Audiobook Review: Dragonfly by Leigh T. Moore

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Dragonfly by Leigh T. Moore
Series: Dragonfly #1 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: October 20th 2015
Length: 6 hours and 33 minutes
Narrated by: Christy Romano
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Falling in love changes everything.

Three bad things I learned this year:

People you trust lie, even parents.
That hot guy, the one who’s totally into you, might not be the one.
Things are not always how they appear.

Three good things I learned this year:

Best friends are always there for you, even when they’re far away.
That other hot guy, the one who remembers your birthday, just might be the one.
Oh, and things are not always how they appear.

Anna Sanders expected an anonymous (and uneventful) senior year until she crossed paths with rich and sexy Jack Kyser and his twin sister, Lucy. Pulling Anna into their extravagant lifestyle on the Gulf Coast, Lucy pushed Anna outside her comfort zone, and Jack showed her feelings she’d never experienced – until he mysteriously withdrew.

Anna turned to her internship at the city paper and to her old attraction to Julian, a handsome local artist and rising star, for distraction. But both led to her discovery of a decades-old secret closely guarded by the twins’ distant, single father.

A secret that could permanently change all their lives.

The audiobook of Dragonfly is a quick, fun listen. I really enjoyed Christy Romano’s narration – she did a great job with portraying the teenage main character’s voice. While I didn’t love the story, I still appreciated the way the author was able to make her high school characters realistic and relatable. I’d definitely recommend this audiobook if you’re a fan of romance with realistic teenage characters and high school angst/drama.

Anna Sanders is that very typical high school senior girl who, in between dealing with school and college, has one mess of a romantic life. She has a fling with the hot and rich Jack Kyser, whose father practically owns the town they live in, and her feelings for Jack eventually grow into something deeper. But when Jack withdraws from her, her best guy friend Julian is always there for her. It’s obvious that both boys care deeply for Anna, and vice versa, but I felt like only one of them was really meant to be with her.

As many times as Anna annoyed me with her wishy-washy attitude, I really enjoyed the way she took the time to think over her feelings for both boys before making any rash decisions. I’m not a fan of love triangles but the author handled it better than I expected in this book.

There’s also a mystery involving Jack’s father and Julian’s mother, and Anna slowly unravels that secondary story throughout the novel. This mystery definitely made listening to Dragonfly much more interesting, especially when I sometimes grew tired of the romance.

The best part of listening to Dragonfly is definitely the narration. Christy Romano is fantastic! I love her voice. Dragonfly is a good start to Leigh T. Moore’s series, and while I didn’t quite love it, I’m still curious enough after finishing this to continue with the series. Anna and Julian were by far the most interesting characters, and I’m looking forward to more of them in the rest of the series!

Reading Order: Dragonfly series

#1 ~ Dragonfly: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Undertow: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Watercolor: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Mosaic: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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2Nov2015

Early Review: Untamed by S.C. Stephens

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Untamed by S.C. Stephens
Series: Thoughtless #4 (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

#1 New York Times bestselling author S.C. Stephens brings us the next book in her Thoughtless series!

The spotlight doesn’t only shine. Sometimes it burns.

Being the bad-boy bassist for the world’s hottest band has earned Griffin Hancock some perks: a big house, a fast car, and most importantly his incredible wife, Anna. The one thing it hasn’t brought him is the spotlight. Anna tells him to be patient, that his talent will win out. But Griffin is through waiting for permission to shine.

Without warning, Griffin makes a shocking decision and takes the gamble of a lifetime. Suddenly he’s caught up in a new level of lights, cameras, and chaos. One that pushes his relationship with Anna to its limits. Anna has always found his unpredictable behavior sexy, but lately he’s seen an ache in her eyes–and it has his soul in knots. Just as the recognition Griffin seeks is finally within reach, the thing he loves most in life could be slipping through his fingers…

HOLY SHIT!!!!! I am SHOCKED, utterly shocked, at how much I loved Untamed. I can firmly say I was NOT a fan of Thoughtless (I loathed Kiera and Kellan), but I liked Griffin for the most part, so I thought I’d give his book a chance even though I hadn’t finished up the series… and I’m so glad I did. This book was so much more than I expected, so much more emotional and meaningful, and I loved it. Untamed is jam-packed with hilarity and heart-wrenching moments (I even freaking teared up at some parts, and I am NOT a crier for books), and I am just so impressed with the way Griffin is portrayed. I applaud S.C. Stephens for her wonderful storytelling and brilliant character development – especially since I almost DNF’ed this book. So if you’re like me, and feel like giving up on this – on Griffin – I promise that if you keep reading, he will surprise you in the best of ways and it will totally be worth it in the end.

Fuck being lead guitarist. I could be lead everything.

Griffin, bassist for the D-Bags, is rude, obnoxious, and from the other members’ POVs, he doesn’t really contribute to the band. He’s kind of there to always make a mess of things. And his way of thinking is just… awful. It’s practically pornographic and very, very arrogant. I almost couldn’t keep reading Untamed, Griffin was so idiotic and ridiculous. But somewhere along the way… I felt sorry for him, which I’m guessing is the author’s intention. Griffin is tired of living in the shadows of lead singer Kellan Kyle, who gets all the fame and glory. All he wants is just a little spotlight on him, but time and again, everyone refuses to give him even five minutes of it. They all have zero faith in him, and I felt so sad for how he never even gets a chance to really prove himself. My feelings about Griffin – amazingly – slowly changed from annoyance to sympathy, and he went from being a moronic character to someone with depth and issues.

I’d had it all, and now… I had nothing.

Oh, Griffin made my heart hurt. He makes a life-changing decision that not only affects him and the band, but also his pregnant wife and daughter. He’s a literal train wreck waiting to happen – actually, not even. He’s a train wreck that is HAPPENING. I wanted to reach into the pages and strangle him for the dumb, desperate decisions he makes, but when things start spiraling out of control and he starts to lose everything, I wanted to cry for him. His fall from the top hurts, and I almost couldn’t keep reading because of how my heart broke at how hard he crashes to the bottom.

“…more people care about you than you think. But… it’s like your ego is a force field… it pushes people back, instead of letting them in. You’d see the world differently if you opened yourself up to the possibility that…”
… “That what?” …
“That you’re an imperfect person… just like the rest of us.”

The best part about Griffin is definitely the way he is with his family, no matter the horrible decisions he makes. He adores his wife, daughter, and the upcoming baby, all of whom I adored as well. I don’t really remember how I felt about Anna when I read Thoughtless, but I absolutely loved her in Untamed. She’s a kickass woman, mom, and wife, and she’s the only person who endlessly supports Griffin, even when it seems like she shouldn’t. I truly enjoyed reading about her character, and I loved that she and Griffin were just perfect for each other. She’s pretty much the only woman who could handle Griffin, and for that I admire her.

I’d been handed fame on a platter and hadn’t appreciated it until it was too late.

This book is definitely eye-opening, both for Griffin and the reader. Griffin’s heart-wrenching fall from the top and his climb back up is a tumultuous journey that is truly incredible to witness. S.C. Stephen’s writing had me feeling like I was there right alongside Griffin through his ups and downs. And as emotional as this book is, it’s also pretty freaking hilarious. I laughed so much at all the insanely ridiculous, inappropriate things Griffin says and does. Also, I’ll admit, Kellan and Kiera grew on me later on in Untamed – they were pretty much the only supporters of Griffin, besides Anna. Plus, I was highly amused by how Griffin thought they were annoying.

Untamed is so worth the read. Griffin makes HUGE changes in his character as he learns to be the person his family and band deserve. I’m honestly so proud of Griffin right now after finishing this book – and I’m so impressed with the way S.C. Stephens was able to make me change my feelings towards him! The way he learns to appreciate the life he has is just beyond incredible and I’m so glad to have read his story.

“Mrs. Anna Hancock… you are my best friend, my partner in crime, my reason for living, and the only thing that really matters to me. Forever only scratches the surface of how long I’ll love you.”

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

Reading Order: Thoughtless series

#1 ~ Thoughtless: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Thoughtful: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Effortless: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Reckless: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Untamed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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1Nov2015

Release Day Review: The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan
Series: Game On #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 1st 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

A beard-related dare and one hot-as-hell kiss changes everything.

NFL center Ethan Dexter’s focus has always been on playing football and little else. Except when it comes to one particular woman. The lovely Fiona Mackenzie might not care about his fame, but she’s also never looked at him as anything more than one of her brother-in-law’s best friends. That ends now.

Fi doesn’t know what to make of Dex. The bearded, tattooed, mountain of man-muscle looks more like a biker than a football player. Rumor has it he’s a virgin, but she finds that hard to believe. Because from the moment he decides to turn his quiet intensity on her she’s left weak at the knees and aching to see his famous control fully unleashed.

Fi ought to guard her heart and walk away; they live vastly different lives in separate cities. And Dex is looking for a forever girl. But Dex has upped his game and is using all his considerable charm to convince Fi he’s her forever man.

Game On

My god. I don’t know how Kristen Callihan does it, but each book in the Game On series (easily one of the best NA series I’ve ever read) gets better and better. I didn’t think I could love anyone as much as I loved Gray from The Friend Zone (my review here), but oh, how wrong I was. Dex is just… perfection. An absolute wonderful hero I’ve fallen so, so, sooooo hard for. AH, I can’t even fully describe how much I love him! And this series!!! This is truly one of the top NA series that I’d recommend to EVERYONE. The lovable, mature characters, the fantastic writing, the humor, the heartache… Kristen Callihan mixes all of these into a potent combination that will steal your heart and take your breath away.

I see Ethan Dexter; he shines for me. And I burn hotter than the sun when I’m in his orbit.

We previously met Dex and Fiona in The Friend Zone, and they were quite the opposites. Dex is quiet and reserved, the go-to guy when his teammates need advice. Fi is an out-going, feisty girl who doesn’t hold anything back. He’s a virgin and a football player; she’s open about her sexuality and hates dating football players. Fi doesn’t really notice Dex, but he’s had his eye on her since the moment they first meet. And for two years, Dex has kept to the shadows, always watching her from afar, but one dare and kiss changes everything, and this sexy lumbersexual is determined to fight for the one woman he wants.

“You’ve ruined me, Fiona. I’m not sure I know how to live without you anymore.”

I’m just a pile of melted goo now, after finishing this book. Dex makes my heart practically SING – he’s romantic, sweet, thoughtful, patient. He’s just the perfect man for Fi, and she’s the perfect woman for him. Fi gets Dex to open up and show his true self only to her, while Dex gives Fi an anchor, a foundation. God, I seriously loved this couple. The two of them truly bring out the best and most out of each other. You can’t read this book and NOT smile and clutch at your heart at seeing them interact with each other, at them being TOGETHER. Oh, and did I mention how freaking HOT this book is!? You will seriously need a fan because the chemistry between Dex and Fi is off. the. charts. And Dex’s dirty mouth… *flails* I loved it!

“Being with you. Loving you—You make me feel everything.”

I haven’t rated a book 5 stars in quite a while, but what better way to get me out of my book funk than with Dex and Fi!? The Game Plan is another brilliant, heart-wrenching, utterly romantic addition to this series that I will forever adore. Fi and Dex’s story isn’t perfect, as they have their ups and downs, but their story was written perfectly and I couldn’t imagine it better. I honestly never wanted this book to end. And, another plus, we get to see the other couples from the previous series, and the new NFL teammates! The banters, the bromances, and the camaraderie were all a joy to read. Gah, this book. Just thinking about it makes me smile. I loved it with my whole heart – I can’t recommend it enough!

“I love you. I don’t say that enough. Just know that whatever I do, wherever I am, it is a constant refrain in my heart. You color my world, Fi.”

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

Reading Order: Game On series

#1 ~ The Hook Up: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Friend Zone: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Game Plan: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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27Oct2015

Release Day Review: Friction by Sawyer Bennett

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Friction by Sawyer Bennett
Series: A Legal Affairs Standalone (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 27th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

At the powerhouse law firm of Knight & Payne, winning comes first and ethics a distant second. Leary Michaels uses her female charms to daze opponents, and it’s always worked well—until now. On her most personal case yet, she finds herself going up against a defense attorney just as skilled, shameless, and seductive as she is.

Reeve Holloway has never met a woman as sure of her own sexuality, or as ruthless in wielding it, as Leary is. But he won’t be toyed with. What Leary starts, he’ll finish—in the courtroom, the bedroom, or any-damn-place he wants. The sex is uninhibited, electrifying, and absolutely against the rules. Reeve’s job is to ruin Leary’s case…even if it destroys her in the process and costs him the woman he’s come to love.

I loooove Sawyer Bennett!! The way she writes is just so… intelligent and mature, yet so much fun to read. Friction is actually the first Legal Affairs book I’ve read from this author, but it definitely won’t be my last! I enjoyed the heck out of Leary and Reeve’s enemies-to-lovers story. These two attorneys may be on opposing sides of a case, but bring them together and the chemistry between them is off the charts. Friction is a sexy, fun, quick-paced read that fans of the author won’t be disappointed with.

Leary Michaels has the job of her dreams working as a kickass lawyer for Knight & Payne. She’s an independent, strong, intelligent woman who owns her sexuality and isn’t afraid to use it to her benefit. And in her newest case, a case that’s near to her heart, Leary uses her feminine wiles on the opposing counsel… except she never expects for him to give as good as he gets.

How can one man be so vastly different from the others I’ve had? How can he bring me so quickly to dizzying heights? How can he fully entertain and annoy me at the same time? And how can I actually be starting to have feelings for a man who should be my sworn enemy?

Reeve Holloway may have been duped (spectacularly) by Leary upon their first meeting, but he’s not about to let this fierce, gorgeous women do it again. But one taste of her and he’s dying for more. And hot. Damn! The intense chemistry between them makes for some smokin’ hot scenes. But when the lust starts to grow into something deeper and more, can these two should-be enemies actually make a relationship work?

I had such a fun time reading Friction. Actually, I always enjoy Sawyer Bennett’s books – so just a little nudge, if you haven’t given her a try yet, you’re missing out. Her writing is fantastic – witty, intelligent, and FUN! Her characters are also always kickass, especially the women. Leary and Reeve’s story can be read completely as a standalone, though it’s a part of the Legal Affairs series, and I definitely recommend it for those who like their romances sexy and intelligent.

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

Reading Order: Legal Affairs series

McKayla & Matt:

#1 ~ Legal Affairs Vol. 1-6: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Confessions of a Litigation God: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Macy & Cal:

#1 ~ Clash: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Grind: Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ Yield: Ebook • Goodreads

Leary & Reeve:

Friction: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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27Oct2015

Release Day Review: Darkest Before Dawn by Maya Banks

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Darkest Before Dawn by Maya Banks
Series: KGI #10 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 27th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

The enigmatic Hancock has been both opponent and ally to the KGI teams for as long as they’ve known him. Always working a deep game, Hancock’s true allegiance has never been apparent, but one thing is for certain—he never lets anything get in the way of duty.

But now, his absolute belief in the primacy of his ultimate goal is challenged by a captive he’s been ordered to guard, no matter how much she suffers in her prison. She’s the only woman who’s ever managed to penetrate the rigid walls surrounding his icy heart, but will he allow his perplexing feelings for the beautiful victim to destroy a mission he’s spent years working to complete or will he be forced to sacrifice her for “the greater good.”

This is my first KGI book, though it’s not my first Maya Banks read. I was previously a big fan of the books I have read from her, so I was excited to read Darkest Before Dawn, and plus, I love a good romantic suspense. It wasn’t too difficult to get into this book, given that I haven’t read any of the other KGI books, but unfortunately, what prevented me from fully enjoying this was the insane amount of repetition. The premise of Darkest Before Dawn had great potential, but I would’ve enjoyed this book so much more if a ton of the narrative had been cut shorter.

Honor Cambridge is on the run from a terrorist organization out to kill her, trying to survive one day at a time in the Middle East. She’s a headstrong, fierce, honorable woman who’s been through so much yet still keeps her head held high. She’s close to freedom until Hancock intercepts her journey – she believes he’s there to save her, but little does she know that she’s a pawn on his chessboard.

Hancock is a mercenary – deadly, cold, unfeeling, and loyal to his duty to a fault. He and his men do things that no one else wants to do in order to help the ‘greater good’. Unfortunately, when that means sacrificing a sole person for the greater good, then that’s what he must do. Hancock’s objective is to take down Maksimov, an evil man who’s killed thousands of people, and the only way to get access to Maksimov is through Honor. So Hancock sets it up so that she believes he’s taking her to freedom, when in fact he’s leading her something worse than death. But what happens when he grows to care for his captive, and wants to make a life with her?

While I really enjoyed Honor’s character, Hancock was a miss for me. I got annoyed when he kept going on and on about the ‘greater good’ and trying to reason with himself that what he was doing to Honor would be worth it. Honor was the main reason I was able to keep reading, though the repetition of everything got old fast. I found myself skimming chunks of the book to get to the dialogue, because all the unnecessary details were just too boring.

I really wish this book could’ve been shortened, because I did enjoy the action and suspense. I liked the way the romance played out, that it wasn’t too rushed or too fast. Darkest Before Dawn was mainly an okay read – I wish I could’ve loved it more, but it was just too wordy for my taste.

Reading Order: KGI series

#1 ~ The Darkest Hour: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ No Place to Run: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Hidden Away: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Whispers in the Dark: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Echoes at Dawn: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5.5 ~ Softly at Sunrise: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Shades of Gray: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Forged in Steel: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8 ~ After the Storm: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#9 ~ When Day Breaks: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10 ~ Darkest Before Dawn: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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