Top 10 Reads Of The Year..

As the year is coming to an end i have went through a lot of books this year. Some of them amazing, some of them so-so, and i feel as though this year my reading tastes have evolved and changed, i have learned a lot about myself through the books that i read and i love the new me. I feel like I closed my eyes to sleep January 1st and suddenly its almost 2022 already, how did the year go by so fast. Well enough chattering, I will share with you my list of the best books i have read this year in no particular order of best.

1. E.L James’ Fifty Shades Trilogy- This was definitely a re read because I read the whole series in 2010 and I have to say I saw it and experienced the book in a completely different way. I would definitely suggest it all over again

2. Sylvia Day’s Crossfire Trilogy: This is definitely a re read also, I dont know why but Iv been wanting to read the books that I read while in my early 20s that I really loved just to get a different view point and feel of them and I just loved this trilogy all over again. Definitely fell in love for the second time with the trilogy.

3. Keta Kendrick’s The Chaos Series: Definitely a must read. Its been a long time since Iv read anything by Keta Kendricks and I definitely have to say she does not disappoint.

4. Dirty Cravings by Kenya Wright: A must read for those who love a good kinky read. A nice mafioso book to send you off into fantasy crimeland

5. Jack Higgins’ A Devi is Waiting: The type of book to not read on a gloomy night alone at home. But I definitely enjoyed every second of it, crime thrillers are a favorite of mine and you have to have a look at what Sean DIllion is up to in this book.

6. Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen: This is a special book for me because a friend of mine got it for me as a goodbye present after 3years of studying together in China and he couldnt have picked a better book. With the collection of short stories all put into one book it is a definite must have.

7. T. C Boyle’s Wild Child: This book is set quiet back in the back ages, I do not usually enjoy historical thrillers, but this one had me hooked.

8. Fiona Walker’s Love Hunt: Im sure for most of us who have been single throughout the pandemic know the hardships of searching for love. This book is definitely a must read, its funny, witty and a light hearted read.

9. J.A. Jance’s Devil’s Claw: A crime- suspense book that definitely had me on the edge and taking it everywhere I went trying to solve the murder mystery. If you love crime shows then this is definitely a book you must check out.

10. Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Devil May Cry: This is a thriller to read for sure. A book about sin, goddesses and Gods.

This list might be filled with books from years back but I promise you wont be disappointed. Also a book is never too old to read or too out of fashion to experience. The older the book the better..

Toe Curling Thursday

So I have decided to do add a new dimension to my blog. I will have a Toe Curling Kiss Scene Thursday where I will share the best kiss scenes of the books I read that particular week. So here goes my very first one.. 😀

Legend- Katy Evans

He leans his head forward slowly, and I turn my head instinctively away, just an inch, scared to feel his lips on mine. Scared of what it’ll do to me.

He brushes his lips across my jawline instead. I hear a moan rip out of my throat. He exhales and eases back, looks at me for a moment.

The weight of his gaze feels like sex on my face, then he dips his head and sinuously, heatedly, drags his lips along my temple, up to my forehead, where he sets a kiss there, his soft, firm lips pressing into my skin in a kiss that lasts for about ten perfect, frightening, thrilling seconds.

My throat is tight, and I want to beg him not to stop when he inches away and studies me with eyes that shine with jealousy and possessiveness.

Thin Love- Eden Butler

Kona sat up, slow, cautious and Keira watched him, watched unable to react, to respond, until Kona leaned toward her, until she could smell the drugging scent of his skin and feel the soft outline of his mouth. It was the pause of everything, a kindling of heat that Keira did not know how to contain—Kona’s soft lips against hers, his airy breath moving behind the hint of tongue—at once Keira felt drugged, controlled and manic.

Keira’s mouth worked against her will, a reaction, a gut feel of movement that she did not control and Kona seemed to love it, pulled her closer, guided her hands around his waist, up to that massive chest and Keira did not stop him.

She loved the sound of his throat vibrating, those low, delicious growls he made when her tongue touched his, when her mouth moved faster, harder. Before she realized what was happening, Kona leaned over her, had her caged against the pillows. Behind her closed eyes, Keira allowed only the sensations of touch and taste to filter into her mind and she knew, unconsciously, absolutely, that she wanted Kona Hale. She wanted his hands on her back, lowering; his mouth, tongue, down her neck nibbling. All that sensation, the fiery spark of their bodies connecting consumed her, made her feel drunk, wanted, beautiful. Cherished. The sensation was overwhelming, consuming and Keira found she could not breathe, could not keep hold of her senses—the protective instinct to run from the sudden terror she felt.

Share any if you have more of your favorites…

Forbidden..

BLURB:

She is pretty and talented – sweet sixteen and never been kissed. He is seventeen; gorgeous and on the brink of a bright future. And now they have fallen in love. But… they are brother and sister.

Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives—and the way they understand each other so completely—has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending.

REVIEW:

This book is not for the weak hearted, it’s not your typical love story, it is not pretty with roses and candy. It makes you want to cry, it makes you confused and it will have you like ” What the fuck did I just read”?!?!

How many of you little sisters out there have come to a point in your life when you look at your older brother and think “Yeah, I’d hit that,” and not in the punch-you-in-the-arm kind of way?

Raise your hand. No one? Oh – you haven’t?! Really? Are you sure?! Because im pretty fucking sure I have never once thought of my brother the way this girl does. Its scary and disgusting but I just couldnt put it down.

I’m not saying I liked it, ohh No NO NO! Just the opposite in fact, I hated this book, but I desperately needed to see the ending, to see how their story ends,  and honestly to see if they will come to their damn senses and stop thinking they are in love..

I watched a movie like this book before called “Flowers in the Artic” and it had me in tears, I mean bawling like a big ole baby, but this book had me on the edge of my seat. I alternated from wanting to kick their lil asses to wanting to give them hugs because they are just kids after all.

Incest has a very long and sordid history. As long as there are relatives, there will be incest. Unless humans soon evolve into a Vulcan-like race that suppress their emotions and always base their decisions upon logic. Which sounds most illogical.

Who should read this:

Let’s just say that “brotherly love” or “sisterly love” is not for everyone. In fact, it’s not for most people. Firstly: The large majority of siblings just aren’t interested in each other. Second: If everyone participated in it – the human race would quickly devolve and be lost into genetic disorder. That’s just genetics.

I suggest that only MATURE teens read this.

It would be completely accurate for me to say that I have NEVER read a book like this in my life. Forbidden is the very definition of sexual tension.

Let’s face it. Teens have raging hormones. I know I did. I would have in NO way been able to handle this book as a young teen. I already wanted to do all kinds of naughty things without having an influence like this in my life, and I know that if I had read it before I had matured hormonally – I would have rushed out and tried to seduce the first “off limits” guy I could find. And I could have done a lot of damage to myself and other people. I was not emotionally mature enough to handle this book then and many young girls will be in the same situation that I was.

It is difficult to say for sure how or to whom this book should be marketed. This is a young adult book with ADULT content. I am in no way an advocate of censorship, but honestly some teens are just NOT ready for the material in this book. It’s just my recommendation that this book not be taken lightly. This isn’t the new generation’s Princess Bride. This book deals with things that not every teen needs to or would want to read about. All I’m saying is please, please – use discretion. Teens need to decide whether they are really interested and prepared for this book; they may even need help making their decision.

And totally no spoilers but the ending is a total complete MIND FUCK!

Shards Of Us..

Author:  K.R. Caverly

 

Blurb:

We meet every Wednesday night in hotel room #364. We stay there until morning–kissing, laughing, healing one another. We’re both broken people, him with his alcoholic family, me with my murdered one. I don’t know who he is; I don’t ask for his name. I don’t question him. I only love how he makes me feel, how he makes me forget just how alone I am in this world, and for now, that’s all I need.

We have three rules:

1) No sex.
2) No personal questions.
3) No leaving the hotel room until morning. Not ever.

For four months, I followed the rules. I came to the hotel room every Wednesday night, and his presence never failed to cure me. I was happy with him. But one night, he doesn’t show. So when I hear a scream down the hallway, I can’t help myself. I break rule number three. I leave the room.

My life has never been the same since

Review:

Alright I did it. I finished it. I got through it people.. *phew*

So I saw this book’s blurb  and thought “Well, that sure, sounds intriguing…” Hhhmmm.. I should give it a go..

Then as the time neared for me to read it i was lie “I have to have it now”

Boy was I wrong…

Truthfully I tolerated this book up until 30% of it. Then it kind of had me in a constant “WTF” state.

And im not so sure how I feel about the ending. No scratch that.. I hated the ending, what Crystal made Sebastian do in the end was just plain weird and i didn’t like it. It didnt sit well with me. And then the Epilogue *tired sigh* I just do not understand these characters..

But I guess the one good thing about it is that they got their HEA.. As weird and unrealistic as it was they got it.

Fighting For Irish..

Author: Gina .L Maxwell

 

Blurb:

Kat MacGregor has forty-eight hours to make good on the debt her ex-boyfriend owes a crime boss. Unfortunately, the measly tips she makes waitressing are barely enough for her to live on, much less cover the twenty-thousand needed to keep her breathing. With time running out, Kat ‘s forced to accept help from the only man who’s ever made her feel fire rather than fear.

When he learns a friend’s sister is in trouble, former Boston MMA fighter Aiden “Irish” O’Brien heads to Louisiana to offer himself up as collateral to keep her safe. But to satisfy the debt, he has to do the one thing he swore hed never do again: fight. With more than just money on the line, will Irish have what it takes to not only reclaim the man he once was, but become the man he needs to be for the woman he can’t live without?

Review:

I gie this book 5 Sexy as sin, Alpha male, tatted up, protective MMA fighter stars!
Just look at the cover.. What more could a girl ask for! *Melts into a puddle*.

 

When I saw that I got an ARC from the author I was like

 

And like..

This book had me hooked from the very beginning and I finished it within 24 hours of starting it, that’s how absolutely amazeballz it is..

So basically Aiden “Irish” O’Brien is a sexy former MMA fighter who has been asked by his friend to watch over Kat because they fear she has gotten herself into some trouble she cannot get out of and she isn’t res

ponding to her sister’s calls and is shutting her out of her life.

Kat is a quiet yet feisty red head who has always had bad luck with men, she also has some serious issues from her past and has a hard time believing a man could actually love and take care of her without hurting her. She has never had a good male role model and is very scared by her past. Her “kind of” ex boyfriend, that she has been with for a long while, has gotten her into a bit of trouble and she is trying to find a way out of it.She has dealt with sexual abuse from a young age and does not know how a real sexual relationship between a man and a woman feels like.
Irish also has some secrets, one of them being that Kat does not know he was sent by her sister to watch and take care of her.
Things start getting steamy and heated between them, its’ hot, it’s sweet and oh so lovely. There is sex, and lots of it. And by this I mean…. HOLY HELL! HOT! HOT! HOT!*fanning self*

 

 

But they are not just screwing around, the sex is meaningful and beautiful .

 

They both make some mistakes, but eventually work through it and I’m glad to say, as with the other “Fighting for love” books there is a HEA. We also get to see a few of our favorite characters from “Seducing Cinderella and “Rules Of Entanglement”. And we also meet the gorgeous Xander, He is English, sweet, a lady’s man and I’m totally in love with him.

 

To you miss Gina L. Maxwell I say… 😀

 

You gave us a book full of pain, heart ache, suspense, danger and most importantly, love. The first thing that made my heart constrict a little was the dedication at the beginning of the book.

 

**ARC courtesy of Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review**

If you want to be part of Gina Maxwell awesome group of fan club/book club/eye candy sharers, and you want to  become friends meet amazing women, and 1 man then you can join here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/maxwellmob/ on facebook

Or you can check out some of her works on

http://www.ginalmaxwell.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6446604.Gina_L_Maxwell

https://www.pinterest.com/ginalmaxwell/

 

 

 

First read in 2014.. Restoring Jordan

Author: Elizabeth Finn

 

Blurb:

When Adeline Parker decides to celebrate landing a coveted internship at one of Chicago’s most prestigious architectural firms by indulging in a brutally dark and handsome man, she gets more than she bargained for.

Lost in a maze of hallways on the first day of her new position, she stumbles headlong into a boardroom of suits. Very expensive suits. They are the somebodies of this prestigious firm, and she is, by all accounts, the very definition of a nobody. And sitting at the table with the rest of the principals from the firm is a man—the very man who unwittingly deflowered her only days before.

From the look of it, Jordan Ellinwood is none too happy to see her again; by his own admission, he’s a one-night-stand man, and the fact she conned him into taking her virginity isn’t sitting well with him either. But as her path is inextricably attached to his, their closeness will no longer be a choice.

As an intern, she’s off-limits, and that says nothing of the fact he’s twelve years older than she is. But when coworkers bent on jealousy and resentment threaten her reputation and internship, the long-dormant emotions Jordan has so effectively stifled fight to break free. And as he struggles to get out of his own way long enough to let her see his compassion, her career is jeopardized and leaves him fighting with every last ounce of himself to save her.

Will it be enough? Can he overcome his emotional shortcomings in time to rescue her future and his own—now so very attached to hers?

Review: I’ts 2014 now, and the first thing I thought of when the clock hit 12 midnight was ” what will I be reading this year?” 😀 I know, I am boring right?

Anywho, I have heard a lot about this book and it has been on my TRL for a long while now, so I finally started it.

“Do you want to fuck me?”

Wow…this book really starts out with a bang…literally. Jordan knows what he wants and he wants Adeline…but for the night only. He doesn’t do relationships and she’s fine to go along with the program, that is, till she gets to her new job on Monday and sees him there.

I always love the kind of stories where love breaks through/down walls. It was great seeing Jordan realize how much he wants Adeline and if he truly loves her with having no experience at loving anyone. (I loved the play on the title and Jordan.)

Adeline was equally out of her element but having no experience she really tried to listen to her feelings and at the same time, protect herself. It was really hard reading about all the mean things done to her but I loved how Jordan always defended her.

These two were hot together…and some scene were a bit crazy. Their time in the rain was probably my favorite. I did get a bit tired of them going back and forth with their feelings but I guess it all added to the drama. Im 50% into the book right now and i’m totally loving it.

Maybe This Time..

Author :Chantal Fernando

Blurb:

Moving in with my half-brother Xander, I had no idea what to expect.
But nothing could have prepared me for this.
My brother’s friends are wild, protective, secretive, always around.
And drop dead gorgeous.
Out of all of them, there’s something about Reid Knox.
Brooding, temperamental, guarded…
And I want him more than anything I have ever wanted in my life.

Review:

SO-MANY-ALPHA-MALES-I-CAN’T-SEE-STRAIGHT!

Reid… Scarred, sexy, tall, blonde, blue eyed but he also comes with a lot of baggage. This might put you off but he’s temperamental, confusing and frustrating to the point that you just want to strangle him! He goes hot/cold and gives mixed signals. Reid has a lot of flaws and it’s either you love him or hate his guts but for some reason, it was hard to remain too angry with him. He does or say something that melts my heart and made me want to crawl all over his body.

“Are you going to kiss me?” I whisper, arrested in his blue gaze.“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he whispers back, his eyes dropping to my mouth.“Good ideas are overrated,” I say breathily.

Summer… Big brown eyes, huge tits, tiny waist and a round ass. To sum this all up our heroine is a stunner. First half of the book, I actually like Summer- she’s opinionated, feisty, hard headed but behind this is a vulnerable-weak woman. She doesn’t play mind games like some heroines out there. Maybe one thing that I didn’t appreciate was she forgives Reid soooo easily. I wanted to see more groveling in his part but hey… I’m not judging here.. I guess if I have Reid as my own begging for my forgiveness, I will probably forgive and forget and do make-up sex all night long!

“I think he’s doing enough fighting for other people, Sum, maybe he needs someone to fight for him,”

The plot might not be original but the twist and secrets made the story more intruiging and enjoyable to read. Everyone was tip toeing around Summer which kinda frustrate me. I didn’t know what the hell was going on and I’m not good in guessing so I’ve been itching to know what was the damn secrets!

When finally everything was revealed.. I was not that surprised. I’m not disappointed at all but I was hoping it’s a big mind blowing thing ya’ know? But what I liked in this story is that on each revelation, you discover another new secret that you want to unravel…

“You’re it for me,” he finally says.
“I’m not gonna give up on you, ever.”

I wouldn’t say this is the best book ever or that I love everything about it. Because it’s not. There were too many characters that I somewhat couldn’t keep up. The pacing of the story was way too fast.

“It means I’m sure Reid likes anything you like, or at least pretends to. Hell, if you were mine, I’d play that stupid game, too, just to see you smile.”

There were so many protective alpha males in this story that I couldn’t see straight! lol! To be honest, at first I had a hard time remembering all of them to the point that I even wrote down all their names, what they look like etc…by the end of the book, I know them all like the back of my hand! hahaha! Reid, Ryan, Xander, Dash, Tag, Silas and Jack OMFGjorkillmenow!!! Don’t judge me but I’m interested to know more about Jack!! I know he’s old and cheated but I find him so sexy! I want him. O__O

Despite me ranting about the paced and too many characters, I loved all the characters in this book. Even though it’s a very fast paced, you can’t help but love them all.. well.. except for Mia. I hate that bitch but her presence added some spice in the story.

“Did you see her? She’s fucking hot!”
Reid laughs. “Not as hot as you, baby, trust me.”
It’s true. Love is blind

Overall I love it but I’m not in love with it. I think it’s a good start for a great series. I’m a big fan of Chandal Fernando and been stalking her ever since I read Resisting Love series! This author never fail to write some Alpha, possessive cavemen heroes!

I highly recommend this book if you want a quick sexy read with possessive alpha males!!!

Next book is Ryan’s story. OMG! Did anyone see that coming?! The manwhore is freaking AFKJIDONTWANTTOPUTANYMORESPOILERYOUHAVETOREADTHEBOOK!!! Eeeeek! I’m so excited!!!

NOTE: This review was taken from Goodreeds.

Fallen Too Far…

Author: Abbi Glines

 

Fallen Too Far was an addictive read! The story picked up momentum immediately and never once faltered in its intensity.  Abbi has done an amazing job in taking a commonly used, but highly sought after plot—sexy bad-boy meets innocent virgin good-girl—and transforming it into something unique and genuine.

After having lost everything important to her, Blaire reluctantly heads to her estranged father’s house in search of shelter while she gets her life back on track.  What she encounters there instead is a sexy, arrogant step-brother and a  buried secret that will rock the foundation of her very world, once revealed.

Blaire and Rush have a smoldering connection that becomes evident instantly. Once again, this author proves that she can create and sustain sexual tension like no other—and the steam factor is off-the-damn-charts incredible! With many romance novels, I find that the numerous love scenes tend to become over-played and monotonous—doing nothing to enhance the actual story. The opposite is true for this author; her scenes are fun and fresh, wonderfully descriptive and uncontrollably toe curling!

The plot twist was an interesting and surprising addition. I always love when a story can throw a curve ball that I didn’t see coming and I appreciated how this bend in the plot was tackled; believable and not over-the-top.

Everyone always said that love was enough. It wasn’t. Not when your soul was shattered.

Seducing Cinderella

Author: Gina L Maxwell

Synopsis:

Blurb
Mixed martial arts fighter Reid Andrews’s chance to reclaim his title as light heavyweight champ is shattered when he’s injured only months before the rematch. To make sure he’s healed in time, his trainer sends him to recuperate under a professional’s care—Reid’s best friend’s little sister, all grown up.

Disorganized and bookish Lucie Miller needs some professional help of her own. She’d do anything to catch the eye of a doctor she’s crushed on for years, so when Reid offers seduction lessons in exchange for 24/7 conditioning for the biggest fight of his career, Lucie jumps at the chance.

Soon Reid finds him himself in the fight of his life…winning Lucie’s heart before she gives it to someone else.

Review:

I absolutely fell in love with this book.. I read it in 3 hours and just couldn’t put it down. And when it finished I was kind of sad. Iv never been much of an MMA fan, but the way Reid is just so dreamy and masculine and possessively gorgeous got me hooked.

Seducing Cinderella was all about overcoming insecurities, both for the hero and heroine. Once the heroine worked through hers, bam, the hero’s popped up. The ending was perfect! I loved it and can’t wait to read more from the very promising new author Gina Maxwell.

I suggest you get yourself a copy this minute and indulge! 😀

Best Book Boyfriends…

Having been a lover of reading from a time of when when i was very young, I have found that my taste in books is changing, maturing if I may say. I love super adult, contemporary, sexy, romance type of books no. And I was sitting by my window just thinking and day dreaming ( as usual 🙂 ) about who my favourite book boyfriends are from the books that I have read maybe in the past year! and so here is a small list of those hunks. 🙂

1. Christian Grey- Fifty Shades Of Grey

2. Gideon Cross- Crossfire trilogy

3. Adrian Mitchell- A touch of Crimson

4. Elijah Reynolds- A Hunger So Wild

5. Gabriel Emerson- Gabriel’s Inferno

6. Travis Maddox- Beautiful Disaster

7.Bennett Ryan- Beautiful Bastard

8. Kellan Kyle- Thoughtless

9. Will Cooper- Slammed

10. Professor Dean West- Arouse

11. Simon Parker- Wallbanger

Do share with me, who are your favorite Book Boyfriends? 🙂