Saturday, April 30, 2016

Book Review: Up in Flames (Rosemary Beach #13) by Abbi Glines



Up in Flames
Rosemary Beach #13

 By:
Abbi Glines

 Release Date: June 28, 2016

 Publisher:
Atria Books

 Add to
Goodreads

 Source:
eARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review

 GR's Summary:

The villain of Rosemary Beach finally gets her own happy ending in the long-awaited final novel of the #1 New York Times bestselling new adult romance series by Abbi Glines. 

 The blockbuster #1 New York Times bestselling Rosemary Beach series ends with a bang when the troubled character readers love to hate gets her very own happily ever after in this eagerly anticipated and overwhelmingly requested story. Known for causing problems for everyone in Rosemary Beach, Nan has been growing up lately, and she’s finally taking center stage—and finding love with the man she least expected.



My Thoughts:
I can't believe we finally got Nan's book!  I have been following the Rosemary Beach Series from the very beginning, and could not stand the nasty, bitter, and manipulative Nan from the start!  However, she has been such a significant character in this series all along, and I've wanted to get inside of her head.  Let's just say her book was a page turner, and anything but vanilla, which is nothing less than I'd expect from a story about Nan.

In, Up in Flames, Nan is in over her head, but she doesn't know it!  She got involved with a dangerous and powerful criminal, and now there are people that want information out of her, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of her connection to that criminal.  

Enter Major, (Mase's Cousin.)  He has been tasked with getting close to Nan, and collecting intel.  His boss' right hand man, his co-conspirator, and the mastermind behind the tracking and surveillance is Cope Roth.  Major is sleeping with Nan, and she is taken with his charm.  However, she doesn't like the fact that he sleeps around, and doesn't make her his number one priority.  

Consequently, Nan decides to leave Rosemary Beach and go to Las Vegas on a mini vacation, where she meets the sexy, masculine, dangerous, and very serious, Gannon.  Nan shares an unbelievable connection with him, and likes his take charge, alpha male demeanor. Now, Major is pulling out all of the stops and trying to win Nan back.  He realizes that he cares for her, and she was much more than an assignment to him.  Who will Nan end up with?

Up in Flames was filled with lies, manipulation, conspiracy, danger, suspense, and seduction.  We get another page turner from Ms. Glines, and fans of the Rosemary Beach Series will be very pleased!  I enjoyed getting in to Nan's head.  As I read her story, I started to like her.  She was a very lonely, and heart-broken person, who had known nothing but rejection since she was a young girl.  Rush, her brother, was her hero, and the only person that had ever showed her love and acceptance.  

Nan grew on me, the further I got in to her story.  She realized that she was not easy to like or even love, and was working on becoming a better person.  We got to see sweet glances of Nan and her softer side, whenever she spent time with the nephew that she loved with all of her heart, Nate.  I enjoyed the sensual and erotic relationship between Nan and Gannon.  However, it was a bit dark and twisted, which gave me mixed feelings.  It worked for Nan, so that's all that really matters.

It was great being reunited with a few characters of the Rosemary Beach Series.  I especially enjoyed getting more Rush, Blaire, and little Nate.  I saw how forgiving  Blaire was to Nan, despite everything that she had done to her, and it made me love Blaire even more!  She tried to make Nan feel welcomed, and like a part of the family.  I have so much respect for Blaire's sweet and loving character.  I cannot believe this is the final book in the Rosemary Beach Series!  I am going to miss all of the characters so much, but am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Ms. Glines writing.

My Rating:

I give, Up in Flames, by Abbi Glines, 4.5 Secrets, Lies, and Manipulations, Dark Eroticism, Redemption & Healing, Falling In Love Filled Stars!!!






Preorder At:

 Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo



About Abbi Glines:

Abbi Glines is the New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Field Party, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, and Existence series. A devoted book lover, Abbi lives with her family in Alabama. She maintains a Twitter addiction at @AbbiGlines and can also be found at Facebook.com/AbbiGlinesAuthor and AbbiGlines.com.





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Friday, April 29, 2016

Blog Tour: Rebecca E. Neely’s THE KEEPER (Crossing Realms #1)




The Keeper 
(Crossing Realms #1)

Nick Geary, jaded clan leader of human guardians, the Keepers, is doomed to love a human woman who’s forgotten him, time after time, for thirteen years: Libby Klink, a skittish accountant who’s as terrified of her recent and strange intuitions as she is of her mundane existence.
When Nick is ordered by the clan’s guiding force to seek Libby’s help in defending the clan against enemy Betrayers, romance sizzles as the pair forms an unlikely alliance in their desperate search to discover the key to the clan’s salvation—which Libby alone holds. 
But a haunting secret could cost Nick everything, and in a race against time, both will be forced to choose between their hearts and duty. Can their love, and the clan survive, or will the very forces that drew them together ultimately destroy them?
The battle in the Steel City begins.

Available on Amazon!
Follow @Crossing_Realms for all the latest on the series!
Follow THE KEEPER on Pinterest

Add THE KEEPER to your TBR list on Goodreads






My Review
The Keeper was a very unique read. The author introduces two worlds with one gal right in the middle. This story holds the classic good versus evil undertone. I wasn’t too sure about this book at first but the synopsis made me want to give it a shot. I did enjoy it…I had a somewhat difficult time connecting with the characters but I’ve had a full plate in my personal life so I can’t in good conscience dock the author for that. I’m going to have to hold to the classic it’s not you it’s me saying. I look forward to reading more from this author several of the minor characters really jumped out at me and I could see them possibly getting their own story.

The Story, Libby is a normal girl who’s life is about to get turned upside down. There is something very special and unique about her and the fate of everyone basically rests on her. One very normal and uneventful day something odd happens and she meets the man who is going to change everything. Libby is taken into a world she didn’t know existed. Keepers(Protectors) Watchers(Overseers assigning missions) and Betrayers(the bad stuff that gets stuck to the bottom of your shoe). She has to train right away and stop all heck breaking free.

The Characters, Libby is not very special yet…She is actually pretty meh. Her entire life has lead her to this point once she starts to learn about the way things really are she begins to change. At first we see a girl who is afraid of everything but when she realizes her purpose her character really takes flight. She is bestowed with certain gifts that start taking root and she is completely transformed. By the end we have a fierce protector that although still flawed has a warrior’s heart. Nick, he is a Keeper and clan leader he steals Libby’s heart though he carries a lot of guilt he has always loved her and will stop at nothing to continue protecting her. These two were destined to be together and I was so happy to see them find their way.

The End, this is the first in a series but fear not folks there is no cliffhanger and we get a nice resolution. The end sets the story up for more to come and I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with. I would like to know more of the Watchers and the other realm because It was very interesting there are three main deities? Not sure what to call them but it seems they know all the nitty gritty and I want to be in on their secrets.

My Rating 
3.5 Dangerous threats, Challenge accepted, Good always triumphs over evil, Love filled stars!





Exclusive Excerpt
Her index finger found the button and lowered the window a crack.
Immediately, he raised his hands. “I’m not going to hurt you. I’m unarmed.”
Always good to hear. She cocked her head, perplexed. “Who are you?”
“Nick Geary.” Unsmiling, a muscle worked in his jaw. He held her hostage with his eyes. “We need to talk.”
Her heart tripped. No doubt about it. She’d never heard of any Nick Geary, never seen this man before in her life. Or had she? Why didn’t she know? Shouldn’t she? What could they possibly need to talk about? A new kind of panic engulfed her. She pounced on the button, closed the window, and laid on her horn.
Scowling, he mouthed some kind of oath.
The driver door swung open on the truck in front of her. A portly man with a bush of a gray beard got out, lumbered over. Squinted at her. “You okay?” he bellowed as he tugged a T-shirt sporting a Confederate flag over his girth. “This guy messin’ with you?”
Yeah, he was messing with her all right. Air. She needed air. She locked eyes with Nick. His were blue and crystalline, as placid as they’d been stormy. He reached around his neck to finger a shiny stone the green of spring grass, nestled under his collar on what appeared to be a thin leather strap.
It glowed with ember-like intensity. She watched, fascinated.
I-279 South, idling engines, the car radio somewhere behind her booming its bass—all of it receded like floodwater after a storm.
Libby stood on the porch of the cabin she and her father rented for a week every summer. He came around the corner, fairly glowing. Pink with health. Dad. He slung a fishing rod over his shoulder and winked. “Let’s go catch us a mess of crappies.” The creek, ten feet away, rushed over rocks and fallen trees, its path clear, sure. The sun warmed her face and the air soothed her. She breathed in the scent of earth, burgeoning with spring.
She blinked. Snippets of music and phone conversations littered the highway around her. Libby gaped, unable to speak, like she’d shot down a hill on a roller coaster and banked the curve of the next.
Nick said nothing, his eyes still locked on hers.
Ford Truck shot him a dirty look, then clambered over to her side of the car. “Lady, I said, you okay?” he yelled.
Shaking, she lowered her window, not sparing him a glance. “Yeah, yeah, I’m okay.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah.”
Muttering something about the country going to hell in a handbasket, Ford Truck stomped back to his pickup and climbed inside.
Still staring at Nick, she clung fast to her resolve before it escaped her. Reaching across the seat, she yanked on the handle, and pushed open the passenger door.

“Get in.”




About Rebecca E. Neely
​
A sucker for a happy ending, Rebecca writes the kind of stories she loves to read—those featuring authentic, edgy and vulnerable characters, smack dab in the middle of action that explodes from page one. 
Raised on a down home blend of Johnny Cash, Jack London, Sherlock Holmes, the Steelers, and all things small town, Rebecca feels blessed to have grown up in a close knit, fun loving and artistic family. Her mother, a voracious reader and scratch cook, and her father, an entrepreneur, English teacher and lover of literature, taught Rebecca and her brother to work hard, aim for the stars, and live life. 
With music, books and laughter as constant companions, she grew up working, cooking and eating in the family’s restaurant business. A certified book and hoagie junkie, Rebecca thrives on live music, mysteries and the outdoors. 
She’s a cheddar enthusiast, lover of cats, teddy bears, hot coffee, cold beer, thunderstorms, the blast of a train’s whistle, the change of seasons, country roads, woodpeckers, spoon rings, cool office supplies, and the Food Network. 
Careers, past and present, include freelance writing, accounting, mother, problem solver, doer and head bottle washer.
Rebecca is a member of the Three Rivers Romance Writers, a PAN member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), and is honored to serve as a judge for several writing contests each year.
For more info, news and updates about upcoming releases, sign up for Rebecca’s newsletter!
Want to know more about Rebecca?















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Thursday, April 28, 2016

Book Spotlight: Legend (Real #6) by Katy Evans



Legend
Real #6

 By:
Katy Evans

 Publisher:
Gallery Books

 Published:
Feb. 9, 2016

 Add to
Goodreads

 Source:
Paperback from publisher in exchange for a honest review

 GR's Summary:

 Maverick “the Avenger” Cage wants to rise to the top and become a legend in the ring. Though he keeps his identity well guarded, he's known on the fighting circuit as the new kid with a chip on his shoulder and a tattoo on his back that marks him as trouble. He's got a personal score to settle with the Underground's one and only Remington "Riptide" Tate. 

 As Mav trains, he meets a young girl—the only other new person in the town--and sparks fly. When things get heated between them, he finds out she's none other than Reese Dumas, the cousin of Remington Tate’s wife. A girl who's supposed to root against him and a girl he's supposed to stay away from. 

 But Maverick fights for the woman in his heart, and the monsters in his blood. The world’s eyes are on them and the victor will go down in history as the ultimate fighting champion; the ultimate LEGEND. 

 The highly anticipated sixth story in the New York Times bestselling series that began with Real—“a rare mix of fevered obsession and gentle enchantment…a visceral and addicting debut” (Christina Lauren).



Real Series:
Our Reviews of Real Here
Our Reviews of Mine Here
Our Reviews of Remy Here
Our Reviews of Rogue Here
Our Reviews of Ripped Here




*Add this Series to Goodreads Here


My Thoughts:
Real is the first book that made me fall in love with Katy Evans, and it is bittersweet that Legend is now the last book in the series.  Ms. Evans made me fall in love with romance centered on the underground fighting ring.  She was also my first introduction in to a different style of romance, where the male character was so raw, primal, and sexually provocative.  I will always treasure this series, and love every book in it.  

In Legend, we get Reese Dumas and Maverick Cage's love story.  Reese is spending the summer with her cousin Brooke, Brooke's husband Remy, and their sweet little boy Racer.  She was brought up sheltered as an only child, and is using this opportunity to learn independence, as well as figure out who she is as a person.  Reese is very close to the Tate family, and is helping them by taking on a lot of Racer's care, while his father finishes up his last season of underground fighting before he retires.

Reese has a crush on Miles, her good friend back home, but has been friend-zoned.  Therefore, she decides to use her unlimited access to a gym membership and healthy lifestyle, to get her body in to tip top shape; in order to get Miles a chance to see her in a different light.  When Reese begins working out, she meets Maverick Cage, a dedicated and ambitious fighter determined to break in to the underground fighting circuit.  These two share an instant visceral attraction, and as they get to know one another, they forge a strong connection.  However, there are obstacles directly in their path to being together....

It was such a wonderful blast from the past being reunited with Brooke, Remy, and the rest of the crew.  These two have come a long way, but the love and passion they share with one another has not dimmed.  Now we have Reese and Maverick to root for!  Reese is full of insecurity.  However, she is a loving, nurturing, loyal, and family-oriented woman coming into her own. Maverick reminded me of a young Remy in many ways.  He's determined, never gives up when he wants something.  He has abandonment issues due to an absentee father, and needs to prove to himself that he's worth something.  

Reese and Maverick were crazy about one another, and as a reader, I could feel their anticipation, desperation, and passionate need for one another.  There were a lot of butterflies fluttering in my tummy, whenever Maverick entered the story.  I always fall for the broken bad boys with a heart of gold.  These two couldn't get enough of each other, and I felt like I was in a constant day dream whenever I got the privilege of seeing their relationship develop.  Ms. Evans breathes life in to her characters, and they always feel so real to me.  Another special aspect of this story is when we get to see Remy take on a mentoring and leadership role with Maverick.  Having these two fighters on the page at the same time, was enough cause to give a woman a heart attack!  

My Rating:

I loved Legend!  It was an excellent ending to an epic series.  I will miss all of these characters tremendously.  I literally cried at the end of the book, because I was sad to see the Real series come to an end.  I give, Legend, by Katy Evans, 5 A Kindled Fire, Fierce Passions, Thrilling Underground Circuit, The Best Mentor, Being Your Own Man, Filled Stars!!!  The Real Series is a bucket list type of read, and holds a special place as one of my all-time favorites!  






Book Teaser:


Purchase At:

 Amazon | B&N | iBooks 
IndieBound | Kobo | BAM


About Katy Evans:

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love. They married and are now hard at work on their own happily ever after. 

 Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning…







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