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Book Review – Tight by Alessandra Torre

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Tight
<— THIS BOOK!!!!!!! READ IT!! READ IT!! READ IT!!!!

Psychological thriller/dark/erotica/romance/standalone-with-no-cliffhanger-but-an-incredibly-gasp-worthy-ending extraordinaire! I’d almost say this is my favorite one yet, in all of the books that I’ve read by this author, and it’s because of the profound message BEHIND the story. The depth of their strength, their will, their motivations. The reason behind it all… MOVED me.

“Believe me when I say that hope will only drive you insane.”

Those of us that have read Alessandra’s books know she is the QUEEN of crazy book-twists and exciting reveals. Each story is incredibly unique, no two books of hers are similar and each twist is remarkably clever and well-spun. And the romance!! Ohhhh the delicious angsty-romance of it all.

He wanted to see me again, another weekend like this — one where we’d both pretend to be people we weren’t and where I’d lose another piece of myself. He’d return to his life, and I’d have fallen a little deeper into the hole that was Brett Jacobs. I had the sudden, urgent desire to leave, to run from this man before goodbyes and false promises dirtied this memory. Better for me to leave now, while I had some tatters of dignity. While I could still pretend it was my choice.

But it’s always so much more than romance, isn’t it? More than just a “dark secret”. And not just the “usual” when it comes to her reveals. Always something exquisitely shocking.

“It’s only hard for a brief while,” he whispered against my hairline. “The quicker you let go, the better it will be.”

She keeps us guessing, and mostly guessing wrong even though we’re so sure we’re right. And then she sucker-punches us *ooooomph!!!* with some crazy revelation that totally makes sense. The kind that has you backtracking through and remembering everything you’ve read, re-playing the scenes in your head with this new light, face palming, ecstatic in realizing all the obvious that you missed, and how crazy-cool it is that she weaved the story in such a way.

I LOVE HER!!!!! She is one of my forever favorite authors, and has become even more so with this story, because it was SO much more than “erotica” and romance. It had dark elements, it was sexy, it was scary, it was intense, and it was emotional. A convoluted love story to be sure (and I’ll let you discover that on your own). BUT what it was… was an incredible. Eye-opening, touching, exhilarating, terrifying and just brilliantly laid out and narrated.

And even when you THINK you know too much (’cause while it’s a mystery from her eyes, OUR eyes… we do get his POV a few times that reveals a whole lot). Except that… EVEN THAT extra info is not enough to dim the intense twist. Or maybe even TWO twists. Just sayin’… What you know… is still not too much. Just go with it. It blew my mind. TWICE! Maybe even 3 times. LOL!

And, in that moment, my finger found what it had been trying to land on. I felt suspicious.

So what’s it about?

Well… I really can’t say… anything. That blurb? Exactly right. But until I read the story in it’s entirety, I had NO idea what that blurb meant. I went in knowing it was going to be a mind-mess (but of course!! This author is known for that), and couldn’t wait for the ride, but I had NO clue what I was in for. I essentially went in blind, and remained delightfully so throughout a HUGE portion of the journey. And loved every single second of the discovery. The delivery. The depth. Incredible!!

But!! What I can leave you with is our reactions… they are PRICELESS!!

Maryse: Oh I love this quote from “Tight” *sigh*:

“I told you, this doesn’t have to be anything.”

“Or,” he shrugged, stepping forward, his mouth pressing softly against my cheek, my lips crying for the missed contact, the taste of his tongue, the onelastchance that might have just flown by, “it could be the start of everything.”

Maryse: HOLY MOLY I LOVE THAT!

Summer: I am 50% in I think a twist is coming. We shall see. It’s pretty good so far

Chris: I’m 26% along!!!

Tiffany: Already finished it!! You will love it!

Shelly: Fantastic read!

Maryse: I’m at 60-something percent. The “dark” parts of this book make me feel like having a panic attack.

Maryse: You GUYS!!!! I AM LOVING TIGHT!!!!!! …suddenly things are clicking (in my head) and I’m envisioning quite the outcome. And like usual, with this author, Im probably gonna be way off! LOL!!! :P LOVING!

Shelly: Just wait until you get 90 something precent in…I couldn’t breath!

Maryse: Oh I LOVE when it starts to click… and it is. You know, the whole Kitten stuff… this book is fascinating! Yep. I AM LOVING THIS!!! I’m suddenly envisioning a certain outcome, or twist and *gasp!!

Summer: It did click for me at about 35% but I’m getting worried about how this will end. Is it a standalone??

Shelly: Yes, it is a standalone.

Summer: Shelly your making me nervous I am about 55% now eeekkk

Shelly: You haven’t even gotten to the good parts Summer! Twisty, wicked towards the end!

Maryse: YAY US!!!! 😀

Maryse: This one feels just right for me. I’m at 75%…. It’s a fast read for some reason… probably ’cause I can barely put it down.

Summer: Yay may be up late tonight lol

Maryse: ditto

Amy: Okay. Tight. What…the…f#%& IS GOING ON?!?!? *looks at clock* I’m supposed to get up in a few hours but dangit, I don’t want to stop reading!!!

Summer: Just finished wow it kept me guessing that’s for sure. Really great read!

Amy: *gasp* I think I know what’s going on. I *think*… And I’m readying myself to be proved wrong because this is, after all, Alessandra Torre. For all I know the Yellow King will be making an appearance! Back to reading Tight…

Maryse: FINISHED AND I LOVED IT!!!!!!! TWISTS!!! QUEEN OF TWISTS SHE IS!!!!! YAY ME! SO worth it my friends. READ IT!!!! Great writing, a great story, will keep you guessing AND a few amazing reveals!!!!  I’m delighted!!!!! SO GOOOOOOOD!!! FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC and she should have called it “Twists” <— LOL!!! 😛

Maryse: Ahhh I’m so happy! This is why I read. It was a love story but SO much more, and everything makes sense. The character’s motives, the background… the storyline, the flow, everything!

Yes my friends!!! This one, for me, is scream from the rooftops if you’re into a good romantic psych-thriller where you don’t know what’s going on but still love every single bit of it even though you’re clueless. ‘Cause this one’ll do that to you!

So for that, I’m giving it a HUGE…

5 stars!!! Perfection (or darn close to it, at least to, me).

P.S. Here are TWO more of my favorite books by this author (and they rocked my world, too!)

Suddenly Sunday Super-Sales: 7 of ’em!

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Super-Sunday bargains that can’t be denied. Mustn’t be. We’ve got “sure things” here my friends, and at rock bottom prices, at least for today, anyway. Tried and true, and forever favorites of our very own reading crew! So here they are. Let me know if you loved ’em or are loving ’em as we speak.

OH!! AND what’s really cool? Jen Foor just released TWO books today (full length) and each one is about a twin brother (and one woman? Eeeeep!) Very cool sounding…

P.S. now there are 8 of ’em. 😉

  1. Jake Mitchell (Mitchell Healy Series Book 4) by Jen Foor <— JUST RELEASED and super-bargain priced! Ruh Roh! TWIN BROTHERS! “Jake Mitchell has spent his whole life tied at the hip with his best friend and twin brother Jax. They’ve shared everything, except for women, which was easy since their tastes were so different. From the moment she walked into the room Jake knew she was special, with her flowing brown locks, supple body, and a smile that could brighten any day. An accident leaves her vulnerable and in the arms of his brother. From that moment she’s in awe of Jax…“
  2. Jax Mitchell (Mitchell Healy Series Book 5) by Jen Foor <— And here is his twin’s book (must be read only AFTER Jake’s). I’m not even gonna tell you what I just saw in the blurb! *gasp!!* LOL! I shouldn’t have looked but i did, and I’d still totally read this. Sounds like totally my thing!
  3. Tight by Alessandra Torre <— JUST RELEASED!! This is the one I’m reading right now and it’s got that dark side-story that has me captivated so far! P.S. —-> UPDATE!! I’m at 60-something % and I AM LOVING IT!!! —- > UPDATE 1:21am EST I FINISHED AND IT ROCKED MY WORLD!!!!! She should have called it “Twists” <— LOL!!! SO GOOD!! READ THIS. Easy 4.5 to 5 stars for me!!!!!
  4. Written In Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop <— MichelleS, Michelle and bev are CRAZY about this one. And I MEAN CRAZY! So… it’s on sale today! 😉 BIG SALE. Just sayin’ <— Girls… care to re-exclaim your love for it? bev: “Loved It and was as consumed by it as the first time I read it.” and Michelle said: “…as Bev said completely captured me and tossed me into that world. I’ve reread that one three times this year!“
  5. Get Off On The Pain by Victoria Ashley <— BRAND spankin’ new release from just a few days ago and already a TON of amazing reviews AND!! It’s on rock-bottom bargain sale right now. Super alpha bad boy? From the reviews it looks like it. “I’m doing fine, keeping to myself in order to ensure no one gets hurt by me. Then along comes Lyric, and all I want to do is touch her, to put my hands in places that I know will only lead to her being crushed by me.“
  6. In Flight (Up In The Air Book 1) by R.K. Lilley <— SUPER great read (and super-bargain today) with that alpha moody billionaire that really likes his airline attendant. I read it!! (my review) (Thanks Stephanie!!)
  7. The Saint: The Original Sinners Book 5 by Tiffany Reisz <— THIS dark series has rocked the worlds of SO many of our fellow readers, and it seems to be a forever favorite of so many in our crew. And this one? BARGAIN PRICED today! (thanks Stephanie!!) “Grey” says: “Add my name to the fangirls of Tiffany Reisz’s The Saint.  Love her writing. Love the characters, even when “we’re not supposed to” love them. Original.  Spicy. Whew, and the smut… killer!  Definitely a 5 star! Cannot wait for the next installment in the series!” and MichelleS agrees: “Just devoured The Saint, by Tiffany Reisz, it’s number 5 in the Original Sinners series. Couldn’t put it down. It’s the story of Nora and Soren, and how it all began when she was just 15. I squirmed a lot. In a good way. Just reminded me how much I loved this series. Not for the faint of heart.“
  8. The Captive Series Bundle (Books 1-5) by Erica Stevens <— The ENTIRE series is on bargain-sale right now!! Preiz LOVES these! “OMG!!!!!!!!!!! I Love Aria, I Love BRAITH, And I Love Erica Stevens. Now This Is One Of The Best Book Series Ever. Got My Blood Boilinggggg” and Mandy too: “I read the entire series. I could not stop! Loved all of them. As for the steaminess, it is just enough. It’s not so much that it takes over the story, nothing raunchy, but after my nightly read, I was much more “friendly” toward my husband. LOL” <— LOL!!! 😛

       

Book Review – The Traveling Man by Jane Harvey-Berrick

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The Traveling Man (Traveling Series #1)
Beautifully written, super-sweet, wonderfully detailed and HIGHLY recommended by so many of my well-read fellow readers!

Andrea: The Traveling Man by Jane Harvey Berrick is the best book ever! But the cliffy just about killed me. Ughh!!!

Sherry: Just finished The Traveling Man!! So I’m love with this book. I’m still smiling

Kelsey: Jane Harvey Berrick’s The Traveling Man is a must read!

Jules: Really enjoyed this one. Can’t wait to read the conclusion to their story in The Traveling Woman!

Rebecka: Maryse The Traveling Man was Fantastic. I young love to adult love over several summers GAH! Cliffy at the end of #1 Book #2 to be released Spring 2012. So if you don’t like hanging on the cliff wait until #2

Sheena: I absolutely devoured the book and loved it so much

Well. Sounded like just what I needed! Cliffhanger be damned… I’m fine with it as long as the story getting there gives me that jolt, and keeps me hooked enough to want to jump into the next one. And while it didn’t necessarily turn my world upside down (I was able to out it down), magic… it was!

“You’ve been sprinkled with fairy dust, missy. The carnival is in your blood now.”

Yes!!! I read it with a smile on my face, and enjoyed the romance-angst that has no choice but to force a sweet connection like this, to struggle.

Struggle? Yep! ‘Cause these two had plenty going against them. Namely, they were from different worlds…

There was a gulf between Kes’s world and mine— and for some reason the thought made me sad.

HE only came around each year for roughly 2 weeks, and of course… we’ve got a few jealous players in this story that can’t help but put an extra monkey-wrench in their already deep yet precarious friendship. I got to know these two from a young age, during their exploits as children, through their teen years all the way to adulthood.

And their story felt authentic. Because while their young friendship and innocence was pure and perfect, that of their surroundings and the judgmental adults that dictated their lives was disheartening. And real. And even though at times… logical, the results were crushing.

So what’s it about?

Aimee’s from a strict family with a father that is… well for the most part, emotionally absent and uninterested in the women in his life other than controlling them.

Too much pleasure was rigorously policed in our house and doled out like cough medicine; pancakes were the Shangri La of breakfasts, only permitted on birthdays and holidays. Mom loved pancakes as much as I did . At times like this , it was me and Mom against the world.

Not many smiles in this family, until her father reluctantly accepts taking her to the local fair for her birthday and she ends up meeting “Kes”.

“I want to show you something,” he said. “Or are you too chicken?”

I was definitely chicken, and I already knew that he was going to get me into trouble…

Kes lives a nomadic type of life, traveling from state to state with a small-time “carnival” and each night, he and his team put on quite the show! He’s 100% talented, confident, but struggling with his schooling.

And despite the fact that Aimee’s family object to the idea of her becoming friends with the sweet (yet rough) Kes, and despite the fact that his own family and entourage discourage that he become friends with the townie, they become BEST friends. And they both teach each other.

“I tried to learn once, but I couldn’t. I guess I’m too dumb.”

“I don’t think you’re dumb,” I said with certainty. “You can do loads of stuff that I can’t. You’re amazing.”

Kes gave me his shy smile again and my heart was captured from that moment. I didn’t know it then; I didn’t understand what it meant, but whenever I looked at him, my skin felt warm, like my own personal sun was shining just for me.

And as they grow together seeing each other just a few weeks each year, their bond deepens. To the point that they eventually fall in love. *sigh* So sweet… and so angsty. FUN!! For me, because I got to feel it all (the heartache and devastation and absolute confusion). Yep. But definitely not fun for them.

I had two weeks of memories that shone as insubstantial as my dreams, and fifty long weeks to wait for my life to start again. I sat on the grass and cried.

And then… well. I’ll let you experience the rest. Lots of emotional *oomph!!* throughout their lives, but that ending?! *gasp*!!

Is there a cliffhanger? Well.. yes. But I’m good with where it left off. There’s still so much more to tell, lots of stuff to discover, and even though they’re adults, plenty of growing up to do. And I simply can’t wait to see where the author takes them (and us) next.

You have a gift, Kes, an amazing wonderful gift. It’s special, just like you.” I whispered those last words.

4 stars!

Tight by Alessandra Torre is finally LIVE on Amazon!!

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Tight <— YAY!!! It’s FINALLY LIVE! One of my favorite twisty-turns *gotcha!!!* darkish-erotica-super-romance FAVORITE authors just released a new book, and it’s a standalone!! I’m reading it as we speak.

How do I know I already love her?! Check out my reviews of these standalones, and you’ll see. THIS author always surprises me!

And then… the part of this latest book’s blurb that made me sit up straighter and take notice!

“The issue is that I don’t even know she exists, and he thinks she’s dead. The issue is that sh!t is about to hit the fan and I can’t hold on to him tight enough.”

WHOA!?? WHAT does that mean?

Check out the FULL blurb!

This is not a story of servitude. This is a story of strength.

I was happy in my small town. In my life as a single, thirty-two year old woman. I had a good job, wonderful friends, my independence.

I also hadn’t got laid in three years. Hadn’t been on a date in two. Had stopped counting calories and wearing makeup… a while ago.

Then Brett Jacobs waltzed in. Caressed my thigh, dug rough fingers into my hair, lowered his soft mouth to my skin, took sexual control of my mind and stirred it all around with what he packed in his pants. He flipped my quiet life upside down and crawled into a place in my heart I thought was dead.

The issue is his secret.
The issue is her.
The issue is that I don’t even know she exists, and he thinks she’s dead.
The issue is that sh!t is about to hit the fan and I can’t hold on to him tight enough.

Oh yesssssss. I wanna play!

Fifty Shades of Grey Movie News Roundup: Sneak peeks, interviews, products and even Legos! LOL!

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Exactly one more week until the Fifty Shades of Grey movie officially hits the big screen (this Valentines Day!!) but there is plenty of movie stuff floating around to tease us until the big day. Our fellow Fifty-fans that were lucky enough to see the screening are LOVING this movie my friends! So I’m working on rounding it all up here into a nice Fifty list!

<— P.S. It looks like, to get us ready for the movie release, (Fifty Shades, Book 1, is on super-sale right now. (Here’s my review from back in 2011!!). I went NUTS for it! 😀 *waggles eyebrows*

P.P.S. Your favorite scene in this book? Let me know in the comments. 😀

  • It’s been announced! There WILL be a movie for each of the books in the trilogy, so we have TWO more coming! YAY US!!
  • A video clip from the today show with director Sam Taylor-Johnson where she discusses the steam, the issues with turning such a popular book into a movie, and that movie #2 is underway…
  • Curious about ‪#‎FiftyShades‬? Join Jamie Dornan for a live Twitter Q&A TODAY, beginning at 1PM PT! Tweet your Qs with ‪#‎AskJamieDornan‬.
  • Some of the movie clip teasers —> Hardware store video clip! OMG I was SO excited and titillated during that scene… so obvious he was stalking her… er… I mean INTO her. 😉
  • Sneak peak of another movie clip —> The first interview (that she did for her friend) between Ana and Christina. Yep. I WAS SO IN at this point in the book. I just KNEW I was in for a wild ride.
  • Christian shows Ana his Red Room of Pain… 😉 Eeeeeep! I remember exactly how I felt here when she saw it. I had scaredy-cat goosebumps!
  • Christian tells Ana he doesn’t do romance. <— Yep. And still… I was dying to make him love me. I mean… er… make him love Ana. Yah. That’s it… right.
  • An interview between the Christian and Ana (Actually Jamie and Dakota) where they discuss the steamy scenes…
  • Interviews with the movie cast at yesterday’s movie screening.
  • Fan questions on video to Jamie and Dakota <— this is funny! Very cool format here.
  • Dakota discusses what it’s like on set, if she’ll be sad when it’s over, and the kind of prep she’s done to become “Ana”.
  • Dakota and Jamie discuss what it’s like filming those steamy scenes…
  • E.L. James reveals the inspiration for her Fifty Shades trilogy.
  • Being naked on set… (plus clip of her making pancakes at Christian’s place…). This scene made me chuckle!!
  • ‘Cause this is just so funny!! “Elders’ reactions to the Fifty Shades trailer…”
  • Fifty Shades of Grey Trailer… in LEGO mode!!! LOL!! LOVE IT!
  • Rolling Stone Magazine discusses Beyonce’s musical role in the movie!
  • and a fun OLD interview from 2012 with E.L. James on ABC News about her Fifty Shades trilogy and the movie news (when the rights were first purchased).

And in Fifty Shades Trilogy BOOK news:

“…has also personally selected a Fifty Shades classical album featuring the rousing bedroom music she claims her hero and heroine would have listened to…”

“…often refers to wine-drinking in her books, flew to the Mendocino Wine Company’s vineyard in California, and the fiftyshadeswine.com website features a video of her taking part in a blending session with winemakers, accompanied by a sensuous jazzy soundtrack.”

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