Audio Review ~ Your Irresistible Love ~ Layla Hagen #AudioChallenge #ShelfLove #TakeControlTBR

Your Irresistible Love by Layla Hagen
The Bennett Family #1
Narrated by: Aiden Snow and Kasha Kensington
Release Date: August 2, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Media
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove, #TakeControlTBR
Goodreads

Synopsis
Sebastian Bennett is a determined man. It's the secret behind the business empire he built from scratch. Under his rule, Bennett Enterprises dominates the jewelry industry. Despite being ruthless in his work, family comes first for Sebastian, and he'd do anything for his parents and eight siblings-even if they drive him crazy sometimes...like when they keep nagging him to get married already. Sebastian doesn't believe in love, until he brings in external marketing consultant Ava to oversee the next collection launch. She's beautiful, funny, and just as stubborn as he is. Not only is he obsessed with her delicious curves, but he also finds himself willing to do anything to make her smile. Ava Lindt has one job to do at Bennett Enterprises: make the next collection launch unforgettable. Daydreaming about the hot CEO is definitely not on her to-do list. Besides, the consultancy she works for has a strict policy-no fraternizing with clients. She won't risk her job. But soon their sizzling chemistry spirals into a deep connection that takes both of them by surprise...

I'm a sucker for a story or series revolving around family so the nine Bennett siblings and their parents had a leg up from the get-go. Getting to meet Sebastian, the oldest Bennett and caretaker/protector of all, and seeing him fall for Ava, the smart, sexy woman who arrives to help with his business marketing was a pleasure.

Both Ava and Sebastian have reasons for not wanting to get involved besides the clause in Ava's consultancy contract forbidding fraternization. Ah, you know what they say about forbidden fruit... The two eventually give in and agree to spend time together while Ava is in town - four months. Being along for the ride as they get to know one another and get closer was nice. Ava is independent and used to taking care of things on her own, never having relied on a man...so Sebastian works his magic trying to convince her she doesn't have to do everything alone. Sebastian is used to women wanting the tangible things his wealth can offer them rather than wanting simply him. Ava sets about proving not all women are like that. With a little meddling and help from the Bennett family, the blossoming romance was fun.

Kasha Kensington and Andrew T. Chandler narrated and while I liked them both just fine, I did think that they weren't always able to convey all the emotion certain scenes required. Kensington's delivery at times made the pacing a bit choppy as well.

Besides the narration, my only complaint is that I would have liked more character growth over the course of the story. But overall, I enjoyed my introduction to the Bennett family and I'm already listening to book 2, Your Captivating Love.

My TBR List ~ April ~ 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?!?

***

Thanks to everyone for voting! I ended up having a tie. *gasp* And it was kinda late to send out a plea for a tie-breaker. So, since I REALLY want to read both the books in the tie vote, I'm gonna read them both. :D


The WINNERS Are:


Changing Tides
Kill Devil Hills #2

Synopsis
ELLIE
For years Ellie Turner's had a crush on the ruggedly handsome, beast of a man, television actor, Nate West. This isn't your average 'fan-girl crush' either, it's borderline obsessive, and totally inconvenient since, other that this one exception, Ellie's always been strictly into girls. But it doesn't matter...because Nate doesn't exist in real life. In real life Ellie has her own issues to worry about, including the death of her brother, the recent suicide attempt of her sister, and then there's always her annoying roommate Rhett to contend with.

NATE
Nate West isn't looking to start a new relationship. He's still heartbroken over the last girl who ripped out his insides, still learning how to manage his new-found fame, and, frankly, not even sure what time-zone he's in. His life is so full of stress, the last thing he wants is more of it.

So when Nate and Ellie meet on an airplane, nothing life changing should have come from it. But "sometimes in life--very rarely, I might add--you meet someone and you know instantly they're going to mean something special to you."




Paradise Road
Paradise #2

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?

Review ~ The Female of the Species ~ Mindy McGinnis #2017HW #ShelfLove

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Source: Purchased hardcover
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017HW, #ShelfLove, #TakeControlTBR
Goodreads

Synopsis
Alex Craft knows how to kill someone. And she doesn't feel bad about it. When her older sister, Anna, was murdered three years ago and the killer walked free, Alex uncaged the language she knows best. The language of violence.

While her crime goes unpunished, Alex knows she can't be trusted among other people, even in her small hometown. She relegates herself to the shadows, a girl who goes unseen in plain sight, unremarkable in the high school hallways.

But Jack Fisher sees her. He's the guy all other guys want to be: the star athlete gunning for valedictorian with the prom queen on his arm. Guilt over the role he played the night Anna's body was discovered hasn't let him forget Alex over the years, and now her green eyes amid a constellation of freckles have his attention. He doesn't want to only see Alex Craft; he wants to know her.

So does Peekay, the preacher's kid, a girl whose identity is entangled with her dad's job, though that does not stop her from knowing the taste of beer or missing the touch of her ex-boyfriend. When Peekay and Alex start working together at the animal shelter, a friendship forms and Alex's protective nature extends to more than just the dogs and cats they care for.

Circumstances bring Alex, Jack, and Peekay together as their senior year unfolds. While partying one night, Alex's darker nature breaks out, setting the teens on a collision course that will change their lives forever.

According to the Kipling Society, The Female of the Species describes the "moral strength and single-mindedness of women throughout history, in familial and political contexts, in contrast to the weakness and vacillation of men."

"I am a wolf that my sister kept in a cage, until her hand was removed. I have been out, curious as I wake up from a lethargic solitude, self-enforced because I know I don't belong here. It's not safe for me to be out but they rattled my cage. First Claire, and then Jack. And now I'm awake, deviating from the paths I created in order to remain stable. I'm out, and awake, and afraid I won't be easily put back in."

This book has quite a lot to say. And it did so very well. The parallels between that first quote and the three MC's...Alex, Peekay, and Jack embody those words.

We have Alex, who has defined herself as "vengeance" and despite believing she feels no guilt, has a very strong moral compass. She sees herself as defending the weak - those who can't protect themselves - whether they be human or cats and dogs. This side of her, while scary, was absolutely fascinating. And although she feels she doesn't belong, a part of her longs for that feeling - something I think she had when her sister was alive. She also got people to look at themselves differently...

Peekay, for example. She's always been called Peekay - preacher's kid - and didn't think anything of it. But Alex asks for and calls her by her given name, Claire. It never occurred to Peekay the statements she made without words by accepting that nickname, much less the reasons behind doing so. She allowed it to influence her identity. She's strong though and finds the depth of her inner strength after befriending Alex. I found it of particular interest that she had thoughts similar to those of Alex, the difference being that Peekay would never act on them.

Then there's Jack - who was inspired to be a better person because of Alex. He'd been curious about her and her thoughts about his character since the night her sister's body was found. And Jack, he's a good guy even if he is a cad. But he waffled in his loyalties and decisions - found it apparently difficult to stay on the right path.

And through all this, the interactions between Alex, Peekay, and Jack - the bonds of friendship forming and love blossoming -McGinnis incorporated social commentary on teen culture: rape culture, sexual objectification, the double standards regarding boy vs girl behavior. And it was brilliant! There were some difficult moments to read - this story is raw and gritty - but I also felt things were realistically portrayed. The Female of the Species is certainly thought-provoking. 

This is my favorite #2017HW read so far!

New Release Review ~ The Ten-Day Baby Takeover ~ Karen Booth (@karenbbooth) #2017NewRelease

The Ten-Day Baby Takeover by Karen Booth
Release Date: April 1, 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. 
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
A billionaire's baby deal!

One look into his infant son's trusting blue gaze and Aiden Langford knows his wild, carefree days are over. If only he can get Sarah Daltrey, his son's temporary guardian, to give him daddy lessons... Certainly the soft-hearted entrepreneur will agree to his ten-day proposal to stay as the nanny. Aiden just needs to keep his mind on parenting and off Sarah's seductive curves...

Being in the handsome tycoon's arms puts up Sarah's emotional defenses even as her body begs her to let go. But being a babysitter with benefits isn't on her agenda - especially for a father and son who might steal her heart...

There is nothing sexier than a man with a baby!

Sarah became Oliver's guardian when her best friend died She has been trying to contact Aiden about his having a son but he's been elusive. And honestly, she doesn't mind having Oliver. She adores him. She just needs to take care of her best friend's final requests where Oliver is concerned. So she camps out in LangTel's lobby determined not to leave until she sees Aiden. 

Sarah is a sweetheart. She's smart, caring, and she's determined to make her business a success. A former nanny, Sarah is now launching a successful lingerie business. She has no time or desire for romance not trusting her instincts when it comes to men.

Aiden is busy making LangTel even more successful. He's savvy, handsome, but doesn't date. And he certainly gave no thought to becoming a dad. But when he sees Oliver, he can't deny he's a daddy. But he doesn't know the first thing about babies. So he does what he does best - makes a deal with Sarah. Ten days of baby training in exchange for help with her business. What's the worst that could happen?

This story was heartwarming and fun! I immensely enjoyed watching Aiden and Oliver bond and watching as Aiden opened up to Sarah - something he's never done with anyone. It was also interesting to see Sarah, who was deadset on ever offering her heart to anyone again, slowly put it on offer to Aiden. Oliver though, he'd had her heart from day one.

Oliver was adorable! I could perfectly envision his chubby little legs holding him up while he drooled. I liked Anna's and Jacob's presence in the story as well as seeing Adam and Melanie, and Mother Langford, too. I felt like Aiden's issues with this past were dealt with well and i helped me get a better understanding of him.

Of course, this all takes place over the course of ten days and while it's fast, it felt genuine. The banter between Aiden and Sarah was fun. And I could see the connection between them - a solid friendship foundation - for the romance to build on.

I hope for more from this series as I'd like to see more of the Langford siblings and their spouses in the future.

Brandee's Bookish Babble #32 ~ Goodreads & Friends

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 have a question for y'all. How do y'all decide whose friendship to accept on Goodreads? Do you accept everyone who sends a friend request? Do you compare books before deciding? I know some of you use the "ask a question" function - do you always accept if the person answers? 

I'm asking because I used to accept anyone who asked. But in the last year or so, I've gotten friend requests from people with weird pseudonyms, people with 5000 friends and 3 books on their shelves, people with whom I only have 2 books in common... essentially a lot of people that I'm not understanding their motivation behind requesting my friendship. So I got to wondering how y'all handle it. I have accepted requests from folks who are authors if they write in a genre I'm interested in. I've accepted if we have books in common on our shelves. It's just that I feel the need to be pickier at this point - I want to understand why the request was sent because if we don't read the same things, are we really going to connect? If not, it's just adding clutter to my feed.

How do y'all feel? Am I being ridiculous? Am I even making sense?!?

Audio Review ~ Shifting Gears ~ Riley Hart #AudioChallenge #ShelfLove

Shifting Gears by Riley Hart
Crossroads #2
Narrated by: Sean Crisden
Release Date: May 23, 2016
Genre: Adult, M/M Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Media
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Rod Nelson is used to being someone's good time, and that's fine with him. Spending his days at his adult toy store, Rods-N-Ends, he never knows who he'll meet. The second Landon Harrison walks in, he has Rod's full attention. It seems as if Landon wants him too, so why won't the man jump in the sack with him already?

Landon never thought he'd return home to the town where memories lurk around every corner. He has to admit, Rod makes the adjustment a lot easier. He keeps Landon laughing. Despite the fierce attraction between them, he's not willing to risk his newfound friendship to get laid.

Neither man wants something serious, but the more they're together, the harder it is to keep their hands to themselves, until eventually they stop trying.

But flings between friends are never simple, and as they attempt to shift gears, diving into their first relationship, they're slammed with setbacks. If they want to truly move forward, before they hit the open road together, they're going to have to let go of a past that could make them crash and burn.

Shifting Gears features Rod, whom I met in Crossroads. He's this kinda quirky guy who works in a sex toy shop when Brice and Nick meet him. Rod now owns his own ship and he's proud of what he does and his ability to put people at ease as well as offer them help with something they might feel uncomfortable with asking for.

Landon meets Rod when he comes into the shop for some product. They have an easy rapport and quickly become friends. They're both attracted to one another but Landon doesn't want to pursue anything and risk messing up their friendship - something he's never had.

These two guys have a lot of baggage. Their childhoods were far from perfect. Neither had an example of a healthy relationship to follow and both feared entering into a relationship, not wanting to hurt or be hurt. Watching as they both learn that they're worthy of love - giving it and receiving it - was a beautiful thing. They had a lot of walls to knock down on their way into each others' hearts but realized it was worth the work.

Brice and Nick were supporting cast members and I enjoyed spending time with them as well as seeing them have Rod and Landon's backs - offering advice and just being good friends. The introduction of a few new characters was well done and I figure one will be featured in a future installment of the series.

Sean Crisden did a fine job narrating, even keeping Brice's and Nick's voices consistent from the first book. I'll definitely continue this series in audio.

Sunday Post #22 ~ April? Wahhh? And Challenge Updates

As y'all probably all know, the Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It's a chance to share my news from the week whether it be book, blog, or just life news. 

***

Wow! March definitely came in like a lion, didn't it? I can't believe it's April. It was a busy month for me because I had my college girl home (for not nearly long enough!), my MIL visiting, James took vacation time to spend with Sky and with Berk & Jax, who were off this past week for Spring Break. I *did* get a lot of listening done but I've gotten behind in reading and blogging. Oh well, it's a new month.

Oh, I did want to mention that I took Berk and Jax to see Beauty and the Beast last week. It was phenomenal, y'all!! I thought the sets, costumes, casting, and special effects were perfect. I particularly liked the emotion conveyed through Beast's facial expressions. Sooo good!!

Last month's list of books that made big impressions - positive or negative - are: Crash into You by Katie McGarry, The Deep End and Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley, and Rises the Night of Colleen Gleason all get the highest (positive) marks. Currently, I'm reading The Ten-Day Baby Takeover by Karen Booth. And in my ears is Your Inescapable Love by Layla Hagen.  

Are y'all as shocked as I am that it's April?!? :) 

***

I have made it through the first 3 months of 2017 without spending a penny on a book! Woohoo! I did acquire a book that was free two boxsets that were free.

***

2017 Challenges

H

#2017HW Report Card for Quarter One

My goal is 1 book a month. I read 3 books in the first quarter so that means I got an A!!!


#2017NewRelease - 14 books

#Audiobook Challenge - 9 book
#authorluv - none yet

#BloggerShame - 8 books

Read All the Books - 2 books

#ShelfLove - 28 books

I started Mini Blog Ahead with 3 posts scheduled. I ended with 20 scheduled posts and 8 drafts. The goal was 15 so I did well! :D

I was certainly ambitious with the Take Control TBR Challenge. Here is a photo of the TBR list I had going in...

And just to let y'all know (so you can laugh) I had added 50 books to my kindle TBR Collection so I'd have a nice selection to choose from. ;) And I read exactly ONE from that collection - Rises the Night. I did listen to all three of the audiobooks. I also read The Female of the Species. But apparently, I'm not good with lining up books to read ahead of time. I *DID* read 12 books for this challenge. It's just that I only read 4 from my pre-scheduled list. Still, that's 12 books less I have on my TBR. That's a win in my book!

My TBR List ~ April ~ Polling is Open!

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

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

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


Your Choices Are:


Changing Tides
Kill Devil Hills #2

Synopsis
ELLIE
For years Ellie Turner's had a crush on the ruggedly handsome, beast of a man, television actor, Nate West. This isn't your average 'fan-girl crush' either, it's borderline obsessive, and totally inconvenient since, other that this one exception, Ellie's always been strictly into girls. But it doesn't matter...because Nate doesn't exist in real life. In real life Ellie has her own issues to worry about, including the death of her brother, the recent suicide attempt of her sister, and then there's always her annoying roommate Rhett to contend with.

NATE
Nate West isn't looking to start a new relationship. He's still heartbroken over the last girl who ripped out his insides, still learning how to manage his new-found fame, and, frankly, not even sure what time-zone he's in. His life is so full of stress, the last thing he wants is more of it.

So when Nate and Ellie meet on an airplane, nothing life changing should have come from it. But "sometimes in life--very rarely, I might add--you meet someone and you know instantly they're going to mean something special to you."





Paradise Road
Paradise #2

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?





That Wedding
That Boy #2

Synopsis
The gorgeous engagement ring on my finger mimics my happiness. I feel so sparkly, glittery, and full of promise, because I absolutely know he's that boy. The boy I want to marry. My prince. My happily ever after. But then our pastor starts asking lots of questions. His parents say I haven't dealt with my past. I have horrible wedding disaster dreams. I can't find the perfect dress. I have to manipulate him to get my way. An old boyfriend asks me to run away with him. My best friend says I'm going to ruin everything. And forever starts to sound like a really long time. Which totally freaks me out and makes me question everything I know. Should best friends get married? Will my past affect our relationship? Are my horrible dreams a warning? Will I ever find a dress? Could his sexiness be clouding my judgment? Am I going to ruin everything? Or is it just a case of cold feet? And then I have to decide. Am I willing to give up on true love forever, or am I going to listen to my heart and marry him?



Okay, now vote! And thanks! :D


Create your own user feedback survey