Book Review - Curveball by Mariah Dietz

Synopsis:  

Shakespeare believed there was always humor in tragedy and tragedy in humor.

My life proved his theory as fact.

At eighteen I was a single parent moving to this small town to be with the man I loved. The one who was supposed to love and cherish me in return.

Finding out he had a wife was tragic.
Remaining in love with him in spite of her was more tragic.
My mom and best friend setting me up on a long string of blind dates was an ongoing tragedy.

Nine years later, I’ve learned to see the humor in most situations.

My mom and best friend setting me up on disastrous blind dates.
My son’s jokes.
The fire alarm going off each time I cook.

My constant bright spot always adding to the humor was my son, Hayden. But when Hayden had a life-threatening allergic reaction, the man who came to help my little boy became my own savior. His laugh, his smile, and the way his eyes lit up when he spoke to my son made him a beacon of light in both our lives.

But I wasn’t the only one who noticed him.
When I began having feelings for the man my best and only friend had fallen for, I knew following my heart would once again lead to a fresh round of heartbreak.

Love led me to this town.
Lies kept me there.

Would history repeat itself?
Or had life just thrown me another Curveball?

 

Review:

Curveball by Mariah Dietz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just want to start off by saying that I don’t typically read novels that involve single moms, because I don’t have any children of my own, so I can’t relate to single moms or moms in general on a personal level, but when I read the synopsis for Curveball by Mariah Dietz I knew I had to read it.

Ella’s story intrigued me from the get-go, because at eighteen she fell for the wrong guy who promised her the moon and the stars. In her eyes Patrick was perfect, and he was everything she wanted in a man.

Ella was head over heels in love with Patrick, so she couldn’t see all his faults, much less the lies he told her, but she learned quickly that Patrick was not the man she believed he was when she moved with her son to be closer to him. Ella learned that Patrick was a married man living a double life, but not even that could make her stop loving him.

No matter how much he hurt her, she considered him her first true love. Patrick was the man that stole her heart and tangled her with his lies, and no matter how hard she tried to forget him, she couldn’t just will her feelings for him to go away.

She did her best to move on over the years, and stayed close to Patrick so her son could have a relationship with his father even if it meant becoming the talk of the town. That was one of the many consequences she faced when she made the choice to stay in the same town as her ex.

People started talking about Ella, because the only thing everyone saw was that she got involved with a married man. To the townspeople, Patrick could do no wrong. He was idolized by many and considered a hero by most, so no one saw that the only thing she did wrong was fall for the wrong man. That is until Coen came along and saw her for who she really was, a sweet, heart-broken woman, who just wanted to experience true love, because what she had with Patrick was never true love. It was infatuation.

Coen moved in next door to Ella's best friend and the day they met there was instant chemistry, but he refused to give into his attraction to her because he had a rule where he didn’t date neighbors, and Ella had her own rule where she refused to date Firefighters, and since Coen was a firefighter he was a big No-No for Ella. But as they say, “rules are meant to be broken,” and break them they did.

The moment they threw their reservations out the window and gave into their undeniable attraction for one another, there was no going back. Their chemistry was off the charts!

Warning: You may need to fan yourself when you get to the steamy bits. ;)

I absolutely loved Ella and Coen together! They are a match made in heaven, and there is no better man for Ella than Coen.

Did I mention Coen is drop dead gorgeous and the WHOLE package?! Well, he is! I mean, come on! Who doesn't love a hot firefighter who knows how to treat a woman right?

I have no doubt you will love Coen and when you see the way he treats Ella’s son, Hayden, you will be a goner. That I promise you.

I hope you give Curveball a chance, and if you do, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. I can’t say you won’t regret it, because we all have different taste in books, but I absolutely loved it and do not regret reading it one bit, so I hope you will consider giving it a chance.

I give Curveball 5 out of 5 stars!

I received a copy of Curveball in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for this review copy.

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Favorite Quotes:

• Coen's smile isn't one that displays sarcasm or mock shock. It's genuine and kind and so warm that I find myself smiling back at him with matching enthusiasm.

• She run's a hand up the back of my head, and sighs my name, and the sound is like a drug that blinds me to reason and sense. My mouth stretches over hers, pushing and plying, and I realize how much I've wanted her. Needed her.

• I'm coughing, and wheezing, sucking in air that burns my lungs, and still all I see is her fire, the one that is stronger than any I've ever faced.

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Book Review - Midnight Rose by Dani Hart

Synopsis:

My grandfather had once told me that life was an unpredictable beast—one moment calm with a full belly and heavy eyes, and the next, digging its paws in the dirt, snarling just before it took down its next victim. Until recently, I would argue with that notion, listing all the reasons why my life was as predictable as the tides coming and going. While I listened, I was young and never put much thought into a lot of the things my grandfather told me, but all that changed when the Hunters moved back to Sandpoint. More specifically, Wes Hunter. That was when the impossible became possible and the predictable became unpredictable.

As Abigail Rose looked down on her new world, she couldn’t deny the things she had seen and all the things she had learned. There were days she wished she could go back to her old life, but she had changed. Evolved. She was no longer a love-struck seventeen year old. She was a chosen leader and her path was undeniable. The black and white was fading to gray, and the only thing between mortals and immortals was her.

 

Review:

Midnight Rose by Dani Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished reading 'Midnight Rose' and absolutely loved it!!!!! It is a must read for fans of 'Twilight' and all those who love vampire novels!

If you have read Twilight you will see the influence it had on Dani Hart as she wrote 'Midnight Rose', but this is no fan fiction turned into fifty shades of nonsense.

'Midnight Rose' is original and grips you from the very first page. I enjoyed every minute of it and just when I thought I had everything figured out, it turned out I was wrong!

This book is unpredictable and will leave you wanting so much more by the time you finish reading the last page.

I personally cannot wait for the release of the second book, and am really looking forward to reading what is in store for Abby and all the characters that Hart created with so much depth. Their roles in Abby's story is so well written, you can't help but feel like they are real. There were even moments where I was so immersed in Abby's story that I felt like I was the one living her story.

It's very rare when a book makes you feel as though you are in the characters shoes, but 'Midnight Rose' is one of those stories where you feel exactly that. It makes you feel like you exist in the same world as Hart's characters, and that always makes for a promising read.

Hart truly did an amazing job bringing her story together, and I give her major props for creating a captivating story full of such unique characters.

I've actually mentioned this to Dani, but when it comes to her novels, I have a really hard time choosing sides, because she writes both male love interests so well I find it difficult to choose between the two.

It makes me wish Abby could just keep both, but I know that's not possible and am really curious to see who Abby chooses in the end.

I highly encourage all of you to give this novel a chance if you love romance novels that include dark and mysterious immortals. I can't say you won't regret it, because I know we all have different taste in books, but consider giving it a chance if you enjoyed reading series like The Twilight Saga and The Mortal Instruments. This novel is just as good as those series, if not more, but that's ultimately for you to decide.

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Favorite Quotes:

• "Maybe I was crazy thinking that somebody so extraordinary could like somebody so ordinary."

• Learning the art of silence at a young age saved me from a lot of humiliation at the end of eighth grade when my world crumbled like a stale cookie. 

• "What are you doing here, Wes?" I snapped as I fluidly pulled down my hair, combing it out with my fingers, feeling extremely self-conscious. "I wanted to see you." His reply was so ordinary,  as if nothing had transpired between us. "I meant, what are you doing back in Sandpoint?" "I wanted to see you." His answer unchanging, but softer this time as if it pained him just as much to have been separated all this time.

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Book Review - Endurance by Amy Daws

Synopsis:

He rejected her. She loathes him. Now they have to fool everyone and pretend they actually like each other.

Tanner Harris has been busy shagging his way through the ladies of east London, but getting caught by the paparazzi buck-naked with his trouser snake in his hands means he’s sowed his last wild oat.

Dr. Belle Ryan once thought Tanner Harris was the perfect kind of bearded bad boy she needed to relieve a bit of stress after her intense job as a surgical fellow, but an icy cold rejection from London’s sluttiest footballer puts the two at each other’s throats.

Fate and a favour conspire to put Tanner and Belle back in each other’s paths and they’re forced to do a lot more than get along to save face and their careers.

Rage turns to passion and tempers run sizzling hot when they realise they aren’t just falling for each other—they’re jumping head first. And neither have the endurance to keep their hands to themselves. 

Review:

Endurance by Amy Daws
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Endurance is the first novel I have ever read by Amy Daws, and I just want to say that Daws has a fan in me. I absolutely enjoyed reading Tanner and Belle's story from beginning to end. They made me laugh, smile, nearly cry and gave me all the feels.


I absolutely loved them together and truly enjoyed reading their story because of the great chemistry that existed between them.

I really loved Endurance because Belle is a plus sized girl, full of insecurities that so many plus sized girls like myself deal with on an almost daily basis. It was really refreshing to read her POV and to get to see those moments where she was vulnerable and insecure. It really made her feel real and genuine to me, because I could relate to her on so many levels.

I truly appreciate that Daws took the time to show this side of her, not only as a reader but also as the imperfect human being that I am, because this is real and it is something that so many of us struggle with.

Thank you Amy for writing such a wonderful novel that not only made me laugh and smile more times than I can count, but also for reminding me that I am not alone in my struggles with my insecurities. I hope I can one day find my very own Tanner.

I give Endurance 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to everyone out there looking for a lighthearted read with lots of steam and romance!

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Favorite Quotes:

• “Tanner, I’m not a size eight. I’m a fourteen. And that’s during the months that I haven’t eaten my weight in chocolate. Stop skirting around it. It’s insulting.”

• “Why the fuck would I care what you think? I don’t care that I’m fat. And I sure as hell don’t need your reassurances to feel good about myself. I know exactly what you think of me.”

• He kisses the top of my head and I hear the sound of a camera shutter go off. I turn my head to see Indie holding her mobile up and capturing a picture.

• His words hurt me because they speak some of my truth, too. I have Indie and we’re incredibly close, but that’s it. It’s a rather lonely existence when you think about it.   

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Book Review - All About the D by Lex Martin & Leslie McAdam

 

Synopsis:

I'm known for being formal. Meticulous. Professional.

So you’d never suspect I spend my nights photographing my impressive junk for a NSFW blog. Don’t roll your eyes. I’m not bragging. I have millions of followers who’ll tell you they live for my posts.

I’m like a superhero, saving humanity one dick pic at a time.

Except leading a double life means I need someone to help me protect my anonymity, so that no one, especially my family, ever discovers my online celebrity.

When I call one of the most respected law firms in town, I expect quality legal advice and confidentiality. Not a sinfully sexy attorney whose dangerous curves and soul-piercing gray eyes make me want to personally demonstrate my particular skill set.

I shouldn’t be tempted.

Especially when she knows all of my best-kept secrets. But everyone has a breaking point. And I’ve met mine.

*** All About the D is a full-length standalone and FREE on Kindle Unlimited. Due to adult situations and sexual content, it's recommended for readers over the age of 18. ***

Review:

All About the D by Lex Martin & Leslie McAdam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finished All About the D in two nights and if I hadn't been exhausted the first night I started it, I would have devoured it in one sitting.

I absolutely loved 'All About the D!' It made me laugh, it made me smile, and it made me mad more than a few times, but more importantly, it made my heart pitter-patter like a teenage girl crushing on the high school quarterback. I crushed hard on Josh but I mean who wouldn't with the way he ran his fingers through his hair and the way he pushed up his glasses. I couldn't help but think of Henry Cavill as Superman when Josh would adjust his glasses. *swoons*

I have to admit that there were times I wanted to knock some sense into Josh. He said and did things that made me want to throw my kindle at the wall, BUT I gave him the benefit of the doubt and continued reading his and Evie's story because I know that no one is perfect, not even book boyfriends. They all make mistakes and Josh made quite a few along the way, but he more than made up for it in the best way possible, so all is good in the land of 'All About the D.'

I read some reviews and I want to address a particular line that seemed to bother a lot of people. There was a line where Josh said:

“Evie I swear you're hot, no man wants to curl up with a twig.”

Some readers took this offensively and I just wanted to talk about it, because I get how someone can take this personally, but I can assure you that Lex and Leslie did not mean to hurt anyone with these words. I have had the pleasure of talking to both of them on Facebook, and they are some of the sweetest, most kindest people you could ever talk to, and I know that they would never intentionally hurt anyone.

Leslie and Lex are both incredible women who write books that embrace women of all body types, so please do not read too much into that line. Josh is simply a man who appreciates a woman with curves, and I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Everyone has their own "type." Evie happens to fit the bill for Josh's type, but that in no way means that those who aren't curvy aren't enough. We are all more than enough and believe me when I say, if there are two women who will tell you this, it is Lex and Leslie, so please do not take this line personally. I can assure you that it was in no way intended to shame anyone, so PLEASE don't judge the book based off this one line and give it a chance. I can't say you won't regret it, because I can only speak for myself, but I personally enjoyed reading 'All About the D' and plan on reading it again in the future when I need a good laugh and a lighthearted read.

I really loved Josh and Evie's relationship even if I did want to smack Josh across the head at times. He obviously wasn't perfect, but I thought it was rather sweet that he complimented Evie every time she felt insecure about herself.

I know some people thought it was rather redundant because of how often he did it, but I loved it because many of us struggle with our insecurities on a daily basis, and to have a character who struggles with her body image just as much as I do, makes her not only more relatable but it also makes her feel more real to me.

I loved the fact that I could relate to Evie as I read 'All About the D', but what I loved more was that Josh reassured her every time she felt insecure that she is beautiful and that she is enough. That in itself made me crush even harder on Josh.

I just want to thank both Lex and Leslie for making Evie a character that I and so many people can relate to. It truly means a lot to me as a reader when authors go out of their way to make characters for those of us who are often underrepresented in novels. I have told Leslie this before and I will say it again, this does not go unnoticed, and I thank both Lex and Leslie from the bottom of my heart for writing a story that means so much to so many of us. *hugs you both*

Overall, I give 'All About the D' 5 out of 5 stars and hope you will all give it a chance!

So if you need a good laugh and a lighthearted read, then 'All About the D' is just what you need!

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Favorite Quotes: 

• “Watch it, woman. I’m not above spanking my attorney.”

• I stare up at him, feeling so caught up in the way he’s looking at me, and I don’t want to break the spell.

• My heart thumps wildly in my chest, and even though I know what he’s about to say, everything in me wants him to claim me.

• As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew I shouldn’t have said them. But they’re out now, and they can’t be fixed. Final. Like spilled milk. Toothpaste out of a tube. Someone’s virginity. Gone and can never be put back.

• My tongue swipes inside her mouth, finding hers, and just like that, we combust. Frantic. Hungry. Crazed. Like we’re trying to climb inside the other person, that’s how close we want to be. We’re nothing but hands, breaths, lips, and dare I say it, love?  

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Book Review - Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Synopsis:

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

Review:

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was skeptic about buying Beautiful Disaster when I read some of the reviews from other readers, but I took a chance and am so glad I did, because I absolutely loved it from beginning to end.

Beautiful Disaster was an emotional roller coaster that made me tear up quite a bit, because I was emotionally invested in Travis and Abby. When they hurt, I hurt too. Their pain was my pain, and I couldn't help but tear up when things went awry.

Despite the heartache I felt, Travis and Abby's story kept me hooked page after page and I loved every minute of it, but for those who are skeptic like I was, I suggest that you don't go into the book with high expectations. Many people do that with books and movies, and don't end up enjoying them because they create crazy expectations in their head that no book or movie can reach, and when they finally read it or watch it they are left disappointed. Just go into it knowing that you are going to be reading a romance novel with a great story line and lovable characters that are all equally unforgettable in their own way.

My favorite character was the infamous bad boy, Travis Maddox. I mean, come on! Who doesn't like an underground boxer who is a bad-boy inside and out?

Travis is a playboy who sleeps around and he will do things that will piss you off, but underneath the rough exterior, there is a sweet guy just waiting to be discovered and who better to see the real Travis than Abby Abernathy.

The moment Travis and Abby meet, something special sparks between them, and as a reader you can really feel the intrigue that Abby feels towards Travis in that initial meeting, because he isn't your average guy. He's different but in a good way. He's charming, charismatic, and oh so swoon worthy. I sure did a lot of swooning when I read this book and I have to admit that Travis Maddox is by far one of my favorite book boyfriends. Who am I kidding?! He is my favorite book boyfriend!

I would definitely recommend this book to others, but don't take my word for it. Just read it and formulate your own opinion. I can't say you won't regret it, because we all have varying opinions, but I hope you will at least give it a chance like I did. Like I mentioned, I was very skeptic going into this novel the first time I read it and I came out a Travis Maddox fangirl, so you can bet I loved it. All of it! Characters, plot, romance and all! It was such a great read! I absolutely love it!

I have read Beautiful Disaster countless times and never tire of Travis and Abby. It is without a doubt one of my all-time favorite romance novels and will always hold a special place in my heart.

What are you waiting for? Go get your copy now!

And...

I give Beautiful Disaster 6 out of 5 stars and hope you take the leap and meet Travis Maddox!

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Buy Link: Amazon

Favorite Quotes:

• “It's dangerous to need someone that much. You're trying to save him and he's hoping you can. You two are a disaster." I smiled at the ceiling. "It doesn't matter what or why it is. When it's good, Kara... it's beautiful.” 

• “You know why I want you? I didn’t know I was lost until you found me. I didn’t know what alone was until the first night I spent without you in my bed. You’re the one thing I’ve got right. You’re what I’ve been waiting for, Pigeon.” 

• “I knew the second I met you that there was something about you I needed. Turns out it wasn’t something about you at all. It was just you.” 

• “I need to hear you say it. I need to know you’re mine.” “I’ve been yours since the second we met.”

• “It's over. Go home." "You're my home.” 

 

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