Review: You (You, #1) by Caroline Kepnes

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BOOK SUMMARY

When a beautiful, aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card.

There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting.

As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder.

MY REVIEW

Rating:

Solipsistic (adj.) overly concerned with one's own desires, needs, or interests

Joe, 

Since this book about you was very unique – basically it was unlike anything I’d read before; and also very special to me, I’ve decided to make my review a bit different as well, in honor to you. 

You were a real psycho, yet somehow you made me like you. Reading the Book of Joe (i.e. the novel You) was a unique experience, precisely because of you. I admire your creator, author Caroline Kepnes because I’m sure being in your head was no easy task. 

This book about you is written is second person, which I believe was the perfect choice, because first of all, it completely removes us – the readers; we are irrelevant, it’s all about you and your ‘darling’ Beck. Secondly, it gives us a sense intimacy and it further highlights your obsession with Beck. Just brilliant! Ms. Kepnes, well done! I know Joe you probably want to take all the credit here, but I have to acknowledge good writing when I see it. I’m sure you, as a fellow book lover would understand. 

Furthermore, I guess there were some parts that some readers might call tedious, because you described every minute detail regarding Beck’s life, and yes, that was strange because normal people don’t obsess about someone that much, nor do they stalk them, read their e-mails, harm their friends, etc. so it was at times overwhelming to read about how Beck basically invaded all of your thoughts. However, it was also necessary to portray all of that – to illustrate to which extent you were fixated on Beck. 

Moreover, now onto your favorite topic (after Beck, mind you!) – books. My favorite books are generally those whose genre is difficult to define. The same case is here. I really don’t know where I’d place you; you combine psychological thriller, social comedy, contemporary, with a little eroticism thrown in. And I guess that is why I liked you so much. 

Unusual, boundary-pushing, you were an overall likable psycho. I can’t wait to read about you again.

Until next time, 

Beatrix 

“The problem with books is that they end. They seduce you. They spread their legs to you and pull you inside. And you go deep and leave your possessions and your ties to the world at the door and you like it inside and you don't want for your possessions or your ties and then, the book evaporates.”

*********

*Read Purple's review of You here.*

xoxo,

Beatrix

Review: Block 24 by Evan Tyler

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*BOOK SUMMARY*

A re-emergence of the past…

Natalie Clarke might be spiteful at best and vicious at worst, but was that reason enough for Phillip Gise to leave her lonely and diseased? Fortunately, she has a set of devious plans that just might keep her busy enough to forget her present situation.

Guy Lewis has played Best Friend Extraordinaire to Natalie since grade school, supporting her through all of her daily drama. This time around, Guy runs into his own troubles when his fierce, wealthy manager gives him the type of attention he never asked for…or expected.

Julia Clarke, Natalie’s younger sister, has arrived in Brooklyn to uncover their grandmother’s secret life in Block 24, the site of Auschwitz’s little-known brothel. What Julia discovers proves more relevant in the present age than ever before.

Both heady and sobering, Block 24 is a look at the ways evil from the past can so insidiously visit the present. 

***MY REVIEW***

First I'd like to clarify that this book is not a typical romance, but considering it's one of my favorite books, I decided to feature it here on the blog, because I feel that not nearly enough people know about this powerful and inspiring novel! 

***

It had taken breaking the rules for him to realize that he needed them. Maybe he had to experience the opposite of love to realize how valuable love was and how it didn’t come at the price of one’s soul.

Block 24 surprised me, in the sense that I expected one thing and got something completely different. The more I read, the more I loved it. Towards the end, I couldn’t part with the book. I finished it in 6 hours, it’s what my e-reader says. 

The story is divided into two parts. We have two sisters Julia and Natalie Clarke and they’re complete opposites. In one part of the story, Julia is making a film about their grandma’s time in Block Twenty-four – Auschwitz’s little-known brothel. And the other part deals with Natalie and her issues. The Auschwitz part I liked less actually. I was more immersed in Natalie’s schemes. She is one of the most messed up characters I’ve had the chance to read about. 

I’ve read my fair share of Holocaust novels, and Block 24 didn’t really make me emotionally involved that much. It tells us the story of Adina (Julia’s grandmother) and her little sister Avi and how they fell in love with an SS – Hans during WWII. I can’t exactly pinpoint why this part of the story left me cold. I felt detached somehow, just waiting for Natalie’s chapters. I also felt the book was maybe too short to properly describe all the war horrors. The whole atmosphere didn’t feel authentic enough, IMO. Perhaps, had the book been longer, I think I would’ve enjoyed the *PAST* part as much as the *present.*

However, while I felt the book was lacking with the actual story, it completely made up with its characters.

Natalie Clarke. Words can’t describe how dark, damaged and malicious she is. She’s driven by hate and destroys everything good around her. She plays with other people’s lives, takes fate into her own hands. What Natalie wants, Natalie gets. Can such a poisonous human being have a chance at redemption, at happiness? There’s nothing better to read about, I say. I like nothing better than when the author creates such twisted, messed up characters and makes you care for them. I loved reading about Natalie and her evil ways and seeing how she would claw her way out of her dark hole. Will she even? It’s a defense mechanism which so far has worked. But her boyfriend Philip can only take so far. How far is enough?

This was what it meant to hate life, to hate everything about it. This is what happened once a person tossed away something that couldn’t be recovered, when a person lost everything she loved because she hated herself.

This book really made me wonder. It asks important questions: What gives the person the right to play with others’ lives? Can love truly heal all wounds? Is love even enough to heal a person?

I thought I would like this book, and I did, but not for the reasons I initially thought. I love historical fiction and WWII novels are some of my favorites, but that’s not the reason Block 24 resonated so strongly with me. This book proved to be an excellent case of a character study. How is it possible that an author made me care more about the struggles of one vicious woman than about surviving Holocaust victim? That’s the reason my rating is somewhat lower. I know the author is capable of great writing; Natalie’s character proves that, so I expected the same emotional investment with the part narrated in the past. I wanted more cohesion and the same level of emotional intensity.

But that could be just me. You could end up loving the part about Avigail, Adina and Hans and stay indifferent towards Natalie’s black heart. Either way, I recommend you pick up this book! 

BLOCK 24 is one truly inspiring story which tells us how people are capable of evil, regardless of the age we live in.

xoxo,

Beatrix

Review: MARROW by Tarryn Fisher

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Author links: Website / Twitter / Goodreads

*BOOK SUMMARY*

In the Bone there is a house.

In the house there is a girl.

In the girl there is a darkness.

Margo is not like other girls. She lives in a derelict neighborhood called the Bone, in a cursed house, with her cursed mother, who hasn’t spoken to her in over two years. She lives her days feeling invisible. It’s not until she develops a friendship with her wheelchair-bound neighbor, Judah Grant, that things begin to change. When a neighborhood girl, seven-year-old Neveah Anthony, goes missing, Judah sets out to help Margo uncover what happened to her.

What Margo finds changes her, and with a new perspective on life, she’s determined to find evil and punish it–targeting rapists and child molesters, one by one.

But hunting evil is dangerous, and Margo risks losing everything, including her own soul. 

ADD ON GOODREADS

***MY REVIEW***

It [sadness] pervades, lasts longer, and replaces the good feelings with such an eloquent ease you don’t even feel the shift until you are suddenly wrapped in its chains. How hard we strive for happiness, and once we finally have the elusive feeling in our grasp, we hold it briefly, like water as it trickles through our fingers. 

Marrow is the novel which explores the darkest corners of human psyche. 

When the novel starts, we meet Margo as a poor, tortured teenage girl; however, while some would choose to be victims, and feel sorry for themselves, Margo takes matters into her own hands. She's not the passive type and it was so refreshing to read about one such heroine. She in an unreliable narrator and there are a lot of inner monologues which sometimes made the pace rather slow. However, despite this being more of a character-driven novel, the second half was almost fast-paced. I got so absorbed into the story, I wanted to know who is Margo’s next target, what is real, what is not..? 

Furthermore, I love Fisher’s writing style – so effortlessly poetic, simple, yet complex. It’s not difficult to read, it doesn’t seem as if she’s trying too hard, yet it’s like every sentence she weaves manages to convey something meaningful.

Also, the way novel is structured shows the level of Fisher’s dedication. At the beginning, we get a lot more Margo’s thoughts, we acquire a false sense of familiarity, like we know her. In the second half, a feeling of detachment is more prominent. Margo loses touch with her humanity, her inner goodness; therefore, we lose some connection with her as well. Furthermore, the beginning is more static, but when Margo takes fate into her own hands, when she takes control of her life, the plot moves faster, things move more dynamically. 

In one of my status updates, I’ve mentioned how this book reminded me of an Criminal Minds episode, you know that part before the theme song, when they show the serial killer stalking his/her next victim. Well, that’s what you get here. No Dr. Reid sadly. We’re witnessing things from the other side of law.

And that part, Margo on the hunt, executing her poetic vengeance was so morbidly fascinating. How often do you get the chance to peek inside the darkness of someone’s mind? It’s one of the reasons, I believe, why we enjoy reading crime novels, watching crime TV shows and the like. We wish to understand them; why are killers, psychos the way they are. Are they born that way or did society influence them?

And that to me was the biggest question this novel posed. How defined we are by our upbringing, our childhood, love we attained or didn't. All those circumstances are crucial for the development of our personality, but in the end, we are the ones solely responsible for our actions. The choice is up to us. Always was and always will be. That’s the way life works. 

And Margo sure did choose to act. 

Finally, I think the fact that some things are left unexplained and may leave us confused is done on purpose. You are free to interpret it as you wish; Margo is complex, that’s for sure, this novel as well, so it would be oversimplification to expect one concrete answer. Ambiguity is in the marrow of this novel. 

And wicked, disturbing stories seem to be in Tarryn Fisher's marrow, and I can't wait for the next one. I love them and some authors are just brilliant at delivering them. T. Fisher is certainly one of those!

“Just tell me one thing,” he says. “Does your heart still beat … with the ache and pain there? Does it still beat?” “Yes,” I say.“That’s because humans are built to live with pain. Weak people let their pain choke them to a slow, emotional death. Strong people use that pain, Margo. They use it as fuel.”

*** 

xoxo,

Beatrix 

REVIEW: Curious (The Finn Factor, #1) by R.G. Alexander

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AMAZON / B & N / SMASHWORDS

Author's Page:

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Genre:

MM Contemporary Romance/ Erotic

Synopsis:

Are you Curious?

Jeremy Porter is. Though the bisexual comic book artist has known Owen Finn for most of his life—long enough to know that he is terminally straight—he can’t help but imagine what things would be like if he weren’t.

Owen is far from vanilla—as a dominant in the local fetish community, he sees as much action as Jeremy does. Lately even more.

Since Jeremy isn’t into collars and Owen isn’t into men, it seems like his fantasies will remain just that forever…until one night when Owen gets curious.

Warning: Contains explicit m/m nookie. A lot of it. Very detailed. Two men getting kinky, talking dirty and doing the horizontal mambo. Are you reading this? Do you see them on the cover? Guy parts will touch. You have been warned.

RATING:

3.5/5 muy caliente stars

*** REVIEW*** 

Six pack covers don't work for me anymore (seriously, people, no offense- but, it's high time to be more imaginative), but friend-to-lovers/ GFY mm romances sure do, just like this one. I've been in a reading slump lately. Nothing seemed to work for me, not even the latest installment of one of my fav series, so what better way to get my "reading mojo" back than with a fun, drama-free and steamy mm romance book.

Jeremy & Owen have been best friends for years now. Actually, they've been more than friends, more like a family. Jeremy is a wealthy comic book artist who has been half in love with Owen all his life, but he never acted on it, because Owen was straight and he cherished too much their friendship and Owen's family, who helped him a lot during the most difficult time in his life, to lose him as a friend. And the 2nd reason was because Owen liked to be called Master Finn in the bedroom, if you know what I mean, and Jeremy was never attracted to that kind of play, but as the saying goes: never say never.

Owen, on the other hand, knew that Jeremy is bisexual, but he never had problems with it, until recently when he caught him in the act, but the turn of his thoughts surprised even himself. Both of them pursued only no strings attached relationships and never had or wanted anything more serious. We meet them at the beginning of the story on the day of Owen's 35th birthday which he unlike the years before wanted to spend home with Jeremy, drinking tequila and playing X-box, or that's at least what Jeremy thought, until one birthday wish changes everything...

Oh, boy...The chemistry between these two was off the charts. I don't know if it's because of my weakness for this particular theme, but seriously, if I were to  rate this solely based on those steamy scenes I would have rated it 4+ stars. They seemed perfect for each other and I loved them together, especially because they didn't act like immature drama queens when things got complicated, but they talked it through and worked their issues out together.

Girl crush alert- I just loved their best friend Tasha. She was just the type of character (even secondary) I prefer- fierce, witty and a great friend.

My only "complain" is that I felt at the beginning as we were thrown in the middle of the story. To be exact, the story lacked for me that special build-up. I wanted to know more about Owen and Jeremy before they decided to take their relationship to the next level and felt as we were given only little snippets about their past.

Recommended to mm romance readers who have a weakness for friends-to-lovers/ GFY romances like I do. The 2nd, not yet published book in series is called Scandalous (The Finn Factor, #2). Can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us!

xoxo,

Purple

The Saint (The Original Sinners: White Years, #1) by Tiffany Reisz

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Connect With The Author:

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Genre:

Dark Erotica/ Contemporary Romance

Synopsis On Goodreads:

In the beginning, there was him. 

Gutsy, green-eyed Eleanor never met a rule she didn't want to break. She's sick of her mother's zealotry and the confines of Catholic school, and declares she'll never go to church again. But her first glimpse of beautiful, magnetic Father Søren Stearns and his lust-worthy Italian motorcycle is an epiphany. Suddenly, daily Mass seems like a reward, and her punishment is the ache she feels when they're apart. He is intelligent and insightful and he seems to know her intimately at her very core. Eleanor is consumed—and even she knows that can't be right. 

But when one desperate mistake nearly costs Eleanor everything, it is Søren who steps in to save her. She vows to repay him with complete obedience…and a whole world opens before her as he reveals to her his deepest secrets. 

Danger can be managed—pain, welcomed. Everything is about to begin.

RATING:

*** REVIEW ***

"It's all one story, the three of us."
"Will it hurt to talk about it?"
"Yes," she said. "But a little pain never stopped me before."

This book has been laying on my shelf for months now, but I kept avoiding it despite this series being one of my favorite ones. The main reasons for that are my disappointment with the  development of the plot in the previous book and above all the fact that this installment is about Nora's & Soren's past and them two are currently my least favorite characters. 

It's not that I don't like them, it's just that I'm ready for the story to move on from the "ode and glory" of Soren & Nora on someone else, like f.e. my ultimate favorite character Kingsley. And there we have the reason why I stopped avoiding this book- Kingsley's book The King is next and I missed my Frenchman so much, so I decided that it's high time to suck it up and read the book to finally be able to read The King. And then of course the one thing happened which almost always happens when I'm being certain I'm gonna dislike some book even before reading it- I actually ended up liking it a lot, what only confirms the fact how amazing this author truly is.

"Welcome to polyamory." Kingsley sat his drink down.

"Polyamory?"

"Poly means multi. Amory means love. It's common in our world, having more than one lover. I don't mean lover in the sexual sense alone. I mean loving two people."

"Sounds like nightmare."

"Wasn't it Oscar Wilde who said there were two great tragedies in life- getting what you want and not getting what you want? Polyamory is the tragedy of getting everything you want all at the same time."

I'm really glad now that I've read this book, because after finishing it a lot of things became clearer. Things like character's personality and plot development I had difficulties processing before. I think that if this had been the first book in the series instead of The Siren I would have understood those things a lot easier, but that was probably the author's plan- to mess with our heads and make us question everything. What I'm finally aware of now is that to love this series you have to be okay with the term from the quote above- polyamory.

Why? It's because that's the lifestyle of the main characters of the story and if you have problems with it, then it's better not to read this series at all. If I had known that before I would have probably never read this series, because despite my weakness for dark, thought-provoking and bittersweet reads, deep down I'm still a romantic and my idea of love is completely different than "polyamory" and while it does make for an intriguing, even fascinating story, the fact that these characters have multiple partners and call it love, is still strange/uncomfortable to me and it'll probably always be.

I was okay with it in the beginning, mainly because I thought that they'll eventually settle for someone in the end, but considering the direction the plot is going, it seems that the number is only increasing. That's why I surprisingly enjoyed more the plot focused on the past events than the present. I know that many of you who know me also wonder if in that case this book finally managed to change my opinion about our sadist priest Soren (for those who don't know- I'm not his biggest fan from book 1)? - Well, kind of. I'm still not his biggest fan and I don't think that will ever change, but I definitely understand him more now. And yes, I still think he & Kingsley are meant for each other.

So the story's only flaw for me was the development of the plot in the present. I liked the younger version of Nora more and I wasn't fascinated with the addition of the new character- Nico, despite him being the son of you know whom. He seemed quite monotonous in comparison to the rest of them. I was frankly a bit bored when reading their present with exception of that one scene including a stick, lol. The writing was flawless like always. It was Tiffany's sadist pen at her best, but as far as the story is concerned- I liked it a lot, but I didn't love it. That's why 4 dark, poignant and way too hot stars. Kingsley, here I come!

xoxo,

Purple

ARC Review: Cartel by Lili St. Germain

Buy the book:

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Author's:

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Expected publication date: January 27th 2015

Book summary:

"How much is a life worth?

I grew up in Colombia, the daughter of a wealthy drug lord. I lived a life of extravagance, until one day a drug run went horribly wrong and everything came crashing down around us.

I was given away. A payment for a debt. The Gypsy Brothers Motorcycle Club became my new owners, and I did everything I could to survive.

But falling in love with the man who owned me wasn't part of the plan..."

 5-zero-spoilers-stars 

     One of the biggest 2014 surprises was Gypsy Brothers series by Lili St. Germain. My co-blogger at Way Too Hot Books, Purple, told me from the start that I would love it. I knew that she was probably right, but I still left those books for later. I am glad that I did, because I'd go crazy waiting for the sequels. (Seven Sons is free on Amazon, so you can always download it and see for yourself if we are obsessed with this twisted story for a good reason.)

      Before Juliette Portland, there was Dornan Ross. Cartel is the first book in the trilogy that follows the events prior to everything that happened in Gypsy Brothers. You don't have to read Julette's story first, you can start with Cartel. Good news is that all three books will be published in 2015 - the second book, Kingpin, should be released on June 1st, and the third book, Empire, on October 1st.  

     There are no good guys here. One of the most appealing traits of Lili St. Germain writing, at least for me, is how realistic everything feels. When the focus of the story is on extremely violent world of drug and weapons trade and human trafficking, you can never talk about people who are innocent or without a fault. Yes, there are victims, but those involved into machinery behind every crime that is committed, are not victims. They made a choice, it doesn't matter for what reason, but they are involved, willingly. But than again there's that saying about "sins of our fathers"... Maybe deep down you long for a different life, but it's hard to escape the only world you have ever known. Cartel is dark and brutal story about people who are facing all of those things. Even the most innocent person involved, has the darkness inside her mind and heart.  

      No one can save you. You have to take care of yourself, however you can. Morals of the story. No sugar-coated fantasy about prince on the white horse. No higher power that will save you because you pray every day. Just simple, cold truth. If you have any wish to survive, even for just a little bit longer, you have to became the wolf. You have to be ready to do things you loath, you need to adapt, you need to forget your inhibitions and become a power player. You have to manipulate and lie and cheat. And be aware - all the time - that maybe even that won't be enough and learn to live with it.  

      Very dark read. Cartel is a kind of book you should read without knowing anything about it before, just pick up the book and go into the story blind. But one thing that I have to warn you about is that Cartel, and the rest of the books written by brilliant Lili Saint Germain, are dealing with a lot of dark and twisted aspects of our world. There is no fluffy romance and redemption. No one is innocent. If you can deal with that, you don't want to miss reading these amazing books.

xoxo,

*Copy of the book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.*

Just a Bit Obsessed (Straight Guys, #2) By Alessandra Hazard

Buy The Book:

AMAZON 

Author's Page:

Goodreads / Blog

Genre:

MM Contemporary Romance

Summary On Goodreads:

Alexander Sheldon likes order and control in his life. He isn’t happy when his girlfriend invites another guy for a threesome. Alexander believes in monogamy, and he’s never been good at sharing his things. It doesn’t help that Christian rubs him the wrong way from the beginning. 

But what starts as animosity turns into something else. Something unexpected and very wrong.

He was never supposed to touch Christian. He was never supposed to feel possessive of the guy. And he most definitely wasn’t supposed to want Christian more than he wants his girlfriend.

It’s a recipe for disaster.

Warning: some M/F/M sex.

RATING:

Purple's rating: 4 smoking hot stars
Glass' rating: 4 smoking hot stars

*** REVIEW ***

"Crushing on straight guys is never a good idea."

For the love of...I don't know which one was hotter- this one or the first one! My dirty mind simply can't force himself to choose and calls it a a tie, lol.

I knew from the first time I met Christian, Shawn's bff, in Just a Bit Twisted (Straight Guys, #1) that his story is bound to be good. Christian is a mix of everything I prefer my main characters to be: strong, witty, sweet and a bit cocky, but in a totally cute and harmless way. It's no wonder that he's one of the most popular students on the university and that everyone wants to be his friend or lover. He is a bisexual, but in the long term relationship he can only see himself with a guy and here comes Alexander Sheldon, the guy who's been on his mind for a long time.

Alexander Sheldon comes across as mysterious, calm, kind of closed off and cold person, especially to the people he doesn't know. Rich, drop dead gorgeous with a beautiful girlfriend Mila he treats like a queen. Everything about him and what he does seems perfect. Almost too perfect. Nothing and no one seems to have it in them to break that cool composure, that constant poker face. No one until he meets Christian.

Mila- I'm usually all for girl power and all that represents, but this time, I don't know if it's the mm fangirl in me to blame, but I didn't like this girl from the page one. I thought she was manipulative, selfish and full of herself and I wanted her out of the picture as soon as possible. Everything that happened- she had it coming.

4 fun, emotional & smoking hot stars.

I devoured this book in one sitting just like the previous one. The chemistry between the characters was breathtaking, but, sexy time aside, there's more to the story than just that. It's above all a story about love, friendship and family issues with fun, realistic and endearing characters.

And the ending? All I'm going to say is that it was all I wanted and more. Loved it! It's like the author read my mind and I think that every mm romance fan will be more than pleased.

"I hate leaving loose ends," Christian said.

"What loose ends?"

"You know what I'm talking about. Look at me."

Alexander knew he shouldn't. He knew it. But he did anyway.

They stared at each other in silence; the only sound in the stairwell was their ragged breathing. Christian licked his lips.

"Just once," he whispered.

Recommended to all mm romance fans who share my weaknesses for:

- emotional & steamy gfy (gay for you) mm romance with endearing characters

- collage boys romance

The next book is called Just a Bit Unhealthy (Straight Guys, #3) with Jared, Aleksander's cousin, in the main role who is still kind of an enigma. Can't wait to see what else Alessandra Hazard has in store for us!

xoxo

Just a Bit Twisted (Straight Guys, #1) by Alessandra Hazard

Buy The Book:

AMAZON  

Author's Page:

Goodreads / Blog

Genre:

MM Contemporary Romance

Summary On Goodreads:

Professor Derek Rutledge is hated and feared by all of his students. Strict, reserved and ruthless, he doesn't tolerate mistakes and has little patience for his students.

Shawn Wyatt is a twenty-year-old struggling to provide for his younger sisters after the death of their parents. On the verge of losing his scholarship, Shawn becomes desperate enough to go to Professor Rutledge.

Everyone says Rutledge doesn't have a heart. Everyone says he's a ruthless bastard. Shawn finds out that everyone is right.

He strikes a deal with Rutledge, but unexpectedly, the deal turns into something so much more.

Something all-consuming and addictive.

Something neither of them wants.

RATING:

***REVIEW***

"I've heard an interesting rumor about Rutledge. "

"What rumor?"

Christian glanced around, as though to make sure no one could hear them, before leaning in and murmuring into Shawn's ear, "Tucker say that Professor Rutledge has a weakness for pretty boys."

I know that many readers have a fetish for teacher-student romances *subtly pointing at my friends Glass & Beatrix* :P, but since I'm a teacher I must admit this type of pairing never held much appeal to me. I read a couple of books with similar theme, but I never considered myself as one of the fans of this particular subject, but damn, the 1st book in Alessandra Hazard's series could definitely make me one of those.  

I loved both of the MCs, especially the cute, witty and selfless Shawn and his two adorable younger sisters. His parents died in a car accident and since he has no closer relatives the responsibility for his siblings falls on him. With the debts his parents left him, university obligations, scholarship at stake, two small girls and other life necessities that task soon becomes a true burden, but he'll do anything to keep his sister happy and by his side, even if it means to strike a humiliating deal with one of his professors. His sacrifice, devotion and love for his sisters was really heartwarming and admirable and above all I liked how he didn't let Rutledge intimidate him and always gave him a piece of his mind unlike other people who "run for their life".

And then we have the strict, mysterious and closed-off Derek Rutledge or better known as the "Professor Asshole." Professor Rutledge is (in)famous on the university for his strictness and at times cruel, straightforward and merciless behavior. None of the students like him. He is rather one of those boogeyman professors whom everyone fears. Therefore he will be one of those guys you'll love to hate at the beginning of the story, but have in mind that first impressions can be misleading. My feelings for this guy were changing through the story between wanting to kick his ass and jump his bones, preferably both at the same time, but after we start getting glimpses of the man behind the cold-hearted mask the later one prevailed.

"We aren't having sex," Shawn said.

"Of course we aren't," Rutledge agreed. He was naked, too.

Shawn's gaze skimmed over his broad shoulders, densely muscled chest, and taut stomach, before lingering on his hard red cock. He felt his mouth water.

"No, seriously," Shawn tried again but bit his lip when Rutledge wrapped a hand around his erection. God. "We aren't having sex."

The story was a fast-paced, bitter-sweet and steamy (read: dirty) read. It is a combination of GFY/ hate-to-love mm romance and you all are probably already familiar with my weakness for this type of stories. The chemistry between these two was explosive and resulted in a couple of scorching hot sex scenes, but there's also depth to it. Everything started as a deal, but the more the MCs get to know each other, the more feelings get involved. The book's only flaw for me is its shortness. It left me wanting for more. I liked it so much that I grabbed the next book in the series right after I finished it. It is supposed to be a m-f-m romance with Shawn's best friend Christian in the main role- be still my dirty mind. 

All in all, recommended to every mm romance fan with teacher-student fetish who like their stories a little bit on the dirty side!;)

"I'm no good at comforting people," Rutledge said irritably.
Shawn turned to him and forced a small smile out: "It's okay. I'm surprised you haven't kicked me out yet."
Rutledge's lips thinned. He had a very sour expression on his face. 
"Come here." Shawn had never moved so fast in his life.

xoxo

ARC REVIEW: Lone Wolf (Bluewater Bay, #4) by Aleksandr Voinov, L. A. Witt

Buy The Book:

AMAZON / B & N / ARE / iBOOKS / RIPTIDE PUBLISHING 

Author's Page:

A. Voinov on GR / Blog / Twitter

L. A. Witt on GR / Blog / Twitter

Genre:

MM Contemporary Romance

Summary On Goodreads:

Hunter Easton is screwed. Fans, producers, and his agent are all chomping at the bit for the next book in his wildly popular Wolf’s Landing series, but he’s got epic writer’s block and is way behind deadline. Then he reads The World Tree, a fanfic novel by his online friend “Lone Wolf.” It isn’t just a great story—it’s exactly what the series needs.

Kevin Hussain is thrilled when “Wolf Hunter” wants to meet up after reading The World Tree. When Wolf Hunter turns out to be Hunter Easton himself, Kevin is starstruck. When Hunter tells him he wants to add The World Tree to Wolf’s Landing, Kevin is sure he’s being pranked. And when their online chemistry carries over—big time—into real life, Kevin is convinced it’s all too good to be true.

The problem is . . . it might be. The book deal, the sex, the money—everything is amazing. But fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and Kevin is left wondering if Hunter really loves him, or just loves his book.

RATING:

***REVIEW***

Books with Aleksandr Voinov's & L. A. Witt' s name are definitely must reads for me, just like this one. I usually avoid reading series out of order, but resistance is futile when it comes to my favourite authors. Lucky for me that the book can be read as a standalone, even though it's the 4th one in the series.

~ Pros:

• Have you ever fantasized wanted to read an author-fan romance novel? If you did, then come and meet Lone Wolf- a fun, emotional and steamy mm contemporary romance. The story is told from two point of views. The MCs are Hunter Easton who is a world-famous author and then we have Kevin Hussain, also an author and one of Hunter's biggest fans. Btw. Mahir from Hostile Ground (one of my fav books by these authors) is Kevin's uncle!
• The romance was slow-building and hot- my favourite type.
• The MCs were fun, geeky and endearing. The chemistry between them was palpable and in spite of some drama I liked them a lot.
• The story gives us a glimpse in the world of authors- all the positive and negative sides. I think that most of the people (including myself once) don't consider writing as a proper job, more of a hobby and some of those who do probably think of it as an easy and overpaid job, but being a blogger and devoted reader gives you a totally new perspective. Just like this story. Becoming a writer takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice (especially of your personal life) and of course talent. Even when you do become one and publish your first book- the success is not granted. The sole fact that some of the most famous names of the literature became famous after their death is a big proof. Nowadays, with the all modern technology, is definitely a lot easier to get your name and book out there, but it still doesn't mean an instant 7 numbers contract , and that's why we all should appreciate more the effort the authors make.
• Special treat for fans of friends-to-lovers/ younger guy ft. older guy romance.
• I loved the ending!

~ Cons:

• I liked the first half of the story slightly better than the 2nd one. That's because I felt that the story was dragging in the 2nd half (60 %-80 %) and that some developments of the plot were repetitive and unnecessary.
• This was fairly a light read, especially when it comes to these authors and while I did enjoy it, I think I prefer more their darker reads. While it wasn't cheesy at all, it was maybe a bit too romantic for my taste.

All in all, Voinov and Witt can't do wrong in my book. I liked it a lot, even though it's not one of my favourite reads by these authors, but I think that the fans with be pleased.

* Arc provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for honest review.

xoxo

SPOTLIGHT TOUR & GIVEAWAY: A Little On the Wild Side (Wild Thing, #3) by Robin Kaye

Expected Publication: January 6th, 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

SYNOPSIS:

A woman who gets what she wants…

Bianca Ferrari—ex-supermodel turned successful business woman—seems to have it all: beauty, brains and a career she loves. And she did it all by herself…through sheer force of will and ruthless determination. So when her life is suddenly turned upside down, it’s hard for her to admit that going it alone may not be an option…

A man who knows what she needs…

Sexy, rugged and down-to-earth, Trapper Kincaid has a knack for attracting all kinds of women—mostly the wrong kind. When he finds out that the exhaustingly independent and drop-dead gorgeous Bianca is in serious need of help, he knows he’s the man for the job. But Bianca isn’t going to make it easy…

Buy the Book: 

Amazon | B&N | BAM | !ndigo | IndieBound | Kobo

About the Author:

Robin Kaye is a professional writer and winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award for her first novel, Romeo, Romeo. Her romantic comedies feature sexy, nurturing heroes and feisty, independent heroines. She lives with her husband and three children in Mt. Airy, Maryland.

Connect with Robin Kaye: www.robinkayewrites.com | Facebook | Twitter |Goodreads

Excerpt:

Trapper sweet--talked his way into Bianca’s office with a bouquet of flowers and chocolate. He liked her receptionist, Terri. He’d talked to her several times when he and Bianca had been seeing each other, and it didn’t sound as if she’d heard he was persona non grata lately. He hoped he wasn’t getting Terri into trouble, but damn, he didn’t know what the hell to do. Bianca’s doorman refused his bribe the night before and wouldn’t let him into the building without announcing him first. This was his only other option.

Terri had been easy. He just dropped his sister--in--law Toni’s name, and she let him wait in Bianca’s office. She even promised not to tip off Bianca and spoil his surprise. Then she told him she wished her boyfriend was half as romantic, gave him a wink, and unlocked Bianca’s office door.

He stepped into her corner office, and the scent of Bianca hit him—-he was hard in a matter of seconds. He digested the differences between her office and her apartment. Her office was cool, modern, sleek, and so unlike her home. He’d been shocked when Bianca invited him to her place, opened the door, and he saw the collection of comfortable antiques—-not like something you’d see in a museum. No, it looked like something you’d see in your grandmother’s house—-a feather--stuffed sofa with an old quilt hanging over the back. Beautiful, yet comfortable pillows were scattered everywhere. Low lighting from torchieres gave the place a romantic glow. Rolled arms to drape a lover over, and sturdy oak tables in the kitchen and dining room, perfect for dinner or sex—-one memorable evening, both—-added to the reasons he’d fallen in love with the place.

Trapper took a seat behind Bianca’s desk and pulled his cowboy hat low over his eyes to cut the glare from the cold, hard--recessed lighting. He put his feet up and settled for a long wait. Terri had told him Bianca had canceled her morning appointments and was expected before noon. He sat back with his e--reader and caught up on law journals, while trying to keep his dick 

at half-mast.

At eleven thirty the door swooshed open. Bianca walked in, her black cape floating around her. Her hair was longer than he remembered, and she had big bags under her eyes that no amount of makeup could disguise. She looked beautiful, way too thin, and ill.

She still hadn’t noticed him. She spun around, tossed her briefcase on the leather sofa, and turned her back, tugging off her cape. She might have lost weight, but damn, she still had the finest ass he’d ever seen.

He put a smile on his face—-the one he was told made women swoon. He figured he needed all the help he could get. He had a strong feeling she wouldn’t be happy being ambushed, but what choice did she give him?

He walked around her desk, leaned against it, watched, and waited for her to hang her cape—-a difficult task since the darn thing had no sleeves.

She turned. The first thing he noticed was that her breasts were larger, but maybe they just looked that way since she’d lost quite a bit of weight.

His gaze headed south and made an unplanned stop at her waistline. His smile froze. His jaw clenched. Blood rushed through his ears, making his temples throb. Every muscle in his body tensed.

Bianca—-his Bianca—-was pregnant? Definitely pregnant—-past the point where a man would wonder. Not ready--to--pop pregnant, but just--about--time--for--maternity--clothes pregnant. He wasn’t sure how pregnant that was, but shit, he was sure the baby she carried was his. He knew it the second she spotted him grinning like the fool he was and flashed him a guilty look. That was a nanosecond before what little color she’d had drained from the beautiful face that haunted his every waking moment and his dreams, leaving her looking like a corpse three weeks past her expiration date.

Bianca blinked, and her wide, green eyes rolled back in her head.

Oh shit. He raced for her.

Her long legs buckled, and he caught her just before she hit the floor.

His heart didn’t beat again until he felt her shallow breaths against his neck. He carried her to the couch and laid her down, brushing the baby--fine hair off her face. He sat beside her, waiting for her to wake up.

Trapper had heard pregnant women sometimes fainted, but he didn’t think they passed out for this long. It seemed like an eternity. He checked his watch. It had been less than a minute. He took a deep breath, felt her pulse strong and steady on her neck, and tried to keep the anger, terror, and helplessness out of his voice. “Come on, sweetheart. Time to wake up.”

Nothing.

Panic scratched at his insides like a feral cat trying to escape a trap.

She didn’t move.

Her lips were pale. The blue veins stood out in her forehead.

She looked like death.

He ran to the door and slammed it open. “I need some help here!”

In three strides, he returned to Bianca’s side, took her cold hand, warming it between his. “Bianca, sweetheart, please, just open your eyes.”

Terri ran in. She took one look at Bianca and stepped back.

“She passed out.”

“I’ll get James.” She ran from the room, screaming James’s name.

It seemed like forever until James ran in. “What happened?”

“I was waiting for Bianca when she arrived. She took one look at me and took a nosedive. I caught her just before she hit the floor.”

“She pukes all the time, but she’s never passed out that I know of.” He looked as panicked as Trapper felt. He turned to Terri. “Call 9--1--1.” When she didn’t move, he screamed. “Now!”

The poor girl burst into tears and grabbed Bianca’s phone.

Trapper placed Bianca’s hand on her belly, on top of the other resting there protectively. He stared in wonder. They were having a baby. He was going to be a father. He expected the fierce protectiveness, but he hadn’t expected the fear or the joy or the awesome weight of responsibility that settled on his chest. But most of all, he hadn’t expected the exhilarating feeling of knowing that together they had created a child. A child he loved. A child he would give his life for. A child who needed him.

His gaze rounded on James. He wanted to pick the man up and toss him out of the floor to ceiling window for allowing Bianca to get in this bad a shape. “What the hell happened to her?” His voice was low, threatening, and a hell of a lot calmer than he felt.

Terri’s eyes went wide, and she skittered away.

James stood his ground like a man preparing for a shootout. He arched a scholarly brow. “Nothing that won’t be remedied in five months. Where the hell have you been? Since I’ve handled the first four months, you get her for the finale. The woman is a full--time job. I recommend you clear your schedule.” He handed Trapper a copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. “Here, you might want to read this. So far, Bianca’s only looked at the pictures.”

***GIVEAWAY***

~ Enter to win 3 sets of Robin Kaye’s Wild Thing Series (open 12/29 - 1/30)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xoxo