Blog Tour + ARC Review & Giveaway: Heat by Penny Reid

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Elements of Chemistry: Heat by Penny Reid!

Heat by Penny Reid
Series: Elements of Chemistry #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: April 30th 2015

Four days left.
Private beach (…and boat).
Not so invisible girl.
And maybe less of a jerk-faced bully than originally thought.
What’s the worst (or the best) that could happen?

Kaitlyn is finding life outside of the science cabinet of obscurity to be quite illuminating …and so are her pants.
When things heat up between Kaitlyn Parker and Martin—previously known as the jerk-faced bully—Sandeke, she places her trust in the one person she never thought capable of earning it, let alone keeping it safe. Fortunately or unfortunately for Kaitlyn, where she gives her trust she can’t help but also give her heart.

But how will the world beyond the sanctuary of their newfound connection react to their relationship? Soon senators, chinless billionaires, and elements beyond Martin and Kaitlyn’s control want to weigh in on the young couple’s future.

Navigating the chaotic inferno of new love might be more than Kaitlyn bargained for, and much, much more than her trust—or her heart—can handle.

Buy Links:
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WOW. Wowowow!!!! I freaking loooove Kaitlyn and Martin! Penny Reid blew me away AGAIN with this second installment of the Elements of Chemistry series. Heat was so deliciously hot and sexy… It’s title is very apt for the stuff that goes on between Kaitlyn and Martin in this book. I was a little disappointed how there wasn’t as much heat as I wanted in the first book… but I should’ve known I spoke too soon, because ALL that sexiness goes down in Heat. And while I loved the hot and heavy stuff, what shines in this novel is the incredible character development and relationship growth for Kaitlyn and Martin. Penny Reid is a fantastic writer who’s able to capture the wonder and passion of true love, as well as its hardships and downfalls.

“Maybe you’re right, maybe I don’t know how to treat people. But I meant it when I said that I… fucking hell, I want you. I like you. I’m all in. I’m not a liar and I’m doing my best here. You need to meet me part way.”

I loved getting to know more about Kaitlyn and Martin and getting to see how their relationship expanded and developed. These two are meant to be together, and they’re trying to find a way to make their relationship work and survive once they’re back in the real world. The chemistry amps up in Heat, but so do the frustrations. Kaitlyn and Martin are both highly intelligent people, but they’re not perfect. Despite their flaws, I still loved these two characters. I’m a bit addicted to them and their story. They have so many beautiful, tender, sweet moments that it’s hard not to fall in love with them.

“I don’t think you understand how badly I want you.”

I was utterly swept away by this book. Falling in love is a completely new concept for Kaitlyn and Martin and being in love changes how they view themselves and each other. Kaitlyn has always been a cautious person, guarding her heart, but with Martin, she’s able to open up and trust another person with her heart. Martin is completely head-over-heels in love with Kaitlyn and willing to do almost anything for her, when in the past he was very much a selfish person. Their romance is one that is unique, heartfelt, honest, and real.

“Why do people care about each other? What is attraction? I can’t give you a list of reasons why I react to you like I do. This isn’t an equation to balance. You’re the one I’m always thinking about. It’s you. It just is.”

Both Kaitlyn and Martin were a little frustrating in this book, so that’s why I can’t give a full 5-heart rating. Still, if you loved Attraction, you are going to LOVE Heat. Penny Reid just continues to amaze me with the incredible amount care she puts in the depth and growth in her characters. This book – this series – is well-written, witty, and so much fun to read.

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

Reading Order: Elements of Chemistry series

#1 ~ Attraction: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Heat: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Capture: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#1-3 ~ Elements of Chemistry Bundle: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).

By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

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4May2015

ARC Review: Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven

Posted in 2 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven
Series: Starcrossed #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 28th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

How do you fix a love that’s been broken beyond repair?

For years, Cassie Taylor tried to forget about Ethan Holt. He was the one great love of her life, and when he failed to return her love, a part of her died forever. Or so she thought. Now she and Ethan are sharing a Broadway stage, and he’s determined to win her back. Claiming to be a changed man, he’s finally able to say all the things she needed to hear years ago, but can she believe him? What makes this time different from all his other broken promises?

Ethan knows he can’t change their tumultuous past, but if he’s going to have any chance of being with the woman he loves, he’ll need to convince Cassie that her future belongs with him.

Don’t miss this stunning conclusion to the unforgettable love story that captivated over two million fans online.

“Let me prove I can love you the way you deserve.”

Less than impressed by Bad Romeo, I went into Broken Juliet with low expectations. I really hoped I would like the characters more since I really disliked them in Bad Romeo. So while I can say that I didn’t hate Broken Juliet, I still didn’t like the book, or the characters, very much either.

“What do you want?”
I want him. Can’t want him. Need him. Hate needing him.
“I don’t know,” I whisper.
“I do,” he says, leaning forward. “Invite me in. I promise, I’m here to stay this time.”

Broken Juliet picks up right after the end of Bad Romeo, with Cassie deciding whether or not to finally give Ethan another chance. In Bad Romeo, we know that Ethan broke Cassie’s heart twice, and here we finally get to know the details. Through the flashbacks, we discover the repetitive hurt and anger that make up Cassie and Ethan’s tumultuous relationship and the reasons why Ethan could never commit. He loved her, but his reasons for leaving her were so shallow and eye-roll worthy, I couldn’t like or understand him.

Past-Ethan was such a moody asshole. (FYI: Being an asshole doesn’t make you a bad boy – being an asshole makes you an asshole.) I found myself skimming a lot of the flashback chapters. They were incredibly repetitive and full of angry and/or angsty sex. Past-Cassie was a doormat, and even worse, a horny one at that. She kept giving in to the lust she felt for Ethan that I wanted to shake some sense into her. They had such an unhealthy relationship that I couldn’t get behind it or support them at all.

Thankfully, present Cassie and Ethan have grown up. Well, Cassie still rightfully harbors anger, hate, and hurt, but Ethan, thank god, has finally changed. Still, it took SIX YEARS for them to finally arrive where they are in Broken Juliet. I wouldn’t say I loved the new Ethan, but I was definitely looking forward to the ways he would prove his love for Cassie once and for all. Still, I would have enjoyed the present timeline much more if it weren’t for the many awful flashbacks full of bad decisions being made over and over and over again.

This series had so much potential, but the flashbacks just ruined it for me. I hated the Ethan and Cassie of six years ago so it was hard to like them in present day even though they weren’t as awful. Leisa Rayven’s writing, though, was a definite perk to reading this series, but it just wasn’t enough to let me fully enjoy reading. I really wish the flashbacks had taken a step back so that present day Cassie and Ethan could shine more.

I don’t think I ever fully understood before what a profound ability humans have to change, especially with the right motivation. We’re capable of remarkable evolution. Not just physically, but mentally.
Emotionally.

All in all, I had a difficult time with Broken Juliet. I can see fans of Bad Romeo enjoying Broken Juliet since they are pretty similar angst- and character-wise. I really wanted to love this series since so many people seem to enjoy it, but I can’t see how or why. I’m a big fan of the author’s writing, so I’m hoping her other upcoming books will have characters with much healthier relationships.

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

Reading Order: Starcrossed series

#1 ~ Bad Romeo: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Broken Juliet: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Wicked Heart: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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2May2015

ARC Review: Sincerely, Carter by Whitney G.

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Sincerely, Carter by Whitney G.
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: April 30th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Just friends.
We’re just friends.
No, really. She’s just my best friend…

Arizona Turner has been my best friend since fourth grade, even when we “hated” each other. We’ve been there for one another through first kisses, first “times,” and we’ve been each other’s constant when good relationships turned bad. (We even went to colleges that were minutes away from each other…)

Throughout the years, and despite what anyone says, we’ve never crossed the line.

Never thought about it.
Never wanted to.

Until one night changed everything.
At least, it should’ve …

Just friends.
We’re just friends.
I’m only saying this until I figure out if she’s still “just” my best friend…

First thoughts upon finished this book: Awwww!!!!! *goofy smile*

Let me tell you, I had been eagerly looking forward to Sincerely, Carter. First, it’s a friends-to-lovers romance, which I’m a total SUCKER for. And second, it’s Whitney Gracia Williams! I really enjoyed her Reasonable Doubt series so I had high expectations about Sincerely, Carter… and I adored it! I literally couldn’t stop smiling for most of the book. It’s a heartwarming, sweet, humorous friends-to-lovers romance that fans of the trope are sure to enjoy. I was addicted to Ari and Carter’s story!

“Some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some a lifetime.“

Whitney completely NAILED the friendship between Carter and Ari. They’ve been best friends since they were in fourth grade and they’ve been attached at the hip ever since. They’ve been through everything together and they know each other so well. I could just feel the strength of that bond of friendship between them. Everyone they know always questions whether or not they’re actually “just friends”, but Ari and Carter have honestly never thought about each other in a non-platonic way. But when Ari and Carter begin a new chapter of their lives after graduating college – Carter is off to law school and Ari is going to a culinary arts school – things start to change between them…

I turned to my left to look at Ari again, hoping that the past few minutes were a mistake–that I was in the middle of a strange daydream. That there was no way I could be this attracted to her right now–no way I could want to tell her to pull over so I could taste her lips. Both sets of them.
Holy fucking shit….

I love that it completely baffles both Ari and Carter that they feel an intense attraction towards one another. One minute they think of each other as platonic best friends, and the next… they can’t stop thinking about the other person. What they’re like naked. In bed. God, I couldn’t stop smiling and giggling at how much they realized they wanted each other. Lines are crossed and hearts are on the line and they soon come to realize that the best thing that ever happened to them has been standing next to them all along.

“I’ve loved you since fourth grade. Since fourth fucking grade. … I just didn’t know it. You’ve been there for every moment of my life and I’ve been there for yours, too. I do love you, I am in love with you, and I also know you better than you know yourself.”

I absolutely loved the banter between Carter and Ari. They send each other texts and emails that are so freaking adorable. And the flashbacks of their younger years together adds such great depth and humor to the story. The author did a fantastic job balancing the sweetness of their friendship and the sexiness of their newfound desire for each other. My only complaint is that I felt it was too abrupt when Carter and Ari started getting together. It felt a bit rushed – their friendship I connected with from the start, but the love between them took a little more time to feel. Still, this was a fantastic friends-to-lovers romance that put me in such a great mood while reading. I definitely recommend it!

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

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28Apr2015

Release Day Review: The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Mistake by Elle Kennedy
Series: Off-Campus #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 28th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

He’s a player in more ways than one…

College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he’ll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he’s worth a second chance.

Now he’s going to need to up his game…

After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She’s not a charity case, and she’s not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He’ll have to work for it. This time around, she’ll be the one in the driver’s seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

The Mistake is another complete WIN from Elle Kennedy!! I had such high expectations for this book after reading and adoring The Deal. I wasn’t sure if I would love Logan as much as I loved Garrett, but I do! I absolutely LOVED Logan in The Mistake – he’s laugh-out-loud hilarious, so adorable, and even though he makes mistakes with Grace, he owns up to them. I was hooked onto Logan and Grace’s story from the very start and I never wanted this book to end! If you’re a fan of The Deal, you DON’T want to miss The Mistake!

If you’ve read The Deal, then you know that Logan has a crush on his best friend’s girlfriend, Hannah. Logan is ashamed of feeling this way, but he can’t help feeling jealous of the love his best friend has found. And since he would never do anything to betray Garrett’s trust, Logan drinks and sleeps with girls to numb his misery. Not even the prospect of graduation makes him happy because he knows that when college is over, he won’t be able to do what he loves most anymore: play hockey. But meeting beautiful, sweet, innocent Grace and spending time with her seems to make him forget about Hannah and post-graduation. With each sexy encounter, the chemistry between them grows until Grace is all Logan can think about.

“What are you doing?” I whisper.
“Well, you were looking at me like you wanted me to kiss you.” His blue eyes become heavy-lidded. “So I was thinking I might do that.”

Freshman Grace Ivers never expected star hockey player John Logan to ever give her the time of day, but when she spends more time with him, she sees that there’s so much more to Logan than just a playboy hockey star. She has an insane attraction for him, but underneath that, she grows to care for him. So she’s humiliated and hurt by Logan when he messes things up between them. Freshman year doesn’t exactly end well for Grace, but sophomore Grace has changed and she has no time for stupid, sexy Logan, even when he tries to fix the mistake he made with her.

I absolutely LOVED Grace!! She’s awkward and hilarious with her nervous ramblings, a little sassy, definitely smart, but so down-to-earth and relatable. She’s the type of heroine I would love to be friends with. I loved how no-nonsense she was after Logan ended up hurting her, and how SHE wouldn’t give HIM the time of day. She’s really the perfect match for Logan. But Logan, my lovable, hot, clueless Logan, is truly genuine about getting back into Grace’s life and into her heart. And hot damn, Logan is seriously sexy as hell, with enough sweetness in him to make him the most swoon-worthy hero. He has a lot to make up for with Grace – and he completely stole my heart with the way he went about it. Here is one sweet and sexy alpha hockey star determined to win the heart of the girl he’s falling in love with… how can you not love him!?

“I need you. I can’t stand the thought of being without you.” He releases a shaky breath. “You’re the last person I think about before I go to sleep, and the first person I think about when I open my eyes in the morning. You’re it for me, baby.”

God, I LOVED this book!! Well-written, hilarious, heartwarming, so freaking sweet… Logan and Grace’s story was an absolute delight to read. The Mistake has so many light-hearted moments, especially when all the hockey boys are together, and at the same time there’s also a depth and seriousness with Grace and Logan that makes this book all the more meaningful. Elle Kennedy truly has a gift with the way she’s able to bring all these characters to life. Even as Grace and Logan fall in love, it’s also a journey of self-discovery for both of them. I never wanted their story to end.

The Off-Campus series is quickly becoming a top favorite series of mine. This is new adult at its finest! I really hope Elle Kennedy writes more books in this series, and that Dean is next!

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

Reading Order: Off-Campus series

#1 ~ The Deal: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Mistake: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Score: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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22Apr2015

Review: Aflame by Penelope Douglas

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Aflame by Penelope Douglas
Series: Fall Away #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 21st 2015
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads

The tables have turned. Now I have the power—and it’s his turn to beg…

Everyone wants to be me.

Maybe it’s the sway of my skirt or the way I flip my hair, but I don’t care. Even though their attention is the last thing I crave, I just can’t stop. I dominate the track, the speed rattles my bones, and the wind and the crowd screams my name.

I’m her. The girl driver. The queen of the race. And I’m surviving—something he thought I’d never do.

They all talk about him. Did you see Jared Trent on T.V? What did you think of his last race, Tate? When is he coming back to town, Tate?

But I refuse to care too much. Because when Jared does come home, I won’t be here.

Tatum Brandt is gone. I’m someone new.

Oh. My. God. I absolutely LOVED Aflame – it’s a brilliant, fantastic ending to one of my most favorite series of all time. From the second I started this book until I got to the very last word, I couldn’t stop smiling. And THAT ENDING!! It was beautiful – this whole book is a treasure, really. Admittedly, I wasn’t too sure how I’d feel about this book existing at the cost of Jared and Tate breaking up. I adored them in Bully and Until You, and I never wanted them to break up! But Penelope Douglas has yet to steer me wrong, and I knew she’d blow me away with Aflame – and she did. Heart-pounding, sexy, and intense, Aflame will wow fans of the Fall Away series and have them falling in love with Tate and Jared all over again.

Like warmth and peace and no matter what changed in my life, the people I met, the things I lost, or where I lived, if I was in his orbit, then I was home.

It’s been two years since Jared left home and broke Tate’s heart. I hated that Jared had to break up with Tate, but I could understand his need to find himself, to be a better man for Tate. For so long, he’d been living under her shadow and if he continued to live that way, he’d never be the man Tate deserved. But in order to be that man who could support her, he’d have to be able to support himself first. So he left, broke their hearts (and definitely mine too), and paved his own way in life doing what he loved – racing. But when his mother gives him some unexpected good news, Jared has to return home and face everything he left.

While I love Jared, it was Tate who blew me away in this book. I’ve loved Tate since she performed her monologue in Bully, but the Tate in Aflame is absolutely stunning. She’s grown and matured so much – she’s no longer the girl who lets her emotions get the best of her. She’s a woman now, and while Jared may have broken her heart two years ago, she’s grown stronger and more resilient since. So when Jared comes back home unexpectedly, she faces him head on, not allowing him anywhere near her heart ever again. Tate fights against their still-existing, wicked-hot chemistry, but Jared, this boy who has turned into the most incredible man, sets out to show her that they were always meant to be.

“You want to play,” he charged, biting out every word so only I could hear.
“Challenge accepted, Tatum. This time I don’t want you hurt,” he continued, his breath falling over me as he got in my face, “and I don’t want you small. I just want you. Do you hear me?” He jerked me into his body. “It will be my ring on your finger and my kids in your belly someday.”

I never thought I could love Jared and Tate more than I did after reading Bully and Until You, but after Aflame, my love for them knows no bounds. I freaking LOVED them in Aflame! I couldn’t stop smiling and giggling at their banter. And holy mother of god, the sexual tension. Aflame is the HOTTEST book Penelope Douglas has written yet – I thought Jax’s book was sexy, but Aflame was off the charts. The love and hate between Jared and Tate are explosive – it was like how it was in Bully, except better, more mature and refined. Fans of Jared and Tate absolutely NEED to experience them in Aflame!

At its heart though, Aflame is about two people who are finding their way back to each other. There is no doubt that Jared and Tate still love each other, that they always have and always will. They belong together, and it was a heartwarming experience to read about Jared and Tate again. They are two of my favorite couples, and I couldn’t imagine a more honest, heart-wrenching, beautiful journey for them.

“For better or worse, you’ve been my other half since I was ten years old, and I can’t imagine a future I’d want without you in it. You’re the love of my life.”

Reading Order: Fall Away series

#1 ~ Bully: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Until You: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Rival: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Falling Away: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Aflame: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads

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Tag Archives: new adult

Blog Tour + ARC Review & Giveaway: Heat by Penny Reid

Reading Order: Elements of Chemistry series

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