Release Day Review: Riot by Tillie Cole

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Riot by Tillie Cole
Series: Scarred Souls #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: March 7th 2017
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

BRUTAL. INTENSE. PASSIONATE. THE WORLD OF THE SCARRED SOULS.

They call me 901. I am a monster, a killer, a champion. In the blood pit I am a god. I have no name, no family, and no identity. When master says fight, I fight…until I am the only one left standing. I have one goal, to fight so well that I am freed. I don’t need friends, I don’t need women. They are weaknesses. I am strong.

Until I see her. She is gorgeous and kind and off-limits to me. She was stolen as a child to be the worst type of slave and now master wants her. What he wants, he gets. With a smile, she melts my brutal heart. I have never wanted anything more.

I need to make a choice. Freedom or Love. I cannot choose wrong.

I hadn’t read a good dark romance in a while, so I was in the perfect mood for it when I started Riot! Tillie Cole writes some great dark romances, with intense alphas and obsessive love, which is what I was expecting to get in this final Scarred Souls novel, and I wasn’t disappointed. This finale is a heart-pounding, dramatic ending to this dark, gritty series that I highly enjoy. Every moment in the series has been leading up to this book. If you’re a fan of Scarred Souls, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on Riot!

“You are the Arziani Pit Bull. You are feared. But to me, you are safety.”

901 is the most powerful fighter, the Master’s champion, of the blood pit. He was taken as an orphan and groomed to be the violent, killing machine that he is now. He is undefeatable and unfallable… until he sees 152, the High Mona who the Master uses for his sick pleasure. 901 has always known that to accept a woman into his heart would mean weakness, but there’s nothing that can stop him from falling for 152 as they embrace each other in this dark, hopeless world.

901 and 152’s story broke my heart. The way they were forced into this life and broken down… it’s awful. But despite it all, they both manage to find light in each other. Their romance grew slowly and beautifully (if a bit cheesy at times), and it was the light that balanced out the darkness of this blood pit underworld. But is there a way for these two to escape this broken world? Or will they forever be owned by the Master?

“Inessa and Ilya. Ilya and Inessa . . . more than just our numbers.”

Riot might not be my favorite of the Scarred Souls series (that belongs to Raze), but it’s definitely a fantastic conclusion that fans of the series shouldn’t miss. The build-up to the climax of the story was so well done – I loved it! All of the Scarred Souls characters have been through hell and back, and I’m so happy with the ending that they all get in this novel. The whole story is action-packed, suspenseful, and crazy intense – basically everything you expect in a Tillie Cole dark romance. The heroes are over-the-top alphas, the heroines are the perfect balance to them, the world is unabashedly violent and intense. If you haven’t read one of her dark romances yet, you haven’t experienced the genre!

“Inessa,” he said in a husky voice, “without you here with me, I’d rather be dead. With you in my heart, and me in yours, I am alive.”

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

Reading Order: Scarred Souls series

#1 ~ Raze: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Reap: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Ravage: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Riot: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1-2 ~ Scarred Souls: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

28Feb2017

Audiobook Review: Lacybourne Manor by Kristen Ashley

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Lacybourne Manor by Kristen Ashley
Series: Ghosts and Reincarnation #3 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: January 24th 2017
Length: 16 hours and 52 minutes
Narrated by: Abby Craden
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

In 1522, the very night they were wed, Royce Morgan and his new bride, Beatrice Godwin, were murdered on their way home to Lacybourne Manor. After the cruel deed was done, a local witch came across their bodies, witnessing firsthand the tragedy of star-crossed lovers. Vowing that Royce and Beatrice would someday uncross those stars, using magic mixed with murder as well as true love, she linked their spirits together with hers (because someone had to protect them) forever…or until their reincarnated souls find happily ever after.

Now arrogant, forbidding Colin Morgan lives at Lacybourne, knowing, from lore (as well as the portraits of Royce and Beatrice that hang in Lacybourne’s hall and the small fact that he looks exactly like Royce Morgan), that he is the reincarnated soul of his ancestor. One stormy night, flighty, free-spirited, scarily kind-hearted Sibyl Godwin comes to Lacybourne and it doesn’t escape Colin’s notice that Sibyl is the spitting image of Beatrice. However murder, magic, a warrior’s heart beating in a modern man’s chest, a woman bent on doing good deeds even if they get her into loads of trouble, a good witch whose family has vowed throughout the centuries to protect true love, distrust, and revenge make a volatile cocktail.

This means the path to happily ever after is paved with tranquilizer darts, pensioners on a rampage, Sibyl’s bad morning moods, heartbreaking misunderstandings, and all kinds of magic, good and bad.

Lacybourne Manor just might be my favorite Ghosts and Reincarnation audiobook I’ve listened to so far! It was the kind of story that I was waiting to get from KA that I didn’t from the last two books. They were good, but definitely didn’t feel up to KA par, but Lacybourne Manor wowed me in the best way possible! I adored listening to Colin and Sibyl’s story – it’s a true reincarnation romance, so if you’re interested in that sort of thing, I highly recommend giving this a listen!!

Hundreds of years ago, newlyweds Royce and Beatrice were murdered on their wedding night due to a spell that was meant to keep the lovers apart. When a witch came across their bodies, she cast a spell and set in motion the reincarnation of the two star-crossed lovers. In present day, Royce and Beatrice are now Colin and Sibyl. Colin has always been told stories of him being fated to find and love the reincarnated Beatrice, but by the time she arrives to Lacybourne Manor in the form of Sibyl, Colin has been too jaded and broken to believe in fate or love. He treats Sibyl poorly, not believing that they’re meant to be together.

Sibyl has also had dreams of finding her one true love, the man of her dreams, and has long since given up finding him… until she meets Colin. But the cold, callous jerk surely can’t be her fated soulmate, right? Colin and Sibyl have a rocky start, but after getting to know Colin deeper, she finds that he’s not as terrible as she first thought. Slowly they warm up to each other – but is their newfound love enough to break a centuries-long curse that threatens to tear them apart?

I loved listening to Lacybourne Manor. In the previous books in the series, I had a hard time paying attention to the narration for some reason, but it wasn’t the case with this audiobook, because I was HOOKED onto the story. Sibyl and Colin’s star-crossed romance was a heartfelt, emotional listen, and I enjoyed every bit of it. Abby Craden’s narration has definitely grown on me too. I really hope the rest of the Ghosts and Reincarnation series will come out in audio soon!

Lacybourne Manor is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/2lv26qF

Reading Order: Ghosts and Reincarnation series

#1 ~ Penmort Castle: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Sommersgate House: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Lacybourne Manor: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Fairytale Come Alive: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Lucky Stars: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

28Feb2017

Release Blitz + ARC Review & Giveaway: Checkmate: This is Reckless by Kennedy Fox

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Giveaways, Reviews, Spotlight by Lacey

Happy release day to Kennedy Fox – Checkmate: This is Reckless is live!

Checkmate: This is Reckless by Kennedy Fox
Series: Checkmate Duet #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 28th 2017

Drew Fisher is the type of guy every girl wants.
Noble police officer by day, charming prince by night.
He has no idea the effect he has on women, especially me–his little sister’s best friend.
I’m the blonde Southern belle who lives up to the cliché, except I have my own quirks. I’m smart as a whip, can change my own oil, and recite The Pledge of Allegiance backward, but he doesn’t see that girl.

It’d be easier to forget him if he wasn’t my roommate and if the first thing I saw in the morning wasn’t his shirtless body covered in tattoos. I’ve crushed on him since the day we met, but he’s made it perfectly clear where we stand. Just friends.

I know I need to move on and accept that his feelings will never be mutual, but every day he smiles at me, I’m left dreaming of what if.
He has girl issues, and I’ve got a crush I can’t deny.
We’re friends, but I want more.

One drunken hookup leaves us with much more than a platonic friendship. Pretending it never happened proves to be more difficult than anticipated.

A crazy ex-girlfriend, a dangerous war of stolen glances, and passionate kisses leads to the most reckless battle yet. I won’t be a pawn in his game, but I’ll play by his rules if it will show him I’m the one worth breaking them for.

Checkmate, Prince Charming.

Buy Links:
Amazon • iTunes • Kobo

It seems as if I love every single trope, but seriously, friends-to-lovers gets me every time. There’s always something so genuine and sweet about these kinds of romances! So Drew and Courtney’s story in this new Checkmate Duet was totally my thing – I definitely enjoyed it more than the previous duet about Viola and Travis. It was a lot less cheesy dramatic and thankfully we don’t have a manwhore hero this time… just an annoying, manipulating ex. Fans of Kennedy Fox will most likely enjoy Drewtney as much as Traviola, only instead of enemies-to-lovers, we have friends-to-lovers!

Courtney is Drew’s little sister’s best friend, they’re roommates, she has a tiny crush on him, he has a girlfriend who’s a major bitch… but it’s all good, right? For the past few years, Courtney has been totally fine with being one of Drew’s best friends. She wouldn’t mind if he ended his toxic relationship with his awful girlfriend, but for now she’s been waiting on the sidelines for her chance with him, which finally comes when Drew sees Mia exactly for the lying, cheating, manipulating person that she is.

“God, Court…where have you been all of my life?”
She pulls back and looks up at me. I run my fingers through her wet hair and rest my palm against her cheek. Moving in closer, she speaks against my lips before I can kiss her. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Drew and Courtney are fun and sweet together – Drew finally realizes how perfect they are once Mia is out of the picture. They’re flirty, have great chemistry, and fall fast and hard for each other. But what happens when Mia doesn’t stay out of the picture and is out to ruin Drew’s newfound love?

I loved Courtney. She’s my favorite kind of heroine – tough, feisty, able to hold her own, and unapologetic. She’s the perfect balance for Drew, who is more calm and steady. I enjoyed the way their relationship grew in this first part of their story – it gets cheesy and predictable, but the romance itself is still enjoyable. I’m not the biggest fan of Kennedy Fox’s writing in this series – it’s a little too simple and boring for my taste, but it’s nothing unbearable and I do feel like the author duo improved since their first book. This might not be the best friends-to-lovers romance I’ve ever read, but it’s an easy story to get sucked into. I’m excited to see what happens in Drewtney’s sequel – after that slightly predictable cliffhanger, I need more!

“I’ll never stop wanting you, Courtney. You’ve completely stolen my heart, and for the first time, I don’t want it back. It’s yours.”

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

Reading Order: Checkmate Duet series

#1 ~ This is War: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ This is Love: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ This is Reckless: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ This is Effortless: Ebook • Goodreads (April 25, 2017)

Kennedy Fox is a duo of bestselling authors who share a love of You’ve Got Mail and The Holiday. When they aren’t bonding over romantic comedies, they like to brainstorm new book ideas. One day, they decided to collaborate together under a pseudonym and have some fun creating new characters that’ll make your lady bits tingle and your heart melt. If you enjoy romance stories with sexy, tattooed alpha males and smart, independent women, then a Kennedy Fox book is for you!

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Newsletter

$25 amazon gift card + signed paperback of Checkmate: This is Reckless

ENTER HERE

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

28Feb2017

Blog Tour + Review & Giveaway: The Cad and the Co-Ed by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid

Posted in 4 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for The Cad and the Co-Ed by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid!

The Cad and the Co-Ed by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid
Series: Rugby #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 14th 2017

Keeping a secret this big is going to take lots of balls. Specifically, rugby balls.

THE CAD
Bryan Leech is a cad.
Or, he *was* a cad.
No one is quite certain.

Once the quintessential playboy, Bryan claims he’s done with wild parties and weekend benders. No more one night stands leading to mornings he can’t remember; no more binges and blackouts; no more exploits plastered all over the tabloids and rag sheets. According to Bryan, he’s cleaning up his act.

The only problem is, no one believes him.

THE CO-ED
Eilish Cassidy never thought she’d be a mother at nineteen or still in college at twenty-four. Cut off from every member of her family except her favorite cousin, she’s finally managed put her life back together. Stronger and wiser, Eilish enters her last semester of university determined to stand on her own. Now she just needs to find an internship.

The only problem is, her best option—by far—places her directly in the path of her son’s father, and he doesn’t remember her at all.

THE PLAN
Bryan is determined to prove he’s changed. Eager to settle down with the right woman, he’s got his sights set on the gorgeous redhead who seems terribly familiar.

Eilish is determined to hide her secret. She’ll do anything to keep her child safe, even if that means ignoring her own wishes and desires.

But what happens when Bryan starts to remember? And what will it take for Bryan to convince the girl he forgot that she’s unforgettable?

Buy Links:
Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon CA • Amazon AU

I love Penny Reid and L.H. Cosway – individually, they’re such unique authors, but together, they make magic! They write the most endearing, quirky characters that are easy to love. After the snippet of The Cad and the Co-Ed in the previous Rugby book, I was DYING to read Bryan and Eilish’s story. I wasn’t sure how the authors would redeem Bryan and the awful way he treated Eilish, but I trusted them. And thankfully, they didn’t disappoint! Eilish and Bryan, despite their rough start, had the sweetest romance ever. They’re so weirdly adorable, which made for such a fun reading experience. If you’re a fan of the series or either authors, I highly recommend The Cad and the Co-Ed!

If you’ve read The Player and the Pixie, then you’ll know that when Eilish Cassidy was a naive nineteen-year-old, she fell for Bryan’s charms and gave up her virginity to him. She had stars in her eyes and thought they would have a future… but it turns out Bryan Leech was a cad, through and through. He was drunk during their one-night-stand, couldn’t even remember her name the next morning, and promptly kicked her out. He leaves Eilish with a broken heart… and a baby he’s never known about.

Fast forward five years, and Bryan has been through rehab to fix his drinking and partying ways. He’s a changed man… or is he? When Eilish sees Bryan again for the first time in years, she realizes that he doesn’t even recognize her or their one night at all. She’s not sure that she can trust that Bryan is sober now and safe to be around their son, Patrick. Can Bryan show Eilish that he’s there to stay and win the heart of the woman he forgot? And what will happen when he finds out about their secret baby?

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, still touching me, shifting his weight from one foot to the next.
“What for?” The question was out before I could catch it.
“For so many things. … Mostly for ever making you think you are anything other than magnificent and unforgettable.”

I thought that The Cad and the Co-Ed would be an angsty read, but it turned out to be so much sweeter and funnier than I expected! Eilish is hilarious and adorable, a great mother and a strong heroine. She definitely makes Bryan work to win her trust and heart. I loved her! And another surprise was how easily Bryan won me over with his changed ways. He’s done a 180 from drinking and partying 24/7 to sipping tea in his robe and wanting his neighbors to keep quiet at 10 P.M. He’s such a riot, and the way Sean, his rugby teammate and Eilish’s cousin, rags on him is SO funny.

This book is too freaking sweet. L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid make such a fantastic writing duo. Only they would be able to redeem a huge jerk from the previous Rugby book and make me love him. Eilish and Bryan have a slow, swoony romance that I adored. I’m really hoping there will be more in this series (Will!!!) because I can’t get enough of it! And I definitely have plans to go back and finally read the first book in the series!

I’d never forget that look.
I’d never forget seeing her like this.
I’d never forget another moment with her for the rest of my life.

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

Reading Order: Rugby series

#1 ~ The Hooker and the Hermit: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Player and the Pixie: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Cad and the Co-ed: Ebook • Goodreads

L.H. Cosway

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favorite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest

Penny Reid

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.

Website • Goodreads • Facebook • Twitter • Newsletter

Enter to win a signed paperback of Royal Marriage Market, Beg Tease Submit, Letters in White, Love Walks In, Hooker and the Hermit, Player and the Pixie, Wasted Words and Changing Course!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

22Feb2017

ARC Review: Nova by Rebecca Yarros

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Nova by Rebecca Yarros
Series: The Renegades #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 20th 2017
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

He’s got one shot to make it right…

He’s Landon Rhodes.
The Renegade they call Nova.
Sinfully gorgeous, broody, tatted-up, professional snowboarder.

They say a girl broke him once–
That’s why he’s so reckless, so driven, so careless with his conquests.
But I’m that girl.
They can call me his curse all they want.
He and I both know the truth–
He’s the one who destroyed me,
And I’m too smart to let that happen again.

I LOVE second chance romances but I’m not exactly a fan of them when the hero becomes a manwhore during the time he and the heroine are broken up. We previously met Landon, aka “Nova,” as Wilder’s best friend and a major player. We knew he was hurting from a past relationship and drowned himself in women to ease the pain, but when the truth comes out, it turns out that Landon was the one to break his heart and and the heart of the girl he loved. I went into Nova a little wary of Landon because I wasn’t sure he’d be able to redeem himself and his past mistakes. I was prepared for the angst and the groveling, and thankfully, Rebecca Yarros delivered just that. If you’re a fan of the second chance romance trope, then I would definitely recommend you give this book a try!

My entire world narrowed to the woman standing in front of me. Even my heartbeat stilled in reverence to the moment. How was she here? After all this time, she was close enough to touch, and all I could do was stare at her, like if I blinked she would disappear.

The last person Landon expects to show up on the cruise ship he and the rest of the Renegades are on is Rachel – the love of his life, the girl he abandoned, and Wilder’s ex-girlfriend. So messy, right? But Landon sees this as the second chance he thinks he doesn’t deserve, but he’s taking it anyway. There is no other girl for him but Rachel, and this time he’s going to prove it to her and win her heart again.

I was going to win her back. Not just her friendship. Her heart. Her love.
Maybe I wasn’t worth of any of it now, but I could be. I could earn her.

Rachel was utterly destroyed when Landon chose the Renegades over her and their future. She vowed to never let him into her broken heart again, so she would’ve never accepted getting onto the cruise ship if she’d known he was onboard. Surprised is an understatement when she discovers that she’ll be around the boy who abandoned her again. She’s determined to stay away and not let him get under her skin, but how can she resist a Landon who is finally fighting for her love and their future?

“I’m not going anywhere. If I have to tell you that a million times before you’ll believe me, then I’ll do just that. You and me—we’re own little infinity. Our forever is wrapped up in everything that’s between us.”

I have to say I enjoyed Nova just a little more than Wilder. I LOVED Rachel and how she didn’t cave easily to Landon and made him honestly WORK to earn her forgiveness. She’s tough on him, and rightly so. My favorite part about the second chance romance trope is when the hero has to grovel and fight to win back his heroine, and Landon did an amazing job of that. I didn’t quite love the book as much as I wish I could’ve though, because I’m still not entirely invested in the Renegades and their story. BUT! I have high hopes for the rest of the series, and can’t wait to read Rebel’s book!

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

Reading Order: The Renegades series

#1 ~ Wilder: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Nova: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Rebel: Goodreads (release date TBA)

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • 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: review