Read With Me

For 100 Nights

100 Series, Book 2 by Lara Adrian

The Characters: Avery Ross, Dominic “Nick” Baine

0%: I’m so excited to get approved on Netgalley for this book. I’ve been dying for it. I’ve dropped the other two books I’m reading in favor of it.

1%: When the author tells you up front that this book will end in a cliff hanger.

43%: I would like more details to what is happening. Right now we just have some vague threats and a lot of sex. A lot, a lot.

50%: Finally some story progression. I’m greedy for Avery’s secrets to unfold.

53%: Did Avery kill her step father?

61%: I am super jealous of this bath that Avery is taking right now.

68%: I haven’t touched this, or any other book, in 4 days. *insert sad tears here* 

70%: Nick is going to shit a brick when he finds out Avery is learning about his past through Kathryn. And there is no way he will not find out.

81%: Well it's about damn time she told Nick the truth. How it all came out was kind of weird but stress can make you strange.

80-something%: Honestly I think everything with Rodney came down a bit too easily.

Read With Me: For 100 Days

100 Series Book 1 by Lara Adrian

Stars:Avery Ross, Dominic "Nick" Baine Co-Stars:Tasha Lopez (Avery's BFF)

Somewhere in the beginning: Avery's agreement to watch Claire's place is so quick. I know it's born out of desperation but it seems unrealistic to me. 9%:First meeting with Dominic = Intense 11%:Her mother is in jail?!?! 51%: This bitch. Kimmie is so miserable. 69%: Nick is full of surprises (sweet, romantic and dirty) 80%:When is she going to tell Nick the truth? Hell, when is she going to tell us the truth?? 94%: Finally the truth is confirmed!

Overall, this is a totally great read and I can not wait for the next installment. 

Read with Me: Beyond Ruin

Beyond Series Book 7 by Kit Rocha

Somewhere in chapter one:  I wonder how big each sector is. Is it the size of a city? A small state? Doesn’t seem to take much time to cross them so I suppose a city. I’m sure this was discussed somewhere in earlier books but the details have been lost to me.

11%: Thank goodness! That was too much drama for only 11 percent into the story. LOL

24%: I seriously should read these books while at work…and while single. Whoo! Can I bum a cigarette from someone?

26%: Soooo the next book is Jeni and Hawk?

41%: What is a Makhai solider? This is the downfall of reading out of order. Soooo what is Kona?

50%: I love the sexual tension between Hawk and Jeni.

61%: “The hardest part of all this, of life,” he murmured finally, “is learning how to keep going. Even when you fuck up, even when you fail everyone around you. You have to let them forgive you, and you have to forgive yourself.”

64%: Well that chapter was slightly terrifying. I'm afraid for Cruz.

73%: “People loved and lost and grieved and rejoiced, and Scarlet  was as much a priestess as anyone in Sector One, with her husky-voiced reminders that they were all the same, in the end. That they all wanted and needed and craved.  That they were all at least a little broken, because they lived in a broken world.”

2016 TBR Challenge: March

This month’s prompt is A Recommended Read. I must admit unless you count Drew’s appearance on The Tonight Show to promote this book it hasn’t really been recommended to me by anyone.  But that aside I’m going to count it as my pick for this month. I am also running behind so I’m still listening to it as I write this post however I don’t think my love for this audio book will change.

Drew’s reading is energized and animated and so genuinely heartfelt. At one point, when speaking about her youngest daughter and mother, you could hear her break down a bit and I shed a few tears right along with her. This book is not written in chronological order but as a collection of stories and experiences that Drew feels she needs to share with the world. So far my favorite chapters have been “Adam” “Taurus” and the ones when she talks about her friendships with Cameron and Nan (I can’t remember the titles).  I probably gravitate to those two because I also depend on my friends for so much. I love that she has not only made these close relationships but have turned them into a a life which seems fulfilling and abundant in joy.

TBR Monthly Challenge: February

This month’s prompt was A Series You Need to Catch Up On. I chose Rusty Nailed the second book in the Cocktail Series by Alice Clayton. I still have 3 books to go in this series but man it felt good to catch up with Caroline and Simon. My super short review is posted below.

                         Rusty Nailed  

2016 TBR Challenge

                         Angel  

 The Characters: Melisande Angelle Bill Donnelly  The Story: I liked Melisande and Bill when I first read about them in Harlot but now that I know their story I love them. Bill is strong and sweet and Melisande has a pragmatic view of the world that just clicks with me.  The Random Thoughts: This is my first post for the 2016 TBR Challenge. I wish I had a meatier review for this initial post but this was a very short story, only about 50 pages.

So as I peruse my goodreads stats  I realize that in 2015 I only read one book I deemed worthy of 5 stars in 2015, Nalini Singh’s Rock Hard. And while I agree that book was a total wower I’m shocked that I didn’t have any others. I did have a whopping 22 DNF books this year. At one point in time this would be unheard of for me. I finished every book I started. As I grow and evolve as a reader, and a person, I feel I have less and less time to spend on books I’m not enjoying. In fact I’ve noticed that when I’m reading a book I don’t like I’ll do everything except read. Great for how clean my house can get but terrible for my reader soul.

Some other stand outs this year for me were Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella. Quite frankly and lamely I found Audrey fascinating. Also I can’t get over one of my recent reads Gena Showalter’s A Mad Zombie Party. To be fair I’ve been pretty obsessed with this whole series but this last one was really good. Victoria Dahl’s Harlot also has a special place in my heart for breaking me down emotionally but still making love the story and the characters.

I will be participating in the 2016 TBR Challenge! I hope to get two things out of this. A) Reading more books that I already own. Really I need the authors I love to take a year off so I can go through their back lists. 2) More regular posting here on Tumblr. I am committing to posting on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Now lets all hope I don’t forget. The thing I like about this challenge is that every month has a theme. I don’t have to follow it but I kinda like them so I just might. If you curious (and so I have somewhere to easily find it) here are the themes.

January 20 - We Love Short Shorts! (category romance, short stories, novella etc.) February 17 - Series Catch-Up (a book from a series you are behind on) March 16 - Recommended Read (a book that was recommended to you) April 20 - Contemporary May 18 - Something Different (outside your comfort zone, unusual setting, non-romance etc.) June 15 - Favorite Trope (a favorite theme - amnesia? secret baby? fairy tale? friends-to-lovers? etc.) July 20 - Award Nominee or Winner (links to past RITA finalists and winners TBA) August 17 - Kicking It Old School (publication date 10 years or older) September 21 - Random Pick (a built-in off-theme month - go where your mood takes you!) October 19 - Paranormal or Romantic Suspense November 16 - Historical December 21 - Holiday Themes

Read With Me: Anything But Broken

Hurricane Creek Book 1 by Joelle Knox

8%: So far we have one dead sister, circumstances terrible but unknown. One dead father, seems like he drunkenly wrapped his car around a tree. One brain dead mother, one torn almost 21 year old and a hottie whom said 21 year old feels guilty about. Okay.

38%: Look, I really need to know what happened to the sister. Her death obviously involved Sean. Was it a car accident? Was she pregnant? I bet its the preggo thing cause Hannah has sex issues.

43%: things are now leaning towards the sister having committed suicide. I feel like this book Is less about the character and not about the mystery of Hannah’s family.

46%: I don’t know how much more of Hannah I can take. Don’t get me wrong she is a well crafted character but all we doubts and mood changes and yearning is getting on my nerves.

56%: So the sister was bipolar. I’m not surprised they’ve been talking about her needing help throughout the book.

78%: Here comes the part where she breaks up with Sean *sigh*

82%: Damn I'm glad the truth is finally out. It was driving me batty.

Read With Me: Mine to Hold

Mine Book 3 by Cynthia Eden 

I’m sorry I didn’t start to put this together until after I was halfway through the book. It’s been so crazy and I need to talk about some points. I’m going to go back and note the few things I did talk post (on twitter or goodreads) but I know it’s not the same as it was in the beginning.

Somewhere in the first 20%: My money is on the brother being the current psycho. (I’ve seen a few things throughout the book that support this theory.)

35%: This reads like at TV Show

Somewhere between 35 and 50%: If Ethan is dead I’ll eat my sock.

58%: Oh the shade of it all. The setups are endless. (I kinda love it)

63%: Does Claire have a stutter? She doubles up on words all the time.

67%: I’m not sure if I believe brother dearest.

73%: Sad brother dearest story part two. I’m still not buying it.

78%: I knew Ethan was not dead! Or maybe he is and his brother is using a recording of his voice. I can’t make up my mind.

85%: Damn, I didn’t want him to get Gwen.

95%: Crazy town part two.

Read With Me: Better Homes and Hauntings

Molly Harper

Nina Linden, Deacon Whitney, Jake Rumson, Cindy Ellis, Dotty Whitney

Regina Van Hauten, Rick Douglas + some dead people

0%: I’m excited because A) this is a standalone and it’s been quite some time since I read one and 2) I haven’t read a Molly Harper in forever. I’m looking forward to rekindling our author/reader relationship.

3%: “Beware all enterprises that start with the purchase of Crocs.”  Great opening line. 

6%: “You realize that as the blonde, I’m probably going to be picked off first” I really wanted Nina to respond “As long as you don’t have sex you’ll be fine.”

7%: Nice rationalizing Nina.

12%: “Hey, I’ll do false modesty about a lot of things but not the cookie jar.”  That’s right Cindy. LOL 

12%: So every chapter is from a different characters POV.... hmmmm

17%: “Is that a Zack Morris phone?” That might be my favorite quote ever. Be still my SBTB loving heart. 

29%: Oh no, the dreaded (and apparently bat-sh*t crazy) ex has reared his ugly head. (29% done)

33%: “Sweetheart, I’m going to insist that you ride that man like a pony,” Cindy added. “For the good of mankind, technological advancement, and America’s place in the worldwide economy.” This book is cracking me up.

34%: “She is going to turn it into the house from Beetle-Juice.” I thought the exact same thing.

34%: “Ninja Death Squad Buttons: The Latest in Modern Romantic Gestures” These chapter titles!!!

54%: “...time was the most valuable commodity on earth. There was a limitless supply, but everybody had a finite amount assigned to him or her.”

58%: “Have you noticed you tend to bring the crazy out in a girl?”  Cindy to Jake.

68%: “There they would defend their stash of shrimp balls to the death.” This is the place where I can be found at any party.

83%: I thought this a while ago and forgot to write it down but I don’t think Gerald is the killer. I think it’s Jack.

88%: F-bomb! F-bomb! F-BOMB! (censored)

Read With Me: The Bride Wore Size 12

Heather Wells Book 5 by Meg Cabot 

Page 5: “That’s one of the many reason I fell in love with you, Heather. You’ve never been afraid to dram big.”  Cooper starts in with the sweet talk early.

Page 5: Wow, The first 4 books only span a year.

Page 20: Oh God, I want to punch this kid. Prince or not.

Page 35: Everyone is sick? They all have Ebola. (just kidding)

Page 88: I knew it was her mom. Nicole is in so much trouble.

Page 135: Why is it that every time the New York College Express is mentioned they always say the daily student news blog too? 

Page 149: How much do you want to bet Sarah is feeding info to the blog?

Page 170: “There are definitely no decent heterosexual guys left.” PREACH! They are all in books.

Page 248: What the hell do they do with a spatula in FSoG?

Page 251: I should make this drink.

Page 283: Awww Cooper’s really sweet when he’s all drugged up on pain pills. Kidding again. He is pretty sweet in general. I feel like I’ve never noticed that before.

Page 316: Whoa, didn’t see that coming.

Page 347: Fuck! You didn’t turn the ringer off?!?!?!? You knew he was a the desk.

Page 366: It’s nice to have friends in high places. LOL

Page 383: “I don’t have butterflies. I have bulls, Ramming their way through my small intestines.” That’s nervous.

Page 392: That darn Cooper and his sweetness.

I didn’t realize how much I missed Heather until I started this book. It makes me sad that this is the end of the series. Maybe it won’t be. Heather and Cooper a young, there’s still lots of trouble they could get end to. If this is indeed the end I’m glad we left off on a sweet note.

Read With Me: Rocky Retreat

Six Pack Ranch Book 7.5 by Vivian Arend

0%: This is my first dip in to Six Pack Ranch. I've been wanting to dive into this series for a while but alas my TBR list grows exponentially to what I'm actually able to read.

2%: Gary Ricardo sounds like a name for a villain. No wonder he cheated on her.

6%-ish: A nine year age difference? She's my age and I can't seem myself dating someone that graduated with my little cousin so I understand. Thank goodness Lee has patience.

23%: "His balls were going to explode before this was all over, but it was worth it."  That line made me smile. I might be a little weird.

30%: "...she could have been wearing a polar bear costume and he's still be turned on,..." I really like the way Lee thinks.

60%: Wait, how does she ignore the fact that he isn't wearing any underwear?

67%: More time to what? Cheat on her? Rachel's sister is stupid.

69%: "It's a well-known fact brand-new babies give off addictive pheromones, and she's trying to get all of us gaga so we succumb and start another baby boom."

78%: Flu schmu, I bet she's preggers!

91%: No Valentine's Day celebrating. YAY, Rachel! I knew I liked her.

Read With Me: Forgiving Lies by Molly McAdams

Rachel Masters, Logan Kash Ryan "Hendricks", Mason Gates "Hendricks", Candice Jenkins, Blake West

Page 1: It’s finally happening. I’m reading a Molly McAdams book. I’ve been collecting these for a while but this is the first time I’m cracking a page. I’m so excited.

Page 30: Is Blake bipolar? This is not going to end well or easily, is it?

Page 38: That dirty no good lying raping bastard!

Page 65: "I didn’t know who I was, let alone who, and what, I wanted to be."

Page 70: It does seem like Kash is projecting a bit.

Page 132: Oh, that sick bastard! it figures Rachel wasn't the first woman he's attacked.

Page 135: So he's been wanting her since she was 12?!? Well that sheds some light on his crazy/creepy

Page 184: Way to have a slow moment Kash!

Page 233: I wonder what story that lying ass Blake is telling Candice?

Page 253: I can't believe he gave up. Come on Kash! I had more faith in you than that.

Page 266: I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I EFFING KNEW IT! That dirty mofo is a crazy killer. Now let's hope Rachel is rescued in time.

Random Thought: Kash and Mason have had two hits put on them during this book which only spans about 4 months. What a dangerous life they lead.

Page 296: "Note to self: Don't get shot again. It doesn't tickle and makes putting seat belts on a bitch." Even after heartbreak and a bullet he still makes me laugh.

Page 326: Rachel can't catch an effing break.