Friday, September 30, 2016

Weekly Reading Update 9/23 - 9/29/16!




Another week, another update!

It's actually Tuesday as I'm writing this, because I will be out of town for the rest of the week - and therefore unable to set this up on Thursday afternoon like I usually do. But I read plenty over the weekend, so I'll still have more than enough to share for this week.

I was going through a nostalgic phase, and I remembered these books I used to read in grade school - Horrible History by Terry Deary. So because I was so desperate to read them again, to see if they are as good as I remember, I managed to get Cut-throat Celts from our interlibrary loan program.. And let me tell you, I enjoyed it just as much now as I did back then.

Continuing on in my nonfiction phase, I picked up Foundations of Chinese Civilization: The Yellow Emperor to the Han Dynasty by Jing Liu. This is a graphic novel history of China, or at least part of it. Considering how much history they packed into this book, I think it was well done. The art just didn't work for me as much as I had hoped.

Needing some fiction to get me back in the mood for the books I needed to review, I picked up The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert. This has been on my to-read shelf for far too long. And I mean that literally. I checked this out from the library ages ago. And now that I've read it, I'm mad I waited so long! I loved this, and I can't wait to get to the next book in the series and see how James manages to redeem himself (or not?)!

I focused on review books after this, so for-fun reading was put on hold. But that doesn't mean what I read wasn't fun. As you can tell by the reviews this week, I had a stream of great reads. And finishing that off, I read Ruthless by Lexi Blake to review for Romance Reviews Today. Oh man, this was so good. I hated having to stop when my lunch break was over. So I rushed home, quickly finished packing for my work trip, then curled up to see how Riley gets himself out of the hole he dug with his lies. So good! I can't wait for the next book. And I will definitely have to check out more by Lexi Blake.

Well that's it for me this week - at least so far.


Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Review: THE ROCKERS SERIES by Terri Anne Browning!

Release Date: Series began in January 2013

Type: Bundle, Series, Rock stars, Contemporary, Growing up together.

My Review: I'm going to start this review by saying I only read the first book in this series - but I will be reading the rest. I didn't want to review too many of them at once, because I was afraid I'd start to get characters confused with different plots. But while I don't think this is the best book ever, I did enjoy it. It's not good for the mind, maybe, but your soul loves it.

I did have some issues with the story - there are quite a few instances that would never happen in real life. But I can easily get past that, considering the reason I read fiction is that it is not real life. What I deeply disliked was how judgmental Em was. She called other women every name in the book, because they wanted to sleep with the guys. But Em also wanted to sleep with one of them, so she doesn't have too much ground to stand on. Oh, but that's different because it's lurve, right? 

The next book in the series is queued up, ready for reading - so obviously I liked this well enough to need more. 

Cover Lovin': Simple, and the title is hard to read, but not bad.

Recommendation: You'll want to read these in order, since the first book gives some of the band's backstory.

Final Rating: THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (3.5/5). This is what I would call crack-fic. You know it's not good for you, but you just don't want to stop.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~



THE ROCKER SERIES by Terri Anne Browning


The Rocker Who Holds Me (The Rocker, #1)

Touring with four rockers is the thing of dreams At least that is what people tell me. To me those four rockers are my family. They have watched over me from the time I was five years old. Protecting me from my mother and her drunken, drug addict rages. When they made it big they still watched over me. And when my monster of a mother died they took over as my guardians. In the six years since that happened I have watched over the four men that mean everything to me. I take care of them just as they once took care of me. I handle all the dirty work behind the scenes of a rockers life. It isnt always pretty. At times it can be damn near disgusting, especially when I have to get rid of their one night stands. Ugh! Taking care of them doesnt bother me though. I mean its not like Im in love with one of them. That would be crazy. Falling for a rocker is NOT smart. Okay, so Im not smart. I love my guys, and one of them kind of holds my heart in his big old rocker hand. But Im dealing. Ive been able to keep it my little secret for years now. I'm not, however, dealing with this bug that I seem to have caught. It scares the hell out of me. I hate doctors, but Im suddenly more worried about finding out what is wrong with me than what the doctor might do to me. When I get my test results back my life will never be the same again

Buy Links: (Kindle Unlimited)

The Rocker Who Savors Me (The Rocker, #2)

Layla has had a hard life. On her own at a young age, always having to do what needed to be done just to survive. Now she has two other people depending on her and she needs a job fast before they get evicted. A job interview introduces her to Jesse Thornton, the delicious drummer for Demons Wings. He reminds her of all the mistakes of her past, but is also her hope for the future. Jesse has never let anyone in. The only real family he has ever had are his band brothers and Emmiethe only woman he has ever loved. But then Layla comes into his life and he would do just about anything to get one taste. Can he move past his own insecurities and allow this woman into his heart?

Buy Links: (Kindle Unlimited)

  The Rocker Who Needs Me (The Rocker, #3)

The Demon Ive been fighting my own demons for most of my life. The alcohol seems to numb the pain, but it never makes the nightmares go away. All I want in life is a little peace. When I met my angel it felt like I found it, but there is so much standing between us. Why does she have to be so young? The Demons Angel Meeting Drake was the best thing to ever happen to me. I found my friend, my soul mate. But he lets my age stand between us. There is something that haunts him, and I selfishly want to be the one that helps him conquer his ghosts. If he would just let me in, let me closer, I think I could help him

Buy Links: (Kindle Unlimited)

The Rocker Who Loves Me (The Rocker, #4)

I was the fun loving, easy going, different girlokay, different girls every nightDemon. One look into a pair of violet eyes and all of that changed. She doesnt even realize how beautiful she is and that makes me want her even more. Realizing that she is just as damaged as I am breaks my heart. Harper is a part of me, my other half. If only she would open her incredible eyes and see how I feel The Beauty I knew that I wasnt Shane Stevensons type. Hot rockers dont go for plain girls like me. Years of my mother telling me just how unbeautiful I am has assured me of that. I have nothing to offer a guy that is so used to hot girls drooling over him. So why is he always there when I turn around? And why does it feel like little needles piercing my heart at the mere thought of him with someone else?

Buy Links: (Kindle Unlimited)

The Rocker Who Holds Her  (The Rocker, #5)

I had big dreams of how I wanted my life. Becoming a rock star was all I wanted. It would solve so many of my problems. With the money that I would make I was going to take care of my mom, get her out of the hell hole we had been living in all my life. Having your dreams come true isnt something that many people get to accomplish in life. I did, and I loved it. For about a minute Its funny how when you think you have everything you could possible every want, your dreams change. Mine did without my even realizing it. Then I opened my eyes and saw that everything I ever wanted was standing in front of me. From the first day I set eyes on Emmie she became a part of me. The guys and I spent years watching over her, caring for her Loving her. Then without my realizing it my love for her changed. I found myself aching for her, wanting her in a way that a guy like me had no right to want her. My love and need for Emmie became an all-consuming ache that I was helpless to fight against. Would she ever open those big green eyes and see me as anything but a friend?

Buy Links:

The RockersBabies   (The Rocker, #6) 

After the nightmares of our childhoods my guys and I have finally found the happiness we deserve. Shane is getting married, Drake and Jesse are going to be fathers, and Im making my own career with Niks encouragement. Its taken a lifetime, but finally we have moved on I should have known better than to think life was just going to be simple from here on out. I knew from firsthand experience that right when you get comfortable and content those bitches Fate throw a curve ball into the mix. I wasnt expecting the possible tragedy that we are faced with. Im the strong one, the one that has to help the rest of them through the tough times, but I dont know how strong I can be for them through this -Emmie

Buy Links:

The Rocker Who Wants Me  (The Rocker, #7)

Axton I thought I had everything I needed in life. More money than I would ever spend in my lifetime. A successful band that traveled all around the world. Girls throwing themselves at me on a daily basis. A kind of pseudo family in the Demons Wings guys and Emmie. And then she fell into my life. The second my eyes landed on the blonde bombshell with her sassy mouth and those hot piercings and tats, I knew that Id finally found someone I wanted for life. Dallas I fell hard for a Rock God. When it was over, I was left shattered. But I was stronger than anyoneespecially my mothergave me credit for. I picked myself up and worked my ass off to get through nursing school, putting the rest of my life on hold to finally fulfill my dreams. When tragedy strikes, Dallas and Axton are thrown together again. Dallas is along for the ride as OtherWorld goes on a three month tour. Will Axton finally be able to convince her that his feelings go deeper than he first let her see? Or will Dallas be left wondering if Axton Cage was just THE ROCKER WHO WANTS ME?

Buy Links:

The Rocker Who Cherishes Me  (The Rocker, #8)

The marines took me from a Tennessee farm boy and turned me into a hard man. Between the things Id seen during my tour of duty and the things Id done during my years as a member of OtherWorld, nothing could faze me. Nothing. Except for HER. Shes everything that is good in the world. At least, my world. Everything Ive ever done has been for her. Always for her. I feel as if I need her to breathe, to feel alive. But I cant have Marissa. Shes to innocent, to damn perfect. And me? Im not good enough for that girl. She deserves better, someone who would spend their life CHERISHING her. Not breaking her heart. Marissa Between my brother and Wroth Niall Id been protected from the world for most of my life. You would think I was still a little girl the way they treated me. But I wasnt made out of glass. It would take a lot to break this girl. Because if a childhood cancer hadnt kicked my butt, nothing would. Right? Wrong. All Ive ever wanted was for him to look at me. Really look at me and see that I wasnt a fragile piece of porcelain that would break if he touched me. What I got was a lot morebut nowhere close to enough. Once I touched heavenat least heaven for meand now I didnt know how to go back to what Wroth and I had had before. I cant go back to the life I was living before my short time with Wroth. It would destroy me to stay that close, when I know that Im not what he really wants. So when my brother asks me to go on tour with him yet again, I decide to jump on that tour bus without a backwards glance. Only I wasnt prepared to be stuck on HIS bus.

Buy Links:

The Rocker Who Shatters Me  (The Rocker, #9)

A Bet Yes, I made a bet with my best friendmy now ex-best friend. It had been a stupid, heat of the moment kind of thing. Id just wanted to get her out of my system and move one. Instead Ive lived to regret it ever since. I lost the girl I loved, a girl that possessed my very soul. Now I cant even get close to Natalie. She thinks all she ever meant to me was just the means to the end of a stupid, stupid game. For a Bet! In the span of one night Id gone from thinking I had a future with the man I loved to SHATTERED at his feet. I cant get over it. The pain is too strong, too destructive as it festers more and more inside of me. And then my friend came up with the perfect revenge for both our broken hearts. I bet you…” Those three little words gave me a reason to ball my pain up and throw it back in Devlin Cutters face. I would let him back in, let him think he had a chance with me once again. And then I would walk away, leaving him broken and bleeding at my feet as he once had left me. This time he would be the one SHATTERED.

Buy Links:

The Rocker Who Hates Me  (The Rocker, #10)

Liam From the moment I set eyes on that brown eyed, little Italian rock goddess I knew she was meant for me. But my life was too messed up to give her what she needed. So I pushed her awayright into the arms of my bands front manonly to regret it the second I saw them together. The moment they were over I tried to clean up my act and chased after that girl until she was mine. But like always, I let my demons screw with my head and went looking for my next fix. I knew if she found out I would have to choose between the numbness that the drugs gave me, and the best thing that had ever happened to me. I chose wrong. Gabriella The second that I found out Liam was in a car accident that fateful New Years Eve night, I knew Id made the worst mistake in not trying to fight for him. For us. I never should have pushed him away, but tried to help him through his battle with addiction. When he woke up in the hospital and saw me standing beside of him, I knew that I had killed the love he had for me and all that was left was hate. Now, more than a year later, I knew the truth about that crazy night. I knew why hed pushed me out of his life, and I was going to stop at nothing to get the man who owns meheart and soulback. That is if I can survive the night

Buy Links:

The Rocker Who Betrays Me  (The Rocker, #11)

Annabelle
Ive always loved Zander Brockman in some shape or form. The boy who lived next door for the first seventeen years of my life has been my best friend, my confidant, my first crush, and my first love. I trusted him with my life and my heart. When he smiled at me I knew everything was going to be okay
Until it wasnt.
Zander
I havent seen that girl in seventeen years, and Ive missed her every damn day. I knew I wasnt good enough for her, so the night before I left with my bandbrothers for California, I stole a night with her. I lived off those memories. There hasnt been a day that has gone by that I havent wanted to talk to her just one more time, but I knew she deserved a better man than me. Now, after seeing her again, I realize that I didnt care if she should have a better man. My feelings were still as strong as they have ever been for her. I wanted to be with her
But she hated the very sight of me.

Buy Links:

Forever Rockers  (The Rocker, #12)

My Happily Ever After was turning into a living nightmare
All I wanted was Harpers happiness and I would move the world to give her anything she ever wanted. Weve searched for answers, talked about our options, and finallyFINALLYfound hope.

Yet, just when things seemed to be perfect, it all came crashing down around us all. The one person Ive always counted on to hold us togetherto hold me togetherwas lost in her own nightmares and I felt like I was losing everything.

Everything.

I wasnt going to lose the woman I loved. I would hold onto her until the last breath left my body. It was my mistakes that were hurting us and I would be the one to fix it. I wouldnt let my past ruin my forever with Harper.

Buy Links:

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Review: SHOPPING FOR AN HEIR: THE INHERITANCE by Julia Kent

Release Date: September 20th, 2016

Type: Series, Contemporary, Military, Series-but-stand-alone, Let's Get Back Together

My Review: I was a little nervous going into this, because this is actually a later book in the series. But apparently, they work as stand-alones, and Gerald isn't actually related to the family, just works for them. And I'm glad I gave this one a chance, because it really was very cute. I actually chuckled out loud when Suzanne had her terrible dates, forced to deal with negging, and getting conned into talking about very interesting fetish play. And the students in Gerald's art class - what a group!

I probably would have given this book five stars for entertainment value alone, but I had to knock it down a star for feeling like it was over-reaching a little. This plot was well done, fascinating, interesting... but it felt like it was too much for the amount of space this book was given. I needed the end to be more fleshed out. It just felt like it wrapped up too quickly, which felt a bit unsatisfying. So many side characters were given time to shine, it almost felt like Gerald and Suzanne were pushed to the side too often. But I would gladly check out more by this author - I'd especially like to check out Declan's story.

Cover Lovin': Maybe a little cluttered, but everything there is relevant, at least!

Recommendation: I'm a newbie to this series as well, so I'm living proof that there's no prior knowledge necessary. Though I'd love to read Declan's story!

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). This was great. It felt like almost too much plot for the amount of space therein, but I was definitely engaged throughout the whole book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~



About SHOPPING FOR AN HEIR

Gerald Wright works for billionaires. He never imagined he’d become one. 

The former Navy Seal is a chauffeur by day, artist by night, so when hotter-than-ever ex-fiancée Suzanne Dayton interrupts his nude model sculpting class to serve him with inheritance paperwork from a man he’s never heard of, he assumes it’s a joke. 

Turns out the joke’s on him. There’s just one catch. A big one. 

And it might be Suzanne — in more ways than he ever dreamed. 
Get your hands on SHOPPING FOR AN HEIR:


About Julia Kent
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge, and new adult books that push contemporary boundaries. From billionaires to BBWs to rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every book she writes, but unlike Trevor from Random Acts of Crazy, she has never kissed a chicken.

Connect with Julia Kent



Monday, September 26, 2016

Review: CRUSHING ON LOVE by Melissa Foster!

Release Date: September 21st, 2016

Type: Contemporary Romance, Series, Book 4,

My Review: This was, most definitely, a one-sitting read. I couldn't put my kindle down, I was desperate to find out what would happen. This is my second book by Foster, and while I liked the last one, this book blew that one out of the water. Steve and Shannon both broke and healed my heart. The emotions were so raw and genuine in this book, thinking that their relationship might have to end made my heart pound.

This book can be read as a stand alone, which I was quite grateful for - considering how long the overall story is, there's no way I would have been able to catch up. I can tell Steve and Shannon had a bit of a backstory that must have played out in a previous book, I really didn't feel like I was missing out on too much. Though considering the massive amount of couples surrounding them, the people in that town sure are busy getting together.

Cover Lovin': Cute and classic contemporary.

Recommendation: Some prior knowledge might help, but is not required.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars!! I couldn't put it down. I want a Steve of my own.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Today we have the release week blitz by Crushing on Love by Melissa Foster! Check out the excerpt and grab your copy today! col_blogtour About Crushing on Love: cover The Bradens are a series of stand alone novels that may also be enjoyed as part of the larger series.   "You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak   "With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" New York Times Bestseller Julie Kenner   "Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely   In CRUSHING ON LOVE... Steve Johnson is living his life’s passion watching over the Colorado Mountains as a ranger and wildlife consultant. But his peaceful life is upended when overzealous and insanely beautiful Shannon Braden flits back into his life after returning from a brief trip home to Maryland. He thought his attraction to her was under control—after all, she’s only in Colorado temporarily, and he doesn’t do casual affairs.   Shannon’s return to Colorado has as much to do with the game of cat and mouse she and Steve have been playing as it does the data she’s been hired to collect. But despite her efforts to explore the undeniable heat simmering between them, Steve’s intent on keeping his distance.   When a ranch abutting the national park goes up for sale, Steve will do whatever it takes to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. And when all his attempts fail, he’s left with no alternative but to follow Shannon’s guidance into the online world he abhors in order to raise the funds. The more time they spend together, the deeper their attraction becomes, and a game of cat and mouse turns into an unstoppable connection. But when Shannon’s assignment comes to an end, will it mean an end to them, too? *** WANT MORE BRADENS? All Braden books can be read as stand-alone novels or as part of the series:   THE BRADENS (Peaceful Harbor, MD) Healed by Love (Nate) Surrender My Love (Cole) River of Love (Sam) Crushing on Love (Shannon) Whisper of Love (Tempest) Thrill of Love (Ty) *** The Bradens are part of the Love in Bloom big family romance collection. Characters from each sub-series appear in future books. teaser-1 Grab Your Copy Today!! Amazon | Nook | Kobo | GPLAY | Ibooks | Smashwords | Paperback: Amazon US   Exclusive Excerpt: teaser2 SHANNON WATCHED STEVE swing his ax. He was built like the very mountains he loved: strong and stable, with layers of hard-earned muscles born from honest, hard work. Pure perfection. And that hair? Lord. What would it be like to fist her hands in his hair and kiss him? To touch all those hard planes of muscle? To discover the man behind the walls? She told herself those were wants not needs, no matter how much they felt like it. The kind of unrelenting wants that bring a girl to reach beneath the sheets and satisfy her fantasies. Down, girl. Shannon had been surprised by how much she’d missed Steve when she’d gone home for her eldest brother Cole’s wedding. She and Steve hadn’t spent more than a few stolen moments together during the weeks she was here for her first assignment. Usually she’d catch him working on equipment, or in his yard, before she returned to her uncle’s ranch in the evenings. He’d captivated her with his passion for, and endless knowledge about, all things wilderness related. And he was different from most of the guys she knew. He wasn’t hung up on his looks or material things. He was real, with a strong set of values and priorities. Somehow, between their almost daily conversations and weeks of hoping she’d see him, she’d become completely and utterly taken with him. When she’d been offered the assignment and the cabin, she’d accepted without hesitation. She’d missed Steve too much to deny the attraction, and she wanted to see if something might come of it. Now that she was here, her body was thrumming at the mere sight of him. Given that she’d actually asked him about his sex life—and nearly died on the spot when the question slipped out—she desperately needed to rein herself in. He wiped sweat from his brow, his tanned skin glistening in the morning sun. “Need anything from town?” he asked, setting another log on the stump. She couldn’t pry her eyes from his rippling abs and his bulbous biceps flexing with every move. “Town?” He cocked a smile and hoisted the ax again. “Town. You know, the place where people who like Pinterest live?” She forced her eyes away, glancing at the trees swaying in the breeze, the rocks at her feet, anywhere but at him. “I know what town is. I’m just surprised you’re going there.” Everyone knew Steve hated to leave his precious mountain. “Gotta take care of some business.” Going into town was a big deal. Unlike a quick trip to the store from her apartment in Peaceful Harbor, the drive into town took at least thirty to forty-five minutes, depending on which town he was going to. She’d realized last night she’d forgotten two very important supplies. Pop-Tarts and toilet paper. She could probably live with the single roll of toilet paper she had in the cabin for another few days if she needed to, but Pop-Tarts were pretty much a necessity. Besides, maybe she could convince Steve to help her scout gray-fox habitats at dusk. Perfect! “Can I come with you?” she asked hopefully. “I need to pick up a few things.” “I’ll get them for you. What do you need?” She bit her lower lip, willing herself not to fib. But if she asked him to pick up what she really needed, he’d leave and she’d have to go searching for habitats by herself. Now that she’d thought about going later with her yummy mountain man, she’d already settled on it in her mind. “It’s girl stuff. You won’t want to get it.” So much for not fibbing. “Can I please go with you?” She gave him her best pleading look. “I promise not to talk your ear off.” Fib, fib, fib! She had no control over what came out of her mouth, especially around him. He muttered under his breath and set the ax against the stump. “I’m not making a hundred stops.” She leapt with delight and ran over to hug him. Her heel slipped out of her boot and she stumbled into him in a half hug, half full-body-draped-over-Steve embrace. His skin was hot, his body was hard, and getting harder by the second. He smelled like man and musk, and…she was still plastered against him. She cleared her throat and managed, “Thank you.” Using his chest for leverage—yum, yum—she found her footing and pressed her heel back into her boot. “One stop. That’s it. Promise.” “You’re excited to get those supplies.” He picked up the logs he’d chopped and piled them on his forearm like they were toothpicks. “I’m just excited to be back. Maybe at dusk you can help me map out the habitats? It’ll be fun to scope them out together.” He gave her a curious look. “Haven’t heard anyone describe hanging out with me as fun in a long time.” “Then you’re hanging out with losers, and I’m taking that as a yes.” She grabbed the coffee mugs, unable to stop smiling. “I’m leaving in twenty minutes.” “I’ll be back lickety-split.” With a bounce in her step, she headed toward her cabin and heard him mutter, “Lickety-split,” followed by a chuckle. teaser-3 About Melissa Foster: melissa-author-photoo Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family. Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event. newsletter Connect with Melissa: NEWSLETTER: http://www.melissafoster.com/newsletter CONNECT WITH MELISSA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster WEBSITE: http://www.MelissaFoster.com STREET TEAM: http://www.facebook.com/groups/melissafosterfans Enter Melissa’s Blog Tour: a Rafflecopter giveaway    
Release Wee Blitz:
September 21st
September 22nd
September 23rd
September 24th
September 25th
September 26th
September 27th
September 28th