Buddy-Read Review: Cam Girl By Leah Raeder

Genre:
New Adult/ Contemporary Romance/ Suspense

Buy The Book:
AMAZON / S & S / B & N / BAM! / IB

Connect With The Author:
 Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Blog

 Synopsis On GR:

“Darkly erotic…a must read” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Unteachable and Black Iris comes a new, sexy romantic suspense novel about two best friends who are torn apart by a life-shattering accident…and the secrets left behind.
 
Vada Bergen is broke, the black sheep of her family, and moving a thousand miles away from home for grad school, but she’s got the two things she loves most: her art and her best friend—and sometimes more—Ellis Carraway. Ellis and Vada have a friendship so consuming it’s hard to tell where one girl ends and the other begins. It’s intense. It’s a little codependent. And nothing can tear them apart.

Until an accident on an icy winter road changes everything.

Vada is left deeply scarred, both emotionally and physically. Her once-promising art career is cut short. And Ellis pulls away, unwilling to talk about that night. Everything Vada loved is gone.

She’s got nothing left to lose.

So when she meets some smooth-talking entrepreneurs who offer to set her up as a cam girl, she can’t say no. All Vada has to do is spend a couple hours each night stripping on webcam, and the “tips” come pouring in.

It’s just a kinky escape from reality until a client gets serious. “Blue” is mysterious, alluring, and more interested in Vada’s life than her body. Online, they chat intimately. Blue helps her heal. And he pays well, but he wants her all to himself. No more cam shows. It’s an easy decision: she’s starting to fall for him. But the steamier it gets, the more she craves the real man behind the keyboard. So Vada pops the question:

Can we meet IRL?

Blue agrees, on one condition. A condition that will bring back a ghost from her past.

Now Vada must confront what she’s been running from. A past full of devastating secrets—those of others and those she’s been keeping from herself…

 PURPLE'S REVIEW

RATING: 5/5 STARS

"All art comes from pain."

Dark, raw, thought-provoking, erotic, poignant, inspiring... but above all beautifully written. It's such a complex, powerful and skilfully written story that makes me feeling inadequate to even write a review about it, that's why I'll keep it short. I thought it will be pretty impossible to dethrone Black Iris, but L. Raeder has yet again stolen a piece of my heart with Cam Girl and set the level much higher for my every next read. As always the synopsis does not do justice to her books and it's better to dive into it without any prior knowledge.

"My love is savage and rapacious. It isn't content to touch. It wants to be inside, crawl into the marrow, caress each vein until the cells are all mixed up and there is no you and me anymore, no secrets or shadows sliding between our skin. Only this endless devouring of each other."  

I won't say anything about the plot, because if you're familiar with this author's work you are aware that she is the master of mindfucks and this book is another one of those, meaning the less you know the better the reading expirience, so stay away from potential spoilerish reviews. All I can say that it's the type of a book which will make you question and give another, inside perspective about themes such as self-discovery, sexuality and genders in general. Knowing some background about the author I feel as if she has given us a sneak-a-peak of her soul. The book deserves 5 stars soley taking into consideration the superb writing style. It finds itself already on my top-reads-of-2016 shelf. That says it all. Highly recommended to every fan of dark, suspensful, steamy and thought-provoking mindfucks which will keep you second-guessing till the very end.

Her next book is due on May 31st 2016 and the only info we know it will be about one of the characters from Black Iris and Cam Girl. From the title itself I have my suspicion who will it be and can not freaking wait!

  

"If two people could make each other smile and laugh and forget all the pain and darkness in the world for a moment, why should we feel ashamed of it?"

BEATRIX' REVIEW

RATING: 4/ 5 STARS

What a strange world where we pay people to listen to our problems, and pay them to fuck themselves while we watch, and pay them to save us.

Once upon a time (okay, when I read Unteachable) I fell in love with Leah Raeder’s words. And ever since, I await her next novel with delightful anticipation. It’s like (s)he has this deep, profound relationship with words, and we, as readers, should feel lucky we get to read what comes out of her/his pen. (S)he is an artist, just like Vada, MC of this novel.

Cam Girl is another beautifully written novel, and one which raises a lot of important issues, main one being our preconceived notions about gender and sexuality. Masterfully portrayed, Cam Girl is a novel I will for sure recommend to many people!

You pretend everything’s fine. Even when you feel heavier every day, when the air smothers like a pall. When you feel something pulling you under but can’t escape, because it’s pulling from the inside.

Now, one may wonder, if I loved it so much why not give 5 stars? Well, the reason for that is that I loved Unteachable and Black Iris just a bit more. Plus, there were some parts that I found to be too slow. During the middle part there was also too much focus on Vada and Ellis’ relationship drama, which was also repetitive, same fight over and over.

On the other note, can I just say how happy I was that my favorite psycho made an appearance! (Zoeller, whom you may know from BI)

“I’ve always cared deeply about the Earth. I want it to be pretty for the day I assume control.”

Overall, despite some of my hang-ups, I think Cam Girl is a great novel, one that deserves praise and recognition. Firstly, the writing style will always be my favorite thing about Raeder’s novels, and secondly, the topics (s)he chooses.

Therefore, all I can say is – cannot wait for Bad Boy now!

* If you're interested in this author's work, check out:

~ my and Beatrix' buddy-read review of Black Iris 

~ Beatrix' review of Unteachable and Interview with Leah Raeder

Buddy-read REVIEWs: THE BLACK WOLF (In the Company of Killers, #5) By J. A. Redmerski

Genre:

Thriller/ Romantic Suspense

Buy The Book:

AMAZON 

Connect With The Author:

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Synopsis On Goodreads:

Since devastating secrets were uncovered by Nora Kessler, Niklas Fleischer and Victor Faust have been divided as business partners and brothers. But ultimately Niklas is persuaded to lead a mission to Italy, and he sees it as an opportunity to set in motion forgiveness—or retribution—for his brother’s betrayal. 

The mission: play the role of a wealthy German investor and kidnap a beautiful, notorious madam named Francesca Moretti. No stranger to these types of roles, Niklas is the best man for the job, but this time the risks will be much greater as he will not be doing it alone. Izabel Seyfried, still fresh out of a life of imprisonment and sex slavery, could be negatively affected by the things she will see in Moretti’s mansion, and Niklas must keep her in line so she does not blow their cover and get them killed.

But Niklas isn’t the only one who must play a role—Nora takes on the humiliating task of playing Niklas’s slave, and Izabel must play the role of his lover.

On one hand, Niklas couldn’t be enjoying himself more. On the other hand, the emotions that continue to rage inside of him may be too much for him to control, and it may be Niklas—not Izabel—who needs to be kept in line. He cannot forget what Victor has done, and this mission may just be the beginning of his downward spiral.

Can the blood bond that Niklas and Victor share as brothers be stronger than resentment? Or will vengeance dig the blade so deep that their bond be eternally severed?

PURPLE'S RATING: 5/5 STARS

BEATRIX' RATING: 5/5 STARS 

*** REVIEW ***

Purple:

After the brilliant previous installment- Seeds of Iniquity (ItCoK, #4) I was positive that there was no way I could love this book as much as I did that one, BUT I was wrong. Niklas was not among my favorite characters. As the matter of fact I was quite annoyed with him until the previous two books because of the *thing* he did in the 1st one and his rather superior/macho attitude, but now we all know the cold front he puts up is only an act and that he can be quite charming when he wants it and add to that very, very sexy. Together with Fredrik and Nora he is now without a doubt one of my fav characters in the series.

"Niklas wanted freedom; he has always wanted to be his own person, play by his own rules, live by his own standards, and not in the shoes or the shadows or beneath the gavel or the whip of anyone else."

The story was dark, gripping, action-packed, suspenseful and twisted with some unexpected and jaw-dropping twists as always. J. R. Redmerski keeps mindfucking us messing with our heads and in the best possible way. Our dearest rogue agents are at it again- on another undercover case in Italy trying to solve one of their most dangerous cases so far.  The undercover trio was so bad-ass and the villian and her devious plans so fucked-up. I won't say anything else about the plot, except that it was spectacular.

And the ending? Oh. My...I'm still trying to process what had happened. I don't know what to think, what to feel and I definitely don't know what to expect from the next installment. I have billions theories of the possible outcomes, some of which I fear greatly and truely hope the author doesn't take the story in that direction. J. A. Redmerski, I trust your judgement, just DO NOT turn this into one of those melodramatic love triangles, I beg you!

All in all- I'm in love with this series! This is my 2nd favorite installment and my third 5 stars rating so far this year and damn well-deserved. I'll be crossing days until the next one.

“To be human means to always go with your heart. The moment you betray your heart is the moment you lose everything.”

Highly recommended to every fan of dark, romantic and suspenseful thrillers  and fans of TV shows  like Nikita. This series is a must-read!


Beatrix:

I can honestly say that with each new book In The Company of Killers series gets better and better. This series is dark, suspenseful, characters and relationships between them are so complex.

I wanted a book about Niklas since forever (okay, since book #1 – I was always curious about him and I thought there’s more to him than what he showed to the world). And now we finally got it and it was everything I wanted and more. If you’re already a fan of this series, and you approved of the direction things took in Seeds of Iniquity, you’re gonna love this! 

Anyhow, this time around, the main story revolves around Niklas, Izabel and Nora, on a mission in Italy. I don’t want to spoil anything about that, I’ll just say it was exciting, gripping, bloody and just overall, amazing. After five books, I don’t doubt J. A. Redmerski; wherever she decided to go with the plot, I’m on board. This has become one of my favorite series, precisely because it’s unpredictable and unconventional.

This particular installment picks up where things left off in the last book – Niklas is hurt over Viktor’s betrayal and nowhere to be found; and Nora is the new addition to their Order. Since her introduction in the last book, I loved Nora. She’s so badass and great, and I only wish she had a bigger role in this book. (There’s a lot we don’t know about her yet, but I’m hoping it’ll be remedied in the next book.)

Furthermore, these characters are what do it for me in this series. Now, in the book #5 we feel like we know them (I’ve personally grown so attached to them), but in fact every one of them is hiding something and we’re on our toes to know everything about them. 

Finally, the reason why this book was so bloody awesome is that ending! Whoa! What happens next is the big question. I was buddy-reading this with my dear Purple and we have SO many theories. Also, while she’s very against a love triangle, I can honestly say I wouldn’t mind it. But, I guess we shall see. 

***

My favorite Killer in this part: Niklas, obviously.

My least favorite Killer in this part: I love them all.

I particularly liked: Niklas – Izabel dynamics.

I didn’t like the fact that there was so little of Nora. With Fredrik and Niklas, she’s my favorite character and I wish she had a bigger role.

I hope that the next book features more Fredrik. (I miss him!!)

Book #6 I want more than any other book right now! I’m both anxious and eager. Hurry up please, JA we’re dying here!

xoxo,

Purple & Beatrix

ARC REVIEW: Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters

Buy the book:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks

Author's:

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Genre: Erotic MC Romance

Expected publication date: July 7th 2015

Book summary:

"She is a woman divided. Her past, present, and future are as twisted as the lies she's lived for the past eight years. Desperate to get the truth, she must turn to the one man who may also be her greatest enemy . . .

He is the president of Pure Corruption MC. A heartless biker and retribution-deliverer. He accepts no rules, obeys no one, and lives only to reap revenge on those who wronged him. And now he has stolen her, body and soul.

Can a woman plagued by mystery fall in love with the man who refuses to face the truth? And can a man drenched in darkness forgo his quest for vengeance-and finally find redemption?"

MY RATING: 2.5/3 stars

Possible spoilers!

    SHORT?  I gave it a chance. Kept an open mind. It had potential, but in the end, it still disappointed me. Will I read sequel? Probably, because I want to find out what will happen next.

      First of all, I have to warn you that I have complicated relationship with Pepper Winters novels. There is something about her stories that get my attention, and I cannot resist to the temptation to read them. Not to mention all those pretty covers - Ruin & Rule might have the prettiest so far. My issues start somewhere around third chapter when I get annoyed by characters or story arc or writing. Ruin & Rule lasted longer than that. 

      What I liked? Until the chapter fifteen I truly believed that I would love it. Such an intriguing start! Reader finds out things gradually along with main female character, so there are no clear answers. You are confused, trying to figure out who is who, to make difference between enemies and those who could help out. Along with the MC you are figuring out rules of this crazy new world. And then there is Arthur "Kill" Killian. The president of Pure Corruption MC. Anti-hero. (With kick-ass tattoo! That's something I'd like very much to see!). Even writing was captivating. Yes, it gets melodramatic sometimes, but that first half of the story was so good.

      When did things start to go downhill? At chapter fifteen. The loooongest chapter. Where nothing actually happened. And everything was dragged. And all problems are solved with sex. Hot sex. Until they start to talk.

      What I didn't like?

• Flashbacks. I was seriously disturbed with those because how overly sexual and mature characters are considering that they are just kids (she is barely fourteen - but there are parts where she's eight). 
• Memory loss. Great idea, but at times felt a bit forced. 
• Convenient "situations".  Some things got resolved too easily, just when needed. Like she remembering bits about her past. Very specific bits, all of a sudden. 
• Biker gang. What biker gang? Unlike any other book of the genre, do not expect "club business" storyline. There isn't much, everything is about our main female character and Kill. Even when there is mention of what they do, it's just superficial. That is why I had a feeling like the world-building was lacking, there's no actual background story to the described events, and answers we do get in the end, aren't shown, but told. Just dropped in one chapter told from Kill's POV. After the lot of  I-can't-tell-yous. Which brings us to the next thing that bothered me.
• Melodramatic dragging of the story. It was fun to be in the dark at the beginning, but when you read for the hundredth time: "I will tell you everything, but not now. You have to trust me." and then they have sex, or read about her temper tantrums, you just get bored and start skimming. Second half seriously tested my patience. 
• Kill in the second half of the book. From the badass he became pussy-whipped idiot. Over the night. Just no. 

       Who will like Ruin & Rule? Most definitely everyone who liked Pepper Winters previous novels, especially Monsters in the Dark trilogy. Fans of dark, erotic stories.


Happy reading,

*Copy of the book provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

REVIEW: Black Iris By Leah Raeder

Genre:

Thriller/ Contemporary / Romance

Buy The Book:

AMAZON / B & N / BOOK DEPOSITORY / KOBO

Connect With The Author:

Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Blog

Synopsis On Goodreads:

The next dark and sexy romantic suspense novel from the USA Todaybestselling author of Unteachable.

It only took one moment of weakness for Laney Keating’s world to fall apart. One stupid gesture for a hopeless crush. Then the rumors began. Slut, they called her. Queer. Psycho. Mentally ill, messed up, so messed up even her own mother decided she wasn't worth sticking around for.

If Laney could erase that whole year, she would. College is her chance to start with a clean slate.

She's not looking for new friends, but they find her: charming, handsome Armin, the only guy patient enough to work through her thorny defenses—and fiery, filterless Blythe, the bad girl and partner in crime who has thorns of her own.

But Laney knows nothing good ever lasts. When a ghost from her past resurfaces—the bully who broke her down completely—she decides it's time to live up to her own legend. And Armin and Blythe are going to help.

Which was the plan all along.

Because the rumors are true. Every single one. And Laney is going to show them just how true.

She's going to show them all.

Purple's RATING: 5/5 STARS

Beatrix' RATING: 5/5 STARS
Glass' RATING: 5/5 STARS

*** Buddy-read REVIEWS ***

~ Purple:

“I am not the heroine of this story. And I'm not trying to be cute. It's the truth. I'm diagnosed borderline and seriously fucked-up. I hold grudges. I bottle my hate until it ferments into poison, and then I get high off the fumes.”

I've read a fair share of good books this year, but this is only the 2nd one I've rated full 5 stars and it more than deserves it because for me it's on a totally another, I would even dare to say superior level from the the rest of them. My first book by this author was Unteachable. While I loved the author's writing style there, the story as a whole was more of a 3.5/4 stars read for me, but with this book Leah Raeder won me completely over. And what better way to read her newest book than buddy-reading it with my friend & co-blogger Beatrix, who was also the one who first introduced me to this author.

"I never wanted to be saved. I wanted someone to follow me down into the darkness. To hold my hand as I fell."

Without spoiling anything all I can say is that Black Iris is one dark, gripping, twisted, riveting, poignant, thought-provoking page-turner which will leave you speechless after every new unpredictable twist of the story. What's special and compelling about this book is the fact that the main character Laney is nor the heroine nor the true villain. The lines between good and evil get blurred and disputable, at times over-weighing on one and at other times on the other side, therefore messing with our heads all over again and of course I loved it, the weirdo that I am.

This book was so good that not the even infamous "love triangle", which is usually a deal-breaker for me when choosing my next read, bothered me. That says it all. I won't say anything more about the plot, because when it comes to mindfucks like this the best way is to experience it without any prior knowledge. The writing was supreme. One of the most highlighted books in my collection.

Highly recommended to every fan of dark thrillers/mindfucks!

“Strength is not in the body, it’s in the mind. It doesn’t lie in flexing your muscles and crushing those who oppose you. It lies in being the last one standing. By any means. At any cost.”

~Beatrix:

“Darkness isn’t bad. It’s only darkness.” Those fingers relaxed. “All it means is you don’t see the world as they do. You see what’s really there. They see what they wish was there.”

Revenge. Suspense. Ecstasy. Sex. 

BLACK IRIS was my most anticipated book of 2015, and it did not disappoint. That’s saying a lot since I’m a huge fan of Leah Raeder and I’ve been craving this book basically since I’ve read Unteachable back in 2013 when it was first published. In my opinion Raeder is a true artist when it comes to the art of words. I feel as if she sees the world with different eyes and then transforms that onto the page and gives us her more poetic, vivid, and colorful version of reality. Here’s a paragraph to illustrate what I’m saying: 

I smelled the storm on him. There’s a word for that scent, the breathy fragrance that’s released when rain soaks soil and floods your sinuses like a drug: petrichor. Petros, stone. Ichor, the blood of gods. There was a disturbing loveliness in that image, gods opening their wrists to slake the earth with their quicksilver blood.

This is the kind of novel which will definitely make you question everything. Not only will you constantly be on the edge of your seat with questions such as: what is happening; but this book will also make you question your beliefs and morals. Characters in this book are constantly doing some morally ambiguous acts and let’s just say this is not for those of tender heart. If you’re bothered with excessive drinking and drug abuse, F/F sex, revenge, cheating, love triangles, unlikeable protagonists – then this book might not be for you. 

Don’t expect a typical NA story, or a morally encouraging book. However, what you can and should expect is an incredibly well written and important book, with its message about labeling, sexual fluidity, bullying, and mental illness. 

Something ineffably sad rose in my chest, a drowning feeling, as if my lungs were filling with water from the inside. My hand raised but not touching. My voice unheard. I’d spent all my life in moments like this.

Nothing here was black and white. These characters are so complex and my attitude towards them was ambivalent. I didn’t like Laney, but I understood her. Furthermore, she is not meant to be a role model, nor is she trying to be one. BI is unapologetic and that’s why I like it. Characters are entirely messed up and they’re not trying to hide it. Laney is not attempting to set an example with her behavior. She does what she wants and if you don’t like it, then she’s probably tell you: “Screw you, I’m not trying to impress anyone.”

I’m saying this because I’ve noticed how some negative reviews state that Laney sets a bad example for young girls with her drinking, sleeping around, and basically being high the entire duration of the novel. If you’re so sensitive, then don’t read this. And you’ve probably missed the point as it’s stated right on the first page what kind of novel this would be. This is not the story with a typical HEA; don’t expect a heroine to overcome her issues. This is a dark and twisted story and that’s why it’s so unique.

Furthermore, a few words on the writing style and a quick comparison with Unteachable. Obviously both books are written in the same lyrical, purple tone and if I’m being completely honest I have to admit that maybe, just maybe this style was more suitable for UN and the reason for that is the genre. 

UN is first and foremost a romance novel – it explored emotions, maturing, growing up, love, etc. However, BI proclaims itself to be a suspense novel and I believe it’s difficult to build up tension with adjectives. You need lots of dynamic verbs, descriptions of processes, not states. That taken together with switching timelines, I can see how some readers were lost or found the book to be too slow. I personally was not bothered by that, and I’ve raved enough how I love Raeder’s writing style, but I can understand some of the frustration I’ve noticed in several reviews.

Some of the things I've loved: the sex scenes. Hot damn. This is how you write steamy. Nothing overly vulgar, but so poetic and sizzling hot. Moreover, let’s not forget the poetry. T. S. Eliot, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson are some of my favorite poets and it made me so giddy to recognize all the references. I truly think BI wouldn’t have been the same without it. 

In conclusion, BLACK IRIS is at its core a powerful story which explores the darkness within a person, triggered by someone else’s darkness. It portrays how one act of violence may initiate entire chain of such deeds and how a person may end up trapped in that vicious circle. Have you ever been bullied, misunderstood, and rejected for who you are? Sometimes it’s difficult for a person to see the light, sometimes a person is so weakened, tormented by their own demons that it’s easier to drown than to swim back to the surface. 

Leah Raeder wrote a book for anyone who has ever felt that way. She is the voice of the downtrodden, of the underdog. It’s okay to feel malice and rage, those too are human emotions. Therefore, what I’m saying is – don’t expect a redemption story. But, if you do prefer dark, challenging, and gritty stories, then BLACK IRIS might be just the right book for you! 

I’m the black iris watered by poison. The wolf that raised its head among sheep and devoured its way, ruthless and bloody, to freedom. I never forgave, never forgot.

PS: I’ve found the song which perfectly fits the book, with its lyrics and overall atmosphere -- Sick by Chelsea Wolfe: 

This suffering brings me closer to you

And time is broken and moves slow

Your pure heart, your white light

I should be put to death for ever being cruel to you

…

Come closer now and step right into

The wide mouth, the sharp teeth of the one you love

I’m not the kind of sick that you can fix

Don't you worry about me baby 

xoxo, 

Purple & Beatrix

Breach by K. I. Lynn

Buy the book:

Amazon / B&N 

Find K. I. Lynn:

Webpage / Twitter / Goodreads

*** Iva & Glass buddy read***

Book summary:

"Delilah Palmer has control of her life and outward personality, blocking the truth just below the surface. A façade meant to be normal and hide the scars of her childhood. She’s made a good life for herself, became a lawyer, and is free from the tortured past that haunts her daily. Until he comes along and breaks open the cracks.

Nathan Thorne has a past of his own. On the surface he is loved by all, personable, extroverted; everything Delilah isn’t. Hidden beneath is a dark and tormented man that only Delilah has to power to unveil.

Crammed in a small office together they see through each other’s masks, and the draw becomes too much, igniting an explosive relationship. Holloway and Holloway Law has a strict non-fraternization policy, forcing them to conceal their breach. Despite their efforts, separation becomes impossible, deceptions escalate, and Nathan has trouble coping; teetering on the edge of being overtaken by his past demons.

What secrets does he harbor that could keep him from giving in? What keeps him from healing and moving forward? And Delilah, where does she fit into all this turmoil?

Can they accept love and deal with all the trials that come their way when secrets are exposed? Or will they fall through the cracks of their pasts and be consumed by all that haunts them?"

Glass:
       Fuck would be perfect choice if you want to describe this book. Fuck, fuckity, fucking fuck. Yes, this is book about people having sex. All the time. Everywhere. Sex. Yes, you will be horny as fuck after you red Breach. Pardon my French - this book got my fucking hormones fucking crazy.

Iva:
       Hey, hey! You didn't mention exactly why is it so fucking hot and making you (and me too!) go crazy. Dear kinky ladies, Nathan Thorne is a dirty talker. That naughty, wicked, flaming piece of pure sex had a mouth of a dirty-talking expert the likes I have not ever read.

“You are my cock slut, my sex goddess, and my beautiful girl. That’s all you need to know.”

Should we list several more clear examples? Maybeee...

“Yeah, that’s it, squeeze me. Take me all the way in. I’m not going to stop until you’re coming while screaming how much you fucking love it.”

“Yes, that’s it, baby. Take it. Flood your pussy and let it flow out onto my dick. You know you want to.”

„Listen to you moaning like a whore. You love my fingers buried inside you, don’t you? Not as much as you love my cock filling you to the hilt though.”

Glass:
      Let's go to the story. Considering that this is self-published book, I have to say that it's evident that author worked really hard on it, writing, rewriting, editing (unlike most of indie books). Big plus. But... There is always but. Breach reminded me a little bit of few "office" Twilight fan fictions. I tried to find if it was originally fan fiction, but I couldn't find anything. Why did I think that? Well, let's see. First character we meet is clumsy girl Delilah Palmer who struggles with low self-esteem. And then, voila, sex on the stick Nathan Thorne comes along. He is brooding man who catches attention of everything with vagina, but no - this alpha specimen does not want C-cup "street walker wannabees". Nathan wants Delilah.   
        Now you are rolling your eyes and thinking: "Oh, shut up, bitch! That's half of the romance books published in last two years." Let me just tell you one more thing. He is constantly pushing her away because he's afraid that he will hurt hurt her and that he is not man enough for her. Nathan, honey, please:

If a girl doesn't have that reaction on you, she is:
a) out of her fucking mind,
b) lesbian (but I think even few lesbians would think twice about possibility to try what you offer).
This doesn't mean that I didn't like Breach. I liked it a lot. A lot!

Iva:
      Totally agree, Glass. A healthy woman would never turn away from a lip-bitting sex god! I'm twisting in my chair just thinking about it! And while this book reminded Glass of some fan fictions, it reminded me of Bared To You. Minus the rich CEO and stalking thing. Both main characters are very much mentally damaged,. their own seperate tragedies shaping them, giving them nightmares and demons that they are trying to fight off, trying to push them far away wearing masks over their faces keeping the suffering invisible to others. But Nathan Thorne and Delilah Palmer are of that same kind and they recognized those masks in each other until one day everything exploded. And then began one very strange and dangerous relationship.

"How odd they were, the feelings I held. They were so different from what I had known. His anger didn’t scare me, it electrified me. It stemmed from his desire for me, and I was vibrating in anticipation."

"When he punished me, I could feel my whole being open up to him. He filled me with an emotion I couldn’t describe, but I knew I wanted more of it. I craved it." 

   
      See, even though I read several books with damaged people and dark pasts in them, I didn't feel like this was completely same to them. I really disliked the mere similarity, but liked how this one had more depth to it. Especially toward the end. Glass already said it - you can see how thoroughly the author did her work with their mental state and changes. And I loved that! It was not just sex, sex, sex - it was emotion and challenge and fight. Sometimes, a person can only survive holding onto another like them trying to keep yourself on the surface of reality and not sink down.

When he pushed me over the edge, I felt my heart spring open.
I was home.
We were one in that moment, together again, bound to each other in a way neither of us understood, but were beginning to accept.

But what happens when you lose that? When your hold slips?


Glass: 
      Now, I know you wouldn't mind if I go in crazy fan girl mode. I just want to say this - if the story wasn't as good as it is, Nathan Thorne would still be worth the trouble reading it. On few occasions Delilah calls him her sex god. He could go into that category along with Kellan Kyle, Travis Madoxx, Remington Tate, Alex Kennedy, Jake Wethers and Bowen brothers.

Iva:
     Hah, yes Glass, he really is there right up with the rest of the book boyfriends. But warning to all of you, this book has got one mother of cliffhangers! While I am angry that I must wait months for the sequel, I have to say that I actually loved it. The book wouldn't be it and true to itself if it didn't end with an explosive finale.

Glass:
Who should read this book? All of you who like possessive alpha males. If you read and liked Fifty Shades of Gray, Beautiful Bastard, Trust in Advertising, Bared to You you should like this book too.

 Don't make us mad, go and read! If you know of awesome books we should buddy read soon - let us know!:)

Until next time,

 xoxo

Iva & Glass

Damaged by H.M. Ward

Book summary

"Life sucks. And, as soon as Sidney picks up the pieces something always knocks her back onto her butt. It's never pretty, but this time is different. This time pretty isn't even the right word.

Peter is the personification of perfection. It's like he fell off his angel perch in purgatory, because let's face it--any guy that hot has got to be naughty. He was probably sent here to ruin her life.

Peter is beyond beautiful with his sexy blue eyes, dark hair, and toned body. Add in his charming wit and Peter is everything Sidney ever wanted in a man, but when things get hot and heavy Peter shows her the door. Sidney takes the walk of shame and leaves. It's the end of the worst blind date ever. Her life couldn't possibly reach higher levels of suckage, but it does.

The next morning everything comes crashing down. The insanely hot guy from last night, the one that saw her half naked, is teaching at the front of the class room."

      Damn you sexy cover... I've made the same mistake. Again.

      Damaged is first book by H.M. Ward I've read, but I thought about reading her novels for a while now. Then something perfect happened - my girl Zemira from YA Fanatic asked me to buddy read Damaged with her.  I was all: "You want to read with me? Hot cover? Forbidden romance? Smexy scenes? Hell, yes!!!" 
      And than I started reading... 

      Usually in our group Zemira is the one with no patience for pathetic love stories and bad plots, but it seems that this time it would be me. She is going through serious case of hornyness and her usual self was reduced on drooling over Peter's abbs and what not.

      This could be really good book. It started good - Sydney sits at the wrong table and starts talking with wrong guy. It was so funny and different, I was internally screaming *Yessss!* while I was on this boring school meeting. And than she started whole "poor me" rant. Writing suddenly went from promising to downright pathetic. My hand started to twitch, I wanted to grab my favorite red pen and put big No! on margins. 

      Everything happened too fast - she loves him after two days, he thinks she is his second chance, she has crazy ex-boyfriend and oblivious parents, he has dead non-fiancee and they both are running away from something. Oh, one more thing - swing dancing. And whole drama "we shouldn't but we can't help ourselves" that leads to almost kisses and make out sessions on every third page.  Okay...

      This book is weird mix of Easy by Tammara Webber and Slave by Sherri Hayes (without kinky stuff). It could be  great book, it still needs much hard work, editing and, most important, plot development. This doesn't mean that I will not read next book - Damaged ended with cliffhanger and I need to see what will happen next. I just hope that it will be better that first one. 

Until next time,

xoxo

Reckless by S.C. Stephens - Epic Buddy Read

Buy the book:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Author's:
Website / Facebook / Twitter

Book summary

"When the band hits it big, Kiera and Kellan must ask themselves: Can their love for each other survive the constant pressures of superstardom? The friendships they've formed, the new family they've found, and the history they've forged will all play a part in helping them navigate the turbulent waters of the band's exploding popularity. A greedy executive hell-bent on success, a declining pop star looking for an edge, and a media circus that twists lies into truths are just some of the obstacles the lovers will have to overcome if they are going to remain together. Fame comes with a price-but will it cost Kiera and Kellan everything?"

Kellan, you are not what you used to be... but we still love you!

     Reading Reckless turned out to be the biggest buddy reading ever: Red, Iva and I from Way Too Hot Books (PurpleBook is kidnapped by sexy Italians, we are still waiting for her to get bored and come back home), our Tanja from sister-blog Ja čitam, a ti?, Zemira from YA Fanatic and, at least, ten other girls we have met on Goodreads. One thing we all agreed about - Kiera is more annoying then ever and Kellan is so not that bad boy we fell in love with.

     How should we do this? Hmmm... Okay, let's start with our status updates.

Status update: 1%

Iva: "Let the onslaught of Reckless status updates on my home page BEGIN!!!! :D"
Glass: "I ordered paperback, but it comes out in April. I can not wait that long - well, hello there, Kindle. Nice to see you, my old friend."

Few minutes later...

Glass:  "Mornin', Mrs. Kyle.
              Aaaaaaaaa, I am going to die over here! :D"

Status update: 2%

Red:  "Well Kiera, if you can´t ask him, I can and I will...:P"

Glass (thinking):  "For fuck sake Kiera, arent you over that fake innocence stuff?!"

Status update: 4-8%

Glass:  "Already with drama?!"
Red:  "Jeez, I forgot how dumb she can be!"
Glass:  "Kellan's future children...Oh, my..."
Red:  "Griffin, yay!!!"

Status update: 15-46%

Glass:  "This is kind of... boring.:("
Iva:  ".... *sigh* Do I even have to say that Kiera annoys me??? I'm tired of this."
Red:  ""Rose. Petals. In. The . Shape. Of. Heart. God, this is to much for me..."
Red:  "Now I´m gonna need afternoon delight too..."
Glass:  "I am so freaking jealous...."
Iva:  This Sienna woman is... Is.. I want to.. Aaaarrggghhhh! Shoot her someone!! Shoot her!"
Tanja:  "Oh Kiera if only your brain turned on as easily as other parts of your body it'd be great."

Status update: 60-88%

Red:  "If someone here says ever again: "Will you marry me?" I´m going to scream! XD"
Glass:  "Chill out with all wife/husband stuff..."
Iva:   "Kellan Kyle, Magic Mike style. *faints* Mother. Fucker. I'd cut my own leg to see that!!!!"
Red:  "Kellan striper? I could get used to this!"
Tanja: "I'm not sure about putting Discman and a laptop in the same era!"
Red:  "Kellan goes all Edward Cullen! XD"

In the mean time... Red talking with Glass about Twilight moment via phone. Glass is whining because she has to work.
Later that day...

Glass:  "Red, I've read Cullen saves the day part...hahahahaha"
Red:  " Even I had to admit...I was gorgeous. Goddamn it, Kiera!!!"
Glass:  "Okay, this is maybe a little sappy, but my heart aches while I read about wedding. My parents hate each other that much that they can't even live in the same country, so I don't think I'll ever have that moment in my life."

Status update: 90-100%

Red: "Someone, please shoot me!!!"
Glass: "Why do I have feeling that S.C. Stephens is going to write about Avoiding Redemption next?:DDD"
Iva:  "Now THAT'S what I call a spectacular Grammy's show :DDD And it was a really beautiful wedding before :)"

"Our lives are crazy. When moments to remember happen, you have to pause a second to appreciate them. Otherwise none of this is worth it." 

     As you can see, Reckless didn't quite live up to our expectations, but we still enjoyed reading final story about rock god Kellan and Kiera.

     Red doesn't like sappy love stories (that girl is all about pervy, kinky plots), but she can read contemporary romance novels if they have really good realistic background.  She liked previous books because they made her feel something, like hating Kiera and adoring Kellan, but Reckless even made her like less one of her favorite bad boys. She was so annoyed that she rated Reckless with one star.

Iva and I have basically same problems with this book - there was just too much drama. It reminded us of Spanish or, even worse, Turkish soap operas. We needed cold shower after Kellan's Magic Mike moment and we kind of liked wedding scene. We gave it three stars rating.

     One of our friends told us that whole Kel-Sex drama reminded her of gossip about Gotye and Kimbra ("Somebody I Used to Know"). That made me think about S.C. Stephens. Who is she? Is it possible that there is real-life Kellan and all that stuff in the end about Kiera writing and self-publishing her novels is actually autobiographic? Or was all that just about making people wondering? I'd like to believe it is. 

      What we all had to admit was that writing is much better than in previous books. It is obvious that it went trough some serious editing process. 

       In the end we would like to send two messages.

Dear Kellan, 

     Thank you for making us smile and swoon. Thank you for making us friends - you were one of first boys we all fell in love with and came to understanding that we can share you and still be friends. Thank you for your "Mornin'". We will always think of you when we smell coffee. And we hate you - because there is no boy in real life quite like you.Love,

Iva, Red & Glass

Dear S.C.Stephens,

     We will always be grateful to you for giving us Kellan. Maybe there were things we didn't like, but we hope you'll forgive us. After all, we were one of your biggest fans over years and we did make lot of people read your novels.:) Speaking about that, you should send some special love to our girl Zemira - she is the one who started this whole thing. We wish you many brilliant books. And, please, write the story about Avoiding Redemption! All the best,

Iva, Red & Glass