Review: Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Corrupt by Penelope Douglas
Series: Devil’s Night #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 17th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Erika

I was told that dreams were our heart’s desires. My nightmares, however, became my obsession.

His name is Michael Crist.

My boyfriend’s older brother is like that scary movie that you peek through your hand to watch. He is handsome, strong, and completely terrifying. The star of his college’s basketball team and now gone pro, he’s more concerned with the dirt on his shoe than me.

But I noticed him.

I saw him. I heard him. The things that he did, and the deeds that he hid…For years, I bit my nails, unable to look away.

Now, I’ve graduated high school and moved on to college, but I haven’t stopped watching Michael. He’s bad, and the dirt I’ve seen isn’t content to stay in my head anymore.

Because he’s finally noticed me.

Michael

Her name is Erika Fane, but everyone calls her Rika.

My brother’s girlfriend grew up hanging around my house and is always at our dinner table. She looks down when I enter a room and stills when I am close. I can always feel the fear rolling off of her, and while I haven’t had her body, I know that I have her mind. That’s all I really want anyway.

Until my brother leaves for the military, and I find Rika alone at college.

In my city.

Unprotected.

The opportunity is too good to be true as well as the timing. Because you see, three years ago she put a few of my high school friends in prison, and now they’re out.

We’ve waited. We’ve been patient. And now every last one of her nightmares will come true.

This book. This. Freaking. Book. Corrupt fucked me up, no joke. This is Penelope Douglas, one of my all-time favorite authors, so I had ridiculously high expectations for this book – and she met every one of them and then some. Corrupt is seriously a mindfuck of a book – it’s dark, twisted, perverse… and I loved it. I seriously loved this book! The second I finished this book, I couldn’t stop saying WOW. My mind was blown.

“Own who you are,” he commanded. “And don’t apologize. Do you understand? Own it or it will own you.”

This is the kind of read that is best to go in completely blind. The twists and turns the author has in store for you in this book will leave you breathless – and aching for more. But if you need to know anything… know that PD has created a new cast of perverse characters that you can’t help but love: the Four Horsemen, otherwise known as Michael Crist, Kai Mori, Damon Torrance, and Will Grayson III. These four glorious, dark, vengeful men have it out for Rika Fane, and they’ll stop at nothing to take her down.

“I’m hungry, Rika,” he said, pressing his hard body into my back, his lips hovering over mine. ”I want everything they tell me I can’t have, and I see that hunger in you, too.”

The romance between Michael and Rika is… corrupt, to say the least. A normal boy-meets-girl-and-they-fall-in-love story they do not have. What they do have is intense, emotional, raw, and passionate. You can feel how much these two are meant to be together, and every time they are, they set the stage on fire. They have heaps of chemistry that leaps off the pages, and I honestly never wanted their story to end.

Corrupt is a fascinating beginning to the Devil’s Night series. It’s an insane, wild roller coaster of a ride that you never want to get off of. Lucky for us, this won’t be the end to this group of characters.

Reading Order: Devil’s Night series

#1 ~ Corrupt: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Hideaway: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Killswitch: Goodreads (Feb. 11, 2019)
#4 ~ Nightfall: Goodreads (release date TBA)

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12Nov2015

Early Review: Chance of a Lifetime by Marissa Clarke

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Chance of a Lifetime by Marissa Clarke
Series: Anderson Brothers #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 16th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Sometimes the biggest risk is playing it safe.

Gen Richards is tired of living down to her family’s expectation of the helpless blind girl. Resurrecting her high-school bucket list that begins with “kiss a total stranger” seems just the thing until she finds herself in a panty-melting lip lock with her big brother’s best friend.

Chance Anderson thrives on adrenaline, but Genny’s the one risk he’s not willing to take. His recklessness a decade ago landed her in the hospital and ejected him from her life. He’s bad for her and everyone knows it—especially her big brother.

Chance reluctantly helps Gen complete her bucket list in order to keep her out of trouble. Running through a freezing fountain, playing spin the bottle while fending off a mad horde of stinging insects, and skinny dipping with homicidal attack swans don’t hold a candle to the real danger: falling for the one person he can never have.

“You’re my first. My first love. My only love.”

Oh god, I loved Chance of a Lifetime so, so much. When I started it, I thought it would easily be a 4 star read like the previous Anderson Brothers book was (my review here), but this… Chance and Gen’s story was so much more than I expected. It’s a gorgeous, emotional, heartwarming read I absolutely LOVED! It’s a mix of friends-to-lovers, second chance romance, and older brother’s best friend, which for sure are my top three tropes ever. So basically, this book was perfect for me.

Gen Richards is tired of her family thinking that her blindness makes her helpless and weak. She just wants to be treated like any other person – but the only person who ever treated her like normal was Chance, her old crush and her older brother’s best friend, and he abandoned her. But now, Gen is taking charge of her life, and she’s starting off by completing her high school bucket list. The first item? Kiss a stranger. And of all the people in the world, she accidentally chooses to kiss Chance… but then she realizes she’s found the perfect person to help her fulfill her bucket list.

He’d never been able to stay away. She was like a drug. He needed more. He always had. He was addicted, but had been able to control it and hide it… Until last night when she’d kissed him. He’d fallen off the wagon. Hell, the whole fucking wagon had fallen off a cliff with him on it. One taste of Genny and he was gone. The next week would be hell.

Chance has stayed out of Gen’s life for the past ten years, but he’s never forgotten her. He’s always regretted the way he left her life, but he’s here with her now to make amends and to prove to her that he’s there to say. He’s patient, supporting, loving… a swoon-worthy hero. I fell so hard for his character – he’s made his mistakes, but his number-one priority has always been Gen, and the love he’s had for her over the years comes so clearly off the pages.

“What do you see?”
“Nothing but you.”

Chance and Gen are absolutely perfect together! Gen is feisty, awesome, down-to-earth, and she never lets her blindness be a crutch for her. Chance is the only person who’s never seen her as disabled, who’s never held her back from doing what she wanted, and I loved that he admired her strength and found inspiration from it. Gen’s older brother is an obstacle in their relationship, one that both Gen and Chance need to overcome, but with the passion and love they have for each other, I had no doubt that these two would fight for their love.

“Most people would insist on leading me to him.”
“Nobody needs to lead you two to each other. You’d find each other from opposite sides of the planet.”

My heart grew so emotionally invested in Gen and Chance’s story. It was the perfect romance! And I loved that the author infused a bit of humor in this book – it wasn’t as funny as the previous one, but it was the perfect amount of humor for this story. I loved everything about this book! I read it in one sitting and I couldn’t get enough of it. I’m actually really glad that I haven’t read the first book in the series yet, because I seriously don’t want to let go of these characters!

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

Reading Order: Anderson Brothers series

#1 ~ Sleeping with the Boss: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Neighbors with Benefits: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Chance of a Lifetime: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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11Nov2015

Review: November 9 by Colleen Hoover

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

November 9 by Colleen Hoover
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: November 10th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?

My life is a legit mess right now. I feel like this happens every time I read a new Colleen Hoover book, so I shouldn’t be surprised. I finish a CoHo book, and I don’t even know what to do with myself anymore. She put me through the wringer with November 9, she really did. This for sure is one of my top reads of the year now. It’s a beautifully written story, gut-wrenching at times, but it’s also the cutest darn book I’ve ever read. November 9 has everything I love in a CoHo book – a unique storyline, lovable, unforgettable characters, and laugh-out-loud humor. I’m amazed that over and over, Colleen Hoover delivers another captivating read that will blow her readers away. I was stunned by November 9 – and I loved it so, so much!

“You’ll never be able to find yourself if you’re lost in someone else.”

For some reason, it’s always best to go in blind when you pick up a book by Colleen Hoover. It’s like when you put faith in CoHo, you know she’ll deliver her best. And you can tell she’s delivered her best with November 9 – it’s truly a brilliant book. She’s created characters who’ve spent mere hours together over the course of several years, and yet you can FEEL the powerful connection and love they have for each other. I’ll be honest, I was a bit wary I wouldn’t be able to believe in the love between Fallon and Ben – falling in love when you’ve only known each other for hours sounds unbelievable, right? But I believed it – Colleen Hoover’s exceptional writing and storytelling made me believe in it.

He laughs quietly. “You were just thinking dirty thoughts.”
“Was not,” I quip.
“Fallon, we’ve been dating for two hours now. I can read you like a book, and right now I do believe that book is full of erotica.”

Hands down, November 9 is the CUTEST book of Colleen Hoover’s to date. I was a giggling mess during the first half of the book – though honestly, I still had a couple of giggles even during the heart-wrenching parts, because I feel like that’s just the way Colleen Hoover writes. The humor in the book is absolutely brilliant and effortlessly incorporated. I don’t understand how CoHo is able to create such funny characters, but I love it! Ben is absolutely ridiculous, in the cutest, funniest, most adorable way. And Fallon’s sass and wit is the perfect complement to Ben’s type of humor. I fell in love with these characters first because of how funny they were, but as I read, I definitely grew to appreciate their other aspects that made them feel real to me.

It took four years for me to fall in love with him.
It only took four pages to stop.

But don’t let the humor fool you – to say that November 9 is a gut-wrenching story is an understatement. It almost hurt to read the heartbreaking moments, that’s how emotional I got. I’m so impressed with the way Colleen Hoover is able to provoke such powerful emotions through her words, to make me so invested in the story that I hurt when the characters hurt. This is the type of book that will have you feeling practically every emotion there is to feel… it’s brilliant!

A body is simply a package for the true gifts inside. And you are full of gifts. Selflessness, kindness, compassion. All the things that matter.

I was up until 2AM reading and finishing November 9 – I LOVED IT SO MUCH! I will admit that the plot twist was fairly predictable – but while I was able to guess what happened, I definitely wasn’t ready for the onslaught of emotions this book would make me feel. Colleen Hoover has a gift at making readers invested in her stories, and November 9 is no different. This book wrecked me, in the best and worst of ways. This is also the first time a book has ever make me cry tears of joy – I was crying and laughing and smiling as I was reading the last lines of the novel. This is a breathtaking, emotional, incredible read that I’d recommend to everyone.

Also by Colleen Hoover

Slammed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Hopeless: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Maybe Someday: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Ugly Love: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Confess: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
It Ends with Us: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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9Nov2015

Early Review: Reap by Tillie Cole

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Reap by Tillie Cole
Series: Scarred Souls #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 10th 2015
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Raised as a prototype for the Georgian Bratva’s obedience drug, 221 fails to think, act, or live for himself; he’s his master’s perfectly-crafted killing puppet. Standing at six-foot-six, weighing two-hundred-and-fifty pounds, and unrivaled in to-the-death combat, 221 successfully secures business for the Georgian Mafiya Boss of NYC, who rules the dark world of the criminal underground. Until his enemies capture him.

Talia Tolstaia dreams to break from the heavy clutches of Bratva life. She dreams of another life–away from the stifling leash of her Russian Bratva Boss father and from the brutality of her work at The Dungeon, her criminal family’s underground death-match enterprise. But when she stumbles upon her family’s captive who is more monster than man, she starts to see the man underneath. A powerful, beautiful, damaged man whose heart calls to hers. But sacrifices must be made–blood for blood…life for life…souls for scarred souls…

I loved, loved, loooved this!!! Reap is an incredible, heart-pounding, romantic read I was utterly enthralled with. I’m such a fan of the way Tillie Cole writes – it’s dark, powerful, addicting. Her stories are riveting, and her characters are intense yet lovable. I had high expectations for Reap after loving Raze – and I’m so glad to say Reap is another winner from one of my favorite authors!

The Scarred Souls series is not for the faint of heart. It’s dark, gruesome at times, and yet I can’t stop reading it. Reap is the story of 221, also known as Zaal Kostava, and Talia Tolstaia. It could be read as a standalone, but I think it’s much easier to understand Reap if you’ve read Raze, because we also get some chapters in Luka’s POV, who was the main character in Raze. Reap is a bit of a continuation of Raze, though it is still firmly Zaal and Talia’s story.

For over 20 years, Zaal has been known as 221, an enslaved fighter who, under the influence of forced drugs, is a soulless killing machine for his ‘master’. He and his twin were abducted at a young age and forced into horrible, tragic circumstances. But it turns out that Zaal’s twin is none other than the one person Luka owes his life to, and Luka is determined to pay his debts by saving Zaal.

Talia, Luka’s sister, may be the daughter of one of the leading Russian mobsters, but she struggles with the responsibilities that come with the role. When she grows tired of the Bratva life, she runs away to a private beach house – but everything changes when Luka shows up with a feral, beast of a man and chains him up in the basement. Talia grows intrigued by Zaal, who’s the son of her family’s enemy, until her obsession with him grows and one day she can’t help but go to him.

Our desperate gazes met.
He took a deep breath.
Then he whispered, “You are … for me?”
And I knew I was done.
Trampled, heart-flattened, done.

This book kept tearing my heart open and filling it with love for the characters over and over again. My heart broke for Zaal, for the tragedy that happened to him and his family. I nearly wanted to cry, the story got so emotional sometimes. But then with Talia, Zaal finds family, love, again, and my heart would ache with happiness for the two of them. Tillie Cole has a talent at conveying such powerful love between her couples, and Zaal and Talia’s romance by far is my favorite.

“Zaal Kostava, you’ve stolen my forbidden heart.”

The Scarred Souls series is dark romance at its finest. The love story is stunning, written perfectly to balance out the dark parts of the book. I don’t know how Tillie Cole does it, but every time, I am just so blown away by the sheer brilliance of the writing and the gorgeous love between her characters. I have to admit, I loved Reap even more than Raze, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the third book (whose main character is one I’m SO excited for)!

“My heart, it is full, Talia. It is full, for you.”

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

Reading Order: Scarred Souls series

#1 ~ Raze: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Reap: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Ravage: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Riot: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1-2 ~ Scarred Souls: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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8Nov2015

ARC Review: Mechanic by Alexa Riley

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Mechanic by Alexa Riley
Series: Breeding #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 7th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Everything was fine until that innocent little rich girl walked into my garage. Since the second I laid my eyes on her, all I’ve wanted to do is get my dirty hands on her pure body.

There’s one minor obstacle standing in my way, but I’ve got a plan. All I’ve got to do is claim her, and she’ll be mine forever.

Warning: This book is over-the-top, insta-love. There’s nothing but steamy scenes, babies trying to be made, and an obsessed bearded alpha hero claiming a virgin who will be his forever. If you want it hot and dirty, this is it!

*whispers* There’s a sweet smutty surprise at the end!

Holy hotness!!!!!

Alexa Riley is easily my top go-to author for some fun, fantastically dirty, smutty reads. Her heroes are ALPHA as hell and can dirty talk like no other. I think I’ve read almost every one of her books, but hands down, Mechanic is my favorite one so far! After I finished this, I went straight back to rereading my favorite parts… and ended up rereading the whole thing again. I loved Mechanic!

She may be promised to someone else, but she’s mine. And I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure it stays that way.

Alexa Riley never disappoints with her possessive, heroine-obsessed alpha heroes, and Paine is exactly that. The moment Penelope walks into his car shop, Paine is a goner. She’s everything he’s not – classy, pure, innocent… she’s his Duchess. But being the love-sick, protective, possessive, jealous type of hero, there’s nothing that will stop him from claiming her for himself.

“You’re the only woman I’ve ever had in my house, Duchess. The only woman who’s ever been in my bed. And after tonight, you’re the only one who’s ever going to be in it again.”

Paine and Penelope may be opposites, but when they’re together… holy crap, do things get HOT! As usual, Alexa Riley melts panties with the smoking hot chemistry and sexy times in Mechanic – Paine seriously dirties up Penelope, in the best of ways of course.

Fans of the author won’t want to miss this dirty, smutty read. Mechanic is longer than her usual novellas, which I appreciated. There’s also a bonus short story at the end about a minor couple too, which I loved! If you love over-the-top alphas and dirty reads, Alexa Riley is perfect for you!

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

Reading Order: Breeding series

#1 ~ Coach: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Mechanic: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Thief: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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