**Jumble Your Genres Review ~ Love Rock'ollection Boxset ~ Michelle Mankin**

For this final Jumble Your Genres review of the year, y'all are getting a three 'fer!! The genre for the month was New Adult. I'm a huge Michelle Mankin fan so I'm hoping to tempt you to read her. :) I tried to keep my reviews short since there are 3 but know that I could have gushed and gushed.

***

Love Rock'ollection

The Brutal Strength Rock Star Trilogy, Books 1-3

by Michelle Mankin

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 6, 2014
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review (*I own each of these books individually*)
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms Overall

Synopsis

Three full length rock star novels in one limited edition set.

Love Evolution is a rock star romance based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. 
After the death of her twin brother, nineteen year old guitar prodigy Avery Jones finds herself desperate, alone, and out of options. Hope arrives in the form of a job opening with Brutal Strength, one of the biggest rock bands out there. Only problem is temperamental lead singer Marcus Anthony doesn't want a woman in the group. So Avery and her manager Trevor come up with a plan involving a Bieber haircut and men's clothing. No one seems to be onto their little con. But what happens when Avery starts falling for Marcus? Will she be able to continue with the farce or will the whole thing come crashing down around her like a house of cards?
(Revised and additional content, including 2 new chapters and an epilogue)

Love Revolution is a rock star romance inspired by Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.
The wheels of love are always turning at Black Cat Records. Things are just starting to settle down when two Texas sisters start to stir things up at the Vancouver record label. CEO Mary Timmons sets spirited country superstar Sara Daniels on a collision course with cocky rocker Chris Alex. Meanwhile, Brutal Strength's suave drummer, JR, has his head turned by pretty young intern, Samantha Daniels. Do all their highways lead to happiness or will the wheels fly off when the sisters' tragic past comes back to haunt them?

Love Resolution is a rock star romance inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest.
To forgive or not to forgive...There's a storm brewing at Black Cat Records and lead singer Marcus Anthony and guitarist Avery Jones are at the center of it. Brutal Strength is leaving Vancouver and heading out on a big stadium tour with the reprobate rockers from Tempest as their opening act. Avery is forced to deal with a troubling figure from her past while being pursued by Tempest's tatted bad boy, Bryan "Bullet" Jackson. Meanwhile, Marcus must battle his own internal demons as well as this rival for Avery's affection. Can Avery and Marcus keep their fairy tale happily ever after together when the prevailing winds of the real world are against them?

Love Evolution

My current thoughts...
I almost didn't re-read this one since I'd previously read it 2 years ago. I'm really glad I did. Mankin added in some details and an epilogue - those details added to any already great story.

Love Evolution is inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. (If you're interested, you can read a quick synopsis here) That was originally part of the draw for me - I'm kind of a fan. :) Part of the premise from Shakespeare involves a girl posing as a boy. In this case, our girl is Avery Jones. She and her brother had been on the cusp of signing a record deal when he died. Her agent, however, gets her the chance to audition for Brutal Strength. The problem is, Marcus Anthony, the band's lead singer, thinks women guitarists are no-talent eye candy. To ensure Avery has the chance she deserves, her agent has her pose as a guy. 

From there, we get a front seat to all the action as Avery takes her spot in Brutal Strength while both she and Marcus fight their attraction to one another.

Love Evolution was an entertaining, compelling, and poignant tale.

My previous thoughts: (from my review originally posted 11/12)
This was a sweet little read.  It was fast...it was fun. I enjoyed the twist on Shakespeare. I thought Michelle Mankin rocked her modern adaptation. 

When we first meet Avery, who happens to be a guitar prodigy, she's grieving the loss of her twin brother. She and her brother had been on the verge of a record deal. But now, that dream is gone. When her agent gets her an audition with the rock band, Brutal Strength, it gives her a spark of life. However, she has to pose as a male in order to get into the audition. When she meets Marcus Anthony, they have an immediate connection. The story revolves around the continued growth of the relationship between Avery and Marcus and the impediment her charade imposes...particularly when Marcus begins to question himself over his growing attraction to a male. Lots of giggles when reading the thoughts of both Marcus and Avery regarding their attraction to one another.

The cast of supporting characters were lots of fun as well. The relationship between Marcus and his brother, Dwight, added dimension and entertainment to the story. And I really liked Marcus' parents. And the deviousness of Mary (CEO of Black Cat records) was also entertaining. And the music aspect...I like how Avery was able to channel her emotions into the lyrics. And Love Evolution...what a love letter!

Love Revolution

Love Revolution was a heckava lot more intense due to its suspense element. Don't get me wrong - with a title like Love Revolution, it has plenty of romance. Inspired by Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing (summary here), Mankin does a fine job infusing the story with the personality and wit of Shakespeare. The romance revolves around two sisters from Texas - one jaded and one naive - and two rock stars, naturally. I quite enjoyed the snarky banter between Sara and Chris. Their romance bloomed around barbs being thrown. The romance between Sam and JR was more on the sweet side. One of the most enjoyable elements was seeing Sara's, Chris', and JR's views on love change - a revolution in thought. The suspense element, brought about through Sara and Sam's past, really enhanced the story. It created an edge that Love Evolution didn't have.

One thing I must note since I'm from Texas originally, is Mankin's descriptions of Dallas, Graham, and Billy Bob's, as well as how Texans would miss staples like Dr. Pepper and Blue Bell when living in a place where these things aren't readily available. That is something I could totally relate to.

Love Resolution

Oh, the feels, y'all!! Love Resolution was incredible! Inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest (summary here), I once again impressed with Mankin's modern adaptation. We're back to following Avery and Marcus - watching the ups and downs a rock star relationship would experience. Mankin turns up the angst in this installment where not only does Avery have to deal with the bumps in the raod where she and Marcus are concerned, but also the feelings brought about when her estranged father returns. I really related to Avery on this point, as I also am estranged from my father. I appreciated the lessons Avery learned. She and Marcus learned a lot as well - about each other, life, and love. I liked that Marcus was flawed and that he sought help in dealing with those he could deal with. It made for a stronger foundation for his and Avery's relationship.

I enjoyed my view of the boys from Tempest as well. I know all their stories now - well, almost all of them - but I liked seeing them here...a little cocky and a little vulnerable.
One thing I'd like to note after finishing this installment is how Mankin incorporates what she refers to as "subtext" in all her stories. These subtexts range in scope from the treatment of the homeless and racial prejudices to suicide and drug abuse. I appreciate that she adds subtext to her stories - it enhances the character development as well as adding to social consciousness. 

**2014 Challenges - My Performance Wrap-up**

I didn't participate in many challenges in 2014 because I'd learned in 2013 that I didn't do so well with them. I'm happy to say that I did *MUCH* better in 2014. So much better, in fact, that I'm signed up for all sorts of challenges in 2015! Here's how I ended up faring:

2014 Goodreads Challenge

I challenged myself to read 150. I ended up reading 184. Yay me! I will probably keep my number at 150 for 2015 because I intend to try to read at a more relaxed pace next year.

COYER Spring Break

Oof! I didn't do so well with the Spring Break Challenge. I only read 2 of the 8 I'd planned to read!

COYER Summer Vacation

Ah, much, much better this time around! I'd challenged myself to read 30 books for COYER Summer Vacation and I read 45! I will admit that having no rules during this challenge might have helped! ;)

Jumble Your Genres

For this challenge, I was to read ONE book, in the assigned genre, per month. I'm proud to say that I only missed TWO months out of twelve. And one of those months, I actually did read a book in the specified genre, I just didn't get my review posted in time. The genre I missed? Sci-fi!

I'm pretty pleased with my performance in my 2014 challenges. Wish me luck with all my  2015 challenges!! *grins*

**#COYER Review ~ Unexpected Gifts ~ Elena Aitken**

Unexpected Gifts
A Castle Mountain Lodge Romance
Release Date: November 11, 2011
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Amazon Freebie
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Christmas represents everything Andi Williams is supposed to have, and doesn't. Running away to a remote mountain lodge in the Canadian Rockies, sounds like the perfect way to escape, until a mix-up finds her sharing a villa with sexy, rough around the edges, Colin Hartford.

Colin's determination to enjoy the holiday he's missed for the last five years, sweeps Andi into a season of joy that she's not sure she's ready for. Can Andi open herself up to everything the holidays have to offer...including love?

Unexpected Gifts was a cute holiday romance. There was something about the mountain lodge setting at Christmas time - call me sappy, but it was sweet. 

Andi Williams is not a fan of the holidays. It only seems to serve as a reminder of what she doesn't have. Having had her heart broken and her family all busy with their own lives, what she really wants to do is find a place to hide. When her business partner/best friend reminds her of a free stay at Castle Mountain Lodge, Andi jumps at the chance to getaway.

Colin Hartford has been away from home - Canada - for 5 years...too long. He's come to Castle Mountain Lodge to experience the holidays in the traditional way he's been missing. When he hears that a woman has had a reservation mixup, he offers up one of his extra rooms.

Unexpected Gifts delivered on the holiday spirit. It was your standard-fare romance but I enjoyed the characters, the chemistry between Andi and Colin, and the development of their relationship and personalities. They each had suffered in their own way and happening upon one another again seems the perfect remedy for what's ailing them.

The story flowed well and was well-written. And although I enjoyed the holiday aspect since I was reading it at Christmas time, the story would be enjoyable at any time of year. Aitken is a new-to-me author and I will read her again.

**Teaser Tuesday ~ #50**

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

Love Rock'ollection

The Brutal Strength Rock Star Trilogy, Books 1-3

by Michelle Mankin

New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

Three full length rock star novels in one limited edition set.

Love Evolution is a rock star romance based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. 
After the death of her twin brother, nineteen year old guitar prodigy Avery Jones finds herself desperate, alone, and out of options. Hope arrives in the form of a job opening with Brutal Strength, one of the biggest rock bands out there. Only problem is temperamental lead singer Marcus Anthony doesn't want a woman in the group. So Avery and her manager Trevor come up with a plan involving a Bieber haircut and men's clothing. No one seems to be onto their little con. But what happens when Avery starts falling for Marcus? Will she be able to continue with the farce or will the whole thing come crashing down around her like a house of cards?
(Revised and additional content, including 2 new chapters and an epilogue)

Love Revolution is a rock star romance inspired by Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.
The wheels of love are always turning at Black Cat Records. Things are just starting to settle down when two Texas sisters start to stir things up at the Vancouver record label. CEO Mary Timmons sets spirited country superstar Sara Daniels on a collision course with cocky rocker Chris Alex. Meanwhile, Brutal Strength's suave drummer, JR, has his head turned by pretty young intern, Samantha Daniels. Do all their highways lead to happiness or will the wheels fly off when the sisters' tragic past comes back to haunt them?

Love Resolution is a rock star romance inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest.
To forgive or not to forgive...There's a storm brewing at Black Cat Records and lead singer Marcus Anthony and guitarist Avery Jones are at the center of it. Brutal Strength is leaving Vancouver and heading out on a big stadium tour with the reprobate rockers from Tempest as their opening act. Avery is forced to deal with a troubling figure from her past while being pursued by Tempest's tatted bad boy, Bryan "Bullet" Jackson. Meanwhile, Marcus must battle his own internal demons as well as this rival for Avery's affection. Can Avery and Marcus keep their fairy tale happily ever after together when the prevailing winds of the real world are against them?

***Teaser ~ from Love Revolution***
I'm totally cheating with the 2 sentences rule this week...

"Had way better," she lied, relieved that her voice came out sounding even, "like kissing your grandpa."

Chris raised a brow. Without taking his eyes off of her, he pushed away from the table. "Yeah, a little disappointing for me too, Sweetheart, but it's for charity so I won't embarrass you and ask for a refund."

**Rock Chick Chat ~ Rock Chick Revolution ~ Kristen Ashley**

So we've come to the end, y'all. The final Rock Chick installment... I can't believe it's over. I've made some really good friends...found some H.O.T. book boyfriends...laughed and cried. Robyn and I are officially Rock Chicks now. And so our book chats will be called, from this point forward, Rock Chick Chats. Oh yes, we have many more Kristen Ashley reads to hit. And I think we're both ecstatic over that! I'll have to see what football bets I can come up with. ;)

Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and relax, and enjoy our chat!

***

Rock Chick Revolution
Rock Chick #8
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Source: Purchased from Amazon
Rating: 5 Bookworms!
Goodreads

Synopsis
Ally Nightingale has secrets. Secrets she doesn't even share with the Rock Chicks. But two men know what she's up to. One has her back. The other has her heart, but he doesn't know it.

As Ally rewinds the last year of her life, she knows two things. One, she's never going to get what every Rock Chick should have - her own Hot Bunch guy. And two, she's a Nightingale through and through. She just isn't sure what to do about that.

But as her secrets are revealed, the men in her life react. Darius Tucker, a lifelong friend, as usual takes her back. Ren Zano, the man she loves, isn't quite so sure. The Rock Chicks, Hot Bunch and the entire gang at Fortnum's weigh in, and a Rock Chick Revolution starts brewing.

It's up to Ally to control it and prove what she knows down to her bones. 

She's a Rock Chick, she deserves her hot guy and she's going to keep the one she wants...

Because she's a Nightingale. 


My final thoughts...
This final book in the Rock Chick series was, to quote Ally, righteous! It was the perfect ending to a series that is one of my all-time favorites. It's been quite a ride and I've loved every second of it.

Thank you, Kristen Ashley, for introducing me to "a motley crew of cops and crooks, bounty hunters and baristas, PI's and rock stars, hot guys and Rock Chicks." You've made them my people. My family. :)

*****

Robyn: Rock Chick mania! How is it that Ren is so different from the other Hot Bunch guys and still right in line with them? Ally is plain crazy, but not like Indy. Indy is just wild. Ally always seems to be in search of something. Her own HEA, her purpose in life, scumbags worthy of a knee to the nuts? All of those I think. I like how street Ally and Ren are when they bicker with each other. Not an ounce of composure when they tussle. I remember when she got pissed that Indy was in so much danger and instead of letting the police handle chasing the bad guys when they sped away she put the car in gear and went after them with angry gusto. Everyone was pissed at her, but she was going to get justice for her BFF. 

What do you think of the beginning, all that back story? I almost never like that, but Kristen Ashely gives us the goods so good. I want more of their history. 

Brandee: It was a bad day...because I had to work and all I wanted to do was read Ren & Ally!! Robyn, I may be a little bit in love with Ren. Yes, he is different than the other Hot Bunch guys and  yet still sooo much the same. Ally is crazy but I have to say I love her brand of crazy. She is definitely looking for something...but that she'd do anything to help someone she loves and never goes back on a promise...that's the good stuff. I am really enjoying getting to really know Ally...and Ren. Their bickering is righteous, as Ally would say. Her explanations of fights and talks with Ren crack me up.

You're absolutely right about KA giving the goods so good. I want more of their history too. I have to admit to crying when a certain scene is repeated...both because of the original scene and Ally's perspective of it. It has been rather interesting to learn what all Ally's been up to while all the other Rock Chicks were getting their HEA, huh? I thought it was telling when Ally said she and Indy knew each other's secrets...well, Indy knew *most* of hers. Why do you think she kept everything with Ren on the down-low? 

So much has happened and I'm only at 22%! I'm off to read...

There always seemed to be another world Ally lived in while the other Rock Chick's got their HEA, I just wasn't sure what. I thought it was pretty amazing in the first Rock Chick when she was the one to find Rosie. She beat all the boys. I think she has good reasons for keeping her secrets, but I sort of think she also didn't want to ever be jealous of her girls and the only way to do that was to safeguard a few things. Or I could be over thinking it. 

So you're in love with Ren, huh? That fight with Luke over Ava in the parking lot was so dang awesome (a few books ago) and I remember Ava jumping to his aid, but doing it in a bossy hot chick way. I've been waiting for their story and I am just loving how different this one is mapped out. She isn't fighting her feelings. He isn't pulling out the handcuffs, yet. He's bossy in bed, but way into talking things through. It's just so dang good! 

I'm at the 28 percent mark and I really have to get some sleep, so that means, I'll be up late again! Happy reading tomorrow!

I did find a nice stopping place - one where I was in love with Ren again. :) I'm sooo tired and I just can't put it down. It's one of my favorites in the series too.

I like how you said Ally always seemed to live in her own world - she's different than all the other Rock Chicks. I really like that KA gave her a book that is different than all the others. She is different. She doesn't fight her feelings - not exactly anyway. And Ren is one hot-headed Italian American hottie ;) but he's not your typical Hot Bunch guy. He's Ren. And she's Ally. *sigh* What did you think of his comment about her being the backbone?

Their first date? Classic! Especially the end of it - both at the restaurant and at home. ;) 

What are your feelings about Hank and Lee being so against Ally's chosen profession? Gotta say I wasn't real thrilled with Ren's initial feelings and then...he made me all melty right along with Ally.

What did you think about the family dinner that was ambushed? And how Ren handled things? And how Mal handled things with Ren?

We haven't seen a lot of Amalea yet, but I adore Ren's mom already!

Okay, I'm off to read until I can no longer hold my eyes open...

***

I'm tired and I haven't had nearly enough time with Ren & Ally today! *pouts* 

Tomorrow won't be much better as I'm attending a birthday celebration 'down the hill'. Hopefully I can squeeze in some time with this Rock Chick, Rock Chick, Rock Chick! *squee*

We gotta talk Duke...how does  he always know what to say and when to say it??

I have a Rock Chick hangover. This installment is my top favorite along with the first one. Not as funny as Indy's book, but so much more emotional and something else, not sure what. 

Duke, man, Duke is the most huggable character in the entire series. Just thinking of him I get emotional. During one of his heavy scenes I was at the library waiting in a room with 3 best selling authors who were about to do a mystery writers panel. They were chatting about movie rights, not kidding, and I was trying not to bawl my eyes out! I realize maybe this was an opportunity to chat up authors, but the whole morning into afternoon I had been running around and it was my first opportunity to sit and relax. And it wasn't a Kristen Ashley talk. Nope. 

Ally is so laid back, she's my idol. She's the pretty girl version of Duke. She's also the perfect mix of Lee, Hank, and Indy. And Ren? He's top dog right now. I will have to re-read all the books and see if he's still the champ of all the Alphas in this series. I freaking love him! 

Oh my goodness, Dawn! How awesome was every single scene with Dawn and Ally. Okay, gotta go. Football Sunday! More RC chatting later. 

I had an epiphany about one thing that made Ally different from the other Rock Chicks...she's not as soft. She talks like Hot Bunch guy, right? She can be soft and mushy but her strength, inner and outer comes from a different place than the other girls'. She is BADASS! In a Hot Bunch guy badass kinda way. I guess she is the perfect mix of Lee, Hank, & Indy. And yeah, kinda the female version of Duke.

God, I loved this book. It was amazing in how perfectly it wrapped up everything. I'm so completely satisfied with how things are for all my Rock Chick friends. Ally and Ren's book left me with *that feeling* Ally kept talking about.

The Darius thing - I just didn't know how Ally was gonna straighten out his shit. But she did. Of course, it took a Rock Chick ride to do it, but she did it. And it made me warm with that feeling. :)

I was kinda pissed at Lee for all his big brother protectiveness. Although I wasn't surprised. I was kinda surprised Hank caved. Those two boys and their love for their sister also made me warm with that feeling. 

Omigosh, Dawn. Hell yeah, I loved all her scenes...particularly when she got put in her place. *haha*

Ren...*sigh* yeah, he's definitely top alpha for me as well. Funny enough, I can't tell you why. Maybe it's just the way that he and Ally fit? He can be bossy - but usually just in bed, where it doesn't bother Ally. (and wouldn't bother me either...just sayin') But maybe it's really because with the other Hot Bunch guys, they give their women what they need but they do so by beating them over the head with it until the Rock Chick capitulates. Ren...he just gave Ally what she needed in his own quiet way...no beating over the head required. (although I wanted to beat her over the head in the beginning) What do you think it is that makes Ren top alpha?

Oh, and by the way, getting Duke's background...yeah, that explained so much. This whole group is who they are because of all the strong male and female role models they grew up with. It didn't matter if their dad wasn't in the picture or their mom died when they were young, there were all these other strong adults to step in, fill that role, and love 'em strong.That is family. They were all a family. (I'm getting the feeling again...plus the heat behind my eyes *sniff*)

I have a book hangover for sure. But the bright side is we can follow Mace & Stella to LA. :)

Also, I had to go look up Stana Katic from Castle so I could see what Ren thought Ally looked like....gotta say, that was pretty close to how I pictured her. :) 

I got a little book depressed after I finished this one. The last Rock Chick. It was so good and fresh, nothing felt like a rewind of the other stories and there isn't another one to plan for next month! I know we get to follow Mace and Stella, but I want more Ally and Ren dammit! Okay, so that's my four day long rant that's been going on in my head. I can get back to our chat. 

Ally was so much like the boys, she talked and thought like them. She wore the pretty underthings, but the girl was a kid sister raised by a tough  mom with a crazy best friend and two Alpha brothers. She's an alpha chick, that's what she is. Which is why I loved so much how she was with Ren. She never took on a fight with him just to win. If it meant something to him, she was good with it, but if it meant the world to her, she stayed true to herself. She didn't sell Ren or herself short. I know I was frustrated with both of them at different times, but I'm still wearing my rose colored glasses when I think back on it all. I can't remember what pissed me off! 

Ren's alpha-ness is a puzzle. He has some old fashioned ideas buried deep down in his upbringing that rears its head every now and then, but usually he's this equal opportunity male, give and take, share and communicate. Ally loves all his taking (goodness!), but not so much his communicating. 

The series did wrap up nicely, so I can feel free to re-read it whenever I want. We have to hit the Colorado Man series soon so I don't fall into another book depression. That's a real thing, you know. It's been so neat doing these buddy reads with you Brandee! Great books and awesome chats! Best football bet ever!

I'm with you on the book depression...definitely a hangover after finishing Ren & Ally. It's sad to think there isn't more Rock Chick for us. I know I'll re-read this series because it was *that* awesome. And yeah, we can follow Mace & Stella...but I'm still replaying scenes from Ren & Ally. And it's a week later?!? I was thinking about that scene where Tush is played...you know the one. Damn, Ren is so freaking hot!

Ally - yeah, I think I most admire her and aspire to be like her. I love that she's just as much one of the guys as she is a Rock Chick. And I thought of you every time she was gonna cry - since neither of you like doing that shit. :) I really think they are my favorite couple because I adore how they are with one another. You're right about Ally never selling herself short with Ren. But he didn't either. They both took into account whether or not something was important to the other and never dug in their heels just because. I think, maybe in a way, they were the most mature. Does that make sense? 

And I've said it for every one of these books but I'm amazed at how fresh KA keeps things in every single installment. This one though, it takes the cake. *sigh*

YES! We will start the Colorado Man series next month so we can avoid book depression. There are so many KA books to choose from. AND we have books to buddy read from our two other football bets. :) I do agree though...this was the best football bet EVER. I'm thrilled to have lost because in the end, we both won! :)

**#COYER New Year's Read-a-thon**

**COYER Winter 2014-2015**
The first read-a-thon of 2015 challenges us to find something new for the New Year. So find a new-to-you author, new-to-you narrator, or new-to-you series and go for it! All books must meet the COYER guidelines and you must sign up to participate by 11:59 p.m., December 31. The Read-a-Thon runs January 1st through the 4th. Click the button to go to the link up page.

There's also a giveaway for participating! So join us in the fun and clean off your ereader. ;)

***

This read-a-thon is only a 4 day challenge so 2 books is a realistic goal for me. I wish I could read more and maybe I will, but I'm aiming for 2. Here's what I plan to read:

These are both new to me authors, and new series.

**Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged ~ #47 ~ Christmas Haul**

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged is a weekly meme, hosted by TalkSupe, where I share with you the books I have bought, borrowed, or bagged (gifted or won) plus a recap of the previous week's reviews, upcoming reviews, and any other bookishness I want to share. :)

So I took an unplanned mini-break for Christmas. :) I really enjoyed it - hanging out with my family, playing with our new toys. I hope y'all have a holiday filled with lots of love and laughter!

Here's what was added to my ereader and/or my physical library this week:

BOUGHT
*Freebies*





*$1.99 Buy*

   
Thanks, Braine (@Talk Supe) for the fantastic review!

Bagged


I received Past Heaven for a blog tour hosted by Wordsmith Publicity.

My goodies from my COYER Secret Santa. I can't remember if I posted about it before or not, but I also got an Amazon GC from my Secret Santa. Sooo spoiled! I'm very excited to read I Want It That Way. I got some salt water taffy, which happens to be one of my favorite things and I didn't mention that anywhere. I collect bookmarks, so this was a treat. And I love the snowman stamp. 



Hubs gave me these two, in paperback, for Christmas. What a guy! ;)

Oh, and my mom gave me a $30 GC to B&N! Score!



Last Week's Reviews

The Darkest Part by Trisha Wolfe
Redemption by C.J. Barry

Upcoming Reviews

Rock Chick Revolution by Kristen Ashley
The Viscount's Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley
Unexpected Gifts by Elena Aitken
Havoc by Autumn Grey
Rock'ollection by Michelle Mankin

**Cover Reveal, Book Trailer, Excerpt & GIveaway ~ Southern Perfection ~ Casey Peeler**

We, along with Casey Peeler, are excited to share with you the COVER REVEAL, BOOK TRAILER, EXCERPT and PRE-ORDER links to Southern Perfection! Southern Perfection is being re-released on January 13th. The new version will have changes and added scenes. Make sure to watch the TRAILER and enter the GIVEAWAY below for a $20 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

Cover Designed by: Paperclutch {Custom Invitations & Stationery}

To Be Released: January 13, 2015

Pre-Order Now Available!

Life is full of choices: good, bad, and ones you can’t control.

Raegan strives to be perfect in every way. Varsity cheerleader, honor student, and proud granddaughter of Dover Lowery. By day, Raegan is an over-achieving high school student, but at three o’clock, her real work begins.

What happens when appearances are not what they seem? Will Raegan be able to hold on to her life as she knows it, or will she be left all alone?

All of these questions are answered with one night, one song, one story, and one boy.

Make sure to Add to your To Be Read List:

When Emmett whispers in my ear that it’s time to go, goose bumps rise on my skin. I bite my lip and nod in agreement as we make our way outside. Our ride to the farm is filled with laughter and a desire to constantly touch each other. I hear Dustin Lynch begin to play through the radio, and before I know what’s going on, Emmett has pulled the truck off the side of the highway with the engine running. I stifle a laugh as he runs to open my door and squeal as he takes my hand and pulls me to the ground and into his perfectly rock solid body. We sing to each other while moving to the beat as random cars continue down the two-lane highway past us.

On the final beat of the music, Emmett takes my cheek in his hand, my mind races as he pulls my lips to his, and he kisses me like his life depends on it. This has to be the best kiss of my life. If I thought I saw stars at the field party, I just got caught in an entire constellation. When I’m brought back to reality, I know that in this moment, this boy is going to change my life.

Casey Peeler grew up and still lives in North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Her first passion is teaching students with special needs. Over the years, she found her way to relax was in a good book.

Her perfect day consists of water, sand between her toes, a cold beverage, and a great book!

Website: www.authorcaseypeeler.weebly.com/

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**My TBR List Review ~ December ~ Redemption ~ C.J. Barry**

My To-Be Read List is a new meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. Michelle has been doing this for awhile and recently decided to extend the fun for us all. I thought it was a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

Redemption
Soul #1
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Reya Sinclair is a Redeemer of Souls. Her mission is to give Earth's most depraved sinners a shot at redemption just before they are slated to die. Her own redemption is on the line as she fulfills her duties, leaving a trail of dead bodies in her wake. It's all going perfection well until on detective takes notice, possibly bringing her salvation to a halt.

Thane Driscoll is a good cop who's seen too many bad guys get away, including the man who murdered his father. He exacts his own style of justice, even if it costs him his humanity. A string of mysterious deaths leads him to a woman who's not quite human and might hold the key to finding his father's killer.

When death and shadows descend, New York City becomes a battleground for the forces of light and dark. As the body count rises and sparks fly between them, Reya and Thane race to uncover a terrible truth. Can one man hell-bent on revenge and one woman determined to save her eternal soul be enough to keep the planet from spiraling into darkness?

Redemption hooked me from the start with the introduction of Reya, our heroine, and an intense and grisly depiction of her job. Barry was able to maintain that intensity and pace, for the most part, throughout the story.

Reya Sinclair is a Redeemer of Souls and as such, her job is to offer redemption to souls about to depart from this world. Her reason for taking this job necessitates her dealing with souls who are most in need of redemption...the ones who have done despicable things. Her job is Reya's way of seeking her own redemption. 

Reya's job put her on Thane Driscoll's radar as he is one of the detectives lucky enough to be given the task of investigating freak, accidental deaths. Thane is a cop who sees things in shades of gray and doesn't always follow protocol. He seeks justice - has an intense desire to make things right - even if it requires him to step on the wrong side of the law.

Once Reya and Thane meet, they each begin to realize there's something special about Thane. But they have to figure out exactly what that means and why they've been brought together at this point in time.

Redemption has a strong reincarnation theme, as well as themes of right and wrong, darkness versus light, the power of choice and free will, and love. With the exception of the story dragging just a bit with the "will he or won't he" element, Barry wove it all together into a very unique and compelling story. The way she created her world of different dimensions, darkness and light needing equilibrium, and how that balance was maintained was fascinating.

I quite enjoyed my introduction to Barry's writing and will certainly read her again. By the way, I didn't realize Redemption is actually the first in a series. It wraps up nicely but it's a series I will continue.