The Love Game by Emma Hart

The Love Game by Emma Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The hunter is about to become the huntee when Maddie Stevens is challenged to take down the cocky bad boy of University of California, Braden Carter. She hates everything about Braden, she knows the type well and has managed to avoid his type with a passion. Maddie's challenge is knock Braden down a notch by using all of her feminine wiles to get him to fall head over heels in love with her within a month, and then walk away without an ounce of remorse.

Braden knows who Maddie is, hell most of the men in his fraternity have set their eyes on her. He also knows she doesn't like him one bit, when a challenge is thrown by his friends to get her to fall in love with him within a month, the thought of finally being able to take her to bed is to hard to resist. Of course there is a major hitch, Braden has no idea on how to date, woo, or any of the other romantic things potential boyfriends are supposed to do, that's what google is for right?

Written from both perspectives, I thought this story was refreshing. Loved Braden, he is a jerk and a bit of a man whore but oh is he yummy. He has no clue and manages to bungle quite a bit, but as he falls deeper into his role of trying to capture Maddie's heart he finds he is liking what he is feeling. Maddie knew going in to this she would have to keep her feelings at the door, but there is something charming about Braden and although he makes a mess of things, she can't seem to stop falling for him.

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Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caleb Becker has served his time, as a teen bent on having fun he hit next door neighbor in drunk episode, leaving her and ultimately arrested for the hit and run. He is ready to go back home and get back into a routine, but wishing it would be easy is far from what he receives. Rumors surround him now as a criminal, everyone waiting for him to screw up and he had not expected the damage he did to Maggie Armstrong to be a constant reminder of his mistakes.

Maggie not only lost her ability to walk that day, she lost her best friend Caleb's sister. Her friends quickly fell into the woodwork as she was tied to a wheelchair and recovering. Now she walks with a limp and is teased about it, the stares, the wish to be anywhere else but Paradise is constantly hovering in her thoughts.

The last person she wants to see is Caleb, but when her job and his mix they find that both are haunted with the past and experiencing similar issues as they try to move forward. Caleb falls for Maggie, Maggie is falling for Caleb but outside influences are determined to keep them apart.

I thought this was a profound story, initially I wanted to hate Caleb for his selfishness however you change your mind. He is angry and as the story evolves you learn a lot more about that fateful night that destroyed two futures. Maggie, oh Maggie, she is a tough one and you just want to embrace her with a huge hug. I am anxiously awaiting the next book, definitely kleenix worthy.

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Savage by Willow Rose

The year is 1983. Christian is 22 years old when he leaves his home in Denmark to spend a year in Florida with a very wealthy family and go to med-school. A joyful night out with friends is shattered by an encounter with a savage predator that changes his life forever. Soon he faces challenges he had never expected. A supernatural gift he has no idea how to embrace. A haunting family in the house next door. A spirit-filled girl who seems to carry all the answers. An ancient secret hidden in the swamps of Florida. One life never the same. One love that becomes an obsession. Two destinies that will be forever entangled.

Savage is a paranormal romance with some language, violence, and sexual situations recommended for ages sixteen and up

Review:

In 1983 twenty two year old Christian arrives  in Florida to go to med school.  The difference between his home life in Denmark and that of the wealthy family he is staying with is vastly different.  Invited out to meet new friends should have been the time of his life, instead Christian is attacked by a predator and nothing is ever the same again.

After the attack the town wants to hunt down the jaguar who attacked Christian, but something from within is wanting Christian to protect the beast.  When subtle changes begin to happen and uncanny abilities appear, Christian knows the answers lie with the Jaguar.  When he meets Aiyana the puzzle begins  to fit together, but not without it’s share of secrets and mysteries still needing to be solved.

Definitely set up for another sequel.  I thought this was remarkably different than other paranormal stories, especially coming from Christians point of view.  This had a little bit of everything a good book should have mixed into a captivating tale that keeps you curious from beginning to end.

Author:

Willow Rose writes Paranormal Romance, fantasy and mystery. Originally from Denmark she now lives on Florida’s Space Coast with her husband and two daughters. She is a huge fan of Anne Rice and Isabel Allende. When she is not writing or reading she enjoys to watch the dolphins play in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Leopard Moon by Jeanette Battista

Leopard Moon by Jeanette Battista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When wereleopard Kess is attacked by her own brother, she flees knowing she is no longer safe in her home. Heading from one town to another hoping not to be captured, Kess never feels she can truly relax. When she arrives in the mountains of North Carolina, she feels at ease at least for a little while.

Meeting Cormac was not in her plans, but his tenacity with wanting to get to know her has her wishing she could act on her feelings. Cormac is not all that he seems though and once he realizes Kess's secrets he plans to keep her safe and by his side. Problem is her brother believes she is his and won't let her go.

Entrancing read, I liked this story quite a bit. Kess is a powerful young woman who doesn't quite realize the strength she carries within her self. Cormac sees that in her, but he also sees the need she has to be cared for. I liked Cormac, he is smitten right off and a bit goofy about how to handle it. Will definitely read the next one.

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V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram

V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Val Jensen is dumped by her boyfriend of three months because she wants to save herself for marriage, it was a blow but she could live with his decision. What she couldn't live with is the fact that he inferred to everyone at a party that they did have sex and it was lousy, hence the dumping and the fact that he is all over another girl minutes after their breakup. As if a switch went on Val in an overly dramatic moment announces to the school lunchroom she is a Virgin and proud of it and some other carefully crafted comments that end up on you tube and Val becoming a sensation.

Could life get any worse for Val? When she meets rock star and bad boy Kyle Hamilton he thinks she will fawn all over him, boy is he wrong and when he discovers her you tube video he sees it as a challenge one he plans to accept. Val though has no problem shooting him down and a war between the sexes begins.

I thought this was a cleverly crafted book, it was funny, sad, never wracking, it really embodied the essence of teen angst. I thought Val was wise beyond her years and loved that she stuck to her principals and she is not perfect doing it either. Kyle was full of charisma and you can't quite figure out which path the book is going to take until the very end. Planning to read more from this talented author.

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Hooked by Liz Fichera

Hooked by Liz Fichera
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Native American Fredrika "Fred" Oday has caught the interest of her high school golf coach. Her relentless practice and natural grace on the green has him believing they can finally have a winning year. The problem is there is only one golf team and it is a boys team. Taking the spot of one of the school's most popular boys has put a target on her back and brought her the notice of Ryan Berenger who has had everything handed to him on a golden spoon.

Ryan doesn't want anything to do with Fred, especially be her partner on the green. Of course it would be easier said than done, especially when he keeps noticing subtle things about her that makes him even more curious about who she is.

Fascinating story, I thought the level of feelings each character had was very powerful. Ryan is floundering, he is following his friends guidance and making poor choices. I think this is what drew him to Fred, she is quiet, out of place, but has this strength about her that is eye opening. She deals with the prejudice of being a rez kid in a sea of well off families, somehow she pulls her strength together to make a new life for herself.


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Going Under by Georgia Cates

Going Under by Georgia Cates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Claire Deveraux is popular, smart, and going out with the football star named Forbes Henderson of the school. Everything about her life is perfect in the eyes of others, but to Claire she can't help but wonder if she is missing something in her perfectly planned out life.

Jessie Boone is completely opposite, he is from the wrong side of the tracks, confrontational, and the new quarterback on the football team. When Forbes makes an attempt to get back his starring role, Jessie decides to go after Claire to mess with him, but there is something about Claire especially when her hackles are up that draws Jessie in. Could polar opposites connect, an interesting story evolves that will change their lives forever.

Good story, I thought it was paced well and it also reminded me why I am so glad I am no longer in school. The antics of the self absorbed never cease to amaze me. Definitely interested in reading the next book.

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Easy by Tammara Webber

Easy by Tammara Webber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Following her heart Jacqueline Wallace leaves her own dream of being a bassist behind to attend college with her boyfriend, that is until her sophomore year when in a very selfish way he dumps her after three long years. Lost, hurt, and trying to regain her pride Jacqueline is attacked when a random stranger comes to her aid.

Raw and feeling powerless, Jacqueline is holding on by a fragile string realizing that Lucas, the man who saved her is in her econ class and there is no avoiding him. Jacqueline after taking her heartbreak respite is failing her econ class, assigned to a tutor she has never met begins a new delicate and confusing relationship with Lucas but at the same time has a flirty banter with her tutor online.

Her attacker has made it clear he plans to have her willing or unwilling, pulling Lucas closer to her side but he has secrets of his own and when it comes to him he holds her at a safe distance.

I thought this was beautifully written, Jacqueline is interesting because she has a kick ass best friend who is like a battleship ready to go full force and Jacqueline holds on to some of her theories on dating. I thought this was very realistic, especially the ex-boyfriend and the aftermath of what happens when two people split, especially to the person who followed the others lead. Highly recommend.

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Fragile by M. Leighton

Fragile by M. Leighton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hardy Bradford believes in rituals, his father has drilled them into his head. As a rising Quarterback entering his senior year, the one ritual he can't wait to break is to end his long term relationship with popular cheerleader Cheyenne. Her vapid, self-absorbed attitude has become even more warring on him. With his rambling thoughts swirling around his head he comes across the most beautiful sight he has ever seen, a young girl his age whose every breath and little reactions to things burrow there way into his heart, he is immediately mesmerized by her.

It has been five months since Hardy has seen her, but he still thinks about her often. When the girl walks into his chemistry class he finally gets to attach a name to her, Miracle St. James. His luck continues to grow when he finds himself partnered with him in photography class and a delicate friendship is made. Hardy has never come across someone so genuine and full of appreciation for everything she does as he has with Miracle. When his girlfriend sees her as competition though she goes out of her way to make sure Miracle knows her place, revealing something very private that sends Hardy reeling and changing his rituals in a dramatic way.

Miracle is used to people walking away once they realize she is a cancer survivor, but she feels like she is on borrowed time and chooses to look the other way instead of letting it bother her. She is afraid of what Hardy wants to offer, his promises of staying by her side have her wishing it were true but she is also scared about if her kidney fails where it would leave him in all this.

I thought this was a powerful story. I laughed, cried, and cheered for Hardy who finds himself becoming the man he wants to be and releasing those outside pressures that have been slowly chipping away at him. The story is told from Hardy's POV which I liked a lot because he is conflicted with his feelings and frustrated that Miracle is not as hard to read, he fumbles but the one thing he never wavers on is his commitment to her. Passionately written, well worth reading.

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Book Cover Love: The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

I picked up this book solely because of the cover, I like the burst of red and the way you see a hint of the main character, but leaves you with enough mystery that you can conjure up your own images. 

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chloe is your average fifteen your old teenager, until the day her body changes and she beings seeing ghosts. Sent away to the Lyle House to treat what she has been diagnosed with "seeing things that aren't there". Chloe finds the house holds secrets of it's own and as she begins to get to know the other teens at the house she finds they have more in common than she thinks.

A fantastic read, difficult to put down.

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Evermore by Alyson Noel

Evermore by Alyson Noël
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Since the accident that claimed her families life, sixteen year old Ever has been able hear peoples thoughts, see their aura's and if she happens to touch them she knows every secret they hold. Ever never asked for what others may call a gift, she calls a curse. Moved to a new school, she is a bit of a loner only befriending two friends who are outcasts as well. That is until Damen Augeste arrives at school, and has an interest in bringing her out of her shell. Damen is a puzzle to Ever, when she is near him, the voices are silenced but there is something to the mysterious boy who has her falling head over heels in love.

I liked this book, was drawn in by Damen and trying to figure out his secrets. When the book ended though I have a few questions that still have gone unanswered and I hope they present themselves in the next book. Reminded me a bit of Twilight, but the hero is trying to pursue the one he loves rather than push her away. Has some enchanting moments that readers will love.



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