Release Day Review ~ The Sexpert ~ JA Huss & Johnathan McClain (@JAHuss @MisterJMcClain) #2018NewRelease

The Sexpert by JA Huss & Johnathan McClain
Tall, Dark & Handsome #1
Release Date: July 24, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Source: I received an eARC from the authors. This did not affect my rating and I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
EDEN

I'm just a simple girl who likes dessert. And sexy men. And social media. So starting an anonymous video channel call The Sexpert as a side hustle to make up for my low-paying marketing job at Le Man Magazine seemed like a perfectly sensible career decision. Until we went viral, my boss accused my anonymous personality of stealing his idea, and now my super sexy new boyfriend, Andrew, is out to get me.

Her. Me. Whatever.

ANDREW

I don't want it to be her. I do not want this... sweet, delicious, shy social media nerd working at my best friend's magazine to be the face behind those perky cupcakes on the Sexpert channel. I don't want it to be her... because I like her. A lot. She's funny, and quirky, and smart, and creative... and... I really, really like her. It just can't be her.

But it is.
And now I have to choose.
My best friend?
Or... The Sexpert?

I met up with JA and Johnathan - actually met Johnathan for the first time - at Book Bonanze the night after I finished The Sexpert. The first think I did was ask JA if the TDH (Tall, Dark & Handsome) neighborhood was real. Okay, I actually first said how much fun the book was but I seriously was dying to know. It's not real. Phew! I know I'm out of the loop but I was hoping I wasn't that out of it. ;)

Anyway, Huss and McClain's foray into the world of romantic comedy was a fun time. It was the perfect blanace of comedy and romance and it dealt with relevant topics as well as taking us along for the ride for the journey of self-discovery both Eden and Andrew found themselves on.

Eden meets Andrew on a day that's seeminly indicating her life is changine...and all for the better. Then things take a downturn when she finds out Andrew - this guy she could really, really like, is tasked by her boss to figure out who the person behind The Sexpert is so he can sue her for intellectual property theft.

Andrew meets Eden on his first morning in town and he thinks Denver is looking mighty nice. The shine begins to fade a little when he starts thinking that the girl he just met - a girl that he could really, really like - might be the person behind The Sexpert and therefore his best friend's nemesis.

Y'all, the premise hooked me and the characters reeled me in. I adored Eden's awkward quirkiness and I enjoyed Andrew's artistic and compassionate way of looking at things. Their interactions were entertaining no matter what they were doing - looking at art or mountains, discussing work or sex. That they couldn't ignore the pull they felt despire knowing they could each make life messy for the other was fun and compelling. And I appreciated how they each learned so much about themselves in the process of trying to figure out how to do the right thing - decide what the right thing even was. Sigh. So good.

I look forward to more in this series and hope to see more of Eden and Andrew. Huss and McClain impressed me here. RomCom from this duo seems promising and I'm excited.

Release Day Review ~ Passion Rising ~ JA Huss & Johnathan McClain (@JAHuss, @MisterJMcClain) #2018NewRelease

Passion Rising by JA Huss & Johnathan McClain
Original Sin Series #4
Release Date: May 8, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: I received an eARC from the authors. This did not affect my rating and I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Old demons are back.

Maddie's dealing with the fallout of her choices. Safety and happiness are relative, elusive things she's desperate to have. But they will forever remain out of reach until the demons of her past are laid to rest.

Tyler's mistakes resurface to haunt him and he's just beginning to understand that money can't fix a broken relationship. He must open his heart and search for answers he'd rather not find.

She wants peace in a world made of chaos. 

He wants to rid himself of a lifetime of guilt.

They're soul mates, but that's no guarantee.

They'll need to rely on each other to find their happily ever after.

Because the fight never ends - it just gets easier with someone at your side.

Wow. Passion Rising was honestly the perfect ending for this series as well as the perfect way to wrap up Huss & McClain's first foray into being writing partners.

Passion Rising did a one-eighty and went from being more action to more...cerebral. And that wasn't a bad thing. At least not for me. It made me stop and think - really examine the story as a whole. And I appreciated that. Maddie and Tyler have been through so much in their young lives. Things that would have broken lesser individuals. But while they were both damaged, the each continued getting up each day, putting one foot in front of the other because they felt there had to be something more. They've been through quite a lot since they reconnected as well. They were both in very dark places and I don't know why they had to experience even more "bad" together except to say that it couldn't have worked in any other way. They've endured tragedy before but in experiencing it together they realized that together is better...or at least makes handling it easier. And in each other - or maybe simply with each other - they found what they needed to fill in the cracks of their damaged selves and they maybe, just might have found purpose...which is something I think we all long for.

See? Cerebral. But don't worry. It wasn't all contemplating life's purpose, love, etc. There was an injection of suspense as well as plenty of steam. But again, Passion Rising made me take a stap back and look at the entire picture of Maddie and Tyler's story...put all the pieces together...and I was just pleased as punch with how it all came together.

As a sort of an aside, going into this book as a longtime fan of Huss, I think I had certain preconceived notions of what I'd get from this series despite her partnering with McClain. Passion Rising pushed home the point that this series is not a Huss book, it's a Huss-McClain book and therefore I got something a little different. And I must admit to enjoying the experience. I look forward to seeing what these two come up with next.

Release Day Review ~ Flesh into Fire ~ JA Huss & Johnathan McClain (@JAHuss @MisterJMcClain) #2018NewRelease

Flesh into Fire by JA Huss & Johnathan McClain
Original Sin Series #3
Release Date: April 17, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: I received an eARC from the author. This did not affect my rating and I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Payback is owed.

And Maddie Clayton is going to collect. This time Carlos and Logan have gone too far. People are dead, lives have been changed, and she's had enough. Plus, she's got the Devil on her side, so when an enemy turns into a friend with an idea of how to take Carlos down, she's in.

Tyler Morgan has been fighting back his whole adult life. He's ready for anything when it comes to payback. But endangering Maddie can't be part of the deal. Unfortunately for him, once Maddie gets an idea in her head, there's no stopping her.

Her debt has been paid in blood and she wants revenge.

His fight is still there, but now he's got more at stake than himself.

The end is coming.

But even if they win against Carlos, they can still lose each other.

Flesh into Fire reignited my interest in Maddie and Tyler's story. I felt like there was quite a bit of character growth on both Maddie's and Tyler's parts and there was more action and, um, less sex in this installment. The plot moved forward although I still have no idea where Huss & McClain are going with this story. But I'm once again delighted to be on the ride. Here are a few highlights and observations:

• I found it interesting that Tyler always saw Maddie as his angel - even dreaming of her in this way and how she's letting her "devil" rule. Because of him? Or has Maddie always been this way? I think the dreams are important...I just can't figure out how. LOL
• Of course there would be a curve ball I never saw coming which changed the trajectory of the story - not that I'd figured out the trajectory but I feel certain this curve ball changed it.
• There's a new catch phrase in use in this installment and I'm not really a fan. It wasn't used in the earlier installments and now everyone is saying it. *frowns*
• When we're in Tyler and Maddie's heads, their voices are distinct but sometimes in the dialog they sound very similar. It kinda took me out of the story when I'd be reading Maddie saying something and it sounded so much like Tyler that I had to double-check who was speaking.

At times I wanted to shake Maddie and Tyler for their decisions and there were times when I was rolling my eyes at the over-the-top-ness in certain situations. The twists in the plot though made things exciting and I'm going to mention again the character growth because I *liked* it. Both Maddie and Tyler had some very insightful moments where they realized some profound things about themselves and each other as well as themselves as a couple. I'm still speculation as to where they're headed - I really have no clue. But Flesh into Fire had more action, more excitement, more humor, and *ahem* the character growth so I'm thrilled to learn where Maddie and Tyler are going and I'm grateful I only have a few more weeks til I find out.

New Release Review ~ Angels Fall ~ JA Huss & Johnathan McClain (@JAHuss @MisterJMcClain ) #2018NewRelease

Angels Fall by JA Huss & Johnathan McClain
Original Sin Series #2
Release Date: March 27, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: I received an eARC from the author. This did not affect my rating and I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon


Synopsis
Sometimes angels fall.

Maddie doesn't really owe drug lord, Carlos Castillo, money. So she hadn't taken his threats seriously. Until now. He wants it, whether she owes it or not. And if she doesn't have it in six weeks he's gonna take her as payment instead.

Tyler would save the world if he could. That's a fight that lasts forever. And if there's one thing he's good at, it's fighting. So if Maddie thinks she's gonna deal with an insane drug lord on her own, she's crazier than he is.

She's got a debt she can't pay. He's got more money than he needs.
She's not gonna fall for his charm. He's gonna make sure that happens.

They're destined to be together. Even if Maddie doesn't know it yet. 
Sometimes your soul mate isn't who you'd choose, it's who you need.

Good thing you don't get to choose.

While Angels Fall didn't resonate quite as strongly with me as Sin With Me did, I'm still completely invested in Maddie and Tyler and eager to see where they go from here.

Angels Fall, well I think it suffered a little from that sophomore slump. It did some character building, which was important, but not a lot happened. There was more angst than action in this installment. The angst was courtesy of a very stubborn Maddie and while I appreciate her fierce independence, sometimes it's smarter - proves your intelligence - to ask for and/or accept assistance. She spent a great deal of time digging in her heels and I wanted to shake some sense into her. Tyler spent a great deal of time doing everything he could to earn her trust and that made me fallfor him that much more.

So this time around Huss and McClain pulled me along on Maddie and Tyler's journey and I trust they know where they're going...I just didn't enjoy the ride as much. However...that ending!! OMG!!! It has me chomping at the bit to see what Maddie and Tyler do next. I'm certain there will be more angst, more *ahem* steam, and more action. I'm vibrating in anticipation.

Release Day Review ~ Sin with Me ~ JA Huss & Johnathan McClain (@JAHuss @MisterJMcClain ) #2018NewRelease

Sin with Me by JA Huss & Johnathan McClain
The Original Sin Series #1
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: I received an eARC from the author. This did not affect my rating and I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Sin with Me is the first book in a four-book contemporary romance series by New York Times bestselling author, JA Huss, and veteran actor and writer, Johnathan McClain. Each full-length novel will release three weeks apart starting March 6, 2018.

Synopsis
Two broken people in a city fueled by sin.

Maddie isn't looking to be saved. She knows the only person you can count on is yourself. Her moral compass might not point true North these days - but at least she's still standing.

The Military taught Tyler about loyalty. Being there for your brothers is the only thing that matters - but when it mattered most, he wasn't.

She's got a ticket straight to Hell. He's already been there and back.

Some sins scar your soul so deeply, you'll never be the same.
But this Devil in disguise might just be the angel he needs to forgive himself.

Omigoodness! You know, I've read and reviewed nearly everything Huss has written and it was starting to get difficult to come up with something fresh to say about her work. I mean, she gives good stories...good characters. And then. And then she gives me a break. She decides to collaborate with Johnathan McClain. And y'all. The result is going to have me waxing poetic!

In this first installment in The Original Sin series we're introduced to Maddie (aka Scarlett) and Tyler (aka Ford Aston). As an aside, I loved the nod to Huss' Rook & Ronin series.) Maddie is sort of down on her luck, working as a stripper to make ends meet while trying to her her latest business venture off the ground. Problem is, she's in debt to a kingpin, her strip club boss doesn't like her much, and she has some sort of anniversary looming that she can barely hold herself together just thinking about. Tyler on the other hand, is rich beyond his wildest dreams but is carrying a huge stone around his neck. He seems to believe he gets people killed. In fact, he's been dreaming about his own personal angel. And then he meets her.

Honestly, I don't know all the details of how Huss and McClain went about writing this story from dual POVs but what I do know is that each character has a distinct voice and the story flows together seamlessly. Tyler - he keeps a running dialog in his head and I kinda feel like it might represent what Huss' mind looks like but still... Another thing I know? I'm captivated. I love their separate stories and I adore how their stories converge. I knew the thing they had in common - I don't think it was meant to be a secret - but I was shocked to discover the real reason behind Maddie's fall down the rabbit hole. And I was even more shocked at the reaction both Maddie and Tyler have to the reveal. Add to that the movie references and I have to mention it again - Tyler's internal dialog which is reminiscent of Vince Vaughn's character's rapid-fire speech in the movie Swingers which makes you question his sanity, as well as Maddie's internal dialog where she rationalizes every decision she makes in a clear attempt to prove, if only to herself, she's not crazy - it all made for compelling reading. 

These two have some serious issues. You want to fix them, starting by giving them the hugs they so clearly need. And you want to get to the root of their issues, help them be whole and happy. Because fate certainly seems to be at work here bringing them together. 

Great character development, a solid plot line, and enough little reveals to keep me riveted, Sin with Me has me charmed and anxious for the next installment.

#COYER Review & #Giveaway ~ Mr. & Mrs. ~ JA Huss

Mr. & Mrs. by JA Huss
Misters #6
Release Date: October 31, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Mr. Perfect, Mr. Romantic, Mr. Coporate, Mr. Mysterious, and Mr. Match found what they were looking for and now it's time to seal the deal. Five Aston hasn't quite found his happily ever after yet...not quite. But he will. And he's about to host the party of the century for all his family and friends.

If you loved Happily Ever After, you can't miss this one either. It's the delicious cherry on the top of the most perfect dessert and all your favorite characters will be back for one...final...swoon-worthy story.

It was such a treat to get to spend time with the Misters and their Missuses - all together at one time, in one place. And no one was in any real danger if you didn't count the pigs...or the kittens...or the stallion...or those island kids! LOL Seriously though, Mr. & Mrs. was a lot of fun.

It's been almost a year since the Misters dealt with all that Mister business and now they're all getting down to the business of living. Of course, they want to really start things with a wedding. And if one Mister is going to do it, they all will. Getting to see what everyone is up to now was a pleasure. I mean, each of the couples came together under strenuous times so it was nice to see them just be "normal" - worrying about being couples and/or parents, etc. I was also a joy to see the camaraderie between them all - the family they've created outside of family, how they are all there for one another. And then there were the surprises. Naturally, Huss had to throw a few twists in and for these particular ones, I'll always be grateful.

Mr. & Mrs. was the pretty, sparkly bow tying up an already fantastic series.

For those of you who haven't yet started the Misters series, I have a signed paperback copy of Mr. Perfect up for grabs. Just obey the Rafflecopter below. 
Sorry! Due to shipping costs, this giveaway is for U.S only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Release Review ~ Anarchy Missing ~ JA Huss (@JAHuss) #2017NewRelease

Anarchy Missing by JA Huss
SuperAlpha #2
Release Date: March 14, 2017
Genre: Adult, Superhero/SuperVillain Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the author. This did not affect my rating and I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Everyone wants justice.
That's what Assistant DA, Lulu Lightly, tells me.
"Cathedral City needs you to set things right," she says. "To rid this place of corruption once and for all."
I'd like to rid Lulu Lightly of her clothes. And maybe her moral superiority. But mostly her clothes.
"I want you to fight the good fight with me," she says.
Hell, yeah. I'm always up for a fight.
"We should stand up and be the voice of the people," she says.
Sur, I hear voices. Sometimes I even listen to them.
"Figure out what's good for the City and put it first," she says.
Oh, honey...what's good for the City is bad for the people. Trust me, I know. I'm Case Reider - insane Alpha, nerfarious inventor, and I understand this town better than anyone.
Cathedral City needs me all right. Just not the way you think.
I'm not the justice you're looking for, Lulu Lightly.
I'm still the same villain you left behind.
Only now... there's something very, very wrong with me.

It's been awhile since I visited Cathedral City with its mountains and spires and corruption and... superheroes. Or are they supervillains? Whichever category they fall into, Huss had me falling for this next Alpha almost immediately - despite his valid concerns about his sanity.

Reading Anarchy Missing is akin to watching a Marvel movie - riveting and exciting from the get-go. I was immersed in this world from page one where we're able to see how our Alphas attain their uniqueness, watch them acquire their girl, and deal with a crisis... all they while planning for the thing that they're really intent on accomplishing. In Anarchy Missing we meet Lulu (I LOVE her name!!), someone Case was involved with years ago. She comes back to town with a purpose - that being Lady Justice. I adored Lulu. She's intelligent and strong, and even though she wants to serve up justice, she's not so hellbent on it that she can't look deeper - consider all sides. Case is this super-talented high-tech designer/developer. He's the same loyal guy we met in Anarchy Found, yet different. He still has strong feelings for Lulu but believes he isn't good for her - especially since he keeps having this feeling...that something is wrong with him. And there just might be.

All the Alphas are very present in this installment - banding together to figure out what the latest evil invading their city is. They can't be villains, can they?!? Molly and Sheila are also present which makes the story that much more gripping because the entire cast is well-developed - even AI Sheila - and that development along with the dynamics between them all gives the story more depth.

This world Huss has created with all its unique high-tech gadgetry and medicine, its evil villains and superheroes who might be supervillains is so entertaining and fascinating. Huss is still in the building phase and I'm hopefuly we get another Alpha book this year so we can get a better idea of where the Alphas are leading Cathedral City. Plus, I want to see Thomas get his girl. *wink*

Only Huss could take me out of my comfort zone genre-wise and make me grateful for the experience. I haven't gotten my paperback yet (book buying ban) but I'm hoping it has all the hand-drawn art to complete the comic book feel. The art was a real bonus in the first installment so I hope it's carried throughout. As for the story, there are questions, of course, but I know in the end all will be answered. And so I'll anxiously await my next trip to Cathedral City.

Release Day Review ~ Taking Turns ~ JA Huss (@JAHuss)

Taking Turns by JA Huss
Turning #1
Release Date: January 18, 2017
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Source: I received an ARC from the author which I voluntarily reviewed. I also purchased my own copy in paperback.
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
I've never been afraid of the dark...but that doesn't mean I wanted to live in it. And maybe everyone wants what they can't have, but I should've thought it over before I accepted the key and unlocked the door to their forbidden world.

Number One is mostly silent. He watches me with them very carefully. His gaze never wanders. His interest never wanes.

Number Two is mostly gentle. But it's the other side of him I like best. The wild side.

Number Three is mostly reserved. He refuses to cross the line. Even when I beg.

It was carnal, it was sensual, and it was erotic. That's it. That's all it was supposed to be. A trip into the dark. A peek into the forbidden.

I just didn't expect to like them.

I've read and reviewed every one of JA Huss' books and I have to say there comes a point where it's difficult to find different ways to extol her virtues in storytelling. I mean, her books almost always hit the mark for me. I know no matter what I'm going to get a well-crafted story, typically at least some suspense, a plotline that messes with my head and keeps me guessing, characters so well-wrought they feel like real people. And in Taking Turns she delivered all of that. But this story...this story was also more. And seeing as how I'm always impressed by Huss anyway, it's telling that with this story I was utterly captivated from start to finish...dazzled.

Taking Turns tells the story of four people - one woman, three men - who enter into an unconventional relationship. They each have their own reasons for doing so - the men having been doing so for years. While getting acquainted and comfortable in the relationship, they not only learn about each other but also about themselves.

The story is told from the POVs of each of the four and I appreciated this because it enabled me to get a solid understanding of each character - even if I wasn't privy to all their secrets. There is also a fifth character who plays an integral role in the lives of the four - one we never meet but learn a lot about.

There are secrets - of course there are secrets, this is Huss after all. And I can say in all honesty that I didn't guess what they were and they made powerful impacts. Taking Turns is also very sexy. Huss has written sexy before but not like this. I commend Huss for taking something taboo and making it so accessible. I also commend her for taking on a topic like female sexuality. I admire her saying that it's okay for a woman to be sexual, to own her own sexuality. It's so true - we should not feel shame for liking sex.

The characters, Chella, Bric, Quin, and Smith - they're all complicated and they're all searching for something. They all entered the game with a purpose. However, I'm not yet certain what all those purposes are. These characters, they're each flawed and yet perfect in their imperfection. I adore each of them and am eager for the continuation of their stories.

I don't see Huss making any less of an impression with her stories any time soon so I suppose I'll have to continue to search for creative ways to sing her praises.

Review ~ Mr. Match ~ JA Huss

Mr. Match by JA Huss
Misters #5
Release Date: December 7, 2016
Genre: Adult, Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Oliver Shrike thinks ahead. He likes to make lists and tick off boxes. He plans, he plots, and he's got everything under control.
Until one day he sees my videos on his dating site. The private erotic videos I make just for him.
When I'm looking at the camera I can practically see his face. Hear the internal arguments. Feel his desire.
Because I'm that kind of woman.
You should delete my videos, Oliver Shrike. It's your job to keep that dating site on the up and up.
But you don't, do you?
You watch them. You get off on them. You crave them.
Every week I make a new one with you in mind. I've got you addicted to my body, my moans, my secrets. I've hooked you now, Mr. Match. You've been in control for way too long and this is where it ends.

Mr. Match is the last book in the Misters series. NOT a standalone book.

Decisions, decisions... Which Mister is my favorite? Well, Oliver Shrike slayed me with his poetic words and artist's soul. His desire to do what he can to protect those he loves. Yeah, this Mister ticked all my boxes. *wink*

Of course, there was a story here - a mystery to solve. And I don't mind saying I had absolutely no idea where Huss was going. None. But oh how I enjoyed the ride. And in hindsight I can see where Huss was leading me in certain instances but mostly she was just messing with my mind. Mr. Match ties together all that's happened with the previous Misters and ties up most of the loose ends. (just one is left dangling and frayed but that's a story for another day - next  year) I appreciated how everything fit together, all the puzzle pieces falling into place. And the story was fantastic - all that backstory, history...incredible.

And then there's Oliver and Katya. Was their meeting fate or something more sinister? I'll let y'all decide but I'm a romantic so... Their obvious deep-rooted feelings, what they've suffered and endured and finagled in order to get each other back...that's a love story.

Mr. Match was exciting and enlightening - well, that last one was saved til the end. But it was worth the wait because Huss kept us dangling but kept us entertained. I'm sad to say goodbye to all these characters. Who knows though...we may seem them again sometime.

#TravelingtoTerminus New(er) Release Review ~ Mr. Mysterious ~ JA Huss

Mr. Mysterious by JA Huss

Misters #4
Release Date: October 12, 2016
Genre: Adult, Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Paxton Vance isn't as cryptic as he thinks. That broody nature and tough-guy exterior aren't fooling me one bit.

I know everything about him. I listen in on his most personal phone calls. I read his mail before he does. I even know what his mother got him for Christmas last year.

You're the man of my dreams, Paxton Vance. You just don't know it yet.

But don't worry, I'll remind you. I'm here to give you everything you need, before you know you need it.

So don't get defensive because I take a challenge seriously. You have to open up to someone, and that someone is me.

Besides, you can't stay Mr. Mysterious forever. Why play the game if you never want to win?

I read this installment at a much slower pace (not by choice) than I usually read Huss books and I actually felt I was able to savor it, ruminate on revelations and ponder where things might be headed. And I think Mr. Mysterious might be my favorite Mister. *wink*

Paxton Vance is an interesting Mister. I still don't feel like I know him all that well but what I do know, I admire. He kinda made lemonade out of the lemons life gave him. He's as loyal as they come, someone you want at your back even if I had doubts at time - and even if he's slept with your baby sister. *wink*

Cinderella Shrike! Her story is quirky and hilarious. She's a Shrike so she's touch and devious and maybe a little crazy. Also more than a little determined. She set her sights on Pax and went at him balls th the wall. As as aside, she has this quirk where she narrates her life - out loud - and I just loved it!

As for what's going on with the mysteries surrounding the Misters - well, there were some revelations regarding all that. Some questions were answered - more here than in any of the previous installments - but in typical Huss-style, more questions were posed. And I honestly still have no idea who's behind the shit that's going on. I can't wait to find out though and Oliver's book, Mr. Match, promises to be epic!


Julie, in the EOBS you said that some people may read you because your sentence structure is simple. I read you because you always give me a story that will stick with me - roll around in my brain wondering what I may have missed - for quite awhile. Your characters are always complex - usually much deeper than they appear - and always have a compelling story. Your worlds, whether set local to me, in another state, or on another planet, are always well-crafted - so much so that I can "see" them in my mind's eye. I love the suspense, the mind-fuck, the clues and red herrings - gah! I love the interconnections of so many of your stories because I always but always appreciate more time with these people, in their worlds. Your sentence structure may be simple, although I don't agree, but your writing is anything but. And I love it...and you!!

New Release Review ~ Mr. Corporate ~ JA Huss (@JAHuss)

Mr. Corporate by JA Huss
Mister #3
Release Date: August 17, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis
Weston Conrad is the best headhunter in the business. That handsome smile goes a long way towards convincing most people to trust him with their future.
I'm not most people. I'm his direct competition. And it doesn't hurt to be just the kind of woman he's been looking for.
I'm gonna flash you these legs, Weston Conrad.
I'm gonna wear low-cut shirts and micro-mini skirts.
I'm gonna dazzle you with wit and conversation and kiss those lips like they're exactly what I've been waiting for.
So don't hate me when you figure out my secret.
You understand, right? You're Mr. Corporate and this is just business.

And the plot thickens!

It's a good thing the next Mister releases in less than 2 months. Mr. Corporate, while answering a few (very few) of my questions about who Weston Conrad is, left me with more questions than answers. And in this way, Huss continued weaving a twisty story around these five friends - one that will probably keep my mind turning over possibilities until the final reveal.

As for what I learned about West - well, this boy has some secrets. So many, I'm wondering why he wasn't named Mysterious. ;) Although I guess that's because none of the other Misters knew just how secretive West was being. Despite that, West is a decent guy. Truly. I think. He's made lemonade with the lemons life threw his way and he's built a good life. One he'd like to share with a certain someone. That certain someone who continually walks out on him and who he hasn't spoken to in several years because she stole a contract from him. Or did she? A contract split them up. And a contract is reuniting them. Victoria has been granted the opportunity to compete for a contract that could change her fortune. But she didn't count on it being so important to West.

Victoria was rather a hard nut to crack. Although I identified with her on a few levels - wanting to be independent rather than beholden to a man, wanting to make her own way - her hot/cold flip-flops with West kept me unsure where she really stood. And therefore, I was unsure whether or not to side with her. She did, eventually, win me over. And she did this by standing by her man.

The questions that arose from the deserted island, the safe room, guns, and explosions - those really have my mind spinning. Huss may have given us a single piece to fit into the puzzle but she threw a hundred more onto the table and I'm still trying to turn them over and spin them around in a fun if vain attempt at figuring out where they all might fit.

Mr. Corporate is a well paced and placed building block in the Misters' story. I await Mr. Mysterious with bated breath and hope that the puzzle will begin to come together. I'm eager to see the whole picture.

Early Review ~ Mr. Romantic ~ JA Huss

Mr. Romantic by J.A. Huss
Mister #2
Release Date: June 22, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I also pre-ordered my own copy from Amazon.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis
Charm is the key to the world.

Charisma, magnetism, sex appeal--that 'it' factor that can't be described.

Nolan Delaney has it in spades.

The infamous Mr. Romantic.

And maybe he is out of my league... But I'm going to give it the old college try anyway. Because I didn't travel two thousand miles for a job interview at his request just to be put out like trash.

Don't  underestimate me, Mr. Delaney.

I'm not really as innocent as I look.

First things first - I'm giving y'all a trigger warning. There is a taboo topic discussed in this book. There is plenty of warning and everything that happens is consensual. But if you have triggers, you have been warned.

I thought Mr. Perfect, as y'all might recall, was "straight-up sexy." With Mr. Romantic, Huss returns in true Huss-style. And by that, I mean with a riveting story with suspense, a twisty, mind-bending plot, and conspiracies abounding. Mr. Romantic had:

• an anti-hero in Nolan. I admit to not knowing whether to believe him. He's suave, arrogant, completely charming...until he isn't. But he's also vulnerable. He kinda scared me at times. He kinda creeped me out. He definitely made me swoon at times. And he won me over in the end.
• a likable, if naive, heroine in Ivy. I say naive because she was way more trusting than I'd have been. But she's a recent college graduate and has very little experience, both professionally and emotionally. So she didn't always listen to that inner voice although if she had, it might have led her in the wrong direction. And even though she was trusting, she had pluck. She didn't bend to anyone's will...she was thoughtful and stood up for herself when warranted.
• a plot, that despite an element that may give some readers pause, was at times mind-boggling, at times fascinating, at times cringe-inducing but kept me turning the pages while gripping my kindle (white-knuckling on occasion).
• some familiar faces *wink*

Although, Mr. Romantic is a standalone, I think you get a better connection to everyone and everything if you read in order. But that's just my opinion. As always, Huss' writing is incredible. There was an issue I had with Ivy - something very minor that she did that I didn't think matched who she was. But overall, Mr. Romantic was excellent. I'm still thinking about it 2 days later, throwing out conspiracy theories, thinking "Hmm...", and "Oh!" and "Um..." There were even connections drawn between Mr. Romantic and Mr. Perfect that didn't occur to me then but now have me scratching my head. And I honestly stayed as confused as Ivy over Nolan,  although in the end she and I both just *knew*.

One final thought...Huss really impressed me by touching upon not only that taboo subject, which she did with aplomb, but also upon the repercussions of having your life changed by a negative event. I'm obviously being purposely vague - but I think we, as a society, don't often consider the ramifications of wrongly judging people. 

Kudos, Ms. Huss, for writing a thought-provoking and gripping story that has my brain working overtime and the next in the series on pre-order. ;)

Release Day Review ~ Mr. Perfect ~ JA Huss

Mr. Perfect by JA Huss
Mister #1
Release Date: April 27, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Wanting the perfect man doesn't make me crazy. I just know what I like.

A powerful billionaire in a suit wasn't even my first choice. McAllister Stonewall was never on my radar, I didn't even know he existed.

But I do now.

His hands are all over me at work. The heat of his chest pressing against my bare back as he bends me over the desk is the only thing on my mind.

He is my most forbidden desires unleashed. He is my new secret obsession. He is my Mr. Perfect.

Until the moment I realize... There's no such thing as perfect.

Mr. Perfect is not typical Huss - a sexy story served up with a nice side of mind-twisting suspense. No, Mr. Perfect is more straight-up sexy and fun. And for the most part, I quite enjoyed it.

Ellie can admit she is wasting her talent as the celebrity concierge for Stonewall Entertainment, but the day she has the worst day of her career, she decides maybe she's had enough. Not only did she almost kill her rock star client, she had an interesting run-in with her new boss who happens to be H.O.T. But is also clearly an ass. Ellie, though...she has dreams. She just needs the confidence to reach for them.

McAllister didn't mean for his first meeting with Ellie to go so wrong. He's actually kinda smitten with this adorable girl - whose texts of her dream life he inadvertently received. Ellie sparks his interest - in more ways than one. She makes him think and re-evaluate. She also fogs his brain with lust. If only he can get her to see his side of things...

Thus begins this crazy office romance. And like I said, it was fun. I had several giggle moments. I had several gasping moments. I even had some fan myself moments. The interactions and banter between Ellie and Mac were at times light and at times cringe-worthy. I could see things progressing between them. But I felt there was that little something missing. And it really hit me once that something was delivered. That something was what made the story meaty. There were revelations that made both Mac and Ellie more complex - even more interesting. There were discoveries made - realizations - that showed their entire character as well as how their relationship affected who they are and where they were going - both individually and as a couple. There were questions raised about taking risks, the value of dreams, and blazing your own path. And while I enjoyed their story up to that point because it was sexy and a good time, I couldn't help but wish these events had happened a little sooner since they gave Mac and Ellie so much more depth.

I can't deny that I had a good time with Mr. Perfect. This couple was entertaining and their chemistry was combustible. There were interesting secondary characters introduced and I enjoyed them. Huss, as usual, was stellar at painting the backdrop of a unique office building in the Denver Tech Center juxtaposed with rolling pine covered hills dotted with cows. The only thing that was missing was that little bit extra early on - that meat. With that, Mr. Perfect would have been fabulous rather than just great. However, as this is the first in a new series where there are 5 guys, the Misters, with a connected past, I'm expecting things will just get better from here.

Release Day Review ~ Rock ~ JA Huss

Rock by JA Huss
Release Date: March 7, 2016
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Source: I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. 
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
My American Dream just shattered and they think I did it on purpose. They have sentenced me to hell by sending me back to the last place I want to be. They have people watching me twenty-four-seven. They want the truth about how my band mates died, and they're going to get it, no matter what.

No matter how hard I fight. No matter how many times I deny it. No matter what it takes, the truth is going to catch up with me.

I am Rowan Kyle Saber. I am RK. I am Rock. Ex-lead-singer for Son of a Jack. Ex-addict, ex-friend, ex-boyfriend, ex-brother...and presently in denial.

Welcome to Grand Lake, Colorado, where all my nightmares started. Welcome to the past. Welcome to the present. Welcome to RK's fucked up life.

The only thing holding me together is her. But even that might be a lie.

*My review is very vague in order to prevent spoilers.*

After having read every one of Huss' books, you'd think I'd have learned a thing or two. For example, I should ave learned not to even attempt to figure things out - to not create my own theories on the who did the want because in all this time, I've never been right. Rock continued this pattern.

Rock, aka Rowen Kyle Saber, aka RK, finds himself back home in Grand Lake, Colorado, where he grew up and where his nightmares first began. I was just as lost as RK - not knowing exactly how he ended up in his current predicament. And I, like RK, was equally as determined to figure it out - to find the answers he and everyone around him needed in order to move forward, to return to some semblance of a normal life.

In typical Huss form, she inhabited the story with a cast of characters that were fully realized but that made the big picture, if you will, fuzzy. They have you seeing how the impacted RK and who he is, but also make you question. Why did this character say that? Why did that character behave that way? And there's RK himself. I felt for him, I supported him. But why and how did these events happen? Huss tosses in twists, red herrings - she constantly threw me off track, make me question my connection to certain characters, made me second guess myself just as often as RK did. And when all was revealed I had an "Ohh" moment. All was illuminated for RK...and me.

The pace and flow in Rock was spot on. Huss continues to perfect her style and her voice. And Rock is certainly one of my favorites from her so far. I love her suspense and Rock had suspense in spades with all its twisty goodness.