New Release Review ~ The Deep End ~ Kristen Ashley (@KristenAshley69) #2017NewRelease

The Deep End by Kristen Ashley
Honey Series #1
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Erotic Romance, BDSM
Source: Purchased on Kindle (pre-ordered in 2016)
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Enter a decadent sensual world where gorgeous alpha males are pleasure slaves committed to fulfilling a woman's every desire. At the elite Honey club, no boundary will be left untested, and one's darkest desires will become a sensual reality.

Olivier isn't sure what he's gotten himself into when he joins the Honey Club, only that a dark part of him craves the lifestyle offered by this secret, exclusive club.

When Amelie invites Olivier to surrender, she pushes him to explore his deepest desires as a submissive. As they grow closer and find themselves falling harder than either of them anticipated, the truth about Olivier's past could threaten the budding relationship they both long for.

Gripping and seductive, The Deep End is the first book in a sensational new series from bestselling author Kristen Ashley.

Y'all are well aware of my love and adoration for KA. I'm always singing her praises - and I'm about to again. Y'all also know I never hesitate in recommending a KA book. But with The Deep End I have to warn y'all - it deals with the BDSM lifestyle and won't be for everyone. It was, however, for me. :)

I was at a KA signing when she announced she was working on something new - going in a different direction for her. She was excited yet nervous. This new direction being erotica. But this is KA so I held my nerves in check. I didn't know she'd be going in this direction - that being BDSM - but I was confident with KA taking me there. I don't claim to understand BDSM or those who live the lifestyle. I also can't deny being fascinated. I think this is mostly due to the fact that I think people involved in this lifestyle have this whole other level of trust in their relationships. But I digress...

The Deep End is a story revolving around Amelie and Olivier and the rocky road hey travel down in trying to have a relationship that satisfies them both on all levels. But since this is also the first story in a new series, it also introduces many of the players that will inhabit this series as well as a new setting: Phoenix. Quickly, I want to say I already adore and/or am captivated by many of the secondary characters and am more than eager for the next installment.

On to Amelie and Olivier... Amelie is a Domme. Yep. She's confident, intelligent, caring, and in charge. But that doesn't mean she wants a sub who rolls over and bares his tummy in submission. Oh no. She craves a challenge. Unfortunately, men like that are rare. 

Enter Olivier. Olly is all alpha and KA gives good alpha. But in the sexual arena, he craves a woman who will take control. In Amelie, he gets exactly that. But these two have some hurdles to make it over. Amelie longs for the whole package - not just a club relationship but one outside as well with marriage and children. She's been burned in the past though so she's unsure of where she and Olly are heading. Olly is alpha, as I said, so he has some issues outside the playroom/bedroom with his woman already having "more" than he could ever provide monetarily. He's also a member of Honey under dubious circumstances and that secret could break what he's trying to build.

As this is KA, there's also a strand of suspense and it was really well done. But for the most part, this is one HOT erotic romance where Amelie and Olivier enjoy their kink.

I have to admit that it took me some time getting into Amelie and Olivier's story. I thought on that and decided this was because it's not familiar. These aren't characters or a locale I'm familiar with. And then there's the BDSM. But KA took me by the hand and led me there. By 40% I was hooked! I was loathe to put it down, flipping through pages quickly needing to know what came next. And so, I'm a believer. Yes, this was a different KA but it's still KA. And I put my trust in her knowing she'd deliver the goods. She did as she always does. Bring on book #2!

Audio Review ~ Your Forever Love ~ Layla Hagan #AudioChallenge #ShelfLove #TakeControlTBR

Your Forever Love by Layla Hagen
The Bennett Family #3
Narrated by: Jeremy York and Kendall Taylor
Release Date: August 30, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Media
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove, #TakeControlTBR
Goodreads

Synopsis
Eric Callahan is a powerful man, and his sharp business sense has earned him the nickname Shark. Yet under this facade is a man who loves his daughter and would do anything for her. When he and his daughter move to San Francisco for three months, he has one things in mind: expanding his business. As a widower, Eric is not looking for love. He focuses on his company, and his daughter - until he meets Pippa Bennett. She captivates him from the moment he sets eyes on her. Pippa Bennett knows she should stay away from Eric Callahan. After going through a rough divorce, she doesn't trust men anymore. But there's something about him that draws her in. He has a body made for sin, and a sense of humor that matches hers. Not to mention seeing how adorable he is with his daughter melts her walls one by one. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but it's the connection that grows deeper every day that has them wondering if love might be within reach. When it's time for Eric and his daughter to go home, will he give up on the woman who has captured his heart or do everything he can to remain by her side?

Pippa Bennett has been the driving force behind all the matchmaking in the Bennett family - as evidenced by Sebastian's wedding and Logan's engagement - so it was fun to see the tables turned on her.

Pippa hasn't had it easy in love - the only one to have married and then divorced in the Bennett clan. Her ex was a real piece of work - marrying her for her money - and he did a number of her self-confidence.

Eric Callahan is the CEO of his family's company and considered a shark in the business world. But outside of the office, he's a softie. Oh, he's all alphas but when it comes to his daughter, he melts with a look. He's a single dad, having lost his wife. Since then, he's devoted his life to his daughter and his business.

Neither Pippa nor Eric want anything to do with love or romance but when it comes to the other they can't seem to help themselves.

I enjoyed watching Pippa and Eric's second chance at love - the fall was sweet. I loved that the Bennett clan was present and we got to spend time with them. And I adored Eric's daughter Julie. It's always a joy when children are incorporated into a story and although she could have played a more prominent role, I didn't feel she was a gratuitous addition.

For all their reasons for avoiding romance, I felt Pippa maybe gave in a bit too easily while I was agreeing with Eric's mom in that he needed to pull his head out. There was also a little more predictability in this installment but it was still a fun read.

Jeremy York and Kendall Taylor did well with the narration, even with Julie's 12 year old voice. They both handled the multiple voices of the cast well, kept the pacing even, and infused the story with the proper emotions.

Overall, I'm still a Bennett Family fan...I'm eager to watch the rest of them fall. On to Your Inescapable Love. 

2017 #BookishResolutions Update ~ April

I'm once again participating in the Bookish Resolutions Challenge. This challenge is hosted by Michelle @Because Reading and Laura @ Trips Down Imagination Road. For complete details and to sign up, click the graphic above or here. 

**MY GOALS FOR 2017**

I've been moderately successful with the challenge the past 2 years but I think I've come up with some tweaks so that I'll be even more so in 2017. Mostly I'm making my goals more specific and therefore more quantifiable. :)

• Blogging Goals
• Comment back THREE times a week
• Visit TEN blogs a day
• Interact with 3 blog Facebook pages a day
• Link up my challenge posts on the last day of each month (or last day of month quarterly for those updating quarterly)
• Keep track of my progress on my calendar
• Reading Goals
• NO BOOK BUYING without a gift card (that was gifted!)
• Read TWO Netgalley reads per month
• Read (at least) TWO books I already own per month
• Read ONE book from a series I'm behind in per month
• Listen to TWO review books per month
• Read books my kids *need* me to read
• Born to Run (Jax)
• Death with Interruptions (Jax)
• Everything is Illuminated (Sky)
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Jax)
• School of Good and Evil (Berk)
• The Book Thief (Sky)
• The Lightning Thief (Berk)
• Keep track of my progress on my calendar and in my book journal
• Personal Goals
• Exercise FIVE days a week
• Keep a food/exercise journal
• Spend an hour daily writing/editing
• Clean up my Goodreads Shelves!
• Spend ONE day a month on a different hobby - paper crafting or knitting
• Keep track of my progress with writing/editing and crafting on my calendar

***Update***

• Blogging Goals
  Where have I been?? I'm sure you've noticed my absence from the blogosphere lately and I apologize. I've had A LOT going on in my personal life with kids and their decisions, activities, and travel, writing, and I spent 5 days in Texas helping out with my grandma who fell and had to have 6 staples in her head. (that trip had already been planned but fell at a fortuitous time) Needless to say, I've been terrible at visiting y'all as well as commenting back. BUT I DO APPRECIATE ALL THE COMMENTS!! I will get back to all of you, I promise! But I'm in Atlanta this upcoming week for the RT Convention so I'll be absent again for the most part. Follow me on Instagram (@bookworm_brandee), Facebook or Twitter if you're interested in my goings-on...I'll be posting pictures there. :D
  I'm planning on a raffle for mystery boxes of books to show my appreciation for you sticking with me so stay tuned for that. And I *will* be getting back to a somewhat normal schedule when I return...at least for a few weeks. 

• Reading Goals
  I have officially made it FOUR months without having one-clicked a book! (of course I add a few *freebies* to my library) I did purchase my first physical book (using a gift card *wink* but I couldn't help it, y'all. I had to get Dragonfly in Amber after finishing Outlander!) I also read a few more Netgalley reads in April, Losing Control and Taking Control by Jen Frederick. I read (or am reading) two books from series I am behind in - My TBR reads for April, Paradise Road by C.J. Duggan and Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington. I managed to complete two audio review books and am working on a third. (traveling slowed my listening pleasure ;) I finished Your Inescapable Love by Layla Hagen, as well as Undone by John Colapinto. I'm currently listening to What You Need by Lorelei James. I still reading Born to Run from Jax's request list. Yay me! And I'm continuing to use my planner to keep track of these goals and it makes it easier to see what I have on tap. Reading-wise, it was a much slower month due to all my personal obligations, etc.
• Personal Goals
  This is one area I managed to keep on track with in April...at least partially. I've managed to exercise at least 5 days a week (except for while I was in Texas) and I'm continuing to use my fitbit to keep track of food and exercise. It's been enormously helpful since it's essentially done for me. I love that I can add in my food during the day to keep track of calories. And...I don't want to sound like I'm bragging but...I've lost 18 pounds! :D This means I've pretty much hit my goal weight-wise. I just need to keep on track to maintain. :)
  I spent ZERO time working at cleaning up my Goodreads shelves but I have spent time writing/editing. I didn't get to *THE END* but I'm close, y'all. So close! Writing, of course, has taken even more time away from blogging but I SERIOUSLY want to finish my book... So #sorrynotsorry.
  I DIDN'T manage any time for other hobbies in April...grrr! It's just been a rough month! Hopefully May will be marginally better but with two of my kids leaving for the summer, I'm not holding my breath.  

So that's my update. How are y'all doing with your challenges?

My TBR List Review ~ April #1 ~ Paradise Road ~ C.J. Duggan

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. 

My review of Paradise Road is below but my review of Changing Tides is going to be late. Sorry y'all!! I've had a lot going on and haven't quite finished it. But the review's coming, I promise!

***

Paradise Road by C.J. Duggan
Paradise #2
Release Date: November 22, 2015
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
The Road to Paradise is never easy

After a year on the coast, Lexie Atkinson can't settle back into country life. She's missing the glitzy, gritty nightlife of the big city and the group of misfit friends she'd loved to hate. She knows to move forward she has to go back - back to face the guy who stole her heart.

But when Lexie arrives in Paradise City to work out if her future includes bad-boy surfer, Luke Ballantine, he is nowhere to be found.

With no home, no money and no Luke, Lexie gets a job slinging drinks at the wild Wipe Out Bar. Soon her heartache is eased when broody bar owner, Dean Saville, starts taking an interest and stirs more than just her drinks. But nothing is ever as it seems in Paradise City and when Luke barrels back into town, Lexie has a choice to make. But who will end up with the broken heart: Luke, Dean... or Lexie?

It's been almost two years exactly since I first visited Paradise City and I was as eager to return to Paradise as Lexie. And like Lexie, my return had its ups-and-downs, but in the end I wanted to stay.

What Worked:

• Lexie's determination and tenacity to earn her way, to be responsible for achieving her goals and dreams.
• Dean *sigh* I'm not gonna lie. I was a Dean fangirl from the get-go. His mysterious air, his maturity...oh, and his dark looks and tattoos...it all appealed to me much more than Ballantine's (Luke) surfer-boy charm.
• Wipe Out Bar - I enjoyed spending my time here with Lexie and friends rather than at school. It helped give this a more mature "new adult" feel.

What Could Have Worked Better:

• For all Lexie's maturity, she had her moments of immature behavior and decisions. Of course, she's only just 18 so I give her some leniency here but while this was realistic, I would have liked a little more consistency. However, this was consistent with Lexie's character and luckily for her, a certain someone found it endearing even if it made steam come out of his ears at times. *wink*

I really like Duggan's writing style. She creates entertaining stories with engaging characters and I'm excited to start a new series from her.

Review ~ Cupcakes and Ink ~ Helena Hunting #BloggerShame #ShelfLove

Cupcakes and Ink by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #0.5
Release Date: February 3, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Tenley Page is looking for a new start: a new city, a new apartment, a new life. Her plan is to keep to herself and stay focused. But leaving her past behind and starting over isn't as easy as she thought. And neither is maintaining her solitude. As Tenley settles into her new surroundings, she finds herself drawn to Inked Armor, the tattoo studio across the street. But it's the gorgeous, dark-haird tattoo artist who captures her interest. There's something about his severe beauty that captivates her - and not just in her waking hours.

Covered in the ink he inscribes on other people's skin, Hayden Stryker has made a career out of being a tattooist. He's got his own business and a tight circle of friends. As far as he's concerned, that's all he needs. At least until his aunt, who owns the antiques and used book store across from his tattoo studio, hires a new employee. At first his intrigue is based on physical appeal; hot chick equals something nice to look at. But as he begins to catch glimpses of the fiery personality under the fragile, feminine exterior, his fascination with Tenley grows. Annoyed by his inability to control his fixation, Hayden decides the best way to cure him of the new obsession is to get to now the girl under her skittish facade.

But like the ink he wears as armor, Tenley has the ability to get under his skin and stay there.

Novellas are always hit or miss but I'm happy to report Cupcakes and Ink was a hit. It's partly because it's well written and partly because this is a prelude of sorts - a little glimpse into the lives of the characters of this series. And I'm intrigued, y'all. Intrigued.

Hayden is this big guy - tall, wide, and built - who has a thing for tattoos - as in he's got quite a few - and metal. I mean piercings and he has quite a few of those as well. He's the owner of a tattoo shop as well as a tattoo artist and he gives a certain vibe. But he's also this kind and caring guy.

Tenley is on the run, from what we don't yet know. She's beginning work on her Masters and it seems tattoos might figure into her thesis. She's smart, attractive, and lonely. Oh, and she can't speak coherently to save her life when she's around Hayden.

These two have chemistry galore but they're both dealing with some apparently heavy things. Things we're left to speculate on for now.

As for the writing, Hunting provided just enough detail in this novella to hook me, make me anxious in my need to know more. She's obviously created characters that are complex and compelling and the story was dual POV - which I love.

Cupcakes and Ink hit the mark for me despite being a mere 60 pages. Lucky for me, I have Clipped Wings in my possession already. :)

Rock F*ck Club ~ My Interview with Author Michelle Mankin (@MichelleMankin)

Hey Michelle, I appreciate you taking the time to answer some questions I had immediately upon finishing Rock F*ck Club. 

BB: This is quite a premise. Did anything in particular inspire it?

MM: A number of events inspired it. The sexual empowerment for a woman theme in Rock F*ck Club came after I read a very thought provoking article by Lexxie Lin from Unconventional Book Views about romance being more than just Mommy Porn. (An aside: that term sets me off.) The Navajo details were inspired after a trip to Phoenix in November. The two best friends road trip aspect came after talking to two girls outside a club in Dallas. They were there early like me in order to be closest to the stage to see their favorite band.

BB: Was the mention of past drug use on Raven't part to establish something about her character? 

MM: She is flawed by strong and resilient? Yes, for sure. She acted out in order to get attention from her dad. As the story unfolds she learns with a certain someone's help to handle that particular issue more maturely.

BB: Raven's close friendship with Marsha and Lucky's closeness with Sky and his bandmates added depth to the characters and story. Do you feel as they do in that family and friends are integral to a happy life? 

MM: Friendships enrich life. There might be a quote about that in the story. It's something I truly believe. 

BB: There was a certain irony to the circumstances Raven found herself in once RFC took off. Are you making a statement there? Or do you feel Raven proved/made her point even if she didn't have all the control? 

MM: 0-0  Yes about our perspective being colored by the filter we view the world through. It's too spoilery to give the quote I want to, but if you do a word search for perception you'll find it.

BB: I was delighted with the inclusion of all the bands I've previously met in your books. Did you have fun with that element?

MM: Yes. I. Did. Once I owned up to the story I wanted to tell. At one time I considered a pseudonym for this story. But in the end I decided I had to be bold and brave like my heroine in the story.

BB: I enjoyed the Navajo/Native American element you wove into the story. Was it a starting point or did it come about while you were writing? 

MM: It was a starting point. After talking to Aunt Eve who lives in Phoenix I knew I had to have a spiritual symbolic place in that region.

BB: The travel aspect - visiting all the locales with Raven and Marsha was fun. Have you been to all the stops along Raven's RFC tour? 

MM: Hmm. Great question. Dallas check. NYC  check. Boston check. Chicago check. Detroit(No) Nola check. Atlanta check. Phoenix check. Kansas City check. LA check

BB: Will we see more from this set of characters? Please????

MM: Definitely. RFC will continue. More seasons. More power for women. More rock stars. I have ideas for novellas with some of Raven's ten guys and I even left myself some wiggle room to tell more with her and a certain someone.


Thanks so much for allowing me to interview you, Michelle!

If y'all haven't snagged Rock F*ck Club yet, you can read my review here and then go one-click it here! :D

Release Day Review ~ Rock F*ck Club ~ Michelle Mankin (@MichelleMankin) #2017NewRelease

Rock F*ck Club by Michelle Mankin
Release Date: April 24, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion or rating. I voluntarily provided a review. I also purchased my own copy.
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
10 cities in two weeks 10 famous rockstars.
On my knees. Against the wall. On my tits I don't care. As long as I get the evidence to prove it. Why? Because I caught my former prick of a boyfriend from Heavy Metal Enthusiasts doing a groupie doggie style backstage on the night we were supposed to be celebrating our 1 year anniversary.

He told me I was too uptight. Too vanilla. Too boring. So I got drunk with my bestie, Marsha West, the aspring videographer. I ranted. I raved. I came up with a crazy idea. What I didn't know was that my best friend recorded me. Marsha put the video up on YouTube. It went viral with 10 million hits. Now I've got fans and sponsors offering me big bucks.

Rockstars are volunteering to be my f*ck buddy.
Hollywood is calling.
I get to choose which rockstars I want.
The stakes are hight.
This sh*t just got real.
What could go wrong?

Rock F*ck Club. Wow! What a novel premise! It's...it's refreshing! I love it! Women should be able to be comfortable and confident in their sexuality without fear of judgement. I liked Raven's taking a stand against the injustice of society's double-standards when it comes to sex. I felt the irony that in wanting control over her sexuality she was put on a path where she had none - but a path that allowed her the ability to find herself as well as love. Because while on the surface Rock F*ck Club might look like a simple story of a girl getting her jollies and lifting a finger to her ex as well as society, it's so much more. It's a journey whereby Raven finds herself.

A drunken rant is the set up for RFC - after Raven finds her rockstar boyfriend in a compromising position with a groupie. She feels heartbroken and upset by men's ability to screw any time, any place. The Rock F*ck Club was born.

I adored Raven even if her decisions at times made me scratch my head. She's flawed but also loyal and loving - determined to right all the wrongs of her past. She thinks she knows who she is - marked by the tragedy of losing people close to her - but barely into her journey of self-empowerment, she finds herself on a journey of self-discovery when she meets Lucky Spencer.

Lucky seems the typical front man for an up-and-coming band. Talented, sexy, cocky. But he's more than he appears - just as he believes Raven is. He's compassionate, protective, and loyal to her family and friends. And he sees - nay he feels something when he first sets eyes on Raven.

I think this was a journey of self-discovery for both Raven and Lucky - but mostly Raven. The events, as they unfolded, were riveting - sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes heartwarming. I relished getting mentions of and cameos from all the bans I've bet in Mankin's books - specifically King, Ash, and Ryland. It added a nice touch for long-time fans but new readers won't be lost at all. Getting to know a whole new cast of characters who are just as compelling as ones I already know has me eager for more. I'm hoping for quite a few more books starring several of my favorites from RFC.

I'm so excited about this new side of Mankin. She's really stretching her creative muscles and the results are incredible! Not only did she create a story around characters I was immediately invested in, but she also brought to life the positives and negatives of life as a rockstar, and incorporated some Native American lore, as Raven is of Native American descent. All in all, RFC was gripping - a story I didn't want to put down. And one where, in the end, I was proud of Raven. She set out to empower herself - and she did accomplish that. But she accomplished so much more!

Review ~ Shame on You ~ Tara Sivec #BloggerShame #ShelfLove #TakeControlTBR

Shame on You by Tara Sivec
Fool Me Once #1
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #ShelfLove, #TakeControlTBR
Goodreads

Synopsis
War veteran Kennedy O'Brien is in the business of sticking it to the man - or at least any man who tries to cross a woman. After she returned home from Afghanistan and caught her husband in bed with the nanny, Kennedy lost her faith in men and started Fool Me Once Investigations with her two best friends. After all, there's no better bounty hunter than a woman scorned.

When Kennedy takes a case to slap cuffs on a bail jumper turned dog-napper, she figures it'll be an easy paycheck. But trouble has a way of finding Kennedy. Enter the last man on the planet she'd willingly choose as a partner: her cheating ex-husband's best friend, Griffin Crawford.

As gorgeous as he is unwelcome, Griffin has always had a thing for Kennedy, and after keeping quiet about her ex's cheating, he'll do anything to earn back her trust. Whether or not she wants to admit it, Kennedy will need help as the case of the Chihuahua thief sprials out of control. Griffin may be just her man - in more ways than one.

Shame on You was a quick, fun read! It provided a nice introduction to the three heroines of this little series, there was action, some steam, and a lot of Sivec's trademark humor! The perfect way to entertain myself while logging my time on the elliptical.

While the series centers around three women who started a PI business after being burned by men, this installment focuses on Kennedy. She's funny, tough - as far from girly-girl as you can get - and unapologetic about it. She's just taken on a case for her dad - who's a bail bondsman - and discovers he set her up with a new partner. One she would never have asked for.

Griffin has his reasons for keeping that secret from Kennedy as well as for going to work for her dad. He just needs Kennedy to listen to him. That's easier said than done. He has to advantage of having known her for a long while, so he knows hot to push her buttons. He'll get through - he's nothing if not determined.

There's not a ton of character development and the plot is a bunch of silliness but it's all completely entertaining. I'm hooked and looking forward to watching as Paige and Lorelei discover not all men are jerks. :)