Release Day Review: How to Run with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

How to Run with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper
Series: Naked Werewolf #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 31st 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Pocket Books) in exchange for an honest review

Down, Boy

Anna Moder has just witnessed a shooting, seen her car pulverized, and rescued a wounded stranger only to discover he’s really a werewolf. And by her recent standards, things are actually looking up. Lycanthropes don’t faze Anna. Doctoring a wolf pack outside Grundy, Alaska, is the closest thing to home life she’s known in years. But hitching a ride to Anchorage with long-absent pack member Caleb Graham—that’s a risk. Part of her itches to whack his nose with a newspaper. The rest is trying unsuccessfully to keep her own paws off every delicious inch of him.

The problem is—Caleb employs his lupine tracking abilities as a notquite- legal bounty hunter, and Anna is suspicious of both him and his profession. On the run from her past, with old problems closing in, she’d like to stay far, far away from anybody with connections to the law. Caleb, however, seems determined to keep her close. Are his intentions noble, or is he working a more predatory angle?

Anna’s been dreaming of returning to a semi-normal life, but now she’s experiencing a strange new urge . . . to join Caleb in running with the wolves.

This is my first Molly Harper book, and I had a fantastic time reading it! How to Run with a Naked Werewolf is a fast read with a relatable, witty heroine, and the most adorable werewolf hero, and it’s filled with humor. I loved how the author manages to balance everything out so well–from the romance to the humor to the more serious parts of the book that include an abusive husband. How to Run with a Werewolf is basically a quick, fun read, and if you’re a paranormal romance fan who likes funny books, look no further.

Anna Moder, whose real name is Tina, has been on the run from her abusive soon-to-be ex-husband. She ran away when things were escalating and she settled down for a time as a doctor for a settlement of werewolves in Alaska. But when her husband was close to finding out where she was, she had to run again to protect the werewolves she grew to care for. And Anna runs right into Caleb. Caleb, the sweetest, most caring guy who worms right into Anna’s heart.

Caleb is the most adorable werewolf ever. He doesn’t know that Anna can tell he is one, but being a werewolf isn’t all that Caleb is. It turns out he’s a bounty hunter, but this doesn’t make him a bad guy. He’s actually a really genuine, down-to-earth, lovable, caring, and protective guy, if a bit furrier. And he can be totally sexy when he wants to be. He quickly manages to break down Anna’s walls and they grow to care and even love each other. But Caleb is hiding his own secrets too, secrets that might make Anna throw back up those walls Caleb so carefully managed to break down.

I really enjoyed the werewolf aspect of the book. Molly Harper doesn’t make werewolves complicated in her story. They’re simply there. There’s no elaborate backstory to the werewolves, and I liked reading that for a change. And I loved the humor in this book! Caleb and Anna match each other wit for wit, and they’re so freaking cute together. I had such a fun time reading this book, and I’ll definitely be reading the other books in this series!

Reading Order: Naked Werewolf series

#1 ~ How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf: Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ How to Run with a Naked Werewolf: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

30Dec2013

Review: One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy
Series: One Week Girlfriend #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 10th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

Temporary. That one single word best describes my life these last few years. I’m working at a temporary job until I can finally break free. I’m my little brother’s temporary mother since our mom doesn’t give a crap about either of us. And I’m that temporary girl all the guys want to get with because I give it up so easily. According to the rumors, at least.

But now I’m the temporary girlfriend of Drew Callahan, college football legend and all around golden guy. He’s beautiful, sweet—and he’s hiding way more secrets than I am. He’s brought me into this fake life where everyone seems to hate me. And everyone seems to want something from him. The only thing he seems to want though is…

Me.

I don’t know what to believe anymore. All I know is, I think Drew needs me. And I want to be there for him.

Forever.

I’ve been meaning to read this book for a while–it’s one of those new adult books that you just have to read, you know? And besides, the blurb for One Week Girlfriend totally hooked me in. I really enjoyed Drew and Fable’s romance. They were believable characters, and I loved how Monica Murphy made me feel the angst, the hurt, and the frustration the main characters go through.

The title of the book says it all–Fable agrees to be Drew’s fake girlfriend for one week during Thanksgiving break. She’s doing this for money, which she needs to support herself, her younger brother, and their mother who doesn’t give two craps about them. And Drew… well, it’s a mystery why he needs Fable to be his girlfriend. But it most definitely has to do with his parents. When the two of them meet, they don’t like each other at all. But they’re crazy attracted to each other, meaning there’s some intense tension between the two.

Over the course of their fake relationship, Fable and Drew grow closer together. They learn each other’s thoughts and secrets. Well, except for Drew’s. Drew’s secret is always hanging over their heads, because it’s just so there. He won’t tell Fable what it is, but she slowly figures it out on her own. It was fairly obvious to me throughout the whole book what exactly happened with Drew. But it was still absolutely heartbreaking to read how much his secret has affected him for years, and still affects him today.

I loved reading how Drew and Fable slowly fell for each other. They learn who the other is, what their faults are, and accept them anyway.

Drew…

“I want this with you, Fable.”
I say her name to ground me. To remind me this is happening with Fable. The girl who’s become my life source in a laughingly short amount of time. The girl I’m falling for.

and Fable…

I’m falling apart. I don’t want to become dependent on Drew, yet it’s too late. I am. Slowly but surely I am and if I don’t stop it soon, my heart will become so entwined with his, I know I will literally bleed if we’re ever separated.

are absolutely perfect for each other! They compliment each other, they relate to each other, they accept one another, and they’re always there for each other. Drew has a harder time though, because he feels his secret makes him unworthy of Fable. But this sweet, lovable man is just so good to Fable! And he is so freaking sexy when he wants to be, which is all the time around Fable. 😉

I really enjoyed Monica Murphy’s writing! The characters felt real, I could connect with them, and I adored reading their dual POVs. I’m a huge fan of dual POVs between the main characters, and Monica Murphy delivers perfectly. One Week Girlfriend is a fairly quick read, and the majority of the book is about that one week where Drew and Fable fake their relationship. The romance sucked me in and made me feel both the highs and the lows. And there are plenty of both.

Monica Murphy is definitely a new adult author to give a try. And I’m so excited for more from this series!

Loved this quote!

“I want you to be mine, Fable.” Loosening his hold on my wrists, he dips his head, nuzzling my cheek, my nose. It’s the sweetest, sexiest gesture and I moan as I circle my arms around his neck and cradle him close.
“I want to be yours” I answer in a breathy whisper. “I want to belong to you, Drew. Only you.”

Reading Order: One Week Girlfriend series

#1 ~ One Week Girlfriend: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Second Chance Boyfriend: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Three Broken Promises: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Drew + Fable Forever: Ebook • Goodreads
#4 ~ Four Years Later: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Five Days Until You: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

29Dec2013

Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

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

I’m SO happy to be a part of the Return to Poughkeepsie blog tour! I adored Poughkeepsie, and I’m so glad that Beckett is finally getting his own story. Today I’m reviewing Return to Poughkeepsie, and don’t forget to enter the giveaways below!

Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Series: Poughkeepsie #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: December 30th 2013

Beckett Taylor is a murderer. His calling, his craft are destruction and intimidation—whether he wants it that way now or not. He left Poughkeepsie to keep his brothers safe, to keep Eve safe. Set up with happy lives to live, they’re better off without him, right?

But all his willpower crumbles when he hears his brother Blake’s frantic voice on the phone. An unknown enemy has moved in on his old territory, and Livia’s been taken. In an instant, Beckett knows it will take an attack only he and Eve can execute to bring her back. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, perhaps along with the new man he’s struggled to become.

“Brother, call Eve. I’ll be there soon.”

In this emotional and action-packed sequel to Poughkeepsie, Debra Anastasia conjures a tale of love at its most raw and ragged. With Beckett and Eve, how could we expect anything less? But even when it’s messy, not magical, true love perseveres. Real love finds a way—for better or for worse until death does part.

Purchase:
Amazon • B&N

Beckett!!! I love this man to death. Seriously. He is rude, abrasive, crude, crass, naughty, and a bad, bad man. BUT he has a heart of freaking gold that holds so much love for the people most important to him: his brothers, their wives and children, and most especially Eve. Eve, the love of Beckett’s life, who is a total babe and badass, who he had to leave so she could find a better life with a better man. Oh, Beckett just makes me swoon–and laugh!

We never got to know what happened to Beckett–where he went, what he did–at the end of Poughkeepsie. But now… we finally get his story! He’s left Eve and his brothers to protect them, because he’s a wanted man. Well, he’s always been a wanted man, but this time, he has to leave for good.

From book 1:

“Know this: I love you so fucking much,” Beckett said. “No other person has been to me what you are. No one else ever will be.” He leaned down and gave her the sweetest, gentlest kiss.

And has Beckett’s love for Eve changed? Not for a single second. This man may have blood on his hands, but he loves with his whole heart. And he knows he has to become a better man in order to come back into the lives of the ones he loves. So for the next 5 years, he becomes a normal man. No more killing, no more illegal dealings. Just him and his new dog, Gandhi (who is just adorable!) and his liquor store.

“Yeah, but, you see, I pictured, like, I don’t know, doing something huge. Saving the world.” Beckett shrugged.
Blake shook his head. “Sometimes you can save someone’s whole world just by smiling at them. Kindness is one of those things that has immense value to the person experiencing it.”

Beckett’s not comfortable being a good man, but he’ll do it for those he loves, because he’s just that kind of man. He’ll do literally anything to keep Eve, Blake, Cole, Livia, and Kyle safe. And if you thought there was some crazy intense action in Poughkeepsie? Wait till you get to Return to Poughkeepsie. Beckett might try to be a good man, but his past life finds a way to catch up with him. Between him and Eve, there wasn’t a dull moment in Return to Poughkeepsie, and I loved it!

Beckett and Eve are hot hot hot together, and I just adore them, but I also loved how we get more of Blake and Livia, and Cole and Kyle! The couples are married, and Blake and Livia even have two adorable children. Getting a glimpse–actually, it’s more than a glimpse, so yay!–into their married lives was so satisfying to read. But it’s not all a happily ever after. Kyle and Cole are having problems with conceiving. No matter how hard they try, Kyle just can’t get pregnant, and it’s heartbreaking to read. But this part of life is real, and I was impressed with how Debra Anastasia conveyed this in the book.

We get introduced to more characters, both good and bad. Like Ryan!! I totally adored him, and the antics of his vindictive ex-girlfriend. There’s a new baddie in town who’s trying to take over Poughkeepsie, but Eve so isn’t going to allow someone to take over her town. I love Eve. I think she’s the bomb. She’s an incredibly skilled killer, but she uses those skills for good to protect those she loves… just like Beckett. And even though 5 years have passed since she’s seen Beckett, she still loves him. The two of them are absolutely perfect for each other. They match each other, challenge each other, and love each other so hard. It was wonderful seeing these two together again, because they deserve to have a happily ever after together, even if they aren’t ‘good’ people.

The only problem I had was with the blurb. I kept waiting and waiting for Livia to be kidnapped, but it never even happens until midway through the book! I did love the book, but I was a little miffed. Still, Beckett stole my heart all over again!

“I love you, Eve. You’re the only heart I have.”

Eeep! The Poughkeepsie series is an absolute must-read! You’ll fall in love with all of the brothers, and the story, romance, and action will keep you riveted.

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

Reading Order: Poughkeepsie series

#1 ~ Poughkeepsie: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Return to Poughkeepsie: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Saving Poughkeepsie: Ebook • Goodreads (Nov. 22, 2014)

Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There’s dinner, the dogs, the two kids, the two kids, and her ongoing battle with…ahem… digestive issues, which combined with her adolescent boy sense of humor makes for colorful and sometimes cringe-worthy social media updates. Her first love and crowning achievement is her thriving career as the weirdest mom on the block.

Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when–along with the animals and humans in her house–the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra’s ear. Insomnia was the gateway to plots that wouldn’t give up, wouldn’t let go. Now they stalk her everywhere. Halfway through making lunches, a twist takes hold and–fingers full of peanut butter–she finds somewhere, anywhere to write it down.

She’s eternally grateful to Omnific Publishing, which has now published four of her books: two in the Seraphim Series and two in the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series, as well as her novella, Late Night with Andres. That one is special because 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (So go get it right now, please!) She also very much appreciates her open-minded readers, who embrace everything she has to offer, with a focus on anti-heroes and bathroom humor.

Debra lives in Maryland with her family. You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared.

Goodreads • Twitter • Facebook • Website

ebook set of Poughkeepsie and Return to Poughkeepsie

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29Dec2013

Review: Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Series: Poughkeepsie #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 22nd 2011
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she’s surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.

I don’t even know where to begin with the book. Poughkeepsie was beautiful. Enchanting. And so very, very heartwarming. I loved every single part of this book! From the story to the characters to the writing, everything was flawless. And that last line of the blurb–”racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once”–perfectly describes Poughkeepsie. This book will make you laugh and giggle, and then sigh and swoon. But there’s also so much action going on too! Poughkeepsie kept me on the edge of my seat, and there was never a dull moment while reading.

Most of the book is mainly about Livia and Blake and their enchanting love story. Livia is just a normal, kind woman who manages to smile every day for this one homeless man in the train station she goes to. And that homeless man is Blake. He’s only 25, but the reasons for why he’s homeless is tragic and so heartbreaking. Blake will make you melt. Even though he has such a painful past, he still manages to have a heart of gold. He is the perfect gentleman, and says the sweetest things. He counts all of Livia’s smiles! *Siiigh*

As he and Livia become closer, as they fall more in love, they have to face problems dealing with Blake’s homelessness and his one other problem that I don’t want to say because it’s a spoiler! I adored reading Blake and Livia’s love story. It’s so raw and emotional and full of love; these two are perfect for each other.

“Me? I want you to be sure,” he said.
“You,” Livia whispered.
“Me.” His eyes were full of intent.
“Always you.” Livia gave him her biggest, heartfelt smile.
“Five hundred.” Blake touched her face as if she might be a mirage and smiled back only when she didn’t disappear.

We also get introduced to Blake’s brothers Beckett and Cole. They aren’t truly brothers, but they’re brothers in all the ways that count except for blood. They’ve all got matching tattoos to symbolize their brotherhood. A music clef for Blake, who is a piano genius; a cross for Cole, who is a priest’s assistant; and a sword for Beckett, who walked into the bad side of town at the tender age of 18 so he could find a way to rule and protect his brothers. These three have such a powerful, unwavering bond, and I loved the relationship dynamics between them all. With Beckett, he’s rude and crass and so freaking hilarious, but he loves his brothers so, so much. He’d kill for them–actually, he has–and protecting them is his number one priority. Cole and Blake are quieter people, but they are no less loving.

And Blake’s not the only lucky one who gets to fall in love. Livia and Blake are center stage, but Cole and Beckett take the spotlight sometimes too. We get to see all the brothers fall in love, and fight for their loved ones. I fell in love with all the characters and their stories. This book is so unique, and I couldn’t put it down for a second. Poughkeepsie is an absolutely fabulous read, one I highly recommend!

5 hearts!

Reading Order: Poughkeepsie series

#1 ~ Poughkeepsie: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Return to Poughkeepsie: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Saving Poughkeepsie: Ebook • Goodreads (Nov. 22, 2014)

28Dec2013

ARC Review: Lila and Ethan: Forever and Always by Jessica Sorensen

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Lila and Ethan: Forever and Always by Jessica Sorensen
Series: The Secret #4.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 24th 2013
Purchase: Ebook
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Forever Yours) in exchange for an honest review

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Ella and Micha series comes a story of love, risks, and rewards . . .

Lila Summers just wants to know one thing for certain: that Ethan Gregory will be with her always. Once her friend, he’s become so much more, melting the pain of her past away with each kiss. Now Lila is on a road trip with Ethan, in the wilderness under the stars, and she can’t imagine her life without him. But when she talks about the future, something in Ethan changes . . .

Ethan has no doubts about his feelings for Lila. His life with her gets better every day-and that’s the scary part. How can he walk into a future where he has everything to lose? With Lila, his whole heart is on the line for the very first time. But if Ethan can’t give her the promise she needs, his greatest fear might come true: he’ll lose Lila for good.

This short novella (it’s around 80 pages) was a sweet, heartfelt ending to Lila and Ethan’s story. I really enjoyed reading about them this time around, and I connected with them much more in this book than in The Temptation of Lila and Ethan. Was it a perfect ending for them? No, but it’s real and honest. Not everyone in the world gets to have a happily ever after, but for people like Lila and Ethan, they’re sure going to try their hardest to have one.

Lila and Ethan are finally on the road trip they wanted to have, and even though the book starts off near the end of the road trip, we get the sense that the time they spent together was perfect.

When I was younger, and pictured my road trip, I’d always pictured doing it myself. But then Lila entered my life and things sort of shifted when I fell in love with her–because being alone didn’t seem as appealing as being with her.

But… now that their trip is nearly over, Lila is worried. About the future. About their future together. Because what if in the long run, Ethan won’t want her anymore? While Ethan is more of an in-the-present kind of guy, Lila likes to think about the future. But all she really wants is Ethan. She doesn’t want a proposal or a marriage right this second, but she wants the security of knowing that Ethan might someday want that, or at least want a future together.

Lila unintentionally plants seeds inside Ethan’s head, and now he’s thinking about his future, and their future, more and more. He’s against marriage, but when he looks at the future, all he sees is Lila. These two are it for each other, but I liked seeing this aspect of their relationship. They don’t know what will happen 5, 10 years down the road, but they’re hoping that they’ll still be together.

Every conversation with her, good and bad. Every moment, light and dark. I want to relive it over and over again. I want so many more moments and conversations.
I want this to be permanent. I want Lila and I to be permanent.
Forever and Always.

I liked how there’s not a definite ending to this book. Their future may be unclear, but Lila and Ethan know that can get through anything as long as they have each other. Their story is realistic, but filled with the promise of a happily ever after. It’s a bittersweet ending to this series, to Lila and Ethan’s story, and even Ella and Micha’s, but Jessica Sorensen leaves us knowing that Lila and Ethan will someday get their forever and always.

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

Reading Order: The Secret series

#0.5 ~ The Prelude of Ella and Micha: Ebook • Goodreads (Nov. 11, 2014)
#1 ~ The Secret of Ella and Micha: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Forever of Ella and Micha: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Temptation of Lila and Ethan: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ The Ever After of Ella and Micha: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Lila and Ethan: Forever and Always: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Ella and Micha: Infinitely and Always: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Nov. 18, 2014)

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Tag Archives: review

Release Day Review: How to Run with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Reading Order: Naked Werewolf series

Review: One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy

Reading Order: One Week Girlfriend series

Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Reading Order: Poughkeepsie series

Review: Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Reading Order: Poughkeepsie series

ARC Review: Lila and Ethan: Forever and Always by Jessica Sorensen

Reading Order: The Secret series

Reading Order: Naked Werewolf series

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