the top of her medical school class. She’s also been waging a war in her head for as long as she can remember. Depression. Hatred. Self-loathing. These feelings feed the pain inside her, fueling her quest for a perfection that she can never achieve. 

In one life-changing moment, Dex Blakewell crashes into her world. Dex is funny, gorgeous, and irresistible. He chases away the darkness and fills her with light and laughter. An unusual friendship blossoms, making no demands or expectations. 

Friendship turns into an unexpected love and a delicious passion. Alexa realizes that the only thing tethering her to sanity is their connection. But even Dex’s strength can’t keep her demons at bay forever. 

When life overwhelms her, the outside world starts to mirror her inner turmoil. And when Dex discovers she’s been keeping horrible secrets, will she finally shatter or find a way through the darkness? Will the promise of love be enough to save her from self-destruction?

***WARNING: This book is for mature audiences and deals with topics and situations that some readers may find deeply emotional. That being said, I hope that many may find inspiration from these words. ***

What I thought

Well that was different. How Lisa Eugene manages to combine romance and happiness with deeply thought provoking tales about mental issues is beyond me, but she does it. And she does it well.

Student doctor Alexa 'Stats', is in a mad rush one night when she literally crashes into businessman Dex. There is a kerfuffle and over the following days there is animosity between them but soon they develop a friendship full of banter that's easier than both of them are used to and during the course of that friendship, feelings develop, strong feelings that neither of them were planning on. 

'  "I am serious. I don't mean a person who sits around on the couch all day. I mean an actual potato, on a couch. I'd like to be a potato." She laughed again and i continued. "Can you imagine how good a soft couch must feel to a potato, with all it's nots and grooves." She laughed and the sound landed in my heart. '

These two are crazy sexy with each other, like all caution and all barriers don't exist in the moment, unfortunately, as soon as the moments over, real life creeps in.

Both Alexa and Dex are hiding secrets, some a whole lot worse than others and as their beautiful relationship blooms, the lies unravel and the secrets are revealed, and just when you thing its bads and sad enough. It escalates.

Side bar I ADORED Dex's friend and PA Henry. What a fantastically written character, so full of life, and a great use of comic relief at a time when any relief is a welcome respite.

"Babysit? You? Puhleeze! Never crossed my mind. I just need a place to crash. I'll have to do it at your apartment."

This book went places I didn't expect it to, but I'm so glad I read it, it was a revelation and given the current focus on mental health, this book is also very fitting.

Star Ratings:

Plot = 4.5/5

Characters = 4.5/5

Heat = 4/5

Writing Style = 4/5

Overall Rating = 4/5

Click On Cover Image Below To Purchase:

**A copy was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review **

Top 10 Lists - Angels & Demons

Inescapable - Amy A Bartol - Goodreads 

Blurb:

My name is Evie Claremont and this was to be the making of me–my freshman year of college. I’d been hoping that once I’d arrived on Crestwood’s campus, the nightmare that I’ve been having would go away. It hasn’t.

I may be an inexperienced seventeen-year-old, but I’m grounded…sane. I look for rational explanations to even the strangest circumstances. Since meeting sophomore Reed Wellington, however, nothing makes any sense. Whenever he’s near, I feel an attraction to him–a magnetic kind of force pulling me towards him. I know what you’re thinking…that sounds fairly awesome. Yeah, it would be…if he liked me, but Reed acts as if I’m the worst thing that has ever happened to Crestwood…or him. But get this, for some reason every time I turn around he’s there, barging into my life.

What is the secret that he’s keeping from me? I’m hoping that it’s anything but what I suspect: that he’s not exactly normal…and neither am I. So, maybe Crestwood won’t be the making of me, but it could be the breaking of me. I’ve been left to wonder if the dark future my dream is foretelling is…inescapable.

Angelfall - Susan Ee - Goodreads

Blurb:

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

Hush Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick - Goodreads

Blurb:

A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

Fallen - Lauren Kate - Goodreads

Blurb:

What if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours?

17-year-old Lucinda falls in love with a gorgeous, intelligent boy, Daniel, at her new school, the grim, foreboding Sword & Cross . . . only to find out that Daniel is a fallen angel, and that they have spent lifetimes finding and losing one another as good & evil forces plot to keep them apart. 

Get ready to fall . . .

Embrace - Jessica Shirvington - Goodreads

Blurb:

It starts with a whisper.

"It's time for you to know who you are..."

Strange dreams leave her with very real injuries and there's a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms. The guy she thought she could fall in love with just told her he's only half-human - oh, and same goes for her. And she keeps hearing a distant fluttering of wings.

Violet Eden is having a very bad 17th bithday.

But if angels seek vengeance and humans are warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden. 

Covet - JR Ward - Goodreads

Blurb:

Seven deadly sins. Seven souls to save. This is the first battle between a savior who doesn't believe and a demon with nothing to lose!

Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about—his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charged with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option. 

Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he's good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough-talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior. And then he meets a woman who will make him question his destiny, his sanity, and his heart—and he has to work with a fallen angel to win her over and redeem his own soul.

Divine Fornication - Aimelie Aames - Goodreads

Blurb:

This is a collection of all four, complete episodes (previously published separately):


Episode 1--Seduced by the Angel
Claire Sawyer's life is about to change in a way that she never could have imagined.

Blind since a terrible childhood accident, she dies for the second time in her relatively short life only to find herself in the arms of an angelic being.

Is he her guardian angel, or the monster responsible for the deaths of her parents so many years ago?

Claire will search for her answers as she is swept up into events involving the divine and their relation to the vampires and werewolves that she encounters in her incredible journey to discover the truth.

Episode 2--Taken by the Vampire
Claire awakens in a hospital room to find a man sitting quietly, waiting for her.

Except that he is no ordinary man, adorned as he is with dark wings and burning in black flames.

Is it the angel of death, come to take her away at last? Or is he the lord of all vampires, come to steal the prize from his adversary, the Messenger, the being who has healed Claire's blindness?

Flying high above the city lights in his cold arms, Claire shall find herself brought to a lonely fortress where blood drinkers await her and werewolves roam the darkness, all of them waiting for the ravishment to come..

Episode 3--Claimed by the Wolf
From certain death at the hands of vampires, Claire Sawyer finds herself surrounded by hundreds of wolves.

Are they her saviors, or the culmination of the doom that follows her at every turn?

Cursed or no, Claire must fight for her survival, even if that means becoming one of them, wolves in heat with just one thing in mind.

Episode 4--Redeemed by the Conqueror
In the stunning conclusion to the four part series, Divine Fornication, Claire Sawyer finds herself caught between vampires, werewolves and angels. Three races of beings willing to battle for the one thing they value most--Claire's eternal soul.

Will Claire's guardian angel return at last, in her final moments? Or, will she be lost forever to eternal damnation?

Ties That Bind - T.A Grey - Goodreads

Blurb:

Three Fates. Three Sisters. Lily Bellum keeps many secrets, even from those she loves the most. With a determination and mindset that only she can help the demon Telal Demuzi—she sets off to join him in his cause for demon's rights, whether he wants it or not. But things don’t seem to go right from the beginning. To say he’s resistant to her charms is putting it lightly, but Lily is not one to back down or give in easily. She pursues Telal, slowly breaking down his incredible defenses one smile, kiss, and touch at a time. Telal’s years of planning are finally coming to fruition—to open the rift. Once a betrayer of his people, now he’s determined to fix the past. But one man stands in his way; one man who’s turned out to be a dark and sinister version of the boy he once knew. His plan to open the rift is met with hostility, resistance, and bloodshed unlike he’d ever thought possible. Telal finds that losing himself in the sweet body of Lily Bellum proves an excellent treatment to the chaos around him. Together, Telal and Lily get wrapped up in a world of dark magic, love, betrayal, and murder in the greatest journey of their lives. 

Touch - Melissa Haag - Goodreads

Blurb:

A touch. That’s all it takes for Tessa to know her future with a boy. Her mom tells her she needs to choose her best option before she turns seventeen. Problem is, she sees all her ‘options’ dying before they turn thirty. That may have worked for the last fourteen generations of women in her family tree, but she can’t choose and condemn someone to an early grave.

An unfortunate incident at school starts a chain of events that reveals a centuries old chaos demon and a chance to remove her 'gift' forever.

Guardian - Courtney Cole - Goodreads

Blurb:

Sometimes, things that go bump in the night are real. 

My name is Whitney Lane. I’m sixteen years old and at first, I thought I was crazy. 
I kept seeing shadows move along walls, and hearing whispers around corners, but whenever I looked, there was never anything there. 

Until one day, there was. 

Our world isn’t what we think. There are things around us, good things, bad things, scary things. Things that we tell ourselves aren’t real, but they are. 

They’re very real, and they’re terrifying. 

I’ve been swept up now, in a battle of good and evil, confused about love and what is supposed to be love, but isn’t. I don’t know what to think anymore. I can’t trust my emotions and I don’t know what is true. 

There’s only one thing I know for sure. 

Nothing is what it seems. 

CLICK ON THE COVERS TO PURCHASE BOOKS:

Thanks for reading this week's Top Ten books chosen by SBR Blogs. Follow us to see next week's Top 10 Fantasy Books!