Review and Giveaway of Exquisite by Ella Frank AND A SNEEK PEEK INTO ENTICE!!

Review, Giveaway and a Special Peek into

Entice!

 

 

 



Exquisite

By Ella Frank

 Also posted at: Ms. Reality's Goodreads

Book was given by author for review.

I have received an exclusive snippet of Entice from Ella!  Please continue to read!!

4.5 Stars

For nine years, Dr. Lena O’Donnell, has been consumed with guilt, struggling to make it through each day, drowning herself in her work.  Unable to get past that one fateful night and her horrible loss, Lena has closed herself off and built concrete walls around her heart that the military would have trouble getting through.  Lonely, miserable and guilt ridden, Lena believes this is how her life should be.

Owner of the hottest restaurant in Chicago, Mason Langley loves the life of the hottest bachelor in the city.  Who knew that one encounter with a terribly pissed off doctor would change everything. Mason cannot stop thinking of Lena. 

As the tension and chemistry explodes between these two, they begin to feel their walls start to crumble. 

When tragedy strikes, the effect on the couple is astronomical and surviving it together may not be an option.

My thoughts:

Initially, I had a very hard time getting into this story. The first few chapters were not grabbing my attention because Lena wasn't connecting with me.  I just wanted to smack her, but I kept chugging along and I’m so glad I did!

OH.MY.GOD. Mason Langley.  An unbelievably hot, sexy man who cooks!  HELLO!!!!  Sign me UP!!  Mason got so much more than he bargained for by helping his mom out!  That initial meeting between the hero/heroine was combustible.  The hate and loathing were just dripping off the pages.

 My initial thought of Mason was…..whoa!  What crawled up his ass—but that so did not last long!  Every time he smiled and showed those hot dimples, I felt it in my toes!  I loved that he was his own kind of flawed and so real. Also, the way Mason fought for Lena, wouldn’t let her move away and started crumbling down her walls….I mean that’s a lot of work for a playboy! 

“My dad once told me that one day I’d meet someone who drives me so crazy I want to strangle her and yet never would because I can’t bear for her to be gone. Well, that’s when I’ll know I’ve met a woman worth keeping.”

Lena—for a woman who is so broken and guilt-ridden, she sure had a lot of spunk!  I loved the quick comebacks and her relationship with Shelly!  Side note…LOVED SHELLY--she's the star of the next book in the series!  Initially, I found Lena totally annoying and had a very hard time getting past her total bitchiness, but as time went on that bitchiness turned more into attitude.  The more understandable/relatable attitude that I grew to like and connect with!  I'm not saying that I got totally over her annoyingness...because that is not true.  There were many times that I just wanted to take her out back and beat the living crap out of her!!!

I loved how the author wrote the love/hate banter between Lena and Mason.  The lines were sharp and witty!  I felt my smile creep up several times. They butted heads constantly and brought out the worst in each other.  But also the best.  I also like the sexual tension between them.  It wasn’t a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am.  It was a creatively drawn out temptation that kept me wanting to know more.

"'Lena!' Turning, she looked at him and he smiled wide and whispered, 'I'd never spit in your food.'  He paused and grinned, 'I'd have a staff member do it."

HOLY HELL---the shower/bathroom scene.  OH MY!  HOT does not even begin to cover it.  This scene was so well written and I had to pick my mouth up off the floor!

"Trust me. You fed it earlier by screaming out my name when I didn't even touch you."  

Overall, this is an awesome book-which I highly recommend to all!  The bedroom and everyplace else scenes are unbelievably steamy. The characters are very well developed.  There are a wide range of emotions that I felt throughout this book. I even cried at one point (which hardly ever happens for me).  I loved the up and down rollercoaster ride I went on.  .

I can’t wait for the next book Entice to come out!!

Gotta run to the store and get me some peaches!!!!!

 

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A Message from Ella about Entice!!!!

First off, let me say a big thank you to Ms Reality who invited me to come on her blog and give you all a little hint of things to come from the second book in the Exquisite Series, Entice.

If you didn't already know this story is about Dr. Monroe, Lena's best friend and feisty side kick.

The story centers around Shelly and her quest to find the 'perfect' man. Not only is she looking for reliable and dependable, she's also trying to prove to her father that she will not end up choosing the wrong man.

Enter Joshua Daniels - he is NOT her version of reliable or dependable - or is he?

As far as Shelly is concerned he's Mason's long time friend and best man, not someone she should get involved with and certainly not someone she should be imagining hot, sweaty and naked. He is someone she knows she can't have - too messy , too complicated.

Then why can't she stop thinking of all the possible ways to get him between the sheets for one night?

Come and join Shelly, Lena, Mason, Rachel and the newest member of the Exquisite cast, Joshua Daniels, as they take you on a journey through their lives.

Entice includes lots of laughs, nosey friends, a wedding and hot steamy sex, everything an angsty romance deserves.

Xx Ella Frank

-----

HUGE THANK YOU TO ELLA!!!!

 

I can't wait to read Shelly's story and find out what happens to Mason and Lena.

GIVEAWAY!

Ella has offered to give an eBook copy of Exquisite to one lucky reader! Yeah!! Fill out the rafflecopter below and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!! Winners will be announced and emailed!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Slammed Giveaway!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my first give away!  And the winner is......

 

Harman Kaur!!

 

Congraulations!

 

You eBook of Slammed has been sent to you!

 

 

Be on the look out for my next give away!!

Schooled by Deena Bright

Schooled

By Deena Bright

Also posted at: Ms. Reality's Goodreads

4 Stars—Only because the ending pissed me off royally!  Would have been a 4.5 for me.

Goodreads Summary:

The horrifying shock of witnessing her husband banging his skank-whore secretary spurred this ever-wholesome and rule-following teacher to seek some new lessons of her own. A young teacher learns about sexuality, pleasure, and satisfaction from rather unlikely and forbidden teachers, her former students, now recent college graduates. Not only does she get “schooled” by the beautifully-built all-American football player who struggled to pass her class, but she also learns a few tricks from the innocent, well-read, and thoroughly sexy bookworm. Both men teach her that not all curricula worth learning comes from a book.

Go through the journey Janelle Garrity-Flowers faces after discovering her husband’s infidelity. Growing up, she followed the rules, but now, she wants to defy the norms and play by her own rules. Janelle explores her own sexuality, searching for pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. However, despite this callow teacher’s “lesson plan” of forgoing the rules and not letting emotion get involved, the teacher must decide between the athlete, the scholar, and the career she loves. But what or who does she love and want more?

 

My Thoughts:

I was sucked in completely with all of Janelle’s marital problems.  I felt for her. I wanted to scream, fight and stand up for her!  I wanted to be her Char!  Deena really wrote this as real as it could come with a woman’s feeling about being cheated on and lied too.  I really liked how she worked that.

I freaking loved Briggs and Leo.  Two hot, sexy hunks of grown men just waiting in the wings to show Janelle what she had been missing all those years!  I mean, we all need a brush up course now and then…right???  I loved how Janelle had to ‘teach’ Briggs and Leo had to ‘teach’ her.  *Swoon*! 

Another thing I loved was all the pop culture references.  I read in the back of the book that Deena was told to take out all these events that it would time her book….screw that!  I loved the ‘urkle’ reference and my ultimate favorite was the ‘Wicked’ references.  I am very partial to loving that play so well there ya go!  It was also a pivotal moment for Janelle too.

“No more regrets. No more worrying about what everyone thought.  It didn’t matter.  It was my life. My life to live.  Life was flying by.  I needed to fly too, ‘defy gravity.’”

I was really captivated with this book. I loved finding out who she was going to choose and all the drama that was unfolding, even if I didn’t get my answer.  The buildup was nice.   I mean a teacher with a sex life…no way!  I was utterly disappointed with the ending.  There really was not ending.  The story just stopped.  I got no closure or conclusion.  I want to know what happens.  I am sure the author will have the next book out soon, but I don’t like the abruptness of how this ended. 

Can’t wait to hear when the next book comes out cause I’ll have to read it to find out what the hell happens!

“For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: it might have been!”  Words to live by!

Leave Me Breathless by Cherrie Lynn

Leave Me Breathless

By Cherrie Lynn

Also posted at: Ms. Reality's Goodreads

5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

Leather and lace don't strike sparks. Or do they?

It's Valentine's Day, but Macy Rodgers isn't feeling the love. Aside from a torrid, one-night fling in a backseat a few months back, her love life has been sorely lacking, but fortunately she has devious friends who feel like playing Cupid. Wouldn't they be shocked to learn that the match they've made for her is the same one that steamed up the back of that '69 GTO...

Seth "Ghost" Warren has just returned to town after an extended absence. Between his grandmother's failing health, his job as a tattoo artist, his band's gigs, and a crazy ex that won't leave him alone, he's stretched thin. Cautious cowgirl Macy is the last thing he needs thrown into the mix.

She's all country, he's all heavy metal—and Macy knows that if anyone can propel her out of her rut, it's Seth. But when their worlds collide, it's anyone guess if they'll survive with their hearts intact.

My Thoughts:

Cherrie Lynn hit a homerun, slam dunk, ace in the hole or any other analogy that says…..IT WAS A FREAKING AWESOME BOOK!!!! 

This is me while reading this one!

 

The way Cherrie writes is so intriguing.  It pulled me in, wrapped its claws around me and wouldn’t let go!  And I LOVED the scratches! 

Ghost—Seth---OH. MY. GOD!   Pierced…tattooed….bald…muscles….goatee….rocker….sexier than hell!  OH my…give me a minute…..(Breathe….Breathe….) Okay..I’m better…kinda.

We first met Ghost in Rock Me (#2 in the series) as Brian’s best friend.  Ghost may not be a “Ross” for this series, but who the HELL CARES!  I loved how he was the badass with the I don’t give a shit attitude, but underneath he’s a totally compassionate, loving, heartfelt man, whose terrified of getting hurt.  Ghost’s loyalty to Brian was so admirable.  I loved the banter between them.

“Ghost leaned across the table toward Candace and Brian. ‘Candace,’ he said, and for a moment Macy thought he might actually say something sincere.  No such luck. ‘I really advise against leaving him alone with me again.  Two hours away from you and he was coming on to me.’ Everyone else at the table broke into laughter.  It only egged him on.  ‘I mean, I know he wants me.  He’s made it clear.  And I’m growing weak, I tell you. I missed him.  If he does it again, I’m gonna give it to him.’ 

Brian was shaking his head.  ‘God, we missed you,’ Candace said.

‘Did we?’ Brain asked.”

 

Or

“’Look at him pout. Don’t pout dude.  Ross the boss will get the job done.’

‘A helluva lot easier if I had the Ghost with the most at my side.’

‘Aw. Is that a proposal? See how he loves me? Candace, you don’t stand a chance.”

 

We learn so much about Ghost –his name for one Seth.  Cherrie did an amazing job with character development making it very detailed and enthralling!  He has so much depth from hurt, joy, addiction, family, loyalty, happiness and on and on!

Surprise!  I loved him!

Macy had the biggest splintered stick up her ass in Rock Me.  She drove me crazy in that book.  I’m so happy I got to learn more about her and even began to like/love Miss Killjoy!  The reasoning for Macy’s stick actually surprised me. I wouldn’t have thought it, but it fits!  Honestly, I believe I liked Macy because of what Ghost pulled out of her and helped her to become.

I love, love, loved that we learned more about Candace and Brian’s story too!  That continuation made my heart flip!

My absolute favorite thing was the after sex chats.  They were so real and I learned so much about them and their flaws. 

Even though I kinda knew, or felt I knew, what was going to happen at the end—for me the author threw in a whammy for me that I wasn’t expecting with Macy showing her kiss-my-ass-and-you-listen-to-me attitude.  It made me love her!

Overall, excellent, fantabulous, awesomely well written book from Cherrie Lynn!! I highly recommend reading this one!  I freaking loved it!  I hope to god there is another one in this series!!  Who it would contain...no clue..but I'd hate for this to end!

PS…I need to run out real quick and get me some red panties… shhhhhh…

Undercover Professor by December Gephart

Undercover Professor

by December Gephart

ARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Also posted at Ms. Reality's Goodreads

3.5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

Rule Number One: Must not lie.

Rule Number Two: Must not live with parents.

Rule Number Three: Must have a job.

Rule Number Four: Must not be a friend's ex.

These dating rules shouldn't be hard for Lucy Benoit to follow—after all, she made them. But she didn't plan on falling for Andy Sullivan, a scruffy-yet-attractive man who lives with his mother and is between jobs. These should be deal-breakers, but in other ways Andy is just her type. And there's something intriguing about him…

Andy isn't the geeky gamer he claims to be—not by a long shot. But what seemed like a harmless social experiment has put his chances of a relationship with Lucy at risk. Even if she can get past the silly rules she has set for herself, will she ever forgive him for breaking Rule Number One?

My Thoughts:

Cute Short Story.

I liked Drew/Andy even though he was a liar—but the lie wasn’t bad enough to turn me off to him.  I did not see his reasoning’s for not telling her though.  I thought he should have just spat it out, but keeping it from Lacy was the draw of the story.  I loved seeing Drew’s sweet side. That is what made me forgive the lying part. 

I understood Lacy’s ‘rules’ and the hurt that she felt, even though she didn’t follow them. 

The whole, gamer, storyline, I didn’t understand.  I’m not a gamer so I have no idea anything about gaming and the people who game.  This entire part was foreign to me. 

I liked how the author built up the sexual tension between these two, but parts made me feel like it was all a conquest.  The feelings needed to be a bit stronger for the characters to make me feel otherwise.  Those feelings didn’t seem to come until later in the story. 

Becca was cray cray!!  She made my eyes bug out of my head more than once!  WOW!

I also thought there could have been more development with Kevin.  It seemed as if he was just thrown in there.  I understand the author was trying to establish reasoning for one of Lacy’s rules, but I thought it could have been more developed. 

Overall, if you’re looking for a short romance about rules and gaming, this is the book for you.

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits

By Katie McGarry

Also posted at:  Ms. Reality's Goodreads

5 Stars

GUT-TWISTING

Echo has suffered terribly, but cannot remember why or how.  All she has are the scars on her arms and a few memories of her mom to remind her of that lost time.  Going from Ms. Popular to the social outcast of her high school overnight has been emotionally trying for Echo.  Not to mention living with her father and his new wife, her ex-nanny and the haunting memories of her brother who died at war.

The one person, who seems to feel her pain, happens to be the high schools resident bad boy, Noah Hutchins.  Noah has his own demons he is battling and a forged responsibility that he wants to take on. 

Both Echo and Noah are thrown together by Mrs. Collins, the school counselor, who vows to help them both.  Noah and Echo share a common bond in that they don’t trust anyone, especially Mrs. Collins.  When they team up to help each other, they may find that they need each other more.

My Thoughts:

 Pushing the Limits is a gut twisting emotional rollercoaster ride that I’m so glad I hoped on!  This book was so much more than I bargained for.

First off…Echo…really???? After the explanation, I understood better, but at first I kept thinking what were her parents on??  I guess I found out!

The author did a phenomenal job at her descriptions of the characters and their emotions.  I felt Noah’s pain, Echo’s hurt, Noah’s anger, Echo’s confusion, Noah’s struggles, Echo’s smile, Noah’s smirk and all the other feelings these characters felt.  All of it encompassed me and pulled me in a thousand different feeling directions, which I loved every second of!

Some very serious issues were discussed and I liked how the author didn’t sugar coat them.  Such as Echo being the outcast at school after the ‘incident,’ her feelings expressed and all the crap from her ‘friends’ she had to deal with.  All of this was well laid out.  (Grace pissed me off.)

Echo was strong—she didn’t know it, but while reading I knew.  Her life was a blender of mixed emotions set on high and stirred up!  She had no one but herself and somehow managed to pull through.

Noah…Noah…Noah… I have a new book boyfriend (now that he’s 18 that is.)  His troubled past (and present) cut him so deep that I bled for him.  I just wanted to scoop him up and make everything better for him.  In my opinion, an author that can make me feel that from words on a page is worthy of a great review!  I loved the relationship between Noah, Isaiah and Beth!  Those strong bonds of friendship sucked me in and helped me to remembered closeness I felt during my high school years.

My favorite quote from Noah was, “You’re my world, so I’d say that evens things out.”  Swoon!!!!  If I didn’t like Noah at all, this quote alone would have me falling all over myself!

The only dislike I had of the book was the ending.  To me, it felt very abrupt.  There was so much build up and I expected a hard conclusion.  I have so many questions that I want answered!  I won’t add them here because I’ll give too much away, but I want answers damn it! 

I also know the second installment of this book is coming out called ‘Dare You To’ and its Beth’s story.  I am hoping my questions from book one will be answered in this book, but I have to wait till 2013 to read it!!! Yikes!  The one thing I hate about great books is having to wait for the next!

Overall, highly recommend reading this book. It is thought provoking and emotional. 

Cover Revealed for Wethering the Storm

Samantha Towle revealed the new cover of Wethering the Storm!  It's the second in her Mighty Storm series.  See my review of The Mighty Storm here.

 

Wethering the Storm is due out December 21st!!  I can't wait!  I so loved the first and can't wait to find out what happens with Jake and Tru!