Just a Girl by Ellie Cahill

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

I've got to admit, this was a fun read. Not only did I love both of the characters, but I loved the overall quirky charm that this story had. The only thing that I found I didn't enjoy was the formatting, and I'm chalking that up to this being an ARC. The text conversations were the worst part of that formatting issue making them difficult to read, but I think it was the Twitter posts that annoyed me the most. It really dates a book including that or other social media sites, but that's just my opinion. Maybe the author didn't want a timeless story. *shrug* What I did like and found to be unique, was the playlists. I always adore when an author does that, and Presley had excellent taste in music if I do say so myself.

So her relationship with Paul comes fast on the heels of her departure from her previous boyfriend/band, but I think the author did a great job with the transition to make it believable. I kind of wish her old band mates made another appearance in the book to see how happy and how well she meshed with her new band, but I can't have it all, right? lol Anyhoo, these two have amazing chemistry and a connection that totally works for me. I also loved her relationship with her parents and the musicians that pop into the story. The book really had a great cast of secondary characters that made the story all the better. Between the music, sexiness, and characters, Just a Girl was a wonderful read. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.

*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

If you'd like to check out more about this or other books by Ellie, please head over to her website.

 

http://elliecahill.com

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Wrapped and Strapped (Blacktop Cowboys, #7) by Lorelei James

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

I'm a huge LJ fan and I've really enjoyed the Blacktop series up to this point. Unfortunately, I get the feeling it's all coming to an end from the feel of this story. But that's not why I rated it 3 stars. From the start, I just couldn't connect with these two, because Hugh and Harlow seem like the most mismatched pair I've ever read from LJ.

Harlow's past is very dark, and I found parts very difficult for me to read. I guess anyone can find themselves in that sort of situation, but it just didn't seem to jive well with her character to be that passive in my honest opinion. On the flip side, I admired her spirit and how she gave herself so selflessly to help others in need and her stance on how she chose to help those in need without political or religious agenda. But I hated how everyone, especially her own sister, seemed to judge her without ever really knowing her. She deserved better than that.

As for Hugh...well I'm sad to say liked him least of all. And I do mean all...as in every LJ hero I've read. He's a far cry from an Alpha male, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but he seemed to let everyone walk all over him and he was a total tool to Harlow. I don't know if I could be as forgiving for what he did to Harlow that summer, and I didn't want him to end up with her.

Overall, I was just disappointed by this one, so maybe it is for the best that things seem to feel like they are rolling to a close with this series. I don't know if that's true or not, but I will read any subsequent release for this series because I love LJ's books that much. I don't think everyone will feel same as me, but there's always going to be one in a series that doesn't live up to expectations and I think that was the case with this one for me.

If you'd like to check out more about this or other books by Lorelei, please head over to her website.

 

http://www.loreleijames.com/

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Undecided by Julianna Keyes

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

Let me first say that I straight up never wanted this book to end. I was totally absorbed by the characters, and I was enjoying reading it so much I was kind of sad when it ended! It had the same feel as Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire, but I think this one stands out all on its own. It had a great plot, compelling characters, and it was sweet and sexy all at the same time. Now the title and cover lends itself to thinking that this story is going to be some kind of love triangle or maybe even a menage story, but don't be alarmed because it's definitely not...this was totally misleading. I Now there might be a little interest there with the other guy, but that's about as far as that goes. Nora may be Undecided about her life, but beyond that there is no big decision between the two guys. So with all that being said, I really think they should have rethought the cover and title in my honest opinion.

Let's talk about the story itself. Nora spent her first year of college embracing all that the college life had to offer, but she has to straighten up in her second year or she may lose her scholarship. She's determined to turn over a new leaf, but life has other plans for her. Now enter the bad boy she never dreamed of dating, and a roommate she just happened to sleep with but thankfully he doesn't even remember it. And they are best friends. This makes for plenty of drama and fun times to be had. Crosbie (what a name choice that was and the only other negative I found) is the ultimate bad boy with so much hidden depth. He's a true romantic at heart, and I just couldn't get enough of him. The roommate on the other hand, he's a total man whore and I didn't find much appealing about him.

Overall, besides the title, cover, and name of the hero not being my faves, I still think this was a great read. I'm definitely going to pick up more books from this author in the future.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

If you'd like to check out more about this or other books by Julianna, please head over to her website.

 

http://juliannakeyes.com

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Trained for Seduction (Spy Games, #1) by Mia Downing

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

 Trained for Seduction was one heck of a fun ride. It was sexy, suspenseful, and just an all around fun book to read. I've read a few of Mia's books in the past, but this one is my favorite so far. The only thing I wanted more of was maybe some action between Chase and Jake, but that SO isn't going to happen much to my dismay. The attraction is there, but I think Chase's issues with his Uncle will keep that from ever coming to fruition.

Anyhoo, so the story is about Kate (Emma) who is leading a new life, and the guy she thought was a distant memory turns out to now be her boss. What started out as a one-weekend deal to take care of business, develops into so much more than either of them were expecting...and it's hot...oh so very hot! Throw in a bit of action and suspense on top of that, and you have the makings of an awesome read in my humble opinion. Now I can't wait to dive into the next book, because I'm betting more steamy, sexy, and suspenseful times are to come. I'm also interested to see who can tame wild boy Jake.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

If you'd like to check out more about this or other books by Mia, please head over to her website.

 

http://www.miadowning.blogspot.com

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Maybe Matt's Miracle (The Reed Brothers #4) by Tammy Falkner

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

I must admit that I've been putting off reading this one simply knew it was going to be a difficult one for me to read. Not in a bad way, mind you, but in an overwhelmed with emotion type of way. It talks about trigger subjects for me, so I had to proceed with caution. I've read the books leading up to this one, and I'm going to tell you that Matt holds a special place in my heart. His story is a roller coaster of emotions. One minute you'll find it super sweet and sexy, and then next you'll have tears running down your face needing a tissue. But it was an excellent addition to the Reed Brothers series. I think that Tammy picked the perfect heroine to pair with Matt in Sky. She was strong and independent, but yet she still had this tender vulnerability about her that really worked well with Matt's romantic side. My only complaint is that I felt their romance went at warp speed. Even if Matt likes to live his life to the fullest, it was still a bit too fast to believe even in fiction. Other than that and my fits of crying, this book was truly an amazing read. I have loved this series from the first moment I started reading it, so I'm quite eager to move onto the next brother. I'm soooo ready for Paul's book I can hardly stand it!

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

If you'd like to check out more about this or other books by Tammy, please head over to her website.

 

http://www.tammyfalkner.com/

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Shared for Love (Kagan Wolves #2) by Nancy Corrigan

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

Let me first start by saying that I definitely encourage you to read the previous two books prior to starting Shared for Love. I just think you'll understand what is going on in the story more if you have the full picture. I know I was glad that I did, and while I enjoyed the novella and the first book to this series, I must admit that I was rather underwhelmed by this second installment to the story. For starters, I didn't like the separation between the characters and the overall story just felt very forced to me. It also wasn't a true menage story in my opinion, and instead was a case where the guys just take turns with her instead. This aspect might work for those who don't enjoy menage or just stepping your toes into reading that sub genre. I was kind of hoping it wouldn't be that way, but sadly I expected it given how their wolves behave. It was still an exciting story with a conclusion to events that started in the first book, so I was very pleased with that aspect. I think it boiled down to my expectations being a bit too high going in, because I might have otherwise just loved this book. I'm still going to continue on with the series when the next book comes out, because I'm dying to find out what happens next.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

If you'd like to check out more about this or other books by Nancy, please head over to her website.

 

http://www.nancycorriganauthor.com

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Undeniable (Always #3) by Cherie M. Hudson

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Reviewed by Tabatha

So would you choose the cookie or the apple?

That's the choice Chase is facing. But I think to fully understand her in this story, you really need to read the previous book in this series. Chase is just a complicated character, so I think it best to get a full understanding of her. Beneath all her bluster she is very insecure and in desperate need for affection. This is a direct result of her lackluster relationship with her father. He may love her, but he has this inability to express it in a healthy way. Unfortunately, this is what ultimately led her to Donald (which was an unhealthy pseudo relationship that never should have happened in the first place). Now she is faced with a choice of choosing what is good for her, Caden being the apple, or what is bad for her, Donald being the cookie.

I'd like to think her choice was quite simple. But matters of the heart never are, and Chase took a bit of time to get things figured out. Add in her struggle with her disability when it comes to relationships, and this makes for an even more difficult situation. I was cheering for Caden the entire time, because who wouldn't cheer for a guy that makes awesome sock puppets for those he loves? (I want that Ant Man one!) He's just a genuinely good guy, so it was hard to see why Chase had such an issue giving in to her feelings for him. But I promise that by the end of the story you will understand though, and I'm glad things ended the way they did. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this story. Both characters had their flaws and they overcame them in the most adorable ways. This entire series has tugged at my heart in ways that are hard to explain, but I cannot recommend it highly enough.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.* 

If you'd like to check out more about this or other books by Cherie, please head over to their website.

 

http://www.lexxiecouper.com/cherie-m-hudson/

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