Read and Review #31 - Neanderthal Seeks Human: A Smart Romance (Penny Reid)

Title: Neanderthal Seeks Human: A Smart Romance (Knitting in the City #1)

Author: Penny Reid

Publication date: 14 March 2013

Publisher: Caped Publishing

Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

There are three things you need to know about Janie Morris: 

1) She is incapable of engaging in a conversation without volunteering TMTI (Too Much Trivial Information), especially when she is unnerved, 

2) No one unnerves her more than Quinn Sullivan, and 

3) She doesn't know how to knit. 

After losing her boyfriend, apartment, and job in the same day, Janie Morris can't help wondering what new torment fate has in store. To her utter mortification, Quinn Sullivan- aka Sir McHotpants- witnesses it all then keeps turning up like a pair of shoes you lust after but can't afford. The last thing she expects is for Quinn- the focus of her slightly, albeit harmless, stalkerish tendencies- to make her an offer she can't refuse.

My rating:
4 / 5

My review:
By the mighty power of Thor!

I can relate to Janie badly because I love reading about random trivias and spewing them in awkward situations. I've been reading a bunch of books where the characters have "weird" habits but I really like Janie's weirdness the most. Maybe not so much weird than awkward. Janie is definitely awkward.

There's McDreamy and McSteamy. And then there's Quinn Sullivan a.k.a Sir Handsome McHotpants. I'm not one for silly nicknames but I don't know why I can tolerate this one. I even liked it!

When I started reading this book, I was terribly happy to read about the possibility of falling in love with a security guard. I mean, how often do you read about falling in love with someone whose occupation is not in the generic group of high-powered, influencal jobs (CEOs, lawyers, businessmen, musicians)? But my dream was soon crushed when I found out that Quinn was actually a CEO, CIO, CFO and COO. Oh yes, he's all that. 

Although I don't know how he did that AND manage have a social life at the same time without. And then I remember that this is not real and no one can possibly be all that and not go crazy. 

I don't find many office romances that doesn't immediately lead to hot sex and constant lusting over the boss. Although, I am still in search of an excellent romance book between co-workers who are not in a boss-employee relationship. That being said, this is still a really good book for those who likes office romances.

Putting that aside, the background of the story is quite mediocre. Jon's half-assed attempt to keep Janie by his side, Jem's involved with a gang (probably a drug lord) and then there's the thing with Quinn's parents that Janie eventually figured out but never told anyone (even us, the readers).

I wasn't disappointed when it comes to the smart part of this book. I would sometimes re-read the trivias that Janie referred to in almost every chapter of the book. However, the knitting part really threw me off because there's not much knitting done throughout the book. Janie didn't even knit!

It's a good book with intelligence and fluff. Not so much drama but then again, not so much drama. It's funny, light and smart albeit the lack in enthusiasm poured into the back story. Definitely continuing with the rest of the series.

Read and Review #28 - Unravel Me (Tori St. Claire)

Title: Unravel Me

Author: Tori St. Claire

Publication date: 24 February 2014
Publisher: Entangled Publishing — Brazen

Get a copy! Amazon | Google Play Store | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Letting go might be the key that unlocks her pleasure…

Attorney Cassie Blaire has spent most of her life living by rules. Rules that keep her life sensible, and on the right path. But five years after losing her husband, Cassie is saying sayonara to “sensible.” And it starts now—with indulging a need she’s long denied.

When he arrives in Colorado, all Brad Steele wants is a scotch before he has to play nice in the first face-to-face meeting with his co-counsel in an ugly divorce case. But instead, he finds her—a lush, inviting stranger whose dark eyes invite him to sin...and thirst turns into a raw, undeniable hunger.

Now Cassie is initiated into a world that has nothing to do with being sensible, and everything to do with sensuality. Under Brad’s guiding touch, she’s receiving an education in desire—one that breaks all of the old rules, and explores tantalizing new ones. And once she learns that her naughty one-nighter is her arrogant co-counsel, all of her objections will be sustained...

My rating:
2 / 5

My review:
"ARC generously provided by the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion"

The first few chapters of the book is great. Until I get to the rest of the book. 

I'm all in for people who meet and part after a one night stand. A very hot one night stand. Cassie and Brad's encounter was refreshing and a good opening to the story in my opinion. Strangers meet, have sex then leave. No name, no info, no expectations. I didn't expect anything and that's why it was great. And then came the post one night stand.

It left a bad taste in my mouth because after reading the chapters after, it's like reading about two completely different people. Who is this woman claiming to want to break out of submission? Who is this man trying to be a dominant wannabe? It's hard to process their relationship because while I get that the author wants them to be two different people by day and night, it just didn't work out. 

I gave it a 2 rating out of 5 because of the first few chapters. If only it stopped there.

Read and Review #27 - Tempted by the Soldier (Nicolette Day)

Title: Tempted by the Soldier (Falling for You #2)

Author: Nicolette Day

Publication date: 24 February 2014

Publisher: Entangled Publishing — Brazen

Get a copy! Amazon | Google Play Store | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

When one touch isn’t enough, why resist?

Road trips are supposed to be fun. Or, at least, full of hot sex. For photographer Lilly Grayson, the fifteen-hour drive to her friend’s wedding with Nate Jennings will be neither. Not that Nate isn’t sexy—the man is six-foot-three-inches of mouth-watering Marine. But Lilly’s been there, done that…and he walked away. Now it’s time for a little payback. The kind that’ll make a man desperate for a taste of what he can’t have. 

And Nate wants a taste—so badly that he can barely keep his hands on the wheel. But the scars and ghosts of his last tour still haunt him. He can’t give into temptation, not this time. Lilly deserves a whole man—one who can love her the way she deserves to be loved, even if she doesn’t believe it can happen. And that can’t be Nate. Not when he’s leaving again in two weeks, and this time, he’s not sure he’ll return...

My rating:
3.5 / 5

My review:
*ARC generously given by the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I love roadtrips. It's one of the best ways to get to bond with someone and have fun at the same time. In this story, Lilly and Nate were previously linked but Nate left her after a one night stand. I hadn't read the first book, but from the glimpses in this book, it was stated that Lilly and Nate met each other again multiple times after their one night stand, with much hostility on Lilly's part. I mean yeah, she deserves to be mad for being treated like a whore.

The thing is, I don't really find myself connected to Lilly or able to relate to her. She may be headstrong but at the end of the day, she still succumbed to her heart. Her feelings for Nate never died down, so was his for her. Alas, my cold cold heart did not melt at this.

I've read a few PTSD related romance and yes, Nate really made it believable. Not only that, he blamed himself for the death of his fellow comrades. PTSD added with guilt is one dangerous combination. I can understand his need to push Lilly away. And Lilly was determined to help him go through it. 

The sex was HOT. The banter was ridiculously spot on. Emotional turmoil? Don't get me started. However, when you feel so detached from a character, no matter how good the story is, it can rub you the wrong way and tilt your whole view of the story. You start to scrutinize every single thing the character say and do, to find that thing to connect with them. I didn't find that with either Lilly or Nate.

Needless to say, it's a good story. Roadtrips, banter, hot sex, emotional roller coaster. They're all there. It will make your heart (sadly not mine) ache and melt. Maybe I read it at the wrong time, with the wrong mood but it is what it is to me. 

Read and Review #25 - Wallbanger (Alice Clayton)

Title: Wallbanger (Cocktail #1)

Author: Alice Clayton

Publication date: 27 November 2012

Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Get a copy! Amazon | Google Play Store | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis: 

The first night after Caroline moves into her fantastic new San Francisco apartment, she realizes she's gaining an intimate knowledge of her new neighbor's nocturnal adventures. Thanks to paper-thin walls and the guy's athletic prowess, she can hear not just his bed banging against the wall but the ecstatic response of what seems (as loud night after loud night goes by) like an endless parade of women. And since Caroline is currently on a self-imposed dating hiatus, and her neighbor is clearly lethally attractive to women, she finds her fantasies keep her awake even longer than the noise. So when the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts Simon Parker, her heard-but-never-seen neighbor. The tension between them is as thick as the walls are thin, and the results just as mixed. Suddenly, Caroline is finding she may have discovered a whole new definition of neighborly... 

n a delicious mix of silly and steamy, Alice Clayton dishes out a hot and hilarious tale of exasperation at first sight...

My rating:
5 / 5

My review:

Oh dear, this book. It took me almost a year to pick it up again. I had a dislike towards silly nicknames and was immediately turned off whenever I encountered any in the books I read. Pink Nightie Girl was one of them. Yes, I put it down the moment I found myself squirming from the absurdity of the name.  

And just recently I began to read it again. And I wondered, why in the hell would I hate a nickname such as Pink Nightie Girl? The fabulous that is this story is enough to outshine a small thing like a nickname. Well doesn't matter, I had read it and I absolutely love it! Not to mention most of my friends on Goodreads give an average rating of 4.5 for it.

Why is this book so good that almost everyone give it an almost perfect rating? I'll tell you why. There is no tragic backstory. No one is running away from anyone. Well, unless you count Cory, the guy who chased away O.  And therefore making Caroline wanting to run away from him. By the way, O is Caroline's orgasm.

ANYWHO, it's a likable story because the characters were not hung up on past relationship or experience emotional trauma from any form of abuse. Their feud was simple; "Stop banging on my fucking wall when you're having sex." So if you're looking for a book with no angst or drama, this is the perfect book for you.

Caroline was witty, sweet and funny whereas Simon exudes sex; flirty, charming and charismatic. They became from neighbors to enemies to friends to best friends and eventually lovers. I mean, that is how you become close to that hot neighbor, right?

And the sexual tension in that one chapter! The only chapter where we get to see Simon's point of view but somehow I got cockblocked by Ryan and Mimi instead. Don't get me wrong, I adore the other couples but please, it was the post breaking point of Simon and Caroline's relationship! 

It's funny, witty and I stayed up till dawn trying to finish this book. These characters are likable, the plot is hilarious and who doesn't love a reformed wallbanger? Despite the name, the book cover and the first chapter of this book, it's not as erotically charged as other romance books out there. Not even in the last few chapters. It's a fun book and definitely worth reading. 

Read and Review #24 - Attachments (Rainbow Rowell)

Title: Attachments

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Publication date: 14 April 2011

Publisher: Dutton Adult

Get a copy! Amazon | Google Play Store | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

"Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you ... "

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives. 

Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke. 

When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories. 

By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.

What would he say . . . ?

My rating:
4 / 5

My review:

I don't know why I love this story because the idea of someone else reading my private messages to a friend is disturbing. But they brought it unto themselves, Jennifer and Beth. They knew any personal emails will be filtered and monitored to ensure that they do not break the company's Internet policy. But do they care?

And Lincoln O'Neill was the guy hired to do just that. Go through filtered emails and send warnings to employees who are violating company's policy. You'd think it's a cool job, reading about gossips and secret affairs and stuff?

Lincoln's job is pretty boring actually and he gets paid decently to do almost nothing every day. The highlight of his day? Reading emails between Jennifer and Beth. They had already broke a few of the policy but he didn't have it in him to send them any warning emails. Plus, their emails were just too juicy and provided him the entertainment to get through work.

Basically, half of the book consisted of email exchanges. It's like listening to that two strangers talking in a cafe whom you always run into that one day of the week. You don't hang out with them, but you know their story as if you've known them for years. Rest assured, I don't hang out at cafes listening to strangers having conversations.

Anyways, the plot is pretty subdued. Lincoln's life is mundane. And I don't get to know more about Beth and Jennifer outside their emails to each other. But the story kept me interested. Beth and Jennifer's emails are hilarious. I wouldn't want to stop reading if I could because of their wits and snappy comebacks. Lincoln, on the other hand is pretty boring. It's not bad because really, why have an amazing, perfect hero? Have you read any of Rainbow Rowell's work? Her heroes are imperfect.

What deducted one star from my rating is the ending. It felt rushed and unreal to me. There was not enough interaction between Beth and Lincoln to feel that sort of comfort around each other so soon after she found out about him. I get that she has a crush on him, stalked him and even admired him but I don't know, it feels a little middle school for me. 

"Do you believe in love at first sight?"
"I don't know," he said. "Do you believe in love before that?"

Cheesy as hell but I love that part the most. I like this book for the witty interaction, imperfect yet lovable characters and the appropriate pacing for this style of writing. Sure it has a slow pacing but it's not that lengthy that it makes you want to kill yourself for reading it in the first place. You won't even realize you're almost at the end. 

Upcoming Release #4 - Searching for Perfect (Jennifer Probst)

Title: Searching for Perfect (Searching For #2)

Author: Jennifer Probst
Expected Publication: 29 April 2014
Pre-order a copy! Amazon | Google Play Store | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

The up-and-coming matchmaking agency Kinnections is the hottest thing to hit Verily, New York—just like Kennedy Ashe, social director for the service she owns with her two best girlfriends. A coach, consultant, and cheerleader rolled into one super-sizzling package, Kennedy creates dream dates, encourages singles to shine, and never refuses a challenge—not even Nate Ellison Raymond Dunkle, rocket scientist, nerd extraordinaire, and Kennedy’s newest client.

Kennedy vows to work her magic and transform this hot mess in a lab coat with a disastrous relationship track record into the most wanted man on the Verily dating scene. If only she could turn the wand on herself . . .

Though she radiates confidence and sex appeal, Kennedy harbors deep-seated insecurities from a tormented past and lifelong struggle with weight issues. When she realizes she and Nate are cut from the same cloth and might be perfect together, can Kennedy learn to let her heart lead the way? Or will her fears sentence her to the sidelines as Nate finds love—with someone else?

Initial thoughts:

So far I can't find any excerpts, teasers or any hints regarding this book but it's still 3 months away so hopes are not all dead. 

In a three-friend circle of friendship, there's always the sexual one. In this case, it's Kennedy. And I absolutely love a Pygmalion kind of story. What is Pygmalion you ask? Or I assume you asked? Think Pretty Woman. Hadn't watch Pretty Woman? Damn, you're missing out.

In modern definition, or rather, more urbanized definition, Pygmalion is when a person falls in love with something he or she created. Now, while Kennedy didn't exactly 'create' Nate, he helped created his new look. The theme of pygmalion is not very strong in this story but it is enough to draw my interest.

Kennedy was likable in the first book and I am really looking forward to this one! And I have to admit, thank goodness she doesn't have any 'gift' like Kate. That's just me though.

Read and Review #18 - The Do-Over (M.K. Schiller)

Title: The Do-Over

Author: M.K. Schiller
Publication date: 7 October 2013
Publisher: Loose Id
Get a copy! Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Arrogant womanizer Kyle Manchester hates blind dates; however, when best friend, Brad calls in a favor, insisting Kyle take out his girlfriend’s sister, Kyle reluctantly agrees. Attorney Lanie Carmichael’s appearance is no surprise. She is dowdy, awkward, and dressed in so many layers she resembles a wedding cake, but not in an edible way. Her brazen attitude though, astonishes him, especially when she explains she has no interest in gorgeous Kyle. Lanie Carmichael is in love with Brad, and wants Kyle’s assistance in winning his best friend’s heart.

Kyle gradually accepts, justifying that the mystery of Lanie has sparked his natural, thirsty curiosity. As an ambitious journalist, he also can’t resist the Pulitzer worthy scoop she offers him. However, as Lanie sheds more layers, both emotionally and physically, Kyle begins to examine his life choices, and his true feelings for this enigmatic girl. With Kyle’s support, Lanie begins to unravel the secrets of her past, and the deep pain that has quietly defined her life. As they each learn more about themselves and each other, both question how a relationship built on fraudulent lies between two broken people could ever survive.

My rating:

5 / 5

My review:

My first erotica of the year! And it's fantabulous!

I was expecting tons of kinky sex with mediocre emotional attachment but this book has more emotional attachment than sex scenes. I immediately fell for Kyle despite his arrogance and shallow thinking of women. I mean, he's the typical arrogant, womanizing hero. But Lanie, now she's one of those rare heroines. She didn't fall for Kyle immediately. She didn't even try to act all pretentious around him. Their first encounter spoke nothing but intelligence and I am glad to have read that so early on in the book. No 'He's so fucking hot' and 'His biceps are amazing and his eyes are a beautiful shade of the fucking ocean'. I am so done with those shit. Best of all? No beating around the bush. No sugarcoating anything. 

At first, I didn't understand the way Lanie kept hiding herself under thick layer of clothings and became such a pushover around others except for Kyle. She was a fierce woman who knows what she wants and wouldn't hesitate to ask for it. And she wanted Brad. Brad, her colleague, a nice, charming guy and also, her sister Cassie's boyfriend. And to get Brad, she needed Kyle's help.

Now, having read tons of books like this I already expected what's going to happen and I thought, 'Well here goes the same ol' story again'. And I wasn't wrong. However, I was expecting it to be accompanied by hot sex and all that kinky-ness. 

But each sex scenes were so tender and full of emotion, mainly in Kyle's part. I mean, the man told her that they would be friends with benefits but it seems that he had been too involved earlier than her. Lanie kept her distance although I have an idea when she actually fell for him. Took him a while to coax her out of her shell that was built from self-preservation.

They have similar reasons for acting the way they did and as their secrets were unravelled, I began to understand them more. I like Lanie who was fierce without being annoying or bossy and Kyle, whose faux arrogance hid a sweet, sensitive guy.

You know who I definitely despise though? Cassie and her mother. They were so pretentious and the way they treated Lanie as if she's a disappointment made me want to punch some sense into them. I get the reason why but they were so enmeshed with their past and really, they don't deserve Lanie's love for them. When Lanie had enough of them and decided to cut them loose, I felt like it wasn't satisfying enough. I just wished someone punched Cassie at least. (I do realize that my name is also Casey))

Great read. I can't believe I finished it in one sitting. I always thought that erotica had this bunch of sex scenes in various positions, involving toys and maybe a little BDSM but this is definitely just purely emotional sex. If there are erotica written this way, I wouldn't mind venturing into this genre more.

Read and Review #17 - Just One Night (Lauren Layne)

Title: Just One Night (Sex, Love and Stiletto #3)

Author: Lauren Layne

Publication date: 11 March 2014

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept

Synopsis:

In Lauren Layne’s sizzling Sex, Love & Stiletto series, New York’s hottest “sexpert” has been living a lie—and it’s up to one man to keep her honest…all night long.

Riley McKenna knows sex—good sex, bad sex, kinky sex…Her articles in Stiletto magazine are consistently the publication’s most scandalous—and the most read. But Riley has a secret…all that sexy talk? Not an ounce of it comes from personal experience. Her own bedroom escapades are more limited than even her best friends know. When her editor requests that all columnists write something more personal for Stiletto’s anniversary issue, Riley turns to the one man she’s always been able to count on and calls in the favor of a lifetime.

Sam Compton would do anything for Riley McKenna. Anything except be her experimental sex toy. He refuses her request. At least until she tells him that it’ll either be him or she’ll go to someone else. And that, Sam can’t accept. Reluctantly he agrees to her terms—one night of completely meaningless sex in the name of research. Riley thinks she’s prepared for what awaits her in Sam’s bed. After ten years of writing about sex, actually doing it shouldn’t be that different, right? So wrong. What starts as “one time only” becomes “just one more time.” And then one more. And before they know it, Riley and Sam learn first-hand that when it comes to love, there’s no such thing as just one night.

My rating:

5 out of 5 people want it to be more than just one night

My review:

*ARC generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I love love love Lauren Layne's work! So far she has 4 published books and I have read and reviewed each and every one of them. Not to mention, some of her influences are my absolute favorite authors.

Just One Night is the third book of the Sex, Love & Stiletto series which as of November 2013, became my new favorite contemporary romance series. This series revolves around the lives of three best friends; Julie, Grace and Riley, the princesses of a famous female magazine called Stiletto. Princesses because they write the most read columns in the magazine that focuses on dating, relationship and sex. Or in Mitchell (Julie's fiance's) words "Kiss, Cuddle and Fuck". Technically, he didn't say that first but PICK UP THE FIRST BOOK AND READ IT TO FIND OUT.

Anyways, Riley writes about sex—anything and everything about sex. Her best friends are envious of how brazenly she acts or talks but get this, their little sex kitten of a best friend, is almost a virgin. YES. ALMOST. A. VIRGIN. 

With the 50th anniversary of the magazine coming up, their fabulous editor in chief, Camille decided to do something to celebrate their success over the years. Each writer would write an article that is related to their column and how much of it reflects their lives. In Riley's case, she would write an article basically revealing her sex life to her readers. And based on what she had wrote over the years, she had a colorful sex life. NOT.

So since everything she had written over the years had not been from personal experience, Riley decided that she wanted to experience proper sex to be able to write her article. And who better to experience sex with if not with Sam Compton?

Sam Compton has known Riley McKenna for a decade, and had been admiring her since the day he laid eyes on her in her kitchen. But his attraction towards Riley had to be cut short when he promised her older brother, Liam that he would not make a move on her. That promise lasted a full decade, until Riley approached him with a proposition—to have sex with her.

This is a guy who had been denying his feelings towards his best friend's sister for 10 years. And for her to come to him and propose something that crosses the line between friends is like a test that he didn't want to fail. But Sam was done. Done denying his feelings towards her. Done pretending that he's not attracted to her. And definitely done turning away from her. 

I love best friends turn lovers kind of story. Even more if they don't get along. Riley and Sam definitely don't get along at some point but they are more friends than enemies. And I like it. Their interaction, filled with years of building frustration gets to me and I can't help but get upset with Sam because he refused to act on his feelings. And kudos to Riley for pushing him again and again to pursue his feelings. 

"I thought I was doing the right thing by letting her go, but what I really was doing was pushing her away before she could push me away. But I pushed too hard, and she's gone. It's what I wanted. But that's a lie."

I like Sam for the fact that he's not like the other boyfriends (Mitchell and Jake) where he doesn't live in upper east Manhattan, clocks 80 hours a week and instead opens up his own business and doesn't live a posh life. He also has a distinct more reserved personality than the other guys and that's what attracted me to Sam in the first place.

A note to Miss Layne (if she ever reads this review), during Grace and Jake's engagement dinner it was stated that Julie is Mitchell's wife but in the epilogue, at Grace's wedding, Julie stated her own wedding is about four months away. So unless they're already married but hadn't have a reception (which I highly doubt), I'm guessing it's a small error.

Other than that, I absolutely love this book. And I KNOW there's a fourth one for Emma and Alex because seriously if they don't get their story I would go crazy. 

Read and Review #15 - At Any Price (Brenna Aubrey)

Title: At Any Price (Gaming the System #1)
Author: Brenna Aubrey
Publication date: 9 December 2013
Publisher: Silver Griffon Associates
Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Achievement Unlocked: Geek Virgin 

When Mia Strong, proud geek-girl and popular gaming blogger, auctions off her virginity online, she knows she'll make waves. But what she will not be making is a love connection. Her rules are set in stone: One night. No further contact. It's a desperate step, but it's the only way she can go to medical school and pay her mother's mounting hospital bills. 

Difficulty Level: Millionaire CEO 

Adam Drake, the enigmatic auction winner, is a software prodigy who made his first million at seventeen. Now, in his mid-twenties, he's sexy, driven and--as CEO of his own gaming company--he's used to making the rules. Before Mia knows what's happening, he's found the loophole in the rules of her auction. Every stipulation she's made to protect her heart gets tossed by the wayside. She can't tell if he's playing her...or if he's playing for keeps.

My rating:

5 out of 5 starts gaming after reading this book

My review:

PERFECTION.

I was a little hesitant about reading this book when I first saw it. I mean, auctioning your virginity to a bunch of strangers, especially online is really bizarre and risky. There are perverts out there who would do anything to get a good fuck online and that's the scariest thing about the Internet. But okay, I have to read this to see how it goes. 

And I was blown away! 

I mean, there's Mia, gamer and blogger who spends her days playing games, studying, working as an orderly and blog about her games. She's pretty normal actually (because I do that and I don't know how I stay awake most of the time without coffee). She's auctioning her virginity for a good reason and she actually took it rather seriously, going over the rules and making sure her best friend, Heath (a law student I think) deal with the bidders before approving them. 

And in comes Adam Drake, who at the first meeting looked very arrogant, cold and had a hard exterior. Not to mention extremely good looking. In other words...

He also laid down his own rules, outwitting Mia at every turn. He managed to soften up around her, protecting her even. But because of his past, he would shrink away whenever they get too close and that leads to tons of sexual frustration in this story. 

Did I even mention the amount of sexual frustration that goes on in this story!? 

There are shit tons of them and I found myself yelling 'GET IT OVER WITH ALREADY!' every time they tease each other with kisses and touches. The connection between Mia and Adam is so strong but yet I felt like it's not enough. Even to the end I still feel like there's this huge barrier between them even after all their issues are laid out and no secrets are left (at least I hope so).

I am obsessed with this book. I cannot wait for the next one. Some might read this book and think, aww shit that's a whole lot of teasing and sex! But I like the way it's written. Not too much that it becomes tacky. Also, I was frustrated half of the time because I only get to read Mia's POV and I am dying to know Adam's. Maybe in the next book?

Read and Review #14 - Talking Dirty With the Boss (Jackie Ashenden)

Title: Talking Dirty With the Boss
Author: Jackie Ashenden
Publication date: 9 December 2013
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Get a copy! Amazon | Google Play Store | Barnes and Noble


Synopsis:

Marisa Clair wants to get her artist dreams back on track after a life detour. That means no partying, no shopping…and definitely no men to distract her. Should be easy, but there’s something about her hot and exceedingly uptight boss and she can't seem to stop herself from ruffling Mr. Tall, Dark and Irritating.

Financial consultant Luke McNamara lives his life strictly by schedule – his OCD simply won't allow him to do anything else. And the very last thing he needs is a sassy blonde putting lipstick on his collar and messing with his routine. She annoys the hell out of him so why can’t he stop thinking about the color of her panties…and how free he feels when he’s with her?

Marisa and Luke’s plans to steer clear of one another are shot to hell after a hot office encounter. Now the two of them will have to learn to get along as they face a much more permanent reminder of their lack of self-control – a pregnancy.

My rating:

3 out of 5 flirt at work

My review:

*ARC was generously given by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Okay so apparently I jumped two books and got straight to this one. But I was never made aware of this series so what the hell, I'll just review this and be done with it. OCD is not something to mess around with. I am a little OCD, especially when I do sketches or do any written work. I get very uncomfortable looking at mistakes, especially visible ones and sometimes it will take me hours to get a perfect sketch or paper. I can understand how Luke deals with his OCD, everything must be in place, must be in order so his life can go on. It's excruciatingly frustrating and it can really make you look like a freak. 

But I couldn't somehow relate to him breaking out of his OCD, being so reckless at times around Marisa. Not only him, but I couldn't relate to Marisa as well. The whole situation was a little off to me but I continued on till the end because it was interesting and I wanted to know how Luke's OCD would fit into their lives.

"She was like a princess escaped from the palace, slumming it with the plebeians. And that offended his sense of order, too." 

I find the whole princess thing a little weird. He's not that very affectionate and suddenly he calls her a princess? It totally messes with my head because when I read princesses, I think of little girls in pink tutus and a golden wand! 

I gave it a 3 for the interaction between Luke and Marisa. Although I can't relate to them like I do with most couples, they are entertaining and maybe there are some people who would love them.

Read and Review #13 - Married for Christmas (Noelle Adams)

Title: Married for Christmas
Author: Noelle Adams
Publication date: 1 December 2013
Publisher: Noelle Adams
Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Synopsis:

After years of dreaming, Jessica is finally getting married, but the marriage isn't exactly what she thought.

Daniel is her best friend, and she's known him all her life, but he's never gotten over losing his wife two years ago. His dream is to become the pastor of the church in their hometown, but the small-town congregation keeps balking over calling an unmarried minister. Since Daniel needs a wife and Jessica wants a husband and family, she proposes an arrangement that benefits both of them.

They can get married. They can build a life together. They can celebrate Christmas as a couple. It's fine that he doesn't love her. And it's fine that she's not exactly suited to be a small-town pastor's wife. And it's fine that she's more attracted to her sexy, brooding husband every day.

Jessica can be practical about this marriage. She knows what she's getting into, after all... 

This book includes fully-developed sex scenes between a husband and wife.

My rating:

5 out of 5 women wants to marry their best friend

My review:

This book made me cry. So hard. It was emotionally painful, I don't know how but I couldn't stop crying until the end. There was just this emotional roller coaster half of the time I just want to bash Daniel in the head. 

Jessica Cameron suggested marriage to her best friend, Daniel when it was discovered that he needed a wife to be accepted as pastor at the church in their hometown. It was a marriage a convenience; Daniel being accepted into the position easily while Jessica gets the married life that she had always wanted. So what if it was a loveless marriage? At least they would have each other.  

The thing about this story is that Jessica and Daniel had known each other since they were little. She never fell in love and he had already lost his first love. His wife Lila, had been friends with Jessica and they all grew up together, although not as close friends.

"I've had a real marriage, and I know I won't be blessed that way again. But you've never been married. You need to wait for the right man—someone you can really love, someone who loves you more than anything."

From the beginning, I can already sense it was going to be one of those relationships. Daniel wouldn't be able to love Jessica fully and Jessica would eventually want more than just a convenient marriage. But Daniel, the extent of his attitude towards Jessica! It made my heart ache but I understand why he's feeling that way.

"You know that what God does is make us whole when we're nothing but broken. But you're not acting like you believe it. And if you don't believe it, then what are we doing here?"

I didn't know how intense this story would affect me. But it did. The whole premise revolves around Jessica and Daniel's life as a married couple and while he is a gamma hero, it was nice to read about this sort of marriage of convenience between a pastor and a computer geek. And it totally change my thinking that pastors don't usually indulge in sexual activities.

It's a good tear-jerker for Christmas (because I love tear-jerkers). There was a little holiday spirit weaved into the story line towards the end. If you like romance between married couples then this is the book for you!

Read and Review #12 - Catching Claire (Cindy Procter-King)

Title: Catching Claire (Love & Other Calamities #2)
Author: Cindy Procter-King
Publication date: 1 October 2013
Publisher: Blue Orchard Books
Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Synopsis:

When Claire Merriweather hires hunky future doctor Ridge Pederson to strip at a friend’s bachelorette party, she never imagines she’ll wake up in his bed. Well, she imagines it—but now it’s happened. 

Big problem: Claire’s memory is fuzzy. Did they do the bouncy? Or did Ridge reject her? Either way…oh-oh, her heart’s in trouble!

My rating:

3.5 out of 5 women suggest a hook-up with a stripper at least once

My review:

*A copy was given generously by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Well, this is a very short read. Like 39 pages long. Everything is fast-paced and on the verge of unrealistic. But keep in mind, it's supposed to be a sweet, short love story. 

Claire Merriweather hires Ridge Pederson, a stripper to perform at her best friend's bachelorette party. When she found herself in his bed the next day, she is mortified with the thought that they may had have sex the night before.

This is one of those love at first sight sort of thing. They are so attracted to each other that they kissed just hours into knowing each other. And then he became her date to the wedding. And basically it's a happy ever after ending. Oh look, so much spoilers. 

Not recommended to those who likes instant attraction.

Christmas Books!

Christmas is just around the corner! Only 20 more days till the big day and to celebrate, I decided to read Christmas-themed romance books courtesy of Netgally (and a few store-bought ones)! Right now I have a bunch lined up and I can't wait to tear them apart read them and get into the Christmas-sy feeling. Get a cup of cocoa (with teeny marshmallows), snuggle under a warm blanket and read a book. 

I will try to review each books and post it here and on Goodreads and since it's the holidays, there's no excuse for a short (and sadly lack of gifs) reviews! So, among the books I'm going to read are:

Title: Married for Christmas

Author: Noelle Adams

Publication date: 1 December 2013

Publisher: Noelle Adams

Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

After years of dreaming, Jessica is finally getting married, but the marriage isn't exactly what she thought. 

Daniel is her best friend, and she's known him all her life, but he's never gotten over losing his wife two years ago. His dream is to become the pastor of the church in their hometown, but the small-town congregation keeps balking over calling an unmarried minister. Since Daniel needs a wife and Jessica wants a husband and family, she proposes an arrangement that benefits both of them. 

They can get married. They can build a life together. They can celebrate Christmas as a couple. It's fine that he doesn't love her. And it's fine that she's not exactly suited to be a small-town pastor's wife. And it's fine that she's more attracted to her sexy, brooding husband every day. 

Jessica can be practical about this marriage. She knows what she's getting into, after all...

Title: A Christmas to Remember

Authors: Hope Ramsay, Molly Cannon, Marilyn Pappano, Kristen Ashley, Jill Shalvis

Publication date: 3 December 2013

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing - Forever Yours

Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Curl up with this heartwarming Christmas collection! 

Jill Shalvis, Dream a Little Dream: Melissa has kept every man at a safe distance-especially firefighter Ian, a sexy friend with sexy benefits. But Ian secretly longs for more. Luckily, 'tis the season for giving love a chance...

Kristen Ashley, Every Year: Holidays don't come easy for Shy and his brother, Landon. But with the magic of Christmas, along with a little help from Tabby and her family, the Cage brothers are about to get the gift of a lifetime...

Hope Ramsay, Silent Night: Down on her luck and evicted from her apartment, single mother Maryanne hopes to start over in Last Chance. When the snow begins to fall, it looks like her baby might literally spend Christmas Eve in a manger. And Maryanne might celebrate the holiday with a handsome stranger. 

Molly Cannon, Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas: Lincoln is a bachelor who's set in his ways-until a professional organizer dressed up as Mrs. Claus changes his life, one tip at a time... 

Marilyn Pappano, A Family for Christmas: War widow Ilena doesn't mind spending Christmas alone. But when a new doctor blows into town with the winter wind, will she get her secret Christmas wish?

Title: Mine Under the Mistletoe

Authors: Kat Latham

Publication date: 5 December 2013

Publisher: Carina Press

Get a copy! Amazon | Google Play Store | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Thanks to a transatlantic house swap, California girl Ashley Turner is finally going to fulfill her lifelong dream of a proper English Christmas. Her holiday plans did not include a sexy stranger climbing into her borrowed bed in the middle of the night. But in the light of day, Ashley can't help but wonder if Santa has delivered early... 

Game designer Oliver Stansfeld can't wait to leave dreary London—and all its difficult holiday memories—for sunny San Diego. But a freak ice storm and a grounded plane have forced him back to his already-occupied flat. To make up for the mix-up, the least he can do is show his pretty houseguest where to get the perfect Christmas tree before he leaves. 

The more time they spend together, the more their attraction grows, and soon Ashley is tempting Oliver to give in to the spirit of the season and snuggle up for the rest of the winter. As the ice melts and flights start taking off again, he must choose between giving in to the past or risking his heart on a chance at love.

Title: Where the Heart Is

Authors: Darcy Burke

Publication date: 1 December 2013

Publisher: Intrepid Reads

Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Home is more than a place...

Breaking free from her structured life, Chloe English quits her high-powered job and moves across the country to work as an art teacher. The simple life is all she hoped it would be until her house burns down, leaving her homeless. When a handsome firefighter swoops in to save the day, she can’t believe her luck. He’s laid-back and unassuming, everything she’s looking for in a man—or so he seems. It turns out he’s as ambitious as her ex, comes with a family who could be more stifling than hers, and harbors dark secrets he may never be able to share.

Orphaned as a teenager, Derek Sumner has found a place in his best friend’s family. However, the love and support of his surrogate parents and siblings can’t erase the grief and loss he struggles every Christmas to banish. But this year he meets the fun and sexy Chloe, whose optimism and sense of joy are incredibly contagious. Can she help him face his bleak past so they can forge a happy future?

Title: Midwinter Magic

Authors: Erica Ridley

Publication date: 1 December 2013

Publisher: Intrepid Reads

Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

After an eye-opening congressional hearing, former corporate shark Jack Morgan redirects his ill-gotten gains toward charity work. However, his attempts to bring holiday cheer to a Bolivian village meet with one disaster after another: canceled flights, crumbling luggage, implacable customs officials. His plans disintegrate further when he runs into a sexy tourist with . . . wings?

As Jack's guardian angel, Sarah Phimm has her work cut out for her. When his latest volunteer mission risks his life, she's forced to reveal herself to him—but only in part. She can't risk him knowing the truth. He's everything her immortal heart desires, but can never have. She soon discovers that keeping him safe amidst death bridges and tumbling telephone poles is far easier than guarding her heart.

So there you have it! Christmas and romance, what's not to love?