Ruthless People By J.J. McAvoy

I expected this novel to be a good one and I wasn't disappointed. Liam and Melody had rocky starts in the personality department and while Melody didn't redeem herself, I got to understand and acclimate to her character as the story progressed.

I think everyone in this story with the exception of Olivia and Coraline are ruthless. They can act with the best of them but this family loves blood, chaos and drama. They thrive on it! While Liam eventually broke his mold to accommodate Melody, she stayed true to her character until the end. There is no clear cut reception to this story because their are different stages to their madness. In the beginning, I was a little skeptic, because Melody is not easy to like, as she was the only character that came out guns blazing and stayed that way. Even when she disconnects from the world, she's remains cocky, self-righteous and nonchalant about everything and everyone with the exception of Liam and Evelyn.

Liam's character is like an oxymoron. He shocks me with his decisions and he baffles me even more when he clicks the switch that turns him into a sociopath. I just can't see him as one. He at times seem almost preppy but then in an instant he's killing six year old girls so they don't grow up into "La femme Nikita" and retaliate against his family.  I expected a struggle for dominance but really, one of them gave up before the struggle even began.

If not for Liam's need to love, I could see this story having zero romantic tones. The romance actually takes a back seat to all the criminal affairs. Still, you can't discount that they make a really good team and somewhere along the line, I found myself riding their power wave. They actually make you feel like they are untouchable.

Half way through this novel, we started to get other characters POVs but I am on the fence as to their significance. Yes, it's a different view and thoughts from the family but importance was lacking. I didn't mind getting in their heads but their issues had no bearing on the current story line.

There is sex, love, family, power, drugs and murder. Everything you were promised on the cover. What stood out most though was the title. You can't sleep on these two because they are forever scheming and manipulating everyone, including each other. Every time I think they are redeemed and becoming less power hungry, I realize that they are just planning their next scheme.

The sex isn't as explosive or passionate as I thought it would be but it's not very detailed either so you are quick to get back to the wave of crimes they have planned. In retrospect, not even the criminal acts were given much light either, unless Liam are Melody were suiting up. We weren't always apart of the plan and found ourselves watching the mayhem with the rest of the family.

I found that their banters with their family and men were what made this story interesting and gave us those funny moments.

There is a noticeable amount of grammatical errors and normally when a book captures me enough, I can probably dismiss it but this story is from a publishing house with a professional editor, so I don't think they should be so glaringly obvious.

I had expected more Italian and Irish culture but it was more All-American. I've never read about the Irish or their mobs before so I would have loved to seen more Irish culture and dialect.

Novels with language barriers normally leave me running to Google translate, so I was glad for the key at the end and the ease in navigating between the translation page and the rest of the story.

'Ruthless People' isn't one of those stories that come with a lot for you to gush about. It is precise, to the point and grabs your attention from beginning to end. If you blink, you might miss something and everything and everybody are chess pieces.

They are murders, thieves and liars with no intention of ever slowing down. They love what they do and NOTHING will change that. It's gruesome and leaves you questioning their sanity and the subject of ethics and moral, because they have none.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22237407-ruthless-people

Hudson By Laurelin Paige

Is it possible that a companion novel can hold more feelings than the original body of work? Yes, it can and 'Hudson' is the perfect example. If not for me reading another companion novel late last month, I would probably say it's because I read this story before and I loved it. However, this was like a fresh tale to me and I completely suppressed Alayna's side of the story, as I focused on Hudson and what made him into the man we saw in the trilogy.

The quote at the beginning of this novel was apt for the focus and I find that I loved going between the before and after to piece together the puzzle that is Hudson Pierce. I felt like I was revisiting all the characters and seeing them through new eyes.

Sorry to disappoint, but I think we spent more time on the Hudson/Celia dynamic, than we did the Alayna/Hudson aspects, but we had already explored those from the 'Fixed' trilogy so it was good to see a different side in the mix.

There were new twist and scenes that were never exposed before, that made this story whole; while shining a light on Alayna in Hudson's eyes. All her flaws were lauded and I forgot she was battling her own issues.

Hudson laid himself bare in this novel and I had a great time dissecting. He was cold, calculated and an addict in his own right but I always had a soft spot for the crazies and Hudson is the King of that hill! I have never thought much about people with disassociation of emotions but this novel has made me take a stop and look. Though it was entertaining to see him do his "experiments", it also showed how lost he was and the underlying issues that eventually made way to the perfect Hudson. He held some of his old qualities while he finalized the biggest experiment of his life ... himself.

Playing a big part in his past and eventually his future, Celia is a character that sways you. You want to hate her but she is so well taught that you don't know what to do or feel. She makes me wanna threaten her with death too but then I remember the Celia in the beginning chapters and remind myself that she too is a product of Hudson's illness.

This story is a twisted tale that held all the right notes and moves. It was more than the characters themselves and gave us a more in depth look at the Pierce/Werner clan and what was ahead for this insane group of friends and families.

Jack continues to amuse me as a character and Chandler was just as absent. I am selfish enough to admit that this story answered all my questions but I still want more; I wanna see Hudson handle temptation and Alayna off the wagon because there is something about this couple and how they strive within drama.

The story line doesn't only visit the past and present but the future as well. We got some answers as to what happened after their wedding day and I for one was grateful for the update. As I said before, I can't get enough of these two.

Naturally, there are elements from this story that reviews previous scenes from the trilogy but the best thing about this book is that coming from a different POV makes everything seem like a new story. It never got repetitive and I was never bored. If anything, I wanted to read the trilogy again and I assume that's the aim of a companion.

I will admit that you might get a different opinion if you start reading this exactly after the 'Fixed' trilogy but I can assure you that you will get variety and a fresh story line for you to invest in. I loved this story and I am extremely happy that two of my favourite characters were brought back to life with the right balance of past, present and future. I shouldn't but I still wanna ask for more :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21417430-hudson

Tug By K.J. Bel

Disclaimer: I'm normally more thorough in my research when I want to begin reading a new novel but for some reason I added this novel to my TBR list without checking to see if this was a new standalone or a spin off. Turns out, it's a spin off and I didn't find this out until I read and finished my draft for this review. So it's safe to say that this is my introduction to Tug, Tori and Brady. While I now know that they have a past, that was given in details, I still can't change my review because below is my true thoughts from what I read without this new knowledge.

There is a range of emotions involved in reading 'Tug', from hate to indifference and just plain 'ol frustration. There is too many crazy, unbalanced people in this story and the story line contain more drama than a script of the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta'. Yes, Tug is a douche but I never expected to leave this novel unsure of Maria and tired of the drama with the other characters.

Brady is a little too convenient for my liking, as he lives life on the line of right and wrong and seems to always come out the good guy, while Tug can't seem to get anything right and always end up losing and sacrificing the most in the end. It's all a continuous cycle with Tori in the middle and she being crazy doesn't excuse her. As for Liv and Harrison, Liv is an idiot and Harrison is a pig.

Maria threads the line of naive and eventually untrustworthy, to the point where I just decide to give up on them all. They are confused, which in turn makes you unable to build solid relationships with the characters while keeping a certain level of empathy. I especially hate the fact that I read an entire novel just to have an avoidable upset at the end that makes me question everything I spent my time reading. Also, not that I excuse his behavior but Maria is sort of a bitch with that final decision. An ungrateful one at that. Though it's not clear, it doesn't look good either.

Tug's character is possibly bi-polar but neither him nor the author knows it yet. It's either that or he's just a douche. I'll like to think it's an illness. You will hate him and eventually tolerate him but I never loved him.

I think this story keeps itself interesting occasionally, more so than not, but there is so much drama towards the end that I am pissed I even bother. I'd prefer to just read book 2 and get the updates and solutions.

I believe that all the characters in this novel are doom to be miserable and never fully able to live in the light because there is too many dark and gray areas. While I don't know anything about the US/Mexico border, I doubt it is used as frequently as they do without raising suspicion and this crew uses it like a bus route.

The sex in this novel isn't inspirational but then the focus was on the unrequited love, new love and new relationships being built. It's surely not your usual romance and there is no HEA. These friends also don't mind stepping on you to get to your man if it's convenient.

Their back story is strange, common and different all in one. There are no loving parents and while they all have mommy issues, they don't rely heavily on it. If not for their sporadic reminders of their mom and dad crimes, I'd forget that they had a Lifetime movie upbringing.

There is a certain level of confusion for me in reading this novel and it might show in my review, because even though I understand the story, had no problem with the progression and was entertained for the most part, I felt like the ending killed it all for me and made me want to go over the novel to see what the reader's hustle might be.

Even with a few glitches, it's a good read but you have to be willing to put your emotions aside to garner anything from it. I was unable to do that so I feel duped like I read all that for nothing. Honestly, I didn't see nor understand the change in the wind that lined us up for a book 2 but I guess we are trying to get as close to reality as possible and splitting novels seem to be all the rage these days.

Also, after finding out that this triangle stretched across two other books, I'd like to think that the author might have gotten a little more creative in her efforts to tee us up for a book 2.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22594706-tug

The Laws of Kings By Jennifer Loren

With every novel there are good and bad moments and this one is no different. The problem with this one is that not all the moments are in sync with the story line or the reader. If I hadn't ever read a book by Jennifer Loren then I would probably not be so inclined to read a next but I know she normally has rocky starts but eventually finds her footing.

There are extremely corny moments of action, confrontation and love. My eyes got a work out occasionally from all the MacGyver moments that had me rolling them uncontrollable. They even got his kits -_-

There is a constant and delicate balance between too much information and not enough conviction. There are tons of unnecessary conversations and as to when they fell in love? I don't know.

Dace's team seem to be the original 'A team' as they channel everything action packed and corny from 80's action-adventure sitcoms. This story had two parts and I liked both. Dace the mercenary was just as entertaining and corny as Dace the mob prince but I mostly like Dace when he's just kicking back with Austin.

There is something about the characters of this novel that I adore, especially when they aren't trying to kill each other. Everyone has their signature traits that differentiate and assist the story line. Michael holds little to no interest for me but Sage makes me take a second look at this complicated but heartbroken man; Ettore is elusive but interesting; Antony is hilarious and just the right guy to have around for everything while Dace is the perfect leader who never wants and also never actually leads.

There are many elements to this story but unfortunately not all of them gel. While there are good and bad moments the story line isn't cohesive at times and their are a few discrepancies with the flow but I still enjoyed the overall body of work even when I knew what to expect next.

Austin and Aaron are unexpected additions but I think they bring their own contribution to this plot. One thing I am looking forward to is Leandra and Austin together as Dace recovers. While I don't know if that will be happening, I think it would make for good entertainment.

There is a lot of violence and killing in this novel to the point where it borders on corny but I love that Dace doesn't second guess his decisions and though it's too late, I could see the Colletto boys as an unstoppable force, if they could just stop trying to kill each other for a minute.

I leave this story not knowing who to trust and not knowing who will be alive by the end of the next but I am also excited for the potentials that lay ahead.

There is a certain edge and roughness to this novel that doesn't lend to the softer side of romance so you might not be able to understand or know when love came into play but I like them so much as a couple that I don't even care. It's hot when a woman can take care of herself and there is no weak women in this novel.

It's a rocky start to a series but I have faith in this story and it's ability to get it all together for the next installment, so as to give us an action packed, drama filled, intellectually executed plan that will lead to an even better book 2.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22472427-the-laws-of-kings 

Uncontrollable By Shantel Tessier

I feel like I should be bent over at the knee panting with how long and action packed this novel was. At this rate, Sam should be dead and I really think she needs some prayer and a cleanse. Too many bad things happened in succession and if not for that little note at the beginning of this novel i'd expect her to be dead at the end.

Normally, I feel like a series can conclude at book 2 because most book 3 is an extended version of things we either read  already or not that interested in. This was conflicting for me, because while I shared the same sentiments, I also believe that this novel was necessary to clear the air. Unfortunately, it also left us with more questions and I think they might have to watch their backs for the rest of their lives because a few things still aren't clear to me.

Samantha grows with each novel and this time I find that she was fiery and in control. She's always been strong but she needed some vulnerable moments, especially with the fact that she was almost omnipresent. I needed her to relay certain emotions but she was just being Sam.

Slade got lost a little in the many events of this novel and I blame that on the fact that this novel tried to focus on literally every one. It made it harder for both main characters to shine and Slade didn't mind taking the back seat to Sam's.

I missed Sam playing Barbie with herself, as Sam is known for being the ultimate girly girl. She lost that this go but there was enough going on to keep us preoccupied because that didn't even stand out to me until I was finish reading and analyzing in my mind.

The introduction of Parker is fantastic and I love his filthy mouth and blunt reasoning. He is easy to relax with and I love how he was flawlessly worked into the story, to the point where he at times made every one take a seat to his shine. The only other character in this novel that can stand in that light is Tate.

Even though we know a little more about him now, including his real name, I am still conflicted. He is a tool just as much as Missy is an idiot and honestly, I don't think they currently make a good pair. She is one step away from suicide and he is so bad that it hurts! I don't know what I expected but this wasn't it where they are concerned.

As usual, Josh and Courtney took a back seat to the major story line as they just existed and if not for the wedding and bachelor party I would completely forget that Holly and Micah were apart of the story. There was a lot more sex talk but I like that we kept it light. There's a trait I admire from this series, where Shantel has no problem cutting to a new day in the next chapter, even if the chapter before left us at the beginning of a sex scene. You'd have to read it to get it.

It might sound weird but I see this novel as a cross between 'The Expendables' and 'The Notebook'. It had more good moments blending both aspects, than it had cheesy and unnecessary ones and yes, there was some cheesy, unnecessary moments, especially to the end.

A lot of major issues were highlighted and cleared but these books take so long between releases that I had to scramble to remember some scenes. I liked the flashbacks and break aways because they filled in the blanks and not once did I ever feel the weight of the pages of this novel and I think that's a good trait when you have a hefty read ahead.

It's long, it might get boring and all that's left is for people to jump off roofs but it closes the Slade/Samantha chapter and tees us up for Missy/Tate and Parker/Stripper? I don't know. All I know is that I enjoyed it for the most part and I can't wait to see how Shantel digs both Tate and Missy out the molds I've made for them.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22572256-uncontrollable

Behind His Eyes - Consequences By Aleatha Romig

Even though she has technically only written this one series, I am a  fan of Alethea Romig's work. I even liked 'Consequences' when I stumbled upon it last year but I just couldn't get behind this story. I was disinterested and wanted to give up at the end of every two chapters. I only found myself wanting to look back at 'Consequences' for one scene only, so I could match their reactions. Maybe it's the layout of the story or the fact that there is little to no conversation and a day in the life of Anthony Rawlings is just flat out boring. If he isn't beating Claire to a pulp then he's not as interesting as a character or a man.

This novel was suppose to fill in those blind spots and get you into the mind of the man that is all about sacrifices, public presentation and paying for your actions. What it did for me was make me wonder how I could have rallied behind Claire, Tony or their story. She eventually became an idiot to me and he's just a calculating murder/rapist. My reaction to Catherine remains on the fence and I now wonder when did she decide to become the wicked witch of Iowa.

This installment was the equivalent of an average size novel and even though we might have needed this standard amount of pages to review the important points in 'Consequences', I think it was too much and that saw us in boring business meetings that I believe became a bridge to transition into scenes, which found me struggling to get through all Tony's inner ramblings and business deals.

The chosen scenes from 'Consequences' were important and some I wish we didn't get clarification because in the end, I came away with the one simple conclusion that Anthony Rawlings is a calculated demon who should be castrated and tortured. Harsh? Yes. But for a man that craves trust he is the last person on earth i'd give it to. His brain washed agenda can't even cover for his deception and predilections. I am now actually surprised this wasn't BDSM.

I can still argue the different scenes in this story, so at least it was still good, clean and properly edited content; I also like the time line at the end even though I believe the more interesting time lines are in 'Truth'.

It makes no sense to dig into the actual story and review because I said it all in my original review of 'Consequences'. I have nothing to add about the details of the content or the progression because they are all the same just from a different perspective.

Overall, I was bored, disinterested most of the time and praying for the end. I had to force myself to focus because Tony's POV is not the most interesting or endearing. I don't know what went wrong but I just wasn't feeling this novel. Will I read the next novel in the 'Behind His Eyes' series? Probably. Just don't count on it being any time soon. I need a breather after this one.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19545007-behind-his-eyes---consequences

TAINT By S.L. Jennings

Some might say that they don't think this story is a 5 but that's fine. The overall content is a 4 but the details in this novel warranted a 5 for me. There were little items used to help us connect more with the story, like the New York Times article and even the delete button. The epilogue was creative, concise and satisfactory for me. It wasn't rushed and it maintained it's realistic and steady approach, much like the progression in the rest of the novel. It was a clean from beginning to end.

This isn't a story, it's a sexual guide to please your man while helping you to find the things that get you going. At the end of this course, you can probably have satisfactory sex with yourself! Behind all this though, there was a tame but memorable and meaningful romance story.

With each chapter, we learned something new as there was literally a lesson per chapter. Lessons that I plan to take advantage of the next time the opportunity arise ;)

I liked getting to know Justice, Ally and the other housewives, as well as, their back stories. Justice Drake' s lesson plan was definitely hands on and nothing was spared. If you are prude, then this one isn't for you. There is live sex and in depth masturbation scenes.

Lesson plan and sexual depravity aside, I love Justice. It's not just because he's the narrator either, it was his approach, control, mystery and reactions. His thoughts were real with a mix of fairy tale and dreams when necessary. He was honest and I like his inner monologues, even when they weren't focused on Allison, as well as the fact that he didn't drift far from his initial personality. He didn't feel the need to take a celibacy vow with the introduction of Ally and I like that. Yes, the gruff Mr. Drake from chapter 1 was more mellow in the company of Ally but I love that we got those soft moments because the alpha male role is taken in so many stories now that I like the change he provided.

The references were every day tabloids, people and shows that we follow so I was able to relate. From Guliana Rancic to TMZ made me believe the tabloid scenes more and I also like that they weren't over done. The right amount of coverage, information and layout was present. The TMZ article at the end was formatted to reflect their usual articles of this topic that I almost believe it was real. The Usain Bolt reference wasn't lost on me either nor was the age old adage of Iron Man vs Barman. It's like this book was made for me :D

The sex was more passionate instead of the lust filled, crazy, instant hook ups we get of late. There was no BDSM, just some good old sexing filled with passion, understanding, finesse and experience. I don't know the research placed in this novel but it was a great sexual guide to bedroom confidence and the gossip scene was believable.

The novel is taken from Justice's POV so I connected more with him than I did with Ally. I enjoyed being in his company from beginning to end as I fell in love with the sexy outcast who knows his bedroom business and comes fully equipped with a team that's not afraid of a whole lot of PDA.

There will be elements that others don't like but I find that I eventually liked the heavily based 'Friends' scenarios and the real Justice under the facade of anonymity and crude comments. The soap opera moments were questionable but the main character and story development was good enough that I can dismiss the flaws.

Every element came together to knock this one out of the park! Even though it's over, I really hope we get a novella on Justice and Ally after Coachella, because I'm not ready to let them go just yet.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22227607-taint

Entice By Rachel Van Dyken

Here I go being the odd one out again.

I still believe that this series got better from the first novel but that ending was pitiful and left me longing for an alternate. The prologue and first chapter to the next book has me rolling my eyes and over the dramatics and theatrics of it all but once again, I am interested to see what caused all those betrayals. There is so much build up in the beginning story line and then we get to the most flaccid ending.

At first, I thought the problem might be the couple dynamics, because Trace and Nixon were struggling in the beginning but then I find that I like Trace and Nixon together, especially as they battle the residual resentments from Trace moving on and Nixon faking his death. Mil and Chase however didn't have me convinced or move.

I don't know when they fell in love and the emotions backing them as a couple feels like it appeared out of thin air. They were so bland as a couple that I found myself craving Nixon and Tracey scenes more than Chase and Mil's. Also, let's talk about how the end of this installment focused on every one except Mil and Chase. Thought it was there book o.O

This novel needs a better sense of time also. I can't tell you how much time has passed since Tracey enrolled at Elite. All I know is, that they haven't had a break since and they have lost friends along the way.

The person that strike fear into every one reminds me of Trevor Slattery from Iron Man 3, for those who are about that Marvel Comics life like myself; He was more a face of terror than terror itself. I understand setting us up for Tex's story but this ending unbelievable and flat especially from a man of his calibre and superstitious mindset.

Chase didn't portray the things I adored about him from book 1 and 2. He was suppose to be a "love sick puppy" over Mil but I just didn't believe him. His words, feelings and reactions held more impact when he was panting after Trace, than when he was discovering his love for Mil. He deserves better, Mil isn't it. I found myself missing the love triangle.

This novel continues to be YA mafia romance so expect more cliche "mafia" scenes and the continued absence of any police presence or good, on the brink of death, sex scenes. These mafia gods even fly commercial -_-

Mil was not tough and feisty as I expected. I liked the gun wheeling girl from the previous novels but this one just had really terrible flashbacks. She was more the abused 14 year old than the 20 year old mob boss. I don't even know what the point this novel was aiming to make. I am lost as to their Vegas visit and all the random acts of violence that followed.

Even Luca wasn't his usual devious self leading up to the most unbelievable final fight scene. At this point, they should all just kill each other and put us out of our misery. They literally shoot first then ask questions later and I am getting tired of the repetitive themes. The ghost that is ever present, constant betrayal from a past that their parents set in motion and relationship epiphanies that's portrayed with the same urgency as brushing your teeth. It needs a new spin because we've read this before from this same series.

You might think from my above review that I might not have liked this novel but I was actually interested. My problem is the ending. It had a great build up that had me focused and wanting to know what Mil was hiding and what Chase,  Trace and Nixon's response would be to Chase being a  married man. In the end, it was just more gunshots, death and secrets from the past that's ripping this friendship to threads.

Book 4 has me interested but I hope that we get more than the usual. While chapter one has me scared and intrigued in one I can't wait to see if Tex is the shake up I am still looking for to give this series a higher rating than the one it's kept so far.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18465431-entice

A Debt Repaid By N. Isabelle Blanco

The premise was different. Silly really and I could surely think of another way to recover what was stolen but I still wanted to read this novel. Surprise, surprise, I was bored and Chase is an idiot who is giving away millions for a woman who I don't think is worth it.

We spent more time in the mind of Aria than we did having conversations, learning about the main characters and sifting through the deeds of Douglas. This novel was shallow but packed more intensity than it's topics warranted. Unfortunately, the intensity and feelings didn't match the actual content. Also, someone please give the VP/best friend a name because his name couldn't decide if it was Marcus or Matthew. Depends on the day.

Drop every romance novel cliche with the intensity of every book ever read and you have this story. I don't really know or understand these characters even with it being a dual POV novel. Every one is either angry, really intense or bred from so many cliches that it's impossible to know who they are out of their molds. My favourite character is Adam and the kid is 5 with like 5 minutes of shine.

I understand Aria's reservations but I  don't sympathize or connect with her on any other level than she is the one who narrates most of this story. Hilary's character comes in like a tornado and then exit just as fast. As a female, I  know that their is that one friend in your life, sometimes more, that you lean on when it all goes belly up. Hilary is suppose to be that friend but she came off more as an alien beamed down to retrieve something and then return to the mother ship. Weird analogy? Possibly, but as I said before, development was not he author's top priority. I know nothing about this woman other than she must be rich, been around a while and she is apparently beautiful and hates Douglas for years. Guess that's all we need.

I honestly believed this story would be memorable and left me reeling needing to read the next but I am pretty sure that I can wait. Obviously, I am gonna wanna know what's next but I am in no rush. It's just plain human curiosity.

I like Chase and I could love his character. We got the most back story about him and got personal with his past and present life. However, there is still a level of indifference to him but I have no deep interest to claw at those barriers to get to the man within. I could however read the entire story from his POV and maybe with another woman. I don't know about him but I am tired of Aria's indecision and uncertainty.

Aria's character is annoying and everything that is wrong with cliched insta-lust, love, regret female heroine's. No one is forcing her to do anything, no one is even in her way. People get separated and date all the time and some even commit crimes and get married while still married. Get off your horse Aria because it doesn't even fit you.

I can see them having that one sex scene but I just can't see them as a couple. I think he can do better and Aria is just plain annoying so I just don't really wanna have to interact with her. I seem to tolerate her more from Chase's POV.

Also, not to be outdone, this story added another cliched couple into the mix with Lori and Brent and while I wasn't rolling my eyes, about 30% into this novel I was over this story. I only continued because I really don't wanna have a DNF. I suspect one day a book will be bad enough to make me finally have that shelf but for now, I powered through to a not as intense as the author thinks sex scene and the blatant irresponsibility didn't even do anything for me. The whole story did nothing for me. I literally wanna pick some characters and points and make a whole new story. I am  actually hoping that someone has written a story with this premise but a better delivery.

I wasn't impressed but I wasn't disgusted either. I was just indifferent. I won't even disrespect debut authors by saying that this was debut work. This was just flat, uninspiring, annoying and over before it even began. There was no real direction, chemistry, development or stability. There are sweet touches and a few comedic moments but for the most part I just wanted it to end.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20802451-a-debt-repaid

Reasonable Doubt: Volume 2 By Whitney Gracia Williams

It pains me to say this because I am a big fan of Whitney Williams but I fear that this story might turn into another 'Arrangement' series, where we get really small moments in time before breaking to the next volume. Books cost money, yes, 99¢ is still money, so it's really not fair the amount of content we get but we buy these books anyway because we love the authors and their work.

Volume 1 was an introduction and I am fine with that because it was a powerful and memorable introduction that lined you up for so much more that I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next copy. Therefore, I genuinely expected more than I got from Volume 2. I like that Andrew kept his blunt personality and we even got some more information about his character from New York with not only one this time but two flash backs to before Durham.

It's all the same issues though with a new variable in the form of his ex-wife that was mentioned at the end of volume 1. It was average sex and a blow job lesson that was quite crass but that's fine.

There is no real growth in their relationship, because even though he is out of his comfort zone for a majority of the second half of this novel which we are not privy to details, by the end he is right there again and I don't feel like I know them well enough as individuals or a couple. They have great chemistry when it comes to arguing and I find that I like that and Andrew's blunt, conceited personality more than I did the story line. Those and the length of this novella were the saving points for me.

Personally and professionally Andrew almost remains the same with the exception of getting his real name and a look into his relationship with his ex-wife. Some might say this is progress and should be enough and it could be but it's how it was delivered. I can remove so many unnecessary scenes and conversations that could make way for more or better timed reveals.

Aubrey seems stuck in a rut also because nothing has changed on her front. She did 1 ... I repeat 1 ballet duo in the entirety of this novella so the cover kind of stump me now because I was looking for a full on ballet themed performance. Call me crazy!

It's the same old characters doing the same old things with the introduction of Andrew's ex-wife. The editing and writing is fine but I just think the delivery was weak and I really expected more growth in the content than what we got.

For another author, this could be a work of art, but Whitney has set the bar ridiculously high and I just don't think this is her best. She strives on packing the most intense feelings, emotions and stories in the smallest of packages so I don't know what went wrong here.

I wouldn't not recommend this novella nor skip out on reading the next but I didn't get much from this volume and I am hoping for a better volume 3. If that will be the end then I expect her to pull out every trick she has in her bag because she is gonna need it to not fall on a loop again.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22175981-reasonable-doubt

Bang By E.K. Blair

Is it wrong that I am currently more interested in seeing what other people think of this novel than I am sharing my views? It's not that I don't know, i'm more itching to find out what every one else think because this is one for a book club.

It's hard to explain how I really feel because I don't really know what I am feeling. I just spent the last 3 days reading this novel and I am just as confused as when I started and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't pissed with this ending -_-

This book is one big mess and only E.K. probably knows how to clean it up. The story line is solid and never waving but at the same time, the story isn't constant and the characters, except for maybe Declan and Bennett, are extremely damaged and the biggest douche canoe of them all is our guide.

But guess what? ... I loved it!

It takes a steadfast state of mind to like the narrator of this story and the men are all pawns in a scheme that is bred from pure misfortune turned abuse. It might not be a bad story but when you can't trust the narrator, you will have some problems when you just wanna escape her deceit.

Bennett was the biggest player in this novel but he was also the most absent. He spent more time in Dubai than he did in Chicago so I didn't get to know him like I did Nina, Pike and Declan. He seems like a good guy who got caught in a web that's laced with more poison than a snake and we don't even find out his purpose until the end of this novel and by then his fate is sealed. By the time Bennett gets some sense and I feel like we might have a good battle of wills, it's bang and we are left waiting to see who if any one survives part two.

Pike and Declan got a lot more light but I spent so much time focusing on the con in this novel that I didn't get the time to focus on Declan;'s character as much. He is passionate I will give him that and he is quite the understanding kind; sexy as hell in the kitchen and one of the nastiest and most possessive men I have ever read about. I am NOT down with that waste matter life. Piss somewhere else Mister, I am not a toilet!!!

Pike as a kid could make any woman fall to their knees. I loved that little boy to the point of obsession from we saw him coming out of that truck with Carl. I even loved him some when they grew up. He was constant, dependable, damaged and fighting for the worse live that was dealt him from the age of 2. I know you will all think I am crazy but I still love him. He got a ray of light after spending all of his formative years in terror and abuse and it's becoming a little hard for him to let that go. His actions? ... undesirable. His light was snatched from him and he retaliated like an angry abused man would. The years would wear on anyone.

Unfortunately, his anger brought this whole story to it's knees. I keep wanting to rewind because I am confused as to how a situation can tank to these levels in such a short time. If they get away with this it will have to be on a much more complex level than Pike and Elizabeth's reasoning.

I empathized with a young Nina because she had it hard and to hear her first introduction to sex would chisel any cold heart a little. The abuse in this novel was raw and painful but Nina erased those feelings to the point where I was unable to stand her inner monologues anymore. The chick is crazy and needs some help. I had a difficult time deciphering her emotions because just as I feel like I know what she is feeling, she reveals her real thoughts and I feel just as manipulated as every one else in this novel.

It's either hot or cold no lukewarm. I can't trust any one in this book because everybody has an agenda and their moral compass is all over the place. This is a complicated story and it is impossible for you to put a definitive name or emotion to the final body of work. It's a struggle from beginning to end so don't expect to ever understand or pick a side. There is no side, it's every one for themselves!

I can't say much without giving this book away but I am also a bubbling mess because I need someone to discuss what it is I just read. I truly believe Pike and Elizabeth could have a different path but is that eve possible now?

E.K. Blair has written emotional novels before but I never expected this level of emotional from her. The story, formatting, editing is impeccable and you can see the time and effort placed in creating the final published work but it's also so confusing that she will either end up giving us one of the most splendid stories in this genre for the year or it will tank and leave us gaping. The complications and web can lose even the best of authors.

I commend her though because this story had me even when I wanted to skip the wavering sex scenes to get to the necessary points. It was like a video game as you tried to get up to the next level. I might have dislike the narrator and remained in the dark for 90% of this novel but I won't discount that E.K. Blair wrote another spectacular piece and I really hope Carnegie helps her out in the end with this one because she is gonna need all the help she can get and he seems to have all the answers.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22065449-bang-black-lotus-1

Monster By Francette Phal

This story took all the cliches of dark twisted romances and chucked them together with a few of it's own spins. It was long but short at the same time, because even though it is over 300 pages, the timeline was not used well. It felt more like a manuscript of ideas as oppose to a complete novel.

We didn't get to see the courting or beginning of this marriage, which is fine. I have no problem meeting them four years into the financial based marriage but then we weren't given enough time or scenes to understand and appreciate her concerns or motivations. I was therefore unable to completely side with her, because she was a gold digger so she could have eased up some, as she gave neither the readers or Dominic reasons to trust in her like she wanted. No one accidentally becomes a gold digger; She was one and circumstances allowed her to change her perception of life, as did his.

Problem is, we didn't get to share in that catalyst, that changed both these characters from a gold digging trophy wife and a cold, ruthless, demeaning husband. He's never hidden is penchant for the darker side of life but what's her excuse?

They are fierce as a couple and their arguments are heated to the point where you wanna tear off your own clothes. There sexual tension is palpable and when he isn't putting her on display like a show pony they do have some passion filled, dirty, sexy sex without whips and chains. They know how to make even you the reader feel sexy. I also liked that neither had tunnel vision and I was actually anticipating a no pressure three some at one point :)

Individually, I find that we never got to know Dominic as much as Eden because she was open from the beginning and her POV dominated the majority of this story, as almost every one got the opportunity to voice their side of this story. It was told more as a narrative and at times switched to first person narration. There was no one course so we got all angles, from the sex-addict best friend to the resentful stepbrother.

Dominic makes a good monster and can sit at the top with the rest who knows how to command a room and have the facial expressions of Stu Ungar. He had the usual unbecoming childhood, spur on by neglectful parents. The usual Francette Phal MO. I might not know him inside out like other book husbands I have read but I liked his character, especially when he gets to scheming and calculating. He is driven and he plans everything. The man doesn't lose, he concedes as necessary.

Eden was a good strong character. A little too judgmental, especially with her past decisions, but she knows how to hold her own. Jenna is an oxymoron of sorts because while she is conniving and not the most trustworthy of best friends, she can be extremely loyal. This seems to be gearing up to be a series and while I had expected Jenna's book next, I hope we get inside her head soon.

The sneak preview of the next book in the series has me a little iffy if the one female we are introduced to will be taking the lead. I normally like crazy but she scares me a little o.O

There was more explanation than conversation and I liked the conversation because what little we had flowed and it was never frivolous or done to hold space. It was interesting, engaging and brought us to a point. I just hoped for more.

In the early stages of this novel, we sliced out a whole chunk of a year that wasn't very in depth for the reader. This story leaves you with a lot of deleted scenes, questions and missing pieces that are privy to Eden and Dominic only. Not much changed within that year, it's like time stood still. I'm still not even sure how Liam almost died or died and came back, whatever happened!

It was good to see them interact as a family and to see Dominic as he wooed Eden. As the novel progressed, I missed his cold indifference that defined him in the beginning of this novel and I appreciate that the minor characters issues were displayed and just as engaging as Dominic and Eden's story. Especially Cassie and Bruce, however short their spotlight was.

Even though it came off as cliche it had it's engaging moments. I liked the characters and think their story line had bouts of originality but needed a better delivery and use of time frame. We spent all this time watching a husband win the wife he never really had and I left feeling unsatisfied and thinking that the end was anti climatic. I could have asked for a more secure and fulfilling ending, unless their story isn't over. With Francette Phal, you never know.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21453075-monster