My TBR List Review + Bonus Review ~ Just One Lie & Just Once More by Kyra Davis

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading.

I apologize for not having my review up on Saturday, y'all, but my travel schedule prevented me from being able to get the post done. 

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Just Once More by Kyra Davis
Just One Night #1.5
Release Date: June 22, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Robert Dade is a man who konws what he wants and never hesitates to go after it. Money, power, and - at long last - the woman he loves, Kasie Fitzgerald, are now his. But after so many years of living by his own rules will he really make the compromises necessary to keep Kasie by his side? And when a man even richer and more ruthless than he is takes an interest in Kasie, will Dade be able to protect her? Or will his controlling nature drive her toward the very danger he seeks to shield her from?

I adore this series and I thoroughly enjoyed getting this glimpse inside Robert's head. The way Davis tied together Robert's thoughts about how parents impact how children see themselves with Robert's vulnerabilities where Kasie is concerned as well as how Kasie has always lived her life...until Robert came along...was brilliant. I liked the thread Davis wove in that posed a threat to Robert and Kasie's happily-ever-after and I really liked the twist thrown in!

This was more of a short story but it was compelling, well-written, and the perfect segue into the next in the series, Just One Lie. 

Just One Lie by Kyra Davis
Just One Night #2
Release Date: July 28, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #MyTBRList, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads


Synopsis
In the instant international sensation Just One Night, sensible Kasie Fitzgerald unleashed her passions--and found herself--through an explosive affair. In Just One Lie, we meet Kasie's wild and tortured sister, whose impulsivity and lack of self-control has set off a chain of events that changes her family forever.

Melody Fitzgerald is the opposite of the "perfect" daughter. The lead singer of an indie rock band, she is impulsive and creative, with a rebellious streak that both defines her and becomes her greatest enemy. Her lover, the enticing and unpredictable Ash, shares her free spirit and penchant for trouble. On the face of it, he seems to be her perfect match.

So why is she so drawn to her soft spoken, reliable drummer, Brad Witmer? How can a man who wears polo shirts and reads the financial section of the paper be of any interest to her at all? And why on earth does someone like that appear to be so captivated by her?

Before she knows it, Melody finds herself on a path of self-discovery, passion, and affairs of the heart. But will a dark secret from her past derail it all? Or will its exposure be the very thing that unburdens her heart and allows her to seek a future with the one man who loves her completely?

After reading Just Once More back in May, I was eager to read Just One Lie so I was more the thrilled when it won the vote. ;) Getting Kasie's sister's story - the sister behind so much that shaped Kasie's life - well, I was anxious to get to know Melody. And Melody's story - Mercy, as she's come to be known - I don't know but I think I found it even more compelling than Kasie's. That either of the Fitzgerald girls became productive human beings after growing up with the parents they were given...it's miraculous and proves the power of inner spirit and a strong love.

It's been awhile since I read Just One Night but I think one thing I thoroughly delighted in with Just One Lie was getting to know Brad, the hero, so well. I liked how he looked at life, how he was so much more than he seemed - and he seemed like quite a lot - and I loved how he treated Mercy. He's an intelligent guy, talented, and a giving, loving man. He has his flaws but would give the shirt off his back to a damsel in distress - Mercy being on the top of that list. I also loved that even if it took time to get there, he was self-aware enough and smart enough to see the wisdom in Mercy's advice as well as to give her what she needed despite the hurt it caused him.

Mercy was one messed up young woman - but one that, like Brad said, was also one of the most together women as well. She knew her strengths, her flaws, and her limitations. She was self-aware enough to think through things and make tough decisions - ones that hurt her terribly. Oh, she made her share of mistakes and bad decisions but she learned from them and carried on. She was incredibly strong and resilient. I mean, to endure what she did at the hands of her parents - her dad specifically - yeah. I couldn't help but admire her. Her spirit refused to be crushed.

The way Davis structured the story - the expanse of time, how the details were revealed and revelations made - made for a riveting story. If I hadn't been on a road trip and only able to read in small chunks every day, I'd have probably finished Just One Lie in a day! That's how good it is. I'm still ruminating about it and wish I had the time to read it all over again. Character growth - maturity-wise and emotional - is something I admire in a story and with Mercy and Brad I got it in spades. I did have my doubts at times. There were times I wanted to shake Mercy. But in the end, she didn't let me down.

I think this is the end for the series and I like where it ended so I'm happy. And I'm excited at the prospect of reading more from Davis!

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts ~ Just One Lie by Kyra Davis

This week's quote is from Just One Lie and I had to share it because I'm thinking I may have found a neat drink to try on New Year's...or anytime I feel like it! ;)

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The ocean looks like a giant black shadow, roaring for us as we find a little corner of beach to sit on, the champagne and brown bag held in Ash's hand. He reaches inside and pulls out two plastic flutes and a small bottle of vodka.
"Vodka?" I ask as he pours a shot into each glass.
"Not quite as cold as I'd like," he admits as he expertly loosens the cage around the cork of the champagne and then opens the bottle with only the slightest pop so he doesn't spill a drop. "The champagne will take care of the temperature." In a moment he's filled the rest of our glasses with bubbly. "It's called an Arctic Kiss," he says with a little smile before lifting his flute and handing me mine. "What should be drink to? New beginnings?"
"To new discoveries," I counter.
"To passion!" he rallies, making a game of it.
"Umm..." I struggle to come up with something new. And then I look out at the dark sea. How can something be so ominous and so enticing at the same time? My lips curl into a sad little smile as I clink my plastic glass against his. "To the end of the world."

My TBR List ~ July ~ And the Winner is...

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's 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?!?

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And the Winner is:



Just One Lie
Just One Night #2

Synopsis
In the instant international sensation Just One Night, sensible Kasie Fitzgerald unleashed her passions--and found herself--through an explosive affair. In Just One Lie, we meet Kasie's wild and tortured sister, whose impulsivity and lack of self-control has set off a chain of events that changes her family forever.

Melody Fitzgerald is the opposite of the "perfect" daughter. The lead singer of an indie rock band, she is impulsive and creative, with a rebellious streak that both defines her and becomes her greatest enemy. Her lover, the enticing and unpredictable Ash, shares her free spirit and penchant for trouble. On the face of it, he seems to be her perfect match.

So why is she so drawn to her soft spoken, reliable drummer, Brad Witmer? How can a man who wears polo shirts and reads the financial section of the paper be of any interest to her at all? And why on earth does someone like that appear to be so captivated by her?

Before she knows it, Melody finds herself on a path of self-discovery, passion, and affairs of the heart. But will a dark secret from her past derail it all? Or will its exposure be the very thing that unburdens her heart and allows her to seek a future with the one man who loves her completely?



Thanks for voting! Be sure to check back on July 29th for my review. :)

My TBR List ~ July ~ Polling is Open!

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's 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?!?

***

I'm continuing my quest, and working at one of my Bookish Resolutions to catch up on series (since I'm behind in 148 series) I'm once again having y'all decide which series I'm going to work at catching up on this month! :D

FYI, this will be my theme all year. And since I'm letting random.org choose from the list of series I'm behind in, you might see books show up more than once. ;)


Your Choices Are:


Just One Lie
Just One Night #2

Synopsis
In the instant international sensation Just One Night, sensible Kasie Fitzgerald unleashed her passions--and found herself--through an explosive affair. In Just One Lie, we meet Kasie's wild and tortured sister, whose impulsivity and lack of self-control has set off a chain of events that changes her family forever.

Melody Fitzgerald is the opposite of the "perfect" daughter. The lead singer of an indie rock band, she is impulsive and creative, with a rebellious streak that both defines her and becomes her greatest enemy. Her lover, the enticing and unpredictable Ash, shares her free spirit and penchant for trouble. On the face of it, he seems to be her perfect match.

So why is she so drawn to her soft spoken, reliable drummer, Brad Witmer? How can a man who wears polo shirts and reads the financial section of the paper be of any interest to her at all? And why on earth does someone like that appear to be so captivated by her?

Before she knows it, Melody finds herself on a path of self-discovery, passion, and affairs of the heart. But will a dark secret from her past derail it all? Or will its exposure be the very thing that unburdens her heart and allows her to seek a future with the one man who loves her completely?



Sinner
Wolves of Mercy Falls #4

Synopsis
found.
Cole St. Clair has come to California for one reason: to get Isabel Culpeper back. She fled his damaged, drained life, and damaged and drained it even more. He doesn't just want her. He needs her.

lost. 
Isabel is trying to build herself a life in Los Angeles. It's not really working. She can play the game as well as all the other fakes...but what's the point? What is there to win?

sinner.
Cole and Isabel share a past that never seemed to have a future. They have the power to save each other and the power to tear each other apart. The only thing for certain is that they cannot let go.





Taken by Storm
Raised by Wolves #3

Synopsis
In the eye of a storm stands Bryn, the alpha of the Cedar Ridge werewolf pack. She is young. Female. Human. Physically weaker than any werewolf, she could never survive a battle with another alpha, the strongest, fiercest, and canniest of his pack.

Yet she cannot refuse a summons from the werewolf Senate. A rogue werewolf is attacking humans. The risk of exposure threatens to destroy pack life, and the center of the crisis is Cedar Ridge territory--her own lands.

Bryn has no choice but to attend the meeting, a gathering of the most powerful werewolves on the continent. The subject is the rogue wolf, but Bryn knows the other packs want what she has. Her territory. Her females. Her pack.

They want her death.

Werewolf law prevents the other alphas from making a direct attack. It also prevents her former alpha, the mysterious and powerful Callum, from coming to her aid. But it doesn't prevent Bryn from knowing what she wants. To keep her lands. To protect her pack.

To survive.



Okay, now vote! And thanks! :D


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**Jumble Your Genres Review ~ Exposed: Just One Night Part 2 ~ Kyra Davis**

This month's Jumble Your Genres genre was Romance. Gosh, I never read romance. ;) 

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Exposed

Just One Night #2

Release Date: March 18, 2013

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance

Source: Purchased ecopy on Amazon

Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Goodreads

Synopsis

Part 2 of the Just One Night series. One passionate night with a stranger turned Kasie's world upside down, and just when she thought she was getting the hang of things, her fiance finds out...

You should sleep with a stranger - those words whispered in her ear by her best friend became a challenge Kasie took to heart. Suddenly, the man who gave her the most shocking pleasure in that upscale Vegas hotel - a man whose name she never bothered to find out - is her company's biggest client.

As this unknown man becomes Mr. Dade at the office, and Mr. Dade becomes Robert in the bedroom, Kasie's passion won't let her deny him anything he wants. But when her fiance, Dave, finds out, there's no telling what he will do to keep her, or what Robert will do to steal her away once and for all.

I read the first installment of Just One Night a year and a half ago and it has really stuck with me. You can read my review here. All this time later, Kasie and Robert's story was still in my head. I can't believe I waited so long to continue the story. On the bright side, the entire series is now available. :)

Exposed picks up where The Stranger left off - with Kasie dealing with the consequences of her betrayal. Dave, Kasie's fiance, is determined to have her revenge - and if I hadn't already despised him, he definitely would have sealed that perception with his behavior in Exposed. Robert, of course, is set on protecting Kasie - no matter what it takes. But Kasie is strong and insists on taking care of things her way.

When Robert crosses the line and takes care of a problem, Kasie is left wondering if she traded one controlling situation for another. Of course, with Robert, she can't seem to stay away.

I enjoyed this second portion of the story every bit as much as the first. Kasie meeting Robert awakened parts of her that she didn't know were there. Although it's terrifying for her, because of her sister's descent and death, Kasie has never felt so alive. And seeing her explore these new found parts of herself was heartening. And Robert *sigh* he could make me melt. I think he's found something in Kasie he didn't realize he was looking for. All because of just one night...

**That's What HE Said ~ #13**

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

This week I'm picking my That's What He Said from:

Just One Night, Part 3: Binding Agreement by Kyra Davis

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"No, I'm telling you that you're the only thing on this earth that has made me feel connected to what's here. When I'm with you, I know what's real. I can feel it, touch it. When I'm with you, I'm something more than...other. When I'm not with you, my head's in the stars."

-Robert Dade

**Tuesday Teaser ~ #35**

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!

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Just One Night, Part 2: Exposed by Kyra Davis

Part 2 of the Just One Night series. One passionate night with a stranger turned Kasie's world upside down, and just when she thought she was getting the hang of things, her fiance finds out...

You should sleep with a stranger - those words whispered in her ear by her best friend became a challenge Kasie took to heart. Suddenly, the man who gave her the most shocking pleasure in that upscale Vegas hotel - a man whose name she never bothered to find out - is her company's biggest client.

As this unknown man becomes Mr. Dade at the office, and Mr. Dade becomes Robert in the bedroom, Kasie's passion won't let her deny him anything he wants. But when her fiance, Dave, finds out, there's no telling what he will do to keep her, or what Robert will do to steal her away once and for all.

***Teaser***

"I squint at the rising sun, note how it makes my engagement ring glow, reminding me of fire and blood. It's a beautiful reminder of the hell I'm in."