Forever Black by Sandi Lynn

When Ellery moved to New York with her boyfriend, she thought they’d live happily ever after in their small New York apartment. She never thought he’d pack his bags and leave because he “needed space.” With her newfound single status and fear of being alone, Ellery buries herself in her artwork and paintings until one night she helps a mysterious intoxicated stranger get home safely. Little did she know the mysterious stranger is none other than CEO and millionaire Connor Black. After finding Ellery in his kitchen the next morning and assuming she broke his #1 rule about sleepovers, he becomes intrigued, not only by her stubbornness and defiance, but by her kindness. Connor Black, emotionally dead and damaged, that stemmed from a personal tragedy, made a vow to never love or fall in love with a woman, until Ellery Lane walked into his life by accident. After she opens up and shows him her world, Connor starts to feel emotions and feelings he never knew existed. Despite the rumors and warnings regarding Connor Black and his use and misuse of women, Ellery finds herself being drawn into his world. Ellery knows they can never be together because she is harboring a deep secret that could destroy Connor emotionally forever. Join Connor and Ellery as they embark on a journey of courage, love and strength. Will it be enough to save them?

Initial Thoughts: This one had been at the top of my Amazon recommendations for some time now and I finally gave in to see what all the hype was about.
The Pros: I really liked Ellery's character. She was stubborn and feisty and I loved it. It seems that in a post Fifty Shades literary world, the shy, "I'll do whatever you say" heroine is far too prevalent. Since that is the opposite of what I am, I hate that trend. Ellery was someone I could relate to. If I want ice cream, I want ice cream, and there is nothing you can do to stop me.
Ellery's secret was something I was but at the same time wasn't expecting. It was a huge secret, and it was something I hadn't experienced in a book before. It definitely changed the course that the book was going in.
Peyton was a great friend. She wasn't one of these fair weather "best friends" I often see in romance novels. She was really there for Ellery, even though they hadn't known each other for that long.
I liked the dynamic between Connor's staff and Ellery. There was no disconnect or hierarchy, and they all genuinely cared about Connor and Ellery.
The Cons: The whole situation with Ashlyn pissed me off. I get that Connor was scared of what she would do, but  christ on a bike.... bitch was cray!
Ellery's stubbornness grated on a me a few times during the novel. I know that is just her character, but it got a little too much at times.
I didn't find Connor that swoon worthy. I know, you think I'm crazy. I just didn't.
The ending seemed rushed and confusing. The two epilogues were disjointed and left me with a lot of questions. I guess it kept it open for the second book, but it was in a really weird way.
The Wrap Up: 3.5/5 I wanted to absolutely love this book like it seems everyone else did, but I didn't. I did like it, but it is nowhere near the top of my list.
Buy Forever Black by Sandi Lynn on Amazon.

Collide by Gail McHugh

A missed first encounter… Colliding with a second chance… On the heels of graduating college and trying to cope with her mother’s death, Emily Cooper moves to New York City for a fresh start. While harboring secrets of his own, Dillon Parker takes care of Emily through her grief. Knowing he can’t live without her by his side, he’s sweet, thoughtful, and everything Emily has ever wanted in a man. Until she meets Gavin Blake—a rich and notorious playboy who is dangerously sexy and charming as hell. Emily tries to deny the instant connection she feels, but Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome is not inclined to let go so easily. Recovering from his own painful past, Gavin will stop at nothing to win Emily over. This unexpected encounter compels Emily to question her decisions, forcing her to make a choice that will destroy friendships, shatter hearts, and forever change her life.

Initial Thoughts: Yet another "girl meets rich playboy but will be his undoing" novel. I didn't have very high expectations.
The Pros: Emily seemed like a relatable character. Her mother just died, she's clinging to the support of her boyfriend, and she's in a new city. Her life is a train wreck, naturally, and this book shows that. There is no pretending Emily is perfect in spite of her difficult position in life. She's real, and she's flawed. Like us readers.
HELLO GAVIN BLAKE. I love him. He's perfect. Honestly, I think he blows Christian Grey out of the water.
This book was full of DRAMA, but in a good way. You never knew what was going to happen next, and I love that in a book.
This was a true love triangle... none of this "oh I might love this super nice guy because he's what's best for me". This was a gritty, serious, drag out love triangle.
The Cons: The cliffhanger ending! I nearly died. But thank god there is a second book.
Olivia kind of bothered me. She seemed a little too self centered.
I hate Dillon. He reminds me of every guy I dated in my early 20s. But that's a personal problem... ha. This book got me MAD. I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing, but I was seriously emotionally invested in this book and found myself radiating anger more than once.
The Wrap Up: 4/5 Definitely not what I expected. AT ALL. This book kept me guessing, and the characters were real. There was no "sudden billionaire that grew up poor" or "innocent girl turned wild thing". Those characters have been overdone, and the characters in Collide were a refreshing change from the romance novel selection out there right now. This book shows you how your choices change your path of life.
Buy your copy of Collide by Gail McHugh on Amazon today.

Release Me by J. Kenner

Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me. Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart. But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.

Initial Thoughts:

I was given an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This book was recommended for Fifty Shades lovers, so naturally I had to read it.

The Pros:

The pageant world upbringing that Nikki had reminded me of Toddlers and Tiaras and how miserable those poor girls are. I have never read a book that contained that element.

Nikki is a flawed heroine. Her self-mutilation was a very, very real element of the book. How she struggled then, and how she struggles now were a big part of the book.

Nikki's friends Jamie and Ollie are good additions to the story line. While we don't know too much about them, Jamie brought comic relief at time, while Ollie provided us a doorway to Nikki's past.

I LOVED that Nikki was a brilliant woman. Her double major science degrees put her in a class that I have yet to read about in a romance novel. She is not your normal "too stupid to live" heroine. She fights everyday, and she's better for it.

There was plenty of witty banter back and forth to keep the reader entertained. I loved that although some of the subject matter was dark, the author was able to keep it light enough for it to not be a heavy read.

I couldn't put this book down. I HAD to know what happened next. Book crack. Definitely.

The Cons:

Not a huge fan of Damien. I feel like he wasn't described well enough physically for me to put a picture in my head. When I don't have a picture in my head of a character, I have a really hard time connecting with them. He was also so closed off, while Nikki was so forthcoming in her confessions. One sided relationships bother the crap out of me. 

The payment for the painting. It made Nikki seem like a prostitute. Yuck.

The Wrap Up: 4/5

Loved it! If there isn't going to be a sequel or this isn't turned into a series I will seriously cry. I have so many questions! If you liked Fifty and the Crossfire series, you will love Release Me.

Buy Release Me on Amazon January 1st, 2013.

Last Call by Jennifer Schmidt

Novalee Jensen thought what happened in Vegas would stay in Vegas, but two years later, her Vegas indiscretion shows up in her bar. Novalee’s fears come true as the sudden appearance of the stranger brings questions everyone wants answers to, and the secret she’s kept to herself for so long is exposed. Dean Philips is on a mission to find his wife and bring her back to Nevada, all without exposing his own secrets and lies. Lies that could not only cost him his fortune, but also the woman he’s yearned to know since that fateful night two years ago.

Initial Thoughts:

I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley. Vegas + secrets + lies = I'm in.

The Pros:

This book was heartwarming. Novalee is just so sweet. She's been handed a rough deck of cards in her life, but she's made it out on top.

Dean's progression from miserable drunk to heartthrob was a fun ride to be on. His love for someone he barely knows (even though she's his wife) was confusing yet romantic at the same time.

The fact that they stayed faithful to each other for 2 years even when they both thought the other person didn't know about the marriage = soooo cute.

I liked that even though Novalee had no biological family, she had a family in her friends and patrons.

The Cons:

The plot line was hardly original, and it was a bit predictable.

I doubt I would have taken Dean back after all his lies, but this is a romance novel. Sins are always forgiven.

The Wrap Up: 3.5

A quick, cute read. Nothing out of the ordinary, but a good choice for a book that doesn't require you to think too much.

Buy Last Call on Amazon.

The Prince by Tiffany Reisz (Original Sinners #3)

Two worlds of wealth and passion call to Nora Sutherlin and, whichever one she chooses, it will be the hardest decision she will ever have to make. Unless someone makes it for her… Wes Railey is the object of Nora's tamest yet most maddening fantasies, and the one man she can't forget. He's young. He's wonderful. He's also thoroughbred royalty and, reuniting with him in Kentucky, she's in his world now. But this infamous New York dominatrix is no simpering Southern belle, and Nora's dream of fitting into Wesley's world is perpetually at odds with the relentlessly seductive pull of Søren—her owner, her lover, the forever she cannot have. At least, not completely. Meanwhile Nora's associate Kingsley Edge is only too happy to take her place at Søren's feet during her hiatus. Søren is the only man Kingsley has ever loved, and their dark, shared history has forged a bond that neither the years—nor Søren's love for Nora—can break. But a new threat from an old adversary is forcing Kingsley to confront the past, reminding him that he must keep his friends close, and his enemies closer.

Initial Thoughts:

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. I am a big fan of Reisz's books, the first two books in this series (The Siren and The Angel) blew me away and I was so excited to review her next.

The Pros:

Nora is the ultimate heroine. Or anti-heroine. I don't care. She's awesome. 

I loved that this book took us back and forth in time. Seeing the pasts that made these characters the way there are adds SO much to the story.

Wes. Oh Wes. I want to marry you.

I was not expecting Kingsley to be a major character when I started this series. Boy was I wrong, and I am so glad I was. The relationship between him and Soren is insane/amazing/deep. 

Classified as erotica, I was not expecting the mystery/thriller aspect of this book. It's an excellent addition to the series.

The giant WTF moment at the end. I had a hunch around the middle of the book, but I thought, "No. There's no way. There's absolutely no way." Wrong again! 

The Cons:

I'm team Kingsley. I'm not a big fan of how Soren treats him. 

At times, the book was a little slow moving. Normally I can't put Reisz's books down, but there were a few chapters that I was kind of "ehh" about.

The story line with the horse insurance thing seemed a little boring and unneeded.

The Wrap Up: 4.5/5

The mystery/thriller action bumped this from a 4 to a 4.5. I WANT MORE! I can't wait for The Mistress to come out. I was SO glad that Nora made the "right" choice. (When I say "right", I mean what I think is right, many other readers hold a different opinion!)

Buy a copy of The Prince on Amazon.

Reflected in You by Sylvia Day (Crossfire #2)

I'm giving away copies of Bared to You (Crossfire #1) and Reflected in You (Crossfire #2)!  See bottom of post for details.

Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn't stay away. I didn't want to. He was my addiction... my every desire... mine. My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We’d never work. It was too hard, too painful... except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity. We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession...

Initial Thoughts: I loved Bared to You (read my review here), and the BlogHer Book Club offered me free copies of both books to review. How could I say no to that?!
The Pros: This book is based around a concept that is really hard for a lot of people, especially me. Trust. Can Eva and Gideon trust each other through all that is happening around them?
I identified with Eva. Love can make us feel like we're going crazy. There were many parts of the book that I was like, "Oh girl, I've been there".
Bared to You was very Fifty Shades-esque. This one? Not even close. And I mean that it in the best way. This book is the older, more sophisticated cousin of Fifty.
This was what I like to call "book crack". I couldn't put it down. The drama was a little outlandish at times, but this is a romance novel, when is a romance novel not dramatic.
The introduction of rocker Brett Kline was an interesting plot turn. I may have been rooting for him for a few pages...
The Cons: Anyone else pick up on the is she pregnant/is she not story line? It was unnecessary and didn't add to the story.
Although I understood what Gideon was doing, why did he have to do it in that way? Weren't there any other options?
Both Gideon and Eva are addicts. I think that the psychiatrist's advice was warranted. They are addicted to each other, and it's not always in a good way.
Eva "getting back" at Gideon with Brett. Her thinking he was cheating does not equate to her needing to kiss another man to prove a point. Childish much?
Eva calling Gideon "ace". It was annoying.
The Wrap Up: 4/5 Loved it. Although the book has some flaws, it is one of my favorite romances. Is it December yet? Entwined With You... I cannot wait to devour you.
Favorite Quote: "It's my place to stand beside you, and support you, and yes, just f*cking look pretty on your arm sometimes. It's my right, my duty, and my privilege, Eva, just as it's yours in reverse."
Buy Reflected in You by Sylvia Day on Amazon.
OR
Win copies of Bared to You (Crossfire #1) and Reflected in You (Crossfire #2)! Winner will be chosen November 15th. a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Last Night by Ruthie Knox

Cath Talarico knows a mistake when she makes it, and God knows she’s made her share. So many, in fact, that this Chicago girl knows London is her last, best shot at starting over. But bad habits are hard to break, and soon Cath finds herself back where she has vowed never to go . . . in the bed of a man who is all kinds of wrong: too rich, too classy, too uptight for a free-spirited troublemaker like her. Nev Chamberlain feels trapped and miserable in his family’s banking empire. But beneath his pinstripes is an artist and bohemian struggling to break free and lose control. Mary Catherine—even her name turns him on—with her tattoos, her secrets, and her gamine, sex-starved body, unleashes all kinds of fantasies. When blue blood mixes with bad blood, can a couple that is definitely wrong for each other ever be perfectly right? And with a little luck and a lot of love, can they make last night last a lifetime?

Initial Thoughts:

I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It had come up a few times on my recommended lists but I had hesitated on buying it. For some reason (probably my Catholic roots), I hated the name Mary Catherine and that made me not want to read it? Ridiculous, I know.

The Pros:
Holy crap was this an emotional read. I read it in one sitting. Could not put it down.

Although Cath has made mistakes, it really does appear that she has learned and grown from them. In a lot of romance novels, people's mistakes are either forgiven or forgotten. Not this one. Cath learned the hard way and she's not going to let herself make the same mistakes again.

Um, Nev is perfect. Minus his family thing, he is absolutely perfect. Patient, caring, and kind, he's what every little girl (and some boys!) dream of.

The steady progression of their romance was refreshing. And the fact that the ending doesn't go as most romance novels go. I don't want to spoil it, but I was really pleased with it.

The Cons:
The name Mary Catherine, as I already said.

I wanted to know a bit more about Cath's background. Is she still close with her aunt and uncle who took her in? I felt like it was such a big part of her that was just explained in a few pages. It wasn't enough for me.

The fact that she had zero friends was off-putting. I know she said she works a lot, and she had some sort of relationship with Judith, but it seemed strange that she had no friends.

The Wrap Up: 4.5/5
Something about this book... I just loved it. It had the right balance of emotion, romance, and intelligence.

Buy About Last Night on Amazon.