Inked Armour By Helena Hunting

I handle this series like a sitcom. I never expect it to end so I just wait for this season's climax and wonder what's gonna happen with the new season. Unfortunately, I think this series has ended o.O

I figure based on the novellas that Chris and Sarah are next but I am so much more invested and interested in Tenley and Hayden as a couple and as individuals. I also felt like while we focused on Hayden, there were a few unanswered questions from Tenley's past. Namely Trey.

Despite that, this novel continued with good dialogue, progression and story line. It held closure and promise but lacked much explosive moments that matches that of a good series closing. It was just like the endings before but without the obvious cliffhanger. Then again, I am hoping I am wrong and another novel is in the works :)

You were shown the different transitions between Hayden and Tenley's relationship and personal life. I found that I preferred Hayden's POV, which remained real, raw and true. His lack of filter and honesty continued to add substance and entertainment value.

Tenley got a little lost as the novel progressed, while we focused on Hayden and his demons and she became his anchor. She was stronger than before but somewhere along the line, the cupcake themed elements began to annoy me as they grew in frequency. I am actually shocked that she did everything with them but open a store.

As other cliches go, I saw a few miles away and already knew the answer to many questions, but it was still interesting to see them play out and I would trade all the detailed sex scenes for more time spent solving Hayden's parents murder or Tenley and Hayden's combined PTSDs.

The characters and story line have developed steadily throughout the series and this time was no different. There different proclivities changed as we progressed and it was good to have the tattoo as a symbolic tool of progression. It was continuously weaved into the story and conversations and in the end, we got to see all the changes that led to the perfectly balanced masterpiece.

This novel was good at closing old wounds and though it didn't bring the high drama and explosive moments that I normally look for with the closure of a series, it kept me intrigued, engaged, entertained and included in the story line from beginning to end.

I only have a novella left to read but I am glad I was in a book slump and unearthed this series on my kindle. It is memorable, well written and riddled with substance and as much reality as is possible. It truly is about ink and armour.

I also don't know where they found that embodiment of everything Hayden for the cover, but he really nailed the point home and I found myself staring at him sometimes too :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22180008-inked-armour

Between the Cracks By Helena Hunting

I find that the prequels for this series are always thorough and detailed in their small time frames. For 50 pages, this was a well written summary or the present and future as it relates to Tenley, Hayden, Chris and Sarah's stories. While we didn't venture much into 'Clipped Wings',we got a segue to what happens after Tenley's departure and a preview of those decisions in 'Inked Armour'.

We got an idea of where Tenley is from and her growth since she moved to Chicago. Some of these things aren't obvious though and you would need to take the time to review her reactions and decisions when she return to Arden Hills.

The thing about 'Between the Cracks' though is that it wasn't Tenley and Hayden overload. It wasn't even told in any of their POVs. It was all Chris looking in and showing us a different side to Hayden, Tenley, Sarah and Trey.

It's very short, to the point where I can imagine it being a nuisance if you were reading it before the entire series was released.

It's packed like a 100 page novella with drama and more. It actually has a story line and progression, despite the speed. It's got me pumped and ready to see what becomes of all the characters with the beginning of 'Inked Armour'.

To top it all off, it's currently FREE on Amazon :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22047032-between-the-cracks

Clipped Wings By Helena Hunting

I love it when a book meets my expectations and 'Clipped Wings' surely didn't disappoint after my 'Cupcakes and Ink' high. It was perfectly paced, concise and detailed in showcasing the similar struggles and insecurities between Tenley and Hayden. It's very rare that you see the main love interest fighting the same battles and reservations. Their realistic approach of just keeping it a secret made for an interesting and captivating story.

I loved the individualistic elements of this novel. You got to know, appreciate and understand all the characters. I can distinguish everyone and their proclivities and what's better is that I love them all in their roles. No one deviates and I actually like that even in the end there was uncertainty. It wasn't stretched across novels for sales alone, it's a story that needs depth and time and I find that the progression was perfectly timed and the ending left me comforted but wanting.

I know I appreciate a novel for it's content when I rush through the sex. Not that it's bad sex, but I crave the conversations and story line, more than I do the intimacy. I love the moments spent learning about Tenley and Hayden; getting updates on her tattoo and everything else spinning around them as a couple and as individuals.

Tenley piqued my interest as the novel began and immediately drew my interest to the staff of Inked Armor. She started as skittish but bold, then as the novel progressed, you unlock more of her personality. It's like your dating Hayden and Tenley as you spend the time knowing, opening and understanding their relationship, as if it's your own.

I had previously stated that Hayden reminds me of Rule from 'Rule' by Jay Crownover and suggested that he might be better. I was right and wrong. Though there are similarities that glaringly remind me of 'The Marked Men' series, Hayden is much more complicated, dramatic and intricate of a character and the Inked Armor crew take damaged to a next level.

There is sex and more sex for the sex fiends who might be interested in this novel but it's sparse in description and lack the BDSM touch that's present in most romance novels these days. Still, I am wired after reading this novel and I can't wait to get to see what's next after that ending.

I have never read a Helena Hunting novel before this week but I am glad I reached for this series in my book stump. It was well researched, executed and summarized. I was hooked from beginning to end and there was never a dull moment between the Inked Armor and Serendipity crew. Hayden's lack of a filter helped some too :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13424368-clipped-wings

Cupcakes and Ink By Helena Hunting

Ok. So I have been in a book slump and decided that I would troll through my kindle library among the many novels that I have and never read. I passed by 'Clipped Wings' and remember all the excitement when this was released, so I decided to start with 'Cupcakes and Ink', then work my way through the series. I am happy I did :)

This series so far reminds me of 'Rule' by Jay Crownover and Hayden might just be a little hotter and better! Sorry Rule :)

I haven't been this excited about a novel in a while so I have rather high hopes for this series.

I only know the basics but I know that the Hayden and Tenley combo should be a knock out! Tenley intrigues me because despite her weird past times and feelings, she remains skittish and I love that she keep a level head, even when she wants to dive in head first. Her fascination with body mod is another element to be added to the clue of who she is and what she is running from or to.

Hayden has zero filter both orally and physically. He makes me laugh in and out of his POV and I can't wait to get up close and personal with the rest of the cast. Cassie is a hoot and the dealings of "The Dollhouse" have my interest piqued.

It might be a story line that we've read before but I love the kick off and can't wait to get deeper in cupcakes and ink :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18813938-cupcakes-and-ink

Hardwired By Meredith Wild

I'm a borderline techie. I have my moments when I am completely invested in everything tech but I tend to have an eclectic taste that sees me trying different things occasionally. With that being said, I didn't mind the angle this novel took but beware that it can get heavy on the tech and if you have no interest whatsoever, you will get lost and bored.

The story line itself seems stagnant because it's constructed with such a heavy plot of ideas; I missed the climax, if there was one and the foundation and path is still developing at the end.

If you take every possible theme from a Contemporary romance novel, you would get the story line to this one. All it's missing is the paranormal element. If there is a cliche situation or character, this novel has it. From the dominant billionaire to the hiding in plain sight rapist and even the tatted up outcasts were present. If it's a contemporary story line, it's there.

While this could have worked, with a more believable cast and background, it just didn't. There was no cohesiveness to all the situations or the characters. There is sex, love, drugs, rape and that's just a few of the major issues that one character is trying to sort. They are highlighted for such a short moment, then do a full 360, that leaves us feeling like these issues are inconsequential. In the wake of all these issues, to the end, all but one is unresolved and to be honest, it's not resolved, it's just that she kinda has no choice.

There is only one character that I understand and don't mind interacting with and it's Sid, even though I doubt he has said a whole chapter worth of things yet. I got confused frequently with who she calls for which crisis and this is a testament as to how much personality her friends possess. Honestly, she could do better in that department.

Erica doesn't interest me as a character but she narrates the whole story so what you gonna do?! She's lost and doesn't know herself so it's hard for me to know her. I did however, like her stubbornness and the fact that she didn't easily fall into his bed like a twit. She had her faculties ... some of the time at least.

Blake is a character that's so mysterious that you need his POV to know what's going on. He doesn't let up! It's not a he falls in love so he spills his guts; The man is a vault and it stays that way until the very abrupt and inconclusive end.

The sex in this novel is basic but thankfully it isn't long. They do the necessary and get on to the next issue as they seem unable to run out of cliches to borrow. There is nothing interesting enough to hold and keep your attention but each element gets you interested to a point.

I would read the next installment because I want to know the answers or solutions for a few questions but it's not a necessity to dive right in.  The emotions in this book are fleeting, so I as a reader didn't know how to feel. Therefore, I didn't connect or get invested in these characters like I would have wanted. At this point, I am still trying to find some of the major defining moments.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22452798-hardwired

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

Demon At My Door By Michelle A. Valentine

This was a fun, fluffy and dark version of  'The Time Traveler's Wife'. Even though it was a paranormal novel, I occasionally had to remind myself that the aim and path we were on was to stop a demon that was days away from claiming her soul. The story as it progressed became airy and fluffy with serious undertones closer as got to the end.

Ms. Valentine is a good writer and she gives you stories that you can float along and feel comfortable with but they rarely  have those blow your mind moments! This was another of those good stories but it was also flat. Nothing really spectacular happened and while I was interested to the see the end I could have skipped a few pages to get there.

As it relates to decisions, the final ones were kinda crappy and made the entire novel seem redundant. I am baffled as to her final choices and completely unaware of what made her come to those decisions. I understand setting the stage for a book 2 but this finale was not it. It's like we unwound the entire book 1 to make way for the next in the series.

On the plus side, I liked the main characters of Natalie, Rick, Stewart and eventually Taylor. In my mind, I've already made them up to be a super demon fighting team. Each character has and brought their own elements that helped to enhance the experiences within this story.

There are a few discrepancies, especially in Stewart's world with his abuse and true identity but I can't really disclose those without spoiling the plot for potential readers. All I can say is that he must have not been beaten enough because the Stewart at the end of this novel wouldn't have the marks the Stewart at the beginning received.

I like the occasional bad boy, so you can just imagine how in love I was with Rick. I had already put the pieces of the puzzle together with his entrance so I got over his big reveal and reveled in his version of bad. Currently, I would want him to find another chick, who helps funnel that bad side that brings the sexy smirk I love so much, instead of the ever doubtful Natalie who really does not have much care for her soul  as she thinks. The girl seems to have no trouble bartering it away regularly like it's a piece of beef jerky.

I got to respect Taylor a little more at the end of this story but we barely got any time with her so I hope that book 2 will see us interacting with her more. Where Lilim is concerned, I know we will be seeing her again, I just don't care much about her character right now.

Stewart has always eluded me because he was too bland and all american to hold my interest. So I didn't care to note his reactions and personality as the story progressed. He too however got more interesting in the end and also brought another major discrepancy with Taylor being all besotted to him in light of her revelations. It became one paranormal style college drama.

There is no penetration sex in this novel so it's heavily NA based but that's fine. I do hope though that book 2 gives us some demon sex cause it looks like it would be a good one. Once again though another discrepancy formulated with dude levitating. Why? Gravity seemed to be holding you just fine all the other times.

The final fight in this novel was hilarious more than serious because it was straight out of a 'Looney Toons' cartoon. I wouldn't be surprised is they drew for an anvil hammer as they kept summoning weapons out of thin air like a video game. That was too much fiction even for no limits, deal making demons. It also brought up the discrepancy of who can see these demons, as a character with an unclaimed soul, who wasn't marked for death, was impervious to them freezing time and that went against every thing we were lead to believe over the course of this novel.

There is an abundance of loose ends in this novel and juxtapositions a mile long! I was however kept engaged, intrigued and interested as I made my way through the chapters to the final decisions and lines drawn in the sand. I loved the early banters with Natalie and the 5 year old demon, as well as, the times spent in the present trying to break the contract with said demon.

Natalie kept this story interesting, fierce and most importantly, moving. Even if we were thrust right back to the beginning by the end, there wasn't a break in momentum and the story kept steady to the end as we went against the rules on the countdown to doom.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16300439-demon-at-my-door

A Song For Us By Teresa Mummert

I think I took too long to finish reading this novel and now I am paying for it. I have an array of emotions to accompany this novel, based on the chapters I got through each day. Therefore, by the end, I have no one set emotional evaluation of this novel. It just is.

The beginning was tentative. Nothing much happened but we got updates and reconnected with old characters. No offence Dorris :)

Before, I saw Eric's character as an angry douche, but I wasn't sure what to expect this go. I was thoroughly surprised to see that Eric through his and Sarah's eyes is a completely different man. Even Cass and Tucker seemed grown and more confident and secure than when we first met them.

Eric is more sensitive than you'd expect and his cynical words did not match his deep actions. I liked his character from beginning to end and I actually wish that he ended up with Donna. I like them together and I think they could have helped each other out of their funk.

Yes, after that last statement, you might find me crazy but I actually think that Derek and Sarah make a good couple. I think he really loves her, he's just as messed up in the head as the rest of them. It's just that no one bothered to talk to him and Sarah was unable to be the support he needed because she could barely hold herself up. If not for that major, appalling wrench thrown in at the climax of this novel, Derek could have become a better person and Donna could have enhanced not only 'Damaged' but the Eric we got to know in this installment.

Sarah annoyed me a lot throughout this novel. I will admit it now, I am bias. I like novels about the guys that are crazy but I resent when it's a female. Irrespective of what we like to think, men are the stronger sex physically, so to see a man vulnerable is welcomed. Women are always placed in a category of being weaklings, so I hate when one free falls into said category, especially through cutting. I hate that most of all.

I started reading this novel after clearly stating to myself that I didn't want to read a love triangle. The irony? Yes, I saw it too. This was a love square! However, I had hopes that maybe Sarah would stick with Derek and Eric and Donna would be the real outcome. Eventually though, I had to get over that dream and try to navigate the murky waters of tainted and unrequited love. Eric had to fight both literally and figuratively for this one. I hope she's worth it.

The resolution in this novel baffled me because all it took was showing up to start mending the problems that plagued and stunted these characters for most of their adult life. I liked the blast into their past because I was interested in the conversations between Eric and his dad. Those were some vulnerable moments.

Even though this was a rock and roll novel it gave us an aspect that we rarely see with this genre. They weren't touring and getting in trouble with groupies , they were on a break. It was good to see them in a different element, removed from the celebrity scene and it assisted in highlighting the struggles for artiste to acclimate back to every day life when the touring ends.

The twins were more interactive in this novel and I like the time spent with Terry and Chris. They are the life of the party! The camaraderie only got better with the return of Tucker as he helped create ways for Eric and Sarah's relationship to grow. Side note, if you haven't noticed, I refuse to call him 'E'. It's a letter and quite retarded of a nick name -_-

This can be a quick read if your in the mood and have the time. It's interesting enough to keep you engaged but get ready to be annoyed at some point with the back and forth between Donna, Eric, Sarah and Derek.

I liked Eric and Derek the most from this novel and their constant competition and deception kept this story interesting and moving more than the actual romance. Truthfully, I was over it when the final couple dynamics were revealed. I didn't hate the romance but I was more a fan of the road to the romance.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16138461-a-song-for-us

Nash By Jay Crownover

So, I'm still battling my sinusitis from hell this week but I had to power through a novel and I am glad it was Nash. I find that I never really took stock of his character before and at the end of this novel I wasn't ready to move on. I wanted more of Nash and Saint, especially Royal. I don't know how she will fit in yet, but I am desperate to see if this is all we will be getting from the fierce redhead!

This was a calm and sweet novel about loving yourself before anything else. It focused more on the events in both main characters lives than it did the romance. Which was fine, because these two were made for each other and I like that the struggle was more with her past life than the man she chose to love presently. Though the same, they are different. The story line and main characters were different and not as angry or lost as the novels and characters before. Yes, they had to walk their own paths to absolution but their journey was more secure than before. Even when they were on separate pages, they were close. 

There wasn't the attitude of Rule, absence and struggles of Jet and the constant anger and lost that plagued Rome. It was sweet Nashville, yes, that's his full name, and his love for Saint and his uncle turned dad.

Once again, it was the disease from hell but I liked how it was represented and it progressed so as to give us all the answers and leave us with a sense of completion. If every one could leave the world with that comfort, minus the pain, it'd definitely be a better world.

Saint was insecure, which a lot of women struggle with, even the pretty ones and it showed in her lifestyle and ideologies. I like though that it didn't make her shy away completely. She was fierce and I had a hard time seeing her as fat and shy. She seemed to dominate when she blew through and I loved her rational and interactions with her mom. If anything, I would want to see her have some of the similar conversations with her father.

Nash was sweet, sensitive an everything contradictory to the other members of this series. I thought Asa was my favorite, even though I have yet to read his story, but Nash is surely giving him a run now that I have gotten to known the broody artiste away from the Marked and all it's other band of misfits.

We got to experience Rule and Shaw's wedding and I am grateful for that. They started it all and I love that while we go, we continue to get updates on all the stories passed. I'm normally not a fan of this, but Nash's take is done to not make it seem like a revisit to the past, but a present discussion. I also liked his one on one with Asa because I love a redeemed, struggling lunatic of a bad boy and Asa confirmed and holds that spot for me.

I never paid much attention to Rowdy before but I think my interest is peaked more because of Salem than Rowdy himself. Royal has me pairing her with Asa also but who knows! Jay Crownover has a way to just insert a character out of the blue and they fit. It really is a band of castaways that make for the most well rounded group of friends.

Nash in the eyes of a young Saint was good. I actually wanted to spend time in the past with them to see them interact. I am also grateful that we could get Nash's POV and that he didn't have super memory of that incident like Saint did, because it made for a more realistic angle and gave justification for her erratic behaviour.

This was a match made in heaven and a love and crush lasting the span of years. Nash is the glue of this group and he's also the most secure and sure in his endeavours. He tackles his problems head on and I just wish we got more time with Phil so we could see him understand and appreciate the love he was searching for.

You are guaranteed to fall in love with all the characters of this novel as the drama was less and life's choices were highlighted. We get a real romance without the endless drama and heartbreaking separation. 

I enjoyed every page of this novel and no one was left in the wind. It was more laid back than previous novels but I have to say that I really enjoyed this mellow mood while the pills kept me calm and half awake. Even so, I was never bored and while the sex wasn't Rule and Shaw's kinda rowdy play, it was good and I love when a man is willing to make a woman in charge in the bedroom. Sometimes we need to dominate too ;)

Coming from a chick with a few piercings of her own, I always enjoy the many different piercings in this series and the ideas they bring. I will say that this was another great novel by Jay Crownover, whose real name I finally got, by reading more than just the story :)

Love, lost, trust and change is prevalent. There is a handle for every one and I absolutely love the beginning quotes of the epigraph. My favorite quote was among them and that alone had me ready and rearing to go.

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" - Eleanor Roosevelt

Truer words have never been spoken!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21081345-nash

Forever Us By Sandi Lynn

Some might say I harp on this series way too much but it's because I see so much untapped potential. I am proud now to say that finally there has been some noticeable changes! So much is going on this go that even Connor's father has decided to speak for the first time!! x_x

Yes! He is not autistic or mute and is quite the philander! Yes people! Drama galore and that's not even the best part.

I got to know the Connor of the present, because his past is still a mystery and that won't be tapped into anytime soon. I did however get to understand him as a father and as a husband. Being a CEO took the back seat and I saw how compassionate he could be and the connection he shared with Denny. He also finally got friends younger than 60, even if it was just one :)

The dual POVs were a brilliant idea that complemented the flow of the story and helped to eliminate the need for another novel structured like 'Forever you'. Getting the opportunity to see Julia grow was great and I only wish that we could have gotten that with Collin also. Maybe she should have had twins o.O

I finally took notice that this series has no real sense of time. I don't know the year we started or finished. However, the avenue that this story takes, makes it difficult to navigate real world time because by the end of this novel, at least 23 years have passed. See the dilemma?

Ellery seems to get less sensitive the further we get in this series. The almost soft spoken good Samaritan seems like quite the fiery wench now. She keeps getting into brawls and arguments with 98% of the women in this novel. She seemed meek and soft spoken before, but she has grown and I don't see her volunteering in soup kitchens anymore. Didn't know remission did that. Then again, she has a new baby!

Speaking of which, it was great to see them work through parenthood and all of Julia's baby problems. They still fight, but they work it out like adults and almost made it without spending an extensive time apart. There was more cancer in this novel, but this time Ellery was speared. It wasn't as touching as Ellery's, but as I said before in my review of the previous novel, cancer is no joke!

If it is even possible, Ashlyn got even crazier and Phil, who I never took much stock of until now, joined her on the crazy train. There were many random plots thrown into this story that I think had their good and bad moments.

It wasn't only Connor and Ellery moving on, as Peyton and Henry did some restructuring themselves. I didn't see the pressing difference of Mason and Landon in NYC but I guess it was a service to Ellery. Though not much, we finally got some family time and history with and from Connor. I do believe that he needs anger management classes and maybe two AA meetings. The man drinks a lot of scotch!

As usual, to the end of this novel, we got an epilogue to prepare us for the next novels in the series. I loved those final scenes and wished we could have had a smoother transition and spend some time watching both Julia and Collin grow up. Julia is quite the replica of Ellery and Collin is just as mysterious as his dad.

Overall though, I think this was a good solid update on the Black's and how they have grown since 'Forever Black'. There were a few deja vu scenes but they were done in humour and I never had to review a scene I experienced before. It was fresh material even when it got a little far fetched.

I am anticipating reading 'Being Julia' because this installment showed me growth and improvement in not only the characters, but the writing style. If Julia is anything like Ellery, then this should be a fun ride!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17698038-forever-us

Forever You By Sandi Lynn

I expected this novel to be all about Connor and his journey to Ellery with a mixture of events from 'Forever Black' that we we were and weren't privy to. What we got was Connor's summary of "Forever Black', the standard chapter from Ellery's POV, that was not mentioned in 'Forever Black' and  few new scenes. We still haven't gotten done to the babies part and a lot of other details that I expected Connor to fill were once again skimmed, leaving me to ask why bother write them a second time? I am guessing that these missing scenes will be shared in 'Forever Us'.

While I know a little more about Connor now, It still wasn't the things needed to make me connect with his character. There is still so much missing and unexplained about the man whose last name dominates this series. It was like reading 'Forever Black', but with Connor's eyes. I love the times that we focused on the things in his life that never had any impact on his relationship with Ellery. Somehow though, he still felt distant.

I get his penchant for living a certain lifestyle, but why doesn't he have any friends? Why is his driver, who is suppose to be old enough to be hid father, the only one who he can call a friend? Him and his maid?

I take cancer more serious that I do any other disease. I even hate writing or talking about it, that's how serious my fear is. I understood the connection from book 1. I felt Ellery' fear but this go, it was missing, even while we recounted the same exact scenes from book 1. Emotions and Connor Black are just not synonymous. I am not saying I didn't understand his fear, because Lord knows not many people understand him, myself included, but those scenes that made me stop and look before, once again felt like summaries.

It's true that saying about walking a mile in someone else's shoes, because Ellery was a different person in this novel. Connor Black obviously has on the darkest pair of rose glasses when it comes to Ellery Lane. She didn't even seem selfish nor did their fights seem as frequent. Maybe it's because I technically read this story before or maybe Ellery started all the fights.

The character of Ashlyn baffles me, especially with how her character was portrayed. I know she is extremly manipulative and that's all that matters. Connor is a pansy that fuels her brand of crazy and quite frankly, the man needs to learn more than how to swipe a card and toss around a few bills. The man even pays a next man to stop dancing with his girl. Where they do that at? o.O

We got the results of Ellery's excruciating immunotherapy treatments and glimpses of the wedding preparation and day itself . I strongly believe that Connor needs a change in therapist and more friends, because he already pays Denny to do and say the things his therapist does. Denny even gives better advice!

Maybe he doesn't notice them, but the fawning women were at a minimum this go, even though the sex was still vanilla with even more elaboration. Oh goody! -_-

I think this novel needed it's own identity and not a summary and play by play of 'Forever Black' with some missing scenes. It was like a director's cut. I wanted to see Connor in his world while he adjusts to add Elle. I didn't need a full recollection of the story I read couple hours ago. Also, what is up with Connor's father? Is he autistic too, because the man has yet to say a word and we are two novels deep!

I am hoping that 'Forever Us' will leave behind the summary of the two previous novels and focus on the future. I am very much interested in reading 'Being Julia' and 'Collin' but we have to pass this bridge first and I would prefer if it wasn't something I read less than an hour ago.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17404452-forever-you

Forever Black By Sandi Lynn

This is a billionaire romance novel, with it's own spin. It had a really good start and then they had sex and it all went in the crapper :(

'Forever Breaking up' is my title for this novel. I am not surprised this book has so many installments because Sandi Lynn is not short of issues for this couple to knit pick and bicker about. They are incapable of being on the same page with everything in life. They are drastic and dramatic, as they spend more time fighting and apart than they spend together.

I don't know when they fell in love or decide to become a couple, because one minute they decide on a friendship and it's going good. Next thing I know, their a couple and every single thing on God's green earth is a fight between them! They are complete opposites, but when they aren't at each other's throat, they make the cutest couple, especially Ellery from Connor's POV.

Chunks of this story were missing. There were numerous conversations, decisions and emotions that we weren't apart of and only got the end result. Points in question ... them turning a couple; getting married; having a family. The last time I left them, they were fighting a life threatening illness that I think might have left and came back a third time. There is an air or mystery and their is just complete ignorance. Guess where the readers fell? -_-

I had hoped that the sex scenes could have been traded in for one on one time getting to know someone else other than Ellery, whether it be Connor or her relationship with Peyton. If they had gotten one full sex scene and then elude to the act thereafter, that would be fine. As is, they were basic, uninspiring and weren't as steamy as I would expect from Connor Black. They were pretty vanilla and I forgot them as they were over.

Most of the conversations, especially between Ellery and some minor characters, were jumbled and confusing. It was abrupt in it's flow like most major changes in this novel. They were instantaneous, angry, confusing and ended as soon as they began. The one thing I can give them as a couple, is their fights. They were epic and done with great conviction and execution. It had the right amount of insecurities, reactions and conviction.

Even though as a reader, we were able to quickly decipher her illness, I respected and connected with her more when she was being pumped with pills and chemical cocktails. People's reactions to illness, no matter how brief, can't be helped. This section of the novel stripped both her and Connor and gave us a side of them we never get. It was vulnerable and showed them leaning on each other as she fight for her life and he tries to hold it together for her while she fights. They were the model couple when she was screaming, crying, vomiting and fighting for her life.

Yes, she is selfish, but I like Ellery. Love her name a lot also. She has her faults and she is one crazy woman, but I happen to like crazy. She was fiery, out spoken and full of sarcasm and wit. I like that she wasn't shy and she did what she wanted and spoke her mind frequently. She isn't allowed to judge anyone ever in life, but when she decides to take her's serious, she makes a good heroine that whether you are ill or not, you can relate with. Let's be real ladies, we have had one or more of these fights with men in the past.

I don't know enough about Connor to make a sound judgement on him, because we really spent a lot of time with Ellery and she spent most of it running from him. His family is eccentric to say the least and he seems to carry around every one's baggage in life. The women in his life seem intent on driving him crazy and while he isn't the best at resolution and being the bigger person, he works it out occasionally. There is literally one chapter in this novel from his POV and I believe it is the driving force behind me reading the rest of this series. That and the potential of reading their future children stories, something we hardly get in this genre. It was through this POV that I got to know the man behind his financial situation and the fact that he attracts more women than a gynecologist.

I always hated novels that make it seem like women are catty wenches who bat their eyelashes at the heroine's man every where he goes. This book has it in spades! It's extremely unrealistic and made me wanna cage him and donate him to the Smithsonian with how ridiculous it was.

Potentially epic story line, with a weak development and progression that failed the overall body of work. Ellery and Connor could work, because they are passionate and able to withdraw both good and bad from each other. We, on the other hand, need to know them pass their hangups.

The illness elements of this novel saved it for me and gave it dynamics. However, it wasn't enough to cover up the horrendous conversations and lack of proper development, progression and most importantly for them, transition. It felt rushed and summarized and I feel that it needed more pages, time and details.

It could have been epic and I am disappointed it gave up half way.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17286162-forever-black

Underworld Champions By Ella Stone

Everyone keeps talking about this book being similar to some other biker novel. I haven't read that other novel, so I can't confirm or deny, but from my perspective, I think this novel brought it's own flavour to the world of bikers. I also appreciate that it was set in Australia, as oppose to the US and they spoke of their US charters instead of the other way around.

Once you have read one biker novel, you've read them all. The basics are the same, the names are ridiculously inappropriate or aiming to drive fear and the women are doing and aiming for the same thing. I have yet to find one on the caliber of Madeline Sheehan's 'Undeniable' series, but this one didn't do too bad in my opinion, I have definitely read worse.

There were some overly sappy moments and a few conversations that were premature in my opinion, but I eventually acclimated to it all and appreciate it for the individuality it possess for me.

Maddie is not your usual broken girl or biker novel heroine. Yes, she had a rough life, she is running from her past and a person in said past, but she faces it all like such a trooper. She doesn't curse and moan about her sad life and if not for her nightmares and occasionally voiced insecurities, you would never know that she is a really damaged girl that isn't even looking for love. She is looking for a better future and life, I would actually believe her if she gave that cheesy romance line of not looking for love.

Maddie is feisty, witty, straight forward and has no problem speaking her mind. She take what she wants and makes no apologies for it. She is a bad ass and I hate seeing her lose some of that fire as the novel progressed; She fell into a mold and she wasn't the girl that challenged biker's with guns and broke into their homes.

I don't understand or know much about Cole, or his feelings for Maddie, but he says they are there and they seem to work as a couple.We didn't get much of his back story, but there was so much going on that I didn't notice until the end. His family is a mixture of depravity, confusion and so much more.

Speaking of endings, this one was sad and depressing. I think it all happened too fast for the impact it possess and regardless of what the author wants us to think, I do blame Maddie and I am sure others do and will in the upcoming novel. The lost was surreal and personal for readers. It was over so fast that I didn't get time to reflect or review on the fallen. Major characters, that I expected to maybe even get a book of their own, didn't make it to the last page. I started hoping for the fairy tale recovery and after math. I got none :(

Maddie and Cole are like bunnies, so expect a lot of sexing all over the place. Public and private. It was entertaining to hear how some members got their alias and I definitely think Mango tops the bunch :)

Tthe story line is a good one but I would have loved to spend more time with Maddie and her immediate family. I didn't mind the insta-romance, but I wanted some family time too. I think it was important in this novel, especially as we got to the end.

This is a quick read, because I got up, read it then got ready for work. It's fast-paced, sticking to the points and wasting no time in getting to the matters at hand. It replicates no other biker romance novel that I have ever read and the characters and their personalities grow on you. I never heard of Aussie bikers before, don't even know if they exist, but I did like this story and have no problem reading the next one.

It's not perfect, gripping or that intriguing of a novel, but it's interesting enough and comprises of a different point of interest and scenery. Not only are the hero and heroine far from shy, they follow their own rules and take us on quite the ride down under!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20625140-underworld-champions

Death of a Rock Star By N.J. Frost

Have you ever read a book that just left you with this buzz where you just can't wait to share it with the world and waiting on the conclusion is ripping you to pieces? Well, So have I and I can't wait until I get to read more!

If the prequel and the preview of the first novel in this series is anything to go by then sign me up! I was beating on my kindle, wanting more, even knowing that all I was getting was a preview.

I think this will be my first real, gritty, rock star romance novel. It's not glamorous, it's full of history, truth, angst and a playlist that's to die for!! (Sorry Jamie)

I spent a hour, before going to bed, to start and complete this novella. I was hooked from the first word and I never want to let go. There is a raw passion and vibe in both the characters and their works. I wanted to experience life with Jamie around, get in the mind of Sylvie (hate her name btw) and experience every high with Blake. I want it all, even knowing the outcome for Jamie.

N.J. Frost even went as far as to give us a Jamie POV. It is sad, haunting and strikes a nerve. This novella was jam packed with emotions and I can just imagine what a roller coaster ride the story itself will be.
The current characters are filled with conviction and spice. The drama is real and constant. I was extremely emotional for a few pages, that's really suppose to help get me ready for the main event.

This group of characters are eclectic and I am waiting to see where this will all go. I won't say there is potential, because that's a given! I just really hope the final product lives up to this unmistakingly good preview. I am excited, buzzed and waiting on the release of this story, that drags you throw the dark side of rock and roll, all the way across the pond!

It will be epic!!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18713426-death-of-a-rock-star

Crashed By K. Bromberg

Not very often this happens, actually, it's the first. At the beginning of composing my review, I had to read my review on the two previous books. I don't know what happened, but for the life of me, I just couldn't remember my emotions from the books before.

Now that I am all caught up, I would like to believe, that it is the uniqueness of this series, where each installment gets better as it relates to character and story development, but it's also equal parts unmemorable.

It was too long and could have been trimmed down to half it's size. The contradiction to this very statement is further below. Watch out for it, because it can't be helped. I was intrigued, bored, intrigued, bored and this continued to the very end. It was an endless loop. In it's quest to cover all the bases, it wasn't such the home run I anticipated it to be.

There has always been a soft undertone to this story and it was present in this installment also. I call these novels 'comfort zone' novels. They are comfortable to read and will take you days sometime to finish, but they aren't bad, they are just slow to build and keep, so you move as such. Momentum's aren't kept but the details are exquisite to the point of you getting bored.

Colton. I can definitely say I know him better now. He is quite the romantic and I have never read about a scavenger hunt of this caliber in a romance novel before. It woke me right up and placed a smile on my face that had people wondering if I was losing my ever loving mind! Good job on that buddy! You totally claimed the checkered flag for that one!

I completely forgot my disconnect with Rylee, until I read my previous reviews. That's what I call, the power of a backbone! She had it all and more in this novel. This is a relationship, a partnership, a struggle. This is how two adults fudge through the mess life has dealt and find their way together. I have always commended this novel for it's approach. 'I love you' is not an insta marriage proposal and it helped me to appreciate Colton's journey to his perfect epilogue.

The details of this novel was spectacular, especially the racing scenes. I have always loved when an author gets some research in and it reflects in her work. I never missed a skipping heart beat, sigh or moment of impact. I was at the edge and in between. If nothing else, I lived for those racing scenes! I say take out the detailed sex scenes and give us more time on the track!

The boys were not to be left out in this installment and I will say that I had hold out hope that they might have adopted them all, but that's not how rich people stay rich, unless your Brad and Angelina :)
The moments spent with them and their incorporation into everything Rylee was wonderful! I'd also like a job like Rylee's, because the way they lived in hospitals throughout this novel is unprecedented! Especially because they aren't doctors or nurses.

I believe in and of this couple. Their struggles, solutions and path to their ending was not an easy one. It was filled with almost weekly obstacles and the reveals and cleansing was lethargic. Everything is done in it's own time frame, even at the cost of other details. This however, does not deduct from the fact that I got bored frequently and at one point was only reading to finish. I had to take breaks, it was the only way to not be cynical with my review when I was done. It was too long and too detailed, but it was also those details that kept it from becoming a complete failure.

I can promise you that this book covers it all. On top of that, there is a little surprise for readers from K.Bromberg at the end. Get your copy, get a long flight or vacay and close the chapter on Rylee, Colton and the boys. If I could ask for anything else from this series, it would be a Zander novel. Read it get to claim your own checkered flag at the end.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17880714-crashed

Cherry Girl By Raine Miller

Neil and Elaina is the perfect couple. No fuss, no doubt, it's all rainbows and sunshine with these two. I however, could have done without reading about them. When I began reading this story, I totally thought I was reading about Gabrielle and Ivan (totally had to do a kindle search on that) and then I realized who they were my mood plummeted a little :(

I fell asleep and took a lot of breaks to complete this novel. I literally had to power through the last 15% just so I could move on to another novel. I am obsessive like that and I hate to start one book without finishing another. It's not that this story wasn't well written, it's more the focus and elaborations. There are many elements to the story, that could have aided in the monotonous tone of this novel, but they were benched in favour of issues that no one (meaning me) was interested in.

The constant basic sex did nothing for me either. At times I contemplated skipping the sex scenes but I never skip scenes when I am reading a book for the first time, plus these two seem quite vocal while the act is going on.

I liked young Neil and Elaina (totally forgot her name for a minute there, almost called her 'Cherry Girl'). They were funny, witty and definitely a little on the wild side. The moment they announced and began to explore those feelings it all went into the crapper!

I wanted bad, boozed up and high like a kite Elaina fantasizing about the much older, playboy Neil. They worked for me. Sappy Neil and stammering Elaina, of this lifetime, was boring and I barely finished this novel if not for my strong sense of determination :)

Even the conversations at times became pointless, space fillers, in a novel that doesn't even reach 300 pages. The climatic moments were flat and it's in writing my review, I realize that I completely disregarded them for what they were. I also found myself re-reading a fair amount of paragraphs, because my attention span as it relates to this novel was nil. It took as little as, Neal describing sex with Elaina, for me to start wondering if there's anything new on Netflix -_-

If I hear the word 'cherry' in a sentence again for the rest of this month I might just go crazy! Believe me, you can't possibly forget the title of this book or the color of Elaina's hair or any other cherry reference! This book certainly brought attention to the fruit, because I for one, have never been that big of a cherry fan. It's more a garnish for me and that's what this book should have been for the Blackstone series.

I think they were the "star couple" from the 'Blackstone Affair' series and by star I mean, the couple-we-all-wanna-be type. As for them getting a whole novel for themselves? No bueno!

They are great together as a couple, they have a lovely back story, potential and a great foundation. Their families, support system and struggles are real. I don't doubt the sincerity of their love and their relationship, but that's also why people (meaning me) will watch 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' over 'Tori and Dean', it's much more interesting!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19072743-cherry-girl