"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Reign of Shadows
Author: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: HarperTeen, 304 Pages (February 9th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Seventeen years ago, an eclipse cloaked the kingdom of Relhok in perpetual darkness. In the chaos, an evil chancellor murdered the king and queen and seized their throne. Luna, Relhok’s lost princess, has been hiding in a tower ever since. Luna’s survival depends on the world believing she is dead.

But that doesn’t stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized.

With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet.

With lush writing and a star–crossed romance, Reign of Shadows is Sophie Jordan at her best.

Title: Legend (Real #6)
Author: Katy Evans
Publisher: Gallery Books, 272 Pages (February 9th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: Maverick “the Avenger” Cage wants to rise to the top and become a legend in the ring. Though he keeps his identity well guarded, he's known on the fighting circuit as the new kid with a chip on his shoulder and a tattoo on his back that marks him as trouble. He's got a personal score to settle with the Underground's one and only Remington "Riptide" Tate.

As Mav trains, he meets a young girl—the only other new person in the town--and sparks fly. When things get heated between them, he finds out she's none other than Reese Dumas, the cousin of Remington Tate’s wife. A girl who's supposed to root against him and a girl he's supposed to stay away from.

But Maverick fights for the woman in his heart, and the monsters in his blood. The world’s eyes are on them and the victor will go down in history as the ultimate fighting champion; the ultimate LEGEND.

The highly anticipated sixth story in the New York Times bestselling series that began with Real—“a rare mix of fevered obsession and gentle enchantment…a visceral and addicting debut” (Christina Lauren).

*covers are always subject to change.

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the UK, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US. So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce.The Book Wars winner for Redemption Road by Katie Ashley is...!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: The Drafter
Series: The Peri Reed Chronicles #1
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: US - Gallery Books, 442 Pages, (September 1st, 2015), UK - Piatkus, 432 Pages, (September 1st, 2015)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

NOTE: This is a Adult novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: Detroit 2030. Double-crossed by the person she loved and betrayed by the covert government organization that trained her to use her body as a weapon, Peri Reed is a renegade on the run.

Don’t forgive and never forget has always been Peri’s creed. But her day job makes it difficult: she is a drafter, possessed of a rare, invaluable skill for altering time, yet destined to forget both the history she changed and the history she rewrote.

When Peri discovers her name on a list of corrupt operatives, she realizes that her own life has been manipulated by the agency. She joins forces with a mysterious rogue soldier in a deadly race to piece together the truth about her final task, unable to trust even herself.

About the Author:

Kim Harrison, author of the New York Times #1 best selling Hollows series, was born in Detroit and lived most her her life within an easy drive. She's currently working on the Peri Reed Chronicles, and when not at her desk, is most likely to be found landscaping her new/old Victorian home, or in the garden.

Find Kim Online: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa Michelle picked a book this week that I've not heard of or seen the covers for and going into this blind I have to say I'm not really impressed with either of them.

They are both kind of bland and unimpressive. And the only thing that the two have in common is the clock theme.

When I take a look at both of these I have to choose the UK cover for one thing and one thing only. It's a bit brighter with the orange and red tones. While the US cover is just kind of... there.

It might look like this week was easy for me, but it wasn't. It's sometimes difficult in choosing a favorite when you aren't pulled in one direction or the other at all. Good choice Michelle!

Do you have a favorite? Give us your vote below.

Michelle I love both of these covers for The Drafter, and how vastly different they are. I have this book waiting to be read, so I have no idea if any of the covers have a relevance to the story itself, without the clock faces.

I like the rougher effect of the US cover, how the clock face is faded and worn. But I like how bright and vibrant the UK cover is, and sitting next to eh US cover, this is the one that would stand out more for me.

My vote this week goes to the UK cover. I love the brightness, the deep vibrant red, the clock effect, and the shadowy figures. Don't forget to cast your vote below.

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of The Drafter by Kim Harrison NOW!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Nuts (Hudson Valley #1)
Author: Alice Clayton
Publisher: Gallery Books, 320 Books (October 20th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Alice Clayton, the first in a brand-new romance series telling the humorously sexy tale of Roxie, a private chef who gets a taste of love—but is it to stay, or to go?

After losing almost all of her clients in one fell swoop following an accident involving whipped cream, private chef to Hollywood’s elite Roxie Callahan gets a call from her flighty mother, saying she’s needed home in upstate New York to run the family diner. Once she's back in the Hudson Valley, local organic farmer Leo delivers Roxie a lovely bunch of walnuts, and soon sparks—and clothing—begin to fly. Leo believes that everything worth doing is worth doing slowly…and how! But will Roxie stay upstate, or will the lure of West Coast redemption tempt her back to Tinseltown?

Title: Walk Through Fire (Chaos #4)
Author: Kristen Ashley
Publisher: Forever 624 Pages, (October 27th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: The flame never dies . . .

Millie Cross knows what it's like to burn for someone. She was young and wild and he was fierce and even wilder-a Chaos biker who made her heart pound. They fell in love at first sight and life was good, until she learned she couldn't be the woman he needed and made it so he had no choice but to walk away. Twenty years later, Millie's chance run-in with her old flame sparks a desire she just can't ignore. And this time, she won't let him ride off . . .

Bad boy Logan "High" Judd has seen his share of troubles with the law. Yet it was a beautiful woman who broke him. After ending a loveless marriage, High is shocked when his true love walks back into his life. Millie is still gorgeous, but she's just a ghost of her former self. High's intrigued at the change, but her betrayal cut him deep-and he doesn't want to get burned again. As High sinks into meting out vengeance for Millie's betrayal, he'll break all over again when he realizes just how Millie walked through fire for her man . . . 

Title: Our Lady of the Ice
Author: Cassandra Rose Clarke
Publisher: Saga Press, 432 Pages (October 27th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: Hope City, Antarctica. The southernmost city in the world, with only a glass dome and a faltering infrastructure to protect its citizens from the freezing, ceaseless winds of the Antarctic wilderness. Within this bell jar four people–some human, some not–will shape the future of the city forever:

Eliana Gomez, a female PI looking for a way to the mainland.

Diego Amitrano, the right-hand man to the gangster who controls the city’s food come winter.

Marianella Luna, an aristocrat with a dangerous secret.

Sofia, an android who has begun to evolve.

But the city is evolving too, and in the heart of the perilous Antarctic winter, factions will clash, dreams will shatter, and that frozen metropolis just might boil over…

*covers are always subject to change.

Title: Manwhore +1 (Manwhore #2)
Author: Katy Evans
Publisher: Gallery Books, 336 Pages (July 7th, 2015)
From: the Author & Publisher
Format: eARC & Paperback
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Check out my review: Manwhore (Manwhore #1) By: Katy Evans


NOTE: This is a "New Adult"/Adult novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: Billionaire playboy? Check.
Ruthless businessman? Check.
Absolutely sinful? Check.

Malcolm Saint was an assignment. A story. A beautiful, difficult man I was supposed to uncover for a racy exposé.

I intended to reveal him, his secrets, his lifestyle—not let him reveal me. But my head was overtaken by my heart and suddenly nothing could stop me from falling. I fell for him, and I fell hard.

Malcolm Saint is absolute Sin, and I've become a hopeless Sinner.

Now that the assignment is over, Saint wants something from me--something unexpected--and I want this wicked playboy's heart. But how can I prove to the man who trusts no one that I’m worthy of becoming his plus one?

Review: 5 Stars - Manwhore +1 is the second book in author Katy Evan’s Manwhore Duet/Series, which was highly anticipated by this reader since I couldn’t get enough of Manwhore and all that is Malcolm Saint.

When I first read Manwhore I knew I’d love it… I mean I’ve loved everything else this author has written, especially when it comes to Alpha males. Evans, without a doubt has part of the market cornered for all things Alpha, so when I first learned more about Saint I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the book. And what a ride it was! And the ending… yeah, I HAD to have Manwhore +1 asap!

This book, along with the first one is written extremely well. The story flows and almost comes right off the page making it easy to imagine just how the scenes are playing out. And man, do the scenes come alive! Visualizing what was happening was easy and appreciated due to the storyline, setting and characters that Evans wrapped up in the bow that is her writing.

These two characters are strong, yet vulnerable. They are striving to better themselves and have faults. Neither is perfect yet when they come together there’s something that makes them just a bit more solid than the somewhat fragile ground they walk on. And I know, you might be thinking… How on earth is Saint fragile? Well, he is and once you read this book you get a better idea just who he is down deep underneath his perfect suits and façade he projects to everyone around him.

They have a lot to overcome after everything that happened in the first book and Evans makes sure to give her readers everything and then some and then some for this stunning couple.

Without a doubt I love these books. I love these characters and I can’t wait for the novella Mrs. Manwhore which comes out October 5th, 2015 and yes, I’ve already preordered. I did that long, long ago because I can’t keep away from anything that has to do with Saint. The more the merrier I say.

I highly recommend these books to anyone who loves a wonderfully yummy Alpha male who’s got some quirks and so many oh so swoon-worthy moments that’ll make readers turn into a puddle. It’s steamy, hot and romantic with just enough angst and trouble to keep you on your toes. But, be sure to start with Manwhore to see how Malcolm and Rachel all began, because really… you don’t want to miss one single page.

About the Author: 

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love, married him, and now they are hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning...

Find Katy Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Title: Legend (Real #6)
Author: Katy Evans
Publisher: Gallery Gooks, 272 Pages (February 9th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK, iBooks, BAM, IndieBound, Kobo, Google Play

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Can love really conquer all? – Book 6 in Katy Evan’s breakout New York Times bestselling series that began with REAL.

Maverick “the Avenger” Cage wants to rise to the top and become a legend in the ring. Though he keeps his identity well guarded, he's known on the fighting circuit as the new kid with a chip on his shoulder and a tattoo on his back that marks him as trouble. He's got a personal score to settle with the Underground's one and only Remington "Riptide" Tate.

As Mav trains, he meets a young girl—the only other new person in the town--and sparks fly. When things get heated between them, he finds out she's none other than Reese Dumas, the cousin of Remington Tate’s wife. A girl who's supposed to root against him and a girl he's supposed to stay away from.

But Maverick fights for the woman in his heart, and the monsters in his blood. The world’s eyes are on them and the victor will go down in history as the ultimate fighting champion; the ultimate LEGEND. 

OMG I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

About the Author: 

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love, married him, and now they are hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning...

Find Katy Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Title: Manwhore (Manwhore #1)
Author: Katy Evans
Publisher: Gallery Books, 368 Pages (March 4th, 2015)
From: the Publisher
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult"/Adult novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Is it possible to expose Chicago’s hottest player—without getting played?

This is the story I've been waiting for all my life, and its name is Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint. Don’t be fooled by that last name though. There’s nothing holy about the man except the hell his parties raise. The hottest entrepreneur Chicago has ever known, he’s a man’s man with too much money to spend and too many women vying for his attention.

Mysterious. Privileged. Legendary. His entire life he’s been surrounded by the press as they dig for tidbits to see if his fairytale life is for real or all mirrors and social media lies. Since he hit the scene, his secrets have been his and his alone to keep. And that’s where I come in.

Assigned to investigate Saint and reveal his elusive personality, I’m determined to make him the story that will change my career.

But I never imagined he would change my life. Bit by bit, I start to wonder if I'm the one discovering him...or if he's uncovering me.

What happens when the man they call Saint, makes you want to sin?

Review: 5 Stars - Manwhore by author Katy Evans is the first book in an exciting new series from the author who brought readers her delicious Alpha males in her REAL series. This time around she tackles a new kind of Alpha male and the woman who gets under his skin.

Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint - It’s not something you’ll forget once you meet the man behind the long sexy name. He’s closed off, a man of few words and the world at his finger tips. He likes a challenge, goes after everything and anything he wants with one goal in mind. Winning. He’s scarred on the inside. Damaged from his dark head of hair to the tips of his toes from a past he had no control over, he’s never alone yet you can see just how lonely he is as it comes pouring off of him.

Enter Rachel the writer who’s been giving a chance of a life time. Find out all she can to unlock the mystery that is Saint and expose him for all that he is. Good or bad, she’s beyond thrilled to have the chance to work on such a high profiled person – that she goes above and beyond to complete the challenging story with hopes of taking her career to the next level.

There’s no question about this… I LOVED the book. The characters are, each in their own ways mysterious. Malcolm trickles bits and pieces to Rachel as the two meet numerous times under the guise of an Interview about his latest venture, which then their meetings turn into something more as something begins to grow between these two. And as the story is written from Rachel’s point of view, you never really know exactly what’s going on behind the brooding man himself.

I was right along there with Rachel wondering how he’d react next and often cringed wondering if she’d pushed things too far one way or the other and if it would then push the extremely private man away. And yet as their relationship grew, I was just as confused as Rachel was in not only her feelings but also why they were both holding so much back.

Speaking of their relationship… it was beautiful, sexy and often times confusing, yet the confusing part was supposed to be that way. It’s how these two are, so it was important to the story. At least in my eyes.

Something you can always count on when it comes to this amazing author is her characters and their stories. It’s without a doubt the driving force when it comes to her books. You get characters who are more than memorable. They leave a mark so deep you can’t help but continue to wonder about them long after reading. And their stories and past leave you both parts fulfilled and gasping for more.

Also, can I just say, for the most part the secondary characters drove me NUTS! There were three of them that I wanted to have words with and I often wondered why they surrounded themselves with people who were somewhat toxic. Yet it didn’t take away from the story and added to the two main characters themselves. Made me wonder more about them as people because of who they had surrounded themselves with.

The stories are rich and the writing is always done wonderfully well yet as Katy writes more you see just how far she’s come from her first book to her last. Katy is without a doubt extremely talented and never seems to do anything other than amaze me.

Manwhore was so much more than what I was expecting it to be. The story flies by and while reading will leave readers feeling many emotions from beginning to end. I felt a gamut of them and I know others will as well. It’d be hard not to once you meet these characters!

I’ve been a fan and friend of Katy for a long while now and am happy to say that she’s not only blown me away yet again, but she’s gone so above and beyond the bar this time… it’s hard to put into words just how much I loved this book and author.

There’s no doubt in my mind when it comes to recommending this title to others. It’s a contemporary that readers will find characters to love and a story you won’t want to end. And now we wait for Manwhore + 1. *taps fingers* Katy…. I need more Malcolm and Rachel ASAP! Happy Reading.

About the Author: 

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love, married him, and now they are hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning...

Find Katy Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Title: Manwhore (Manwhore #1)
Author: Katy Evans
Publisher: Gallery Books, 368 Pages (March 24th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult"/Adult novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Is it possible to expose Chicago’s hottest player—without getting played?

This is the story I've been waiting for all my life, and its name is Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint. Don’t be fooled by that last name though. There’s nothing holy about the man except the hell his parties raise. The hottest entrepreneur Chicago has ever known, he’s a man’s man with too much money to spend and too many women vying for his attention.

Mysterious. Privileged. Legendary. His entire life he’s been surrounded by the press as they dig for tidbits to see if his fairytale life is for real or all mirrors and social media lies. Since he hit the scene, his secrets have been his and his alone to keep. And that’s where I come in.

Assigned to investigate Saint and reveal his elusive personality, I’m determined to make him the story that will change my career.

But I never imagined he would change my life. Bit by bit, I start to wonder if I'm the one discovering him...or if he's uncovering me.

What happens when the man they call Saint, makes you want to sin?

Author Interview:

Hey Katy! Long time no talk my friend! It’s great to have you on the blog. I’ve missed talking with you and I can’t tell you how excited I am to help celebrate your upcoming title – Manwhore.

So, let’s get started!

Lisa! So happy to be here talking to you right now. Thanks so much for having me over. I've missed you too and I can't wait for you to read Manwhore! I hope you love it like I do. :)

First… can you tell us, in your own words a bit about Manwhore?

Manwhore is the story of a young journalist who puts her heart and body in danger when the exposé she’s writing leads her into the arms of a notorious womanizer. Their romance is an exquisitely slow-burning process that kept me glued to my seat, enjoying every moment!

Many people know your writing from your REAL series and characters, how does this differ new series from that and those characters?

I think Manwhore is a more "mature" side of my writing, even though it's probably the most modern and fun book I've ever written. The story is simpler, but it’s the simplicity that makes the characters come across so well and so powerfully. There aren't fights or guns or rock concerts in Manwhore, so instead, we're in Chicago, in the shoes of a 'normal' girl who catches the eye of a very elusive and powerful man.

What were the hardest and the easiest part in writing this new title?

The hardest part was the beginning. I usually labor over my beginnings a lot. They need to be perfect and sometimes I need to write for a little while to determine where my "best" start is. I started this book initially with a club scene that ends up several chapters behind simply because I realized I was leaping straight into the action and I needed to know more about the heroine and her task first. I still love that club scene so much, though, it's one of my favorites in the book!

If you could ask your two main characters two quick questions for me?

Oh absolutely.

What was their first impression of each other?

Rachel: Malcolm, ohhhh. He's like a storm, and so hot and self-possessed. Electric. I could hardly breathe or think.
Malcolm: She was a mess. Blushing under my stare. Shy but inquisitive. Nervous. And lovely.

And looking back if they had to describe each other in three words, what would those words be?

Rachel: Confident. Relentless. Intense.
Malcolm: Innocent. Responsible. Addictive.

Without giving too much away would you mind sharing with us your favorite line or two from the book?

I have so many! Malcolm isn't a man of many words but whenever he talks, I melt so hard and so does Rachel. I don't want to spoil any of his words so I'll go with two of my favorites from Rachel:

He is Sin Itself...and I feel like an absolute virgin.

To him: "You make my world spin a little faster."

And lastly, since this is the exciting beginning of a new series, can you tell us all, because I know I’m dying to know… what we can look forward to for this series? And what we can look forward to from you in the future?

I'm truly thrilled to share this series. It's modern and exhilarating, the first stories so far focusing on a single couple - Malcolm and Rachel - as they fall in love and try to have a relationship together even though neither of them had 'room' in their lives for that.

Katy, as always it’s a pleasure to have you on my blog. I am really looking forward to reading Manwhore and I hope we get a chance to catch up soon!!! Miss you tons and a HUGE congrats on the new book.

Lisa, thank you so so much for having me over and I definitely look forward to catching up. My warmest hugs and all my gratitude for your time and for inviting us over! XO

About the Author: 

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love, married him, and now they are hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning...

Find Katy Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Overruled (The Legal Briefs #1)
Author: Emma Chase
Publisher: Gallery Books, (April 28th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Emma Chase, New York Times bestselling author of the Tangled Series, returns with the first installment of the Legal Briefs Series.

As a DC defense attorney, Stanton Shaw keeps his head cool, his questions sharp, and his arguments irrefutable. They don’t call him the Jury Charmer for nothing – with his southern drawl, disarming smile and captivating green eyes – he’s a hard man to say no to. Men want to be him and women want to be thoroughly cross examined by him.

Stanton’s a man with a plan. And for a while, life was going according to that plan.

Until the day he receives an invitation to the wedding of his high school sweetheart and mother of his beloved ten-year old daughter. Jenny is getting married — to someone who isn’t him.

That's definitely not part of the plan.

***

Sofia Santos is a city raised, no-nonsense litigator who plans to become the most revered criminal defense attorney in the country. She doesn’t have time for relationships or distractions.

But when Stanton, her "friend with mind-blowing benefits" begs for help, she finds herself out of her element, out of her depth, and obviously out of her mind. Because she agrees to go with him – to The-Middle-Of-Nowhere, Mississippi – to do all she can to help Stanton win back the woman he loves.

Her head tells her she's crazy...and her heart says something else entirely.

***

What happens when you mix a one stop-light town, two professional arguers, a homecoming queen, four big brothers, some Jimmy Dean sausage and a gun-toting Nana?

The Bourbon flows, passions rise and even the best laid plans get overruled by the desires of the heart.

Title: The Return (Titan #1)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press, 335 Pages (February 17th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: The Fates are cackling their bony asses off…

It’s been a year since Seth made the deal with the gods that pledged his life to them. And so far, the jobs they’ve given him have been violent and bloody–which is kind of all right with him. But now Apollo has something else in mind for Seth. He’s got to play protector while keeping his hands and fingers off, and for someone who really has a problem with restraint, this new assignment might be the most challenging yet.

Josie has no idea what this crazy hot guy’s deal might be, but it’s a good bet that his arrival means the new life she started after leaving home is about to be thrown into an Olympian-sized blender turned up to puree. Either Josie is going insane or a nightmare straight out of ancient myth is gunning for her.

But it might be the unlikely attraction simmering between her and the golden-eyed, secret-keeping Seth that may prove to be the most dangerous thing of all.

Because history has once again been flipped to repeat.

Book 1 in the new adult paranormal TITAN series, spin-off to the best selling COVENANT series.

Title: All Fall Down (Embassy Row #1)
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Scholastic, 304 Pages (January 27th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Grace Blakely is absolutely certain of three things:

1. She is not crazy.
2. Her mother was murdered.
3. Someday she is going to find the killer and make him pay.

As certain as Grace is about these facts, nobody else believes her–so there’s no one she can completely trust. Not her grandfather, a powerful ambassador. Not her new friends, who all live on Embassy Row. Not Alexei, the Russian boy next door who is keeping an eye on Grace for reasons she neither likes nor understands.

Everybody wants Grace to put on a pretty dress and a pretty smile, blocking out all her unpretty thoughts. But they can’t control Grace–no more than Grace can control what she knows or what she needs to do.

Her past has come back to hunt her . . . and if she doesn’t stop it, Grace isn’t the only one who will get hurt. Because on Embassy Row, the countries of the world all stand like dominoes, and one wrong move can make them all fall down.

*covers are always subject to change.

Title: Ripped (Real #5)
Author: Katy Evans
Publisher: Gallery Books, 288 Pages (December 9th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: The fifth book in the New York Times new adult series that began with Real. When an angry, heartbroken girl is forced to be near her rocker ex-boyfriend, only time will tell if the fire between them will consume them both.

Pandora, the gothic friend of Brooke (Real, Mine, Remy) and Melanie, thought that getting her heart broken by her bad boy rocker ex could only happen once. But now, he's back in town with the biggest concert of the year. Pandora hates him so much that she gets Melanie to come with her and play a prank on him at his gig. But when they are caught by security, and her ex himself is summoned, he decides not to press charges if she'll follow certain conditions. Pandora likes none of his rules, or that he's in charge of her, especially since they seem designed to make sure she's in close contact with him again. But the closeness reignites the passion they once shared, and soon no matter how much she wants to hate him, it's clear she's still hung up on him. And worse: he knows it too.

Review: 4.5 Stars - Ripped, the fifth book in author Katy Evans Real series follows Pandora, Brooke and Melanie’s friend who we’ve met in the previous books. She’s a closed off character who keeps her feelings nonexistent from a past heartbreak(s) she believe she knows the truth of, yet Evans proves to her characters and readers that what you think you know just might not be correct.

For me Pandora’s been a mystery. She has her few close friends but even they don’t know what’s caused her to be so closed off as she is. They know only small pieces about her past, who she is and what makes her tick. They know she’s sworn off men because of an allusive ex that we’ve only had really hints about.

And what an ex he is! When Pandora gets a chance to take out her anger on the ex she hates with a fiery passion she takes it and ends up in more trouble than she expected. Kenna’s a bad boy rock star with his own past and issues and when Pandora comes smashing (read the book and you’ll understand why I chose that specific word) back into his life he’s beyond angry as he tries to weed through his emotions that have left him over the years.

The thing I loved about these two characters is that they both believe they know what happened years ago. Each has their own secrets they are keeping and it’s their hearts and souls that are hurting because of the issues they’ve failed to talk about and work through.

They have to deal with the past if either will ever have a chance at a future. And boy, does Evans write a whirlwind of a story for these two!

Another thing I loved is that… there’s a thing that happens in the middle of the book that you find out has so much more meaning at almost the end. It gave me a chance to see things so much differently and made me appreciate the characters more and see them in a different light.

Now, while I did love the book… as I have loved each of the books in this amazing series by an amazing author… there’s one thing that kept me from giving it a five star rating. There’s a much larger issue in the book that I didn’t see coming. There were hints to it but I didn’t see it coming. And when this thing came out it wasn’t talked about much. It was short and quick and while it was mentioned I didn’t feel like there was much closure to it.

The epilogue touches on it again yet I feel like its left open. I have no idea if Evans has plans for more for these two, but I know I’d love it!

In the end I’ve loved these books and I hope Evans has more up her sleeve because I don’t want to say goodbye to her characters from the “Real” family anytime soon! If you are looking for Alpha men, look no further. I highly recommend these books, this series and this author. Happy reading!

About the Author: 

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love, married him, and now they are hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning...

Find Katy Online:

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Title: Ripped (Real #5)
Author: Katy Evans
Publisher: Gallery Books, 288 Pages (December 9th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: The fifth book in the New York Times new adult series that began with Real. When an angry, heartbroken girl is forced to be near her rocker ex-boyfriend, only time will tell if the fire between them will consume them both.

Pandora, the gothic friend of Brooke (Real, Mine, Remy) and Melanie, thought that getting her heart broken by her bad boy rocker ex could only happen once. But now, he's back in town with the biggest concert of the year. Pandora hates him so much that she gets Melanie to come with her and play a prank on him at his gig. But when they are caught by security, and her ex himself is summoned, he decides not to press charges if she'll follow certain conditions. Pandora likes none of his rules, or that he's in charge of her, especially since they seem designed to make sure she's in close contact with him again. But the closeness reignites the passion they once shared, and soon no matter how much she wants to hate him, it's clear she's still hung up on him. And worse: he knows it too.

Congrats to an AMAZING author -Katy! I love these books, characters and this author! If you haven't read these books, you are missing out! BUT, don't start with Ripped, start at the very beginning with Real. Go read and love these books as much as I do.

About the Author: 

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love, married him, and now they are hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning...

Find Katy Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Title: Illusion (Swept Away #1)
Author: J.S. Cooper
Publisher: Gallery Books, 352 Pages (November 11th, 2014)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Indie sensation and New York Times bestselling author of the Ex Games series and the Private Club series, J.S. Cooper introduces the Swept Away series—three new, dark and sexy romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a mysterious stranger—but is he friend or foe?

The day started like every other day...

Bianca London finds herself kidnapped and locked up in a van with a strange man. Ten hours later, they’re dumped on a deserted island. Bianca has no idea what’s going on and her attraction to this stranger is the only thing keeping her fear at bay.
Jakob Bradley wants only to figure out why they’ve been left on the island and how they can get off. But as the days go by, he can’t ignore his growing fascination with Bianca.
I
n order to survive, Bianca and Jakob must figure out how they’re connected, but as they grow closer, secrets are revealed that may destroy everything they thought they knew about each other.

Review: 4 Stars - Illusion is the first book in author J.S. Coopers latest – Swept Away trilogy. It’s a mystery wrapped in a mystery for readers and character Bianca as she finds herself kidnapped and left on a deserted island. With two men stranded with her, she needs to use her wits and gut feelings to figure out who’s telling the truth, who’s really dangerous and how everything and everyone is connected in a much larger plot that’ll keep readers guessing.

And guessing I did from beginning to end. I couldn’t figure out who was who right along with the main character Bianca. I felt like she was just about the only person who was sane! She questioned just about everything and yet made some strange choices along the way. I guess that’s what happens when you’re stranded on an island with a handsome stranger.

Speaking of this stranger – Jakob kept my head spinning. He made so many assumptions about Bianca and ran hot and cold. I’m shocked I didn’t have whiplash from his personality changes and often wondered if he was all together sane?

Some of the things I guessed I’m still not sure if I’m correct, but that’s okay because there is such a larger plot going on that with the ending, which is a bit of a cliffhanger I was okay because I know all of us readers won’t actually find out all the answers until the very end.

Since I was reading an eARC there was a bit that felt pretty rough to me. Sometimes that’s okay and sometimes it makes reading a bit harder to stay completely in the story. Sadly, it was the latter that I found in this advanced copy. However it was easy to see the overall picture and I can’t knock the book for that fault.

The characters had their ups and downs. The whole yo-yo affect had me questioning who they were. I had a better idea who Bianca is than Jakob and it’s for this reason that I couldn’t give this title 5 stars.

I liked the plot so far and there was no doubt that the characters had their moments that I did in fact like them. I was left wanting to know more about the story and all the mysteries and secrets that each of the characters are holding close and to find out what truly happened with Bianca’s family. I’d also like to know the truth as there was many truths that were being skirted around from beginning to end.

It’s without a doubt a different book and story that will leave readers wanting to know what the heck is going on, so that’ll bring people back for the next book, just like this reader. I know that fans of Adult title and “New Adult” contemporary works filled with mystery shouldn’t pass this one by. Book two = Disillusioned is out March 2015, so thankfully we won’t have to wait a year to find out what happens next. Enjoy!

About the Author:

J. S. Cooper was born in London, England and moved to Florida her last year of high school. After completing law school at the University of Iowa (from the sunshine to cold) she moved to Los Angeles to work for a Literacy non profit as an Americorp Vista. She then moved to New York to study the History of Education at Columbia University and took a job at a workers rights non profit upon graduation.

She enjoys long walks on the beach (or short), hot musicians, dogs, reading (duh) and lots of drama filled TV Shows.

Find J.S. Online:

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Title: Lead Me Not
Author: A. Meredith Walters
Publisher: Gallery Books, 288 Pages (August 5th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK, iTunes

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: In this dangerously sexy novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Find You in the Dark, a straight-laced college student meets a handsome but enigmatic stranger who lures her into an underground club scene, where she finds it difficult to resist temptation

Aubrey Duncan understands loss. She knows what rock bottom looks like, and she is determined to crawl back up to the top after the sudden death of her younger sister. She blames herself for her part in the tragedy, convinced that she could have done something, anything, to help her.

In her effort to gain redemption, Aubrey starts fresh at Longwood University and facilitates an addiction support group, hoping she can support someone else in the way she failed her sister. But what she doesn’t count on is an all-consuming fascination with group member Maxx Demelo, a gorgeous, blond, blue-eyed enigma who hides dark secrets behind a carefully constructed mask. He only reveals what he wants others to see. But Aubrey glimpses another Maxx hidden below the surface—a Maxx who is drowning in his own personal hell.

As Aubrey and Maxx develop an attraction too intense to ignore, he pulls her into the dark underbelly of the city club scene, where she is torn by her desire to save him and an inexplicable urge to join him in his downward spiral. Worst of all, she is beginning to love everything she should run away from—a man who threatens to ignite in her a fire that could burn her alive…

Excerpt:

I stared harder at the picture, uncomfortable with the odd sense of familiarity I felt. Looking at the woman's graceful yet agonized form, I felt as though I should recognize her.

Bothered by my increasing disquiet, I stood up and walked closer. This was not your typical campus painting of daffodils and laughing students. I had seen this particular kind of art several times before. I leaned in to try to see the details in the poor lighting. And there it was- the tiny patterns on the woman's dress composed of dozens of Xs.

I didn't notice any numbers or words in this picture, though, so I didn't understand what its intent was. It was my understanding that X's paintings held the clues to the location of the club, Compulsion. But this picture seemed to have nothing to do with that.

This was a painting created for some other purpose.

"So what do you think?"

I looked over my shoulder to find Maxx standing behind me. I turned back to the picture, not bothering to answer him. The truth was, my outburst in the group had left me feeling raw and vulnerable, and seeing him so soon after making a gigantic ass of myself was embarrassing.

As he came up beside me, the sleeves of our jackets brushed against each other. Maxx inclined his head toward the painting and asked me again, "Well, what do you think of it?"

I shrugged, not really in the mood for small talk. My pounding head couldn't handle a go-around with the group Romeo. I started to walk away from him when he grabbed hold of my arm.

"Wait, Aubrey. Please." It was that word that did it. Please. It was uttered softly and sincerely. And it held me as fast and surely as if he had put his arms around me.

About the Author:

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary and Paranormal romance including The Find You in the Dark and Bad Rep series as well as the upcoming stand alone romance, Reclaiming the Sand, and a dark new adult series for Gallery Books.

A. Meredith spent ten years as a counselor for at risk teens and children. First working at a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault program and then later a program for children with severe emotional and mental health issues. Her former clients and their stories continue to influence every aspect of her writing.

When not writing (or being tortured with all manner of beauty products at the hand of her very imaginative and extremely girly daughter), she is eating chocolate, watching reality television that could rot your brain and reading a smutty novel or two.

A. Meredith is represented by Michelle Johnson with the Inklings Literary Agency.

Find A. Meredith Online:

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