Book Tag: August Wrap Up

Every month i was planning on doing a monthly wrap up, and recap the books i read for the month, along with my top reads. My top reads for July were young Love by Alyson Santos, Four Day Fling by Emma Hart, Someone Else's Ocean by Kate Stewart, End Game by Emily Goodwin and my rereads of Broken by Ellie Messe and Crowned With Guilt by S.K. Rose
Seriously, I loved them all. (You can find my full recap Here).
In August I read a total of 10 books. 

The first book I read was the Room Mate by Kendall Ryan. I enjoyed this book. And although it wasn't my favorite and there was much to be desired it was still a great read. 3.5⭐ out of 5⭐. Review


Then I moved on to Wild by Nanna Malone and M Malone. This book was a quick read. I love best friends sibling books, it has that touch of forbiddeness, and sometimes even has that hint of fun or lightness to it. The dynamic to Talia and Cage was a little more rushed than I would have liked but still a great fun read. 3.5⭐ out of 5⭐ Review


Filthy Fight by Alta Hensley was next. I really enjoyed this story from Alta Hensley. It wasn't as dark as some of her other work, but was still a great read, taking place in the world of boxing. 4⭐ out of 5⭐. Review

Next I read Fallen Crest High by Tijan. At first I wasn't sure if I would like this book or not, but it was recommended time and time again, and I enjoyed similar books so I thought I would give it a go. It was filled with so much drama- family drama, friend drama, boyfriend drama, school drama- you name it, it was in here. I can't believe there is still 6+ books out after this one- I am itching to find out what happens next. It's like a soap opera, or car crash. You see what is happening before you, but you can't look away. It's crazy and the only thing you can do is hold on for the ride! 4⭐ out of 5⭐. I want more. More Mason, more Logan and more drama. Review

After I jumped into the Wrong Blaze by Meagan Brandy. Oh my God. Let me just say I LOVED this book. It sent me on a emotional rollercoaster and had me raging This book was amazing. Sooo let me just say. Read. This. Book. Seriously. grab it up - baraccade yourself in your room, no distractions and read. 5 scorching hot ⭐ out of 5⭐. Review

Then read Cocked and Loaded by Jordan Marie. It was definitely impulsive on reading just because of the cover alone! And the blurb pulled me in. Overall a good fun read, even if I hadn't realized it was part of a series beforehand. 4⭐ out of 5⭐. Review

Then I jumped into But First, Coffee by Sarah Darlington. Their romance moved quickly, and had hot and cold moments, when one or the other had insecurities come to light. But over all was a great work romance read. 4⭐ out of 5⭐. Review

Then I read Dirty Headlines by LJ Shen. This book was amazing. I love a good enemies to lovers romance and this book delievered- even offering up more with secrets, lies, and scandals waiting within the pages. I loved the dynamics between Celian and Judith. I loved their rivalry, and their story. 5 headline ⭐ out of 5⭐. Find out just how dirty a work romance can be. Review

Then I read Black Wings Beating by Alex London. I will admit it was a bit of a slow start for me. Once I got into it I really enjoyed it. Over all it was a great read. 4⭐ out of 5⭐. Review

Lastly I read Nightingale by Amy Lukavics. I liked the mystery and suspense of the book. And feel this is the perfect fall read, if you are looking for a mild thriller. It was a little strange, a little terrifying, and a little frustrating all in one and wasn't at all what I expected. If you like sci-fi, monsters, or stories set in the 1950s with bad medical practices and young women who want to break the mold of who they are suppose to be this may just be for you. 4⭐ out of 5⭐. Review

Review: Nightingale

Title: Nightingale
Author: Amy Lukavics
Release Date: Sept 25

Blurb:

At seventeen, June Hardie is everything a young woman in 1951 shouldn’t be—independent, rebellious, a dreamer. June longs to travel, to attend college and to write the dark science fiction stories that consume her waking hours. But her parents only care about making June a better young woman. Her mother grooms her to be a perfect little homemaker while her father pushes her to marry his business partner’s domineering son. When June resists, her whole world is shattered—suburbia isn’t the only prison for different women…

June’s parents commit her to Burrow Place Asylum, aka the Institution. With its sickening conditions, terrifying staff and brutal “medical treatments,” the Institution preys on June’s darkest secrets and deepest fears. And she’s not alone. The Institution terrorizes June’s fragile roommate, Eleanor, and the other women locked away within its crumbling walls. Those who dare speak up disappear…or worse. Trapped between a gruesome reality and increasingly sinister hallucinations, June isn’t sure where her nightmares end and real life begins. But she does know one thing: in order to survive, she must destroy the Institution before it finally claims them all.

Review:

So this is the first book of Amy's that I have read. But this cover drew me in.
June Hardie is a seventeen years old in the 1950s. She's everything that she shouldn't be- independent, rebelious, and a dreamer - instead of being a "better young lady" or a perfect wife and daughter that is expected of her. She wants to travel, go away to college, she wants to write her story after graduating high school but her parents want her to marry the boss's son. When she refused to be what her parents want,the commit her to the Institution- Burrow Place Asylum. In the institution, the medical staff seem terrifying, the treatments brutal, and it prrys and June's darkest fears and secrets. Any who dare speak up dissappear- or worse. June is now trapped in a grusome reality and sinister hallucinations, unsure of where her nightmares end and her life begins. In order to survive June must destroy the institue before it claims everyone admitted.
The story plays out between chapters that take place "before" and "after" June was admitted into the Institution. I was intrigued to find out what happened "before" causing June to be admitted, and unable to look away during what had been happening "after" even if it was the stuff of nightmares. Was June crazy? Did the stress of her life finally get to her? Or was what happening both before she was admitted, and during her admission actually real? June didn't know herself. She didn't know if what the other patients were saying was true. But she knew something felt wrong- whether or not it was with herself (did her mind finally crack under the pressure?), Or the fact that what happened was actually true was what June had to figure out.
I liked the mystery and suspense of the book. I liked how June was different and challenged what she was "suppose" to be. And feel this is the perfect fall read, if you are looking for a mild thriller. It was a little strange, a little terrifying, and a little frustrating all in one and wasn't at all what I expected. In the end I wanted June to finally get retribution for the injustice of everything she had been through. If you like sci-fi, monsters, or stories set in the 1950s with bad medical practices and young women who want to break the mold of who they are suppose to be this may just be for you.
4⭐ out of 5⭐.

Release Blitz: Cocked and Loaded

RELEASE BLITZ

Cocked and Loaded by Jordan Marie

To be posted on or after August 30th

Cocked and Loaded, an all-new Standalone in Jordan Marie's Best-Selling Lucas Brothers books is NOW LIVE!

Synopsis

When I slap the handcuffs on her
I’ll be taking her to bed, not jail. 

Getting involved with the wrong woman can destroy your life. 
I had to move back home and lose my position as Detective to get away from one. 
The last thing I need is to repeat my mistake. 
I finally have what I want. 
Deputy in my home town, surrounded by family and friends— 
Life is good. 

Then she crashes—literally crashes—into my world.

Adelle Harrington is a pain in my ass. 
She’s way too high maintenance for my tastes. 
She’s sassy, opinionated, and stubborn as hell. 
She’s also the Mayor’s only daughter. 
Which means she should be completely off limits. 
When she forces my hand and breaks the law, all bets are off. 
She picked the wrong cop to tangle with. 
I’ve got her in my sites, she’s not getting away 
And I’m definitely not shooting blanks.

Purchase Links

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon Universal - mybook.to/CockedandLoadedJM

Add it to your TBR - https://bit.ly/2utlrPV

Review:

Black Lucas is back in his home town of Mason after his previous girlfriend destroyed his life. He just wants to move on, and start fresh. And get away from crazy women. Adelle Harrington literally crashes into his life, and turns it on it's axis. She's stubborn, sassy, and opinionated- telling Black exactly what's on her mind. She is also the mayor's daughter. So she should be off limits. When Black's past comes back to haunt him, will Adelle get caught in the crossfire?
First, I haven't read the other Lucas Brothers books before this one. It IS a standalone, but I did miss some information from the Lucas family without having read the other books. But I loved this cover, and the blurb pulled me in.
The Lucas family is definitely different- the boys are all named after colors (Black, White, Grey, Blue, Cyan, & Green) and the girls are all named after flowers (Petal, marigold, CC?). Not having read the previous books I was not prepared for their names... Or their mom.
Both Black and Adelle had hot & cold moments. And Black's ex was full blown crazy and bled into his current life.
Black and Adelle's relationship moved quickly. (When it was hot, when it was cold it stopped).
But it was a good read. Adelle brought so much sass, and gave it to Black when he deserved it. Black was bone headed at times, and needed a swift kick in the rear. Overall I give the story 4⭐ out of 5⭐. I stayed up until 2am to finish the book.

About Jordan Marie

USA Today Best-Selling Author Jordan Marie is just a simple small town country girl who is haunted by Alpha Men who talk in her head 24 hours a day. 

She likes to create a book that takes you on an emotional journey whether tears, laughter (or both) or just steamy hot fun (or all 3). She loves to connect with readers and interacting with them through social media, signings or even old fashioned email.

Follow Jordan Marie

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Text Message Alerts - Text Jordan to 797979

Review: Black Wings Beating

Title: Black Wings Beating
Series: Skybound
Author: Alex London
Release Date: September 25

 Blurb:

The people of Uztar have long looked to the sky with hope and wonder. Nothing in their world is more revered than the birds of prey and no one more honored than the falconers who call them to their fists.

Brysen strives to be a great falconer--while his twin sister, Kylee, rejects her ancient gifts for the sport and wishes to be free of falconry. She's nearly made it out, too, but a war is rolling toward their home in the Six Villages, and no bird or falconer will be safe.

Together the twins must journey into the treacherous mountains to trap the Ghost Eagle, the greatest of the Uztari birds and a solitary killer. Brysen goes for the boy he loves and the glory he's long craved, and Kylee to atone for her past and to protect her brother's future. But both are hunted by those who seek one thing: power.

Review:

Ok, first things first. Alex London is a new to me author. I haven't read any of his previous works before.
And I am a total cover lover. This cover Drew me in, piqued my interest. And I love birds. (Ok I love almost all animals. But something about birds... I love reading about them.)
And this blurb had me wanting to know what happens...
Brysen and Kylee are twins living in the Six Villages. Brysen strives to be a great falconer. And his sister Kylee rejects the ancient gifts she has, hoping to be free from falconry.
Brysen journeys up the treacherous mountian, his sister following suit to help keep him safe, to try to trap the Ghost Eagle- the greatest and most hard to capture bird, while a war towards their village, no bird or falconer will be safe from.
Can these siblings master catching the great Ghost Eagle? Or will they die in the very same Talons as their father had? Both the twins and Eagle are hunted by those who only seek power amongst themselves, can either be saved?
I will admit it was a bit of a slow start for me, and in fact took me three tries to get into it. But I think it was only because I am a mood reader, and the first two tries I just wasn't in the mood for a fantasy novel. Once I got into it I really enjoyed it. It was a great read about siblings who would do anything for love, and for each other, even if it meant they died protecting those they loved. They made friends and enemies along the way and did something no one else could. They conquered against the odds stacked against themonly to be faced with even more challenges ahead. I can't wait to find out what else these twins have in store for them.
Over all it was a great read. I connected with Brynsen - and felt for him. And I loved how strong and caring his sister Kylee was. They rose up from the ashes of their lives like pheonixes, giving hope to the village that maybe they all can survive the threat of war.
4⭐ out of 5⭐.

Excerpt Reveal: Dirty Headlines

Dirty Headlines, an all-new sexy, enemies-to-lovers romance from USA Today bestselling author L.J. Shen is coming September 7th and we have the first sneak peek!

Célian Laurent.

Manhattan royalty.

Notorious playboy.

Heir to a media empire.

…And my new boss.

I could have impressed him, if not for last month’s unforgettable one-night stand.

I left it with more than orgasms and a pleasant memory—namely, his wallet.

Now he’s staring me down like I’m the dirt under his Italian loafers, and I’m supposed to take it.

But the thing about being Judith “Jude” Humphry is I have nothing to lose.

Brooklyn girl.

Infamously quirky.

Heir to a stack of medical bills and a tattered couch.

When he looks at me from across the room, I see the glint in his eyes, and that makes us rivals.

He knows it.

So do I.

Every day in the newsroom is a battle.

Every night in his bed, war.

But it’s my heart at stake, and I fear I’ll be raising the white flag.

Add to GoodReads: https://bit.ly/2GuCKIB

Excerpt:

He had an American accent. Not French. American.Smooth. Familiar. Ordinary. He fired out sentences at the speed of light. I heard him, but I couldn’t listen. Shock gripped my body as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. My dirty one-night stand was my boss. My lying, American boss. And now I had to deal with that—hopefully for a very long time, because I desperately needed this job.

Someone snapped their fingers, and my gaze shot from Célian’s face to Grayson.

His forehead had crumpled into a frown. “You look like you’re trying hard not to cry or having a really intense orgasm. I’m hoping for you that it’s the latter and some kind of a weird-slash-awesome condition. You okay?”

I nodded, scraping up a smile. “Sorry. Zero orgasms happening under this dress. I just zoned out for a second.”Lies. I was about to orgasm just remembering how good Célianhad felt parting my thighs with his big, callused hands and dipping his tongue into my slit.

Then words stopped streaming down on everyone’s heads like a scalding shower, and I realized that indeed there was something worse than hearing Célianspeak in his perfect American English. And that was not hearing him speak at all. Because now the icicles were pointed at me like a cocked gun.

I glanced up to meet his gaze. He stared at me for exactly one second before his focus snapped to Grayson. “Am I understood, Gregory?” he asked.

Gregory?

“Crystal clear, sir,” Grayson bowed, his voice trembling at the edges.

Célian jerked his chin toward me. “Your cover girl material is going downhill.”

God. Damn. Bastard.

He recognized me, and I knew it. His eyes had kindled, melting the ice and growing darker the minute our gazes mingled. He remembered, and maybe it killed him that I was here in the same way it buried me.

I want my iPod back, my gaze told him. I had over three thousand songs on that thing, and they were all too good to be wasted on that jerk.

“Jude Humphry. Junior reporter. It’s her first day,” Grayson highlighted, almost pleadingly. He shifted in my direction, as if he might need to physically protect me from the sharp-tongued, suited monster.

I suppressed a smile when I realized I’d told Célianmy last name was Spears. Well, he certainly wasn’t a Timberlake. He was a Laurent. An American monarch through and through. A billionaire, a powerful force, and judging by our one and only encounter—a raging playboy.

This man was inside you, I internally shrieked. And not just once. His cock was buried so deep in you, you screamed. You can still taste the salty, earthy flavor of his cum.You know he has a freckle on his lower back. You know what sound he makes when he empties inside a woman.

I internally thanked my mind for ruining my panties in public, and nodded. “Pleasure to meet you, sir.” I offered him my hand, my face flushing with embarrassment at my choice of words.

Everyone was looking at us, and there were at least fifty people in the room. Célian—if that was even his name—ignored my outreached hand. Instead, he turned his face to the man beside him. “Mathias, any other words of wisdom?”

Mathias? Wasn’t that his father? Just how cold was the man with the icy blue eyes?

“I think you touched everything,” said the big boss—and he did have a heavy French accent, so at least the lie had a seed. Mathias stared at me placidly, like he could read the secret his son and I shared on my face.

Célian spun toward me, uncuffing his cufflinks and rolling his sleeves up his veiny forearms. “Accounting can go back to their unfortunate line of work. Couture is excused from this meeting—though not forgiven for their horrid blog. Miss Humphry?” He snapped his fingers impatiently.

He was already waltzing down the narrow hallway, knowing I’d chase him like a puppy, and no doubt taking pleasure in that fact.

“I have a bone to pick with you.”

Bone, boner—same difference, right?

I shot Grayson a please-save-my-butt look. His eyes said, I would but I still have a life to live.

I followed Célian down the hall, my Chucks slapping the floor in a hurry. He sliced through the throng of accountants, then stopped at a corner office, opened the door, barked “Out!” to the man inside, and tilted his head for me to go in. I did. He closed the door, and it was just the two of us.

Two feet of empty space between us.

About LJ Shen:

L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets people's’ birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

Connect with L.J. Shen:

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Teaser Share: Block Shot

Teaser Share:
Title: Block Shot
Author: Kennedy Ryan

★ Release Date:  Sept 10

★ Standalone

★ Enemies-to-lovers

★ 2nd chance

★ 2 ambitious sports agents w/ explosive chemistry

➜ Enter the Signed BLOCK SHOT PB + $50 Gift Card #Giveaway: http://bit.ly/BSCRraffle

➜ Add to TBR:  http:/bit.ly/HOOPSJared

➜ Alert by TEXT/EMAIL:  kennedyryanwrites.com/block-shot

Blurb:

JARED

If I had a dollar for every time Banner Morales made my heart skip a beat...

The heart everyone assumes is frozen over.

Her anger is...arousing.

Every glare from those fire-spitting eyes, every time she grits her teeth,

gets me...well, you know.

If I had a dollar for every time she's put me in my place, I'd be an even richer man.

I'm a successful sports agent because I assume "no" means you'll think about it.

I'm sure what you meant to say is "Coming right up.”

They say even rich men don't always get what they want,

but those men don't know how to play the game. The trick is to keep them guessing.

Take Banner. She assumes she's winning, but this game?

She doesn't even know how to play.

BANNER

If I had a dollar for every time Jared Foster broke my heart, I’d have exactly one dollar.

One night. One epic fail. One dollar...and I'm out.

I've moved on.

I’ve found success in a field ruled by men.

Anything they can do, I have done better.

They can keep the field while I call the shots, blocking them when I have to.

And Jared has the nerve to think he gets a second chance?

Boy, please. Go sit down. Have several seats.

I'll just be over here ignoring the man carved from my fantasies with a lust-tipped chisel.

Oh, I didn't say the struggle wasn't real.

But I've got that one dollar, and Jared won't have me.

Cover Reveal: Neverland

Title: NEVERLAND

Author: Melissa Jane

Genre: Romantic Thriller

Release: October 2, 2018

Cover Design: Sarah Paige, Opium House Creatives

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2vXoZLo

Blurb:

On a fateful, stormy night, a ghost from the past revealed himself under the glow of a street lamp.  A ghost whose smile was as cold and dangerous as his heart.

He remembered her well.

She was the one everyone talked about. The poor girl down the street born into a family of monsters. The one he’d obsessed over, taunted and harassed.

The very same girl who’d one day suddenly disappeared.

Accepting his hand, he lifted her off the dirty, vile street and whispered a promise, “No good deed comes without payment,” and from that day on, she was destined to pay the ultimate price.

Seeing her for the first time since she’d vanished all those years ago, had only made him realize his obsession never truly ended.

And now, with a promise to keep, he was going to make her disappear again…

this time forever.

Release Party:

https://www.facebook.com/events/977225535795366/

Author Bio:

Melissa Jane is a writer of strong Alpha’s and feisty heroines. Her love for action and romance means she puts her characters through some epic adventures and compromising situations, all with a healthy dose of uncontrollable passion.

Residing on the beautiful beachy Gold Coast in Australia, Melissa enjoys the year-round sunshine with her gorgeous husband and even more gorgeous furbaby, Pocket-the-Yorkie.

When she’s not working, you’ll often find her with a glass (ahem…bottle) of Sauvignon in hand, seeking out adventure with her just-as-crazy friends.

Follow Melissa for all new releases & discover her tales of dangerous love x

Connect with Melissa Jane:

➔ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormelissajane

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