Review: Connected by Kim Karr

What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice?

Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.

When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soul mate.

Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift—but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her.

But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?

PLEASE NOTE:
The Connection Series includes the sequel to Connected and it is titled TORN (due out October 1st, 2013). Connected and Torn are a duet! There are four other spin-off novels to come centering around characters introduced in Connected.

Let me start by saying WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED!!! I know I am getting ahead of myself, but I want you to be aware that there may be times when you think this books is just lacking something….but if you can make it to the end, your whole mind frame will change. What you thought you liked or hated will not be relevant anymore and you will be on the edge of your seat dying for the next book. The twist is just that fucked up, and it is a major cliffhanger, so heads up.

Okay, so back to the order my thoughts should be placed in, lol. I just had to get that ending thought out there.

When I started reading, I wasn’t exactly sure where this book would take me. I was drawn in from the moment I realized there would be a rock star present in the story, but something was still missing for me. There are many secrets floating around in the story and by the end I had answers to some, but not all. Not to mention the even bigger secret that gets opened up in the end…I swear, it almost killed me!!

This is a well written love story. It really has most of the aspects that I look for when reading a contemporary romance. The only issue I had with the love aspect is that it moved just a little too fast a some points in the story.

So what didn’t I like? I really can’t pin point. The emotional turmoil and drama really had me going. Of course the rock star had me as well as the moments of darkness that our heroine faces. The only thing I could really say pushed me away was the speed of the relationship. There are parts that just seem to move way to fast for the book and I didn’t really get the chance to connect with the characters at that time. But then there are other times when I felt the connection just fine, so may it’s just the way my brain processes.

I really enjoy a lot of angst in my books. This book didn’t have as much as I normally like, but that’s okay. Sometimes we need a break from all of the drama and angst and just need a fast paced relationship that misses all of the mess, lol. Overall, I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed it even more after the ending and am dying to get my hands on the next one. 3.5 stars

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Battlescars by Sophie Monroe

Blurb:

Aubrey Thompson is a twenty-three year old flight attendant for her dad’s small commercial fleet. She’s a sarcastic smartass that has no problem telling you where to go. She also despises rock stars…but that’s all part of the story. Her Granny Jean is spy and will have you laughing out loud.

In comes Jake Parker, the twenty-five year old lead singer of Battlescars. His reputation is the untamable bad-boy. He’s completely “balls to the wall” in everything that he does. Two days after returning home from a month long tour across Europe he gets a visit from Bruce, an executive from the record label. He informs Jake that Battlescars is going back on tour for three months. What everyone doesn’t know is that Jake is worn down and sick of the same old shit.

His record label hires Aubrey’s dads company to fly him around for the last minute tour. In order to keep her dad's company afloat they will have to learn to play nice. When Jake first meets Aubrey she refuses to even acknowledge his existence. He sees her as refreshing and a challenge.

Both of them have some pretty heavy scars from their pasts holding them back. Can Jake get Aubrey to let him in? Or will she shoot him down based on his outlandish reputation? Will her fear of getting hurt again keep him out for good?

Are the two of them a match in heaven or hell?

Official Battlescars Playlist:
30 Second to Mars- I’ll Attack

Finger Eleven- Living in a Dream

The Brixton Riot- It’s Been Too Long

Lit- Partner In Crime

Nonpoint- Everybody Down

Angus & Julia Stone- Big Jet Plane

Lostprophets- Can’t Catch Tomorrow

Hinder- Heaven Sent

Journey- Don’t Stop Believin’

Papa Roach- Alive (N’ Out of Control)

The Gaslight Anthem- Blue Dahlia

Metallica- Turn the Page

Age of Daze (Days) – Afflicted


About the Author:
Sophie Monroe is a New Jersey native just starting out her writing adventure. She has always been a night owl with a creative side. Her books often reflect both her sense of humor and sarcasm.

She tries to communicate on the fact that "life's too short" in her stories. Bad things happen in life it's inevitable, but pick yourself up and dust yourself off and move forward. Nothing can hold you down, unless you choose to let it.

She also loves to incorporate meaningful quotes that she hopes will inspire her readers (or at least give them a good laugh).

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Use the rafflecopter below to enter for a chance to win an e-book of Battlescars of a SIGNED copy of Battlescars.

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Jake Circa 2007

“Jake.” A voice whined. Not again… I groaned.



I sat up and rubbed my hands over my scruffy face. Damn, I really needed to shave. I woke up with not one, but two girls in my bed. I always tried my hardest to get them out as soon as the party was over and I had my fun. Obviously last night was a mind eraser because I barely remembered any of it. I remember playing the show, but everything that happened after that is anyone’s guess. I’m pretty sure the one is named Vanessa and the other one was Trixie or was is Victoria? Who cares…



I rubbed my eyes hoping the room would stop spinning. I looked over and noticed the pile of condoms on the floor. Thank fuck I’ve never be that stupid, even while completely inebriated. I tried to climb out of bed. Vanessa kept trying to push me back on the bed. I struggled against her and managed to get to my feet. She sat on the edge of the bed pouting with her arms crossed. Awesome… I walked out into the living room and saw my newly acquired bodyguard Brett sitting on the couch. I motioned with my head for him to take care of the disposal. He nodded in understanding and went to do this mornings tossing. They really needed to give him a raise or something.



I stepped into the shower and turned the water on as hot as I could. My head was pounding something fierce. I wondered what the rest of the guys ended up doing last night after I left. I stayed under the water until I couldn’t stand it anymore. I walked back into the room and noticed it had been cleaned up a bit. All the wrappers were gone as were last night’s guests. I went over to the dresser and pulled out a pair of boxers and some clothes. I dressed in a haste and went across the hall to see the rest of the guys. We over slept and needed to be at the arena in an hour. I opened the door and started banging around.



“What the fuck man?” Derek grumbled.



“Come on we need to go.” I said rolling him off the couch onto the floor.



We were a bunch of twenty-one year old misfits. We met in Arizona a couple of years ago and took a chance on moving to LA last year. We were stuck playing small gigs when a label approached us about signing. We jumped at the opportunity and have been on a small fifteen-passenger bus for the past three months opening up for Crashing Down.



We spent our days sleeping off our hangovers and our nights playing shows and partying. I think I’m going to need a new liver soon. I went over to the bedroom and started shaking Blake. He was bitching to leave him alone. Kevin came out of the bathroom ready to go. Together we managed to get Blake to his feet. He was still feeling the effects of last night. Once everyone was ready we climbed into the van and headed over to the venue.



We lugged in all of our equipment since we weren’t quite at the status of a headliner and didn’t get roadies. We performed a quick sound check and headed over to the little closet that they called a dressing room. The groupies were already there in the masses. I saw a cute little dark haired girl and decided she would be the bad decision for the night. I walked over and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to look at me and gaped. She was cute. Dark hair, big brown eyes with a hot little body.



“OH MY GOD!” She squeaked. “Y-you’re Jake Parker.” She stuttered.



“Last I checked.” I smirked.



“I’m a huge fan.” She eyed me up and down. “I’m Rachel.”



“Nice to meet you Rachel.” I grabbed a beer and walked over to sit on a folding metal chair. She came over and sat on my lap. Yep, she was an easy one.



We did the show and took the van back to the hotel. We had a little party in the room before Rachel and I retreated back to my room. I was definitely drunk. Again. Rachel was more than willing and by the time I came out of the bathroom from taking a piss she was sprawled out across the bed naked. She offered me a condom, but I didn’t trust anything that wasn’t mine. I suited up and fucked her. I honestly don’t know why I continued to do it. It was meaningless sex. It meant nothing other then getting my rocks off. I pounded into her until I came. I didn’t even care that she didn’t even get off. She was pouting her bottom lip. I turned off the bedside lamp and rolled over closing my eyes.



When I woke up the next morning, actually it was the afternoon I went straight into the bathroom. I showered and came out to get some clothes. My wallet was missing, as was my cell phone. I walked into the living area and asked Brett if he took them. He looked at me and shook his head. Fucking bitch stole my shit. I tossed everything in my suitcase and called to cancel all my credit cards. Brett’s phone was ringing. He answered it and handed it to me. It was Ron. He was like my dad. He was the only steady adult figure I’ve had in my life.



“Hi son. How are you?” He asked.



“Alright.” I tried to sound like I had my shit together. Though there was no fooling him.



“You sure as hell don’t sound alright.” He protested. “Listen you are supposed to be on tour. Have fun. Hell, have a few beers here and there, but I know exactly what you’re doing and it ain’t right Jake. You can’t change your past. I know it’s all fun and games getting your dick wet every night, but there’s more to life than that. Get your shit together or I’m coming to take you home. I will not stand by and watch you dry up into another has been. Understand?”



“Yes, sir.”



“Good. I’ll check back with you in a couple days. Remember what I said.”



He hung up the phone and I handed it back to Brett. I went back into my room and sat on the edge of the bed. Ron was right. I needed to get my shit together. I was using my fame and leaving a wake of destruction in its path. I vowed to give up the drinking except for an occasional beer from time to time and the groupies needed to go. I was going to try my hardest to get my act together. I just hoped that I was strong enough to do it.

Rocked Under (Rocked #1) by Cora Hawkes

Did you love Thoughtless? Did you love Beautiful Disaster? You know I did….. this book reminds me of both meshed together with a little something else added. I loved it! Don’t get me wrong. Thoughtless and Beautiful Disaster are both one of a kind and hold a special place in my heart, but if you enjoyed them, I know you will enjoy Rocked Under. I see book 2 morphing into something fun, emotional and angsty.

I loved the book, but there were a few parts when I was like really, is this happening again? And I had my, just shut up and kiss her already moments, but all of that builds up to the end, and the wanting and waiting and getting pissed off was all worth it.

I liked the characters, but something was missing. I can’t quite place it. I connected with them, but at the same time I didn’t. I wish I could pin point exactly what it was, it’s just like I needed something more. Scott’s character was great. He is a womanizing, bad boy, rock star. I swooned over him, but not near as much as I hoped I would.

Even though I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I wanted, I still really enjoyed the book and storyline as a whole.

Emma moves with her mom to the US. She lives with her cousin, Ashley below Ashley’s long time friend, Scott. Ashley warns Emma from the beginning Scott is a womanizer. He doesn’t do girlfriends, and is pretty much a one night stand guy.

Ashley talks Emma into going out with her one night to the local bar. She hasn’t met many people yet and thinks it will be a good way to make new friends. Emma is immediately drawn to the guy on stage singing his heart out.

I was blown away again at the beauty of him. Dark, silky overgrown hair, which was a sexy mess, hung over his right eye until he swept it back. He had high cheeks and full lips, which were almost making out with the mic. He was outstanding…

Emma later finds out that the guy she was oogling on stage is Scott. She is disgusted with herself. She has never looked at someone like they were man candy before. This isn’t the person she is. She’s also disgusted that she is attracted to the womanizer, she doesn’t do one nighters, so she knows there is no way she can ever get involved with Scott.

Emma and Scott have a rough start. She is determined that he is some horrible person and demands all kinds of answers from him.

“I’m not into relationships.” He shrugged as if it was nothing, but I knew he was lying. “So basically, you sleep around because you can get away with it and you think that having a girlfriend would hinder you and you’d get bored.”.

Emma and Scott finally make it over the hating each other part of their “friendship” as Emma starts to see another side of him.

To the outside world he was Scott Mason; bad boy and womanizer, In private, he was Scott Mason; caring and loyal friend.

Scott has this crazy protective thing going on when it comes to Emma. If she is ever I a situation that is slightly inappropriate he breaks it up and always threatens to beat any guy that touches her. Emma is confused. Scott hates her, then he is her friend and now he acts like a crazed lunatic whenever she is just trying to have fun.

There was a storm gazing at me, and anger emanating from him that made me flinch. “I can’t stop wanting you and seeing you with As is- it’s driving me fucking crazy.”

This leaves Emma even more confused. It like, she wants him but she knows the kind of person he is so she avoids him. He says he wants her, yet he brings home a different girl every night and has all of these anger issues when Emma questions him about anything.

Scott continues trying to tell Emma what to do, who she can and can’t see. She is going insane with the back and forth that she keeps getting from him.

“I don’t belong to you. In fact, no one belongs to you,” I sniped and then felt bad. Why didn’t I know when to keep my mouth shut?

Okay, so I loved the story. I liked the characters, but I needed a little more. I swooned over Scott some, I’m pretty sure I will swoon over him way more in book 2 since it looks like his band is going on tour J I can’t wait for book 2. I have this gut feeling that it will be awesome!

Rock Star (Groupie #2) by Ginger Voight

I want to read the 3^rd book; I need to read the 3^rd book…probably for closure. But, after everything my gut has endured from reading Rock Star, I don’t know if I can take it! Groupie was awesome, but like everyone before me said, Rock Star was even better. This series is so awesome. If you are a fan of Thoughtless and Effortless by S.C. Stephens, this is a must read.

My stomach is in knots, my head is spinning and my heart beat has finally slowed back down to normal. I could not put Rock Star down! I read faster and faster until I hit that wall that almost sent me to my knees. I am so in love with this series, I just don’t understand why more people have not read it. I finished the book literally 10 minutes ago and had to write about it immediately. I need more people to read it simply because I think I need a support group, lol.

The lies and betrayal of book 1 continue in book 2. The whirlwind of feelings tumbled down on me in a spiraling fashion. I just can’t seem to get over the emotions this book had in it, I haven’t been this blown away in a long time.

So, remember the choice that Andy had to make at the end of Groupie? She has stood by it 100%. She is happy, but then sad all at the same time. She struggles with guilt and followes what she thinks she is supposed to do.

“Because it’s the right thing to do,”

I understand what she is going through. You love 2 men, one protected you when you needed to be protected and now you feel it’s your responsibility to take care of him and be there for him…..but on the other hand the one that has your heart is grieving and going about it all the wrong way.

Vanni is throwing away everything to the bottle. He is lost and doesn’t know how to handle the emotions that come with this heartache. All he can think about is her.

Andy was the first…the last…and the only.

That isn’t the only issue going on. Once Vanni kind of gets a handle on his emotions with a little help from his liquid courage he becomes crazy, distant and angry. Andy doesn’t know who the man is that she once loved. Not to mention the new manager Leo who only talks down about Andy and keeps feeding Vanni drinks.

After one of the band members quit (I won’t tell you who, lol) in walks a new member and his sister. The new characters in the book seem to have good intentions but I felt something was off about all of them from the moment they walked in.

While all of this is going on Graham is back in LA with a live in nurse trying to learn how to walk again. I felt so bad for Graham, I like him so much and I want him to have happiness, but it seems that he is always giving and can never receive in return.

With Graham being paralyzed and Vanni going down a very destructive path, Andy is forced again to make a decision that she should not have to make….and if she doesn’t make the right decision there is always someone willing to step up to the plate and take her place.

This book made me want to blow something up. There was a time when I think I felt more hate then the hate I felt toward Kiera in Thoughtless, lol (is that even possible). I wanted to hit something and get the frustration out. Now that I have talked a little, I feel much better. But seriously, someone else read this! I need a support group now…..oh wait, I do have the 3^rd book….I hope I make it out alive, lol.

Groupie by Ginger Voight

GROUPIE WAS AMAZING!! I love my Rockstar books. This has been on the Rock Star Love- the EPIC list of Rock Star Books  for some time and I finally got a chance to read it. LOVED IT! If you ever fantasize about what it would be like to actually be with a Rockstar, you need to read this. It not only goes into details about the steamy situations you can get in with a Rockstar but also goes from before the band ever really hits it big and how they can change and manipulate when they hit that rock stardom point. You will find out exactly why you should never fall in love with a rock star, lol. I couldn’t put it down; I wanted more and more…..and now I’m getting more. I’m currently reading book 2, Rockstar and book 3 was released yesterday, Mogul.

The emotional frenzy I was sent into was intense. I had to hide away in my room all day just so my family would stop talking. Normally, they leave me alone to read, but they were in a VERY            chatty mood today (or maybe I was just being insensitive, lol). This book made my stomach upset. Just when I though, whew, okay, we are safe now….something else would happen….and that happened A LOT! I don’t know if my guts can take reading Book 2, but my heart says I have to. Everyone says book 2 is more intense and even better than book1, I’m almost scared…the intense part heeds warning, lol.

The book starts off fast and intense, I was in 1%, maybe page 2 or 3 and read:

All I wanted in that moment was to forget. To go back in time and erase an unbalanced relationship that had been doomed from the start. For his sake, and for mine.

I know I was in for a crazy ride.

Andy is a freelance writer. She has a few friends in high places and lands a job writing for an up and coming rock band. Awesome, right? WRONG! At first it is pretty awesome, Andy gets to go to parties and concerts and even bump elbows with a few celebrities. She is warned by all of her friends not to fall for Vanni (the front man for DIB), he is not a relationship kind of guy and can’t give her what she needs. Does anyone ever listen to their friends warning…hell no!

I had just been hit by lightning- and his name was Giovanni Carnevale.

Vanni and Andy become closer and closer during the months after they first met. They have late night conversations, text and emails. She is hooked. She needs Vanni more after each time they talk. When she finally gets to see him again and HUGE issue is dropped in her lap. She hates him after this. She doesn’t want to be used as a toy and lead on for his game. But in Hollywood, nothing is ever as it seems…. right?

It was photo after photo, press clipping after press clipping, of Vanni with a beautiful, lithe brunette who looked like a South American supermodel.

Andy gets tangled in a web of lies. Everyone is fake and like Vanni’s warning, nothing is ever as it seems. Andy tries to find a balance between the fake and her reality but the lines keep getting crossed. She is a whirlwind of mess and the drama that Vanni puts her through makes it worse. Over the course of 3 years Vanni and Andy become almost as close as 2 people can become, only to be ripped apart again by Vanni’s selfishness and lies.

The ending will fuck your mind. After a stalker issue gone wrong, leaving 2 people injured and one dead Andy is forced to make a life changing decision.

This book was so much fun. It was filled with ups and towns and twists and turns; many happy moments, and many, many angry moments. I can’t wait to continue the story with Rock Star. I hope the lies and betrayal continue….it probably wouldn’t be much fun without it, lol.

Shut Up and Kiss Me by Mahalia Levey

Shut Up and Kiss Me

This book is short and too the point. It’s entertaining and fulfilling. We get a lot of information in a very short period of time, but it doesn’t feel rushed. It flows nicely and kept me wanting more. There is room for the book to grow, we are introduced to many characters and the message from the end of the book (Be on the lookout for Kiss Me Like You Mean it) leaves me wondering which character will be in the next book. I think Carlie and Jackson need their own book…just saying, lol

There is loads of fun banter back and forth between Shea and Carrie. The bickering and flirting keep building and building until they finally get to that moment……but it takes a little while to get there because Shea refuses to give in on the first night---go figure! A hot rock star and he wants to take things slow!!

I think more of you than a quick piece of ass, carebear. If I wanted that I would have taken your drunken offer or approached you earlier myself months or even a few years ago.”

Okay, so let’s back up and start from the beginning. Carrie is on break from school and is working for her brothers band (score for me! I love books about bands!). After the show one night Carrie is embarrassingly drunk. Shea approaches her:

“Penny for your thoughts.”

Where the new beer in his hand came from, she didn’t have the slightest clue. So she said the words currently on the tip of her tongue. “Wanna fuck?”

Shea is a gentleman and doesn’t take her up on the offer. The next day he shows up at her brother’s house unannounced, she is immediately taken back to her actions of the previous night:

“Why is it that you’re only brave with a beer or four in you?” He brushed a finger down the side of her face. “What are you scared of?”

She doesn’t know what to do or say. They find themselves in a compromising situation when her brother enters.

“When I kiss you, and I will, we won’t be interrupted or in your brother’s house.” Shea turned to walk away. “Tell Garrick the demo is ready.”

“So that’s it? You’re leaving with things like this between us?”

“Darlin’ right now there is no us. There’s tension and mutual lust. I don’t play nice with others. Catch my drift?”

So we already know from before that Shea plans on taking things slow. It is sooooo worth it! When they finally get to…..the good stuff….the scenes are steamy….mega steamy!  Shea knows what he is doing and Carrie responds quickly to him.

If you are looking for a quick, entertaining, intense and steamy read, this is the book for you! I didn’t put it down all morning…..but don’t tell my boss, lol. Mahalia Levey is going on my awesome list, I can’t wait to read more from her!

Rock the Heart (Black Falcon #1) by Michelle Valentine

Rock the Heart was a fun, easy and fast read. It kept me entertained all afternoon. I’m always up for a good rock star book. This one came from my Rock Star Love- the EPIC list of Rock Star Books . I’m slowly but surely working my way through the list. A lot of my reader friends have read this one, so it was time for me to finally get on board, and just in time for the novella Rock the Band to be released January 29, 2013.

Leah and I have something in common, we both went to school for marketing. What’s the difference between us? She get’s a kick ass job to go on the road with the rock band Black Falcon and I’m stuck working for the bank!! Lol, ahh, I can dream can’t I.

So Leah is on the road with Black Falcon and this is her first marketing gig. How did she get such a fabulous job? Well….the lead singer, Noel Falcon, is her high school sweetheart….the one who got away…the one whose heart she broke…..

I knew I broke his heart when I said I could never be with a dreamer because dreams don’t pay the bills.

But Leah couldn’t have been more wrong about Noel that night on the dock when she broke his heart.

He totally made it, while I’m still struggling to land my perfect job in this tough economy with my ‘sensible’ degree.

Thanks to Noel, she won’t have to suffer much longer. He hires the marketing firm that she works for but only agrees to work with Leah, forcing her to go on the road with the band for 2 weeks and finally face him again after 4 long years….4 years that have been really good to Noel, while Leah’s last 4 years have been really lonely.

I was giddy when I realized that Noel would not make it easy for Leah when she first joined him on the road. She has all of these rules in her head like she won’t kiss him…among other things, yet she agrees to stay in his bedroom on Big Bertha…well she does think she will be staying in there alone, but then where would Noel sleep…. J

There is a constrant struggle between Leah and Noel to find a common ground. Leah wants to remain professional while Noel wants to….well, you know. Leah is at the point of finally giving in when a MAJOR secret is dropped on her. It rips her to shreds. How could Noel betray her and lie after everything they have been through….

You will fall in love with Noel. You won’t want the terrible thing you learn about him to be true. You heart will be played with while you head is running a mile a minute. Rock the Heart was a roller coaster ride of fun. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

Related Post:

Black Falcon Series by Michelle Valentine Reading Order

Forever My Girl (The Beaumont #1) by Heidi McLaughlin

Forever My Girl

I have wanted to read this for some time now. I bought it the day it released but have been so backed up on my other books that I am just now getting to it.

I was looking forward to the bad boy rock star romance that I thought would come of this book, but I was mistaken. It is so much more than that! Yes, Liam is a rock star, but the book doesn't thrive on that. We know Liam is a big shot, rock star and has made millions from doing what he loves, but that is about it. No rock star glamour, no crazy groupie sex stories, just a rock star going back home for the first time in 10 years to the life that he once lived for.

Here is Heidi's blurb, it is sure to pull you in even if my review doesn't:

I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after.

I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile.

And now I’m going back.

After ten years.

I hope I can explain that after all this time.

I still want her to be my forever girl. 

The book is intense from the beginning. I'm not one to read a book synopsis, I go based on what people say, so like I said, I thought I was going to be jumping into a bad boy rock star book, instead...I got heartache...angst...and almost turmoil. My emotions were running on high from the beginning. The death of Liam's close friend is what brings this on. It sends him into the past and makes him regret eveything he has done. Liam has to go home and pay his respects, but he is scared because of the mess he left behind.

She was my best friend and I let her slip through my fingers just to save myself from the heartach of hearing she didn't want me anymore. I had dreams too.

So Liam goes back to his hometown, Beaumont. It still like he remembers, he just hopes he can make it without being recognized. He wants to see Josie, but he doesn't want to stir up drama. This time isn't about him, it's about Mason and the time they lost because he was young and had a dream.

I won't lie, even though I was sad for Mason and his family I still couldn't wait for the reunion of Josie and Liam. I knew it would be intense, I just had no idea how intense it would be. Liam has no idea what he is about to walk into, and Josie doesn't know how she will ever face him and finally tell him the truth, something she should have done 10 years ago. Is it too late for them? Has Josie moved on? Will they be able to make it knowing that Liam walked out all those years ago, how can Josie be sure he won't do it again.

Everyone thinks Liam is in town and will be gone the next day, but then he makes a promise that he can't break.

"My name's Peyton. Will you watch football with me on Sunday?"

I look down at the little girl that is clearly all Mason with her Beaumont High football jersey on. "Hi Peyton, I'm Liam and I'd love to watch football with you."

So now Liam is in town, can Josie handle it?

I never thought I'd see the boy who stole my heart and failed to give it back. I'm not sure I want it back.

Ahhh, just go for it Josie!! He is clearly in love with you! Can't you see that!! I never wanted to hit Josie because I understood where she was coming from, but I did want to give her a hard push a few times. I mean really, your high school sweetheart is back, he is clearly still in love with you and come on, he has agreed to watch football on Sunday with a little girl because her daddy is gone and can't do it anymore. How sweet is that!!?

I'm looking forward to the 2nd book of the Beaumont Series, there is a snippet at the end of Forever My Girl, and if possible, I think it might be better than book 1.

The Devil's Metal by Karina Halle

The Devil's Metal

Can something be beautiful and creepy all at the same time? I think so! If you want something to read that doesn't really have to do with romance, but still has that chemistry there, you need to read this! This is a rockstar book, but not our typical rockstar read. We get the whole band vibe with the groupies, fans, drugs and drinking minus the romantic angst. I was hooked from the moment I saw the 1st musical reference. My husband is a metal head and I like to think of myself as one too (just maybe not as extreme, lol).

 

I have been in a MAJOR Dex funk for the past few weeks, since I finished the Experiment in Terror Series by Karina Halle. I think I am finally moving on (for real this time!). Everything about this book kept me wanting more and more. I had to know what was going on, I had to know what was going to happen next. I stayed on the edge of my seat of 2 days reading. Normally, I can read pretty fast, but I didn't want to miss a second of anything that was going to happen.


Rusty/Dawn



The setting is in 1974. I wasn't worried about that all because I know that most kick ass music comes from the 60's and 70's. if you are worried about the time setting, don't be. You really don't notice that the book is set in the 70's until you get a glimpse of the wardrobe, or some of the lingo and the band/song references.



Sage



I was stoked that Karina used actual things that could have happened in 1974. there is a point in the book when our heroine is offered a ride from a handsome man named Ted, I was scared for her because I thought she was going to accept the ride and I was like NOOOO DON'T GET IN THE CAR WITH TED BUNDY!!!

Dawn, our heroine is a huge music addict. She writes concert reviews for local magazines until she is scouted by a major magazine. They want her to go on the road with her favorite band (every girls dream, right!?).



Some of Hybrid



Of course she takes the job, only and idiot wouldn't. But then she realizes she may be over her head, she hasn't the slightest idea what to do and she is overwhelmed by the band:There is Graham, the creepy satanic drummer, Noelle the bassist who instantly hates Dawn and thinks she is just a groupie, lead singer Robbie who flirts with her, Noelle's boyfriend Mickey who seems to be okay and then there is Sage....who seems to hate the idea of having a journalist on the tour and is instantaneously rude to Dawn.



After meeting everyone and getting settled in Dawn starts to feel a little better, that is until things take a turn for the creepy. She starts to see things that shouldnt be there and feel unplesantly eerie activity.

I felt horror, a terror so complete that I had one thought: I was going to die there on the stage. I was going to lose my soul.

I was going to Hell.



The anxiety and depth of the story....uhhg I'm still thinking about it! There is so much that lies within in this book it would take me forever to tell you about it. I'm sure my husband is more confused now, after I attempted to tell him the entire book than he has ever been before, lol.

Oh, and let's not forget my major freak out moment near the end of the book:

Me to Ashley: OMG! OMG! OMG!!! The Devil's Metal kinda ties in with EIT!!! Just a little, no Dex or Perry or anything like that but they have something similar and that's all I'm gonna say, lol.  



Even if only for the musical remarks alone, 5 stars all the way! Karina has me hooked again.

Message from Karina's blog:

LAST BUT NOT LEAST = Because all EIT books were slashed to 99 cents last month, I’m doing the same for The Devil’s Metal this month on Ama­zon — or at last until Into the Hol­low is released. It’s only fair! So if you haven’t snatched up the book, get on it while you still can at this super duper low price! And remem­ber, The Devil’s Reprise (#2) comes out in March/April so you don’t have too long to wait to get more sexy Sage and Dawn times.



Backstage Pass (Sinners on Tour) by Olivia Cunning



Backstage Pass (Sinners on Tour)

I have so much love for this book! I can't believe it has taken me this long to write the review. I'm getting myself read for the release of Double Time (Sinners on Tour #3) (YAY!!).....so I tell myself  "why not go ahead and do the reviews for books 1 and 2 and make a reading order guide...." and that's exactly what I'm doing, lol.



Brian

This book was a lot of fun! It was steamy, angsty, even romantic...I fell for it big time! My husband is a musician and it just made me want to eat him up the way Myrna eats up Master Sinclair. It probably messed with his head a bit, lol I mean, when I read this I had just gotten off the Fifty kick and then I was on to some hot and heavy rock star book...I'm sure my husband thanks E.L. James and Olivia Cunning for that week (blushing big time over that, lol).

Book 1 is so far my favorite of this series, I don't know what it is about Brian Sinclair, but man, oh man, if you haven't read it yet I know you will fall hard for him just like I did. I think it has to do with the fact that when Myrna meets him he is drunk and heartbroken. He can't seem to keep his women away from The Sinner's lead vocalist, Sed. Not to mention that he falls in love super easy.



Myrna

Myrna, a sex therapist (or is it professor, I'm thinking professor...it's been a few months, forgive me!) bumps into Brian at the right time. He is drunk and heartbroken and Myra knows just how to cure his heartache...The band constantly warns Myrna that Brian is sensitive and whatever she does DO NOT HURT HIM! She continues to think that they are just having fun, when Brian keeps seeing it another way...WHY, can't she just listen to the band!! Brian is easily heartbroken! He thinks every woman he is with is the one for him. Oh, I just wanted to punch her in the face!!

He wanted something real, not the fantasy. She could see it in his soft, brown eyes as he gazed at her. She was sorry to disappoint him, but she was all about that fantasy. He’d just have to find a way to cope when her few hours in fantasyland came to an end.

Myrna plays with his heart BIG TIME. Each time she finds a way out of his life, it's like all she can do is want to be back in it (make up your damn mind!). She keeps insisting that all they are doing is having a Good time....but her actions speak differently than her words.

Although I hated Myrna, I felt pretty bad for her too. Her ex was a major dick! He convinced her she was a stupid whore just because she was sexually adventurous. So between the demons they both have, you are in for some serious turmoil.

Aside from the whiplash back and forth with Myrna and Brian, I really came to love this book. It has some crazy, mega blushing, steamy scenes and let's not forget Brian is a member of a touring rock band so you KNOW that added some entertainment to the book. Overall, great read! Book 2, good read...I can't wait for book 3!

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Sinners on Tour Series by Olivia Cunning Reading Order

Devoured by Emily Snow

HOT, STEAMY, SEXY, YUMMY AND OMG, A ROCKSTAR!!! This is the first book in the Devoured Series and I can't wait for the next book, it left me wanting so much MORE!!! There's no cliffhanger ending but it does leave some things unanswered and I'm dying to know about them.

Sienna Jensen left her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee behind to follow her dreams of working in the fashion world in California. She has no plans of returning home until she finds out that her grandmother's home, the home that she herself was raised in, has been foreclosed on and her grandmother is being evicted. Returning home to help, she comes face to face with the delicious rockstar, Lucas Wolfe, the man she almost spent a hot and steamy night with two years ago before he sent her packing. The same man who now has the deed to her grandmother's home.

Lucas recognizes Sienna the minute he sees her and there is just as much chemistry between them as there was two years ago and he wants her just as much as he did then, but Sienna is having nothing to do with him. He is cocky and arrogant and she refuses to let him get to her. Lucas decides that he has to have her, to finish what they started that night and makes a deal with her: If she spends 10 days with him as his assistant, doing as he says, playing by his rules, then he will hand over the deed to her grandmother's house. Sienna flat out refuses at first, she doesn't want to give into him after what he did to her that night, but she will do anything to help the woman that raised her so she finally agrees. Can Sienna resist him once they are alone together? What will she do once she is introduced into his erotic lifestyle?

The Mighty Storm by Samantha Towle

Okay, so who loves a Hot, Tattooed, Bad Boy, ROCKSTAR??? I know, stupid question right, everybody loves it. Well this book is all about said Bad Boy Rockstar and his best friend/love interest and their struggle to reconnect. I loved this book!! I wanted to rip Jake out of the pages and keep him for myself ;)

Tru Bennett and Jake Wethers were best friends and next door neighbors for the first 14 years of their lives. When Jake's mom re-married they moved from England to the United States and Jake and Tru eventually lost touch. Twelve years later, Jake is the lead singer for The Mighty Storm, the biggest rock band in the world and Tru, who is now a music journalist is sent to interview him.

Tru Bennett

Tru is a nervous wreck, will he remember her, will he even want to see her, he was the one who lost touch with her. She walks into the room and it's instant, he knows her and is happy to see her, so happy that he offers her the job of writing his biography so that she can go on tour with him and the band for a couple of weeks. The only problem is Will, her boyfriend of two years. He is not happy that she will be alone with the band for weeks or the fact that she is so close to Jake, but it's the opportunity of a lifetime and he agrees to let her go, knowing she would just go anyway. 

Jake Wethers

Jake wants to prove to Tru that she is everything to him and he wants her to stay in his life as his best friend and his girl and he will do whatever it takes to win her heart. Tru is so confused, she loves Will but her heart has always belonged to Jake. What's a girl suppose to do? There is Will, who is sweet and loving and trusting and has been there for her for two years. Then, there is Jake, a ROCKSTAR, who has a reputation of a womanizer, and history of drug and alcohol abuse, but he is also her best friend and she has loved him her whole life. Neither one is willing to let her go. Lucky Girl!!

Saving Grace (Mad World #2) by Christine Zolendz

Saving Grace

What a great way to spend my Columbus Day off work! I finished Saving Grace in one sitting and I just gotta say, I AM IMPRESSED! It was everything I hoped it would be! I only stopped for pee breaks and a moment to text Ashley while reading:

Me: I'm almost finished with Saving Grace. I love it!

The new, bad ass Grace

Ashley: Eeeek! Is it as good as the first one?

Me: I think it's better, Grace is a bad ass!!

Ashley: HELL YEAH!!



In book one I pictured Grace as a sweet faced girl that was hiding the demons she was fighting behind her silver eyes....something happened in book 2. I now see Grace as a BAD ASS sexy beast! I kind of went back and forth on my versions of Grace. One minute I saw the new Grace, the next I was back on my old Grace (WHY must you play with my emotions Christine!!). Shane remained the same sexy, sultry (some may say man whore, lol) rock god that we remember in book 1.

My original, sweet Grace

Saving Grace picks up where Fall From Grace left off; Grace is still in a coma and stuck somewhere in between. She wants nothing more than to come out of the coma and go back to her life as Grace. She had no idea that Shane was her Shamsiel all along. She just needs to go back to him...then she starts thinking....wait? I waited 2000 years for this guy and now he gets with any walking vagina trying to erase my memory...SHE IS PISSED!

Even though Grace is upset with all that has gone on, she still wants to get back to her body...well Grace's body, but there is just one thing...



Shane



Oh, and let's not forget that there seems to be a gang of idiotic, fallen angels after me.

The archangel, Gabriel, wants Grace all to himself. He can't seem to understand when Grace says no, she means NO!



"Choose me and we will take over the heavens together. Choose me or I will break you until you do", he whispered. I laughed. "Never, I will never choose you. I'll be his until the end."

So, if you read the chapters listed for the book you will see that the epilogue is labeled Happy- Epilogue- After (I am so grateful for that! Sometimes I feel like I will have an anxiety attack getting to the end....at least with this, I didn't have too many worries, lol). Everything to get to the Happy-Epilogue-After is SO worth it. Grace transformed into this motorcycle ridding, guitar playing bad ass. The entire band finds out one of her secrets and she can never live it down. Lea is constantly on her case to just BE WITH SHANE ALREADY! And, Shane gets into to more than enough tiffs with people forcing them to stay away from what is his, even though she won't have anything to do with him.....well not much to do with him anyway....ohh the tension! I love, love loved it! I cannot wait to read more from Christin Zolendz, she is somehow sneaking into my top 10 with her fansofuckingtastic self!

SURPRISE FROM THE ENDING!!

Christine is working on Shane's POV. Are you as excited as I am!! EEEKKK!!! She says it should be published soon, she kept her word on getting Saving Grace to us soon, so I have faith that she will keep her word on Shane's POV.

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Fall From Grace by Christine Zolendz