Review: LEAD by Kylie Scott

Title: Lead

Author: Kylie Scott

Stage Dive #3
Publication Date: July 29, 2014
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Stay up all night with the sexy rockers in Stage Dive, the epic New Adult series form New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, author of Lick and Play.

As the lead singer of Stage Dive, Jimmy is used to getting whatever he wants, whenever he wants it, whether it's booze, drugs, or women. However, when a PR disaster serves as a wake-up call about his life and lands him in rehab, he finds himself with Lena, a new assistant to keep him out of trouble.

Lena's not willing to take any crap from the sexy rocker and is determined to keep their relationship completely professional, despite their sizzling chemistry. But when Jimmy pushes her too far and LEna leaves, he realizes that he may have just lost the best thing that ever happened to him.

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"Sometimes you have to cut people loose for your own good."

'Omg, Jimmy' is right! This book brought to light an entirely different side to Jimmy Ferris that I didn't see in the first two books. He started off as this unapproachable guy that was broody and emotionally isolated from the other Stage Dive members because of his past alcohol and drug abuse. Then in this book, in the comforts of his own home, he was actually 'human'. He laughed, he got jealous, he was funny and he was vulnerable. I loved Play and the fun-loving Mal, but Jimmy stole my heart in Lead! Kylie Scott hit this one way out of the park. I swear, she keeps getting better with each book!

"People fucking love their own opinions and are all too happy to throw 'em at you, whether you ask or not.

You have to be happy with yourself."

Lead is the story of Jimmy, Stage Dive's lead vocalist, and Lena his live-in assistant. Both of whom are amazing characters, especially Lena. If you're looking for a strong and bad-ass heroine, Lena is your girl! Curvy, sassy and hilarious. She's the person you can't help but love and root for. This book was completely told in Lena's POV and reading about her unrequited love tore me apart. I felt her pain. And Jimmy... oh, Jimmy, I gushed about him already but I'm going to do it again. He's such a contradiction, experienced yet innocent. The fierce protectiveness he has over his younger brother David was so admirable too. And how he valued Lena's help and friendship... he makes my heart warm.

"You never have to be afraid of me. I'd never hurt you."

It felt like I hadn't read a book with a slow burn in a while. Lead had a slow burn, an incredibly slow and wonderful relationship build-up, even though about half way through I felt like screaming "Just do her  kiss her already!!". I don't think there was a moment that I didn't love and fangirl over. I loved learning that Jimmy stocked the fridge with her favorite chocolate cream pie during her time of the month, that got a good giggle out of me. Another thing I loved about them was how they constantly told the other how great and deserving they were. They were each other's closest friend and greatest support. Don't let the past define you, don't take shit from other people, you're beautiful the way you are. This was what I took away from this book and what made the story so superb. I can't wait for Ben's story and to be with the Stage Dive group again!

"I just want the best for you, 'cause that's what you deserve."

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David Ferris

Brotherly love, it get's me every damn time. That is all.

 

Confessions

"I need you to come back with me, please. I can't stand not having you there...

I'm all about you, Lena. You're my best friend. You're my girl."

Jimmy isn't big on emotion, or talking for that matter. 

So, when he let loose and pretty much begged Lena to come back home, I got all teary-eyed. 

I was waiting for this moment since the beginning it seems—for him to realize and accept love.

Extras: Character Casting, Jimmy edit

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These books can be read as stand-alone novels but I highly recommend reading them all to get the full "Stage Dive effect". 

Plus, David and Mal are fantastically swoon-worthy as well.

Lick

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(David & Ev)

Play

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(Mal & Anne)

Lead

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(Jimmy & Lena)

Deep —January 2015

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Review: BARE ESSENTIALS by M.L. Stephens

Title: Bare Essentials

Author: M.L. Stephens

Dirt Roads #1
Publication Date: June 1, 2014
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He's a cowboy with a guitar and an attitude. She's Nashville's toughest, most sought after music agent. They have one thing in common: country music.

Cutter Harrison relies on two things: beer and music—his music. At twenty-six, he's happily divorced and plans to keep it that way.

Holly Avery is on the hunt. She's determined to discover the next country music superstar and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

An unexpected meeting in Arkansas makes them question their pasts, their futures, and the bare essentials of love. Country music brought them together, but will their dirty little secrets keep them apart?

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**A complimentary copy was kindly provided by author M.L. Stephens via The Book Nuts in exchange for an honest review**

“There’s nothing wrong with pain. You need it so you know what does and doesn't matter. Without it, there’s no healing, no appreciation…no satisfaction.”

I have mixed feelings about Bare Essentials. On one hand I really liked the main characters, but on the other hand I couldn’t connect with their relationship. It felt rushed.

Bare Essentials tells the story of Cutter Harrison, Arkansas cowboy and talented singer/songwriter, who unexpectedly gets scouted by Holly Avery, top-dog music agent. Cutter was a mix of sexy and adorable. He was devoted in helping his parents run the Harrison farm even from a young age. He wrote songs about his ex Angie, whom he loved dearly but wouldn't take him back, and sung them for emotional release. Cutter was honest and wasn’t ashamed to shed a tear in the moment. Whenever he did though, I just wanted to hug him! 

I loved Holly. She went after what she wanted with no restraint. A single mother, she was a spit-fire, intelligent and witty. Their attraction was instant and slowly, Cutter’s thoughts were plagued with Holly rather than Angie. Holly was determined to keep things professional though. Their banter during their very first meeting had me laughing. Here's a quote from that scene:

“Are you kidding? This is the best ass in Arkansas.” He clenched his glutes for effect. 

“If that’s the case, the population of Arkansas must have dramatically dropped since the last census.”

But, like I mentioned earlier, I couldn’t connect with how their romantic relationship started in the first place. Mainly because in a span of a few days, Cutter was smitten with Holly and Holly didn’t really fight the attraction for someone wanting to stay professional. Whenever she did give in though, she'd give the cold shoulder the next day. I really wished that there were more scenes of them getting to know each other before the time jump into Cutter's music career. For me, bonding over the world’s best hamburger wasn’t enough reason for Cutter to start constantly thinking about her when he was heart-broken from Angie.

Besides that, the rest of the novel was wonderful. I loved that Cutter admitted to being afraid of losing who he was, his roots, once he becomes a Country star and how he was concerned with the welfare of his parents' farm. Gah, I love family loyalties, it makes me feel big time! On that note, I would have liked seeing Ray Ann, Holly's daughter, playing a greater role in the story. Overall, this book was good read, light and enjoyable. I do look forward to reading Jax’s story though. In the few scenes he had, he left an amusingly good impression.

“That’s how legends are created. You be one-hundred percent you and no one else.”

Extras: Song edit

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Really Want To Read But Don't Own Yet

Made it just in time! I love reading these Top Ten Tuesday posts from other blogs because it's such a great way to find new books that would not have been on my book radar otherwise! So now that I have my own blog, I've decided I'm joining in on the fun. :D

- - - Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by The Broke and The Bookish, where a new topic is given for a top ten list - - -

Imma Pimp

I'm not.

But I do like to pimp my favorite authors!

Without further ado, here are my top favs and their books I can't recommend enough:

Review: HOW TO KILL YOUR BOSS by Krissy Daniels

Title: How to Kill Your Boss - An Erotic Love Story

Author: Krissy Daniels

Standalone
Publication Date: July 21, 2014
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When Tatum's daydreams of murder become reality, all fingers point to her.

In Tatum Wood's opinion, murdering her boss on a daily basis within the safety of her thoughts is better than therapy. Until he takes a swan dive off a building and all evidence points to her. Thank goodness she has Franklin Reed. Her mysterious, overprotective and drop-dead gorgeous coworker is all too eager to play hero. With two attacks in her building and her stalker with a penchant for roses, Franklin's injection into her life couldn't have come at a better time.

As Tatum and Franklin scramble to discover who's behind the murder, secrets are unearthed that question his motives...as well as his identity.

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**A complimentary copy was kindly provided by author Krissy Daniels via The Book Nuts in exchange for an honest review**

 “I protect what's mine. At any cost.”

How To Kill Your Boss was humorous, suspenseful and HOT! The heroine, Tatum, works at a PI investigations firm that was once owned by her father but eventually given to Wallace Cruse, the star of her fantasies. Not her sexual fantasies mind you, she dreams about killing him. When Mr. Cruse winds up dead, all evidence points to her.

The story was told solely in Tate's pov. I loved Tate! She had sass and a backbone. She often said whatever was on her mind without filter and she didn't take crap from anyone, not even our hero Franklin when he calls her 'baby'. I enjoyed reading the fantasy murder schemes, though I found them amusing at the beginning it started feeling redundant after the first four.

“I want you consumed, mind, body, and spirit with want for me, for us.”

Franklin Reed (isn't that an awesome name?) I liked him. He was the new guy at work that Tate got along with and instantly became friends. They had major chemistry. I had suspicions early on about who he really was, though there were times I actually thought he was the bad guy haha. He's incredibly protective of Tate, bordering on extreme even. Why he is the way he is though becomes clear as the novel progresses and my heart melted during that scene.

“Love me, hate me. I don't fucking care. Just be with me.”

I thought the relationship developed a tad too quickly but it may have just felt that way because of the two month time leap after their first introduction. I wouldn't have mind the story being a little longer just so I could see how they started off and connected!

The mystery and intrigue aspect was wonderful and kept me guessing the who and why. I was glad that, for an erotic story, a lot of the novel was plot development rather than constant mindless sex scenes. But let me tell you, those sex scenes were incredibly steamy! *fans self* Overall, a fantastic and unique read! 

“You’ll never be alone. Even when you can’t see or touch me. I’ll be there, keeping you safe.”

Extras: Character Casting

Review: THE SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Katja Millay

Title: The Sea of Tranquility

Author: Katja Millay

Standalone
Publication Date: November 13, 2012
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Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone earning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.

Josh Bennett's story is no secret: every person he loves has been taken from his life until, at seventeen years old, there is no one left. Now all he wants is to be left alone and people allow it because when your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, the mysterious new girl at school who starts showing up and won't go away until she's insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But the more he gets to know her, the more of an enigma she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she's been hiding—or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a rich, intense, and brilliantly imagined story about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

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“I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.”

WOW. This book was B-E-A-UTIFUL. The Sea of Tranquility tells us the story of Nastya Kashnikov who, after a tragic event, leaves her family to move in with her aunt Margot. She wears a mask in the form of heavy make-up and revealing clothes to keep her past a secret. She eventually meets Josh Bennett who she notices IS avoided and left alone by the other students. I was intrigued from the very beginning by how mysterious both Nastya and Josh seemed to be.

“At the age when most kids are trying to figure out who they are, I was busy trying to figure out why I was. I didn’t belong in this world anymore.”

I really liked Nastya. She had a sense of humor considering how her life got turned upside-down. What I found interesting about Nastya was that she had a hobbie of collecting names and finding their meanings. Nastya, rebirth and resurrection.

I loved Josh. He had a quite demeanor and was constantly woodworking or thinking about it. The only social interaction he really had was with Drew, his wonderful best friend, and Drew's family. I loved that he watches soap operas for his mother, drinks tea and takes the time to make a table or a bookcase just to give as gifts. I'm glad this book was told in dual POVs because it was through his narrating that I came to understand and fall for him. Josh, salvation.

I'll be honest. The very first time Nastya showed up at his house and just sat down to see what he was doing, I was confused at what she was doing. That's certainly how Josh felt. But when they started falling into a routine of doing woodwork in his garage, it felt normal. Two lonely souls finding comfort in each other's company. He was the only one Nastya would talk to.

“You are so pretty that one of these days I’m going to lose a finger in my garage because I can’t concentrate with you so close to me.”

There were a good number of wonderful secondary characters in this book (like Clay, what a sweetheart). But I like to think it was because of Drew that they became friends to start with and that Josh could admit his feelings for her. The build-up of Nastya and Josh's relationship was perfect, and the pacing was steady. Every moment in his garage made my heart get all warm and fuzzy.

When she reverted back to her old (but not old-old) self, I wanted to cry! I thought she was making such progress. But what was worse was what she was so close to doing at the party Drew took her to. It only got worse when they went to Josh's after it! MY HEART DURING THAT SCENE. OMG. I was really close to throwing my book. I was relieved that they didn't kiss and make up right away after that emotional tornado though. The separation made it more real.

And those last two words of the book... It was like the clouds parted and everything started making sense. It was fate, destiny, whatever you want to call it. They were just meant to be.

“Every day you save me.”

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Drew Leighton

How can you not love this guy? He's such a wonderful friend, to both Josh and Nastya.

Three reasons why I adore him:

1. He has a big heart

 2. He  always tries to ease any tension in a room

3. He's a mama's boy

The Chair
"He hasn't given me a place to sit. He's given me a place to belong."
When she checked underneath and saw the engraving (45%),
I squealed and clapped my hands with a huge grin on my face.
IMO, this was the turning point in their relationship.

Extras: Character Casting

A Whole New Blog (cue Aladdin music)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I'm a blogger now.

 And do you know how I feel? Pretty darn good.

Review: MAYBE SOMEDAY by Colleen Hoover

Title: Maybe Someday

Author: Colleen Hoover

Standalone
Publication Date: May 14, 2014
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At twenty-two years old, Sydney is enjoying a great life: She's in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her best friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers that Hunter is cheating on her—and she's forced to decide what her next move should be.

Soon, Sydney finds herself captivated by her mysterious and attractive neighbor, Ridge. She can't take her eyes of him or stop listening to the passionate way he plays his guitar every evening out on his balcony And there's something about Sydney that Ridge can't ignore, either. They soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one.

A passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance. Maybe Someday will immerse readers in Sydney's tumultuous world form the very first page.

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“Nothing in my life has ever felt so good yet hurt so achingly bad.”

This was my first CoHo book and it was simply magical. I thought Colleen Hoover’s writing was flawless. The story was told at the perfect pace and all the characters were wonderful. Let me start by saying I’m not a fan of love triangles. I try to avoid them as much as possible, but boy am I glad I stuck with this to the very end. This is a MUST-READ novel. I also highly recommend purchasing the album by Griffin Peterson that accompanies the book. I had what felt like a 4D reading experience! Not to mention, the songs are beautiful and adds so much more to the story.

“Desire is easy to fight. Especially when the only weapon desire possesses is attraction. It’s not so easy when you’re trying to win a war against the heart.”

Maybe Someday is a heart-achingly emotional story that revolves around Sydney and Ridge. They lived in apartments that were situated right across a courtyard from each other. Every night at 8pm Sydney would sit out on her balcony and listen in on Ridge playing his guitar. Ridge is an extremely talented musician who writes songs for his brother’s band. Unfortunately, he’s been experiencing writer’s block. Fortunately for him, Sydney has been creating her own lyrics to his songs.

After finding out that her boyfriend has been cheating on her, Sydney moves in with Ridge and his roommates, Warren and Bridgette. The secondary characters in this book are fantastic! Warren, Ridge’s best friend, was by far my favorite character. One thing I liked about this book was that you get a glimpse of multiple relationships. Of course there's Sydney and Ridge's but then you have Ridge and Warren's too, even Warren and Bridgette's (which was adorable by the way). You also can't help but feel for the third person in the love triangle because they turn out to be so likable.

“I’ve learned that the heart can’t be told when and who and how it should love.  

The heart does whatever the hell it wants to do.”

I don’t want to say much about Sydney and Ridge because I don't want to give anything away. It's something you have to experience yourself. Their relationship was certainly complicated but they were just meant to be together! They both breathed music and every time they wrote music together my heart sang. And even though I felt what Ridge does was wrong, I can’t bring myself to not love the guy. He couldn’t help it and I felt his decision near the end showed how hard he was trying to keep things the way they are (even if his choice crushed my heart into pieces).

"As long as he's a part of it, I'll never live a life of mediocrity.  

My life with Ridge will be nothing short of remarkable."

 It’s official though, I’m a Colleen Hoover fan! 

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Warren

He was a phenomenal character. Funny, caring and lovable. 

He was such a jerk when he questioned Sydney about Ridge (68%)

but it was incredibly admirable what he'd do to protect his best friend.

'Maybe Someday'

The writing of 'Maybe Someday' was heart-achingly beautiful.

I cried during this scene (43%). There was just so much emotion. 

Seeing crossed out lyrics made the process very real.

And then to read this scene while listening to Griffin sing it...

It left me speechless.

Review: DEAREST CLEMENTINE by Lex Martin

Title: Dearest Clementine

Authors: Lex Martin

Dearest #1
Publication Date: May 25, 2014
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Twenty-year-old Clementine Avery doesn't mind being called bitchy and closed off. It's safe, and after being burned by her high school sweetheart and stalked by a professor her freshman year of college, safe sounds pretty damn good.

Her number one rule for survival? No dating. That is until she accidentally signs up for a romance writing class and needs material for her latest assignment. Sexy RA Gavin Murphy is more than happy to play the part of book boyfriend to help Clem find some inspiration, even if that means making out...in the name of research, of course.

As Gavin and Clem grow closer, they get entangled in the mystery surrounding a missing Boston University student, and Clem unwittingly becomes a possible target. Gavin tries to show Clem she can handle falling in love again, but she knows she has to be careful because her heart's at stake...and maybe even her life.

**DEAREST CLEMENTINE is a stand-alone novel with two companion novels. This New Adult romance is recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.

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         "I want us to have a future, I want you to be mine, and I'm willing to wait as long as you need to get there."

LOVED IT. Dearest Clementine is the debut novel of author Lex Martin, and boy did she debut with a bang. This book had a little bit of everything. There was humor, angst, mystery and drama. The plot was unique and the character interactions all enjoyable.

The story is told in the POV of our heroine, Clem. She's awesome. Intelligent, funny, independent and strong-minded. She's an indie author who published one hit book under a pen name during her freshman year.

"I don't need make-believe when real life is more fucked up. Especially my life."

With a history of uncaring parents, a cheating ex and stalker problems, Clem doesn't trust others easily and constantly avoids the dating scene. While trying to find inspiration for a new novel, she meets sexy RA, Gavin Murphy. He's a complete gentleman and plays the guitar (*swoon* I'm a sucker for musicians!). Oh, and he has a nerdy sense of humor which I loved! When Clem mistakenly signs up for a romance writing course, Gavin offers his assistance in helping with her writing assignments. All I can say is that I have a new appreciation for the stacks at the university library!

"Where I'm uptight and anxious, he's cool and collected. Where I often feel lost and aimless, he's focused and driven."

Aside from our awesome hero and heroine, we also have quite a group of wonderful secondaries. Kade was one that didn't stand out much at the beginning but slowly had me warming up to him as the story progressed. The only one I had conflicted feelings about was Daren, Jax's best friend (Jax is Clem's hot soccer player twin brother). It may take me a bit to get over what he did, but we'll see how my feelings change in the next book of the series.

"In romance, the sex comes secondary to love. Sex might be part of it, but it's really about the bigger story of growth."

Overall, Dearest Clementine is a fantastic read, highly recommended! There was just the right amount of a "slow burn" in Clem and Gavin's relationship and the mystery/suspense aspect of the story was well written too. I cannot wait to start Jax's book! 

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Jenna
I want her as a friend. Period.
Mainly because she's hilarious but she's such a sweet person too.
Oh, she's also an Out-Skank master!

'Golden Girl'
If Gavin were to serenade me with a song written specifically for me,
I'd melt and throw myself at him. End of story.

Extras: Character Casting, Gavin edit, 'The Stacks' edit

Review: THRIVE by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Title: Thrive

Authors: Krista & Becca Ritchie

Addicted #2.5
Publication Date: July 18, 2014
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Two years will change them forever.

When rumors spread like wildfire—like having three-ways with her boyfriend's rock climbing brother—Lily Calloway spirals into a dark place. Her bedroom. Loren Hale is more confident and determined to keep their sex life private, even from their friends, and he helps Lily in the only way he knows how. But how much love is too much?

Their lives are filmed, watched, and criticized. And through it all, Lily and Loren have to face enemies they never thought they'd see, demons they don't know if they should bury, and setbacks they didn't think they'd meet. Not this soon.

And one rumor could be too much for them to handle. It will test their greatest limitations, and if they don't hold onto each other, someone is going to drown.

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"We're going to have our happy ending. It’s just going to take us a little while to get there."
   

There are few authors that I’d drop everything to read their books for. Krista and Becca are one, and I say one because it’s like together they make up one superhuman-magic-possessing-or-possibly-mutant-author. Their writing has the ability to evoke so many emotions and make you fall in love with the characters in a flash. Thrive was high up on my most anticipated releases list and it didn't disappoint.

*This book is NOT A STAND-ALONE, Thrive bridges the gap between Addicted for Now and Addicted After All. I highly recommend reading the Calloway Sisters spin-offs, Kiss the Sky and Hothouse Flower, before reading Thrive. This book fills in many blanks that come up in the spin-offs and by doing so I think you'd get to better experience the journey that is the Addicted series. Not to mention, Kiss The Sky and Hothouse Flower are AWESOME.*

"If anything, this is all my fault. I'm the one who went down this path."—Lily

"I'm giving everything I possibly can. And it's still never enough."—Loren

In Thrive, we're back in the POVs of Lily and Lo following the media leak of Lily's sex addiction. Because Thrive spans the timelines of both KtS and HF, we finally get to know LiLo's thoughts and feelings on everything happening around them. Character development was BIG in Thrive. Relationships also become deeper and more meaningful. If you haven’t fallen in love with LiLo yet, this is when you will. And even though they were among a supportive group of friends, you still notice how isolated they are. There were some very amusing scenes (LoCo!) and some that made me cry (Loren&Ryke). Overall though, Lily and Loren's struggle throughout the book was heart-wrenching and tore me to pieces.

"He's a piece of me. You cut it off, and its like going through life with no lungs.  

That is how deep our love really goes."

I could go on and on about how amazing Thrive (the entire book was basically highlighted haha) is but you should just read it and see for yourself. Thrive is amusing, steamy and even enlightening. This book is about love and friendship…about strength and determination. It’s about the lengths one will go for someone important. Lily and Loren's love is the kind you don't forget, we're talking Romeo & Juliet memorable.

"We aren't connected by our addictions. But by our childhood. 

Souls fused together from the very start."  

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Poppy

I wasn't surprised that I ended up loving the oldest Calloway sister. 

Poppy was the mother figure Samantha failed to be. 

She's nonjudgmental, tender and (in my mind) soft-spoken.

We didn't see much of her in the previous books but here, for the few scenes she was in, she shone.

Superpowers

"Do we have superpowers in our world?"

"Yeah," he says, "but you're not invisible."

"What can I do then?"

"Fly," he says, "with me."

And then he piggy-backs her...

THE FEELS!

Extras: Character Casting, Princesses of Philly video, Celebrity Crush edit, LiLo edit, dream cast edit

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The Addicted Series is split into 4 phases that connect together and span a continuous timeline.

The books don't have cliff hangers so you can start reading them now!

Seriously, right now.

-- Phase 1: (Lily & Lo) --

Addicted To You

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Ricochet

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Full-length companion novel (you should read it anyway!)

Addicted For Now

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-- Phase 2: Spin-offs --

Kiss The Sky

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(Rose & Connor)

Hothouse Flower

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(Daisy & Ryke)

-- Phase 3: (Lily & Lo) --

Thrive

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Full-length companion novel (MUST READ!)

Addicted After All —Fall 2014

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-- Phase 4: Spin-offs --

Fuel The Fire —Winter 2015

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(Rose & Connor)

Long Way Down —Winter/Spring 2015

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(Daisy & Ryke)

Review: THE PROMISE by Kristen Ashley

Title: The Promise

Author: Kristen Ashley

The 'Burg #5
Publication Date: July 8, 2014
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Since his brother's death, Benny Bianchi has been nursing his grudge against the woman he thinks led to his brother's downfall. He does this to bury the feelings he has for Francesca Concetti, his brother's girl. But when Frankie takes a bullet while on the run with Benny's cousin's woman, Benny has to face those feelings.

The problem is Frankie has decided she's paid her penance. Penance she didn't deserve to pay. She's done with Benny and the Bianchi family. She's starting a new life away from Chicago and her heartbreaking history.

Benny has decided differently.

But Frankie has more demons she's battling. Demons Benny wants to help her face. But life has landed so many hard knocks on Frankie she's terrified of believing in the promise of Benny Bianchi and the good life he's offering.

Frankie's new life leads her to The 'Burg, where Benny has ties, and she finds she not only hasn't succeeded in getting away, she doesn't want to.

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"You were mine, even when you were his."

The Promise was one of my highly anticipated books after Frankie and Benny were first introduced in At Peace (book 2 of The ‘Burg series). Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling it. Something about their relationship fell flat for me. I still enjoyed it though, especially with all the cameos!

In At Peace, Frankie was this incredibly bad-ass woman who didn't take shit from anyone. Then in The Promise it was like she lost that side of her completely. On the other hand, I liked Benny. He was protective and had Frankie's back when it came to her crappy family (excluding Cat, I liked her too). I felt the fixing of the breach with the Bianchis was simple and that they accepted Benny and Frankie's relationship too easily, I would've liked for those points to have been discussed some more. I LOVED ALL THE CAMEOS.

          "God doesn't care who you let in there, just as long as the feelin's are honest when

          you let him in." 



KA epilogues make my heart all warm and fluttery, this one was no exception. I liked how we ended in Theresa's pov, a great tie-in with the ending of At Peace. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I want Cheryl to have an HEA, and if Ethan is happy too, that's even better!

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Cal

Hands down. Loved him in At Peace and I love him now.

He's such a lovable macho-man (one of my fav KA alphas ever)!

Whenever he gets protective of his girls, I just sigh and swoon.

Why I Love You

"I'd breathe. I'd eat. I might one day laugh again. But I wouldn't be living.

There is no life for me without you."

This made me fluttery everywhere.

This entire scene (85%) was so touching and sweet.

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These books can be read as standalones but At Peace must be read before The Promise!

I say read them all though!!

For You

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(Feb & Colt)

At Peace

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(Vi & Cal)

Golden Trail

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(Rocky & Layne)

Games Of The Heart

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(Dusty & Mike)

The Promise

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(Frankie & Benny)