NEW TIJAN BOOK COMING!!!

I'm super excited to be a part of the social media blast for Tijan's new book 'Crew'.

If you've read literally anything I've ever said... you know me deep, undying love for Tijan... I would read her shopping list and probably fall in love with it.

Keep your eyes peeled for what is sure to be one of my new favorite books.. coming soon!

One Small Thing by Erin Watt

A perfect summer read.

Did you know I am a huge Erin Watt fan?  If I haven't screamed it from the roof tops enough - hopefully this review will finally get my point across ;)  I almost pee my pants every time I open my kindle and see that I've received an ARC of one of their books.  EVERYTHING they write is amazing - I've never been disappointed!!  Without further ado... your next favorite book:

"One Small Thing" by Erin Watt is a quick read about loss, grief, love, family, control... it touches on a lot of heavy topics in a way that's both frustrating and eloquent.  Beth and her family are grieving the death of her older sister, Rachel, in very different ways.  Trying to control her every move to keep her safe, Beth's parents are suffocating her.

When Beth finally snaps and sneaks out to a party on the wrong side of town, she meets Chase... who has an even bigger secret than Beth's stifling home life.

Chase has demons and guilt by the bucket loads.  But, Beth gives him a second chance when no one else does... and Beth is the one person who has every reason not to give him a second chance.  The two embark on a secret and forbidden romance with everything working against them.

I LOVED Beth.  She's feisty and independent.  Reading her struggles with her parents was flustering and I felt like Erin Watt nailed the feelings of having overprotective parents.  The way EW wrote about grief was new and eye opening.  Everyone grieves differently, and some steps in the grieving process take longer than others.  Seeing how Beth and her family went through the process was eye-opening, sad and thought provoking.  Even though Rachel has been gone for three years, and one would assume their grieving process would be complete, they are still struggling and using all sorts of coping mechanisms to survive each day.

Chase -- what an epic male lead.  His story is heart breaking, from his part in Rachel's death to his current home life and bullying at school.  His need for atonement pulled at every single one of my heart strings.  His journey to finding his personal redemption was my favorite part of the book.

I felt a little cheated with the ending - it happened quickly, and I wanted MORE!!!!  I loved the story - every part to it.  And I'll be rereading One Small Thing many times.

It made me feel grateful and introspective about my life and finding the one small thing that makes every moment great.

Playlist: One Small Thing

Fallen Heir by Erin Watt

Momma scored an ARC of the newest Erin Watt book "Fallen Heir" - insert happy dance!!

Fallen Heir Playlist

Some spoilers ahead ;) 

First, let me start off by saying I'm not a fan of shoot off novels.  You know the ones I'm talking about? Where the storyline is CLEARLY over but the author keeps squeezing out mediocre novels while trying to ride the momentum of the original story? I'm looking at you Cassandra Clare!

I LOVED the first three books in the Royals series.  LOVED THEM! So, honestly, my expectations for this book were a mix of extremely high and depressingly low.  I mean, how can you compete with the first three books?

That being said - this book exceeded every expectation for me.  And I had a lot of them.  This wasn't what I was expecting at all!  If you would have told me that two women who write romantic novels wrote this book, I would have laughed in your face.  It's like Jen and Elle transported themselves into an eighteen year old boy's body.  I have four younger brothers, so I'm not saying I'm an expert on the teenage boy psyche... but I'm pretty much an expert ;) 

Easton is probably the most realist character I've ever read.  He's not cavalier.  He's not perfect.  He's freaking hilarious and endearing and flawed.  So flawed.  Have you met a teenage boy that's not messed up in some way?  No, you haven't.  And Erin Watt captured that perfectly.  Does Easton harbor feelings for Hartley?  Yes.  Would he jump into bed with another girl if the opportunity presented itself? Probably.  Because he's sexy and entitled and has no self control.  And he knows it.

Anyways - I'm getting ahead of myself!  I was so impressed with Easton's character.  Reading from his point of view was an absolute joy - especially after reading the first three books through Ella and Reed's eyes.  I expected Easton to be a somewhat watered down version of Reed.  Man, was I mistaken.  His voice is crystal clear and so different from Reed's in the previous books.  And this wasn't the romance I was expecting.  It was just completely out of left field and threw me off after every chapter.  I loved it!

I was just pleased as punch about the whole thing.  

Final Score: 10/10 - you saw that coming, didn't you? 

Fallen Heir

The story didn't coattail off the last three books.  Easton is an amazing character to read and this book will take you by surprise is the best ways possible!

Quick Rundown: 

Easton Royal has it all: looks, money, intelligence. His goal in life is to have as much fun as possible. He never thinks about the consequences because he doesn’t have to. 

Until Hartley Wright appears, shaking up his easy life. She’s the one girl who’s said no, despite being attracted to him. Easton can’t figure her out and that makes her all the more irresistible. 

Hartley doesn’t want him. She says he needs to grow up. 

She might be right. 

Rivals. Rules. Regrets. For the first time in Easton’s life, wearing a Royal crown isn’t enough. He’s about to learn that the higher you start, the harder you fall.

Heat Index: 2/5 - Nothing too saucy in the love department, but I can only imagine the future books - heavy sigh. 

Now - more of my thoughts, I know you're all dying to read.

Seriously - I'm stoked on this book.  I loved that this book went a little bit deeper than the previous ones.  Easton has issues.  Big ones.  Addiction - and not a fluffy, passing-by addiction added just for fun. His addiction issues run deep.. really deep.  We get a peek into just how deep seeded his problems are in this book.  It was so interesting to read.  If you've known anyone with addiction issues - EW pretty much nails it on the head.  I felt like I was reading a book by Tijan - which, in my humble opinion, is about the highest compliment ever :)  There was so much depth I wasn't expecting.

Hartley was an interesting character.  Do I like her?  The verdict is still out.  I want to, but I'm still not sure.  She has issues, too, of the familial variety.  She really is a twin soul to Easton - in ways that you don't really see coming.  

The whole gang makes appearances - Ella, Reed (via phone), Val, the Twins, Lauren, Gideon and Savannah.  Some of the new additions fill the holes that Wade and Jordan leave open.  And they're just as awesome as the originals!  Freakin' Felicity (shakes head and rolls eyes).  When you read this book PLEASE come back and tell me how much you want to bitch slap that girl.  I need moral support on this, so just do it.  One aspect I particularly enjoyed was Easton's take on the Twins' relationship with Lauren.  Oooooh - shit's brewing and it's going to be good!! 

SO! When all is said and done - Fallen Heir basically knocked my socks off.  I have four week old twins who are up literally all night -and I stayed up while they were sleeping so I could finish this book.  THAT'S HOW GOOD IT IS!! I can't wait for the next thing Erin Watt gives us! 

Playing with Monsters by Amelia Hutchins

I just finished Playing with Monsters by Amelia Hutchins -- and this is me right now



I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!! Have I got you hooked yet? GOOD! Because, you are going to love this book.  I absolutely fell in love with Amelia's Fae Chronicles (Playing with Monsters is a shoot off of the Fae Chronicles, so read them first!)... and, you know what, I'm gonna say it.  I think this book is better! YEAH I SAID IT!  I think this story has so much damn potential as a series that I am kicking myself for reading it now when the second book isn't out yet.  I my humble, yet awesome, opinion -- this book is DAMN NEAR PERFECT.  It's got everything I love.  A sexy demon, a spitfire heroine, saucy banter, sexy as hell love scene, mystery, slow-burn romance, suspense, action... just go buy it already!

Final Score: 10/10
Playing with Monsters
I loved the world of the witches! Lucian is a big old mystery and Lena is a spitfire and someone I really connected with.  The whole story sucked me in and I. Need. More.  Right. NOW!

Quick Rundown:
My coven has remained hidden in the shadows for centuries.
We’ve avoided the ‘real world’ altogether; hiding from monsters
and other creatures we share this planet with.
We found protection in the Colville National Forest, nestled in a town protected
by magical barriers.
Our powers are locked by an ancient curse, one meant to protect us from being found.
Until now.
The past has a way of repeating itself. A new game is beginning. No one is safe.
He’s coming for me.
He’s hunting.
The monster we’ve run from for centuries has found us.
How far will this deadly game go?
How far will I be able to take it, or will he destroy me and everything I care about?
Will the one thing I can’t live without, be the key to destroying and undoing the past?
Or will the past destroy me before I can save the people I love from what I’ve done.

This is not your run of the mill, cookie cutter romance.  Lena is a tad naive.  Lucian is a tad, um, a huge a-hole.  This is an erotic book... you've been warned.  There are VERY sensitive themes in this book -- there is a warning at the beginning for a reason.  I, personally, wasn't bothered by any of it.  Because I have a tiny little black heart somewhere in my chest.  I felt like everything that happened in the book was important to the story.  It all fit for me.  I can, however, see someone reading this and not feeling that way.  READ the warning at the beginning of the book, for me, for you, just do it. 

Heat Index:
5/5: This is a highly erotic book (yes, please).  Half of it takes place in a sex club, so do I really need to say more?  I love Amelia Hutchins way of writing.  It's not smutty at all, but it is erotic AF.

The Judgement of the Six by Melissa Haag

Today I'm going to convince you to fall in love with The Judgement of the Six series by Melissa Haag! I promise, it won't take much.  First things first.  This series isn't finished.  The first five books are out, along with the first three companion novels (told from the male lead's POV).  The fourth companion novel should be out soon-ish... and it's going to be sooooooo gooooooood.





Final Scores:
Hopeless: 8.5/10
Misfortune: 9/10
Unwise: 10/10
Unbidden: 8/10
Discontent: 9.5/10
Clay's Hope: 8/10
Emmitt's Treasure: 8/10
Luke's Dream: 9.5/10




So, the gist of this FANTASTIC series is this: Gabby, Michelle, Bethi, Carlene and Isabelle are special.  Each of them grow up knowing they are different from everyone else, but don't know why.  They each possess a gift... gift being a generous term.  Along with their gifts, they have side effects that are awful.  On top of that, werewolves exist.  Each girl, through each book, discovers the werewolves, more about their powers and how they all connect.  They need all six to make a judgement.  Each woman has a gift.  Hope, Prosperity, Wisdom, Strength, Peace and Courage.  What also makes these woman special is that they can be the mate of a werewolf.

How's that for a BROAD generalization of eight books for you?  Hopeless is FREE on Amazon, so if you're on the fence you've got nothing to lose by reading a free book!  I promise you will fall in love with the Judgement's world.  Not only are the women amazing, but the men.... oooooh baby.  You'll fall hard for Clay, Emmitt, Luke, Thomas and Carlos -- not mention Gray, Jim and Nana Wini.

Melissa Haag is truly a wonder.  She writes one story from twelve points of view. And you fall in love with each character individually.  If that's not an achievement, I don't know what is.

Heat Index:

1, 2 & 3/5: Since we're discussing multiple books here, I'm going to be broad.  These are teen books, so it's not too spicy.  Ms. Haag so graciously wrote a "Mating Novella" about two of the characters when they finally get together, so if you're itching for more, Melissa Haag delivers.

I can't recommend these books enough!! They are romantic and exciting!! The Jo6 world is one I would gladly live in... if I could steal Luke away from Bethi ;)

Twisted Palace by Erin Watt

**FANGIRLING OVER HERE**

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Twisted Palace (almost cried when it popped up on my kindle)... and let me tell you - my kindle didn't leave my hands for an entire day.  I am a HUGE Erin Watt fan.  Paper Princess and Broken Prince are two of the best books of 2016... and Twisted Palace had HIGH expectations.. it did not disappoint!!

If you haven't read Paper Princess - what the hell are you doing with your life? Go buy it right now, clear your schedule, grab that snuggie and get to work!! I can guarantee you'll buy Broken Prince immediately after you finish Paper Princess -- and, lucky you, Twisted Palace releases TODAY! So, you can read the Royal's story cover to cover!!  You'll be sucked in by the "who done it" plot of Twisted Palace, but you'll stick around for the romance of Reed and Ella, the family dynamic between the Royals, Ella and Steve, and the lingering questions you're going to have after reading the first two books.  I promise, you won't be disappointed.  You might be ruined for other contemporary romances... but you won't be mad about it ;)

Final Score:
Twisted Palace on Amazon
10/10: Ooh, baby. This twisty story is fantastic.  Murder, revenge, love.  You WILL be obsessed with the Royals. I can't recommend this book and series enough!

You can check out the Twisted Palace playlist curated by yours truly here: Twisted Palace on Spotify

Quick Rundown:
Reed, prime suspect in the murder of his father's girlfriend, is trying to clear his name.  Ella, who's father just miraculously returned from the dead, is trying to adjust to this new reality.  Can the Royal family stick together long enough to come out the other end of this mess in tact? Or will they all be ruined forever?

From mortal enemies to unexpected allies, two teenagers try to protect everything that matters most.
Ella Harper has met every challenge that life has thrown her way. She’s tough, resilient, and willing to do whatever it takes to defend the people she loves, but the challenge of a long-lost father and a boyfriend whose life is on the line might be too much for even Ella to overcome. 
Reed Royal has a quick temper and even faster fists. But his tendency to meet every obstacle with violence has finally caught up with him. If he wants to save himself and the girl he loves, he’ll need to rise above his tortured past and tarnished reputation.
No one believes Ella can survive the Royals. Everyone is sure Reed will destroy them all. 
They may be right.
With everything and everyone conspiring to keep them apart, Ella and Reed must find a way to beat the law, save their families, and unravel all the secrets in their Twisted Palace. 

Heat Index:

4/5: This is new adult, in my opinion.  There are sex scenes, but nothing crazy graphic.   JUST enough to make you very happy ;)



P.S. If you've been ruined by the Royals - you NEED to get in the Facebook group "The Royal Palace". The fandom for Erin Watt is already huge, and it's one of my favorite FB groups.  There will be TONS of discussion over the next few weeks about Twisted Palace!  It's a good time with some rad people.

Born Sinner by S.L. Jennings

There have been few and far books in my life where I finish the last page and my jaw is literally on the floor -- drool oozing everywhere.  Exhibit A: Born Sinner by S.L. Jennings.  Firstly - I am a HUGE S.L. Jennings fan.  The Dark Light series is phenomenal, so I had ridiculously high expectations for this book.  And, let me just tell you, it met every single one THEN SOME.  I'm adding another countdown calendar to my wall, ahem.. I don't have a countdown calendar wall...

If the stunning cover doesn't draw you in - let me drop a little knowledge on you.  S.L. Jennings is a force to be reckoned with.  Her writing is flawless, sexy and addictive.  She flawlessly drops pop culture references -- something I usually find distasteful.  AND she is a huge presence on her fan page on Facebook.  She cares so much, you guys.  It makes my black little heart beat for her.  Girl crush happening right meow, cats.

Final Score:

Born Sinner - Free with Kindle Unlimited
10/10: I'd give it 20/10 if I could - hell, I can! It's my blog! 20/10... be warned: there is a cliff hanger. It's to be expected when the listing clearly says "Volume 1".  And I can't wait for End of Eden!! Where's that damn countdown calendar at...

Quick Rundown

Eden, a grey haired babe living in the impoverished side of Chicago, has a deadly power.  One that is meant to bring death and destruction to the entire world.  Enter the Se7en: Seven immortals trying to keep the balance between good and evil on earth.  Their next target: Eden. Kill one to save millions.  The Se7en, instead, decide to attempt to save Eden's soul.  Eden is thrust into a world of sex, lies, and the dangerously sexy L.  Will she fulfill her destiny and scorch the earth?  We'll have to wait and see (damn cliffhanger).
"Twenty-two years ago, I was cut from a cold, sodden womb, and cradled in the filth and poverty of Chicago's concrete arms. Statistically, I wasn't supposed to survive these streets past the age of eighteen.
Fate had a different plan.
I was bred for one purpose and one purpose only: to unleash death and destruction on my world.
My thoughts are power.
My words are weapons.
Evil created me then grace tried to save me. But first... they tried to kill me.
They call themselves the Se7en. They are sin and salvation, and everything we've feared from the beginning of time. And their leader is the deadliest of them all.
He doesn't lose.
He doesn't compromise.
And most importantly, he doesn't distract himself with mortal weakness.
Not until me.
Kill one to save a million.
That's what he told me when he took me as his prisoner.
Kill one to save a million.
That's what he's been trying to tell himself ever since he took me into his arms."

Rundown Over

Heat Index:

4.5/5 - This is high new adult.  The chemistry between L and Eden is off the charts - with a twist that will wrench your little heart right out.  There is some seriously sexy writing in this book, but S.L. Jennings is always classy, my friends.  It's just the right amount of detail to have you writhing in your snuggie.

ADDED BONUS: Check out Syreeta Jennings on Spotify - her playlists are top notch and flow with the books perfectly!!