Release Day Review: Moonshot by Alessandra Torre

Moonshot by Alessandra Torre
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: July 4th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Baseball shouldn’t be a game of life and death…

The summer that Chase Stern entered my life, I was seventeen. The daughter of a legend, the Yankees were my family, their stadium my home, their dugout my workplace. My focus was on the game. Chase…he started out a distraction. A distraction with sex appeal poured into every inch of his six foot frame. A distraction who played like a God yet partied like a Devil.

I tried to stay away. I couldn’t.
Then, the team started losing.
Women started dying.
And everything in my perfect world broke apart.

First loves were supposed to be flimsy and temperamental. They were supposed to burn bright and fade fast. They weren’t supposed to stick. They weren’t supposed to eat away at a man’s heart, his capacity for life.

This isn’t your typical sports romance. In fact, Moonshot isn’t even your typical romance – it’s a perfect blend of first loves, a second chance romance, suspense, mystery, and most especially, baseball. If you’re looking for something different in a book, but would still make a perfect summer read, Moonshot is it. It’s addicting, intense, exciting – I literally couldn’t put it down from the second I picked it up. Nothing in this book was predictable, and I was glued to Ty and Chase’s story from the very start.

There were supposed to be moments where you could divert, could pick new paths that would lead back to success. But in this, there was only one path, a giant vacuum that sucked me in, the end hitting my heart with a resounding thud that shook everything, down to my soul. I love him. Still. More.

Ty Rollins has been a ball girl ever since her mother died when she was seven and she had to go live with her baseball star father. She grew to love baseball over the years, and now at seventeen, there’s nowhere she’d rather be than in the Yankee’s stadium. Ty’s love for the sport is visceral and comes so clearly off the pages – it nearly made ME love baseball, and I know next to nothing about it. However, Ty has still lived a somewhat sheltered life protected by her loving father, and she’s a little naive and innocent when it comes to boys – men. But from the second Chase Stern transfers to the Yankees, there’s no one else Ty can see – but luckily, Chase feels the same way.

A player on and off the field, Chase is everything an almost-eighteen-year-old girl should stay away from. Add in the fact that his teammate is her father, and Ty is the very definition of off-limits. But it’s love at first sight for Chase, and there’s nothing he won’t give up for Ty, including other women and drugs. Soon enough, they’re sneaking away in the dark for time alone to talk and touch, allowing their love to bloom and grow… and you know these two are IT for each other. They know each other inside and out – their love and chemistry made my heart sing and flutter.

But despite how much Chase and Ty are meant to be, fate isn’t on their side, and their first love ends in heartbreak. Their time wasn’t then, but four years later, it seems like their time is now. They are just as forbidden to each other as they once were, but the stakes are so much higher this time, because they know what it’s like to lose one another. Can they finally have the open love and relationship they want? Or will the sinister things that have been happening around them catch up with them?

As a teenager, he had corrupted me. As a woman, he had ruined me.

I have to mention that this is one of the few second chance romances where I wholeheartedly loved what happened during the separation. Usually, the hero turns into a manwhore again and sleeps with every woman he encounters, but this amazingly didn’t happen in Moonshot. Ty and Chase’s separation only made them love each other more, and I was so, so happy the author chose to write their story this way.

Certain loves can’t be fought. The harder you tried, the harder you would be knocked back, over and over again, until it beat you into submission, until your heart caved and body surrendered. Love like that didn’t know the rules of society; it didn’t care about life mistakes. It only knew what must be, and what would happen—no matter what.

I really, really enjoyed this book. It’s a one-of-a-kind read, unforgettable and unputdownable. Alessandra Torre continues to prove over and over what a remarkable writer she is, and Moonshot only solidifies how I’ll pretty much read anything by her. Not only does her writing improve with every book she releases, but the versatile way she writes in different genres with different feels in incredibly impressive. No book of hers is like her others – but she writes her suspense and mystery just as jaw-dropping as ever. She had me hooked onto not only Ty and Chase’s forbidden love, but also the mystery seamlessly woven into the novel. I highly, highly recommend this book – if you’re a fan of the author, you already know what a fantastic writer she is, and if you haven’t read her yet, this is the perfect place to start!

4 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.


Also by Alessandra Torre

Black Lies by Alessandra Torre
Tight by Alessandra Torre Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre

Black Lies: Ebook • Paperback • AudibleGoodreads
Sex Love Repeat: Ebook • Paperback • AudibleGoodreads
Tight: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Hollywood Dirt: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Love, Chloe: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads


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Audiobook Review: Into the Fire by Meredith Wild

Into the Fire by Meredith Wild
Series: Bridge #2 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: June 21st 2016
Length: 8 hours and 26 minutes
Narrated by: Angelo Di Loreto & Stephanie Wyles
Links: Audible • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Darren Bridge is living a bachelor’s dream. When he’s not running into burning buildings with his crew, he’s training the flavor of the week at his brother’s gym. Few women have ever been off limits…until Vanessa. Smart, beautiful, and legs for days, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever met. Too bad he’s sworn to leave her alone.

Overworked with no end in sight, Vanessa Hawkins hasn’t had a vacation in nearly two years. When Cameron and Maya’s destination wedding takes her out of the office for a much-needed break, she finds herself struggling to resist her attraction to the best man. Darren is dangerously good-looking with enough charm to make any hot-blooded woman want to drop her panties and enjoy the ride, no matter how long it lasts.

When they return to the city, Darren realizes the single life has lost its glimmer. But with everything else on her plate, Vanessa doesn’t have room in her life for a man, let alone a player. Can Darren find his way into her heart and convince her that he’s worth the risk?

I’ve only read one other Meredith Wild book (the first Hacker novel) and I enjoyed her writing, so I was excited at the chance to listen to her latest release, Into the Fire, in audio. Both narrators are new to me, but they were fantastic, and I’d definitely listen to them again. The romance, while a little cliché, was still enjoyable and I adored the main characters. Here, we have a story about a bachelor who forsakes his playboy ways for the one woman he loves – how can you not love that!?

Darren Bridge is a firefighter, and along with women, it’s his biggest passion in life. He’s happy with his job, and he never wants to settle down or get saddled with a relationship. He goes through women like water, since every woman he meets seems to want him, all except one – his brother’s bride’s best friend. Still, he’s determined to have her, wanting to experience their insanely hot chemistry in bed – but the more he’s around her, the more he wants her. So what happens when feelings start to get involved for him for the first time? Will he be able to give up his playboy ways for Vanessa?

Vanessa is tough and smart, and I loved how she’s cautious with her feelings and heart around Darren. He’s always been a player, so how can she trust that his feelings are real? She makes him prove his love and loyalty, and she doesn’t make it easy for him. It’s a slow-going romance, but one that feels genuine and real. Meredith Wilder did a wonderful job balancing out the heartwarming and sweet side of Vanessa and Darren’s blooming romance with the steam that comes with their instant attraction.

The narrators Angelo Di Loreto and Stephanie Wyles made the story even more enjoyable, voicing Darren and Vanessa perfectly. I’m not sure if they’ll be narrating the next Bridge book, but if they are, I will definitely listen to it! If you love well-narrated audiobooks with steamy romances and a player who makes a 180 for his woman, I highly recommend Into the Fire!

INTO THE FIRE is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/1XI4is5

4 hearts
lacey


Reading Order: Bridge series

  

#1 ~ On My Knees: EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Into the Fire: EbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads
#3 ~ Over the Edge: EbookPaperback • Goodreads (Nov. 22, 2016)


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Release Day Review: Addicted by Elle Kennedy

Addicted by Elle Kennedy
Series: Outlaws #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 28th 2016
Links: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

From the New York Times bestselling author of Claimed comes the second enticingly erotic novel set in a world on the brink of chaos.

Lennox used to live in a paradise on earth with his best friend Jamie, in a place where visitors came and went, allowing their desires to run free. But everything changes when a deadly attack forces them to take up with Connor Mackenzie’s band of Outlaws. Lennox knows Jamie is hung up on someone else, but he’s always believed he’s the man for her—and won’t let her go without a fight.

Even though Jamie is well aware that Lennox is one hot specimen of a man, she refuses to let sex ruin the most important relationship in her life. But when the object of her interest spurns her, she indulges in a little pleasure-filled revenge with her very magnetic, very willing best friend. One thrilling night with Lennox is enough to awaken Jamie’s unexpected desires for him. And now that she’s had a taste, she’s not sure she can ever give him up…

Friends-to-lovers is one of my FAVORITE tropes, though I don’t read it as often as I’d like. I’m picky because there just aren’t very many well-written ones, but Addicted is definitely on the better end of the spectrum. This is book two in the Outlaws series and features Lennox and Jamie, who we met in Claimed. These are two best friends who wholeheartedly believe their relationship is platonic, so I was eager to see how Elle Kennedy would turn that around, and she didn’t disappoint. It takes them a little while to get there, but these two are so meant to be together – their romance is emotional, intense, and surprisingly sweet! Addicted is a fantastic follow-up to this world of Outlaws – if you enjoyed Claimed, you’re more than likely to like Addicted as well.

Jamie and Lennox have been best friends since they were children – there’s no Jamie without Lennox, and vice versa. They’re now shackled up with their friend Connor at his camp, and this change of scenery leads to a change in their relationship. The repressed feelings they’ve had on both sides for years are slowly, finally coming out, especially since Lennox isn’t liking the fact that Rylan, Jamie’s crush, is in close proximity in the camp. Will Lennox finally make his move on the one person he loves in this dangerous, desolate world? Or will he stay cautious to protect their friendship, and miss out on something more?

“You’re my home, Jamie. It doesn’t matter where we go or what happens. As long as you’re with me, I’m home.”

I loved the fact that I got to read a friends-to-lovers romance in a different setting than the usual contemporary world. Not only do Jamie and Lennox have to navigate their way through their newfound and fragile relationship, they also have to keep looking over their shoulders to make sure that Enforcers aren’t out to get them and the people they’re with. The ups and downs of their romance mixed in with the suspense had me on the edge of my seat – the author did a wonderful job balancing those two aspects of the story!

And of course, I can’t write this review without mentioning how damn HOT it is! Tensions have been brewing between Lennox and Jamie for YEARS, so one can only imagine how explosive the chemistry is once they finally get together. And guys, it’s seriously smokin’ in this book. Elle Kennedy know how to write erotica!

One thing that bothered me about Addicted though (even though it’s so dumb), is how all the heroines have masculine names – I honestly couldn’t keep track of who was who. I got Lennox and Jamie mixed up ALL THE TIME, thinking Lennox was the heroine and Jamie the hero. It wouldn’t take me long to realize I’d be reading it wrong, but it was slightly annoying that I had to make the effort to realize who was who.

Overall, Addicted was an addictive read. The dystopian world sucked me in much more than it did in the previous book, and I can only hope it’ll get better throughout the rest of the series. Right now, I’m dying for the next book, Ruled – we’re finally getting Rylan’s story, and it just so happens to be a menage… and I can’t WAIT!

4 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.


Reading Order: Outlaws series

Claimed by Elle Kennedy  

#1 ~ Claimed: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • AudibleGoodreads
#2 ~ Addicted: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Ruled: EbookPaperbackGoodreads (Nov. 1, 2016)


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Audiobook Review: The Allure of Dean Harper by R.S. Grey

The Allure of Dean Harper by R.S. Grey

The Allure of Dean Harper by R.S. Grey
Series: The Allure #2 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: June 7th 2016
Length: 5 hours and 37 minutes
Narrated by: Sara Ragsdale & Aaron Roberts
Links: Audible • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

From: LilyNBlack@Gmail.com
To: JosephineKeller@VogueMagazine.com
Subject: You’re a flippin’ idiot

Good morning my dear, naive friend,

I hope you’re enjoying a breakfast of regret and sorrow.

Why?

Because you sent me to work for Dean Harper, aka a control freak in a tailor-made suit. Sure he owns the trendiest restaurants in NYC, but c’mon Jo, his ego makes Kanye West look like the Dalai Lama.

He’s the type of guy that only hears the word “no” when it’s followed by “don’t stop.”

Working for Dean Harper would be like selling my soul to the devil…and before you say anything, I don’t care if the devil has punch-you-in-the-gut brown eyes and an ass to match. My soul isn’t for sale.

Regretfully yours,
Lily

The Allure of Dean Harper is one of my favorite reads from R.S. Grey – she writes the BEST rom-coms, and this one is a fantastic, hilarious enemies-to-lovers one. I’d been eagerly awaiting for the audiobook release, and I enjoyed listening to it as much as I did reading it. If you love listening to romances with endearing, witty characters, and several laugh-out-loud moments, then I highly recommend getting this audiobook!

Lily Black has just moved to New York to follow her dreams of making something of herself in the food industry, and her best friend Josephine (from The Allure of Julian Lefray) gets her a job at her friend Dean’s restaurant. Lily is making a killing at the restaurant’s bar, but when Dean comes in, he doesn’t like the way she’s taken over what belongs to him… and he doesn’t like the lustful feelings he feels for her. So sparks fly, tensions run high, witty banter ensues – R.S. Grey has such a talent at writing fun-filled, hilarious stories that crack you up and you can’t help but enjoy. If you’re a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, you definitely don’t want to miss this one.

This was my first time listening to either narrator (though I do think this is their first audiobook narration), but I have to note how much I really loved Aaron Roberts’ narration for Dean! He was really perfect for that character, and I would definitely listen to more audiobooks narrated by him. Sara Ragsdale was a good female narrator, though she did get a little nasally and high-pitched at times. It did fit with Lily’s character, so I’m not complaining too much – I did enjoy for performance overall.

I wish this audiobook could’ve been longer – I didn’t realize how short the story actually was! It’s a little longer than half the length of a normal sized audiobook I usually listen to. So I don’t know if the length is quite worth a credit, but if you own the ebook, the audiobook is only $1.99, so I’d definitely recommend going that route. Otherwise, it’s an incredibly fun audiobook to listen to.

THE ALLURE OF DEAN HARPER is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/28NSDZQ

4 hearts
lacey


Reading Order: The Allure series

The Allure of Julian Lefray by R.S. Grey The Allure of Dean Harper by R.S. Grey

#1 ~ The Allure of Julian Lefray: My Review • EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Allure of Dean Harper: Book Review • EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from The Allure of Dean Harper!


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Audiobook Review: The Allure of Julian Lefray by R.S. Grey

The Allure of Julian Lefray by R.S. Grey

The Allure of Julian Lefray by R.S. Grey
Series: The Allure #1 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: June 7th 2016
Length: 7 hours and 40 minutes
Narrated by: Renee Givens & BJ Pottsworth
Links: Audible • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

From: JosephineKeller@LLDesigns.com
To: LilyNBlack@gmail.com
Subject: Justin Timberlake Nudes!

Lily, you predictable perv. I knew you’d open this email faster if I tempted you with a glimpse of JT’s “PP”. Well, put your pants back on and grab some bubbly because I have much better news to share.

I GOT A JOB!

As of tomorrow, I’ll be the new executive assistant at Lorena Lefray Designs. I am SO excited, but there’s one itty bitty problem: I won’t be Lorena’s assistant. I’ll be working for her older brother, Julian.

I know what you’re thinking- “But Jo, what’s the problem?”

Google him. Now. He’s the man in the fitted navy suit whose face reminds you that there’s hope yet for this cruel, ugly world. Keep scrolling…Do you see those dimples? Yup. That’s the Julian Lefray I will be reporting to tomorrow morning.

Lord, help us all…

XO,
Jo

I adored reading this rom-com of R.S. Grey’s, but I enjoyed it just as much, if not a little more, as an audiobook! I’m totally the type of listener who likes to get audiobooks of books she’s already read and loved, so The Allure of Julian Lefray was right up my alley. It’s a sweetly romantic listen, with tons of laugh-out-loud moments and main characters who have great chemistry. Renee Givens and BJ Pottsworth were wonderful narrators for Jo and Julian – I’d definitely listen to them again!

Josephine Keller is a fashion blogger who has just moved to NYC in the hopes of making a career in the fashion industry. Landing a job is her first priority, as she’s practically broke and all alone in NYC, but she’s lucky enough to score a job working not for famous fashion designer Lorena Lefray, but Lorena’s very attractive brother Julian. Julian himself is highly intrigued by and attracted to his new assistant, though he knows he shouldn’t feel the way he does about her. A romance between is pretty forbidden, so they become close friends instead, trying to ignore the underlying chemistry. Jo can’t risk losing her job if she enters into a relationship with Julian, her boss, but they spend so much time together that their friendship quickly, genuinely turns into something more.

I loved Renee Givens’s narration! She does a really good job not just voicing Jo and her narrative, but also the different accents of people Jo encounters in NYC. BJ Pottsworth has a deep voice that’s easy to listen to and fits perfectly for Julian. Whoever chose the narrators for this audiobook were spot on!

A great narration and a fun story made The Allure of Julian Lefray a fantastic listen. It’s a feel-good office romance that is sweet and hilarious. If you’re in the mood for an quick, fun, sweet audiobook, you should definitely spend a credit on this one!

THE ALLURE OF JULIAN LEFRAY is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/28QILxe

4 hearts
lacey


Reading Order: The Allure series

The Allure of Julian Lefray by R.S. Grey The Allure of Dean Harper by R.S. Grey

#1 ~ The Allure of Julian Lefray: Book Review • EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Allure of Dean Harper: My Review • EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from The Allure of Julian Lefray!


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