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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9Nov2015

Release Day Review: How to Lose a Bachelor by Anna Banks

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

How to Lose a Bachelor by Anna Banks
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: November 9th 2015
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Revenge was never this much fun…

When Rochelle Ransom auditioned for the dating show Luring Love, she had big plans for winning the prize money to help her favorite charity-and if she won the hot bachelor’s heart, even better. But at the last minute she finds out the hot bachelor is her ex-boyfriend, Grant Drake. Desperate to keep her distance from him, she’ll do anything-and everything-to get voted off.

Years ago, Rochelle broke Grant’s heart, and he’s out for revenge. There’s no way he’ll vote her off.

After all, vengeance is a dish best served red-hot…and on live television.

When her hilarious antics to get kicked off the show escalate, Grant’s reminded why he fell in love with her the first time. Now he isn’t sure which might be more fun… Seeing how far Rochelle is willing to go to get away or how far he will to keep her forever.

How to Lose a Bachelor is a super cute, quick, and fun second chance romance with a The Bachelor twist to it! I really enjoyed it – I adore second chance romances, so this was right up my alley. It’s hilarious yet sweetly romantic, and I loved all the crazy shenanigans that the heroine came up with on the reality show. If you’re a fan of light-hearted romances, or even second chance romances, I highly recommend this one!

She was going to be on TV. But more importantly, nothing was going to stop her from winning the grand prize money for her charity.
Oh yeah, and the bachelor’s heart or whatever.

Rochelle Ransom auditions for a reality TV show in order to try to win a bachelor’s heart… and the grand prize money that will help with funding her woman’s shelter. The last person she ever expects the bachelor to be is her ex, the former love of her life, Grant Drake. As much as she’d like to quit the show and get away from the man who broke her heart, Rochelle needs the money for the shelter. So she strikes a deal with the producer – if she agrees to stay on the show to add drama, then she’ll get double the prize money, regardless of whether Grant kicks her off the show or not. And so ensues her hilarious ways of trying her best to get kicked off the show and pay Grant back for breaking her heart.

Grant also wants revenge on the woman who abandoned him and their relationship. But seeing Rochelle again, being with her and getting glimpses of the woman he fell in love with ten years ago, quickly has him changing his plan from getting revenge to winning her back.

Rochelle needed some gentle coaxing, some delicate care, a lot of nurturing–and to know that he was still the man she loved. He knew she’d loved him before. And somehow, he had to find a way to make her love him again.

How to Lose a Bachelor was so much fun to read. In between the hilarious antics Rochelle comes up with to embarrass herself and get Grant to kick her out and Grant’s own ridiculous paybacks, I was giggling so much. The second chance romance was sweet – I really adored seeing Grant and Rochelle warm up to each other again, fall in love again. The two of them are likable, funny characters, and they’re wonderful together – I was rooting for them to get back together from the start. This is a fast-paced, satisfying book I easily read in one sitting. I will definitely be looking forward to more contemporary romances from Anna Banks!

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

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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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4Nov2015

ARC Review: Hard Beat by K. Bromberg

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Hard Beat by K. Bromberg
Series: Driven #7 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 3rd 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

From the New York Times bestselling author of Sweet Ache comes a blistering new novel filled with danger, secrecy, and a desire that can’t be sated…

Foreign war correspondent Tanner Thomas is addicted to living on the edge. Needing the adrenaline rush of his job to help him cope with a personal loss, he throws himself back into the game, concentrating all his energy on getting the next big story.

But when he meets his new photojournalist, Beaux Croslyn, he can’t help but feel like he’s losing his focus—and maybe risking more…

With secrets she won’t address, Beaux is far from your ordinary woman. Determined to keep her distance, she’s willing to pull Tanner in closer and hide behind the sparks flying between them. But as Beaux’s past begins to put their relationship—and their lives—at risk, Tanner’s determination to find the truth puts them both in jeopardy.

He’s ready to chase her to the ends of the earth to find out if what they had was real, or if the danger surrounding them was just an exquisite heat fated to burn out…

I… liked Hard Beat. It was a good read, even if I didn’t love it, though I tried to. But for some reason, I just can’t seem to get into a K. Bromberg book. I tried with the first two books in the Driven series, but I didn’t like them. I thought I’d give Hard Beat a try, because it sounded amazing and I was intrigued by Tanner’s character. While I liked this book more than Driven and Fueled, I still didn’t quite fully love it. It was still really good, very enjoyable, but it was missing that spark for me that makes me fully immersed in a story. My main problem was with how much of a jerk Tanner is in the beginning of the novel, and I couldn’t seem to get past that even as I kept reading.

“You want the danger, the hard beat, somewhere where you can risk your safety as a punishment for not saving Stella?”

Tanner Thomas is used to living live on the edge, of being in constant danger as a foreign war correspondent. After the tragic death of his best friend and photographer, Tanner heads straight back into the war-zone to get his mind away from the pain and grief. What he doesn’t expect is to get a gorgeous new photographer who turns his world upside down. K. Bromberg is fantastic at writing asshole heroes, I have to give her that. From what I’d seen of Tanner in the previous books, I didn’t think he had it in him, but he’s a HUGE ass to Beaux when he first meets her, and for a little while after that as well. Granted, he’s haunted by grief and guilt over Stella, but I couldn’t sympathize with him. He’s quick to assumptions and not likable until about halfway through the book.

“Remember, sometimes what’s right isn’t always what’s needed. Sometimes what’s needed isn’t always what’s wanted. And sometimes you just have to live in the moment, take what’s given, and sort out the consequences later.”

As Tanner’s photographer, Beaux is in close proximity to Tanner nearly 24/7. When you add in the fiery hot chemistry that smolders between them, it’s inevitable that they’ll be burning up the sheets in between doing their jobs. And while Tanner grows to have feelings for Beaux, she keeps herself at a distance, never revealing anything about her life. She’s shrouded in mystery, and since Tanner’s a journalist whose job is to reveal secrets, he wants nothing less than to know Beaux, inside and out.

“… eyes are the one thing on someone that never changes, so if you can look into someone’s eyes and see tomorrow, then you’ve found your forever.”

What I enjoyed about Hard Beat was how K. Bromberg wrote it solely in Tanner’s POV. It really added to the suspense and mystery of Beaux’s character. And since Tanner’s a bit of an adrenaline junkie, I could feel myself get excited whenever Tanner and Beaux got into dangerous situations. There are plenty of twists and turn in this novel that revolve around Beaux that had me on the edge of my seat (I’m TOTALLY going to say that my wild guess about Beaux’s secret was RIGHT).

She’s my little piece of Heaven in this land full of Hell.

I’m impressed with K. Bromberg’s writing – she’s created this intriguing, fast-paced novel that I normally would’ve loved, but it was Tanner’s character that prevented me from fully connecting with the story. Still, everything else about this book I did enjoy. Hard Beat is entertaining, sexy, suspenseful – I’m sure if you’re a fan of the series, you won’t be disappointed.

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

Reading Order: Driven series

#1 ~ Driven: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Fueled: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Crashed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Raced: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Aced: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Slow Burn: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Sweet Ache: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Hard Beat: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8 ~ Down Shift: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Oct. 11, 2016)

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