That's What HE Said #52 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #33

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:

Rock Chick Redemption by Kristen Ashley

I'm currently re-reading Hank and Roxie's story ~ I swear these books are even better the second time around!

***

"Belonging to me doesn't mean I'll make you do anything, it just means I consider you mine for as long as this lasts. It means I protect you. It means I take care of you. For another man, it might mean something different."

His eyes changed. They went funny, the intensity strengthening to something that was mesmerizing.

Then he concluded, "Don't confuse me with another man."

*~*~*~*~*~*

On their first date, Hank takes Roxie to a restaurant called Buckhorn Exchange. I've not been there (yet) but the menu sounds interesting. Plus, Hank says they have good steaks. ;)

"Let me order," he said and this surprised me. I'd never met a man who ordered for me before. I didn't even know men did that anymore.
What the hell, when in Denver...
"No Rocky Mountain oysters," I replied.
He nodded and kept smiling.
"And no alligator tail," I carried on. "Alligators are cute. I'm not a vegetarian, but I don't eat cute animals. Like lamb. Lambs are cute. We can try rattlesnake. I think I could eat a snake because snakes freak me out."
He stared at me. The smile was gone.
"You think alligators are cute?" he asked.

Review ~ Uprising ~ Dawn Jayne #2015HW

Uprising by Dawn Jayne
Fires of Providence #1
Release Date: November 28, 2012
Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2015HW, #ShelfLove 2015
Goodreads

Synopsis
Heralds are the most powerful of all angels, secretive and feared, created for a single purpose. Only those most courageous and worthy earn a place within the elite choir, and only by breaking ancient oaths held sacred can the honor be stripped. It's a punishment that hasn't been imposed in over two-thousand years, until a single reckless act sets off a firestorm, threatening to consume all creation.

Rise Hawke never suspected she'd been marked to play a role in the deadly events unfolding in the spiritual realm. Independent and resistant to authority, she isn't thrilled when she meets Dominik, an angel with new wings, an old grudge, and a mysterious agenda he's determined to impose.

Vowing to uncover the secrets kept from her, Rise soon learns that knowing what you are isn't nearly as dangerous as discovering why. Hunted by those who want to destroy her, and controlled by those who would see her fulfill her purpose, she is forced into a brutal battle set in motion long before she was ever born. It soon becomes clear that what one angel will risk to earn the title of Herald, is matched only by what another will do to keep it.

Uprising was a unique and complex approach to an angel story. It's unlike anything I've read before and although it had moments where I bogged down in detail, I was fascinated.

Ms. Jayne wove together an interesting world of angels, humans, minions, and lost souls, living among the spiritual and human realms. There are different choirs of angels, each with different 'jobs'. All but the Heralds are former humans who've earned their wings through growth and enlightenment. And each choir, each angel, is tasked with helping humans - souls - along their path. The Heralds are born angels and have powers no other angels have. I liked the laws and structures that govern the angels, minions, and lost souls. And I liked Ms. Jayne's use of the yin/yang to explain the spiritual realm. I also enjoyed Ms. Jayne's 'divine design' and the interplay between Lucifer, or the Light Bringer, and The Scriptures. They seem to have the grand plan and are doing their best to execute it.

Rise is a young woman who was raised in a fanatical home. She carries scars, both inside and outside, from her upbringing that are badges of all she endured. At 18, and no longer at home, she's finding out that she doesn't know herself all that well. Rise is different - not able to form true attachments, doesn't feel empathy - but there are reasons for this which are becoming clear.

Dominik is a Blue Angel and has been assigned as Rise's advisor. There are curious circumstances behind his assignment - mostly due to his tie to Tyre, a Herald who was stripped of his wings. Dominik is very loyal and steadfast in his cause. There were times I felt he was being stubborn on things only to find out he was bound by his oath or by laws.

Even though Tyre is present only for a short time, he left a lasting impact on the characters in the story. It was very apropos that Ms. Jayne titled a chapter Revelations as I had one epiphany after another while reading it. And I was impressed with her for keeping me in the dark for so long.

I'm very curious as to what comes next for this group. I'm left wondering what the end game is here and why. And although I'm eager to see Rise be more of her badass self, I'm also eager for more backstory on the relationship between Dominik and Tyre.

The slow moments, I believe, came from the detail dump, which was necessary since this was a first installment. I typically like a lot of detail but in this case, I felt it slowed the pace. Interesting world building and even more interesting characters made for a good read. I still don't know where the story is headed as the plot is unclear, but I'm keen to find out.

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ By the Rules ~ Elisabeth Staab

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for By the Rules by Elisabeth Staab. My stop includes all the deets on the book and series, my review, and a giveaway. You can follow the tour here. Enjoy!

***

By the Rules by Elisabeth Staab
Evergreen Grove #3
Release Date: January 19, 2016
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, M/M Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy as part of the tour, but I also purchased my own copy from B&N.
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: COYER B2B, #2016NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis
He thinks I want him because of the rumors around town. Because I think he’s easy. I want AJ, because he’s AJ. 

No liars. No suits. Absolutely no straight guys… 

AJ Fabin’s list of rules keeps him safe. Since getting kicked out of his parents’ home and attacked by a former escorting client, his rules and his life in the tiny town of Evergreen Grove provide a quiet haven. He may be lonely, and he may stick out like a sore thumb, but the folks like him well enough. When he’s not dodging his old pimp, things are peaceful. 

Hayden Price is having a quarter-life crisis. Engaged to a woman he can’t connect to and working a job he secretly hates, he comes to Evergreen Grove to help his mother through a health scare. Returning to his childhood home makes Hayden reevaluate a lot of things, including himself. When he meets AJ and finds he can’t stand the mouthy jerk—almost as much as he can’t stop thinking about him—he has a lot more to change than his career. 

To be together, they’ll both have to break all of their rules. 


By the Rules is book 3 in the Evergreen Grove series, but reads as a standalone.

By the Rules served as my introduction to Ms. Staab, whom I've wanted to read for quite awhile. I will absolutely be readin gmore from her. I did not read books 1 and 2 from the Evergreen Grove series prior to read By the Rules and while I'm sure having read those would have added depth to the story with character development, I certainly was not lost.

I really liked both AJ and Hayden. AJ is quite the character. I can see the compassion shining through him and that's something considering all he's endured - especially being completely shunned by his family because of his sexual preferences. He lives with a 'love me or not' philosophy in his hot pink sneakers and tie-dye shirts. And he also lives by a set of rules that keep him safe from heartbreak. I admired his desire to help others in need. Hayden was a little more difficult to get a handle on. He's come back to Evergreen Grove to take care of his mom after a medical scare. He's been working for his dad - working himself into the ground in order to prove himself and also, maybe, in order to forget what's really plaguing him.

The interactions between AJ and Hayden are fun for the most part. There was a lot of sexual tension in the snarky banter. And I ejoyed seeing them get acquainted. However, I felt the story overall had a rushed feeling. I wished I'd had more backstory for Hayden - more about why he'd left home and more about the things that had shaped who he was. I wished AJ's rules hadn't kept him from going on an actual date with Hayden from the beginning because I think he'd have appreciated a more traditional approach to their relationship. I'd have liked t see more interaction between Hayden and his mom - that is why he was in Evergreen Grove - because I think that would have given more insight into his character.

Overall, I liked By the Rules but felt it could have been a deeper read if there'd been a little more. I do plan to pick up the first two books in this series, though, as I'm curious about Cassie and Jake's, and Dante and Michelle's stories now. And even though I wished for a bit more in AJ and Hayden's story, I liked Ms. Staab's writing style.

Entry-Form

Elisabeth Staab started hunting mutant hedgehogs back in 1842… Oops, wrong bio… Elisabeth Staab digs coffee, saucy stories, and sexy things that go bump in the night. Once, she ate dinner in a jail and liked it. She lives in the Washington DC area with her incredible family and does her best to juggle life while ignoring the laundry.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Newsletter

My TBR List ~ February ~ 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?!?

***

This month, I let y'all pick my next Blogger Shame Challenge read. 

And the winner is:


Sultry with a Twist
Sultry Springs #1

Synopsis
Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where first loves find second chances...

Nine years after June Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs with her heart in pieces, one thing stands between her and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a bogus warrant from her tiny Texas hometown. Now she's stuck in the sticks for a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend.

If Texas wasn't already hot enough, working side-by-side with June would make any man melt. Luke wants nothing more than to strip her down and throw her in the lake-the same lake where they were found buck naked and guilty as sin all those years ago. In their heads, they're older and wise. But their hearts tell a different story...



Thanks for voting, y'all! And check back on February 27th for my review! :D

Brandee's Bookish Babble #13 ~ Series Endings, Is This Really Goodbye?

Welcome to Brandee's Bookish Babble. There are many, many similar posts to this one - but basically I wanted a place to discuss bookish and/or blogging stuff and I needed a title. :) I hope you enjoy!

***

Since I've made it a mission to travel to the terminus for the many series that I'm woefully behind in AND have read reviews of some series ending books, I got to wondering... Is it better that the ending is completely satisfying or would it be easier if it weren't? That may sound like a ridiculous question. I mean, of course we want the end of a beloved series to leave us satisfied. But does it make it easier to say goodbye if it's not? And can an author really ever satisfy every reader??

I can think of one series in particular whose ending wasn't quite what I would have liked. Oh, all the loose ends were tied up except for one - and it was a doozy. I have chosen to believe things with that plot thread ended how I wanted it to end. And I know tehre were extenuating circumstances with the publisher causing this author to have to end the series before she was ready to. However, I do think it made for an easier goodbye with these characters whom I'd grown to love.

On the flip side, there's another series that comes to mind where everything tied up just how I dreamed it would - but I was left wanting more. I wanted to know what happened after these characters got their HEA...did they live a mundane life or did they find themselves fighting the big baddies after getting the kids to bed?

And then there are those series ending books that split their readership - half love the ending and half hate it. Are the haters hating because they just can't say goodbye?

I don't know which way I prefer. I'll get back to y'all once I finish up a few more series. *ha* How do y'all feel about it?

That's What HE Said #51 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #32

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:

Rock Chick Rescue by Kristen Ashley

I'm currently re-reading Jet & Eddie's story ~ and I just had to share the love. ;) In this particular scene, Eddie is explaining his plan to keep Jet in his life.

***

"If you're indebted to me, you're connected to me. Whatever makes you take care of you Mom, your Dad, kids getting chemo and friends who make bad decisions on who to date is gonna make you stay connected to me because you owe me. You aren't connected to me, the minute this is all over with your Dad, you're gone. I'm makin' certain that doesn't happen."

...

"Whatever happens, you're worth it and I don't want to hear you say again that you're not. Get me?"

*~*~*~*~*~*

Here's the setup. So, Jet's a pretty good cook. She's made several different things, including chicken fried steak, for Eddie. At that particular dinner, Jet's mom and her mom's friends told Eddie that Jet's chocolate sheet cake was so good, he'd want to marry her for it. In this scene, Jet is preparing for a dinner at Eddie's mom's house.

"I took a shower and began my herculean preparations. At the same time I made peanut butter cookies and smushed a big, old square of Hershey's chocolate in them after they came out, hot and puffy, from the oven. I ran back and forth between the bathroom and the kitchen like a woman on fire.
Eddie hung out through all this activity, alternately watching a football game and watching me.
At one point he strolled into the kitchen and grabbed one of the cookies when I wasn't paying attention and ate it in one bite, then immediately reached for another one.
I smacked his hand. "Those are for your mother."
His arm wrapped around my waist and he pulled me to him.
"Trixie was wrong. Chocolate sheet cake bought you protection. Make these for me and I'll put a ring on your finger."

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ Unraveled ~ Jennifer Dawson

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Jennifer Dawson's Unraveled. Below you'll find all the details on the book, my review, a teaser, and a giveaway. Enjoy! :)



Unraveled by Jennifer Dawson
Undone Series #2.5
Release Date: January 19, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #COYER B2B
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis
Valentine's night. Three women. A hot new club where anything can happen.

After a life changing tragedy Layla Hunter is finally happy. Michael Banks has pulled her back from the dead and given her a love she'd thought was lost to her forever. Now, all she wants is to return the favor and give him the one thing she swore she'd never do again.

Jillian Banks is up for absolutely anything and her smoking hot fiance, Leo Santoro, is determined to give it to her. After exploring her fantasies in the privacy of her own home, Jillian's read for more and Leo is going above and beyind to make her happy. In return, she'll do anything to make him proud.

Ruby Stiles isn't sure what she's doing at a sex party at one of Chicago's most anticipated new clubs. Currently she's blaming it on curiosity. All she wants is to disappear into the background, only her emotions have decided to go on a roller coaster ride and the last thing she expects is for Chad Fellows to pick up the pieces. 

Sometimes even the best laid plans unravel...

*While Unraveled can be read as a standalone for fun, it is best read after reading CRAVE and SINFUL.

Oh-hohoho - sooo good! Unraveled was the perfect fix while I'm waiting for the next in the series - as well as the perfect setup for Debauched.

Unraveled takes place in one night - Valentine's Day - and we spend the night with Brandon (whose story I'm anxious for), Layla and Michael, Leo and Jillian, and Ruby and Chad (who I'm not gonna lie - I was hoping for more from him!). They're all attending the private opening of Brandon's newest club. The Lair. And that, in itself, is an experience. But what Unraveled really gives us is this:

• a deeper look into and a deeper understanding of the relationships between Layla and Michael, and Jillian and Leo. I loved this. It is said that a D/s relationship is all about trust with the D knowing exactly what the s needs. Dawson, in my opinion, brilliantly conveyed exactly that between these couples. Layla and Jillian thought they knew what they wanted - what they needed - but Michael and Leo gave them what they *knew* was really desired. The even that occurred served to strengthen both relationships on an even deeper level.
• an introduction to BDSM and the beginning of a deeper introspection for Ruby. She's always been curious about her best friend, Layla's lifestyle choices but has sworn it isn't for her. Spending the evening being up close and personal with the lifestyle, and in the company of Chad, has Ruby's brain spinning - especially since Chad seems to be so observant and insightful towards her.

I delighted in getting updates on Layla and Michael, and Jillian and Leo - seeing their bonds strengthen. But with Unraveled, Ms. Dawson whetted my appetite for Debauched. I'm anxiously awaiting its release and the continuation of Ruby and Chad's story.

Books in the Undone Series

Crave

Undone #1

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Sinful

Undone #2

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Unraveled

Undone #2.5

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Debauched

Undone #3

Releases April 26, 2016

Goodreads

Entry-

Form

Jennifer Dawson is the author of the popular Something New series; spicy, small town romance released with Kensington, and pens the dark and edgy contemporary romance series Undone.   Jennifer grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She met her husband at the public library while they were studying. To this day, she still maintains she was NOT checking him out. Now, over twenty years later, they are married and living in a suburb right outside of Chicago with two awesome kids and a crazy dog. These days Jennifer can be found sitting behind her computer, writing her next novel, chasing after her kids, keeping an ever-watchful eye on her ever-growing to-do list, and NOT checking out her husband. Jennifer loves connecting with her readers and invites you to check out her website, Facebook page, and join Dawson’s Darlings, her private Facebook Fan group. Sign up for her monthly Newsletter for exclusive insider peeks, new release information and more.

Audio Review ~ In Bed with a Highlander ~ Maya Banks

In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks
McCabe Trilogy #1
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
Release Date: March 22, 2012
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: Audible Credit
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: Historical Romance 2015
Goodreads

Synopsis
Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his--until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan's clan, but for a man who dreams only of revent, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn--and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin's strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons--and embrace a love that means more than revenge or land.

I'd already fallen for Banks' highlanders, via Potter's narration, with the Montgomery's & Armstrong's series so I was eager to become acquainted with the McCabe's. I was not disappointed!

Mairin Stewart is a young woman who's lived hidden due to her parentage and birthright. However, an evil man, who's been tirelessly searching for her, found her. With some luck, Mairin and a young charge, are able to escape and she finds herself at the McCabe Keep, under their protection.

It takes Ewan McCabe some time to get the pieces of Mairin's story and put them together, but he realizes that Mairin could change the circumstances for his clan in a huge way. And lucky for them both, they've already begun falling for one another once Ewan has this realization.

Mairin is such a feisty, headstrong lass. She doesn't filter her thoughts or words and it made for a lot of fun even while it drove Ewan a bit crazy. Ewan is everything strong and noble you'd expect from a laird. He's a good man and he and Mairin made for a good match.

Banks' addition of Crispin to their story, Ewan's son and the young charge that led Mairin to Ewan, was a delight. He's a well-developed character and added much to the story. Duncan Cameron is a brilliant villain. He's crafty and determined to take Mairin and her inheritance, which would ensure him great power in Scotland. It may sound awful, but I'll be glad to see him run through.

I was also delighted in my introduction to the other McCabe brothers, Alaric and Caelen, as well as the warriors and other members of the McCabe clan. I enjoy a story with a well-developed supporting cast and in a story set in the Highlands, a large supporting cast makes sense. The secondary characters are colorful and reflected the type of leader Ewan was in the actions and interactions. Banks also wove in some intrigue and suspense which left me gasping at times.

Kirsten Potter did a fantastic job of narrating. She rocks a Scottish accent and her delivery not only kept me riveted, but she also has the ability to raise goosebumps during particularly intense scenes. I find that impressive.

I'm loving this series and I can't wait to read more!