Review ~Infinite Possibilities ~ Lisa Renee Jones #COYER

Infinite Possibilities by Lisa Renee Jones
The Secret Life of Amy Benson #2
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: Library
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
Secrets and lies. They are everywhere: haunting her, tormenting her. In the midst of it all, he'd been her escape, her passion. The only person she'd trusted in six years. And then he'd made her doubt that trust, cutting her deeply. But as she'd once told him, she was damaged, not broken. She is ready to fight and not just for survival. She is fighting for the truth and she won't stop until she has it, not even for...him.

I couldn't wait to dive into book #2 of this series but I have to admit to being the slightest bit disappointed. It was only slight though.

Amy, after overhearing something that made her doubt, is on the run again. She wants to get all the answers she needs and deserves once and for all. Liam, however, isn't going to give her up without a fight. Luckily it's not a fight Amy's really interested in taking on because there are a few new players on the field and deciding who to trust - if anyone - is Amy's main goal, especially when it's revealed that something she's believed since she went into hiding may not be true.

Liam, for his part, is determined to show Amy he's the one to trust and put her faith in. He has the resources and connections to help Amy find her answers as well as keep her safe. If he can erase her doubt, that's exactly what he plans to do. 

LRJ delivers another smolderingly hot installment for Amy and Liam coupled with some nail-biting suspense. I was as eager to get answers as Amy was and the revelations made while getting them were shocking. My disappointment came as a result of how long it took for things to develop. Amy and Liam seemed to spin their wheels longer than I'd have liked but once they got traction, the story took off. I was also mildly let down at the ease in which a few things were resolved.

However, I'm chomping at the bit to continue the story!

Review ~ End of the Innocence ~ Alessandra Torre #ShelfLove

End of the Innocence by Alessandra Torre
Innocence #3
Release Date: March 23, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
He thought I owned him. He thought he loved me, that I was enough. But this animal, this sex god who could drive me crazy and steal my heart in the same breath, he would never full be mine. It was impossible. No one ever owned a God...

One year. I have one year to find out more about this man I am marrying. More about his family. More about our sex, and all of the dirty, delicious places it will take me.

I thought I'd spend this year making a decision. I never thought the decision would be taken from me, snatched right from my naive little hands.

This final installment was more fluid and had far fewer editing issues. The tone changed once again, with comic relief via Julia's dialog. There is much going on, the suspense amp'd up...it was an exciting ending!

End of the Innocence saw Julia and Brad counting down - towards Julia's graduation, towards the future, and towards possible repercussions at the path they've chosen for their future. There is further exploration of Julia's sexuality, the doors open for she and Brad. And Brad shows incredible emotional growth and maturity when he closes a door on his past.

The suspense element had me tied in knots. It was well done. However, the outcome felt downplayed and the dropped. Again, I felt more could have been done here, creating a more profound impact. There were other plot threads that I felt were left dangling. It didn't impact the story to leave them hanging, I'd just have liked to have them tied up. Perhaps that's my OCD.

In the end, I found this trilogy entertaining and it renewed my interest in Torre's writing. It says something that I could binge on this trilogy, not tiring of being in this world with these characters. I'm eager to read more from Torre - and luckily, I already own several! ;)

Audio Review ~ Settling the Score: The Summer Games ~ R.S. Grey #AudioChallenge #COYER #ShelfLove

Settling the Score by R.S. Grey
The Summer Games #1
Narrated by: Shaun Grindell and Amanda Dolan
Release Date: July 29, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided. 
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #BloggerShame, #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
As an Olympic rookie, Andie Foster has spent far more time in her cleats than between the sheets. For twenty-one years, her Friday night have consisted of blocking shots rather than taking them. But now that she's landed in Rio, she's ready to see for herself if the rumors about the Olympic Village are true: The athletes are all sex-crazed maniacs...The committee passes out condoms like candy...The games continue long after the medals have been handed out. As Andie walks the line between rumor and reality, she's forced into the path of Frederick Archibald, a decorated Olympic swimmer and owner of a sexy British accent - too bad he's unavailable in a way that "it's complicated" doesn't even begin to explain. It doesn't matter that he has abs that could bring peace to the Middle East; Andie fully intends on keeping her focus on the soccer field. But everywhere Andie goes, Freddie happens to be there - shirtless, wet from the pool, and determined to show her a whole new meaning of the phrase "international affairs." Contains mature themes.

I picked up Settling the Score thinking it sounded like a lot of fun. I wasn't wrong. But it also had a serious side and it served as an outstanding introduction to Grey's writing!

Andie Foster is goal keeper for the U.S. Olympic team and she's just arrived in Rio. She's planning on kicking ass at the games but she's also interested in taking part in the, um, fun she's heard is ever present in the Olympic village. At her first party, though, she meets a guy who could give her all that fun...or break her heart.

Freddie Archibald is a swimmer for the UK's Olympic team. This isn't his first rodeo but it is the first one where he's found someone who actually captures his attention. Unfortunately, his mother has just made an untimely announcement.

Highlights:

• Andie and Freddie - they're well drawn characters. I felt as though they were relatable despite my not being an athlete or a celebrity. ;) They dealt well with their celebrity and were good friends, loyal, and fun.
• The sports - I appreciated  that although this was a romance, Grey didn't use the Olympics simply as a setting. We trained with, competed alongside, and even hurt with Andie and Freddie.
• Secondary cast - I really liked Andie's friends as well as Freddy's friend, Tom, and his sister, Georgie. They gave depth to the characters and the story.

Lowlights:

• The tension-inducing character and the resolution
  Even though I thought the tension was well done and felt genuine, the character used was a bit overly dramatic and the resolution was too easy as well as kinda silly.
• Narrator
  The narrators are listed as Shaun Grindell and Amanda Dolan. Grindell was excellent and is becoming a favorite for British characters for me. I was excited to try a new female narrator but apparently Amanda Dolan is another name used by Lidia Dornet. While I like Dornet/Dolan's voice just fine, her range was a little lacking for the number of characters and I was just a little disappointed since I'd thought I was getting a new-to-me narrator.

Oh, and on a technical note, there were a few places where it was clear Dolan's lines had been edited - it wasn't smooth and the volume changed.

Hmm, it kinda looks like Settling the Score was an average listen but honestly I adored it! I'm looking forward to listening to more from R.S. Grey!

My TBR List Review ~ August ~ Faking It ~ Cora Carmack #COYER #ShelfLove

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

***

Faking It by Cora Carmack
Losing It #2
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an ARC copy at RT2013
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Mackenzie "Max" Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they're expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he's kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee ship with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they're forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.

It's been awhile since I read Losing It but I know I enjoyed it. Faking It, though... I FLOVED it!!

So I can't way exactly why - if it's that I felt the story was meatier or I I appreciated the angst...or it it's just been so long since I read Losing It that I don't remember being as moved by it. Whatever it is, I freaking adored Max and Cade!! They were perfect together, even if it took them awhile to figure it out. Their banter was hilarious and their stories, separately, were engaging. Together they simply were magic!

Cade, well, I knew why he was the way he was. I may have gotten more background on him but I felt like I understood him. I hurt for him over this falling out with Bliss (Losing It) but I held out hope that he'd find the girl that'd really trip his trigger. I mean, he's funny, smart, talented, and HOT! Some girl has to fall for that, right??

When he first sees Max I knew it as all over for him. He was captivated. I was captivated. Max is gorgeous and attention-grabbing with her retro look and tattoos. When she speaks to Cade? Her feisty-ness and attitude won over both Cade and me. And she appealed to Cade even more since she needed help. But it was more than that. Watching them both work at holding their walls steady despite the cracks and crumbling that their meeting caused was entertaining to say the least. They both have baggage to work through though and it was difficult to witness it even if I was anxious to know all the details. It was worth the tension and tears.

They only complaint I have is that I thought part of the resolution with Max's family was too easy. Otherwise, Faking It was outstanding.

Review ~ Masked Innocence ~ Alessandra Torre #ShelfLove

Masked Innocence by Alessandra Torre
Innocence #2
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
The man was sinful. It wasn't just the looks that made him dangerous, it was the cocky confidence that dominated every move, every touch. And the frustrating yet ecstatic fact about the whole package was that he could back it all up...
Julia Campbell never knows what to expect with win-at-all-costs Brad De Luca. And she's starting to like it that way. She gave up safe, conventional relationships when she let the elite divorce attorney seduce her into his world. Now that he's determined to strip her naked of every inhibition, she's in danger of falling too deep and too fast.
But their attraction begins to feel even more dangerous when a murder leaves a trail of suspicion that points straight to the mob...and Brad. Trusting a man with a bad reputation and a past full of secrets seems like a mistake. But when she's forced to make a choice, the consequences will take her further than she could ever have imagined.

With Masked Innocence, I could tell Torre was beginning to hit her stride writing-wise. Her prose began to flow more smoothly. However, there were still editing issues such as the use of wrong words.

The story revolving around Julia and Brad continued with Julia's sexual awakening, Brad's willingness to change because of Julia, and their relationship growing stronger. The tone of this installment changed though with the added element of suspense.

Julia and Brad face a few obstacles in their relationship - dealing with an event within the firm, talk behind and to their faces regarding their relationship, and the reveal of a major secret. Seeing them deal with these obstacles, the emotional growth they experience - was fascinating.

Besides the editing issues, I also felt a few incidents were treated a little lightly when they could have made more of an impact. Of course, that might have really changed the tone. ;) Oh well. I'm continuing to enjoy Brad and Julia and am jumping into the final book NOW.

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ Fool of Main Beach ~ Tara Lain (@taralain @VivianaIzzo @dreamspinners) #2017NewRelease

Fool of Main Beach by Tara Lain
Love in Laguna #5
Release Date: August 21, 2017
Genre: Adult, M/M Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy as part of the blog tour. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N 

Synopsis
The unlikeliest of lovers. The sweetest of loves.

Merle Justice wants to reach for the stars, but it's tough to get respect when playing a teenybopper vampire on TV. Then he meets a famous director anxious to give him all he thinks he wants - and maybe a bit more. Everything's looking up until a life-threatening encounter with some homophobes on Main Beach puts Merle face-to-face with a Sasquatch-sized hero in a pink puffer coat.

Tom Henry defies description. As unsophisticated and simple as an angel, he walks through life content with who he is and asking for very little except to care for his sister, Lily, and the dogs he loves. Then he meets Merle, the embodiment of dreams he barely knows he has. Merle knows the people who hold his future in their hands might love Tom - but they'll never understand Merle and Tom together. Tom knows it too. With lives far apart, who's really the fool of Main Beach?

Tara Lain's Love in Laguna series is a favorite of mine. Lain always delivers a meaty story along with a touching romance. And all the characters thus far are friends (or become friends) so I always get to check-in with them. Fool of Main Beach delivers on all counts and then some. Here are some highlights from all the goody-goodness:

• Merle
  He's an actor and a really good guy. He's handsome and charming but also down-to-earth, which means he isn't so fond of all the Hollywood hoopla. His family, while completely accepting of his sexuality, isn't so accepting of his career choice seeing as they're more of the intellectual type. This affects Merle's self-esteem as he wants to be taken seriously and he wants their respect. When he's given the chance at those things, he has to decide whether he wants others' respect or to be able to respect himself.
• Tom
  Oh my gosh did I adore this man! He's described once as guileless and that's a fair description. He's really smart but has some learning disabilities. He also is open and honest, not understanding social cues or following social etiquette when offering his opinions. Tom's hardworking and loyal to a fault, taking care of his family despite them kicking him out at 15 because of his sexuality. 
• Character Development
  Both Merle and Tom grow over the course of the story. Tom learns to stand up to his parents and speak up for himself. But Merle does the most growing, learning that he deserves happiness in life whether others approve or respect his choices or not.
• Social Commentary
  This is an element I love in Lain's stories - religion and sexuality, bigotry, homophobia...I admire that she weaves it into her stories (without brow-beating) because it's a reality.
• Tom (yes, again)
  I was a bit worried over how Tom would be handled. As I said, he's guileless, but considered "simple" by some of the characters and he's anything but simple. His character had to be handled "just right" in my opinion to make the story work and Lain handled him with aplomb.
• Dogs
  I would be remiss if I didn't mention the dogs. Tom volunteers at an animal shelter and is particularly fond of dogs. As a dog lover myself, I felt a strong affinity for Tom because of his love and care for these animals and Lain did a nice job giving the dogs their own personalities.

In the end, this might have moved into the top spot as my favorite in this series so far!

**Love in Laguna Series**

Knight of Ocean Avenue

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ Audible

Knave of Broken Hearts

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ Audible

Prince of the Playhouse

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ Audible

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Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in gay romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her first novel was published in January of 2011 and she’s now somewhere around book 40. Her best­-selling novels have Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Paranormal Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, Best Romantic Suspense, and more. In her other job, Tara owns an advertising and public relations firm. She often does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft. She lives with her soul­mate husband and her soul­mate dog near the sea in California she sets a lot of her books. Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”!

Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads

Review ~ I'll Meet You There ~ Heather Demetrios #2017HW #COYER #ShelfLove

I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios
Release Date: February 3, 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Source: Purchased Hardback 
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017HW, #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
If Skylar Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing separating Skylar from art school is three months of summer...until Skylar's mother loses her job, and Skylar realizes her dreams may be slipping out of reach.

Josh had a different escape route: the Marines. But after losing his leg in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be.

What brings Skylar and Josh together is working at the Paradise - a quirky motel off California's Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and, soon, something deeper.

Compelling and ultimately hopeful, this is a powerful examination of love, loss, and resilience.

I procured this gem after reading Tanya's review (Girl Plus Books) and I can't thank her enough for the recommendation! I'll Meet You There is a moving read, powerful, and I'm thrilled I put it on my HW list.

Skylar has just graduated from high school and is preparing for college in San Francisco where she has a full ride scholarship in art. Embarking on this new journey is daunting especially because even though leaving Creek View, a dead-end town, is her dream, she's leaving the familiar and her friends, not to mention her mom lost her job and is losing it. And then there's this boy...

Josh escaped Creek View when he graduated by enlisting in the Marines. He's back home now after suffering a traumatic injury. He's dealing with figuring out what he is if not a Marine as well as parents who are lackluster (an extreme understatement)...And he can't stop thinking about this girl...

This story of a girl, who's dealt with so much loss and pain, figuring out how she's going to move onto the next phase when it's going to mean leaving behind what she's only just realizing is a big part of her, meshed with the story of a boy who's dealing with his own brand of loss and pain coupled with guilt after all he saw and experienced in Afghanistan...well, it made for an incredibly emotional and gripping read. The detail -- the emotion of it -- was very genuine and realistic. The alternating POV, even though primarily related from Skylar's, provided that much more understanding for what they were experiencing. The format of Josh's POV was unique and really gave a fascinating glimpse into his psyche. The inclusion of Skylar's art -- collages -- was also distinct and well done. The secondary cast is well drawn, allowing me to see the impact they each make on Skylar's and Josh's lives. Honestly, there isn't anything I didn't like about the story. This was my first Demetrios read but it certainly won't be my last. She delivered a meaty, engaging, and realistic young adult story!

Review ~ Blindfolded Innocence ~ Alessandra Torre #ShelfLove

Blindfolded Innocence by Alessandra Torre
Innocence #1
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Source: Kindle Freebie
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
"I'm not sure what you have been told about me, but I'm not nearly as bad as they make me out to be." His deliciously deep voice carried a little bit of ego.

I'm sure you are exactly as bad as they make you out to be...

Brad De Luca is used to getting whatever and whomever he wants. The premier divorce attorney in town, he's a playboy who's bedded half the city--including his own clients. And when the newest intern at his firm poses a challenge, his seductive prowess goes into overdrive.

Pre-law student Julia Campbell is fresh off a failed engagement and happy with her new independence. Even if she weren't warned away from Brad at every turn, she'd know he was bad news. The last thing she needs is a man who could destroy her job prospects, not to mention her innocence. But before she knows it, the incorrigible charmer has her under his spell. His deviant tastes plunge her deep into a forbidden world of sexual exploration...but her heart may not survive the fall.

Okay, I admit to knowing almost nothing going into this book except that I'd heard good things about it. I'd only read a novella by Torre prior to this one - which I loved - but she's an author I seem to collect. :) Anyway, I enjoyed Blindfolded Innocence. Here's what worked for me and what could have worked better:

What Worked:

• Premise - Blindfolded Innocence has a very interesting premise. Young pre-law student/intern, despite warnings and her better judgement, gets involved with an attorney in the firm.
• Character development - Julie and Brad are well-defined and we witness their emotional growth - how they change, or begin to - once they become involved.
• Sexual exploration - we're along for the ride as Julia explores her sexuality with Brad - her safety net. The journey is interesting, provocative, and we get to see it changing Brad as well.

What Could Have Worked Better:

• First novel hiccups - Torre's writing wasn't quite as fluid as it becomes later. (I can say this with certainty having read the entire Innocence trilogy as well as another novella from Torre) There were editing issues - mostly the use of wrong words - that stuck out for me.

Overall, meeting Brad De Luca was as exciting as promised and I like the changes I'm seeing in him affected by his interest in Julia.