Not So Nice Guy by R.S. Grey | Review

Title: Not So Nice Guy
Author: R.S. Grey
Pages:
Publisher: Self/CreateSpace
Goodreads Rating: 4.36 stars
Published: August 9th, 2018
Source: ebook/from author

Description:

"Oh my god. Who that?"
I get asked this question a lot.
"Oh him?" I reply. "That's just Ian."

Just Ian is the biggest understatement of the century.
Just the Mona Lisa. Just the Taj Mahal. Just Ian, with his boring ol' washboard abs and dime-a-dozen dimpled smile.

Just Ian is... just my best friend.

We're extremely close, stuck so deep inside a Jim-and-Pam-style friendzone everyone at works assumes we're a couple - that is until one day, word spreads through the teacher's lounge that he's single. Fair game. Suddenly, it's open season on Ian.

He should be reveling in all the newfound attention, but to our mutual surprise, the only attention he seems to want is mine.

He's turning our formerly innocent nightly chats into x-rated phone calls. Our playful banter sports a new, dangerous edge.

I want to assume he's playing a prank on me, just pushing my buttons like always - but when Ian lifts me onto the desk in my classroom and slides his hands up my skirt, he doesn't leave a lot of room for confusion.

I'm a little scared of things going south, of losing my best friend because I can't keep my hands to myself. So, I'm just going to back away and not return this earth-shattering kiss - oh who am I kidding?!

Goodbye Ian, ol' buddy, ol' pal!

Helloooo mister not so nice guy. 


My Thoughts:

While I love all of R.S. Grey's RomComs pretty equally, I think this one is my new favorite.  Adam & Madeline {The Foxe and The Hound} have been a steady favorite since I first discovered Rachel's books a year or so ago {has it really only bee that long??}, but I think Ian & Sam are my new favorites.  Sorry, Adam & Madeline - I will always love you guys too!

It takes a really fantastic writer to create two characters who are believably just friends, while both secretly wanting to be more.  Almost all the stories I've read of friends to lovers there is something that happens that makes one or both characters suddenly become attracted to each other.  Rachel gives us two amazing characters who are basically head over heels for each other within a few months, but remain very good friends for years.  All without the other having any clue about their mutual feelings.

And, in true Rachel fashion, she is the absolute QUEEN of Rom Coms.  I was cracking up within the first 10 pages, and found myself constantly laughing at Sam and Ian's antics and banter.  Oh, the banter was superb!  They are very clearly the best of friends, and it shows in the way the talk and their attitudes towards each other.  I think I might just live a little for the banter in each of her books {the rest of my living goes to my husband and kids}.

I am so sad to be done with this book - its been one of the highlights of my summer reading and I just really wanted it to go on forever {or maybe more than 24 hours}!  No matter what I have going on, if I find myself picking up one of R.S. Grey's books, I usually finish it within a couple days {and any of her books would have totally been one day reads back when I didn't have kids!}, then immediately regretting my binging because why didn't I make it last??  You would think I've learned my lesson by now, but nope.  I'm the fat kid, and Grey's books are my cake after crash dieting - I eat them up as soon as I get them!

*I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Refuge of the Heart by Ruth Logan Herne | Review

Title: Refuge of the Heart
Author: Ruth Logan Herne
Pages: 336
Publisher: Franciscan Media
Goodreads Rating: 4.73 stars
Published: September 25th, 2015
Source: Paperback/from publisher

Description:
District Attorney Mitchell Sanderson wanted for nothing and lost everything in a tragic accident. A dogged worker, Mitch’s conviction rate earned him respect and trust. Now up for re-election, Mitch’s law-and-order persona makes him a shoo-in candidate. But when faith, conscience and love of a troubled refugee ripple the smooth waters of his existence, can Mitch risk everything for love?

Magdalena Serida fought her way out of the terrors of a government-quelled insurgent uprising in Chechnya. The church-sponsored refugee knows the horrors of war first-hand. Now in America with her five-year-old sister, Lena is uncertain who to trust. Her Christian faith has maintained her through the loss of her family, but when Mitch Sanderson shows interest, Lena longs to take a chance. Should she open herself up to this man of law and order, a man who imprisons women like her? Or slip quietly back into the shadowed fringe of anonymity?

But choices slip away when Mitch’s friend spews half-truths about Lena, rumors that cost Mitch his new love and possibly the election. Can he find his way to a faith deep enough to love again, and to offer Lena the refuge of his heart.

My Thoughts:

Okay, I'm honestly having a little trouble collecting all my thoughts for this!  So this might be a little more of a bullet review.  Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author for an honest review.  Here I go!

The book follows the story of Lena and her little sister Anna, both refugees from Chechnya who have been in the US for a couple years.  Lena was working towards a nursing degree so she can continue doing what God had called her for and provide for her sister (she had just graduated with her doctorate before her and her mother were taken by a Russian officer).  She had many things happen to both her and her mother that still haunt her, things she just does not want to share with anyone unless absolutely necessary.

Mitch Sanderson was... content with where he was in life.  He was skating by in life, had dove into his work so hard that he had absolutely no time for anything else.  After losing his wife and unborn child in an accident, everything he had truly loved was gone and he didn't want to face it.  Then, one day, he helped a young woman with her flat tire, and he started to see what he was missing.

I love the story of Mitch and Lena (and Anna)!  I was drawn into their world and hoping they would both learn to trust the other and lean on them.  At first it seemed like Lena would have the hardest time trusting Mitch, and that was true.  But Mitch had a difficult time trusting Lena with his heart as well.  At one point he pushed her away so hard, and it was all because he couldn't trust that she would tell him the truth - without even asking her one simple question: "why?"

Ruth Logan Herne is a wonderful story teller, bringing characters to life in a world you will get so engrossed in, you'll feel like you're there.  I actually had my fireplace going one of the days I was reading, because I just felt so cold when she was describing how cold Lena and Anna always were during the cold months where they live!  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I hope anyone reading this review decides to pick it up and enjoys it too.

Taming Him by Kennedy Fox | Review

Title: Taming Him
Author: Kennedy Fox
Pages: 394
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Goodreads Rating: 4.39 stars
Published: January 30th, 2018
Source: eARC/from author

Description:

Alex Bishop is your typical cowboy.
Charming, sexy, and wears a panty-melting smirk. 

Working on the ranch helped build his solid eight-pack and smoking body. He's every girl's wet fantasy, and he knows it too. Alex doesn't follow the rules of your typical playboy bachelor. After wining and dining his dates and giving them the best night of their lives, he always sends flowers and calls the next day—even if it's to say, let's just be friends. His mama taught him manners after all, and his Southern blood knows how to be a gentleman. Still, that isn’t enough to tame the wildest of the Bishop brothers. 

River Lancaster has finally met the man of her dreams. Too bad after six months of romantic bliss, she finds out he's married. With a broken heart and blind rage, she books herself a ticket to Key West, Florida. Tired of cheaters and liars, she’s set on escaping to forget he ever existed. Who needs a man when there's an all-you-can-drink margarita bar, anyway? That's what she tells herself until she bumps into the right guy who can make all those bad memories disappear.

Even if it's only temporarily. 

Two weeks on the beach is what they both need. No strings attached, no expectations, no broken hearts. Too bad the universe has other plans—one that'll change the entire course of their lives in just nine short months.


My Thoughts:

I have mixed feelings for some of the Kennedy Fox books I've read, but that's not to say I don't enjoy them!  I love how they portray the lead women in the book as strong and not in desperate need of a man, but when finding one that completes them so well they know to hold on to that {or run and get him back!}.  

I love River.  I love that she's a nurse, and her reasons for being a PICU nurse.  I know a lot of nurses, so seeing her finally take some time to herself and go on vacation at the beginning made me do a little sigh for her.  She has such a big heart!  That being said, I"m a little surprised in her choice of best friend, because she seemed to just be wasted the entire trip and wanting River to just find a random hookup to bang her brains out {how is that what someone in their late-20s wants to do for their entire vacation?  I get the strong libido and wanting her to loosen up, but good lord!}.

Alex is a major player, but at least he knows he is and doesn't try to sugar-coat it for any of the woman he uses.  Of course, when him and River meet in Key West, they immediately click and start a bit of a shag-here-bucket-list. They don't spend the entire vacation in bed and do go and see some of the sights, but they do spend a good deal of time between the sheets {or in the water, on the beach, etc}.  I didn't have too much of a problem with that, really.  I mean, this is a sexy book, so I expected it to be, well, sexy.

After parting ways, the story follows Alex more than River, and the player went from shagging any pretty thing who'd let him to being so hung up over the woman he spent a week and a half with that everyone knows who she is and is getting fed up with Alex moping about her.  A few of his brothers straight up tell him that they don't believe she's even real.

The story takes a pleasant turn, when River confronts Alex about being pregnant.  Now, I have a little bit of a frustration with this point.  I understand people make mistakes, condoms aren't 100% effective, and stuff can interfere with birth control pills.  Seeing that River is an intelligent adult and a nurse, she should have known that being on an antibiotic would make her birth control pill ineffective.  She acknowledges that after she's talking to Alex about being pregnant, but I would think a nurse who doesn't want to get pregnant from a fling with a guy she has said she won't even contact after their week together would be hyper aware of how her birth control work and make sure a condom was used no mater what since that would also protect her from STDs.

Another thing that drove me bonkers was how every man in the Bishop family thought they would be responsible for any woman getting pregnant with multiples.  One of them is a flipping doctor, for goodness sake!  He should know the basic biology that a man just provides the sperm, it's all up to either the woman with how many times she ovulates or God and if he decides to split the fertilized egg.  {BTW, if you're wondering the twins in the Bishop family are identical, so it's totally just a random, God decided it would happen kind of thing.}

Overall, two big quirks aside, I did enjoy this book.  Would I recommend it to others?  I think that would really depend on their taste and if I know quirks like the ones in this book would bug them.  I know a lot of bookish friends who wouldn't care and would just enjoy it, and for the most part I really did too.  But between those two things and the overabundance of cussing, I just had a hard time with it.  I know cursing is something pretty common in a lot of these kinds of books, but it just rubs me the wrong way to be used so much and so flippantly.  If that doesn't bother you, you'd probably enjoy this book a lot more than I did!  I found myself mentally replacing some of the unneeded curse words with my "mommy versions" or even just something not so intense/harsh.

The Beau & The Belle by R.S. Grey | Review

Title: The Beau & The Belle
Author: R.S. Grey
Pages:
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Goodreads Rating: 4.44 stars
Published: February 2nd, 2018
Source: eARC/from author

Description:
Beau Fortier starred in most of my cringe-worthy teenage fantasies.

I met him when I was a junior in high school, a time that revolved exclusively around bad hair, failed forays into flirting, and scientific inquiries into which brand of toilet paper worked best for stuffing bras.

That is, until Beau moved into the small guest house just beyond my bedroom window. 

A 24-year-old law student at Tulane, Beau was as mysterious to me as second base (both in baseball and in the bedroom). He was older. Intimidating. Hot. Boys my age had chicken legs and chubby cheeks. Beau had calloused hands and a jaw cut from steel. Our interactions were scarce—mostly involving slight stalking on my end—and yet deep down, I desperately hoped he saw me as more of a potential lover than a lovesick loser.

Turns out, I was fooling myself. My fragile ego learned that lesson the hard way.

Now, ten years later, we’re both back in New Orleans, and guess who suddenly can’t take his eyes off little ol’ me.

My old friend, Mr. Fortier.

But things have changed. I’m older now—poised and confident. My ego wears a bulletproof vest. The butterflies that once filled my stomach have all perished.

When I was a teenager, Beau warned me to guard my heart.

Let’s hope he knows how to guard his.


My Thoughts:

You've read the blurb, so I'm not going to tell you what The Beau & The Belle is about.  I will tell you it'll rock your socks off, and possibly make you cringe as you remember any embarrassing teenage crushes you had in the past {oh lord, I'm just glad none of mine ever lived with my family, even in a guest house out back!}.

I love Lauren, both the past version and the present one.  In the beginning she has the upbringing many people could only wish for, and even though she resents some of it {cotillion}, she knows its ridiculous to slap a gift horse in the face {this mainly pertains to her schooling, which she almost wants to toss for her crush}.  Thankfully she doesn't, she goes to school and becomes an amazing career woman, who uses her knowledge and a lot of trust money to start a new business after working for a very prestigious company for a few years out of college.

And Beau... poor, handsome, thoughtful Beau.  First falling for her innocence and trying to protect it from stupid high school boys, their paths cross again 10 years later and he's struck with the woman she's become, as well as how much of Lauren's younger self he still sees in her.

The romance between the two is sizzling, so much so that I think my tablet got a little on the hot side.  I might have had to fan myself off a bit.  I love that this can't be classified quite as friends-to-lovers, but at the same time its not enemies-to-lovers.  I think Lauren would call it the later and Beau would call it the former!  Maybe it's more of a made-for-each-other romance?  They both compliment each other so well, as soon as they come back into each other's lives after 10 years apart.

I love a good comedy and a slow burn romance, and TB&TB brings both.  After being immersed in the world of New Orleans, I have now put it on my bucket list {much to my husband's chagrin}.  Rachel is so detailed in her writing, I felt like I was actually there.  It's currently about 55 degrees or cooler where I live, but I found myself sipping lemonade while reading {and thankful it wasn't Mrs. LeBlanc's acid-like lemonade!}.
Rachel has done it again. As far as I'm concerned, she is the queen of Rom-Com, and I'm not sure she will ever be replaced.  I've read 4 {or 5?} of her books, and each one has been at least a solid 4 star read for me, more often then not landing in the 5 star rating.  The Beau & The Belle might be my favorite so far, though The Foxe & The Hound is a very close second!

My Week with the Bad Boy by Brooke Cumberland and Lyla Parish | Review

Title: My Week with the Bad Boy
Author: Brooke Cumberland and Lyra Parish
Pages: 262
Publisher: CreateSpace Independ Publishing Platform
Goodreads Rating: 4.62 stars
Published: November 2nd, 2017
Source: eBook/From Authors

Description:

Never trust a man who answers the front door wearing nothing more than a pair of low-cut jeans and a panty-melting smirk.

That should’ve been my first sign.

I write about guys just like him for a living—sexy and charming, yet reluctant to get into a serious relationship. His body screams sex appeal, but his condescending personality makes him a classic f*ckboy. 

And I want nothing to do with that.

Writing romance novels comes with its perks—traveling, meeting new people, creating characters from the voices in my head—but Ethan Rochester enters my life and rearranges all my preconceived notions about writing what inspires you. 

One week is all it took. One week to realize that not everything is as it seems.

One week with the bad boy, and I wanted more. 


My Thoughts:

Gah.  I wanted to like this.  Like, a lot.  I really enjoyed most of the Checkmate series, although by the time I got through book 6 I found myself frustrated with all of the unnecessary foul language.  I get it, some people curse a lot.  My husband says I have the mouth of a sailor at times, but I definitely don't drop F bombs in everyday talk... or really any curse words.  Tiny ears in my house with tiny mouths that like to repeat what I saw and ask me what it means.

Vada is a writer in a slump, and Ethan is an artist trying to shake his sad past by keeping everyone {except his Mom and Aunt Millie} at arms length.  That includes only ever having one-night-stands with women he is attracted to.  Until Vada rents the cottage behind his house to cure her writer's block.  Ethan comes on to her strong, and when she discovers that he can help release her tension and make the words for her next novel flow, she's all for a purely physical relationship while she's there for the week.

Like most women, she starts to have feelings for the man she's sleeping with.  Ethan had built mental walls to shield from any emotional attachments, but he finds that Vada seems to fit in his life just perfectly.  Like, despite what happened in his past, she was there and made to be his other half right when he needed it.

I would like to say that, despite the language, I did enjoy the back story to Ethan a lot.  I mean, not how sad it was, but the depth it gave him as a character.  Vada has an interesting history, but Ethan definitely is the one I was drawn to more out of the two {which is funny, because his cocky attitude and cursing kind of rubbed me the wrong way}.  In real life I'm generally not a fan of the bad boys, because they aren't like fictional bad boys - no heart of gold.  Ethan, despite his crass language and rough edges, really does have a heart of gold.

Honestly, if it weren't for the language {and an unnecessary sex scene or two}, I probably would have rated this higher.  But those are just my personal preferences.  If you don't mind the language and lots a wild sex scenes are your thing, then you would probably really like this book!

The Fortunate Ones by R.S. Grey | Review

Title: The Fortunate Ones
Author: R.S. Grey
Pages: Unknown
Publisher: R.S. Grey
Goodreads Rating: 5.00 stars
Published: November 1st, 2017
Source: eBook/From Author

Description:

At Twin Oaks Country Club, there are the fortunate ones, and then there are the rest of us: the waiters, the caddies, the valets, and in my case, the cabana girls. Most days, I’m poolside in a pleated skirt, dishing out margaritas to tycoons and titans. It’s not exactly my dream job, but it does come with one perk…

James Ashwood.

He’s my silver lining in a custom black suit.

Besides being a legacy member at the club, he’s a tech mogul and Austin’s most eligible bachelor. Oh, and those dimples? Yeah, they make my stomach dip too.

On good days, I catch his sleek Porsche winding down the tree-lined drive. On better days, I steal a glimpse of his handsome profile as we pass in the hall. And on the absolute best day, I find him alone at the bar, looking for company.

“Come have a seat.”

Those four little words set me down a path I never could have imagined. Private planes, penthouse suites, and temptations around every corner make it impossible to keep my distance. His world feels decadent and wild—but overindulgence comes with a cost. Every kiss comes with strings. Every erotic encounter is a promise I’m not ready to keep.

When I pump the brakes, he hits the gas. James doesn’t want to go slow—he wants a commitment.

And the thing about the fortunate ones?

They’re used to getting what they want. 


My Thoughts:

Okay, I have loved the other few books I've read by R.S. Grey {aka Rachel... she totally makes you feel like you know her and her little family via her Instagram}, and I knew this would be no exception to that rule.

Brooke is a fun character {and she must have been a blast to write!}, choosing to live in her hippie building than with her family after being fired from a great nannying gig.  It was the perfect job for her, but she finds herself working at the local country club {you know, one of the ones that only old money can buy their way into}.  She wants to see the world, to travel, to use her degrees in French and Spanish in tutoring {or nannying}... but she really, really just wants to travel and have absolutely no strings holding her down.  Kind of like her mother did when she left Brooke and her sister Ellie when they were younger.

James Ashwood is not quite the typical member of Twin Oaks country Club.  While on the outside he seems like a young and unattached version of many of the club's members, the James that no one sees in much different.  He still wants most the same things any 36-year-old man might want {family, success}, but unlike a lot of people in his circle he doesn't feel the need to find someone else who comes from money.  He just wants someone he can connect with who desires the same things as him.

Brooke and James meet out of a misfortune for Brooke - her closing down the dining room in the club one night when James decided to stay late.  Their doomed relationship blossomed from there, though both had hopes the other would change.  With Brooke's desire to travel, she just knew she wasn't dating material for a man who wanted to settle down.

I really liked Brooke and James.  They're both rich in character and depth, with Brooke's history and desire to see the world, and James' desire and drive to help those in need.  They both have hearts to help others {though I don't think Brooke really realizes she does until later}, and ultimately I think that's what really brings them together and solidifies their relationship.

I 'm glad the author didn't have everything end up roses so quickly.  Or that they didn't get together and "that's that".  Brooke needed time to herself to find herself, and she got that.  It's refreshing having the characters come into their own before settling down with the other.

Now the only reason I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because of the few times James was a little too aggressive with Brooke, kissing her forcefully when she very obviously was not reciprocating.  Granted, we as the reader are in her head and know she very obviously wants to kiss him, but on her terms {or is just trying to not want to kiss him}.  But James can't totally read her mind {though she does seem to be a bit of an open book to him}, and I just wish it would have been handled a little differently in the writing.

Checkmate Boxed Set (Travis & Viola) by Kennedy Fox |

Title: Checkmate Boxed Set (Travis & Viola)
Author: Kennedy Fox
Pages: 552
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Goodread rating: 4.71 stars
Published: April 3rd, 2017
Source: eBook/bought

Description:

Travis King is the worst kind of a$$hole with good looks and enough confidence to last two lifetimes. 


Viola Fisher is a goodie two shoes know-it-all who prefers fictional love stories over her own. 
The only thing they have in common is their mutual hatred for each other. 

She’s had a secret crush on him since she was ten, but Travis has always made it very clear the feelings aren’t mutual. He’s cruel, crass and takes every opportunity to get under Viola’s skin. She’s smart, beautiful, and too good to be true. Hating him is her religion, but needing her is his. 

Although Viola loathes his very existence, against her better judgment she let him into her bed. Her sexy curves and filthy smart mouth make Travis want her even more and although she’s succumbed to his manwh*re ways, she’s determined to not let that change a thing. 

Too bad he has other plans. 

Viola’s always been off-limits, but Travis is determined to keep crossing that line. She can try to push him away, but he always gets what he wants and he’ll do anything to prove he’s done playing games. 

Until then, they’ll play by their own rules to see who will win the biggest battle yet—love or hate? 

Checkmate. 


My Thoughts:

Okay, at this point I've read all but the last book Checkmate series, and I have to admit this was my least favorite.  While they were still fun books, I wasn't too knocked out by the story.  Maybe because I really couldn't connect with Viola and her attraction to Travis {who was a total d-bag for a good portion of the first book}.  Also, I'm review this as the set, but I read them both separately.  I just find this a bit easier, especially since I'm a little behind in my reviews!

I really liked Viola, especially since she's a bookworm and a Potterhead! I think a lot of women can relate to the frustration and downright hatred she feels towards Travis King, after he was her closest friend, then burned her {and that friendship} as a young teen.  Viola is good and sweet, but Travis brings out the spitfire in her.  It doesn't help that, through everything that happened with Viola and Travis, he has remained her brother Drew's best friend.

Travis comes across as the worst sort of man for any woman.  He behaves towards women very much like a boy in that he uses them for one night {and it seems to be one amazing night, according to many of the women and Travis himself}.  But he doesn't want any relationships or attachments.

Thanks to one daring night with a lot of passion and not so much clothes, Travis and Viola find themselves wanting the other.  And not just for the physical intimacy, but because they actually start to enjoy spending time with each other.  Soon, what once was two enemies battling it out with words every time they saw each other, there are two people who very much care about each other {but still enjoy some verbal sparring}.  Until a wrench gets thrown in those plans.

The second half of this Duet has Viola finally confronting Travis about said "wrench", and the continuing story is how, together, they find a way to use that to build a solid relationship, get to know each other even better, and really put the past in the past.

Overall, I'd probably give this story 3.5 stars.  Like I said, I've been avoiding writing this, because I did enjoy the rest of the series so much.  And while *SPOILER!!!* Travis does turn out to be a pretty decent man, his beginning left me ready to just smack him.  Maybe I was a little protective towards Viola, I don't know.  She was a sweetheart who I thought needed a gentleman, but she helped Travis see what kind of gentleman he could be.  And he showed Viola that tart can be a good thing at times.

The Skyriders: The Rise of the Sunbird by K. L. Cooper | Reivew

Title: The Skyriders: The Rise of the Sunbird
Author: K.L. Cooper
Pages: 380
Publisher: UnderCover Press
Goodreads Rating: 4.43
Published: May 30th, 2017
Source: eBook/bought

Description:

SOAR INTO THE WORLD OF THE SKYRIDERS

DRAWN BY DESTINY
Determined to rescue her family's failing museum, Alia Relic auctions a mysterious book with an unknown past. But when the chance to bid draws a lot more than fancy pearls and fat pocket books, what may really be on the block is her life.

BOUND BY DUTY
Wren Cordilleran has been sent to find the one woman who can save his kind from destruction. But what he finds at the Four Winds Museum will test every honorable bone in his body and threaten all that he stands for.

FORBIDDEN TO DESIRE
Dragged away from everything Alia knows and thrust into the hidden world of a forgotten race, this new reality will challenge both her will and her deepest fears. Within the walls of Castle Cordilleran, she'll discover that her future was never a matter of choice and...
SECRETS CAN BURN HOTTER THAN THE SUN. 


My Thoughts:

I had picked this eBook up as a steal of a deal after seeing it on a Storygram Tour and oogling the beautiful cover.  I wasn't disappointed, other than the fact that I have to wait until who knows when for the next installment!

The story starts out with Alia Relic in her late mother's museum, which she has been managing.  A lover of history and artifacts, its the perfect place for Alia, even though being in charge of it for years has left her feeling tied to it and unable to travel and see all the history of the world in person.  Maybe that's for the best, since she is terrified of flying and it would take a long time to get anywhere relying on cars, boats and trains.  Plus, what with struggling to keep the museum's finances in the black, it's not like she has the extra money to fund any ventures of her own.

The museum has numerous atrifacts that have been donated, but none as mysterious as an ancient book.  An ancient book that has no known origins, but seems to be something everyone wants.  Including three mysterious men who come to bid on it at the auction Aria put together, and leave with a little more than just a large tome.

Aria agrees to go wtih Wren Cordilleran and his two companions when it becomes apparent that her life is in danger and they seem to be the ones who can help her.  She flies with them *gasp* to their home that is literally in the mountains.  Despite her fears, she finds herself enjoying Wren's company and those of the other Skyriders around her.  Oh, and did I mention they all have wings?  And some are downright birdish?  And she needs to get ready, because she's about to become the weilder of the Sunbird...

It's been a while since I've read such a good adult fantasy.  I really enjoyed the different POVs {it's always nice to get into more than one character's head!}, and I was a little amazed at how well Alia took everything!  It's one thing to have ideas and theories about another humanoid species, but seeing them in person after having them save your life because some crazy guy is attempting to kidnap you?  That would have me questioning my sanity!

The world building was really quick, but fairly detailed in The Rise of the Sunbird.  I swear, at one point while I was reading late into the night, I thought I was in the mountain.  Maybe the perks of living in the middle of farmland with air conditioning making my house really cool? Ha ha!  I swear, at one point I was ready to sclimp into my "nest" and curl up for bed.  But, of course, I had to finish my book first!

It was really interesting to see how much some of the characters knew about humans and their way of life, and how little the majority of the Skyriders seemed to know.  Those in the military or royalty had pretty extensive knowledge of humans, seeing as the Sunbird {their queen} inhabits the body of a human woman every 150 years or so {did I mention they have prolonged lifespans?  And a couple of them are immortal??}.

You guys, I really, really want the second book in the installment.  I want to see what happens with Aria, Wren and the rest of the Skyriders!  And Goodreads is giving me no hope, since it doens't even have book two listed in its database!

Checkmate: This is Dangerous by Kennedy Fox | Review

Title: Checkmate: This is Dangerous
Author: Kennedy Fox
Pages: Unknown {Kindle Edition}
Publisher: CreateSpace
Goodreads Rating: 4.82 stars
Published: July 6th, 2017
Soure: EBook/From Author

Description:

Logan Knight is a real life knight in shining armor. A detective godsend in a sleek black suit has me thinking less than secretive thoughts. Brooding and mysterious, he’s the kind of guy every girl instantly notices. Between his seductive smirk and charming good looks, it’s no wonder I can’t help the way he makes me feel whenever I’m near him. Too bad he’s unavailable—or so he says.

He thinks I’m a do-gooder who shouldn’t get involved with a guy like him. His past is messy and relationships just add to that. He insists the timing is all wrong and he’s devoted to his career, but I don’t buy that excuse for a second. I see the way his body tenses and his jaw ticks every time another guy is around me. He just won’t admit it, but I’m more determined than ever to show him what he’s missing. 

I’m a devoted animal rescuer and I’ll risk everything to save them, but when a dramatic turn of events puts both our lives at risk, I’m positive Logan will write me off for good. But when he asks for my help with a personal crisis, I know it’s my last chance to finally show him I can handle anything he throws my way—messy past and all.

He might think he has me all figured out, but I’ll prove him wrong no matter what he thinks. This game of push and pull has me running in circles. One wrong move and we could both lose.

Checkmate, Knight.



My Thoughts:

Whew!!  Well, this was definitely one of the steamier reads I've picked up in a while!  That being said, I really enjoyed every bit of it!

Kayla Sinclair is a sweetheart with a rough past that just made her even more kind towards others {4-legged and 2-legged}.  She's an amazing interior designer, dog mom and shelter volunteer.  Her three dogs are her family and she adopted them from the local shelter she helps at.  While she has no prince charming in her life, she did name all of her fur babies after Disney princes, which pretty hilarious and sweet {a lot like Kayla!}!

Logan Knight is a great guy and an amzing friend of Kayla's, who just so happens to be the exact kiind of man she's looking for.  While he's always there for her, he's bbeen friend--zoned, but not by Kayla!  Not looking for any romantic relationships, Logan is incredibly drawn to Kayla but refuses to pursue her because of his past and how he's trying to shape his future.  But fate made them perfectly for each other, and its just a matter of time until they give in and accept what has been lined up for them.

Kayla and Logan have a chemistry that explodes off the page and just consumes the reader!  It's amazing, and completely captivating, and I just can't get enough.  I was wondering how long it would take Logan to give in to his need to be there for Kayla, more than just the friend he'd delagated himself as.  I love that they are such amazing friends, bbut I felt for Kayla every time Logan pushed her away.  And I felt for Kayla every time Logan kindled that spark into a flame, then walked away.  Most stories that are similar have the female lead acting clueless and in the dark, but Kayla knew Logan more than liked her, and was biding her time.

There are ssome amazing twists and turns this story takes, but the ending has me waiting on pins and needles foor September and the connclusion of Kayla and Logan's duet.  Because, KFox, how could you leave all of us hanging like that??  Probably one of the best endings I've read in a while that left the reader completely flabergasted and needing more now.  Thankfully, I've yet to read the first two duets in this series, and have books one and two ready and waiting on my Kindle!

The Foxe & the Hound by R.S. Grey | Review

Title: The Foxe & the Hound
Author: R.S. Grey
Pages: Unknown {Kindle Edition}
Publisher: CreateSpace
Goodreads Rating: 4.71 stars
Published: June 1st, 2017
Soure: EBook/From Author

Description:

When your life is a hot mess at twenty, it’s cute. At twenty-seven…well, not so much.

It’s just that my lofty dreams—making it as a real estate agent, paying rent on time, showering daily—have stayed just that: dreams. Oh, and love? I’ve decided love might be a little ambitious for me at the moment. Instead, I’ve settled for the two guys who will never leave me: Ben & Jerry.

That is, until Dr. Adam Foxe takes up residence as the town’s new vet.

With his strong jaw, easy confidence, and form-fitting scrubs, it’s not long before every housewife in Hamilton is dragging neglected tomcats in for weekly checkups.

Like everyone else, I’m intrigued. Even after I spoil my chance at a good first impression, he still offers me a proposition I can’t refuse: play his girlfriend at a family function and he’ll hire me as his real estate agent. Welcome to love in the 21st century.

It’s too bad I underestimated Adam’s irresistible charm and the undeniable attraction that burns between us. The day he pins me to the wall and silences me with a kiss, the line between reality and ruse begins to blur. Every teasing touch brings me to my knees. Every kiss promises more. 

It looks like my hot mess of a life is about to get a little hotter.



My Thoughts:

*I received an eBook ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Pretty much as soon as this book showed up on my kindle app, I was so in need of a RomCom.  I'd just finished a mini-marathon of a few heavier books {well, as marathon-ish as I can get, being a mom to two young kids!}, and this is basically just what the doctor ordered!

Madeleine Thatcher is a small town girl.  She has lived in a  little Texas town for her whole life, rotating through jobs every few years.  She has a small apartment that she shares with her massive puppy, Mouse.  Barely making her rent {sarcasm and wit don't quite bring the money rolling in}, she refuses to swathe jobs yet again, because she loves working in real estate and helping people find their dream homes.

Enter Adam Foxe: handsome Chicago transplant who moved to Hamilton to be closer to his parents and his brother's family.  Taking the job as the local vet, he runs into Madeleine and her giant Mouse his first day {er, Mouse runs into - and tackles - Adam}, causing a stunned silence from Madeleine.  

I really love how this story unfolds and all the hilarity that just overflows from it {Adam's mom is quite the schemer}.  I had a blast reading it, and I just couldn't put it down!  If you like RomComs, this would be right up your alley.  With writing that just flows, R.S. Grey is a fantastic author who gets you engrossed in the story - I swear, I thought I was in Texas for a while {and it wasn't because we went from 65 degree weather to 80 degrees overnight}.  I'm


While this is technically a standalone, I would suggest reading Grey's book Anything You Can Do before picking this one up.  A couple of the key supportive characters' stories are in that book, and if you're like me, you probably would want to dive into that one first.  It's an engrossing story, and you'll probably read it in no time!

Add THE FOXE & THE HOUND on Goodreads.

Get your hands on THE FOXE & THE HOUND now: http://amzn.to/2rcGu8F 

About R.S. Grey:

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of thirteen novels, including THE FOXE & THE HOUND. She lives in Texas with her husband and two dogs, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga! Visit her at rsgrey.com

Connect with R.S. Grey:

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/1T707p0

RS Grey's Little Reds Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1378399812435745/

Website: rsgrey.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrsgrey/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-RS-Grey-167668293429638/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorRSGrey

The Foxe & The Hound Release Day Blitz!!

R.S. Grey's THE FOXE & THE HOUND is available today! You don't want to miss getting your hands on this sexy and hilarious new read from R.S. Grey. Find out more about THE FOXE & THE HOUND below and grab your copy today!

About THE FOXE & THE HOUND

When your life is a hot mess at twenty, it’s cute. At twenty-seven…well, not so much.

It’s just that my lofty dreams—making it as a real estate agent, paying rent on time, showering daily—have stayed just that: dreams. Oh, and love? I’ve decided love might be a little ambitious for me at the moment. Instead, I’ve settled for the two guys who will never leave me: Ben & Jerry.

That is, until Dr. Adam Foxe takes up residence as the town’s new vet.

With his strong jaw, easy confidence, and form-fitting scrubs, it’s not long before every housewife in Hamilton is dragging neglected tomcats in for weekly checkups.

Like everyone else, I’m intrigued. Even after I spoil my chance at a good first impression, he still offers me a proposition I can’t refuse: play his girlfriend at a family function and he’ll hire me as his real estate agent. Welcome to love in the 21st century.

It’s too bad I underestimated Adam’s irresistible charm and the undeniable attraction that burns between us. The day he pins me to the wall and silences me with a kiss, the line between reality and ruse begins to blur. Every teasing touch brings me to my knees. Every kiss promises more.

It looks like my hot mess of a life is about to get a little hotter.

Add THE FOXE & THE HOUND to your Goodreads list here!

Get your hands on THE FOXE & THE HOUND by R.S. Grey now!

Get a Sneak Peek of THE FOXE & THE HOUND

I follow his gaze to where my dress has ridden up. When I’m standing, it’s a modest length, but the leather seats in his Audi have hiked up the skirt and a few inches of my thighs are now on perfect display.

His gaze drags down, pausing on my lips for a moment before he trails down my neck and chest. He’s studying my dress—no, he’s studying my body beneath the fabric. His smile is slow to spread, a little haunting…sexual.

About R.S. Grey

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of thirteen novels, including THE FOXE & THE HOUND. She lives in Texas with her husband and two dogs, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga! Visit her at rsgrey.com

Website | Twitter | Facebook | R.S. Grey's Little Reds Facebook Group | Newsletter | Instagram

I love taking part in spreading the word about a book or author I really enjoy.  I hope you guys can pick up a copy of this book {and any of her others, because the ones I've read have been awesome!}!!  Happy reading!!

The Animal Under The Fur release blitz and GIVEAWAY!

I love helping shed light on amazing authors and fantastic books, and today I'm doing that with other bloggers and Giselle at Xpresso Book Tours.  I just wrote up a review for this book the other day, but here's a little more info on it, as well as E.J. Mellow, the fantastic author behind this amazing work.

Book & Author Details:

The Animal Under
by E.J. Mellow
Publication date: March 30th 2017
Genres: Action, Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

From award-winning author E. J. Mellow comes an action romance dripping with vengeful delight.
Orphaned on the streets as a baby, Nashville Brown, a.k.a Kill Operative 3, knows better than to rely on anyone. With heightened senses and superhuman strength to survive, she’s been raised as the perfect assassin.

The trick to her success? Keeping everyone, even her best friend, at arm’s length.
Losing his entire family in the span of a year, Carter Smith left his ability to love buried deep in their graves. His only concerns now are completing his missions and effortlessly charming the next temptress to warm his bed.
The key to his accomplishments? Working alone mixed with a Casanova smile.
But when a deadly weapon needs to be stopped from falling into the wrong hands, the lone wolves find themselves thrown into an explosive partnership. Can Carter and 3 lower their guns aimed at one another long enough to succeed, or will their unwillingness to compromise end up destroying more than their perfect records? Whatever their differences, both agree on one thing—in the game of lies and deceit, the line between friend and foe is often blurred by blood splatter.
The Animal Under The Fur is a hate-to-loath-to-love standalone novel filled with savagery, secrets, and enough angst to wrinkle the pages you’ll find gripped in your hands.

Add it to your Goodreads shelf by going here:

The Animal Under The Fur

You Can buy it here:

Amazon

AUTHOR BIO:

E.J. Mellow is the award-winning author of the contemporary fantasy trilogy The Dreamland Series and The Animal Under The Fur. With a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, E.J. Mellow splits her time between her two loves – visual design and writing. Residing in NYC, E.J. is a member of Romance Writers of America and their Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Chapter. She has no animals but loves those who do.

Author links: 

Website: www.ejmellow.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13651527.E_J_Mellow
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ejmellow
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ej_mellow
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ejmellow

GIVEAWAY

Thank for reading through my post, so here's the giveaway {this giveaway is set up and sponsored by the author, I'm just helping to spread the love}

a Rafflecopter giveaway