ARC Review: Between Shadows by Chanel Cleeton

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Between Shadows by Chanel Cleeton
Series: Assassins #1
Publication Date: January 19th 2016
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

A sexy new thriller about love and revenge from the author of the Capital Confessions and International School series…

X lives by three rules: Show no weakness. Trust no one. Don’t get caught. She lives by the rules they gave her.

The Academy—set in London, shrouded in secrecy—it trains spies, computer experts, and assassins. Their mission? Dispensing justice and altering the course of world politics. Or so they think. In a world where secrets are weapons and some kills are impossible to forget, everything X thought she knew about her life is about to change.

They taught her to fight. To blend into the shadows like a ghost, to operate on the fringes of society, to change her identity with ease. They taught her to kill.

She’ll need every skill they taught her, to stay alive.

What a thrilling, heart-pounding read! I love books that take me to the edge of my seat, and Between Shadows did exactly that. It’s suspenseful, fast-paced, and filled with action. There’s also a swoon-worthy romance with a dreamy hero, so what’s not to love about this book?

X is an assassin for the Academy – she’s been trained since a young age to be a deadly weapon. The most important thing in her life is her sister Grace, but even her love for Grace can’t bring X out of her cold heart ever since she killed the one friend she had. But everything in her life is turned upside down when Luke is still very much alive and comes back into her life to handle a mission together to bring to light the truths that the Academy has been lying to them about.

We were always together, and then one day I looked at him and I couldn’t look away anymore.

As X and Luke travel around the world to find out the Academy’s secrets, they’re constantly looking behind their backs. Chanel Cleeton did a fantastic job writing the suspense – every moment of the book is a nail-biter, and I kept wondering about what would happen and whether X and Luke would survive. Between Shadows is definitely a page turner, so if you’re a fan of thrillers, you should definitely pick this book up.

X and Luke were both fantastic, well-written characters. X is fierce, brave, and badass, yet she still has vulnerabilities that make her likable and relatable. Luke was X’s first everything – but the years Luke was away have turned him harder, more dangerous, and infinitely more sexy. I loved the two of them together after they reconciled the past. Luke is so sweet and patient with X, and I seriously fell for the way he cares so much for her.

“There’s a lightness about you despite everything else going on. How do you keep that lightness with you?”
He’s silent for a long time.
“Because there’s something I love more than I hate myself.”
Every muscle in my body stills. I can’t breathe. I can’t think. I feel like I’m having a strange out-of-body experience, one I have no idea how to handle. He can’t mean–
“I love you, X. Always.”

I thoroughly enjoyed Between Shadows. It’s well-written, unique, and action-packed. I would’ve loved a bit more romance, but I could appreciate the book being focused on X and Luke’s goal, rather than their relationship. This was a great first book to a new series, and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next!

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

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

19Jan2016

Audiobook Review: Numbers by Laurann Dohner

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Numbers by Laurann Dohner
Series: New Species #14-15 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: January 12th 2016
Length: 12 hours and 11 minutes
Narrated by: Vanessa Chambers
Links: Audible • Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

140

Dana is visiting Homeland when she meets a New Species who tugs at her heartstrings. As a widow, she knows firsthand the pain he’s suffering after losing his mate.

Mourn isn’t so certain that talking to a human female will help him heal but he desires her. It’s possible she could become his new reason for living.

927

Candi lost the male she loved, but never forgot him. New Species are her only hope to seek revenge for 927’s death.

A human female claiming to have been reared at Mercile has demanded entry to Homeland. Hero rushes to Medical and comes face-to-face with his past. One look at Candi and the life he’s built since gaining freedom comes crashing down around him.

Numbers is books 14 and 15 in the New Species series, which means we get two stories in one! I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook, which is narrated by Vanessa Chambers. Even though I had a few problems with one of the stories, I loved the way Vanessa Chambers narrated everything. Her voice is amazing to listen to, and her voices for the different characters are distinct and you can easily distinguish who’s saying what. If you’re looking to listen to a paranormal romance that’s sexy, emotional, with great narration, you should definitely give Numbers a try!

The first story in Numbers is about 140, also known as Mourn. Mourn has lost his mate, and now he feels like he has nothing to live for. Then Dana walks into his life and helps him through his grief, as she’s also lost her husband, a man she loved. Mourn and Dana’s story is my favorite of the two in Numbers – their story is heart-wrenching, emotional, and it was heart-warming to see them fall in love with each other. I liked the way these two supported one another before actually pursuing a relationship. Laurann Dohner really balanced out the sexy and sweet in this one.

The second story is 927’s, also known as Hero. This one I had a harder time enjoying because I didn’t like Hero much at the beginning of his story. When he finds out that the girl he cared about years ago, who died accidentally by his hand, is actually alive and comes back into his life, Hero has no idea what to do and pushes her away instead taking this as a second chance. It was frustrating to listen to Hero get mad at Candi doing something she had no control over. But once the two of them reconcile, I liked their story so much more. Their second chance romance is touching and Candi is a wonderful heroine I admired, with endless patience for Hero.

Both stories were about 6 hours long, and they were very well-written for novellas. Vanessa Chambers did an excellent job with her narration and I would definitely listen to another audiobook that she narrates.

Reading Order: New Species series

Here’s an audio excerpt from Moon, also narrated by Vanessa Chambers!

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

19Jan2016

Release Day Review + Giveaway: Appealed by Emma Chase

Posted in 4 hearts, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Appealed by Emma Chase
Series: The Legal Briefs #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 19th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The New York Times bestselling author of the Tangled books returns with the third romance in the Legal Briefs series, a collection of sexy novels about first crushes, second chances, and the final verdict of the heart.

When Brent Mason looks at Kennedy Randolph, he doesn’t see the awkward, sweet girl who grew up next door. He sees a self-assured, stunning woman…who wants to crush the most intimate—and prized—parts of his anatomy beneath the heels of her Louboutins.

When Kennedy looks at Brent, all she sees is the selfish, Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue–worthy teenager who humiliated her in high school in order to join the popular crowd. A crowd that made those years a living hell for her.

But she’s not a lovesick social outcast anymore—she’s a Washington, DC, prosecutor with a long winning streak. Brent is the opposing attorney in her next case, and Kennedy thinks it’s time to put him through a little hell of his own.

But things aren’t exactly working out the way she planned. Brent has his sights set on Kennedy, and every fiery exchange only makes him want her more—and makes her wonder if he’s as passionate in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom. In the end, they may just find themselves in love…or in contempt of court.

I’d been looking forward to Brent’s book ever since meeting him in Overruled, and I’m glad to say his story didn’t disappoint! Emma Chase once again delivers a fantastic, hilarious, fun-filled romance with lovable characters that I simply adored. Appealed is a wonderful finale to the Legal Briefs series, and I’m sad to see the series end.

Of the three friends, Brent Mason is the charming, laid-back, funny one everyone seems to love. Everyone except Kennedy Randolph that is. They were childhood friends, but a miscommunication back in high school tore their friendship apart, and Kennedy has avoided the man she hates ever since. But now that they’re working on opposite sides of a case, their close proximity brings back the feelings they had for each other years ago. But can Kennedy let go of her hate and let Brent back into her heart?

Because now that she’s back, here where I can see her and touch her, where I can talk to her and tease her, maybe even one day make her smile—there’s no fucking way I’m letting her go ever again.

I love stories where the main characters grew up as childhood friends, so this book was an absolute joy to read. Add in Emma Chase’s brilliantly funny writing and her wonderful male POV, you get a heart-warming, feel-good story you don’t want to miss. If you’re a fan of the series, you’re going to love Brent and Kennedy! Every single scene between them had me smiling so hard.

This beautiful, sweet, strong girl in my arms. She got to me forever ago—under my skin, into my heart—and she’s been there, waiting, ever since.

Brent is the absolute SWEETEST, and I loved how determined he is to win Kennedy’s heart. It was good to see him softer, romantic, and more vulnerable, especially since all we’d known of him was his cocky, confident side. Kennedy is the perfect match for him – she doesn’t back down from Brent and she certainly doesn’t give in to him easily. She makes him work for her trust and heart, and you can tell how much Brent treasures those two things.

We’re soul mates. Destined to be together, written in the stars, Bogie-and-Bacall perfect.
Kennedy doesn’t see it yet—but that’s all right. Because I’m patient. And relentless. When I set my mind on something, there’s nothing I can’t do.
And my mind’s on her.

Appealed is another winner from Emma Chase. She is probably my favorite author at writing the male POV, and I can only hope she never stops. Sustained is still my favorite of the Legal Briefs series, but Appealed is still a must read!

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

Reading Order: The Legal Briefs series

#1 ~ Overruled: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Sustained: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Appealed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Sidebarred: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Paperback of Appealed (US Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

18Jan2016

Early Review: Loud is How I Love You by Mercy Brown

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Loud is How I Love You by Mercy Brown
Series: Hub City #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 19th 2016
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

One girl’s heart gets rocked to the core in the first novel in this sexy New Adult series.

Twenty-one-year-old front girl Emmylou knows that getting her band noticed in the ‘90s indie rock scene will be no easy task. She definitely knows better than to break the number one rule of the band: Don’t sleep with your bandmates! But after she ends up having the best sex of her life with her guitarist, Travis, she finds following that rule is a lot harder than it sounds.

When the band gets the gig of their dreams, making it big seems just within reach. But Emmy’s inability to keep her hands off Travis threatens everything they’ve worked for. Can Emmy find a way to break the rules and not blow the chance of a lifetime?

Loud is how I love you,
Loud is how I know you’re there.
Loud so I don’t lose you,
Because I’d know the sound of you anywhere.

This book was on my radar because of some heavy praise from one of my all-time favorite authors, so of course I had to give it a try! Add in the ‘90’s indie rock scene and I was totally sold. Loud is How I Love You is a fantastic new adult romance – it wasn’t anything like I expected, but I enjoyed every bit of its quirkiness. It’s heartwarming, fun, hilarious, and a really sweet read. If you’re looking for something memorable and different from your typical NA read, you need to read this book!

Emmy’s dream is to get her band, Stars on the Floor (aka Soft), noticed, and she and her bandmates have worked their butts off to get to where they are. But it’s all threatened when Emmy ends up having the best sex of her life… with her guitarist Travis. Because the number one rule of being in a band? Don’t sleep with your bandmate. If you do, you’ll only create drama that will screw things up and eventually break up the band.

But ever since that one crazy hot night with Travis, Emmy can’t stop thinking about or wanting him. Not only is Travis a bandmate, he’s also her best friend. They have an amazing connection that they’ve built over the years and a chemistry that’s off the charts, but is their relationship worth the risk of losing their dreams of making it in the music industry? Or will them being together be the downfall of Soft?

“What is this thing we’re doing?” I whisper. I’m not sure I mean to say it out loud, because I am pretty nervous to put an actual label to it. “I don’t even know what to call it.”
He touches his lips to mine again, all soft and sweet.
“Just call it awesome,” he says. “We’ll figure the rest out as we go.”

There is a TON of back and forth from Emmy. She wants Travis bad, but she also wants her band to succeed, and to her, she can’t have both. As much as she frustrated and annoyed me, I can’t say that I ever hated Emmy. It was admirable how much her music career meant to her and how she wasn’t willing to give it up for anything or anyone. It’s just that Travis is so lovable that I wanted to shake her for not trying to work things out with him sooner. Travis is some serious swoon-worthy material – he’s sweet, funny, sexy as hell, and incredibly patient with Emmy. I loved him for how he never gives up on her, even when she drove him (and me) crazy.

Stay loud so I don’t lose you.
I will follow the sound of you anywhere. -T

My favorite part of Loud is definitely Mercy Brown’s writing. She has a brilliant, fresh voice that is so unique and enjoyable to read – I loved it! And you can tell the author knows a lot about the music industry. I will absolutely be reading more of her upcoming books. I’m very impressed that Loud is her first published book, actually.

Loud is How I Love You is a satisfying, well-written NA book you don’t want to miss. The characters felt real and were so much fun to read about. I can’t wait to read the next Hub City book!

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

Reading Order: Hub City series

#1 ~ Loud is How I Love You: Ebook • Goodreads (Jan. 19, 2016)
#2 ~ Stay Until We Break: Ebook • Goodreads (June 21, 2016)

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

13Jan2016

ARC Review: Waiting for Wyatt by S.D. Hendrickson

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Waiting for Wyatt by S.D. Hendrickson
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: January 12th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

“The dogs that deserved a chance, the guy who needed a second, and the girl determined to save him.”

My name is Emma Sawyer.

I met Charlie and Wyatt on the same sultry, summer day. It was unexpected, leaving a feeling in the pit of my stomach like the time I drove too fast over Beckett Hill. The moment happened out of nowhere, all fast and quick and a little strange. Or maybe that was just Wyatt’s personality.

It was Charlie that brought us together. Little Charlie with those ridiculous ears. I found the dog, waiting in a pool of his own blood. Waiting for someone. Waiting for me.

Now Wyatt, he wasn’t waiting for anyone. At least that’s what he said, except I saw something different in the broken guy all alone out in the woods. I knew he needed me before he knew it himself.

Wyatt with his hidden dimples. Wyatt with his warnings to stay away. He was a hard lump of coal, ready to burn everything around him. The more he burned, the more it pulled me into the pain I saw etched on his troubled face.

I wanted to help Wyatt. I wanted to save him like he had saved all the Charlies in the world. He told me not to fall for him, but I did anyway. I fell hard and fast and deeply in love with Wyatt Caulfield.

But that was before I knew his secret.

Last year, I loved S.D. Hendrickson’s fantastic debut, The Mason List, so I couldn’t wait to read more from this author. The way Ms. Hendrickson writes is so brilliantly filled with emotion and heartbreak, so I had high expectations for Waiting for Wyatt, and she didn’t disappoint. This is a powerfully written romance about love and redemption. It’s a slow-paced but moving novel that I highly recommend to readers who love emotional books.

Wyatt Caulfield just might be the strangest and most haunting person I’d ever met.

When Emma Sawyer needs help with a dog she’s stolen from its abusive owner, she comes across the mysterious and broody Wyatt Caulfield. Wyatt is a gorgeous-looking boy her age, but he lives out in the middle of nowhere in a small trailer with a kennel full of abused and abandoned dogs. Emma is fascinated by Wyatt and his secretive, lonely life, and sets about to discover the pain and guilt he’s holding within himself.

I wanted to save him form the depths of whatever was making Wyatt this way. I wanted to pull him from the dark pit that made his eyes ache in pain. The guy needed me whether he wanted to admit it or not.

Emma is a strong, incredibly compassionate girl. The second she meets Wyatt, she’s determined not only to help him, but the dogs he cares for as well. She holds so much love in her that every time she discovers the tragic past of each dog, her heart breaks. She’s the type of person who can’t not help others, so of course she’s drawn to Wyatt and troubled past. But the more Emma spends time with him, the more she can’t help her heart becoming invested until she’s falling for him.

I was so curious about Wyatt. He’s a bit of a jerk to Emma in the beginning, but it’s so clear that something tragic has happened in his past that you can’t help but want to know more about him. Thankfully, the author doesn’t make you wait too long to discover what Wyatt’s past is, and when you do, your heart will more than likely break for him. And the worst part of it all is that Wyatt feels he deserves all the pain, regret, self-hatred, and guilt he feels because of what he did. But with Emma’s help and compassion, can he find forgiveness, redemption, and best of all, love?

“I love you. Whether I deserve you or not. I love you. Don’t ever forget that.”

I really enjoyed Waiting for Wyatt. It was a little too slow-paced for my taste, but it’s still a worthwhile read that will tug at your heartstrings. You’ll fall for Emma’s beautiful soul, Wyatt’s tragic yet hopeful heart, and all the wonderful dogs they care for. I loved how S.D. Hendrickson incorporated the animals into Waiting for Wyatt – it was perfect the way their healing paralleled Wyatt’s own healing heart.

I highly recommend this unique, wonderfully written, emotional book. You really get to feel everything while you read this! Even with all the heartache, the author leaves you with hope and joy. It’s a heart-warming read that fans of the author don’t want to miss.

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

Also by S.D. Hendrickson

The Mason List: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

	Unlocking the Magic… on Review: A Promise of Fire by A…
	Lucas Middleton on Blog Tour // Review + Excerpt:…
	Van on Blog Tour + Release Day Review…
	Amber Elise @ Du Liv… on Audiobook Review: The Stand-In…
	daisyknox on Release Day Review: Tryst Six…

Booklovers For Life

Falling in love with romance one page at a time

Tag Archives: 4 hearts

ARC Review: Between Shadows by Chanel Cleeton

Subscribe to Blog via Email