Early Review: Rock Wedding by Nalini Singh

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Rock Redemption by Nalini Singh
Series: Rock Kiss #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 19th 2016
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh continues her Rock Kiss series with a hot, sweet, emotional contemporary romance about love and forgiveness…

After a lifetime of longing for a real family, Sarah Smith thought she’d finally found her home with rock star Abe Bellamy, even if she knew Abe didn’t love her the way she loved him. But their brief relationship, filled with tragedy and heartache, nearly destroyed her. Alone, emotions in turmoil, and already shaky self-esteem shattered, Sarah struggles to pick up the pieces in the wake of their divorce.

Abe knows he’s to blame for the end of his marriage. Caught in a web of painful memories, he pushed away the best thing in his life – the sexy, smart woman he adores – breaking them both in the process. Then fate throws him a second chance to get things right, to prove to Sarah that she means everything to him. Abe desperately wants that second chance at love…even if he knows he doesn’t deserve it.

But can he convince Sarah – now strong and independent without him – to risk her wounded heart one more time?

This booook!!! I had crazy high expectations for Rock Wedding because first, it’s Nalini Singh, and second, it’s a second chance romance! And thank god NS didn’t let me down – I absolutely LOVED. IT. Abe and Sarah’s heart-wrenching story of love, forgiveness, and redemption swept me away and stole my heart. This is one of the best second chance romances I’ve ever read, and it’s definitely my new favorite of the series. If you love the second chance romance trope, READ THIS BOOK. There’s so much angsty goodness and amazing grovel from the hero. This can be read entirely as a standalone, too, so even if you haven’t read the series, you need to get your hands on Rock Wedding!!!

As keyboardist for Schoolboy Choir, Abe Bellamy is one of the hottest rock stars in the world. He should be at the top of his game, but losing his wife and the love of his life because of his own stupidity will bring a guy down. He’s got no one to blame but himself for hurting Sarah back when they were married and he was struggling with his addiction. But now, months sober, he’s ready for the fight of his life to earn forgiveness and win back the only woman he has ever loved.

High, he’d brutally hurt her. Sober, he could destroy her.
Because love? The kind of love she’d had for Abe? It never really died.

Sarah Smith once gave everything she was to her husband, and he destroyed her for it. She’s been able to move on, but not without scars and pain. This woman is one of the toughest heroines I’ve ever read – she’s been through so much loss and hurt, I’m amazed she was able to pick herself up and move on, especially from Abe. And now that Abe wants back in her life, she wants nothing to do with him, and rightly so. I LOVED that she doesn’t give in to him easily, love- and heart-wise. She’s not a pushover, and Abe has so much to prove before he’ll ever get to touch her heart again.

“I’m not letting you go.” It was a whispered promise. “Not this time.”

I have to say, Nalini Singh absolutely nailed the redemption and forgiveness aspect of this second chance romance. My heart honestly couldn’t stop aching throughout the book, both for Abe and Sarah. They have so much hurt and pain to overcome, but never does Abe stop fighting for Sarah, and neither does Sarah stop loving Abe. There’s hope for happiness again for the two of them and a very well-deserved HEA.

“But I was stone-cold sober the night I met you and I’m stone-cold sober now—and no woman, no woman, does to me what you do. I fucking love you. Always have, always will.”

To say this book is an emotional roller coaster would be an understatement. Nalini Singh truly blew me away with Rock Wedding and the way she incorporated so much emotion and heart to the story. I couldn’t stop reading this book – it’s a second chance romance at its finest. If you’re a fan of this series, you’re in for a fantastic, emotional ride that is this final Rock Kiss book. I’m sad that this is the end of the series, though I’m thankful we’re getting a spinoff with Gabriel’s rugby-playing brothers. I can’t wait to read more of NS’s contemporary novels!

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

Reading Order: Rock Kiss series

#1 ~ Rock Addiction: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Rock Courtship: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Rock Hard: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Rock Redemption: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Rock Wedding: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (July 19, 2016)

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18Jul2016

Early Review: His Royal Secret by Lilah Pace

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

His Royal Secret by Lilah Pace
Series: His Royal Secret #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 19th 2016
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The first in an enchanting new male/male romantic duology from Lilah Pace, author of Asking for More and Begging for It ….

James, the handsome, cosmopolitan Prince of Wales, is used to being in the public eye. But he’s keeping a king-sized secret…James, next in line for the throne, is gay.

He’s been able to hide his sexual orientation with the help of his best friend and beard, Lady Cassandra. Sometimes he feels like a coward for not coming out, but he daren’t risk losing the crown. If he did, the succession would fall on his deeply troubled younger sister, Princess Amelia. To protect her, James is willing to live a lie.

While on holiday, he meets Benjamin Dahan—a rugged international reporter with a globe-trotting, unattached life—who catches far more than James’s eye. And when Ben is transferred to London, it seems fate may finally be smiling on James.

But what began as a torrid fling grows into something far more intimate and powerful. Soon James will have to decide who he is, what he wants from life and love, and what he’s willing to sacrifice for the truth…

Last year, I loved Lilah Pace’s debut novel and fell in love with her writing, so when I heard she’d be writing a new series, and an M/M one at that, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Everything about His Royal Secret sounded amazing – a secretly gay Prince of Wales, a reporter he falls for, a clandestine relationship – so much goodness right there! I ended up not quite loving His Royal Secret, but enjoying it nonetheless. It’s a good start to James and Ben’s story, and I’m excited for their finale. If you’re in the mood for a sexy M/M romance with a unique twist to it, I’d say you should definitely give this book a try. Just know, it’s a duology, and the sequel releases in a month!

James is the heir to the British throne, but the thing is, he’s also gay. As modern as the world is, the monarchy is still pretty conservative, and there are a ton of other legitimate reasons why James hasn’t come out. He also keeps low in relationships, obviously, but one road trip to Africa changes things when he meets Benjamin Dahan, a reporter – with morals – James instantly forms an attraction to.

I’m taking this. One stolen hour in my entire bloody life–it’s mine, he’s mine, and no one else ever has to know.

Since neither of them believe they’ll ever see each other again, they fall into temptation and a night of passion… but when Ben is reassigned to England, they reunite and begin a secret, sex-only affair. How long will they be able to keep up their relationship before they get caught? And can they keep their feelings out of the equation?

I really enjoyed James and Ben’s characters. They’re so sweet and adorable together, especially when they both try to believe that they’re not falling for each other. Their romance moved a bit slow, despite the short length of the book, and I honestly would’ve rather read their full story in one longer book. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the third person POV, so that spark in Lilah Pace’s writing that I loved in her debut was missing for me. The main characters were mainly the highlight of this book for me, and I’m hoping we get to focus on their relationship much more in the next book.

“If the world finds out we’re together, my life is ruined. But my life is ruined if I lose you. So I’m pretty well fucked either way.”

I’m not dying to read the sequel, but I am looking forward to it and what will happen after the consequences of the ending in His Royal Secret. Ben and James are such great characters – they’re interesting, unique, and they’ve got insane chemistry together. Hopefully, they’ll be just as wonderful in His Royal Favorite!

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

Reading Order: His Royal Secret series

#1 ~ His Royal Secret: Ebook • Goodreads (July 19, 2016)
#2 ~ His Royal Favorite: Ebook • Goodreads (Aug. 16, 2016)

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12Jul2016

Release Day Review: Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton

Posted in 4 hearts, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton
Series: Hudson Valley #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 12th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton brings her trademark blend of funny and sexy to this second contemporary romance in the brand-new Hudson Valley series!

Manhattan’s It Girl, Natalie Grayson, has it all: she’s a hot exec at a leading advertising firm, known industry-wide for her challenging and edgy campaigns. She’s got a large circle of friends, a family that loves her dearly, and her dance card is always full with handsome eligible bachelors. What else could a modern gal-about-town wish for? The answer, of course, is…cheese.

Natalie’s favorite part of each week is spending Saturday morning at the Union Square Farmer’s Market, where she indulges her love of all things triple cream. Her favorite booth also indulges her love of all things handsome. Oscar Mendoza, owner of the Bailey Falls Creamery and purveyor of the finest artisanal cheeses the Hudson Valley has to offer, is tall, dark, mysterious, and a bit oblivious. Or so she thinks. But that doesn’t stop Natalie from fantasizing about the size of his, ahem, milk can.

Romance is churning, passion is burning, and something incredible is rising to the top. Could it be…love?

I’ve loved Alice Clayton since Wallbanger first came out, and her newest books in the Hudson Valley series are just as fun and entertaining as her first book. This author does rom-com like no other, so if you’re a fan of funny, sexy books, you’ll want to get your hands on this series! These books will have you laughing with delight and also have you blushing like crazy the next. Cream of the Crop is another winner from Alice Clayton — Nuts is still my favorite Hudson Valley book, but this one was pretty unique and I absolutely adored the heroine!

We first met Natalie in Nuts as one of Roxie’s best friends, and we know that Natalie has got a bit of a crush on a certain dairy farmer. Normally, Natalie’s the most confident, self-assured woman there is, but every time she’s within the vicinity of Oscar Mendoza, her brain fries and she’s literally only capable of saying two words to him. It’s hilarious and endearing – Natalie is seriously one of my favorite heroines ever! I just love her confidence (when she’s not shy around Oscar) and I love how empowered she is. She owns every one of her curves and I really couldn’t admire her more.

When she gets the chance to visit Hudson Valley for a job, Natalie jumps at the chance not only to see her best friend, but also to see Oscar in all his dairy glory. There’s a hot chemistry between these two characters despite how frazzled she is around Oscar, but once she gets over it, holy crap do sparks fly. These two are crazy hot together – there might have been a litttle too much sex, but otherwise I really enjoyed the way they were together.

Cream of the Crop is pure, light-hearted fun, and the perfect drama-free summer read. The romance was simple and uncomplicated, and the setting of Hudson Valley is gorgeous and homey. It’s seriously such a fun read – and I already can’t wait to read more of the series!

Reading Order: Hudson Valley series

#1 ~ Nuts: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Cream of the Crop: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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11Jul2016

Blog Tour + ARC Review: Deep Redemption by Tillie Cole

Posted in 4 hearts, Blog Tours, Reviews by Lacey

Welcome to today’s stop on the tour for Deep Redemption by Tillie Cole!

Deep Redemption by Tillie Cole
Series: Hades Hangmen #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 12th 2016

ONLY THROUGH BLOOD CAN THE DEEPEST REDEMPTION BE FOUND…

He was born to ascend.
He was destined to lead.
He was never meant to fail.

Prophet Cain lies broken and defeated on the floor of his cell. A cell he has been thrown into by the one person who was supposed to stand by his side until the end. His flesh and blood, his only companion. His beloved twin brother.

Cain has sacrificed everything for his people. He left the safety and security of his life of study to infiltrate the infamous Hades Hangmen. He lived with them, rode with them, and then betrayed them. All in the name of a faith he can now feel slipping away from him. Like everything else he once held dear…

But then his isolation is broken. Another prisoner is brought to the cell next to his. A woman fighting her own demons and fears. A woman who Cain understands needs him, as he needs her.

As the connection between them grows, so does Cain’s resolve. He will right the wrongs he has done. He will atone for the evil acts carried out in his name. He will save the one he loves…

… Even if the battle takes him to the gates of hell itself.

Contemporary Dark Romance. Contains explicit sexual situations, violence, sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language, and mature topics. Recommended for age 18 years and up.

Buy Links:
Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon AU • Amazon CA • iTunes • B&N • Kobo

Deep Redemption has been an anticipated read of mine since Rider first appeared in the first Hades Hangmen novel. I was extremely curious to see how Tillie Cole would play out Rider/Cain’s book, and now that it’s here, I really couldn’t see it playing out any other way than it did. This book is… intense. Graphic. Raw and uncensored. It’s not an easy read, but if you’re a fan of the series, you’ll probably want to get your hands on this book. SO many things happen, and all I can say is that I’m glad this isn’t the end of the Hades Hangmen yet!

I had been two men in my life. I was beginning to understand that neither of them were real. They were both the ultimate pretenders. Rider pretended to be a Hangman, but always stood on the outside, looking in. Cain pretended he was a prophet, outwardly faking strength, yet drowning in fear underneath. But if both of these men were a ruse, then who the hell was I? Who was the real me?
I had absolutely no idea.

Rider, aka Prophet Cain, has been led to believe one thing his entire life, but after some shocking and horrifying revelations about his religion and cult, he’s questioning everything – including himself. He’s been marked a traitor of his people and his own twin has thrown him in prison. Day in and out he is punished, beaten for his betrayal. There is no hope for him… until a beautiful girl is thrown into the cell next to him, and they form a bond unlike anything else. Harmony herself has been marked a Cursed Sister of Eve and is sentenced to a marriage with a cruel man. Will they ever find a way out of the dark? Will they be free to love each other? And who exactly is Harmony?

“A pure soul always finds love. Even through hate, they will always find the ability to claim love.”
“I’m not good,” he argued. “I don’t believe that.”
I smiled. Pressing my forehead to his, I said, “Then I will believe it for you.”

I wasn’t one of those readers who totally hated Rider, so his whole redemption wasn’t the main focus for me, but the romance between him and Harmony was. They are so freaking sweet together – I wish we’d gotten more romance instead of all the cult-related things. Honestly, the things that went on in Rider’s cult turned my stomach, and I had to skim some parts because I was just too disgusted to read some of what happened. For those of you who are curious about Rider’s redemption though, IMO Tillie Cole redeemed him very well. In the end, I just felt so bad for him, so I thought he deserved any chance at happiness he could get.

In the end, she had been the greatest blessing I could ever have prayed for.
A sin for the ultimate sinner.

I didn’t entirely love Deep Redemption (Heart Recaptured will still be my favorite Hades Hangmen book) but this book kept me on the edge of my seat and hooked on the story. I was biting my nails, terrified for Rider and Harmony, wanting them to get their HEA. It’s a raw, gritty, unfiltered novel, and fans of the series will more than likely enjoy this newest installment. If you’re new to the series, I highly recommend reading the books in order – though they’re about different couples, the over-arcing storyline continues throughout the story, so you might be a bit lost if you start in the middle. This is one of the best dark MC series I’ve read, and I’m dying to get more already! The next book will be AK and Phebe’s – I can’t wait for it!

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

Reading Order: Hades Hangmen series

$Souls Unfractured by Tillie Cole$

#1 ~ It Ain’t Me, Babe: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Heart Recaptured: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Souls Unfractured: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Deep Redemption: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Damnable Grace: Goodreads (release date TBA)
#6 ~ Crux Untamed: Goodreads (release date TBA)
#7 ~ Darkness Embraced: Goodreads (release date TBA)

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Goodreads

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5Jul2016

Release Day Review: Into the Blue by Chanel Cleeton

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Into the Blue by Chanel Cleeton
Series: Wild Aces #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 5th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Eric Jansen—call sign Thor—loves nothing more than pushing his F-16 to the limit. Returning home to South Carolina after a tragic loss, he hopes to fix the mistake he made long ago, when he chose the Air Force over his fiancée.

Becca Madison isn’t quick to welcome Thor back. She can’t forget how he shattered her heart. But Thor won’t give up once he’s set his sights on what he wants—and he wants Becca.

Thor shows Becca that he’s no longer the impulsive boy he used to be, and Becca finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. But will Thor be able to walk away from his dream of flying the F-16 for their love or does his heart belong to the sky?

I loved loved LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Into the Blue was the PERFECT second chance romance/military romance for me. I’m usually a bit picky about these two tropes, and put them together? I was terrified about how it would play out, but holy hell, did I adore Eric and Becca’s second chance at love. I couldn’t have imagined a better story for these two characters. And omg Eric – can you say SWOON!? He was utter perfection as a hero. Seriously, I loved this book so much! Into the Blue is the second book in the Wild Aces series, though it can be read as a standalone (you can check out my review for book one here). If you loved Fly with Me, get ready to get your hands on Into the Blue – it’s an absolute must read.

I’d been an idiot before and thrown away the best thing that had ever happened to me, but there was no way I was making the same mistake again.

Ten years ago, Becca and Eric had been in love, engaged, and ready to begin a new chapter in their lives. Becca thought they were happy, but apparently not, because Eric just up and left her behind to join the US Air Force. The past ten years have been filled with bitterness, anger, and hurt, so understandably, when Eric comes back home for the first time in a decade, Becca wants nothing to do with him. I felt for this girl so hard. I was angry on her behalf, even though I knew her heart has only ever been his. My heart broke for the way hers broke, and I wanted nothing more than for her to kick Eric’s ass and show him what he’s been missing, and thankfully, she delivers. I loved Becca wholeheartedly, because I could connect with her so well. She’s got a huge heart capable of so much love, but the hurt Eric caused only made her grow stronger. And this time, she’s not about to let him in that easily. I was so happy with the way she kept making Eric prove his love to her – Becca ROCKED as a heroine.

You couldn’t fake what we had. Couldn’t duplicate it. We were so fucking lucky to have found each other once, and even as I’d always suspected it, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that letting her go was the biggest mistake of my life.
Now I needed to fix it.

The one thing that describes Eric? Regretful. He has so many regrets in life, but none does he regret more than leaving Becca, the love of his life. THIS is the kind of hero I adore reading about in second chance romances. The hero who never forgot about his lost love, the one who knows he effed up and can admit his mistakes. The kind of hero who’s not afraid to put his heart on the line again, and once he’s back in his woman’s life, he’s going to do everything he can to stay there permanently. Ten years ago, Eric gave up Becca for F-16’s – but this time around, he knows he’s not going to make the same mistake again. Will he be able to prove his love and devotion to her and win her heart again?

I’d never felt this way about anyone before. Wasn’t sure I’d even felt this way about her before. Maybe it took losing her to realize just how much I needed her, the contrast between my life with Becca and my life without never clearer than in this moment.

Eric and Becca were beautiful together. They might have loved each other back then, but they are so meant for each other even more now. Into the Blue made my heart ache in all the right places – the angst is so well done, but the love is what totally swept me away. Chanel Cleeton did such an amazing job with this story – it’s already become one of my favorite books of the year. Fly with Me was a fantastic read, but Into the Blue went above and beyond my expectations.

If you haven’t read the Wild Aces series yet, you are missing out. It’s an amazing military romance series – and if you love second chance romances too, Into the Blue will be perfect for you. This series only seems to be getting better and better, so I can’t even imagine how the third book will turn out, but I know I’m dying to read Easy’s story. I can already feel the heartache from On Broken Wings – January 2017 can’t get here fast enough!

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

Reading Order: Wild Aces series

#1 ~ Fly With Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Into the Blue: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ On Broken Wings: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Jan. 3, 2017)

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