The Booksnake Etc.

Zoom It! #AtoZChallenge

April 30, 2015

Hi! I'm Masako Ara Maine Prado, a.k.a. Ara the Booksnake, and I am a PROUD BOOK NERD!!

I decided to end the A to Z Challenge by sharing a little something about myself. How I read, what I like to read, and who my favorite authors are. Yeesh, talk about pressure.

Okay, first things first. I am a FAST reader. See how I had to type that on all caps? Yeah, I had to emphasize it. I don't know if there's a term for people like me, I haven't Googled it yet (although I might later), but my reading speed is ridiculous. I can finish a 7-800 page book (one that I find interesting of course) in 4 uninterrupted hours or so. I have tried timing myself, so I know. Let me just clarify, I am not boasting. I'm not even proud of it. Why? There's a downside to this "condition" of mine. I may read very fast, but I don't retain that much memory of the scenes in the book after I read it. Sucks right? I have to read a novel about 3 times before I can accurately quote lines from it. Another negative effect is my incapibility of remembering which story belongs to what title and who the characters are. Unless it's a favorite of mine, that is. But I'm not kidding. It's the reason why I started The Booksnake Etc. to begin with. It serves as my ledger and monitors the books I've read, how the story goes, and if I liked them or not. I remember reading an article saying that you read as fast as you talk. That would explain a lot actually, considering I talk like I ate Eminem's songs for breakfast.

If you hang around here for a bit, you would instantly know which genre appeals to me the most. Did you say Romance? Yes? Then you would be correct. I read all kinds of books, but romantic stories and all its sub-genre are my go-to reads. People who know me are usually surprised when I tell them I'm a (secret) hopeless romantic. They tell me I don't look the part, that I seem like the kind of person who enjoys action-packed thriller/suspense books. Maybe even crime and mystery since I like watching TV series like Castle, Criminal Minds, Bones.

For some reason, the kind of shows and movies I'm fond of watching are the ones I don't like reading about, and vice versa. I have no explanation for this whatsoever.

Okay, let me iust have a moment to be 110% honest here (not that I was lying at any point before). I don't have a list of favorite authors. I haven't really given it much thought actually. Sure I have a few names that come to mind instantly like: Marian Tee, Lori Foster, Maya Banks, Emma Chase, Marie Harte, J.J. McAvoy. These are just a few of them, like I said. The thing is, if I make a list of authors I love, people might start doubting if they really are favorites. Because what does favoring someone mean? It means you put them on top of other authors. I am unable to do that. Not wired that way, sorry. If I like a book, I instantly consider the author a favorite.

So where am I going with this? I have absolutely no idea. But I just want to close the A to Z Challenge 2015 with a part of me to share with my readers. It has been a fun 26 days.

Blog Tour of How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days and The Wedding Audition by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock -- REVIEW

April 30, 2015

Title: How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days & The Wedding Audition (Runaway Brides #0.5 and #1)

Author: Catherine Mann & Joanne Rock

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Publication Date: April 7, 2015
Published by: Tule Publishing
Tour Organized by: Tasty Book Tours

Source: Copy given by Author

"HOW TO LOSE A GROOM IN 10 DAYS"

ARA’S NOTE:
The Booksnake Etc. took part in the release day blitz of these two books, and I knew that I had to read them too. Contemporary romance is right up in my alley, and the story line for How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days was pretty intriguing. Can't wait to share my review with you.

SYNOPSIS:
He thought their love was a grand slam, until his bride calls foul.

After an impulsive courthouse wedding with one of baseballs rising stars, Melanie Webb wonders if shes fallen victim to lust at first sight. She hardly knows Grady Hollis, the Atlanta outfielder who swooped into her Florida hometown and charmed the socksand more!right off her. She couldnt resist when he proposed under the stars right on the outfield. But when the aftermath means moving to Atlanta and following him around the country for his eight-month a year travel schedule, she gets cold feet.

But Grady has never been a man to give up on a dream and Melanie is everything he ever hoped for in a woman. He knows if only he can persuade her to come along for the ride, hell convince her that their forever can be something special with a love every bit as fiery as the passion.

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:
Grady Hollis grew up in a competitive household. He was always pushed to do better and never really experienced being carefree. He's passionate, persistent, and loving. He wants to do everything to make his marriage work out, because unlike his bride, he knows they're meant to be.

Melanie Webb is a neurotic woman who branded herself "temp-job queen". She grew up in a household where love wasn't a faniliar emotion, and it caused her to believe that what she have with Grant will eventually fall apart.

REVIEW:
This is a short book, about 60 pages (give or take) on my reader. I did not expect it to be that short, so I initially thought that the story would be rushed. It wasn't. It was very well-written. The details were clear and described aptly, there's effortless humor, and the chemistry was believable. Grant is the perfect man! Like, I-would-gladly-give-up-a-limb-to-be-with-him perfect. I imagine him being a guy who would remain quiet when pissed but wouldn't gloat when proven right. He's also not afraid to use Google. Oohhhh! A man not afraid to ask. What a revelation.

His perfection is crazy that I hated Melanie more and more with each page that I finish. I mean, come on! How thick do you have to be to realize that this man will do everything to make you happy, and would readily give up his life rather than hurt you?! Melanie was so neurotic that she ended up pissing me off. You seriously have to be a she-devil if you would willingly hurt someone as in love and obsessed with you as Grant. *sigh*

SUMMARY:
But all's well that ends well, and they live happily-ever-after. At least that's what I assume. I give How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days 4 stars, no thanks to Melanie *glare*. It's a good short read that I'm glad I signed up for.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lose-Groom-Days-Runaway-Brides-ebook/dp/B00VQJ0GTE

"THE WEDDING AUDITION"

ARA’S NOTE:
Initially I thought Annamae was a typical primadona reality TV star whose biggest problem is what lip gloss she's going to wear. I was wrong. Hey don't blame me! The blurb sort of gives off that vibe. Anyway, here's my judgement of The Wedding Audition.

SYNOPSIS:
The tabloids call her the Hit and Run Bride after reality show star Annamae Jessup walked out on Atlanta's favorite baseball player on cable television. Eager to escape her notoriety, Annamae takes a road trip to find the grandmother she's never met and winds up discovering a whole lot more than a band of back woods relatives. There's no escape from reality TV, even in Beulah, Alabama, population 3000.

The last thing Wynn Rafferty needs in his new life is a spoiled television princess who cant even know his real name. Hes in temporary witness protection as an apple farmer after his undercover work put his life in danger. He needs to lay low until the heat dies down from his last case even if he sucks at growing apples as badly as he sucks at relationships.

But Annamae turns his new town into a media circus, unwittingly threatening the lives of him, her and most of Beulah. Wynn is an expert at keeping the world at arms length, but when it comes to Annamae, the only way he can keep her safe is too keep her very, very close.

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:
Annamae Jessup is a confused woman who wishes to find herself without cameras following her wherever she goes. She's known as the good girl in a 5-year running reality show, and she feels lost and suffocated. So she says enough and runs off.

Wynn Rafferty just wants to have the case he's an important witness for to be over. He has surrounded himself with solitude, apples, and cats. He knows he must stay on the down low, but his attraction for Annamae causes him to throw caution in the air.

REVIEW:
This is a light story even though a drug cartel's involved. Seeing a goody-two-shoes snap always make me smile, so seeing Annamae break made me admire her more. Though her methods had me cringing, the important thing is she got things done, right? Okay maybe she could've handled it a bit better, but the damage is already done. And what an amusing damage that was. The romantic involvement between the main characters was fast, but I already expected it when I finished the prequel. Besides, even if romance is fast, the characters' growth were not sacrificed.

SUMMARY:
I give this book 4 stars, because it was light in every way: humor, intensity, heat, etc. So wh didn't I rate it 5 stars? Because the novel was so light, I found that there wasn't anything special about it. I wasn't laughing, crying, giggling, or biting my lips. I was just...reading. With that being said, It's a good afternoon read. Have a tall glass of iced tea on the side, and you're all set.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25265392-the-wedding-audition

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Three-time RITA nominee Joanne Rock has never met a romance sub-genre she didn't like.

The author of over seventy novels enjoys writing contemporary romance and medieval historicals alike, recently exploring Young Adult romance under a pseudonym. An optimist by nature and perpetual seeker of silver linings, Joanne finds romance–in all its forms-- fits her life outlook perfectly.

When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel, especially to see her favorite sports teams play with her former sports editor husband and three athletic-minded sons.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://www.joannerock.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoanneRockAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoanneRock6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/93455.Joanne_Rock

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

USA Today bestseller and RITA Award winning author Catherine Mann writes contemporary romance for Berkley, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Tule.

With over sixty books released in more than twenty countries, she has also celebrated six RITA finals, an RT Reviewer’s Award finalist, three Maggie Award of Excellence finals and a Bookseller’s Best win. Catherine and her flyboy husband live on the Florida coast where they brought up their 4 children – and still have 5 four-

legged, furry “children” (aka pets).

Catherine is an active volunteer with an animal rescue, serving on their Board of Directors and fostering over 200 puppies, ill dogs, and dogs with service/working potential.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://www.catherinemann.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CatherineMannAuthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/catherinemann1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/93454.Catherine_Mann

TOUR ORGANIZED BY:

Blog Tour of The Bird of Prey Saga by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba -- REVIEW

April 30, 2015

ARA’S NOTE:
I'm not really huge on mystery books, TV series yes, but books not so much. That's why when I was presented with a chance to review the Semya Slotin Saga also known as The Bird of Prey Saga, I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for me to give this genre a shot. A kickass female lead with a quirky best friend and a hot as hell boy toy, would that not interest you? So join me as I review the 4 books that compose The Bird of Prey Saga.

(Note: Instead of my regular "To Love" and "To Bleh" section, I'll just combine them and label it "Review".)

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:
Semya Slotin is a smart, independent, and hard-headed woman with a major in criminology and a minor in crossing boundaries. She's good in reading people and uncovering secrets. But there's one mystery that she can't figure out on her own.

Josh Heinz is a mystery. He's keeping his real identity a secret. But one thing that's true about him, is his love for Semya.

Polliannah Koch has an obsession...luxury fashion. She dreams of finding her prince charming, and when she thought she'd found him...

John Allen is a killer. He was sent to London to do one thing, kill Polli's siblings. But he fell in love with her, and in return put both their lives in danger.

(NOTE: Contains a few spoilers.)

**********

Title: Bird of Prey (Sémya Slotin Mystery #1)

Author: Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Thriller

Publication Date: May 10, 2014

Source: Copy Given by Author

SYNOPSIS:

This was supposed to be an easy case…

Sémya Slotin had spent the last three years living in London with her best friend Polliannah Koch staying away from solving cases. After Hawaii, she was taking a break from puzzles, cases and mysteries that could potentially get her killed. Instead, she had been doing her second and third favorite things, drinking and selling expensive vintage wines and having earth-shattering sex with the mysterious, sexy, beautiful but ever so secretive Josh Heinz. Life in London was good….until her funds ran out. Too much wine drinking, not enough wine selling!

When fashion designer and adoptive mother, Annika Slotin, summoned her back to Paris to hire her for what Sémya considered being the easiest case of her amateur sleuth career, all she could think of and see was money signs and a well-deserved Cuban holiday once it was solved.

What Sémya didn’t see was her stumbling on the fresh corpse of supermodel Johanna Cartier. She didn’t think that male model turned fashion designer Julian Marais-Caldwin, who also happened to be Sémya’s ex, would be suspected of brutally murdering her. Johanna was his girlfriend, his muse and he loved her. Sémya didn’t see the dead bodies piling up or the conspiracy theories.

Sémya was a little rusty. But then again, it was supposed to be an easy case and she was going to solve it. One vintage wine at a time… Sémya Slotin was off.

REVIEW:

The diversity of the characters and the depth of their histories were really interesting. A woman who took her friend's life and identity for fame and fortune, a woman who found out the truth about her family and is out to get the person who killed her mother, a man who got involved with both women on an intimate level and is an ex of our detective extraordinaire. These are just some of the supporting characters and their webs are already that twisted.

The passion between Josh and Semya is really intense. Their physical attraction is unstoppable, but their emotional entanglement is also undeniable. The bond between Semya and Polli is very strong. They have the kind of friendship that is honest even if it hurts, supportive even if it ends up on a bad note, and fun to the point of being almost illegal. Fun, right?

I noted a lot of grammatical and typographical errors in the book. It's kind of hard to miss, and that sort of put me off a bit, but I got over it. It just got me thinking about the proofreader. Maybe he/she was half-asleep? I don't know. Anyway, there were also times I was confused with the scene description. It's kind of hard to explain, but imagine watching a DVD then the scene jumps a bit and you missed something. That's the same feeling I got.

SUMMARY:

Overall though I really liked this book. I kind of had an idea what the conclusion of the case would be, but still the story that lead to it was unpredictable. And I most definitely did not expect the last part. I give Bird of Prey 4 stars.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/1Q307F9
B&N: http://bit.ly/1DlKGhr
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1yFLaTX
Ibookstore: http://apple.co/1JgXavl
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1IX2hE8

**********

Title: The Plot Thickens (Sémya Slotin Mystery #2)

Author: Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba

Genre: Mystery, Suspense,Thriller, Romance

Publication Date: May 10, 2014

Source: Copy Given by Author

SYNOPSIS:
What happened while Semya Slotin and Josh Heinz were busy solving Johanna Cartier's murder in Bird Of Prey?

Polliannah's story... When Polliannah Koch Guryev meets John Allen, she thinks that she's finally found her Prince Charming a tall, blond and handsome banker. What could go wrong?

John Allen has a job to do and getting closer to the beautiful Miss Koch Guryev is supposed to be a means to an end. But then they fall in love. He's a hit man on a mission, she's the sister of his targets. What possible future could they have? Now he and his Russian Princess have to leave London for their safety.But it may already be too late for them...

REVIEW:

This was shorter than the first book and the first few chapters co-incide with Bird of Prey. It was amusing, disturbing, and saddening. Given the fact that they were very much in love with each other and John is the Prince charming Polli has been waiting for. It kind of makes you think about the imperfections of life. Not every love story has a happy ending, no matter how much you try.

I honestly don't know how to write a proper review without giving much away, so I'll just stick with vague and general points.

It was cute how John found Polli and Semya's antics amusing. It was pretty obvious from the get-go that he was bound to fall in love with her. But still, they can't run away from the inevitable. Their relationship, though short, was full of color, life, and love. For me, that made what happened more sad.

Similar to the first book in the series, The Plot Thickens also has quite a few technical errors. (E.g. grammar, spelling, punctuations) But the "jumping scenes" as I like to call them, have substantially decreased.

SUMMARY:
I liked it of course, and I give this installment of the saga 4 stars as well. And should definitely be read by readers who enjoy mystery snd suspense.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/1yFLCBP
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1JgXlXm
B&N: http://bit.ly/1IqHbdQ
Ibookstore: http://apple.co/1DUAbGm
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1G73wzI

**********

Title: Polliannah Got Married! (Sémya Slotin Mystery #3)

Author: Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Romance

Publication Date: July 2014

Source: Copy Given by Author

SYNOPSIS:
Polliannah Koch Guryev is in trouble and her boyfriend is dead.

It's not the first time amateur sleuth Sémya Slotin finds herself on the first plane to rescue her best friend, but nothing's prepared her for what she finds in Toronto. Polliannah is a widow and her late husband John Allen was a hit man for the powerful Dovos family. What did they want from her? Why is this happening? One thing they do know: their carefree life back in London is officially over.

Sémya’s long-time boyfriend Josh Heinz knows more than he lets on, but as usual he’s not telling her anything. In fact, everyone knows more, but nobody’s talking. But that never stops Sémya Slotin, Detective Extraordinaire, from finding out the truth beneath the lies…

But at what cost? Old conspiracies and secrets resurface that put them all in peril. Sémya’s worst fears about her relationship with Josh and his past are confirmed, and the rift between them may never heal.

Sémya and Polliannah’s world is falling apart. Will they be able to come out of this stronger?

Oh, and did I mention that Polliannah got married?

REVIEW:
I don't even know where to begin. The heartache is just too much. The last few chapters took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I got nervous, excited, happy, and sad. I'm not going to give anything away, but I will say this: I hated how this book ended. Not because it was bad, but because it was painful.

In Polliannah Got Married, the past is finally catching up to them. Deeper secrets are coming out, and complications threaten to ruin life as they know it. You want mystery? Read this. I swear, even I was trying to connect the dots. It was that engaging! Semya finally admits that she loves Josh, or Vincent depending on your mood, and it's awesome. Although, in Semya's world, there is no such thing as happily-ever-after. *frustrated sigh*

SUMMARY:
The story was stellar, more characters are introduced, the mystery engaging, and the heartbreak painful. I give it 4 stars, and the reason I didn't give this 5 is because there was an abundance of "jumping scenes" in the third installment of the series.

BUY LINKS:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FW9tKz
BN: http://bit.ly/1Q312Fq
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1DlLRNH
iBookstore: http://apple.co/1DUAnFy
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1DwYkl8

**********

Title: Vincent Mallory Edgerton (Sémya Slotin Mystery #4)

Author: Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Romance

Publication Date: July 2014

Source: Copy Given by Author

SYNOPSIS:
The pursuit of peace is not always pacific.

Vincent Mallory Edgerton had always been an efficient FREGG operative. It was his family legacy and his pride. He had always loved his job, even when he had to leave everything behind for his safety and become Josh Heinz.

Every love story has a beginning.

Sémya Slotin had been coasting through life solving one mystery after another. While in Hawaii, her young protégée disappeared. When Sémya met Josh Heinz, her mind kept telling her to stay away from the handsome stranger with the hypnotic light brown eyes but she found herself inexplicably drawn to him. He awakened something in her and she was unable to resist him. It never happened to her before. Who was that man?

In Hawaii, Vincent had to work covertly with the sexy bold sleuth. Sémya’s beauty and intellect completely enthralled him, but his passion and growing love for her also changed him. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to finally win her trust and keep her safe, causing him to unleash events that would shape the rest of their lives. From the moment their gazes locked, Sémya and Vincent sealed their fate.

REVIEW:
The book starts off with the last three scenes of Polliannah Got Married. Meaning, it began on a very nerve-racking note. It was just...*screams* Then it flashes back to a few years back, when Josh and Semya met in Hawaii. It was sweet, hot, and mysterious. They were trying to figure each other out, and it was cute seeing them get frustrated with one another.

Great story, as usual. The crime-solving was very entertaining and engaging, but the last couple of chapters were pure agony. I was crying, and my heart goes out to Polli and Semya. The damn secrets are starting to get into my nerves, and I'm one conspiracy away from screaming my head off. So I would say, awesome last installment for the series. By the way, I am seriously hoping that our detective/soon-to-be-mom is right about her "feeling".

4.5 stars for Vincent Mallory Edgerton. It was a great cliffhanger conclusion to The Bird of Prey Saga, and is a definite must-read to fans of this genre. Pick this up guys, you will not be disappointed.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1G73EiK
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1OrBf65
BN: http://bit.ly/1IqHFRi
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1O3p58H
Ibookstore: http://apple.co/1b94vlt
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1FW9Kgz

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I’m over 30.
I was born in Quebec City, Canada.
I grew up in France and in Gabon.
I speak English & French fluently.
Pizza is my favorite dish.
Black Forest Cake is my favorite dessert.
I met Michael Jackson when I was eleven.
I loathe vodka but love gin, wine and tequila.
I'm obsessed with Robbie Williams and Michael Fassbender.
I call Toronto my home.
I love reading.
I love dancing.
I love watching exciting TV shows.
I love my life... most days.
I'm a major goof.
I can't stand intolerance.
I'm curious, cheeky and oh so opinionated!

AUTHOR LINKS:
Website: http://iamdanielle-claude.bookblog.io/
Blog: http://danielle-claude.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/weissdaughter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DannyAuthorPage
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6920424.Danielle_Claude_Ngontang_Mba

TOUR ORGANIZED BY:

A-Z Challenge 2015 Reading List Specials

Youngsters #AtoZChallenge

April 29, 2015

Blog Tour Book Reviews Past Tours

Blog Tour of Getting Lucky by Jennifer Seasons -- REVIEW

April 29, 2015

A-Z Challenge 2015 Specials

XXX #AtoZChallenge

April 28, 2015

Blog Tour Book Reviews Past Tours

REVIEW of Finding Acceptance in His Arms by Thomas Briar

April 28, 2015

Book Reviews ETC. Past Tours

Blog Tour of Changing His Game by Megan Erickson -- REVIEW

April 28, 2015

Opening this book, I expected to embark in a serious and romantic story. I was not mentally, emotionally, and sexually ready for this.

Before we go to my formal review, I want to give you a heads up...I LOVED THIS BOOK. I loved everything about it! Okay maybe there were only a few glitches when I was reading it, but whilst I'm writing this review, I couldn't even remember them. What does that mean? They're irrelevant!! So let's just be positive and show some love for Changing His Game.

Title: Changing His Game
Author: Megan Erickson
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Publication Date: April 28, 2015
Tour Organized by: Indiesage PR
Source: ARC Given by Author

SYNOPSIS:

He controls the game, but she’s rewriting all the rules…

Marley Lake is no stranger to awkwardness, but getting caught watching a dirty GIF by the company’s hot new IT guy exceeds even her standards. That is, until she realizes he's as turned on by it as she is. But with a big promotion on the line, she refuses to let her current dry spell be her downfall. Maybe.

Austin Rivers has no business lusting after the irresistible editor of Gamers Magazine. He's a secret partner in the business—and technically Marley’s boss. One look at that GIF, though, and he’s ready to install a whole lot more than just software…as long as she never finds out who he really is.

But reality’s not as virtual as it seems, and when Austin’s identity jeopardizes Marley’s promotion, he has to change his game or risk losing the only woman with the cheat code to his heart.

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:
Austin Rivers is an introvert. Okay so it wasn't really said that he was, I just figured that because of his non-existent social skills, obsession with privacy, and huge trust issues. He's gorgeous, intelligent, and dominant. He prefers to not take credit for the things he accomplished, simply because he wishes to avoid people who aims to take advantage of him. (This is brought on by bad experience of course.)

Marley Lake is smart, ambitious, and submissive. She's worked hard to get ahead in a male-dominated industry, and she secretly craves for someone to take the power from her even if it's just in the bedroom.

TO LOVE:
I already expressed my emotions towards this novel earlier, so it shouldn't be much of a shock when I say, "What's not to love?" Let's break it down:

~~ The sex was hot.

~~ The story was simple. Megan Erickson didn't try to make it unnecessarily complicated in hopes of making it more "interesting" for the readers. That approach doesn't work. It just annoys us because we get sidetracked by a "deeper plot". Or an attempt to one anyone.

~~ The sex was hot.
~~ Marley is kickass. She's beautiful, computer game-savvy (just like me), and not afraid of taking what she wants.

~~ The sex was hot.

~~ Austin is a complicated character. He's a private person who is barely social, he also doesn't like taking risks that much, but his sexual desires and experience are so colorful. If this was a movie, I could totally picture Brandon Routh playing this character. (Alright fine, I just really want to see more of that fellow. He's mighty fine.)

~~ The sex was hot.

~~ The dom/sub scenes that they played out were believeable. It wasn't the kind that causes self-humiliation or pain. It's about trust and surrender of power. Honestly, I can easily see myself being that submissive.

~~ Have I mentioned how hot the intimate scenes were?

TO BLEH:

I was left with a few questions, mostly about Marley and Austin's family. I wanted to know where Marley's parents were. How did she have that kind of bond with his brother? Is said brother gay or bisexual? What about Austin's family, any more details aside from a greedy father? These queries aren't that important, but it would've been nice to know the answers to them.

SUMMARY:

I give this a whopping 5 stars with a 75% chance of re-reading it within a 6-month period. I would vote for a second installment and make this a series, a trilogy maybe? Yeah, I think that'll give us a chance to get to know the characters some more.

I recommend this to everyone. You don't have to a fan of 50 shades to enjoy this book. It leans on mild dom/sub, or maybe even dirty vanilla. Definitely one to add on your must-read list.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1OftEwS
B&N: http://bit.ly/1DCgM8S
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1K5UNMR
iBooks: http://apple.co/1JdroCO
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1Gk5JYU
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1Pk6jac

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Megan worked as a journalist covering real-life dramas before she decided she liked writing her own endings better and switched to fiction.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. When she's not tapping away on her laptop, she's probably listening to the characters in her head who won't stop talking.

AUTHOR LINKS:

http://meganerickson.org/

http://www.twitter.com/meganerickson_

https://www.facebook.com/authormeganerickson