#OctobeRecFest Review #6 ~ Easy ~ Tammara Webber

Easy by Tammara Webber
Contours of the Heart #1
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Goodreads
Recommended by: Girls @Chapter Break, Naomi @Naomi's Reading Palace, Marilyn @Marilyn's Mystery Blog, Sharrice @Reese's Reviews, Ali @Black Heart Reviews, Robyn @Robgirlbooks, & Andrea (formerly The Bookish Babe)

Synopsis
When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex's frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night - but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.

When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he's hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

**This book was recommended by EVERYONE! (see above)**

To all my blogging friends who threatened to unfriend me for not having read this book sooner: I get it now. :) I'm sorry it took me so long but I'm on board with y'all now. Easy rocked!

It's easy to see why Easy is such a beloved story. It was an early entry in the New Adult market and it delivered beautifully on all the elements I've come to love in NA. And it did it with little angst.

I'm not going to rehash the entire book as I'm sure you've allread your fair share of reviews and/or have read the book yourselves. I'm going to highlight positives and negatives from my perspective.

+ Jacqueline - she's a great heroine. Sure she made mistakes but she proved her intelligence by not only learning from them but also creating something positive from the negatives. I enjoyed seeing her grow, stand up for herself, and show her inner strength.

+ Erin - she proved to be more than a one-dimensional secondary character. I adored her support of Jacqueline and championing of girl solidarity in general. She showed me not all Greek girls fit their stereotype.

+ Lucas - this boy broke my heart, made me smile, and cheer. He was proof looks can be deceiving. The depth contained in this guy...whoa!

+ Webber's realistic portrayal of college students dealing with relationships ending and beginning.

+ Webber's realistic portrayal of dealing with the fallout from sexual assault.

+ Dr. Heller - if only more professors were as compassionate as him.

- Absentee parents - okay, so both Jacqueline's and Lucas' parents were absentee but Lucas' had grounds. I didn't appreciate that Jacqueline's, particularly her mom, were more concerned with their own lives than their daughter's.

Yeah, I really think there was only the one negative.

Easy is compelling and well-written. I understand it's legions of fans. I'm now part of it and can't wait for more!

That's What HE Said #40 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #19

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.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Easy by Tammara Webber

***

"Choosing to be with you isn't a difficult decision, Jacqueline," he breathed, pulling back one final time to stare into my eyes. "It's easy. Incredibly easy."

*~*~*~*~*~*

A guy who can cook AND shares with his cat?!? *swoon* Lucas is the complete package. ;)

"The meal he'd prepared was enclosed in individual foil packets--veggies, baked potatoes, and red snapper he'd caught two days ago. Francis meowed like a fire alarm until given his own portion of the latter."

#OctobeRecFest Review #5 ~ Reaper's Property ~ Joanna Wylde

Reaper's Property by Joanna Wylde
Reapers MC #1
Release Date: January 9, 2013
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads
Recommended by: Robyn @Robgirlbooks

Synopsis
Marie doesn't need a complication like Horse. The massive, tattooed, badass biker who shows up at her brother's house one afternoon doesn't agree. He wants Marie on his bike and in his bed. Now.

But Marie just left her abusive jerk of an ex-husband and she's not looking for a new man. Especially one like Horse--she doesn't know his real name or where he lives, she's ninety percent certain he's a criminal and that the "business" he talks with her brother isn't website design. She needs him out of her life, which would be a snap if he'd just stop giving her mind-blowing orgasms.

Horse is part of the Reapers Motorcycle Club, and when he wants something, he takes it. What he wants is Marie, but she's not interested in becoming "property of". 

Then her brother steals from the club. Marie can save him by giving Horse what he wants--at home, in public, on his bike... If she's a very, very good girl, she'll get lots more of those orgasms only he can offer, and he'll let her brother live.
Maybe.

**This book (and series) was recommended by Robyn @Robgirlbooks**

I'm hopping on the Reaper's bandwagon just a tad late but better late than never. Thanks, Robyn, for the rec! ;)

I loved my introduction into the Reapers MC and their world. One thing I enjoy about the MC genre is the brotherhood between the bikers and Wylde did a fantastic job with detailing these guys and that dynamic between them. It's a dynamic I find fascinating and I look forward to exploring it further.

But Reaper's Property is primarily the story of what happens after Marie meets Horse. Ah, these two. Their physical attraction is combustible from the get-go but they have much to work through seeing as Marie has just left an abusive husband. And while Horse is deeply entrenched in the MC life and all it's intricacies and complexities, Marie is clueless and less than thrilled with certain aspects. And then, of course, there's the issue of her brother's involvement and consequent trouble with the Reapers.

I thoroughly enjoyed Marie and Horse's story. My emotions ran the gamut between giggle-happy, boiling outrage, and tears. I might have felt Horse's tactics at getting Marie a little over-the-top except that he didn't at all balk at bending rules and taking advantage of circumstances to serve his purposes. Sometimes I felt Marie was a little too clueless - too gullible - but even though she'd had a somewhat difficult childhood, she'd really lived rather sheltered. And once all the lights flipped on, so to speak, her relationship with Horse was a beautiful thing.

Wylde kept me white-knuckling the book over Marie's brother's actions as well. He'd gotten himself into some serious shit and it made me a little sad that he dragged her into his mess.

With realistic and relatable characters, suspense, and spot-on pacing, Reaper's Property was the perfect blend of fun, scary, and hot. I can't wait to continue this series!

#ShelfLove ~ Organizing Those Shelves

This month as part of our challenge, we're discussing how we organize our bookshelves!

First of all, I work in a bookstore, y'all. I may only work seasonally now, but I did work full-time for awhile. Therefore, I organize my shelves by genre, of course! And my shelves are also arranged alphabetically.

On my physical shelves, I have Literary Fiction, Science Fiction/Urban Fantasy, Romance, and YA. I don't have my YA broken out by genre...yet. But I'm sure I will once I get more books from my TBR shelves moved over. :) 

While I do have my TBR Shelves organized in the same way, the number of books on those shelves is so *ahem* huge that I do have some stacked along the tops of the shelves. Those are arranged by the book event where I got them. *ha*

My ereader shelves are less organized...at least on my kindle. I didn't know for the longest time that you could create "collections" on the kindle. Recently, I've begun creating collections and adding books but it's a challenging process, honestly. Kindle doesn't make it easy. My nook, on the other hand, makes it easy-peasy. I created shelves from the get-go on my nook and try to be vigilant about moving books from my TBR shelf to the Read shelf. They do stay on their genre shelves though...

So, how do y'all organize your shelves? Willy-nilly or do you have a particular system?

Release Day Blitz & Giveaway ~ With Visions of Red Book Three ~ Trisha Wolfe

Happy Release Day, Trisha Wolfe!

With Visions of Red Book Three releases TODAY!

Be looking for my review of this one. I've been waiting and I can't wait to see how things wrap up!

With Visions of Red: Broken Bonds Book Three

Broken Bonds #3

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Genre: Dark Erotic Thriller

 Release Date: October 12, 2015

Blurb

Who is the UNSUB?

For Agent Sadie Bonds, finding the answer to that question means the difference between life and death for someone close to her. The UNSUB’s latest abduction reaches right into the heart of the ACPD, forcing every member of the department to search within their ranks for the sadistic perpetrator.

Suspicion not only clouds the task force; it slithers into Sadie and Colton’s bond, challenging their love. Discovering the truth means facing their past together. Sadie’s connection to Colton has quieted her inner demons—but is she strong enough to confront the real monster?

All players take their places as the stage is set for the final scene. With the UNSUB manipulating the game, even Sadie and Colton fall victim, spiraling deep into the darkness that threatens not only their lives, but their trust. As Sadie navigates a tortuous maze, Colton will do whatever is takes to protect her—even if that means revealing his secret. 

The truth will set you free. Only for Sadie, her truth will test the very fabric of her reality. She must silence the threat, or risk losing everything and everyone she loves.

ADD TO GOODREADS

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My TBR List ~ OctobeRecFest Edition ~ And the Winners Are...

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?!?

***

Thanks so much to everyone who voted!! As y'all know, I'm doing OctobeRec Fest and since I couldn't choose between books from a few authors that came highly recommended I really appreciate y'all choosing for me. *grins* This month's choices are thanks to: Michelle@Because Reading, and Melanie@Rabid Reads. Check back on October 31 to see what I thought of these recs!


Michelle Recommends Staci Hart
The Winner Is:

Deer in Headlights
Hearts and Arrows #1

Synopsis
Lex is everything Dean needs -- but he can't ever have her.

It doesn't matter that she's beautiful or that her art and poetry speak to his shredded heart. She's the new drummer's girlfriend, the latest in a long line of drummers past. He promised the band he'd stay away to protect their record deal, so he's left with no choice but to deny his heart for the sake of their music.

Dean is everything Lex wants -- but she can't take the risk.

When Lex meets Dean, she's sure it's only attraction that has her so hung up on the dark, damaged lead singer, but the more she learns about him, the more she wants him. Love has never been worth the sacrifice, until now. But she can't put her heart on the line -- she won't -- even though she wants to for the first time.

If only they knew they were just pawns in a much bigger game. And in this game of love, Aphrodite never loses.


Melanie Recommends Eve Langlais
The Winner Is:

A Demon and His Witch
Welcome to Hell #1

Synopsis
Burning alive is nothing compared to the heat of his touch.

There are better ways to break up with a girl than having her roasted at the stake as a witch. Is it any wonder Ysabel has trust issues? She got her revenge, though, and it only cost her a slightly tarnished soul.

Working for Lucifer isn't all bad, until her ex-boyfriend escapes the bowels of Hell and she's forced to team up with the womanizing demon to fetch the jerk back.

As a minion in Lucifer's legion, Remy's seen a lot of things, but nothing can prepare him for the witch with the acerbic tongue - and voluptuous figure. The more she pushes him away, the more determined he becomes to seduce her. However, what's a poor demon to do when he accidentally falls in love and wants to keep her forever?

Welcome to Hell where you're screwed if you do and damned if you don't. And just so you know, Lucifer has a special spot reserved for you...

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged #72

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. :)

***

I hope y'all had a great week! Mine was busy with college visits, fairs, and interviews with my oldest. Gah! It's really going to happen...she's going to go away to college. :/  I also got some good recommendations read, so that was a bonus for the week.

Bought

Am I the only person who *didn't* know this was releasing? I happened to be at my bookstore and a co-worker pointed it out. So I *had* to buy it. ;)

Bagged

I received Wrong and Sinful for review.

I received Wicked After Dark as a gift from Michelle Mankin. :)

I received this fabulous book journal from Lexxie! And I received a special copy of both Beg and Shuttergirl from CD Reiss. I won a signed copy of Name of the Game in a Facebook contest offered by Jennifer Dawson. I also won a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of Brightest Kind of Darkness in a Facebook contest offered by PT Michelle. Thanks so much, Lexxie, CD, Jennifer, and PT!!



Last Week's Reviews

Immersed by Katie Hayoz
Seven Years by Dannika Dark
Lick by Kylie Scott

Upcoming Reviews

Reaper's Property by Joanna Wylde
Easy by Tammara Webber
Silver Wolf Clan by Tera Shanley

#OctobeRecFest Review #4 ~ Immersed ~ Katie Hayoz

Immersed by Katie Hayoz
Immersed #1
Release Date: August 18, 2015
Genre: Steampunk
Source: Gift from Lexxie
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads
Recommended by: Lexxie, Braine, & Lola

Synopsis
What is love turned you into a monster?

Forget petticoats and demure female behavior. Melusine Dore prefers armored corsets and knives and slays evil creatures for a living. The grim and gruesome don't frighten her; she'll take on a cyclops or a dragon and not even break a sweat. But when her rival, the charismatic Levi Cannon, comes to town, all her buried fears begin to surface. Melusine realizes she is in danger of something much more frightening than facing blood-thirsty beasts - she's in danger of falling in love. Because love alone has the power to reveal a secret terrible enough to completely shatter her world.

Set in the muddy streets of 1850s steampunk Chicago, Immersed by Katie Hayoz is a dark yet romantic fantastical romp. It is a stand-alone novella, but the first in a series of adventures that follow Melusine on her quest to rid the world of monsters...and her struggle to come to terms with every monstrous facet of herself.

*Recommended by Lexxie @Unconventional Bookview, Braine @Talk Supe, and Lola @Lola's Reviews*

Immersed served as my introduction to the steampunk genre. I have nothing to compare it to, obviously, but if this is representative then I'm sorry I waited so long to dip my toe in!

Hayoz created a unique and vivid landscape for this series - a Chicago slowing sinking into the mud. I was fascinated by her descriptions of the streets with their popping gaslamps, wooden boardwalks built to prevent walking through med as well as to serve as a means of entering buildings with their first floors now serving as basements, and, of course, the steam-powered horse-drawn carriages.

Hayoz populated this Chicago with enthralling characters in Melusine and Levi, along with the creepy monsters. Melusine and Levi are monster-hunters and rivals. Unfortunately for them, they've just been hired for a job to work together. These two are like oil and water but it certainly made for entertaining conversation. The snarky banter belied the true feelings brewing between them, however, and watching as these two slowly revealed those feelings was exciting, to say the least. I adore Melusine. She's sassy and confident - a wonderful heroine. Levi stole my heart as well with his charm and wit.

Oh, but those pesky monsters. Hayoz brilliantly wove in cyclops, sirens, mermaids, and the like. Melusine and Levi even have a curse to deal with. Luckily they both know where to get proper bait, to lure their prey, and weaponry, for destroying them.

Immersed was also my introduction to Hayoz's writing and I'm impressed. She deftly combined mythology, steampunk, a mystery and a little romance to create a fascinating tale. The pacing was perfect. And the imagery she invoked with her words had me picturing the entire story in my head, like a movie.

I'm very much looking forward to the next installment in this series and I certainly intend to read more of Hayoz's work.