REVIEW: BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE BY ALLIE GAIL

Rob Kensington is just your typical high school senior. Athletic, intelligent, handsome. Sees a therapist once a week. Because his parents just died in a house fire of questionable origin. And he doesn't seem to care.

Maybe he isn't so typical.

Sara Marsh had no clue when she returned to live with her divorced father that the bedroom down the hall would be occupied by a stray with a major attitude problem. The last time she saw Rob, he was a brooding goth who could have passed as Marilyn Manson's love child. But at some point during her three years away, Creepy Kensington managed to evolve into a sizzling hot star running back with smoldering hazel eyes.

The attraction is undeniable. The temptation is irresistible. And soon they're sharing more than just an address. But with another life lost in a deliberately set blaze, Sara's trust is faltering. Has she lost her heart to a serial arsonist? He's already shown her the allure of playing with fire.

And someone's about to get burned.

* This book contains strong language and sexual content and is intended for ages 17+ *

Paperback, 298 pages
Published March 10th 2014 by Createspace

Purchased: Received from author in exchange for review

Purchase this book: Goodreads | Amazon 

| This book is available via Kindle Unlimited | 

OUR REVIEW:

This was a super quick YA-ish read. It's set during the senior year of Sara and Rob's senior year and though they start as less than friendly, they make up for that..eventually. The problem is that Sara and Rob are holding on to ideas about each other that are no longer true. He's no longer a goth boy and she's not some spoiled princess. Once they get that out of the way things heat up. Truly, it's the perfect teen scenario. No parents for most of the week, hot teen couple, sexual tension out tha wazoo...you see what's happening here? Because it did; it happened.

I am still somewhat shocked about that fact, because holy crap was that one naive Dad! Just, wow! Lol. After that though, it really worked for this story. I was attracted to this story by the parts that included them in a coming of age situation, a tragedy, misconceptions on one another based on appearance and actions...all set up for a great concept that I was very intrigued by. 

But in the midst of that happening...other shenanigans ensue. There's weirdness between a girl named Jordan and ..well..just about everyone else. This weirdness spills into Sara and Rob's relationship..but to their credit, they do tend to discuss the problems as they arise. There's also Riley...a boy who insists on creating drama between Rob and Sara too..high school drama....it never leaves us, does it?

That weirdness just set up a suspenseful tone for the story. I was like, "What on Earth is going to happen here." Wild events ensure. Cryptic messages are given. Mixed messages on what is going on had me pointing fingers at people I didn't want to point them at. My heart was racing because I had no idea what in the heck was going to happen! Riley. Asshat, extraordinaire. But...is he? Hhhmmm.

Anyway.
The two main threads of this story are the romance of Sara and Rob and the mystery behind an arson; as the story builds..so do the clues. Courtney warned me that I might be a little surprised at the end..she was right...the last 10% was not what I expected at all.

I am still quite surprised by what happened. The suspense about killed me. I was ready to throw things. I almost did...because well, teenage boys are unpredictable and can be total dicks. I was expecting dickish behavior from several boys, got it from just as many as I had anticipated...but enjoyed the laughs and shenanigans at lunch on the way. 

Overall this was a quick read. Lots of high school drama and fun. Lots of steamy scenes. There were a few places I found the pacing to be a little off..but overall, it was something I think a lot of readers would enjoy. Agreed. There are a few things that happened either a tad slow, or super fast, but that is the part that knocked off a bit of my rating. The story, the characters, the premise...I enjoyed very much. I say give this one a whirl if you're looking for some young adult with a bit of a twist.

Shelley: 3.5 stars

Courtney: 4.5 stars

About Allie Gail

I was born in a charming but microscopic town in Alabama with a book in each hand. Well, maybe not literally, but you get the idea. I don't think there's an author out there who didn't start out as an avid reader, and I'm no exception.

It was only fairly recently that I decided to resurrect an old high school interest and once again began writing. There's something cathartic about breathing life into the quirky characters struggling to escape my imagination.

These days I reside in the beautiful panhandle of Florida with my own blue-eyed Prince Charming and three fat, pampered cats who are just tolerant enough to permit us to share the same house with them. As long as they're fed on time, that is.

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NEW RELEASE: PLAY BY KYLIE SCOTT [REVIEW]

Title: Play (Stage Dive, #2)

Author: Kylie Scott

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 25, 2014

 

Kylie Scott returns with the highly anticipated follow-up to international bestseller LICK.

 

Synopsis

Mal Ericson, drummer for the world famous rock band Stage Dive, needs to clean up his image fast—at least for a little while. Having a good girl on his arm should do the job just fine. Mal doesn’t plan on this temporary fix becoming permanent, but he didn’t count on finding the one right girl.

Anne Rollins never thought she’d ever meet the rock god who plastered her teenage bedroom walls—especially not under these circumstances. Anne has money problems. Big ones. But being paid to play the pretend girlfriend to a wild life-of-the-party drummer couldn’t end well. No matter how hot he is. Or could it?  

OUR REVIEW:

I thoroughly enjoyed the getting to know the latest member of Stage Dive, Mal, and the girl who snags him, Anne. He is a crazy nutter--or at least he wants us to believe that. He jumps from subject to subject and sort of creates a manic, playful environment wherever he goes. He's exactly what Anne needs after always having to look after, fix, or be taken advantage of by others. She's a great match for Mal (at least after her momentary star-struck daze) because she is sassy and honest and has a genuine concern for his well being. Yep. Crazy nutter indeed. He is exuberant and full of life, and a little bit hard to handle because of his self imposed rock god status. And while you can tell that there is something more going on with him he made the entire book so much freaking fun. I kid you not...I laughed or smiled every single time he had dialogue. It was tight and perfect, and the pace of the story was wonderful. The writing was incredible. I loved Lick, and I think I might have almost loved Play even more! 

This novel isn't trying to take us down a serious road of issues; it's pure rock star fantasy. It's light and funny and a great escape from the everyday drudgery of our lives. The sexual tension is great and the reveal of their back stories came at just the right moment. From the moment I started it, I found myself picking it up every opportunity I had and feeling sad when I had to put it down. In less than a 12 hour work day I started and finished it and already ready for book 3. This is why I love novels about bands. Especially when the entire band gets put into a companion series. They are all so present and such huge parts of their lives, but each one has their own individual tale to tell. I have almost no words (you know I'm going to give them to you anyways) for how much I enjoyed it! Like Shel said, it is by far not as serious or angsty as David and Ev's story....but it is just as meaningful and well crafted, that I too could not put it down. I stayed up way too late reading it when I was really needing to sleep! (Who needs sleep? Not me apparently) 

I cannot wait to see what Kylie Scott comes up with next. Her writing, humor, dialogue...you name it...it was spot on! We definitely are forever fans over here! 

/fangirl gushing

Shelley: 4 1/2 Stars

Courtney: 5 Stars

Buy the Book

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B&N

 

Lick (Stage Dive, #1)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Australian Romance Writer.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Email: kylie@kylie-scott.com

BLOG TOUR: DELIVER BY PAM GODWIN (REVIEW | EXCERPT | GIVEAWAY)

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.

Add to Goodreads

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Click HERE to watch the trailer for Deliver by Pam Godwin

OUR REVIEW:

My mind is still reeling. I think the first 20-30% of this novel I was a mix of enthralled, disgusted, curious, confused, and pissed. I couldn't decide how I felt. Am I glorifying sex slavery by reading about it? Am I minimizing a real person's experience by having sympathy for the fictional world of a kidnapper and slave? How do I feel about a woman being in a position to do this? Honestly, I'm still struggling with my answers to these questions but I settled in and turned page after page, every free minute I had.

YES! All of that. I was actually pretty excited that for once it was the virginal man that would be the captive in one of these stories. I think that makes me pretty sadistic and I was confused with ohw I felt about it for a bit...but after reading something like Tears of Tess and finding that these are the stories that shock and awe me the most...I was totally ready for it. Josh. I really loved Josh. 

I'd say that, for me, the novel is really psychological and a total mind fuck for at least the first half of the book. The relationship between Liv and Josh and Van is complicated. Throw in the man behind it all and the buyers and all sorts of rules, secrets, and the feeling of being trapped and you have lots of anxious feelings and questions and puzzling things out. 

YES! The first half! WHAT! WHOA! But in all of that it is the writing that is really enthralling and beautiful. Each scene. Whew. I was stoked that we got both Liv and Josh's point of view in this story, because it was just so fucked up I NEEDED to know what EVERYONE was thinking. I will settle for the two I got. When she described him being locked in a box with a blindfold and a clamp on his nose to make him breath through his mouth, naked, headphones on playing an a constant noise for an entire day...even I was going mad. The scenes come alive, and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I could never predict what was going to happen! 

The last 30% of the novel is faster paced. Things begin to happen faster and more and more information becomes available. I'm not sure I expected things to end the way they did...but maybe I'm not so surprised either. I'm still thinking about the ending. I guess, I wish we could have more at the end; I still feel like I want to see more of their story..more about the emotional consequences ..and I'm a little suspicious about some things at the end. 

Good news. This isn't over. Well. This story is. Deliver ends and there is no "cliffhanger" but I did read that there will be a continuation of these characters this summer. I think that is fantastic news, because there are only a billion places this story could go...and that fact helped me not be as fidgety about the questions that did not get answered. 

Sometimes it's the novel that makes you question things..yourself, your worldview, your ideals that sticks with you. It may make you a little uncomfortable..and this one was that for me. But that's okay, I like to think, wonder, question, and examine and without this novel maybe I wouldn't have approached these thoughts I'm having.

I say all of the time that the darkest and twistiest of stories have become my kryptonite. It is so true. They cause me to gasp out loud the most, want to throw things, yell aloud "No fucking way did he just do that!" and just go crazy for the author's words. Pam Godwin did that with this book, and while it was sometimes really edgy and uncomfortable, it was still steam up the pages hot. Sorry. It is. It isn't for the faint of heart for sure, but I think the story has so many angles that it is hard to me to pinpoint my favorite things about it. One thing for sure I want to know? Is it Stockholm syndrome? (That's the right thing, right Shel?) I think you'll be asking that too when you are done!!! 

Courtney: 4 1/2 Stars

Excerpt:

Van’s big body blocked her view, pressing in, violating her comfort zone. She raised her chin and searched the depths of his hood. Shadowed and vacant, his expression mirrored her presence of mind.
The back of his hand made a slow trace of her scar, brushing her hair from its path. When he reached her lips, he coiled several strands around his finger.
She grabbed his wrist, and the tendons in her grip turned to steel, immovable. She closed her eyes and braced.
He yanked, sparking a burn where the follicles gave way.
At the sound of his retreating footsteps, she opened her eyes and watched his broad back move toward the trees. “Someday, we’re going to talk about those fetishes of yours.”
Without acknowledgment, he continued in a slow, dispassionate stride until the shadows between the trees swallowed his silhouette.

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REVIEW: THE LONELY BY TARA BROWN

The truth is subjective to what the lonely lets in.

Emalyn Spicer has lived with it for a long time. She thinks it goes back further than her memories do. She knows it goes back further than the OCD.

When she arrives at college, her OCD's and the lonely refuse to let her have her wish to be normal.

When she meets Sebastian and starts to fall for him, she lets herself believe it's possible to outrun the things chasing her from the past. But how to you get away from the things inside of you? How do you run from yourself?

Just as she gives up and succumbs to the lonely, the unthinkable happens. She finds herself once again trapped in the dark, once again held against her will.

This time she meets the lonely head on. In the darkest corners of her mind, she discovers there is more to her world than she ever imagined. She discovers that the lonely was there for her, protecting her from herself and her secrets.

How far would you go to find yourself?

This is a dark and captivating novel, tread lightly

Kindle Edition, 356 pages

Published February 2nd 2013 by Tara Brown Publishing 

Source: received via Netgalley in exchange for review

Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

First, please don't be afraid of this book. I realize that the cover has more paranormal vibes than new adult romance, but it is indeed geared toward a new adult/romance audience. And I have to say...I am over the top shocked at what I just read. I really connected with it in a way that I'm not sure that a lot of people did on Goodreads (as in I think there is a lot of mixed feelings about it) but I have hope that you might at least try out a sample because it's goodness just crept up and bit me. Hard. I liked it. Yes. This is definitely one that requires an open mind and a little patience, but it's so worth it.

Emalyn is starting college with her best friend from highschool and immediately you realize that she has some pretty heavy issues. The blurb tells you that she is OCD but I was seriously in awe of how well the author portrayed her having this illness. Instead of it just being these repetitive actions that she had to complete, we got to be inside her head for it with her feelings of loathing of herself for having to do it the absolute gut wrenching she went through at the thought of touching someone or someone touching her. And that is just the tip of the iceberg for the insanity of this book. Being inside of Em's head and seeing how frustrated she was with herself and yet how dependent she was on the comfort zone she created was very interesting. I enjoyed reading this unique perspective.

She is trying out college and tries out dating this really cute, nice guy...but there is an anonymous voice that is in contact with her constantly. Her benefactor. The person who helps her pay for stuff and keep her safe with a personal chauffeur included. Who the heck is this dude and what the hell is going on were constant questions battling it out in my head. And that basically ends any of what we can tell you.... 

Em's friends--Shell and Stuart and Sebastian--are all so good and patient and eager to help her achieve the 'normal' that she so dearly once. They also add to the intriguing events that happen around the 25% mark. Meanwhile we have this mysterious voice/texter who seems to know everything about her and seems to be the ultimate control freak. All of this contributes to some interesting stuff that I cannot really say any more about without ruining this read.

I really enjoyed this book (and Shelley is reading this a little bit later than I am writing this...so I hope she does too...can't wait for her thoughts) and even though there is some far fetched-ness to a few plot lines...it didn't keep me from devouring it...because why can't it be far fetched I ask you? Emalyn has a huge journey to go on for this story, and regardless of what was happening external to her, her journey was epic and I loved finding out about it to the very last page. It was a very good read; I really enjoyed it.

Courtney: 5 Stars
Shelley: 4 1/2 Stars

Connect with Tara Brown: Goodreads | Website | Twitter

REVIEW: INCINERATE BY TESSA TEEVAN

Title - Incinerate (Explosive #2)

Author - Tessa Teevan

Release Date: February 18, 2014

Cover Design: Wicked by Design

Cover Model: Joshua Saari

Cover Photographer: Josh Norris

Book Trailer

 

When Knox Wellington opens the door to Charlie Davenport, he's not expecting the fiery brunette with whiskey colored eyes and a feisty personality. Sparks fly immediately, even though their initial meeting is nothing but hostile. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the chip on Knox's shoulder threatens to destroy any hope of him wooing the sweet, southern volunteer sent to help with his rehabilitation.

Little does he know she's no Southern Belle, as she gives as good as she can take. As unexpected circumstances push them closer together, heads butt, patience is tested, and flames ignite as they dance around their mutual attraction, both of them jaded from broken pasts. They've both been burned before, so when their feelings of lust, desire, and wanting are inflamed in the heat of the moment, will they finally be able to get over the pain of the past or will their relationship be reduced to ashes before it can ever really begin?

*While this book is a standalone, characters from Ignite, book 1, will appear in Knox's story.

 

OUR REVIEW:

First of all I love the name Knox. I don't know why..I just do. Me too. Writing that down for future baby making. It conjures up an image of a hot, tattooed, mouthy man...oh wait!...just like the Knox in this novel. Yes, this is true! Hah! He's hot, tattooed, and has a smirky, dirty, sarcastic mouth. We're kind of obsessed with dirty mouths yeah?  He's also sweet and vulnerable and swoonerific. I think I should urban dictionary that word! He's not perfect--which I like--and he's got a lot to learn..but I love that he's flawed. He's home from a serious injury while overseas; he's weak and he hates it; he needs help and he really hates that, and he has absolutely no desire for some dude named Charlie to come help him while he's recovering. 

I have to throw out there that I might have got to pop Knox's Goodreads status cherry. Just sayin' lol. (I know you don't care, but I did!) 

I think you hit the nail like 100 times on the head there. Knox is a soldier. He doesn't want or know how to be anything else. So when he is laid up for months wearing a back brace basically 24/7 and has to rely on other people just to put clothes on...he does NOT like it. He's grouchy. And I think these aspects where he is rough around the edges, and has been scorned and is not all that happy with how some things in his life turned out (making him completely opposite of happy go lucky Jace from Ignite) and that is why we might just love him more than Jace. Okay. I know I do! 

Hahahaha...enter Charlie (AKA Charlotte Rose). She's stubborn, mouthy, smart, and takes absolutely no shit from anyone. She calls it like she sees it and she has absolutely no problem calling herself out when she's been dumb. I love this about her. She may be hot-headed and impulsive but once she simmers down she will take the steps to right a wrong or admit a hard truth. She's perfect for Knox. Exactly what he needs. 

I call her sassy, ballsy-ness being her father's daughter. Her relationship with her Dad is seriously epic...and he is a military man too. Which intimidates her boyfriends. So whether or not Knox can deal with that is all part of the ride of reading this wonderful story. 

Their story is a slow burn...it takes a while for walls and barriers to be broken open. And let me tell you....this girl writing in blue did NOT like this. I was getting some violent texts! It was great! These two are so damn stubborn...so protective of their hearts and suspicious/doubtful of the intentions and desires of the other. I wanted to hurt them both at various points in the novel for their inability to verbalize ...but obviously I got over it. And they do too...

She did. She was threatening them bodily harm several times because of their shenanigans...but I could tell she was loving it. We both zoomed right through this story, and while we were frustrated with them...they DID for the most part communicate with one another...it was just the strong as hell personalities getting in the way...

The angst was there but it I think my anticipation of it made it way worse than it was. No throwing Kindles for me, this time. Instead, I enjoyed the resolutions to problems and the way their story played out. 

The things I loved about this book were Knox and Charlie. The depth to their characters also pays a testament to how much Tessa has grown as an author in such a short time because it wasn't a repeat of Ignite. There are a couplea scenes with Jace and Lexi, so it was amazingly wonderful to get to see those two again...and how they're doing now. I really loved this book and have made my strong opinion known that Branson needs a book...and guess what. He is getting one. (Hey, I live like 20 miles from Branson, MO...so I feel a strong kinship to the name...and I think Tessa has the writing chops to pull off making this major douchebag a redeemable guy...so look for that after Kale and Cohen!)

I am sooo looking forward to book 3! Me too! You will not be regretting stalking Tessa for details on Kale, it does the body good. (Or whatever the hell the BCG girls are saying these days ;) 

Shelley: 4 1/2 Stars
Courtney: 5 stars

Buy the Book

Incinerate (Explosive #2)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | B&N

 

Ignite (Explosive #1)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Paperback

 

About the Author

I'm a twenty six year old book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are my teams! I work for the government during the day, hang out with Air National Guard on the weekends, and have been married to my own book boyfriend for over seven years. We currently live right outside of Dayton, OH with our two cats. If I’m not writing or looking through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find me curled up with my Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. I love my sports almost as much as I love my books. My other obsessions include red wine, hot men, country music, and all things Grace Potter. I LOVE to hear from readers, so please feel free to contact via any social media site listed below.

Connect with the Author

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Email: tessateevanauthor@gmail.com

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