10 Best Books of 2013 + GIVEAWAY!

In celebration of the New Year I am counting down my 10 favorite reads from 2013!!!

I have managed to sift through the 102 books I read this year to pick out my favs - even limiting myself to one from every series. 

THANK YOU for following my blog this year!!

 I look forward to more fabulous books and giveaways in 2014. 

xxx Literary George

NOTE: Titles link to Goodreads and Authors link to their websites.
Without further ado, THE COUNTDOWN:

10. Temptress - By Lola Dodge

Manhattan Ten Series #1

Superheroes and love. What more could you want!? (My Review)

9. Wolf with Benefits - By Shelly Laurenston

Pride Series #8
A country werewolf meets curly haired crazy werejackal. Laughter and love. (My Review)

8. Finding Willow - By Dawn Robertson

Hers Series #2
One of the hottest books this year - sex on a motorbike? YES PLEASE! (My Review Hers)

7. Secret Shared - By L. Marie Adeline

Secret Series #2
Female sexual awakening - sassy and smart. (My Review)

6. Double Time - By Olivia Cunning

Sinners on Tour Series #5
Rockers, threesomes, love and Olivia Cunning = PURE MAGIC. (My Review Wicked Beat)

5. Angelbound - By Christina Bauer

Angelbound Series #1
A fresh new adult stunner - the start of a wicked fantasy series. (My Review)

4. Dark Citadel - By Cherise Sinclair

Club Shadowlands Series #2
Dom/sub wonderland, newbie Kari meets the steamy Master Dan.

3. Slade - By Laurann Dohner

New Species Series #2
Danger, suspense, hot chemistry - Trisha and Slade spark fire!

2. Soul Survivor - By Katana Collins

Soul Stripper Series #2
An independent succubus investigator - twists and turns to keep the pages turning. (My Review)

1. Addicted For Now - By Krista and Becca Ritchie

Addicted Series #2
Hands down the best series I have ever read. Flawless.
(My Reviews - Addicted to You & Ricochet)

GIVEAWAY - 6 winners!

Starts: 12 am Jan 1st EST 

Ends: Tuesday 7th Jan at 12am EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hustlin' Texas - By KC Klein

Texas Fever Series - Book 1

Only one person in Oak Groves is happy to see bad girl Nikki Logan back in town…
Oak Groves’ most beloved bachelor, Jett Avery, lives by a simple set of rules. Getting involved with a complicated woman isn’t one of them. He learned that the hard way two years ago when he spent one of the most incredible nights of his life with Nikki Logan. But then she hightailed it out of town, never to be seen again—until now. It might be time to break one of those rules…Picking up the pieces of her life, Nikki is back in Oak Groves, face to face with the one man she’s done her best to forget. But she has her reasons for being here—and they don’t include winding up in bed with Jett. Especially since he’ll never forgive her once he finds out the truth about why she’s back…

This book was a lovely example of how a woman can be both tough and vulnerable. I fell in love with Nikki the girl from the other side of the tracks back in her home town to pay back a debt. Nikki doesn't change who she is for anyone which is refreshing. But she is hurt by her past and shies away from letting people care for her. I loved how Nikki could switch from running away from intimacy to throwing things across a room - just like any other woman. ;)

COVER REVEAL and Giveaway: The Ultimate Betrayal - By Lacey Leigh

About the Book:

Rainey lived with her father (Martin Tucker) and sister (Mariah Tucker) in a small po-dunk town in Alabama known as Covington. Her mother was killed in a horrific car accident when she was seven years old.

Rainey was in love with a wonderful man that treats her with respect and kindness. Everyone including her father was against their relationship at first because of the age difference between them. They were happy together until she moved away to college. The case concerning her mother’s murder was reopened, and she was betrayed by the people she should have been able to trust above anyone else.

Does Rainey and Jake’s relationship survive all the pain and hurt that they are destined to endure? Will her mother’s murder be solved? Will their love overcome…
The Ultimate Betrayal?

Add "The Ulitmate Betrayal" to your Goodreads shelf HERE.

About the Author: Lacey Leigh is a stay at home mother of three. Her children are very active in school activities and keep her really busy but she still finds time to put her stories out there for everyone to enjoy.

Lacey's husband is medically retired from US ARMY. Though she hates that he had to leave the job he loved so much she is glad to have him home with her children and herself.

Lacey's books are written for ADULT audiences ONLY. All audiences are encouraged to read the warning in the front of the book BEFORE purchasing/reading any of Lacey's work. Lacey does NOT wish to offend ANYONE by her writing. She only wants to write for those who enjoy the work she does.

Follow Lacey Leigh: Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter

GIVEAWAY! 10 winners will be chosen :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

#ReadingCram Round Up

End of 2013 Reading Cram Read-a-thon Round Up!
A Huge THANK YOU to Juliababyjen's Reading Room and Dana Square for hosting this wonderful challenge! Check out their blogs!

I managed to read 66% of my list and review 8 of my 12 book goal! I'm very proud of this!

Final Status:
Read 14/21 = 66.6%
Reviewed 8/12 = 66.6%

KEY:

Currently Reading

To review

Finished and Reviewed

Archived - did not read

Overdue Reviews

1. Addicted to You  (Link)
2. Ricochet (Link)
3. Addicted for Now
4. Broken Blade
5. Hustlin' Texas

Author Requests

1. Temptress (Link)
2. Ivory (Link)

NetGalley Approved Requests

1. Beauty Secrets (Link)
2. Bitten by Treachery (Link)
3. Sex Love Repeat
4. Layers Deep
5. Moonlight
6. King Hall
7. Restless Spirit
8. The Sinners Club
9. The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers

Other

1. Keeping it Real (Link)
2. Selling Out (Link)
3. Going Under
4. Chasing the Dragon
5. Down to the Bone

Ivory - By Lola Dodge (#ReadingCram)

Manhattan Ten - Book 2

That cold day in hell? It’s here…

If Ivory’s fellow flight attendants whisper that she has ice in her veins, they’d be right. She’s spent years ruthlessly suppressing her dangerous ice powers, pretending she didn’t grow up wild on the tundra.

Her legendary coolness has held solid—until a crazed attacker snaps her composure, unleashing her ice beast and blowing her cover. And she’s not sure if the man who defuses the situation is any less dangerous.

When Panther’s trans-Atlantic catnap is interrupted by Ivory’s ice spear through his mark’s gut, he doesn’t hesitate to claim her as one of the Manhattan Ten. It’s the only way to shield her from prosecution. It doesn’t hurt that the Nordic beauty puts his inner cat on the prowl.

Panther tempts Ivory in every smoldering way, but to let him melt her resistance is a risk she can’t afford. But when her past rises up to claim her, Pan is caught in the crossfire…and the only way to save him is to let the beast claim her, body and soul.

Another stunner superhero romance novel from the amazing Lola Dodge. This novel is before Temptress but it makes no difference to the story line. Dodge starts the book off with a mammoth bang and I was done for. Valdis a.k.a Ivory is a flight attendant but she has the wicked power of ice. I was intrigued as to her "kind" because it's mentioned often but not really explained. Maybe it's those fancy ice giants, regardless, Valdis doesn't want to be a superhero or anything in the public eye, she wants to be normal, live under the radar. Unfortunately, an anti-superhero butt head decides to make a sense on the plane causing Valdis to take action. Charming Mr. Panther is there and able to save Valdis, whisking her away to the Manhattan Ten headquarters. Panther is attracted to Valdis like bees to honey but she wants to keep him as far away as possible. It makes for an amusing read - charismatic guy meets ice queen.

Beauty Secrets - By Jill Elaine Hughes (#ReadingCram)

Amanda Brown is a high-flying cosmetics executive for Revina Corporation, the oldest and most venerable cosmetics company in America. She comes from a good "old money" family, she went to Swarthmore, and she lives in a beautiful penthouse apartment in NYC’s Meatpacking District. But she's only successful on the surface----like many New Yorkers, she's also financially overextended. Her parents are dead, her trust fund is gone, and when the Great Recession hammers her company, like millions of people across America she suddenly finds her job hanging by a thread.

Enter George Watson, a hedge-fund manager and self-made man from the Midwest who swoops in from Indiana to rebuild Revina Corporation from the ground up. Even if he fired everyone else at the company, he decides to keep Amanda on for her expertise. The two of them are from different worlds, and they can't stand each other. But that doesn’t stop them from having wild no-holds-barred sex on their first meeting----for reasons neither of them fully understand.

But this is no ordinary corporate takeover, and the unlikely romance between George and Amanda is no ordinary love story. It involves corporate greed, undercover investigative reporters, a sleazy reality TV producer who puts George and Amanda's sexual relationship on national television, dark family secrets----and a dog named Botox.

Books about spoiled rich kids who end up broke and unable to cope in the real world as adults should have warning labels so I can avoid them. It's not only because I can't relate to them but also because I have not one iota of sympathy for adults who are can't function in the real world. I'm pretty sure the majority of the population have difficulty caring for a character who mishandles money and then fails to learn practical skills to work themselves out of a slump. Amanda Brown is one of these spoiled rich kids. Initially I thought she was a bitchin' executive who knew what's what and why, only to have her crumble into a spendthrift baby. Argh. It's not that I dislike her because she was rich. I dislike her because when she loses her job and has to rethink her life, she doesn't. She cries and whines and wallows in self-pity. Oh no I can't pay for my thousand dollar a month penthouse. Uh? Move out. Oh no I have no money because I spent my paycheck already. Uh? Sell some stuff. Oh no I'm the only person who still has a job at my company but I get a lower salary. DON'T FRICKEN QUIT!

The amount of times I wanted to slap this woman upside the head was unbelievable. There is a reason I like strong female characters and it's because I want to admire them, I want to be them, I want their actions to motivate me into a better woman. Amanda Brown is everything I don't want.

Ricochet - Krista and Becca Ritchie (#ReadingCram)

 Addicted Series - Book 1.5

As a sex addict, Lily Calloway must do the impossible. Stay celibate for 90 days.

Cravings and fantasies become her new routine, but while Loren Hale recovers from his alcohol addiction, Lily wonders if he’ll realize what a monster she really is. After all, her sexual compulsions begin to rule her life the longer she stays faithful to him.

Progress. That’s what Lily’s striving for. But by trying to become closer to her family—people who aren’t aware of her addiction—she creates larger obstacles. When she spends time with her youngest sister, she learns more about her than she ever imagined and senses an unsettling connection between Daisy and Ryke Meadows.

With Lily and Lo’s dysfunctional relationship teetering and unbalanced, they will need to find a way to reconnect from miles apart. But the inability to “touch” proves to be one of the hardest tests on their road to recovery. Some love brushes the surface. Some love is deeper than skin.

Lily and Lo have three months to discover just how deep their love really goes.

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." -Shakespeare
This is what Krista and Becca Ritchie do to me, I'm quoting Shakespeare to them and their amazing books. Another stunner that isn't even a sequel but a prequel to the sequel - a 1.5 book in the series, not a 2 - and here I am slayed once again. Babbling in poetry trying to express how freaking much I love these authors and their ability to create literary magic. I'm just going to come out and say I've found my Beyonce(s) of the literary world I am happily going to bow down to their greatness. How often do sequel's fail to impress? Movies? Books? The newer version of your favourite jeans? How often do we express, "it was good but not as good as the first"? Now imagine how often a 1.5 novel is disappointing, too short, not enough plot development, too much of tease etc. WELCOME TO THE BOOK THAT SLAYS ALL OF THESE THINGS AND PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY TO REACH BEYOND THE TOP.

You may think I'm over exaggerating but I'm not, simply giving credit where credit is due. Krista and Becca Ritchie not only write a full length novel as a prequel to their Addicted sequel. They write another jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, I can now die happy book despite my exceedingly high expectations due to book one, Addicted to You. It is no blasphemous feat to call them the Beyonce's of authors because they keep the hits coming and I love them for it.

Selling Out - By Justina Robson (#ReadingCram)

Quantum Gravity Series - Book 2

Book two of the Quantum Gravity series sees Lila Black drawn into the intoxicatingly dangerous demon realm. Capricious, in love with beauty, demons are best left to themselves. This is not easy when they can't resist tampering with humans.

Justina Robson's new series is a joyful melding of science fiction and fantasy brought together in the figure of the dangerously lovely Lila Black, a 21-year-old secret agent who's had much of her body replaced with weapon-and-armor-heavy intelligent metal and who isn't sure where her mind ends and her installed AI begins. Lila's world is one where demons, elves, and elementals live alongside people. And somehow Lila and the other agents of the security agency have to provide security for all and stay alive themselves.

I liked this more than the first. I think it was the demons and Daemonia. They were all fun, games and killing people. I loved the nuances on color that existed in their world and that they didn't worry themselves into knots. They love living life and this series needed a little more pizzazz to spice it up. I was intrigued by Teazle, he was obviously drawn to Lila and there was more explanation to their possible relationship in comparison to Zal. By that I mean not much because Zal and Lila were all up in each other for no reason. I have a major issue with the relationships in this novel not being fleshed out enough. Lila's friendships and working relationships have back story and meaning but her romantic ones seem more like a lucky dip. The culmination of Lila, Zal and Teazle's triangle was abrupt and unexplained. I had no idea how or why they all ended up together an not in a sexual manner. *smh*

Bitten by Treachery - By Shawntelle Madison

Hadley Wolves - Book 2

It's not like Charly the witch wanted to betray the Hadley werewolves. Or infiltrate the pack. But it's the only way to save her mother and protect her coven from a dark evil. She's a witch in wolf's clothing - until an unfortunate bite forces her to become the one thing she detests the most.

The last time a witch came to Hadley, she almost destroyed Trenton's pack. He won't let it happen again, especially now that this lone wolf is feeling so drawn to a certain new new girl in town. Charly is the most intriguing woman he's ever met, and he wants to know all about her.

The passion between Charly and Trenton shocks them both, but can she trust him with her secret...and her heart? One thing is for certain: she has to tell him the truth soon - before it brings about the end of both Trenton and the innocent citizens of Hadley.

This book is quite short so I'm not sure if that makes it a novella. Due to the length there isn't much plot development, there is a twist but it's less shocking because you don't really know the characters. Charly seems to have the best intentions with everything she does but I can only stomach it so far. She is being blackmailed by the bitchest coven I've ever read - supposedly her family - and eventually her actions come across as a puppet following orders. Thankfully, she turns her brain on and decides to think about alternate actions but by that point it's too late to stop the evil witches.

Trenton is a doll. He's sweet, kind and generous to Charly from the get go and the pack welcomes her into their fold without hesitation. #why I love werewolves. Trenton is attracted to Charly but she apparently enchants him. I have one qualm with this because I don't feel it's ever resolved - did Charly enchant him or did they just connect as lovers? Because I sincerely thought that her magic failed and they were connected by their feelings. If you read it let me know what you thought because it's bugging me! Charly is like a battered puppy who wants to trust and love but doesn't believe it will happen. In the final scene she grows a pair and puts her spunk into overdrive however, it's right before the ending.

Overall, it's a good not great paranormal romance. I probably wont pick up the next book in the series but it was a pleasing read. At points the flow was a bit choppy, events starting without a seamless merge. But seen as it's so short I will excuse it.

3/5
xxx Literary George
Thank you to NetGalley and Shawntelle Madison for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Buy for 99c: Amazon, Kobo, B&N
Is this review helpful? Vote YES on Amazon

Hosted by Juliababyjen's Reading Room and Dana Square.

Check out their blogs!

Temptress - By Lola Dodge (#ReadingCram)

Manhattan Ten - Book 1

Kiss your powers goodbye.

Kidnapping a super-powered suspected felon from a Vegas bachelor party is another day at the office for Jenny Ray, alias Temptress. With one kiss, any naughty supe’s powers are hers. Except this time she’s caught by her mark’s boss, who’s no ordinary superhero. 

It’s Thinktank, leader of the toughest hero crew around. One destroyed men’s room and near-toilet-drowning later, Jenny’s forced to steal an innocent hero’s powers. 

For a super brain, Tank’s feeling pretty idiotic. First, he let Jenny close enough to get to him. Second, he’s helpless against the tide of desire that rises in him every time he kisses her. Which he’s doing a lot, since she’s trying to give him back his power—only it’s not working. As he shadows her on her various freelance casino security jobs, he realizes she’s no she-demon—she’s a time bomb. Her acquired powers are shredding her, body and soul. 

As they give in to desire, a shadowy figure from Jenny’s past surfaces with a kidnapping plan of his own. Jenny will do anything—even level Las Vegas—to rescue the man she loves. But there may not be anything left of her when the dust settles.

Why are there not more books like this?! Am I blind? Have I missed them all? As soon as I read the blurb for these book I was sold. My two favorite things in one book - superheroes and romance - uh YES PLEASE! Dodge had me at hello, I write superhero novels *sigh* and what a novel it is. I think my only grump about this book is that it's too short. I've come to realize I'm greedy with books, if I love it I want MORE MORE MORE MORE. Temptress is no exception. Jenny is a wonderful female lead who puts the rights of others before herself - a true superhero even without the powers. But once you add in the powers she is a hero who isn't out for the glory and would much rather spend her time in front of the television in sweats (honey, wouldn't we all?). I love how she is willing to kick ass at a moments notice but isn't superior or mighty about it, she's totally down to earth. Treating superhero life like a normal job and being happy to make a difference where she can.

Enter Thinktank. Ooooooh honey. I see him as a kind of Professor X meets Wolverine.

Bloggers Give Back Holiday Giveaway!

Bloggers Give Back Holiday Giveaway 

For the 3rd Bloggers Give Back Giveaway, this time it is a Holiday Giveaway. To all of the followers and authors Thank you and Happy Holidays! 

* Amber's Reading Room → 1 winner, Amazon $5.00 gift card.

* Crystal's Many Reviewers → 5 winners get SWAG. (INTERNATIONAL) 

* Reality Bites! Let's Get Lost! → 1 winner, Amazon $5.00 gift card.

* The Blushing Reader → 1 winner, Ebook of their choice. 

* Verna Loves Books → 1 winner, signed paperback of Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken (US ONLY)

* Liezel's Book Blog → 1 winner, Ebook of All the Pretty Lies by M. Leighton 

* Mary Elizabeth's Crazy Book Obsession → 1 winner, Ebook of Christmas Catch by Chelsea M. Cameron. 

* Bookaholics Blog → 1 winner, Amazon $10.00 gift card. 

* Author Groupies → 1 winner, signed paperback of Shattered Promises by Jessica Sorenson. (US ONLY)

* Love Between the Sheets → 1 winner, pick 2 Ebooks of the 12's NA's of Christmas. 

* Bare Naked Words → 1 winner, Ebook of Unsettled by SC Ellington. 

* Chicks controlled by books → 1 winner, Amazon $5.00 gift card. 

* Book Friends Forever → 1 winner, Ebook of their choice up to $1.99. 

* No BS Book Reviews → 1 winner, Ebook of True Bliss by BJ Harvey. 
* Food, Books, and More → 1 winner, Ebook of winner choice up to $3.99. 

* For Your Literary Pleasure → 1 winner, Amazon Ebook of Soul Stripper by Katana Collins. 

* As the Pages Turn → 1 winner, Amazon or B&N $25.00 gift card. 

22 winners!! ENTER NOW: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keeping it Real - By Justina Robson (#ReadingCram)

Quantum Gravity - Book 1

The Quantum Bomb of 2015 changed everything. The fabric that kept the universe's different dimensions apart was torn and now, six years later, the people of earth exist in uneasy company with the inhabitants of, amongst others, the elfin, elemental, and demonic realms. Magic is real and can be even more dangerous than technology. Elves are exotic, erotic, dangerous, and really bored with the constant Lord of the Rings references. Elementals are a law unto themselves and demons are best left well to themselves.

Special agent Lila Black used to be pretty, but now she's not so sure. Her body is more than half restless carbon and metal alloy machinery, a machine she's barely in control of. It goes into combat mode, enough weapons for a small army springing from within itself, at the merest provocation. As for her heart, well, ever since being drawn into a game by the elfin rockstar Zal (lead singer of The No Shows), who she's been assigned to protect, she's not even sure she can trust that any more either.

Phew was this book a challenge. One of the things I love about Science Fiction is how it pushes you make sense of the world you've been thrown in without giving you a map. It's up to you as the reader to untangle all of the different strands of the story, the world and it's rules. The Earth a.k.a Otopia that Robson imagines is super complex! She re-imagines elves, elementals, demons, ghosts and androids in a way I've never read before which may explain why I was having such a hard time putting everything together. This book continued to push the boundaries of my expectations and giving me a minor headache some moments. Most of the time I relished the challenge of deciphering the world but sometimes I was reading a page three times because I had no idea what was going on. Robson's attention to detail is phenomenal, she knows what's what and why, giving a depth to her world that some fantasy and sci-fi books struggle with.

Addicted to You - By Becca and Krista Ritchie (#ReadingCram)

Book 1 - Addicted Series

She’s addicted to sex. He’s addicted to booze…the only way out is rock bottom.

No one would suspect shy Lily Calloway’s biggest secret. While everyone is dancing at college bars, Lily stays in the bathroom. To get laid. Her compulsion leads her to one-night stands, steamy hookups and events she shamefully regrets. The only person who knows her secret happens to have one of his own.

Loren Hale’s best friend is his bottle of bourbon. Lily comes at a close second. For three years, they’ve pretended to be in a real relationship, hiding their addictions from their families. They’ve mastered the art of concealing flasks and random guys that filter in and out of their apartment.

But as they sink beneath the weight of their addictions, they cling harder to their destructive relationship and wonder if a life together, for real, is better than a lie. Strangers and family begin to infiltrate their guarded lives, and with new challenges, they realize they may not just be addicted to alcohol and sex.

Their real vice may be each other.

How can I even begin to explain how much I love this book? How much it blew my mind and ripped out my heart? How my mind was stolen and not returned until I'd read the entire series? How I lost the will and want to read any other books but these? How I stalked the authors because I loved their writing so much I needed more? How I felt like I had read nothing before I read this book? How does one even begin to describe perfection in words that fail to encapsulate the full emotional and mental gravity of how this book affected me? I imagine this is what souls feel like when someone asks "what's heaven like?" Nothing can adequately represent it. Nothing. "Addicted to You" took my expectations, crushed them into tiny pieces and from those pieces built something beyond my imagination, beyond words. This book is the start of a whirlwind series that will steal your life away until you only breathe the literary genius of Becca and Krista Ritchie. I was hooked from the first page and for good reason. "Addicted to You" is fast paced, heart wrenching, grimace worthy, love inducing real life. My attempt below to explain the "why" is only that, an attempt because I can only try to explain instead of simply writing - Read this fucking book because I can't write about perfection. I don't think book reviews work that way but this one should. Anyway if you want my sad attempt at explaining then read on, if not - buy the book.

Final #COYER post

The Clean Out Your E-Reader (COYER) challenge is officially over! :( Here is my final reading round up. I still have some outstanding reviews but I manage to read to my goal!!! YAY! I had so much fun doing this challenge and was lucky enough to win the final giveaway. Keep an eye out for this challenge again in 2013! I'm signing up and would love to see you there too!!!

Fantasy is more fun and Because Reading is better than real life hosted this challenge so check out their awesome blogs!!!

Read: 26/50 = 52% [GOAL ACHIEVED]
Reviewed:  21/50 = 42%

Angelbound - By Christina Bauer

Book 1 - Angelbound Series

Eighteen year old Myla Lewis is a girl who loves two things: kicking ass and kicking ass. She’s not your every day quasi-demon, half-demon and half-human, girl. For the past five years, Myla has lived for the days she gets to fight in Purgatory’s arena. When souls want a trial by combat for their right to enter heaven or hell, they go up against her, and she hasn’t lost a battle yet.

But as she starts her senior year at Purgatory High, the arena fights aren’t enough to keep her spirits up anymore. When the demons start to act weird, even for demons, and the King of the Demons, Armageddon, shows up at Myla’s school, she knows that things are changing and it’s not looking good for the quasi-demons. Myla starts to question everything, and doesn’t like the answers she finds. What happened seventeen years ago that turned the quasi-demons into slave labor? Why was her mom always so sad? And why won’t anyone tell her who her father is? Things heat up when Myla meets Lincoln, the High Prince of the Thrax, a super sexy half-human and half-angel demon hunter. But what’s a quasi-demon girl to do when she falls for a demon hunter? It’s a good thing that Myla’s not afraid of breaking a few rules. With a love worth fighting for, Myla’s going to shake up Purgatory.

I didn't think I would love this book, especially reading it immediately following a 5 star book like "Becoming Alpha"... But sweet mother of mercy "Angelbound" is beyond fabulous! Bauer creates a whole new world that had me bowing down and praising the universe for whatever is responsible for inspiring this creative genius. I haven't been this in love with something since my King and Queen Beyonce. Argh I didn't think anyone could pack this much amazing into a book anymore! I don't know where to start my loving.

Beautiful Surrender - By Priscilla West (#COYER)

Book 3 - Surrender Series

"What gives you a thrill Kristen?

No one is who they seem to be. I let Vincent into my heart because he seemed so different from everyone in my conservative world of wealth management. I thought we shared something special, but Vincent has been playing me this entire time. As our relationship reaches a crisis point, a man from my past returns looking for a second chance. Is my ex really looking for redemption or is his goal something more sinister? I try my best to hold it all together, until I discover a revelation that will change everything.

The blurb to this book is largely misleading. Krsiten flipped out over a text message and Vincent did not betray her. As I said in my last review she jumped far too quickly to horrible conclusions but whatever, it's her life she's ruining. By the end of this book I truly did not know why I read them all, I should have stopped after the first book. Despite the chaotic eventful ending I still found Vincent and Kristen's relationship unrealistic and lacking in substance. The insight into Marty and Kristen's relationship was nice and gave good background on what had happened but I didn't give a flying fuck about Marty and Kristen. I wanted that lovely development to be Vincent and Kristen. The Giselle flashback with Vincent came across as unnecessary because we already had a information about what happened and the flashback didn't provide anything new.

***Spoilers***

Becoming Alpha - By Aileen Erin (#COYER)

Tessa McCaide has a unique talent for getting into trouble. Then again, it isn’t easy for a girl with visions to ignore what she sees. Luckily Tessa and her family are leaving California and moving halfway across the country, giving her the perfect opportunity to leave her reputation as “Freaky Tessa” behind.

But Tessa doesn’t realize that kissing the wrong guy in her new Texas town could land her in far more trouble than she ever imagined. Like being forced to attend St. Ailbe’s Academy, a secret boarding school for werewolves.

Even if the wrong guy did accidentally turn her into one of “them” and doom her to attending the weirdest high school ever, Tessa can’t help her growing attraction to the mysterious Dastien Laurent.

When vampires attack St. Alibe’s and her visions pinpoint an enemy in their midst, Tessa realizes that boy drama and her new found canine tendencies might just be the least of her problems.

I have discovered very recently the genre labelled "New Adult" which had me stumped since I started blogging this year. I was totally confused thinking is this some kind of weird adult genre or is it another form of young adult, tween fiction? I had no fucking clue. Thanks to Wikipedia I have been enlightened  - New Adult is a genre aimed specifically at 18-25 year olds. Which explains why I have suddenly found myself loving novels more mature than young adult, not as stuffy as adult novels and being unable to categorize them as either - BEHOLD THE NEW ADULT NOVEL! So why am I banging on about this right now? Because my dear readers, "Becoming Alpha" is a New Adult novel and I feel super fancy for being able to label it so! But enough of my la-dee-da nonsense - to the Bat-mobile! I mean review...

Secret Surrender - By Priscilla West (#COYER)

Surrender Series - Book 2

“What gives you a thrill Kristen?”

I knew that giving in to Vincent Sorenson was a risk, but it was one I was willing to take. I had hidden my heart for so long and for the first time in a long time, Vincent was close to breaking down the walls.

When a trip to Vincent’s exclusive private island reveals the real Vincent underneath the layers of suave nonchalance, I thought we were close to the start of something special.

Just when things were looking up for us, I would discover the one secret that Vincent never intended for me to find.

I was holding out for a bit more character development in the second book of the Surrender series. I wanted Kristen and Vincent to show me a little more substance in their relationship. Unfortunately, all I got was less conversation, less development and the same ole' sexy time.

Serafina and the Leprechaun's Shoe - By Marie Treanor (#COYER)

Serafina's - Book 3

Delicious, deadly distraction...

Jack Urquhart, over-qualified and underpaid researcher for Serafina's Psychic Investigations, has a big decision to make: stay in his fun, dead-end job, or grow up and join the family firm. On his way to give the family his decision, he's delighted to be side-tracked into the case of a rock singer's mother who vanished into thin air before several admittedly wasted witnesses, leaving behind only a half-made shoe. But Sinead's disappearance isn't the only weird happening at Roxy's housewarming party in the Scottish Highlands. There's satanic rock band, Grimm and the Reapers, plus ghosts, banging walls, a zombie dog, and, very probably, migrating leprechauns. Most worrying of all to Roxy, quiet, clever Jack excites her muse and all her senses as no other man ever has. Meanwhile, hedonistic rock star Mike Grimm is determined to get Roxy back in his bed by any means. It takes the combined might of Serafina's to defeat the forces haunting Roxy's house and find Sinead. And it takes the sexy, wise, turbulent Roxy to get under Jack's skin and make growing up and risking his heart not only necessary but fun.

Treanor keeps the good stuff coming in book three of the Serafina's series. Roxy's mother disappears during a satanic ritual and Jack steps onto the scene as Serafina's research specialist. I didn't think a rock star and research rich kid would work but both hide behind the front they present the world. Somehow Jack and Roxy caught and kept my attention despite being characters I really hadn't cared less about in the previous two books.

Drowning in a Dream - By Lila Veen (#COYER)

Blackwater Series - Book 2

Leah struggles with her emotions as her heart is torn in half by the two men who ignite her. As she battles her feelings for Theo and Ash, she searches for her father who may hold the answers to the history of the Coven. Eleanor and Drew search for their kidnapped son in the heart of the Louisiana wilderness, while uncovering some family connections between Eleanor and Gabriel Locke. Erika tries to cover her tracks after Ash reaches out to her for assistance. She is still heartbroken but her journey reveals that perhaps she doesn’t have to be for very long. Olivia discovers there is a world waiting for her outside of Blackwater, and breaks out of her protective barrier to uncover it. Follow the four women who were introduced in Book One of the Blackwater Saga, as they craft their way through the dangers that go hand in hand with being a part of the Coven.

After the last book I was eager to sink my teeth into this story but the four different female perspectives threw me off a little. There had been no switching between characters in the last book and the single chapter for each character came as a slightly unwelcome surprise. All of the four stories are written well and connect with their character - Leah, Olivia, Eleanor or Erika - but my main issue is they were hugely distracting. With the cliffhanger in "Burning for You" I was eager to know what would happen next with Leah, Ash and Theo and so every chapter I had to spend away from Leah was irritating. I couldn't give any of the other characters my full attention  and they were essentially irrelevant to the developing overall plot of Leah's story. While there were aspects within Eleanor, Erika and Olivia's stories to connect back to Leah the majority of their chapters were extra pieces could have been a whole different story. I would have preferred these three extra stories as novella's and kept the focus on Leah. This is just my opinion as I have difficulty switching from one character to another, especially when they haven't been the main focus of previous stories. Olivia is still my most disliked character and in this book her wallowing takes an all time high. I have no sympathy for her whatsoever. She is thirty three and needs to get her act together instead of playing innocent victim of circumstance - cry me a river, girl. Despite loving Leah more than anyone I have to say that Erika has wedged herself firmly in my favourite characters with a take no bollocks, less inclined to sit and mope attitude. I would be interested to see how her story with her criminal catalyst works out.

I was sad this book didn't deliver as much of the awesome-ness I expected after reading book one. Aside from the narrator switches Veen still has the magic addicting touch. It's very well written typical of Veen and Leah's story still had me by the balls at the end of the book so of course I read the final story in the series "The Air that I Breathe." See my other reviews: Burning For You (1). The Air that I Breathe (3).

3/5
xxx Literary George
Buy: Amazon, Kobo, B&N
Did you find this review helpful? Vote yes on Amazon.

Hunter's Moon - By Lisa Kessler (#COYER)

Moon Series - Book 2

Sasha’s future was stolen from her the moment she was bitten. Now she's on the run from the Nero Organization that transformed her from a human detective into a shape shifting jaguar assassin.When a rogue bounty hunter threatens her younger sister, she'll be forced to fight, and with nowhere else to turn, Sasha will need to trust the one man who has every reason to want her dead. Aren is a werewolf with a secret. While protecting his twin brother and Alpha of the Pack, he found his one mate for life. Sadly she's also the jaguar assassin who tried to kill them both. Now Aren is struggling between his animal nature to love and protect her, and his loyalty to the Pack.

Sasha has a dislike for men because of the idiot Sebastian who turned her under the pretense of flirtation and romance. She's since decided not to trust any man with possible romantic intentions because as a cop, she should have known Sebastian was lying - obviously not true but she's stubborn like that. Aren has his work cut out for him convincing Sasha he wants her for the long term but he's not afraid of working for his mate. It's amusing he found her during a tussle when she head butts him to get away!

I thought I wouldn't like Sasha because she was technically a bad guy in the last book and while I refuse to forgive her for messing up Aren's ankle I ended up with a soft spot for ex-cop, gun blazing jaguars. I admire her commitment to protecting her sister even if I found her self-blaming a little annoying. There is only so much one can continue exist believing they should have done something different before you just have to accept it and move on! Thankfully Sasha gets there in the end with some help from alpha male Aren. I love that they do yoga together, it's too cute! Their relationship is a trust roller coaster thanks to buttface Sebastian but Aren is willing to put his whole life on the line for Sasha so they work it out.

The prejudice against jaguars in the werewolf pack is still alive and kicking. It will be interesting how Kessler develops the plot to help all of these stuck up wolfies get over themselves. This book is well worth the read - the plot is dynamic with enough twists to keep you guessing and the characters have enough spunk to fill several more books. I've added this to my list of shifter books to read and I can't wait for the next book to come out - I can tell it's going to be a stunner!

3/5
xxx Literary George
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Kessler and Entangled Publishing LLC for the copy.
Buy: Amazon, Kobo, B&N

Is this review helpful? Vote yes on Amazon

Serafina and the Virtual Man - By Marie Treanor (#COYER)

Serafina's Series - Book 2

Real man versus dead man - no contest!

Dale Ewan, the wealthy owner of Genesis Gaming, has a serious poltergeist problem. In desperation, he calls on Edinburgh's unique psychic investigation agency, Serafina's. But Sera and her hacker friend, the beautiful and aggressive Jilly, find more than one spirit haunting the ugly country house. While Sera fights the poltergeist, Jilly encounters what appears to be the ghost of Dale's brilliant ex-partner, Genesis Adam, trapped in his own new virtual reality system. Jilly delves headlong into Adam's mystery. How did he get there? Why is he more exciting and attractive than any of the real men in her life? How are Jilly's own criminal brothers involved in his death? And what are Dale and his wife Petra hiding? Apart from the body buried in their garden...

While Jilly falls in love with the sexy, virtual ghost, Sera has problems of her own, not least the shadowy presence of the undead Founder that seems to threaten Sera, her vampire lover Blair, and all her friends.

I LOVE THIS BOOK! Jilly is a total kick ass take no prisoners leading lady and I adore her. She doesn't take crap from anyone and has no qualms doing what needs to be done even breaking into someones house. With a sassy sense of humour to match, hacker geek hot chick Jilly has to be one of my favourite characters ever. I think her inner geek brings out my inner geek and can't help but want to meet her, work with her and be best friends forever! But she's not always as strong and fiery as I make out, Jilly has a past that haunts her and she wears her make-up like an armor. Her family is a bunch of criminal types and keeps her distance from them. Then sexy virtual hot shot Genesis Adam materializes onto the scene, literally and Jilly is thrown into a whirlwind virtual game romance. Genesis Adam is wickedly funny and the perfect match for Jilly. They push, challenge, laugh and get all nerdy and sweet. Their energy together is electric, the sex is crazy awesome and I just wanted all of the world's happiness for them both.

The plot to this second book of the Serafina's series was so much more interesting than the first. I was being surprised at every turn and as I do with every good mystery novel - I was making guesses like crazy about who was guilty. I definitely was NOT expecting the person it turned out to be and the sneaky twist Treanor adds in had me screaming like I'd won a million dollars, I was so happy! I admit to having misgivings about Jilly's story especially because I hadn't enjoyed book one very much but I enjoyed every page of this book! There is sharp wit and genuineness that was lacking in book one. I love Jilly and Genesis' story so much I will definitely be buying a copy to keep on my e-reader. I recommend that you read this book even if you didn't enjoy book one because Jilly and Genesis stole my heart and I hope they steal yours too!

5/5
xxx Literary George
A HUGE THANK YOU to NetGalley and Marie Treanor for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Buy: Amazon, Chapters, B&N
Is this review helpful? Vote YES on Amazon

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Forbidden Surrender - By Priscilla West (#COYER)

Surrender Series - Book 1

“What gives you a thrill Kristen?”

The minute I saw Vincent Sorenson, I knew he was trouble. Billionaire. Bad boy. And dangerously sexy. He was everything I craved, and nothing I needed. Unfortunately, I couldn’t just avoid him. The higher ups at my company decided they needed his business, and I was on the team to bring him in. Vincent Sorenson didn’t seem as interested in business as he was in me, but I knew that was a door better left unopened. If I got involved with him, it would only unearth the pain I spent years trying to bury. I thought I had it under control, but I seriously underestimated Vincent’s seductive charm and silver-tongue. I would soon find out how delicious it would feel to let myself fall into this forbidden surrender.

We meet Kristen and Vincent in South Africa. He's a surfer boy/engineer turned business and is looking for a company to manage his money. Kristen is part of the firm trying to win Vincent's hand in money marriage with her boss Richard. Richard is a snob and talks down to Vincent, Vincent is smarter than he appears and thinks of crossing the firm off his list of possibilities but his interest in Kristen prevents that. She walks into the meeting, trips over because he's so hot *rolls eyes* and gropes Vincent's chest in her attempt not to fall to the ground like an idiot. From that point on Vincent is set on getting into Kristen's pants and good graces. Kristen pleads employer/employee relationship is a breach of professionalism but Vincent's not about to let that stop him.

Vincent isn't as much of a bad boy as he is a thrill seeker. He likes the rush of surfing, doing spider shots (read it) and flying his private jet places. He's a giant sweetheart and not as demanding and distanced as most literary billionaire type males. My favourite line of his is when he talks about protecting Kristen - "you're not asking me to but I will." I practically sighed out loud.

I'm not sure I like Kristen - she turned into Ditzy McStumblepants while in the interview, groped Vincent's nipple rings and could barely pull herself together. It didn't seem to go with her hyper professional business type personality because I totally saw her keeping calm DESPITE Vincent being hot to trot. It's not that I dislike her for stumbling, I disliked how affected her character was by a man standing there in a t-shirt and shorts - come on! I didn't like how she lied to her boss Richard when she receives a promotion because it just seemed unnecessary - Kristen got the job because of how well she worked and presented their pitch in her diagrams not because Vincent wants to sleep with her so why hide it?! Her constant pleading that a relationship would be unprofessional starts to sound like a whiney excuse and I just wanted her to grow a pair and say "okay. Let's do this" or "I said no and I mean it. Back off buddy." She practically runs to Vincent's bed to get away from her ex instead of making the decision entirely on her own. In a more positive light my favourite line of hers has all of the spark I wish she held on to - "As your advisor, I recommend you hang up the phone, then with that same hand pleasure yourself until your arm goes numb or you're satisfied - whichever comes first. Once you're finished, you'll have forgotten all about me." Damn girl, I love that sass.

The ending came a little too soon and I am assuming this a novella due to the length. We had only really gotten started before it ended. I'm excited to see where we go next in this series because once we get into the novel it really picks up. I was disappointed at the cut off point but I will be picking up books two and three because I can see the potential awesomeness shining through in this first installment. While it isn't a 5 star book it is well worth a read especially if you have a thing for sexy billionaire types. Just don't expect a moody demanding guy like Christian Grey because Vincent is pure Prince Charming!

3/5
xxx Literary George
Thank you to NetGalley and Priscilla West for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
Buy: Amazon, B&N
Is this review helpful? Vote YES on Amazon

Burning For You - Lila Veen (#COYER)

Blackwater Series - Book 1

When Leah Holt returns to Blackwater, she crashes into Ash Lavanne. He is her catalyst, a fire elemental from a strange family of crafters who control the Blackwater Coven. Leah is ignited by Ash. She can build, destroy, create and damage, making her one of the most dangerous crafters in existence. Blackwater is a town with a dark past. Four hundred years ago, the witch trials that happened have left a deep impression on today’s inhabitants, splitting the town into two rival groups – the Coven and the Order. Then Leah discovers that Ash isn’t the only one who ignites her. She is torn in half in a love triangle and learns just how powerful she has the potential to become, but could lose Ash if she dares to find out.

Leah literally crashes into Ash, she rear ends him at the lights while flipping off police cameras when running a yellow/red light. It was in that moment I knew I was going to love Leah and this book. When Ash kidnaps Leah from a date with weirdo Gabe, I knew I was going to like him too. They both have a lot of reckless energy, sass and their chemistry is ridiculous. I loved Veen's world of crafting - it's another way of saying magic - and the way she has created the powers revolving around the four elements. It's not your typical I have the power of fire, burn baby burn. Veen relates the elements to how they interact with the world so fire is the power to change - build, destroy, create etc. I LOVED this new take on elemental powers but Veen doesn't stop there she adds catalysts to the mix! Catalysts are like the magic version of a werewolf mate - it's them or no one and once you find them, you just know - but there is an added twist - children of catalyst's usually inherit crafts, children of random couples can turn out evil.... Dun dun DUUUUUUHHHHN. The twists and turns the story takes makes Burning for You a literary rollercoaster I was waving my hands in air screaming, "THIS IS AWESOME." All the characters are well thought out, layered, imperfect humans. You felt like you knew them even as they continued to surprise you and the relationships are realistic while still holding on to a fantastical edge. Veen creates complexity in her characters and their relationships which rules out typical emotional extremes of love and hate - Veen allows them to have back stories, to have reasons and to have the best intentions while committing heinous deeds.


If you can't tell I truly loved this book! I adored the world, the crafts, Ash and Leah, everything! I was a little thrown by the triad relationship and the connection to Olivia. I couldn't feel comfortable with how quickly Leah shifted to someone else but I guess that comes with being a catalyst. I was super mad at Ash for being a coward but you'll have to read to see what I'm talking about. The ending is definitely a cliffhanger type - you will WANT to buy the second book to have some closure unless you care nothing for Ash and Leah (which I 'm sure you will) so just be aware. This book is a breath of fresh air in the world of paranormal witch romance and it's like nothing I've read before. I highly recommend Burning for You and the Blackwater series, it is worth every cent! Click the buy link - you know you want to!

5/5
xxx
Literary George - See my review of Book 3
A HUGE THANK YOU to Lila Veen for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
Buy: Amazon, B&N
Is this review helpful? Vote YES on Amazon