Recap of September, October and November's Reading Piles

Okay, I'm really bad at reading. I read 11 books in three months. I don't think I ever felt this bad about not reading :(

So what did I read these past three months? Just check the list below :)

ebook:

The Prince & The Player by Tia Louise

The Prince & The Player by Tia Louise (eARC) [review]

Bedmates by Nichole Chase (eARC) [review]

While the Duke was Sleeping by Sophie Jordan (eARC) [review]

Bound to Submit by Laura Kaye (eARC) [review]

Chasing Impossible by Katie McGarry

Nameless by Jennifer Jenkins

More than Friends by Monica Murphy (eARC) [review]

Fire in You by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Physical Copy:

Anna dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Loise Lane: Fall Out by Gwenda Bond

Review: One Night by Monica Murphy (Friends, #0.5)

Summary

Add on [goodreads]

There's a party over at Jordan Tuttle's house tonight and everyone is there. Including... 

Olivia: Who's leaving for her dad's house in Oregon tomorrow. So she plans on having the time of her life tonight with her best friends. 

Dustin: Who wishes Livvy could see just how much she means to him. 

Emily: Who's trying her to best to get with someone. Anyone. 

Cannon: Who has an encounter with Em he won't be able to forget. 

Amanda: Who's finally ready to go all the way with her boyfriend. 

Tuttle: Who discovers the girl he's always secretly liked just might like him back. 

Warning: This story contains mature sexual situations and is suited for a 17+ audience.

Read on: December 30, 2016

Read on: ebook

Review:

I really enjoyed reading this. Gives us more insight about each characters. I really liked reading more about Cannon because he's not a main character in the series so seeing that side of him just gave us more than just the surface we see in the books. In the books, we just see him as a jock who likes to sleep around, but in this book, you see a guy who wants more and is really protective of the people he cares about. You see a bit of what his family is and what they represent for him. I really liked that side of Cannon and I wish we could get more of that.

And even though Emily is still not my favourite character, I can't help but feel for her. She's obviously need to feel appreciated; to be someone's #1, but she's not doing it the right way. Reading about her through the whole book, you just get her a little bit more yet, I feel like there's a lot we still don't know and I'm hoping we might get a glimpse of it in the third book. I really liked the person she was whenever she was with Cannon even if it never lasted because she wasn't able to handle that kind of kindness.

Olivia and Dustin both were much like in the series; he wants her; she's confused; he's clingly; she's scared to take the next step. It could be annoying, but it just made me realize even more how wrong they were for one another. At least, at that moment of their life... who knows what could happen in the future. If you have read Just Friends and More than Friends, you see where their relationship has headed, but with a third book coming, who knows what could happen. Monica could surprise us and give us a whole new future we didn't expect for either of them.

And Amanda and Tuttle... They are still my favourite. I am rooting for them and I can't wait for the next book to see how it will all end for them. They both need a happily ever after and I hope the author is going to give them that opportunity... together. I don't want them apart hahaha They have a connection that I envy and I want it to last.

It was a quick read, but it was interesting to see a little more about each characters. I'm looking forward to reading the third book because I'm hoping that we get to catch more of where the characters are heading; to read more about them and maybe change my mind about certain ones. 

Thursday: On My Wish List

Author: Wendy Higgins

Title: The Great Pursuit

Add on [goodreads]

Coming out on March 7, 2017

Book 2 in the The Great Hunt duology

Summary

(from goodreads)

Lochlanach has traded the great beast for something far more terrible, a Lashed enemy veiled in beauty, deception, and a vengeance passed down through generations: Rozaria Rocato. And she’s offering the hunter Paxton Seabolt power and acceptance he could never receive in his homeland. Pax must decide how far he’s willing to go under her tutelage, knowing she is the opponent of Princess Aerity Lochson.

In a land where traditionalists dread change, the Lochlan throne must contend with mysterious foes and traitors, while attempting to keep revolt at bay. As dire circumstances strike the royal family, matters of the castle are left in Aerity’s hands. It's time to put aside her fears and grasp the reign, taking actions that have the potential to save or destroy her people.

One hunt has ended, but the pursuit for love and justice continue. In this sequel to The Great Hunt from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins, political intrigue and romance intensify in another thrilling fantasy. Princess Aerity embraces a quest for identity and passion before making the ultimate sacrifice for her kingdom.

_____________________________________________________

About the author

[website] [goodreads]

Wendy Higgins is the USA Today and NYT bestselling author of the Sweet Evil series from HarperTeen and her independently published Irish fantasy, See Me. She is a former high school English teacher who now writes full time, and lives on the Eastern Shore of Virginia with her veterinarian husband, daughter, son, and doggie Rue. 

Wendy earned a bachelor's in Creative Writing from George Mason University and a master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Radford. Writing Young Adult (YA) stories gives her the opportunity to delve into the ambiguities of those pivotal, daunting, and exciting years before adulthood.

Review: Retreat by Jay Crownover (Getaway, #1)

Summary

Add on [goodreads]

Every once in a while, you need to get away from it all.

I was a woman on the edge, shaken and shattered after a breakup that felt like it tore my entire world apart. 

My best friend, sick of watching me drown in misery and melancholy, harassed me until I agreed to go with her on a week-long wilderness retreat.

She promised days spent bonding and getting in touch with our inner bad-asses. 
It was supposed to be all about the two of us roughing it and making do with the bare minimum. She assured me we were going to be pushed to our limits in ways that were unimaginable. Neither one of us could have ever guessed just how right she was.

Nowhere in the glossy brochure did it say anything about the fact I was going to have to battle the insufferable but deliciously rugged and sexy trail guide instead of the elements. The brochure also forgot to mention the part that warned when you left civilization behind, there was no place to pack your inhibitions and fears.

I was told that I would be facing a week where the only thing I should expect was the unexpected. However, no one mentioned that I was going to have to fight for my life…and my heart as soon as I ventured into the unknown. 

I was a pro at hiding from my feelings but when it came time to face a real threat, one that could change everything, I learned I was more of a no surrender, no retreat kind of girl.

Retreat is a standalone novel, the first in the Getaway series which centers on the hardheaded and brokenhearted Warner brothers and the women that dare to love them.

These boys are very good at putting the wild in wilderness.

Read on: December 28, 2016

Read on: ebook

Review:

Surprise book by Jay Crownover? Hell Yeah! I was sooo happy when she announced this to us that I was jumping up and down with excitement.

When I woke up this morning, I could finally buy it, started it and finished in less than a day. You get sucked right into the story from the very first lines.

The reason for that is because Jay created characters that just get to you. Leo is a girl with a broken heart, a broken trust and a broken confidence. She got burned badly and her best friend has gotten her to agreed to an outdoor adventure for a change of scenery. If she didn't expect much from this trip besides making her best friend happy, she quickly realized she was wrong when she met Cyrus.

Cyrus is the not-so-cowboy she butts head most of the beginning of the book and rest of the book if we are honest lol, but the chemistry between them is off the chart. From the beginning you can tell that something is growing between them and I loved that both of them sort of had closed-hearts because as the story went on, they slowly opened to each other as they spilled drops of their pasts.

Both have experiences that can be related to everyone and I think that's what made this book such an easy and entertaining read. Even if you didn't live exactly what they did, you can easily see yourself through experiences that burned you. Leo's thoughts and reactions spoke to me in volume and I didn't even live the kind of burn she went through but her fears can be interpreted for so many different heartaches. Cyrus' past explained so much of his attitude and you just want him to get the happiness he deserves. And I believe every girl should get a Cyrus. Jay like always made sure we would all be swooning over her men.

I really liked how Leo and Cy both grew somewhat in the book. Jay showed with their growth how it's not always easy to put the past and doubts behind, but if you work at it, it's always worth it in the end.

Jay created not only main characters we can relate to and understand, but she also created other characters that were filling out the story perfectly. Some you will love from the get-go and others that will slowly get to you. I don't think this story would have been the same without them and I'm really looking forward to seeing them again in the future books.

This is a new series by Jay that I'm just looking forward to read the next ones to come. I'm highly recommend this book. You will find it all in this series for your reading pleasure.

Review: Bound to Submit by Laura Kaye (Blasphemy, #1)

Summary

Add on [goodreads]

From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…

Kenna Sloane lost her career and her arm in the Marines, and now she feels like she’s losing herself. Submission is the only thing that ever freed her from pain and made her feel secure, and Kenna needs to serve again. Bad. The only problem is the Dom she wants once refused her submission and broke her heart, but, scarred on the inside and out, she’s not looking for love this time. She’s not even sure she’s capable.

Griffin Hudson is haunted by the mistakes that cost him the only woman he ever loved. Now she’s back at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, and more beautiful than ever, and she’s asking for his help with the pain he knows he caused. Even though he’s scared to hurt her again, he can’t refuse her, because he’d give anything to earn a second chance. And this time, he’ll hold on forever.

Read on: October 13, 2016

Read on: eARC

Review:

So this review should have been done a while ago and I apologize for the lateness of it. I really tried to get it done before now, but I had trouble getting my reviews done lately, but here it is now.

So where do I start this review because I must say that I got hooked on it from the first lines. Kenna is a character that went through a lot in the Marines and while trying to share her experiences with other people through speeches, she has yet to deal with her own emotions and turmoils these events caused her.

Kenna's character was in way so relatable in a non-conventional way if I may say. She went through a great deal of pain and she is suffering from it, trying to move on with her life, but she has barely taken two steps forwards that she takes two back. This happens to a lot of people and those who try to deal with these traumas will often turn to something that once helped them or try something new. She went back to a time that helped her in hopes it would bring her some peace; which in this case was the BDSM club where she got her heart broken by her Dom.

Griffin hates that he lost the woman he loves many years ago because he wasn't able to realize quickly what she meant for him. Seeing her again is the second chance he never thought he would have, but he realizes that she isn't the same woman as she used to be. Helping her is only the first he is willing to take to win back her trust and her heart.

Griffin is a male character like I loved them; he is a good man. From the beginning, you can tell that he cares about the people around him. When Kenna asked for his help, he made sure that's what she wanted, he didn't push her to tell him anything she wasn't ready to tell him and he gave her what she needed.

Together, you can tell that he was made to help her piece back together the parts of her she had lost since the war. Whenever they were together, yes, it was hot and steamy, but more than that, I felt like it was really part of her healing process.

Overall, I really really enjoyed this book and I'm really looking forward to the next book of the series.

I was giving an advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Review: 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Six

Summary

(from goodreads)

Add on [goodreads]

Coming out on August 23, 2016

Summary

(from goodreads)

DREAM OF YOU (Wait for You #4.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Abby Erickson isn't looking for a one-night stand, a relationship, or anything that involves any one-on-one time, but when she witnesses a shocking crime, she's thrust into the hands of the sexiest man she's ever seen - Colton Anders. His job is to protect her, but with every look, every touch, and every simmering kiss, she's in danger of not only losing her life but her heart also.

STRIPPED DOWN (Blacktop Cowboys #6.6) by Lorelei James

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorelei James, a new steamy story of the Blacktop Cowboys...

Never challenge a cowboy to a little naughty competition… 

A flirty game of sexual truth or dare between best man, Wynton Grant, and maid of honor, Melissa Lockhart during their BFF’s wedding reception results in a steamy hookup. 

But their plans for a one and done change when a family crisis leaves Wyn shorthanded at the Grant Ranch. Experienced horsewoman Mel volunteers to help out and gets way more than she bargained for living under the same roof as the sexy rancher. Playing house has never appealed to Wyn…until now. 


But the feisty redhead is keeping secrets and Wyn’s not above stripping her bare—body and soul—to get to the bottom of it…

RAGE/KILLIAN (Bayou Heat #17-18) by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright

Get Wild in the Wildlands

From New York Times Bestsellers, Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright, the heat of the bayou is back with Rage/Killian in an all-new dual 'tail'. Enter the Wildlands, where a new, volatile danger threatens the sizzling hot Pantera.

RAGE
Rage might be an aggressive Hunter by nature, but the gorgeous male has never had a problem charming the females. All except Lucie Gaudet. Of course, the lovely Geek is a born troublemaker, and it was no surprise to Rage when she was kicked out of the Wildlands.

But now the Pantera need a first-class hacker to stop the potential destruction of their people. And it’s up to Rage to convince Lucie to help. Can the two forget the past—and their sizzling attraction—to save the Pantera?

KILLIAN
Gorgeous, brutal, aggressive, and human, Killian O’Roarke wants only two things: to get rid of the Pantera DNA he’s been infected with, and get back to the field. But the decorated Army Ranger never bargained on meeting the woman—the female—of his dreams on his mission to the Wildlands.

Rosalie lost her mate to a human, and now the Hunter despises them all. In fact, she thinks they’re good for only one thing: barbeque. But this one she’s guarding is testing her beliefs. He is proud and kind, and also knows the pain of loss. But in a time of war between their species, isn’t any chance of love destined for destruction?

DRAGON KING (Dark Kings #6.5) by Donna Grant


A Woman on a Mission

Grace Clark has always done things safe. She's never colored outside of the law, but she has a book due and has found the perfect spot to break through her writer's block. Or so she thinks. Right up until Arian suddenly appears and tries to force her away from the mountain. Unaware of the war she just stumbled into, Grace doesn't just discover the perfect place to write, she finds Arian—the most gorgeous, enticing, mysterious man she's ever met.

A King with a Purpose

Arian is a Dragon King who has slept away centuries in his cave. Recently woken, he's about to leave his mountain to join his brethren in a war when he's alerted that someone has crossed onto Dreagan. He's ready to fight . . . until he sees the woman. She's innocent and mortal—and she sets his blood aflame. He recognizes the danger approaching her just as the dragon within him demands he claim her for his own...

IGNITE (Legacy #0.75) by Rebecca Yarros


It only takes a spark... 

In Legacy, Colorado, I buried my father alongside his elite Hotshot team.

Ten years later, I’ve followed in his footsteps—fighting fires in the mountains of Alaska with my brother. 

Amid the flames, nothing ignites me like Avery Claire.

She’s stubborn, strong, sexy as hell, and my best friend.

She also has no idea that I’m in love with her. 

But Colorado is calling me home, needing every Legacy-born firefighter to successfully rebuild our fathers’ team. 

One night will change everything between us, but she’s tied to Alaska and my future is in Colorado. 

Now I’m torn between what my honor demands, and what my heart can’t live without.

FATED IDENTITY (Red Starr #6) by Kennedy Layne


Grady Kenton has loved and lost—and he doesn’t plan on repeating it. He enjoys his semi-retired life as a consultant with the CIA while only taking the cases he finds interesting. He relishes the long seductive weekends with Brienne Chaylse, the beautiful liaison who understands his boundaries and accepts things the way he needs them to be. 

Secretly, Brienne doesn’t understand why Grady can’t move on from his past. What she does know is that he’s more emotionally distant than when they’d first met and she can’t accept the friends-with-benefits play any longer. Something has to change, and fate forces her hand when her identity as a CIA special agent is leaked to the media. She and Grady must race to discover whose betrayal runs deep while their true feelings emerge in this perilous time. Unfortunately, the secrets revealed have the potential to shatter the love they’ve shared while on pursuit of a danger that could change everything. 

Series Description: Red Starr HRT is a paramilitary hostage rescue team that was originally formed years ago by two retired Marine Master Sergeants. Upon the death of Catori Starr's husband, Brendan "Red" O'Neill, she took a much needed hiatus to deal with her guilt and all consuming grief. Two years later Starr is clawing her way back and ready to lead a fresh team of five cherry-picked former Force Recon Marines. Red Starr HRT takes cases the FBI and other agencies won't touch, from domestic assignments bordering on the grey edges to missions abroad against savage terrorist regimes. Follow along as Kennedy Layne conveys each of their stories as they work together on high risk rescues that lead them down perilous paths of passion, intrigue and suspense...

Read from: August 18 to August 22, 2016

Read on: ARC ebook

Review:

NOTE NOTE NOTE

Besides Dream of You by Jennifer L. Armentrout, I haven't gotten around to read any other book in the series so maybe some of these will have spoilers from other books but I'll try my best to keep those reviews spoiler free.

DREAM OF YOU BY JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT

Since I am a huge huge fan of JLA's writing, I read this novella like a year ago and already have a review posted on my blog, so you can check it out here.

STRIPPED DOWN BY LORELEI JAMES

This novella happens after the sixth book of the Blacktop Cowboys series. Reading this novella really got me interested in the series and hopefully, sooner than later, I will get to them.

But back to the novella, I really liked the way the two characters interacted between each other. Their banter entertained me a lot though I wasn't a fan of their nicknames, but it doesn't change anything really hahaha Wynton and Melissa are both thinking alike when it comes to sex and it was bound to be hot when these two were going to get down to it and I was right.

But more than that, I just enjoyed the evolution of their relationship. As the secret comes out, their relationship takes a whole new turn. Sure, it was predictable, but it was still nice to read about it.

The author's writing is funny and entertaining and if all the characters are as entertaining as these two were, then I know I'm going to get hooked on this series. 

RAGE/KILLIAN BY ALEXANDRA IVY & LAURA WRIGHT

I didn't know this series existed before reading these two novellas and perhaps it would have been a bad idea to read these before the rest, but since these stories at least turned more around the couples than the actually plotline of the series, I don't feel like I was spoiled or missed much.

Lucie's help is needed and Rage was ordered to find her and get her to help them out and he is not happy to have been appointed that mission especially since Lucie isn't easy to find and when he does find her, she isn't that cooperative. But she is calling to his cat and they have to deal with that without losing focus of their mission. Rage and Lucie were quite entertaining characters. The banter between the two of them, the obvious chemistry, the misunderstandings, etc, everything just made this story entertaining. 

Killian and Rosalie were another kind of story. Rosalie was hurt when she lost her mate because of humans and she is very much on a destructive path whenever they are concerned. When Killian comes to their lair for help, it takes a lot of her to not surrender to kill him. She is attracted to him, but she can't stand that he represents everything that she hates. Together, they are both learning about one another. It's not an easy road for either them as they each deal with their issues. I really enjoyed this one and wouldn't minded to have a few more chapters about it.

DRAGON KING BY DONNA GRANT

There are a few books before this novella and I might have missed some important facts that occur in those previous books, but if I just look at the evolution between Grace and Arian, they weren't needed, but I felt like this big battle might need even more clarification so I might just have to start on those books lol

Grace is a write in need of inspiration and while searching for her place to write, she finds a cave that calls to her unaware that Arian, a Dragon King, to whom it belong just woke up from centuries of sleep. While danger is lurking around his cave, Arian keeps Grace with him to find out if she is an enemy or if she is truly an innoncent. While the attraction between them grows, Arian must find out first if he can trust her because a war is going on and every lapse of judgement could be dangerous.

Overall, it was a good story, but like I said before, I feel like I might need to read the previous books just to make sure I understand everything about the war and the background story to all of this.

IGNITE BY REBECCA YARROS

I am so happy that her story was in this bundle because it was probably my favourite from all the authors I discovered in there. Best friends falling for one another are always a big winner for me, but this one really got to me quickly.

From the moment he starts talking about her, I want them together. I want her to be in love with him as well. He shows such a tenderness towards her and he is very patient. Plus, he is just the sweetest towards her kid sister that he just screams PERFECT for me.

A lot is happening in their lives, not making it easy on them, but I liked that he never really gave up on her no matter how slow she was to finally stand up for herself.

I'm looking forward to read more stories in this series because I feel like I'm going to discover a lot of new couples I will fall for.

FATED IDENTITY BY KENNEDY LAYNE

I liked that novella, but at some point, I felt like I was missing a lot in it. Perhaps reading the previous novels in the series might have been more useful for this one, but I still enjoyed it. 

Both characters are strong minded and know exactly what they want, even if they can't seem to be able to tell that to one another.

While trying to save her life and finding out who betrayed them, Grady and Brienne are forced to come clean to one another in hope to save what is left of their relationship.

So for this one, it might be a good idea to read the previous novels of the series, but I liked the writing and will probably pursue to read more from this author.

OVERALL BUNDLE REVIEW

I enjoyed discovering all these authors (at the exception of Jennifer L. Armentrout who is already one of my favourite authors) and I'm looking forward to start new series by them.

I was giving an advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.