Release Day Review: By Any Other Name by J.M. Darhower

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

By Any Other Name by J.M. Darhower
Series: Forbidden #1
Publication Date: February 23rd 2015
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

A deadly rivalry.
Two families at war.
Nobody is safe, not even the innocent.
Especially the innocent.
Blood will be spilled.

Genevieve “Genna” Galante knows a thing or two about causing trouble. After all, it’s engrained in her DNA. As the only daughter of Primo Galante, notorious boss of the Galante crime family, her life is dictated by a certain set of rules… rules Genna was never very good at following.

Matteo “Matty” Barsanti never wanted anything to do with the family business, but as the first-born Barsanti son, certain things are expected of him. It’s his duty, according to his father, to help take down the enemy… even if that enemy means something to him.

A chance encounter on an elevator changes the course of lives, causing the biggest trouble of Genna’s young life. The only good Barsanti is a dead Barsanti. She’s heard it said time and time again. So what happens when she falls in love with one of them?

The story of star-crossed lovers caught in the middle of the biggest rivalry New York has ever seen, determined to make it… if only they can survive their parents’ feud.

It seems that every time I finish a book by J.M. Darhower, all I can feel or say is OH MY GOOOODDD!!! J.M. Darhower is one of the few authors I trust to give me a well-written, fleshed-out, and addictive mafia story, and she has yet to let me down. Her newest one, By Any Other Name, definitely lived up to my expectations. I freaking loved this book! If you haven’t read a mafia story based on Romeo and Juliet, you haven’t lived yet.

A deadly rivalry.
Two families at war.
Nobody is safe, not even the innocent.
Especially the innocent.
Blood will be spilled.

Seriously, I was nearly salivating at the thought of reading a mafia story with a forbidden love like Romeo and Juliet’s. Two rival mafia families whose children fall in love with each other? YES PLEASE!!

“The Prodigal Son and the Ice Princess, huh? Sounds like a terrible fairy tale. You know, the kind where the big bad wolf eats everybody at the end.”

The Barsantis and the Galantes are enemies. What used to be a friendship turned into a bloodthirsty rival, with too many deaths and murders between them for the two families to ever reconcile. Genna Galante’s older brother was killed by the Barsantis, so she grew up fearing and hating the Barsantis. I was very impressed by how the author was able to portray the hatred as a real, powerful thing between the families. It’s a frustrating kind of hatred that the families brought upon themselves, but, like the star-crossed main characters, I held onto the hope that the rivalry could end. But what exactly would it take to end their feud?

When Genna Galante and Matty Barsanti meet, they don’t know who they are to each other, so instead of hating each other on sight, they’re instantly attracted to one another. I didn’t connect with them very well in the beginning – they fell for each other too quickly for my taste, but I was able to forgive that as I kept reading. Their romance felt more genuine later on in the book, and my heart was aching for them once their identities were revealed. They were too deeply into each other at that point, so the only thing they could do was keep their relationship a secret.

He was a Barsanti…
…but maybe the Barsantis weren’t the enemy.

Oh, how I adored Genna and Matty. Once I got over the rough start with them, I was rooting for these star-crossed lovers to get their happy ever after. But every time it seemed like their relationship could work, their families got involved and tried to force them apart. I adored the tender way Matty and Genna were together – they make the sweetest couple ever, and it’s so obvious that these two are meant for each other. But how will they ever make their families see the same?

By Any Other Name was an unputdownable, heart-pounding read that had my on the edge of my seat! The suspense builds and builds, and this was one of the few books where I was terrified for the main characters. Genna and Matty’s love is caught in the middle of a dangerous feud, but theirs is a love that won’t go down without a fight. I grew attached to the main characters, as well as the secondary characters. The writing is impeccable and the story is seriously addicting. This is another thrilling, dangerous, romantic novel from J.M. Darhower! I cannot WAIT for the sequel!

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

19Feb2015

Review: Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: December 12th 2014
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

Love is a circus

“Every day,” he says lowly, “I hold a person’s life in my hands. The circus is based one-hundred percent off trust. I give it all to someone, and they give it all to me.”

The best aerial technique won’t land 21-year-old Thora James her dream role in Amour—a sexy new acrobatic show on the Vegas strip. Thora knows she’s out of her element the second she meets Amour’s leading performer. Confident, charming and devilishly captivating, 26-year-old Nikolai Kotova lives up to his nickname as the “God of Russia.”

When Thora unknowingly walks into the crosshairs of Nikolai’s after-show, her audition process begins way too soon. Unprofessional. That’s what Nik calls their “non-existent” relationship. It’s not like Thora can avoid him. For one, they may be partners in the future–acrobatic partners, that is. But getting closer to Nik means diving deeper into sin city and into his dizzying world.

Thora wants to perform with him, but when someone like Nikolai attracts the spotlight wherever he goes—Thora fears that she’s destined to be just background to his spellbinding show.

This sexy and exhilarating New Adult Romance can best be described as Cirque du Soleil meets the steamy, athletic romance of Center Stage.

I am so. in. loooove with Krista & Becca Ritchie’s books!!! They are one of the few authors I can trust – they can literally write anything and I will not hesitate to read it. Their Addicted series is one of my TOP favorite series in the whole wide world, so of course I had to read their standalone!

Amour Amour was SO MUCH FUN to read!!!! It was an exhilarating, unique, inspiring, sexy book that I couldn’t put down! I fell in love with the characters and their stories. I honestly wished it would never end, and I’m a bit sad that it’s a standalone. It ends fantastically but… I wanted more!!!

“You have one year left at college,” he says, “and you’re going to throw it all away?”
I shake my head. “It’s the opposite,” I tell him. “My life is just beginning.”

Our heroine, Thora James, gives up everything to move to Las Vegas for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She wants to audition for a role as an acrobat in the show Amour, but it is NOT easy. First, she has to deal with the fallout of leaving college, her family, and her best friend to take a chance at something she could absolutely fail at. I, for one, was so impressed with Thora. If I were in her shoes, I sure as hell wouldn’t have the guts to go through what she did.

Lucky for her, on the first day of Thora’s move to Vegas, she meets the leading performer of Amour, Nikolai Kotova, at his after-show. He offers to train Thora, and Thora now has to endure grueling, exhausting practices with the sexiest man she’s ever met. Nikolai six feet five inches of raw, masculine power. In Thora’s own words:

He is power. Man. And strength. He is charm and desire and indestructible things.

I adooored Nikolai!! He’s a bit standoffish in the beginning, but when he and Thora keep up with training and spend more time in and out of practices, they warm up to each other. Their romance is fairly slow paced, but it’s genuine and there is a wicked hot chemistry between them. I loved the dynamics between Thora and Nikolai when they were together. They’re funny, tender, sexy, and they felt so real to me that I wished they existed in real life! I loved how Nikolai is so supportive of Thora and her dreams. He definitely stole my heart.

“The things greater than us, Thora, they’re not impossible. It’s just fear talking, telling you that you can’t when you can. I know you can.”

The most fascinating part of Amour Amour is definitely the world of the circus. I was utterly immersed in the circus life, and I applaud the authors for doing such an incredible job of introducing something that I knew nothing about and not letting it be too overwhelming. The circus came to life in this book, and I was riveted the entire time.

The Kotovas, Nikolai’s family, also make up a large part of the story. Timo, Katya, and Luka are Nikolai’s younger siblings who are also part of the circus life. They’re so full of life and character, and it’s so easy to be charmed by them, as Thora was. Thora came to Vegas completely alone, but now, with the Kotovas, she’s created a new family.

It’s tough going for Thora as she continues on with auditions, and my heart was aching with her mounting frustrations. If she fails, she’ll have given up everything with nothing to show for it. But if she succeeds and lands a role, she’ll have to leave Nikolai. But can she leave Nikolai if she’s fallen in love with him?

“Don’t love me more than your dreams, myshka. Because I love you too much to let you give them up for me.”

I loved this book. It’s a fantastic read about chasing your dreams and never giving up on them. The writing is impeccable and the story had me hooked. It did take me a while to warm up to all the characters, but once I did, I fell in love with each one of them. Krista & Becca Ritchie’s characters all take a life of their own and manage to steal my heart. I highly recommend Amour Amour – the story and characters will sweep you away!

4.5 hearts – nearly perfect!

Check out the interview I had with Krista & Becca for the Amour Amour blog tour!

25Jan2015

Release Day Review: Kyland by Mia Sheridan

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Kyland by Mia Sheridan
Series: A Sign of Love #7 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 25th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Dirt poor. Hillbilly. Backwoods hick. Mountain folk.

Tenleigh Falyn struggles each day to survive in a small, poverty-stricken, coal mining town where she lives with her sister and mentally ill mother. Her dream of winning the college scholarship given to one student by the local coal company and escaping the harshness of her life, keeps her going.

Kyland Barrett lives in the hills, too, and has worked tirelessly—through near starvation, through deep loneliness, against all odds—to win the Tyton Coal Scholarship and leave the town that is full of so much pain.

They’re both determined not to form any attachments, but one moment changes everything. What happens when only one person gets to win? When only one person gets to leave? And what happens to the one left behind?

Kyland is a story of desperation and hope, loss and sacrifice, pain and forgiveness, but ultimately, a story of deep and unending love.

“I do go to hell. Every day. For you.”

I absolutely adore Mia Sheridan’s writing! With each book in the A Sign of Love series, she’s proven again and again how phenomenal she is at storytelling. Her writing is lyrical, bringing her characters and settings to life. With her latest book, Kyland, Mia Sheridan conveys a powerful story of true, enduring love that can overcome anything. As much desperation and pain there is in this story, what you take away from it is a brilliant, warm-hearted book full love and never-ending hope. I absolutely loved it!

In the middle of rolling green hills, breathtaking mountain views, waterfalls, and quaint covered bridges, lies Dennville, Kentucky, a part of the Appalachian Mountains that would put any urban slum to shame, where hopelessness is as commonplace as the white oak trees, and unemployment is the rule more than the exception.

That writing – simply stunning!

Each of Mia Sheridan’s settings is unique and written in a spell-binding way, and Dennville, Kentucky is no different. It’s a poor town with even poorer inhabitants who work day and night to barely make ends meet. You might feel sorry for the people of Dennville, but there’s a beauty in the way they tirelessly endure and take care of one another and survive. This is the way Tenleigh and Kyland live – they are two teenagers who don’t let their poverty-stricken situations bring them down. Both of them are working towards the same goal – to win a scholarship that will pay for college so that they’ll have a chance at building a better life, and most importantly, winning that scholarship will take them out of Dennville.

There’s only one person who can win the scholarship, but when Kyland and Tenleigh should have been adversaries, they became friends instead. There’s a loneliness in both of them – Kyland’s father and brother died in a mining accident a few years back, Tenleigh’s father abandoned her family and Tenleigh spends all her time working to afford medicine for her mother’s mental illness – but when Kyland and Tenleigh meet, a deep bond forms between them. They help each other in their times of loneliness, and ultimately, they save each other.

My heart felt so full as I read they way Tenleigh and Kyland fell in love with each other. It’s slow and beautiful and heart-wrenching the way they want, need, and finally, love each other. And my heart was aching so badly, because only one of them will end up winning the scholarship. It’s a bad idea to start anything between the two of them, because it’ll only end in heartbreak, but Kyland and Tenleigh can’t resist each other.

Tenleigh.
Half agony, half hope.
Half pain, half ecstacy.
Half grief, half joy.
Half my downfall, half my savior.

It was so achingly heart-wrenching how Tenleigh and Kyland had found their soulmates in one another, but couldn’t keep each other. One of them would end up leaving Dennville, and the two of them would their separate ways. They experience loss and suffering, but there’s no doubt that Kyland and Tenleigh are two souls who are meant to be together, and that they will always find a way to be together.

“I’m going to make all your dreams come true. All my life.”

Once again, Mia Sheridan delivers another stunning, deeply emotional read that I devoured. Kyland is a book that took my breath away. I fell in love with Tenleigh and Kyland and the strength in their hearts. They are two beautiful characters, inside and out, and they captured my heart. I couldn’t stop reading their story, and I honestly wished it never ended. And of course the ending would have to be perfect too! I adored the ending – it left me feeling so warm and happy (all of Mia’s books leave me feeling like this, actually). I truly loved everything about this book!

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

Reading Order: A Sign of Love series

Note: Each of the books in the A Sign of Love series can be read as complete standalones that have no connection with each other, with the exception of Leo’s Chance, which is the hero’s POV of Leo, and Becoming Calder and Finding Eden, a two-book story featuring the same cast of characters. None of the characters in the different Sign of Love books are connected.

#1 ~ Leo: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Leo’s Chance: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Stinger: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Archer’s Voice: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Becoming Calder: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Finding Eden: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Kyland: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8 ~ Grayson’s Vow: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#9 ~ Midnight Lily: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Here’s a clip from the Kyland audiobook!

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

21Jan2015

Blog Tour + ARC Review: Three Brothers by Nicole Williams

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Blog Tours, Reviews by Lacey

Three Brothers by Nicole Williams
Release Date: January 20th 2015
New Adult/Adult Romance

I grew up with three brothers. They weren’t tied to me by blood, but our connection went beyond genetics or bearing the same last name. Our connection was forged the summer I turned thirteen, the summer my mom ended her life and left me in the custody of John Armstrong, a man I’d never met. Packing all I owned in a couple of boxes, I left the familiarity of the big city and headed west to Red Mountain Ranch, set in a lonely valley outside of Jackson Hole.

Nothing was as it seemed at Red Mountain—it didn’t take long for me to figure that out. John was kind to me but distant, as if he was afraid to let anyone get too close. His three teenage sons had their own devices for keeping love as far away as they could. The eldest distracted himself with cheap relationships that had a shelf-life of one night. The middle son threw himself into the rigor of running a ranch, and the third wielded cruelty and mind-games in his quest to keep people from getting close.

Time has gone by, and I’ve spent those years trying to forget the brother I’d fallen for—the biggest mistake of my life.

Finally, I’ve moved on. Finally, I’m back. But what I didn’t realize was that running away from the wrong brother meant I’d also run away from the right one. The one who’d been there for me all along, waiting in his brother’s shadow for the day I either would or could move on.

But a decade is a long time to wait. Has the brother I should have chosen all of those years ago moved on too? Am I about to discover that my biggest mistake wasn’t falling in love with the wrong brother, but failing to return the love of the right one sooner?

Does unrequited love have an expiration date?

I’m about to find out.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • iTunes

I’ve been such a huge fan of Nicole Williams since I read her Crash series and Lost and Found series. She’s the kind of author that when I pick up one of her books, I know I’ll always enjoy myself while reading it. While Three Brothers isn’t my favorite of Nicole Williams’ books, it’s still a deeply emotional book with heart and depth. It’s a book about letting go of your past, about healing and forgiveness. There were parts I loved and parts I didn’t, but overall, Three Brothers was an engaging, emotional read that I’d recommend for fans of the author.

Scout, the heroine, returns to Red Mountain after staying away for seven years. She was taken in by the Armstrongs and became a surrogate sister to three brothers, Chase, Chance, and Conn. Chance became her best friend, but she fell in love with Conn. She was devastated when he broke her heart and ran away to pick up the broken pieces. But a much more mature Scout returns when she finds out her foster father John Armstrong is dying and is forced to confront her past – and Conn.

Being back in her old home is like rediscovering the Armstrong brothers all over again for Scout. She remembers how much she was constantly hurt by Conn, even though she’s genuinely over him now, but she also remembers how much of a good brother Chase was and how important Chance was to her. And in rediscovering the brothers, she finds herself once again falling in love with an Armstrong brother, except with the right one this time.

How could I have been so blinded by one brother that I missed this one? The one. There was no other term to describe what Chance was to me.

Chance… he’s so swoony and sweet, and plus… he’s a cowboy! I adored Chance. He had always been in love with Scout, but no matter that she was in love with his brother, he was always by her side, and always will be.

“I’m with you, Scout. I always have been, and I always will be. Even when you might think I’m not, I am…. All you need to do is say the word, and I’m right there beside you. I won’t waver. I won’t turn and run…. I’ll be at your side, fighting the fight. Just say the word.”

The two of them were inseparable when they were younger, and now that Scout’s back, she finds it so easy being with him again. She never thought of Chance in any way except her friend, but now, she sees him in a new light. He’s caring, sweet, thoughtful, not to mention hardworking and loyal to the ranch. His love for Scout is the kind that is quiet but steady and unwavering – in every action you can tell how much Chance loves Scout and will do anything for her.

“There is no one better for me than you. There never has been, and there never will be.”

I loved the way Scout and Chance’s love slowly blossomed, but I didn’t like how much Chance fought it to protect Scout. At times, the book was even depressing, with John Armstrong dying, and hurtful secrets being revealed. The book was all over the place in the last chunk of the book, which threw me off. Three Brothers has a sweet romance, but I wouldn’t say it’s a sweet book. It’s thought-provoking and portrays life in an honest way. I didn’t love this book, but I’d recommend it for fans of the author or fans of swoony heroes and good writing.

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

I’m the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the CRASH series (HarperTeen, S&S UK), LOST & FOUND series, UP IN FLAMES (S&S UK), The EDEN TRILOGY, and a handful of others. I write stories about everyday kinds of people who find themselves in extraordinary kinds of situations. I tell love stories with happy endings because I believe in making the world a better place, and that’s one tiny way I can make it so. I’m one of those people who still believe in true love and soul mates, and would rather keep my head in the clouds any day over having my feet firmly on the ground.

Blog • Twitter • Facebook

18Jan2015

Blog Tour + Character Interview, Review & Giveaway: Falling Away by Penelope Douglas

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

Click on the banner to follow the tour!

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Falling Away by Penelope Douglas! I’m so excited to share the Q&A I had with KC, Jax, Madoc, and Fallon!

Character Interview: KC & Jax from Falling Away (with Madoc & Fallon)

KC, what is it about Jax that perfectly complements you?

Jax taught me how to let go of things. All my life I’d been following rules and doing things the way I was taught without even considering why or that I could live my life my own way. He taught me to think outside the box. It was okay to make my decisions and change it up.

And Jax, what is it about KC that perfectly complements you?

She taught me to hang on. That I was just as good as anyone else, and I didn’t need to be alone to be strong. I realized I wanted to build something good with someone else.

Jax, why did you decide to finally start pursuing KC? And how did it feel to be able to finally pursue her?

It was the Weight Room kiss. I’d planned to stay away from her. I knew she looked down on me, and had her own hang ups, so I was prepared to leave her alone, but after the kiss…I just couldn’t. Her body in my arms, her lips on mine…it felt better than anything I’d felt with another girl. And then when I gave her the driving lesson and everything started to come together and she started to give in it was like waking up after a long sleep. Being alive never felt so good.

KC & Jax, your stories were the most heartbreaking of the series and yet you both managed to overcome your pasts. Is there a message you’d like readers to take away from your book?

I guess we want people to know no one’s opinion of you is more important than your own. We all have a story and if anyone isn’t willing to open their minds to accept you, then that’s not your problem.

KC & Jax, will either of you be getting any more tattoos?

Oh, I think so. Juliet got “I Defy You, Stars” under her arm and I got one to match my brother’s new tattoo. You’ll hear about it in Aflame.

KC, how do you like being with such a hot nerd (emphasis on hot) who totally stalked you in the most romantic way possible?

He’s the yin to my yang. I have no idea about techie stuff, so Jax helps a lot with that. I got the total package. Smart and sexy.

Jax, how did if feel teaching KC how to drive a stick?

It felt great just being alone with her. Both of us doing something productive together other than going round and round with the foreplay. I loved seeing her relax and smile.

Madoc! How does it feel to have Jax getting #1 in Romantic Erotica on release day?

The kid had to learn from somewhere, didn’t he?

KC & Jax, what’s in store for your future? What did you two do or see in New Zealand?

We’re continuing college and planning trips. New Zealand was amazing. We spent very little time in the cities. But we did love getting lost hiking and climbing, and the rafting was wonderful. It’s definitely a place for the outdoor travelers.

Madoc & Fallon, what are your plans for the next couple years?

Law school and grad school and practicing for when it’s time to get pregnant.

Jax!! You sexy mofo, do you have anything to say to your lady fans (of which I am one)?

I’ll be watching you.

What are your favorite songs currently?

Slipknot The Devil and I and Papa Roach Getting Away with Murder

Are any of you worried about Jared and Tate?

Jax: I’ve talked to Jared. He’s hanging in there.
Madoc: Of course he is. He always takes care of himself first, doesn’t he?
Jax: Don’t start, Madoc.
Juliet: *clears throat* Tate is doing fine. She’s focused on school.
Fallon: Yeah, everyone’s fine.

And that concludes this interview! Thanks again for being here everyone!

Title: Falling Away
Series: Fall Away #3 (full reading order below)
Author: Penelope Douglas
Genre: NA / Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 6th 2015

Jaxon is the guy she’s supposed to avoid. K.C. is the girl he won’t let get away….

K. C. Carter has always followed the rules—until this year, when a mistake leaves her the talk of her college campus and her carefully arranged life comes crashing to a halt. Now she’s stuck in her small hometown for the summer to complete her court-ordered community service, and to make matters worse, trouble is living right next door.

Jaxon Trent is the worst kind of temptation and exactly what K.C. was supposed to stay away from in high school. But he never forgot her. She was the one girl who wouldn’t give him the time of day and the only one to ever say no. Fate has brought K.C. back into his life—except what he thought was a great twist of luck turns out to be too close for comfort. As they grow closer, he discovers that convincing K.C. to get out from her mother’s shadow is hard, but revealing the darkest parts of his soul is nearly impossible.…

Buy Links:
Amazon • B&N • Kobo • iTunes • Books A Million

“Only. Ever. You.”

I am so utterly in love with the Fall Away series. Penelope Douglas has a way of bringing her characters to such life that I grow to love and adore every single one of them. These characters and their stories punch you right in the heart – they gut you in the best way possible. You feel so much while reading the books in the series. And Falling Away is another fantastic addition to this series – it’s a book full of angst and heartache, hope and love. I devoured K.C. and Jax’s story and wished it never ended!

Ever since reading Rival, I had such high hopes for Jax’s book. I mean, seriously, Jax screamed sex and alpha-male, and he was only seventeen in that book. Now he’s nineteen, bigger, better, and badder than ever. I was squealing all over the place when I got my hands on ~~him~~ Falling Away – I knew even before I started reading that Jax would blow me away, and he did. Holy moly, did he ever.

“I wanted your mouth on mine,” he whispered, his breath tickling my forehead. “And your legs wrapped around my waist as you rode me.” Oh, my god. “Man, I wanted you, K.C. I wanted to undo you.” His lips were so close my face I could feel the moistness of his breath as he whispered, “I wanted to dirty you up.”

Now K.C…. She was the best surprise of all. In the previous books, K.C. was a character who was just there, not very interesting, and she certainly didn’t seem like a good match for Jax. K.C. was always known as the “good girl,” but after getting into serious trouble for the first time in her life, she’s forced back home in the middle of college. She sees Jax again – they’ve always had a little thing for each other back in high school, but now their chemistry is off the charts. I absolutely LOVED the way the author built up their chemistry. It’s a raw, intense kind of sexual chemistry that was years in the making. I can say without a doubt that Jax and K.C. are the HOTTEST couple of the series. Jax has a dirty, filthy mouth that had me blushing so hard!

I didn’t expect it, but for me, it was K.C. – her character growth and transformation – that made fall in love with this book. It seems like there is always this one pivotal moment in each of the Fall Away books where the main female character has that moment where she shines and continues to shine throughout the book. For K.C., it’s in a moment where you realize that there is so much more to this girl. I never expected to love K.C.’s character, but I did. I adored her and admired the way she broke out of the cookie-cutter box she was forced into.

“You’re going to be okay,” Jax offered.
I shook my head, my voice turning sad. “I don’t want to be okay,” I countered. “I want to be off the rails, Jax. I want to fight and scream and rage and lost myself. I want to be hungry.” I dropped my voice to a whisper as I looked out the windshield. “I want to be a mess. For once.”

I love the dynamics of K.C. and Jax’s relationship. Sex is what brings them together, but it’s what they do for each other’s souls that keeps them together. Jax and K.C. have scars from their painful pasts that they haven’t overcome, but as they fall in love, those scars are uncovered and begin to heal. They bring out the best and most out of each other. And I loved that even as sexual as they are, they have tender and romantic moments that stole my heart.

“You’ve owned me since I was seventeen.”

Falling Away was the kind of read that had me feeling breathless. Jax and K.C.’s story spoke to my heart and I couldn’t get enough of them. I do feel like some parts felt too rushed, and I wished they were fleshed out a bit more, but those are my only complaints. I adored Falling Away! 4.5 hearts!

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: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Aflame: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads

Penelope Douglas is a writer and teacher in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to “just get the degree!” She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she hated Public Administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later they were married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, the show Sons of Anarchy, and she shops at Target almost daily.

Website • Facebook • Goodreads • Twitter • Pinterest

Penelope is offering up the following prizes. The giveaways are international and ends at 11:59 PM CST 01/27/2015.

(2) Swag Pack with a signed set of the Fall Away series + other swags (Intl)
(2) $100 Amazon or B&N Gift Cards (Intl)
(1) ARC of AFLAME to be gifted April 1, 2015 (Intl)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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

Booklovers For Life

Falling in love with romance one page at a time

Tag Archives: new adult

Release Day Review: By Any Other Name by J.M. Darhower

Review: Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie