Hothouse Flower - By Krista and Becca Ritchie *Review*

Calloway Sisters - Book 2 | Add to Goodreads

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Ryke Meadows, meet Daisy Calloway ... she’s all grown up.

Twenty-five-year-old Ryke Meadows knows he’s hard to love. With a billion-dollar inheritance, a track-star resume, and an alpha-male personality—he redefines the term likable asshole. But he’s not living to make friends. Or enemies. He just wants to free climb three of the toughest mountains in Yosemite without drama or interruption.

And then he receives a distressed call from a girl in Paris—a girl that he has never been allowed to have.

Daisy Calloway is eighteen. Finally. With her newfound independence, she can say goodbye to her overbearing mother and continue her modeling career. Next stop, Paris. Fashion Week begins with a bang, and Daisy uncovers the ugly reality of the industry. She wants to prove to her family that she can live on her own, but when everything spirals out of control, she turns to Ryke to keep her secrets.

As Daisy struggles to make sense of this new world and her freedom, she pushes the limits and fearlessly rides the edge. Ryke knows there’s deep hurt beneath every impulsive action. He must keep up with Daisy, and if he lets her go, her favorite motto—“live as if you’ll die today”—may just come true.

 5 flaming hot, I'm going to die - I'm so overwhelmed stars out of 5 with Beyonce on top

I've been putting this off. I'm sorry.

Once again, Krista and Becca Ritchie have written a book that makes me sh*t scared to review. I am again struggling with how to convey how much I loved Hothouse Flower and why it is a must read. It's been such a struggle to write I finished this review, left it and came back to it months after reading the book multiple times. In fact, this review was literally an essay - over 2,000 words minimum when I finally gave it a rest. I guess my struggle stems from wanting people to read this review and understand EXACTLY why these books are so pervasive. I want to give Krista and Becca Ritchie a review that honors the beauty of the book and all the hard work they put into producing such literature. I want to write f*cking dissertations about this book and series. 

The struggle I have with such a stunning winning streak of a series is my emotions no longer translate well into words - hell, into LETTERS. What I need to write and want to write could span PAGES not just a single screen. What is buzzing under my skin dying to burst forth... is too much to contain. Once again, I am given a book that tears my heart out, makes me laugh, entices my dreams for the future, that makes a social statement without being pompous, stimulates intellectual thought without academic jargon, sets a standard without explicitly stating it, that is more than just a "romance" and gives me so much EVERYTHING, I am left reeling.

Why is this important to tell you? Because way back when I read Addicted to You I recognized that I was reading a series that transcended "New Adult Romance" and to explain such perfection was impossible. For those of you that don't know, Addicted for You was the FIRST book in a series of FIVE so far (including spin-offs) and with every book I read, my statement becomes more and more justified. "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." Yet here I am again, using so many more words, trying to explain why Krista and Becca Ritchie are literary goddesses and why you should read this series. (Seriously, just fucking read it.)

This book was explosive.

Let me give you a second to read that again because if I were to choose a single word to describe this book in my incredibly verbose review that's it - EXPLOSIVE. Daisy and Ryke have been building sexual tension since the moment they both graced the pages of the Addicted series. They've never been a couple and we've never been inside their heads. Yet for FOUR books we have been getting their relationship foreplay so "Hothouse Flower" is almost literally a literary first time orgasm. No joke. I've never seen a book slogan more apt that this because HOLY SH*T, F**KING FINALLY! We all knew it was going to happen and when but the how of it was pure sexual inferno. Now I'm a solid Team Connor but Hothouse Flower had me pleading mind control. I am now a closet Team Ryke because the f*cker has straight up game, not to mention a heart of solid f*cking gold. Why am I cussing so much? Sentence enhancer (Spongebob reference y'all) - it gives my sentences more oomph and well... it's Ryke's favorite word.

Seeing inside Ryke's head was amazing. He struggles so much with his past decisions in addition to his current presence in Loren's life. While Ryke can come off as abrasive he is the sweetest and oddly, most vulnerable to the opinions of people he cares about. Ryke only wants everyone to be okay with or without him. Having been an "outsider" with demanding parents, he understands Daisy in way no one else can. He sees her as a person in her own right rather than in relation to others. His feminism is a huge plus and while he has more confidence than Loren, he suffers from a startling similar self doubt. While Ryke and Daisy finally  having sex is a big thing what really makes this book more than a wham bam thank you ma'am, is the relationship dynamics between the three male characters.

We've seen a lot of the girls dynamics as well as the guys with the girls but solid Ryke, Loren and Connor time seals the ***Flawless rating on "Hothouse Flower." Ryke and Loren finally clear the air between them about their past - Loren's resentment towards Ryke's absence until now and Ryke's guilt for hating his unknown brother without knowing him. Their throw down had me in tears because it was a necessary evil in order to move the brothers relationship forward and it was done BEAUTIFULLY. I mean I cried for gods sake... I never cry. Especially not over two brothers having a heart to heart. Argh. I'm tearing up now.

Connor's role as a "leader" is solidified and we get a recognition of his mistakes in the Addicted narrative. When Ryke worries he's done more harm than good in the lives of Daisy and Loren, Connor is there to tell him how heroic his actions were and still are. Preach. For me, this was Connor recognizing that his actions in Addicted to You, when Connor and Ryke first meet Loren, were wrong. By acknowledging Ryke's push for Loren to become sober was heroic, Connor admits his lack of action was cowardly. For those of you who know Connor this is a HOLY SHIT moment. Ryke was willing to be the bad guy in Loren's life to make a positive change. Correction - is STILL willing to be the bad guy - all so that his brother can be motivated to get well. Connor has never said anything more right, Ryke is a f*cking hero.

I'm going to get emotional so bear with me. Krista and Becca Ritchie make me want to cry. Tears of absolute fucking happiness. In a time when good books are so hard to find their books stand out as fiction gold. They take their imaginary characters and weave real life into a story. They give us role models, survivors, assholes, bitches, the weak, the strong, self loathing, self respect, courage, kindness and love. They write books that refuse to be lowered to standards of empty fiction. They write with a message without presumption or arrogance. They write books that I've been waiting years for. Books with emotional depth and sexual tension that aren't high school students in immature young adult (nothing against you YA) and also aren't 30 year old women wondering how to bring the sexy back when their husbands are cheating bastards (Marian Keyes I love you but your characters are just too old!). To quote the infamous Goldilocks, KB Ritchie are "just right." I love these authors not blindly but because they CONTINUE to be just as perfect and amazing EVERY TIME and that kind of consistency deserves more than my vocabulary can convey. They are Beyoncé and...

Read it. I didn't spill much about Daisy and Ryke's relations because the surprise of it all is half the fun.

Krista & Becca Ritchie write New Adult books that make you cringe, gasp, and go ooh-la-la. (If you do that sort of thing.) They are currently working on the spin-offs and final books in the Addicted series. Connect with them on twitter and their website: kbritchie.com
Goodreads:
Krista: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7056935.Krista_Ritchie
Becca: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2754148.Becca_Ritchie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KBRitchie
Website: http://kbritchie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KBRitchie
Tumblr: http://kbmritchie.tumblr.com/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kbmritchie/

Fighting to Forget - By JB Salsbury *Review*

Series - Book 3 | Add to Goodreads
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Every fighter is drawn to the violence, the release that a perfect hit can bring. But very few are drawn to the pain. Rex Carter lives behind a wall of indifference. The demons from his childhood act as an anesthetic, keeping him distant from emotional connections. Only the ache from a knock to the jaw, the sting of a tattoo needle, or the heat from a piercing can jolt him back from the numbness. The fiery pain is all he can feel, and nothing compares to the burn. Or so he thought. Working in a Las Vegas bar isn't Georgia McIntyre's dream. But she hopes it'll be an end to the nightmare. She's watched him, followed him and kept tabs, all in preparation for this moment: to make amends and share the secret she’s been carrying since she was a kid. But she didn't count on the feelings that seeing him again would stir up, the vacant look in his stormy-blue eyes, and his perfect body now mutilated by ink and metal. And she knows why. She's lived his pain every single day, since the day he left. Changed by time, Rex doesn't remember the girl from his past. If only she could do the same. Will she get the absolution she's spent her life seeking? Or will he continue Fighting to Forget?

 My god. Finally a book that lives up to the hype! After multiple run ins with books that were huge disappointments Salsbury delivers oomph with a side of oh la la. In other words, "Fighting to Forgot" pulls no punches on emotional content and story while still managing to have a believeable and beautiful romance. Yay! While I've often had issues with damaged characters the slightly out there story of Rex and Gia snatched me from the first chapter and I couldn't tear myself away. I was emotionally ripped apart but in the best way possible. Salsbury also refuses to slip into the "love changes all things instantly" trope that is another pet peeve of mine. Rex and Gia don't magically get better or become perfect through their love, Salsbury gives them struggles and therapy to help them out. I loved that the real life was kept with the romance because overly fantastical romantic storylines leave you with less of an emotional buy in. I was all in with this particular story.

Both characters are strong and weak in a way that only true human beings can be. I adore the inner strength of Gia to keep going when things were rough. I was hugely upset at where she ended up part way through and with her backstory completely understood how she got to that place. (Trying not to spoil it for y'all, so I'm sorry if I'm vague!) Rex obviously was struggling with a lot of bullshit from his life and he worked so hard to actively work to get better. I was in love with these two throughout the whole book. I understood every decision, even if it was the worst and I felt their pain like it was mine. Salsbury knows how to write characters and flesh them out perfectly. The last time I loved a book so much was by Krista and Becca Ritchie so it will come as no surprise that JB Salsbury is jumping straight on to my favourites list! I cannot wait to see where she takes us next. My final closing note is - JEEEZUS, where can I find all these handsome, funny and ridiculously guy-ish men!? I want a Rex, Blake or Slade.

JB Salsbury, USA Today Best Selling author of the Fighting series, lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two kids. She spends the majority of her day as a domestic engineer. But while she works through her daily chores, a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious, begging to be released to the page. Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance prompted her to sink her free time into novel writing. Fighting for Flight, Fighting to Forgive, and Fighting to Forget are the first three novels in the MMA romance series. Fighting the Fall is due to be released in October 2014. For more information on the series or just to say hello, visit JB on her website, Facebook, or Goodreads page.

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Deliver - By Pam Godwin *Review & Giveaway*

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His name was Joshua Carter. Now it's whatever she wants it to be.

She is a Deliverer.

She lures young men and delivers them to be sold. She delivers the strikes that enforce their obedience. She delivers the sexual training that determines their purchase price.

As long as she delivers, the arrangement that protects her family will hold.

Delivering is all she knows.

The one thing she can't deliver is a captive from slavery.

Until him.

And her stubborn slave thinks he can deliver her...from herself.

Romantic Thriller

Stand Alone (no cliff-hanger). The sequel is coming Summer 2014.

Content warning: Graphic sex, violence, and psychological abuse. Age 18+ only.

He repeated the twelve requirements with fewer and fewer errors, until he relayed them perfectly. His body molded to the words, his chin dropping, thighs opening, no hint of resistance in his voice. She knew he wasn’t losing himself. He was acclimating. For her.

Her body heated and tightened. He was the strength and heart of the most dangerous jump. He was the soul of bravery wrapped in chains. He would never fall, no matter how much metal weighted him down. He was a man who loved selflessly and honestly, and she was taking him to a monster who would slice him open and fuck the incision.

She gripped the wheel with two fists, unable to steer off course, unable to save him from herself.

Holy sh*t. This book was AMAZING! I loved it despite being completely freaked out the whole time I was reading it. I've read dark, slave/Master, kidnap type books but none of them have anything on "Deliver." This book slays all other books like Beyonce on any normal day.

Liv is a Deliverer and she kidnaps people to sell to the highest bidder. She moulds them to particular requirements and has completed seven 'trades' over six years. I was ready to hate this woman's guts but I couldn't. Despite having the worst job in the world ever Liv is surprisingly compassionate and fierce. She is a survivor through and through but doesn't allow her disgusting situation take away her humanity.

I was strangely protective of her character! I wanted to hide her away from all the horrible people and somehow make her life better. Liv continued to surprise me EVERYTIME. Just when I thought I knew who she was and what she had to do another side of her would be revealed - kudos Goodwin for a slam dunk on leading lady. Liv despite her vulnerability and fear is just as strong and inspiring as the typical butt whooping heroine.

Joshua Carter? DAYUM. How is this boy seventeen?! Someone explain this to me right now because I haven't found twenty year old men as loyal, steadfast, confident and kind as this young man. Goodwin explains his battle beautifully - his reaction to the events are exactly how I would imagine anyone in his position would act and his internal struggle questioned beliefs without coming off preachy. I was pretty much in love with Joshua Carter from the get go, just so you know.

Together with Van, these characters create a whirlwind journey that doesn't let you go from page one. I was on the end of my bed freaking out and stuck reading page after page after page. "Deliver" snuck into my heart and head and there was no way to let it go. The plot NEVER went where I expected it to go and I loved it for it. I got an ending I didn't think was possible and it was worth every intense second I was panicked praying that somehow things would be okay for my new found favourite characters.

If you like dark erotica, slave/master situations or really intense romance then you better go out and buy this book right now! "Deliver" is one of the best books I've read this year and I am absolutely telling the truth! Goodwin has Class A skill at weaving a torturous yet satisfying story that leaves you equals parts glad it's over and eager for more. Even if you aren't a huge fan of dark erotica etc. you should still go out and get a copy of "Deliver" because if this isn't the next big thing to blow up in the reading community it bloody well SHOULD BE!

I am going to buy a copy for myself and add this divine piece of literary magic to my favourites!

Blog Tour by Amber's Reading Room.

Pam Godwin lives in the Midwest with her husband, their two children, and a foul mouthed parrot. When she ran away, she traveled fourteen countries across five continents, attended three universities, and married the vocalist of her favorite rock band.

Java, tobacco, and dark romance novels are her favorite indulgences, and might be considered more unhealthy than her aversion to sleeping, eating meat, and dolls with blinking eyes.

5 winners will win a signed copy of Deliver by Pam Godwin (open international) 

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Belle Fury - By Lola Dodge *Review*

Manhattan Ten Series - Book 3 | Add to Goodreads
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This is one diva with killer moves…

Belle Fabian has worked her toes to the bone to become an internationally renowned ballerina. When the curtains rise on her career-making performance of Giselle, she brings down the house—literally.

Mid-dance, she manifests a superpower that nearly destroys the Metropolitan Opera House, wiping out a line of chorus girls and sending the audience dashing for the exits. As she flees the theater, she assumes the worst. Her hard-won career is over.

The Manhattan Ten’s leader is playing hooky with his new lady, so it falls to Red Ruin to round up the super-powered danseur. It’s just one small, bird-boned woman hiding in a convenience store. How hard could it be?

Their first encounter generates sparks that border nuclear and their chemistry sends Belle’s powers into overdrive, but their perfect storm of passion is marred by her suspicion that Ruin is holding back. That secret that could turn the sweet burn of Ruin’s lightning into a permanent scar on her heart.

Lola Dodge does it again! I can't get enough of these superhero romances and I truly wonder WHY ARE THERE NOT MORE?! But please excuse the yelling of my inner superhero geek. Ahem. Belle is an amazing leading lady. I greatly admired her focus and dedication to her craft and was shattered when she learned her powers would greatly hinder her dancing career. Yet despite the massive setback, Belle threw herself into mastering her new kinetic power. I was practically pumping my fist yelling "Get it girl!" Her struggle with her power and future was beautifully written and gave my heart strings a good yank.

Red Ruin/Ryan was a bundle of fun as the charismatic clown but his hidden character trait as insecure leader was gold. He was so humble about his leadership skills and I love that Dodge gave him that extra side. His relationship with Belle is all sparks and explosions, literally, which makes for some amusing sexy scenes. It is still a novella which is bad because it's such a short time to spend with such wonderful characters. The Manhattan Ten series is on fire and I can't wait to see where Dodge wants to take us next! (Please full length novels, please, please, please.)

A HUGE thank you to the wonderful Lola Dodge for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Lola Dodge was forged in the suburbs, tested in the retail wastelands and reborn as a romance writer after several strong cocktails. Armed with her M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction, she travels the world in search of story fodder and men with accents.

Website: http://www.loladodge.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lola_Dodge

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826088.Lola_Dodge