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Kimberly Lauren – Broken Series Reading Order

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<— I can’t wait to give this one a go, especially after these recommendations!

Lindsey: I loved Beautiful Broken Rules by Kimberly Lauren.  I can’t wait for the next one to come out!

Jillian: Beautiful Broken Mess released a day early! First book in the series is Beautiful Broken Rules – which was great!

Cori: LOVED the first book! It has a little Beautiful Disaster feel to it!

Jillian: It kind of does. It was just so well written and ALL the characters were awesome. I fell in love with them. Gah! I might have to reread BBR before this book. You’re making me reminisce now…

Bobbi: Woot! Liked Beautiful Broken Rules a lot … looking forward to this one!

Jill: … I absolutely loved it and have been anticipating this one since I finished the first one. They are each standalone books in a series. Once again, highly recommend! 🙂

Emily: I LOVE the “Beautiful Broken” series by Kimberly Lauren but I would absolutely recommend that you read “Beautiful Broken Rules” first because all the same characters are in “Beautiful Broken Mess” and you get the foundation for so much laid out in BBR. Did I mention TWINS!? 😉  I loved BBM – looking forward to Lane’s story.

About book #1:

What happens when you create rules to keep others out?

One thing Emerson Moore has come to terms with is that she is the school slut. She knows her way around a frat house and how to get what she wants. She doesn’t make any excuses for her actions and she doesn’t pretend to be anything different. She is who she is and with that she knows how to have a good time. She’s made rules to keep relationships at bay and avoid the demons of her past.

When her best friend, Cole has his two friends from back home move in with him she begins to think she has met her match with Jaxon Riley. Jax is the perfect mixture of tattooed muscle and a sweet-talking mouth. With “hand” written notes, a voice that exudes sex and knowing just how to get under her skin, Jaxon learns how to break all the rules. But will he just end up breaking her heart anyway?

  

Archiving the November 2013 Book Releases

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November 2013
          

Latest Bargain e-Books – November 22nd 2013

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Another bunch of brand new releases amidst our bargain priced finds and the awesome recommendations that have come our way over the last few days! Tons of new stuff just came out, and I backtracked and put on a few that I missed over the last couple of weeks, too.

Plus… this weekend, I’m thinking my reading will be MMA focused. 😉 I love my bad boy fighters and I’m totally addicted to one right now. I’m reading Crossing the Line by Kele Moon and LOVING it LIKE CRAZY (book #3 in the Battered Hearts Series), in fact I’m even thinking this is the best in the series, so far! Not bargain priced, mind you, but the writing is wonderful, and the story and my connection to it, even better. After that, I’m moving on to “Mine” by Katy Evans, and then moving right into “Remy“.

Okay ready for the latest great-looking goodies? 😉

NOTE: bargain priced when I added them, but prices can change on Amazon, so make sure to check before you finalize your order.

P.S. Let me know if I’m missing any or if you loved any (from this list or elsewhere). :)

Todays latest reader recommendations and bargain ebook finds:

  • Testament by Katie Ashley <— brand spankin’ new “Katie Ashley” release as of right now and the blurb has me intrigued! “Five years ago, catastrophic earthquakes, massive floods, and violent storms caused the collapse of the global economy and a massive political upheaval. In a world thrown into chaos after The Great Fall, greedy CEO’s enforce the Golden Rule—whoever has the most gold, rules the land. Any hint of rebellion against the domineering government ends in either death or imprisonment.” and then: “Her worst nightmare comes in the form of the Emperor’s decree—all young women are to compete in a competition of beauty, intelligence, and most of all obedience, for his son, Kellan’s, hand in marriage.“
  • If Only (Masters of the Shadowlands) by Cherise Sinclair <— thanks to Basia for reminding me about this recent release in the Masters of the Shadowlands Series <— it’s a BDSM club. 😉 *waggles eyebrows* hehe. I’ve enjoyed a few books in the series… I need to continue ’em!
  • The Thrill of It by Lauren Blakely <— Brand new release!!! <— she’s a sex addict!
  • Night Moves (G-Man Series) by Andrea Smith <— brand new release in the “G-Man series” – Kandace says: “I can’t wait to read about Easton. I loved the first two books in Andrea’s G-Man series!! … I’m hearing E from Night Moves has a naughty boy side.” She reminds us that “The g-man series each book is a standalone.” Here is the series reading order, and the first two books in the series, but the sale ends today.
  • Sex Snob by Elizabeth Haley <— Brand new release found suggested by Louise. She says: “I am currently reading the first book of this author and it is very good book. This is the second one and it has just been released” and Monique agrees! “I believe her first book is Pieces of Perfect, which is a great read.” And Annie read it and loved it: “OMG it is so good.”
  • Aftermath by Cara Dee <— I’m so excited to start reading from my M/M recommendations list (so many of you recommended books that I just know are going to rock my world). SO this just might be my next m/m read, and I thought I’d include it on this list since it’s still in the “bargain price” range. And WHOA… with a synopsis like that (two men who survive a 5-month kidnapping together), it is TOTALLY up my (and our “darker” alley). Plus, just look at these recommendations for it: Tracie: “Aftermath by Cara Dee is excellent.” and Tracey (different one!) says: “I am also reading Aftermath by Cara Dee. Just started, but loving it so far!”
  • Hold Us Close (Keep Me Still) by Caisey Quinn <— novella sequel and synopsis lists this novella as available for only a short time? I know many here loved book #1 (Keep Me Still): so I figured I’d post this now in case any of you want to jump in on this. And since i didn’t read book #1 yet, not sure if I should have read the synopsis for this one, but I’m wanting to read it even more now that I read that. WAIT before jumping on this ’cause I THINK it’s actually a part of the main book special edition (see the link right below). But for those that purchased book #1 when it was originally released, and didn’t have this in it, here it is, released separately. 🙂
  • Keep Me Still by Caisey Quinn <— ahhhh and THIS is the special edition of the MAIN book and the author states: “**THIS IS THE STANDALONE EDITION OF KEEP ME STILL AND INCLUDES THE PREQUEL AND SEQUEL NOVELLAS Let You Leave and Hold Us Close.”
  • Pieces of Perfect by Elizabeth Haley <— here is book #1 and Louise was thrilled with it! “Just finished this book in one sitting and it was a 5 stars for me! There was sarcasms, angst, love, steam and moreover a love triangle”
  • The Light in the Wound by Christine Brae <— book #2 will be releasing December 10th! “Jesse and Isabel fight to stay together, determined to hold on to what they once had. Isabel wonders if a second love can ever be enough to make her forget her first.“
  • Away by B.A. Wolfe <— another new release that comes highly recommended!! Kim loved it saying: “Maryse this book is AMAZING!!!! It’s a book you should put all the way to top of your TBR!!” and Jen agrees: “This book truly is amazing, it’s beautiful, it’s real and honestly everyone needs to experience this book. You will fall in love with Jason and Cassie.” So Jeannie jumped on it and came back with love in her heart and tears in her eyes: ” I just finished it a few hours ago and all I can say is WOW!! Really good. I was reading it in the doctor’s office and it was all I could do not to become a crying mess. Do you know when the sequel comes out?”
  • Charred Heart (#1, Heart of Fire) by Lizzy Ford <— Brand new release! (Thanks Leanne!!) – paranormal dragon shifter…
  • Tame This (The McCallans, Book Two) by Hadley Quinn <— new release (bargain priced) from last week that I think I missed…
  • Kiss This (The McCallans, Book One) by Hadley Quinn <— and here’s book #1
  • Dare to Love by Carly Phillips <—- another new release that I missed, this week! “Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything.“
  • Lie To Me (Redemption) by Chloe Cox <— fairly new release and from the synopsis and review I see HE teaches HER how to be a fighter (boxer). Hrmmm… “And then Marcus Roma disappeared. No warning. No explanation. Just gone. Yesterday, he came back.“
  • Blind Salvage: A Rylee Adamson Novel (Book 5) by Shannon Mayer <— new release! Jillian recommends these HIGHLY saying: ” I absolutely love these books; they are one of the few Paranormal/urban fantasy series that I still follow religiously.”
  • Storm (Storm MC) by Nina Levine <— another brand new “Biker” release found by Sarah!!
  • Winters Heat (Titan #1) by Cristin Harber <— brought to our attention by Kandace saying: “One of my best bookers is nuts over this series.” – “After putting her life on the line to protect classified intelligence, military psychologist Mia Kensington is on a cross-country road trip from hell with an intrusive save-the-day hero. Uninterested in his white knight act, she’d rather take her chances without the ruggedly handsome, cold-blooded operative who boasts an alpha complex and too many guns.“
  • The Collaring Ceremony: His POV (Brie) by Red Phoenix <— and another new release for “Red Phoenix & Brie” fans!! It’s super short but if you’ve been following this series, I bet this is the cherry on top!
  • Masters at Arms & Nobody’s Angel: Combined Volume with Books #1 and #2 (Rescue Me) (Volume 1) by Kallypso Masters <— The first TWO books in her BDSM/Military men series bundled!!
  • Addicted to You (Addicted Series 1) by Krista Ritchie <— was recommended last week by one of our fellow readers, and today it’s on sale!! Thanks Jennifer!
  • Guilty Pleasures by Kitty Thomas <— One of the queens of “dark reads” (erotic psychological thrillers/love stories that are beyond unconventional)  (Thanks Lori!!) And Rebecca recommends it saying: “Yes! I love all of her books. This one was longish for her. And was different because shes married and this is “on the side” kind of fun, and fun to live through this story. Hehe”
  • Fighting to Forgive (Fighting Series) by JB Salsbury <— Kandace also suggests this one! “I would highly recommend ‘Fighting to Forgive’ by JB Salsbury it was just as good her first book. I’m going to miss Blake and Mouse.” and Sarah says: “reading fighting to forgive now, loving it, then Easton is next!!!!”
  • Beautiful Nightmares (The Asylum Trilogy) by Lauren Hammond <— the trilogy is now complete, and Sally loved the 3rd release! “I just finished Beautiful Nightmares by Lauren Hammond and it was GREAT! Everything I wanted & more! I can’t wait till she comes out with Auroras book (she gives us the prologue & chapter one at the end of BN) This series was so unique & such a total mind f*ck..and so worth the wait!”
  • Me Before You: A Novel by Jojo Moyes <— this one’s back on sale (and while not out usual “bargain pricing”, it’s sure worth it!!). (thanks Aimee!!) I loved it and Athena agrees: “Wonderful, wonderful novel!! 5+++++++” So does Claudia: WONDERFUL!!!!!!!! Monique, too! “Great price for an AWESOME book!” Here’s my review.
  • Evolve Series Box Set by S.E. Hall <— 3 books bundled and on sale
  • 11/22/63 by Steven King <— over 800 pages!! “On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, President Kennedy died, and the world changed. What if you could change it back? Stephen King’s heart-stoppingly dramatic new novel is about a man who travels back in time to prevent the JFK assassination—a thousand page tour de force.”
  • No Exchanges, No Returns (Book Four of The Return to Redemption Series) by Laurie Kellogg <— brand new bargain priced Christmas book release, and we have many “Laurie Kellogg” fans on our page!
  • The Wrong Man (Love Unexpected) by Delaney Niamond <— bargain priced and looks a bit angsty! <— construction worker and super-rich girl. “They have nothing in common. So why can’t they stay away from each other?”
  • Break In Two by MJ Summers <—Hrmm… looks good. Older characters starting over and changing everything… “Thirty-one year old Claire Hatley is running from Seattle having just discovered that her live-in boyfriend has traded her in for a twenty-two year old hostess. Devastated and alone Claire must make a fresh start.”
  • Rock Me Hard (The Rock Star’s Seduction) by Olivia Thorne <— ROCK STAR ALERT! I hear this ends on a killer cliffhanger but the synopsis still has my attention! Looks like i’s one of those “I knew him when…” books.”Kaitlyn Reynolds is a year out of college and fighting to become a journalist when she gets the biggest break of her young life: the shot at a cover story in Rolling Stone magazine. But there’s a catch.She’ll be covering the hottest bad-boy in rock, Derek Kane, whom Kaitlyn met when she was a freshman in college and he was a struggling unknown. It was passionate two-week affair: tumultuous, sensual, exhilarating… …and it ended very, very badly.“
  • Ripping Pages by Rachel Rae <— another fairly recent Rock Star read that I hadn’t seen before. I liked the title. 😉
  • Rose of Thorne by Mia Michelle <— Oh I in my searching I just found this one too! Tragic pasts, and responsible daughters and reckless sons and their hateful fathers. 😉 Well, the synopsis portrays it as much more than that, but all that to say, this one looks angsty.
  • One to Hold by Tia Louise <— I remember seeing author Aleatha Romig recommending this on Facebook! So I looked it up. Looks good! “Derek Alexander is an ex-Marine, ex-cop, and the top investigator in his field.  Melissa Jones is a small-town girl trying to escape her troubled past.When the two intersect in a bar in Arizona, their sexual chemistry is off the charts. But what is revealed during their “one week stand” only complicates matters.“
  • Surrender to Me (I Surrender Trilogy Book 2) by Monica James <— book #2 is out (recent release that I missed it during it’s release week) but I know many here loved book #1, so… better late than never. 😉
  • I Surrender (I Surrender Trilogy Book 1) by Monica James <— and here’s book #1!!
  • Divergent by Veronica Roth <—
  • Soul Avenged (Sons of Wrath, #1) by Keri Lake <— Hang just recommended this one! “I don’t normally do this but, I’m always looking for good PNR so, I thought I’d share. I just finished this book and really enjoyed it! Very BDB-esq with its own twist. Good plot and the brothers are SWOONWORTHY. The second book just came out too!”
  • Soul Resurrected (Sons of Wrath, #2) by Keri Lake <— and here’s book #2 that was just released.
  • Foreplay: The Ivy Chronicles by Sophie Jordan <— bundled below in a “coming soon” awesome book set, but now I remember this one!! I posted it in the new releases earlier this month and it’s bargain priced and DOES look good! 🙂
PRE-ORDERS: And here are some of the latest “coming SOON!” HIGHLY anticipated releases that I can’t wait for, in “pre-order” format. 😉 Most of these are coming out this Tuesday!

                                                   

Book Review – Better by S. Walden

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Better (Too Good series)
*spoiler alert* If you haven’t read book #1 yet (“Good“) skip this review as it explores the continuation of the story from where it left off. I LOVED #1 (it’s an edgy, risky taboo love story and you can read my review here). 

<— Better was good! But… Good was better (for me) because of the forbidden and taboo nature of the initial story. Book #1 (Good) explored an intense slow-burning and then consequences-be-damned illicit love affair between a teacher and his student. But what gave it that much more *oomph* as a read, was that the author took some unexpected chances, skirting an “objectionable” line. Because while the story took place in a state where 17 was “legal”… it was barely that.

And you know me… taboo reads keep my adrenaline racing and my heart pounding with equal amounts of punishing fear and devious glee. ‘Cause I have no idea what could happen (and am delighted by all of the surprises that are thrown my way). HEA? Cliffhanger? Ghastly ending? I love expecting the unexpected! And that’s why I loved #1 so much. I simply couldn’t put it down.

“Better” continued from where #1 left off. Angst and turmoil there was a-plenty, but in a different sense (and for me, not as much of a frenzy-inducer. I was able to put it down).

Yes, Mark lost his high school teaching job when all things were said and done. And yes, Cadence’s uber-religious, super-strict family kicked her out (and physically hurt her, to boot). The bad stuff I expected to happen, did (minus jail time for Mark, due to that “legal” loophole 😉 ).

But this book focused more on the reality of what they were going to do with themselves now that they were officially (and openly) together. From social reactions (good and bad – mostly bad as many cut her out of their lives),

“I’m tired of it! I’m scared. I’m alone -”

“You’re not alone,” he interrupted.

“I am. You can’t be everything to me. Don’t you get it? I miss Avery. I miss my parents. I’m supposed to have other people in my life! I’m supposed to have parents! They’re supposed to do parent stuff with me! You know, be there and help me.”

to kicking “plans for the future” into high gear. There was no easing into this relationship and there was no “getting used to each other” before taking that next big step.

“I can’t live like this. Sh!t everywhere.”

Playing house was now, and the age difference factors in heavily. Reality has them second-guessing themselves. And each other.

I should have left her alone, he thought. She would have a relationship with her parents if I’d only left her alone. But how? How could he? He knew he was selfish. He knew he’d complicate her life. And he didn’t have the power to stop himself. No, that’s not entirely right. He didn’t want to stop himself.

The characters in this book were consistent with their “feel” in the first book. Twenty-eight year old and gorgeous “Mark”, kind of being er…. creepy in his intense desire for 17 year old, teeny-tiny cute, young looking and young-acting “Cadence”. From his perspective (in “Better”), I didn’t gather much rhyme or reason for his need and intent on seducing her other that her innocence called to him. Desperately.

“I don’t wanna mess her up,” Mark said. “I want her to make me a clean slate, too.”

He wanted her. He had to have her. And he did what he needed to do. Mind you, his secret past (and deep scars) factor into that a little. Or maybe a lot. I’m still matching things up in my head.

But Cadence’s maturity (or lack thereof) doesn’t get much better in “Better”. Understandably, a 17 or 18 year old sheltered in a strict household and lacking life experiences and more… “worldly” parents, may display a more childlike innocence and react to things differently than most teens that age. And in a way, had this been a sweet “coming of age” story, or one that explored a more emotional journey and growth, from this kind of innocence, would have been endearing.

But this wasn’t that kind of book. At least, not at first glance. I took it in as more of an unconventional, tumultuous love story, ridden in angsty-tantrumy-mind-gaming drama. And sometimes melodrama.

Okay skip this section below if you haven’t read it yet (slight spoilers below) while I analyze my “issues” with the direction the story took:

Mixing her with Mark was mostly pure angsty torture. For him… (and for me). I couldn’t believe the length of time this child (yes… child) could hold a grudge. And the ferocity with which she did it. By this book, she was 18-19 but often reminded me of a spoiled, indulged, bratty, super-young teen.

At times, I adored her (for example, when she was meeting his older friends for the first time). I felt bad for her. I understood her worries, and her need to “play grown-up”, and her need to experience life with people her age.

But after a certain point, I had to put the book down and take a break from her, and from the overly drawn-out “issue(s)” Cadence was rebelling against. I struggled with a large portion of the angst. I got it, at first. Once secrets were revealed, I understood her hurt. Over what she found out, and especially his reaction to her finding out. I got it.

But eventually (quickly)… I had enough.

Yet, despite my my exasperation with them both, what kept me reading was my curiosity in the outcome of all of this. I wondered what was SO wrong with Mark (or what was so special about her) that 1.) he wanted her so bad in the first place, but 2.) that he put up with it for as long as he did.

And while at one point I found Mark equally creepy and sweet…

“She’s just there, all the time, shining.”

… sometimes I saw them both as children. Lacking a certain maturity, over-dreaming their “perfect life”. Definitely “playing house”. But by a certain point in this book, I was hurting so bad for him. He gave and gave, and waited patiently and let her be who she needed to be (bending over backwards to fulfill her material and social needs)…

Mark rubbed his forehead. “The protective boyfriend in me wants to say something you won’t like.”

“And what’s that?”

“I wish you wouldn’t go to frat parties. They’re recipes for trouble.”

…and I just hurt for him. I just wanted him to be able to heal from whatever it was that attracted him to Cadence in the first place and find someone that would be truly good for him. It was so obvious he needed it, and I suddenly didn’t know what kind of “HEA” I was hoping for, you know? Like… suddenly, the outcome I originally hoped for, was shifting. I wanted something else.

Okay, y’all can come back, I’m finished analyzing! 😉

I liked the realistic approach the author took when it came to “them in the real world”. The social exploration of student’s reactions to her, his friend’s reactions to her, her family’s reaction to it as a whole. Her needs as a “new adult”. His needs for a mature relationship. And I liked that. Not much rosy and sweet about this love story, and I love that it went there. But it lost a certain sense of realism at a certain point and when that happened, it lost a part of me, too.

But all in all, this is a story of “we love who we love” even when it’s far from perfect. Some love stories (especially the unconventional ones) require a crash course in life and acclimation. And in those cases, we have to work a little harder, for a little longer. At times, we can’t help but sabotage, and hurt. But we try. We adjust, adapt, compromise and put up with… to keep it together, all with the hope that it will be all worth it in the end. But regardless of the outcome, we can’t help but grow in response. And maybe even become better for it.

But the questions is… is love enough? Well, when it comes to Mark and Cadence, you’ll have to read it to find out. My lips are sealed.

3 stars

P.S. There is a definite exploration of religion, God, analyzing certain bible passages etc. It got a little heavy at times, but due to Cadence’s religious upbringing and devout beliefs, this was consistent to her character and her character’s growth.

P.P.S. Thank you to the author for sending me a review copy!

Skye Warren – Dark Erotica series

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For those in the mood for a little (er… I mean a LOT 😉 ) of “dark” in their reads, here’s a series for you. Each book reads as a standalone, and I’ve read one of ’em, so far (and another from this author that was “dark-read-awesome” too!). This is not for the faint-hearted.

And when I say “dark read” I don’t mean somber, and sad and downward-spiraly emotional darkness. No. I mean bordering on, if not, full-on disturbing erotic/romance/scary reading fun! Of the Stockholm Syndrome kind and more. Skye Warren is a queen of the genre!

Here is my review of Hear Me (book #3) and Wanderlust <— this one is not a part of the series but fits the mood of this series, for sure!!

Amanda: I also love books by Skye Warren…

Stacy: The first two in the “series” are also awesome.  Keep Me Safe and Trust in Me. Trust in Me was my absolute favorite though.  Girl is sex slave and boy from childhood comes to save her … etc.  Lol, it’s good!

Nicole: I’m in a dark mood too. I’m reading another book by Skye Warren. Hear Me, the girl doesn’t talk and can’t remember who she is but remembers her slave training. Now, she has a new Master who doesn’t want her.

Cece: Hey Maryse – I read the other two books and they do run together with sideline characters, but can totally be read alone.

About book #1:

When Rachel is abducted by a group of thugs, one man steps in. Zachary wants her for himself, and she has no choice but to trust this stranger to keep her safe. When danger strikes again, Rachel’s body may endure the pain, but will their tenuous bond survive the abuse?

   

Author says about book #4:

“It’s the fourth and final book in the Dark Erotica series, but it can totally be read alone. All you need to know is that Carlos is a bad guy, but that is well established at the beginning anyway. He was a villain in a couple previous books, so he’s very bad :) ”

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