COVER REVEAL: ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS #3

Angels of the Knights - Nikki (Book 3)

by Valerie Zambito

Coming Soon!

Summary not available yet...

***

Angels of the Knights - Fallon 

(Angels of the Knights #1)

by Valerie Zambito

Summary from Goodreads:

When Fallon Angell died at the age of sixteen, her life changed forever.

The hallowed world of Emperica is everything she had ever hoped for as a mortal—immeasurable beauty, unconditional love and light. But, with affection for humankind still burning within her, she joins the Knight Caste to train as an angel warrior. As a Knight, she will give up her wings and return to the place that killed her to use her unique powers to search out and destroy the evil Kjin that roam the earth. As a Knight, she will stop at nothing to protect the mortals in her care.

The elders warn her that the path she chose will be a solitary one. That she will not have the same bond with humans as she once did. But, as far as she knows, the elders had never met Kade Royce.

When her duties place her in the path of this handsome former cop, emotions buried long ago rise to the surface and she is powerless to ignore the depth of her feelings for this young man. She knows instinctively that she has found what most people search their entire lives for.

Ignoring the risks, she invites him into her world of danger, but soon their lives collide with explosive consequence. As a result, Fallon realizes with heartbreaking despair that she can no longer hide from the painful truth. In order for Kade to live, she must destroy him.

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Angels of the Knights - Blane 
(Angels of the Knights #2)

by Valerie Zambito

Summary from Goodreads:

Once the hunter, now the hunted. As the war with the Kjin rages, Blane Romero must lead the Paladin Knights against their mortal enemy while trying to protect the young, Juliet Hunter, who unwittingly finds herself entangled in their sinister schemes. Juliet cares only about shielding her young sisters from harm, but finds herself drawn to the enigmatic man who offers her much more than either he or she was prepared for.

Ostracized by the families they loved, Blane and Juliet find they have more in common than they thought as they battle demons both real and personal to stay together. But, will it be enough when the powerful Cesar Grant decides he wants Juliet for his own?

Book Two in the Angels of the Knights paranormal fantasy series.

Buy Links:

 

About the Author

Thank you for visiting my Goodread's profile. I am Valerie Zambito, and I live in upstate New York with my husband and three sons. After having been involved in a busy sales career for fifteen years, a great love of world building, character creation, and all things magic led to the publication of my first adult epic fantasy series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, in October of 2011. Since then, I have added two additional books to this series and wrote the first book in a new teen paranormal series called ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS.

My reading preference is fantasy as well and I devour in copious amounts. In my opinion, there’s nothing like it! Great fantasy grants us entry into a world beyond our own that is filled with adventure, mystery and danger. How exciting to enjoy a front row seat to human struggles of epic proportions. Struggles that tug at our heartstrings and elicit real emotion.

I gravitate to fantasy with heroic elements. I like strong, confident men who never back down from a fight against evil. The kind who will not hesitate to throw himself between a woman and a fire-breathing dragon. I like strong women, too. The kind who will appreciate the offer, but is more inclined to push the man out of the way and take care of the dragon herself. ;)

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***GIVEAWAY***

(1) Print or e-book copies of books 1 & 2 in this series plus $25 Amazon Gift Card

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REVIEW ~ (ADULT) 50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

This book is intended for mature audiences

I battled back and forth whether I should post a review for this book, or not. My original thoughts were to just read it (after contemplating even that) and not post a review at all... but then unexpectedly, overall, I ended up in the hype and liking this book once I got past some issues. Therefore, this reinforces my preference in blogging. If I like a book, then it deserves to be reviewed.

While I found the narration of this story needed various amounts of improvement (I seriously wanted to puke every time she referenced medulla oblongata and the inner goddess thing) and the repetition (I admit I skimmed), the dialogue and characters captured me, along with some of the wit and the premise behind the story. And the sex, of course. Speaking of, there was an ENORMOUS amount of sex. I mean, I didn't know it was physically possible to perform so much sex in one day. And the type of sex. DARK, dirty sex. I've never read of BDSM and would you believe that it completely appalled me? It did. But at the same time, I was so interested in it. Erm, in the story, that is. And you don't need no Kleenex. You need multiple pair of underwear on hand. Yes, I did just say that.

This was a very erotic and sadistic read. It is not for everyone. In your eyes, you may think of BDSM as a form of sexual abuse... but, once I read, I learned that it is consented. With that said, the sexual actions between the characters involved were welcomed- although some not enjoyed. So, if you think you wouldn't be able to handle that, then I suggest you not read this.

I find that both characters are seriously fucked up in their own way, but they each give the other what they need. Ana gives Christian hope and affection and he gives her confidence.... and pain, ouch! Can they even build a relationship based on sex and exploration? Based on their past is neither of them equipped to do so? Can Ana keep her innocence? Can Christian commit?

While Christian Grey is '50 shades of fucked up,' he is so alluring and addictive. While I could NEVER imagine myself with someone like him, I CAN'T quit reading about him. I hate him for what he does to Ana, but I want him with her <-- now I'm fucked up.

Yeah, so, I'm going purchase the next book in this series 50 Shades Darker, today.

'Laters, baby.'

Buy 50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James through Barnes & Noble, Amazon

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MASSIVE GIVEAWAY!

Lookie lookie! We have a fabulous giveaway for you! We've joined forces with some wonderful blogs and authors to provide one lucky winner with a Kindle Paperwhite and 26 winners with a variety of e-books. Living Fictitiously is giving away REAL by Katy Evans! You can check out the other e-book prizes on the Rafflecopter form below. 

Due to the high cost of shipping, the Kindle Paperwhite is not available to international contest winners. This part of the contest is limited to entries from the continental United States only.

E-books can be international.

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Other blogs/authors involved in this giveaway

The Book Enthusiast - host

The Blushing Reader

Scarlett metal

Rose's Book Blog

Sugar and Spice Book Reviews

Bookaholics

Say What? Savannah Mae

Sarah's Book Blog

Life in Print

Love Between the Sheets

Up All Night Book Addict

The Book Whore-der's Delights

Romance Schmomance

Winding Stairs Book Blog

Novel Grounds

Mary Elizabeth's Crazy Book Obsession

Indy Book Fairy

Maria's Book Blog

We Love Kink

Naughty and Nice Book Blog

Book Bitches Blog

The Book Blog

Braxton Cole

Swoon Worthy Books

2 Geek Girls Review Books

EYES WIDE OPEN by Raine Miller - Review

Published by Atria Books
Source: Atria Books via Netgalley

EYES WIDE OPEN

by Riane Miller

The third part in The Blackstone Affair series: A love on the brink of being destroyed. The fight of a lifetime to keep it alive.

Big surprises are on the horizon for Ethan and Brynne as they struggle to adjust to what life has thrown at them. Demons from the past are threatening to destroy the passionate bond they’ve forged despite their vow that nothing will ever keep them apart. A truly devastating loss coupled with the promise of a new hope opens their eyes to what is most important, but is it possible for the lovers to move on from the painful histories that continue to haunt them? A stalker is still lurking in the shadows, plotting evil amidst the distraction of the 2012 Olympic games in London. Brynne and Ethan are on the cusp of losing everything as the stakes rise. Will they yield to circumstances beyond their control or will they give every ounce of fight they have left to save each other and win the ultimate prize of a life together?

Eyes Wide Open is a passion-wrought story that shows us what pure love can achieve when tested and what the heart can accomplish despite danger and adversity.

**Warning: This book contains mature subject matter and is not suitable for all readers. Adults only please.

Review: 

Oh Ethan! What girl doesn't want a man who is absolutely crazy about her, and will go to hell and back just to protect her? I'd love my own Ethan Blackstone. With this book comes some pretty heavy surprises, some heartwarming and some heartbreaking. There's more danger and MUCH more at stake. 

I love reading Raine's books because I think she does a great job balancing the story and the sex. Yep, there's some GREAT sex, but Raine always gives us great sex. The best part is that it doesn't rule the story. Ethan and Brynne have had one hell of a love story over this 3 book series, and Eyes Wide Open is that great climax of any love story where the bad just gets worse, and you as a reader clench your fists and want to scream "Noooooooo! Don't do that!" and "WTF dude?" 

And there's great news, while I was very happy with where Eyes Wide Open took Brynne and Ethan and I had a very satisfying feeling at the conclusion.... wait for it.... that's right... 

there's going to be a Blackstone Affair #4!

When I realized this I did a little happy dance and went to drool over pictures of Ethan "a.k.a. David Gandy". 

Picture borrowed from Ethan Blackstone facebook page.

 See, doesn't he make the PERFECT Ethan! He even has those big pretty blue eyes. So, if you haven't yet read Eyes Wide Open get on it! You'll find the links below. And if by some miracle you haven't read Naked (book 1) or All In (book 2), you can buy those by clicking on the book covers below. ENJOY! 

BUY EYES WIDE OPEN

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REAL by Katy Evans - Review

Real (Real, Raw & Ripped #1)

by Katy Evans 

A fallen boxer.

A woman with a broken dream.

A competition…

IS HE FOR REAL?

He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.

He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .

But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.

I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.

If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

Review:

Uh, I'm not really sure how to start this review off, because I FREAKIN' LOVED IT SO DAMN MUCH! I went in to reading this book knowing 2 things: 1) it was about a fighter and 2) pretty much everyone who has read it loves it. I had NO idea how much I would love both Remy and Brooke. 

While I could use words like heartwarming and sweet and even beautiful, some more accurate terms would probably be brutal, breathtaking, heartbreaking, and DAMN GOOD! I know... insightful right. This book was different in that it wasn't just a love story. It goes so much deeper than that. There's some serious damage to both Remy and Brooke that has had a huge effect on who they have each become and how they handle things. There are some very dark places in this book both emotionally and physically, but it just has that much more of a dramatic impact.

I have to praise the author because I think she did such an amazing job on Remy. I don't want to spoil anything, so I will just say that the issues that his character deals with have always held my interest. Remy is sexy (oh yea, he is DAMN sexy), but he is damaged. Broken. He will break your heart but in an oh-so-good way. 

The author also did a great job on the other characters in REAL. Brooke isn't your typical female antagonist. She's an athlete who couldn't reach her dream. In her own way, she's just as damaged and broken as Remy. Her POV is fantastic, and I love that she has this sports background that can rival Remy. Also, I think my favorite characters are Pete and Riley, Remy's right hand men. I really want more of them! (You know, I would not be disappointed if they each got at least their own novella. Or book. Or series. Just saying!) 

Overall, I have to say that REAL is a must read! The book itself is just like one of Remy's fights. You won't be able to peel your eyes off it! 

BUY REAL

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REVIEW ~ Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

*Takes off white sneakers*

I have a crush on this entire book; an adoration with the entire content. I could make out with it, I'm certain. Every single page. Every single word. I cried when it was over, because it made me feel so exuberant.

Anna has big plans. Boarding school in France wasn't one of them.

But, then there's the opportunity. Learning a new culture, lifestyles, education, and meeting new people. Sounds great. Only if it would've been her choice.

In Anna's case, she doesn't realize this as an opportunity, right now anyway. But I felt for her in the beginning; frightened and abandoned. But to see her overcome those triumphs and develop to an independent girl who is confused and in love made this entire story a beautiful reading experience.

The very oh so adorable, trendy Stephanie Perkins (and I know this... RT, baby!) captivated what it would be like for a young girl to travel abroad and have new life experiences for her senior year of high school. Stephanie left me in giggles at Anna's reactions and overcoming her challenges as the new girl.

Mrs. Perkins writing style was simple and refreshing and worked very well with this darling, witty story. And she brought me closest to Paris than I'd ever be with the most charming guy. Perfect.

The evolvement between Anna and St. Clair Etienne was absolutely delicious. Every stage of it. Their every word together. Their every movement together. Their awkwardness. Their compatibility. Their lust. Their confusion. Their kisses. Their love. Their friendship.

Etienne is so smooth and kind and luscious, and caring and encouraging; a total dream guy. Anna is a beautiful person, oriented with goals and independence. A very empathetic, hard-headed at times, but ultimately, supportive girl.

I love when a book makes you feel charismatic and charmed while you read it. I honestly could have read this story forever.

I have to say, this is the best book I've ever read for character development.

You should never miss a chance. So, if you haven't picked up this amazing book, I urge you with all of my heart, to do so.

Anna and the French Kiss on Goodreads

 

Buy Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins:

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KIMBERLY

RUNES by Ednah Walters BLOG TOUR + GIVEAWAY

Welcome to the Living Fictitiously stop on the RUNES blog tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.  Click HERE to see the full blog tour schedule!

Runes 

by Ednah Walters
Publication date: May 20, 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only is she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.

Review:

Please give it up for my most favoritest lady in the wild and wonderful world of books, Ms. Ednah Walters, because well.... she's done it again. Yep, she rocked my socks off and left my chin on the floor. There may also have been some drooling over the oh-so-sexy Torin St. James and some huffing and puffing because I have to actually wait for book 2. I'm slightly impatient because I loved this book so much. But, I would expect nothing less from the fabulous Ms. Walters. (she might be cringing over me calling her Ms. Walters *giggles*). 

So, as many of you know I'm a totally fan of the Fitzgerald Family series, which is Ednah's Contemporary Adult Romance series (ps. she writes it under E.B. Walters and you should totally check it out), so it's probably not a surprise to you all that I would read her brand spankin' new New Adult Paranormal Romance. Let's face it, the woman knows her romance, and her audience. This book (soon to be series) is geared toward a bit of a younger audience with the characters being in High School.  Don't let the "New Adult" tag get to you, it's not synonymous with "smut". There is NO smut in this book. 

Now, there is SOME VERY SEXY MAN CANDY! Well, roughly (and I stress roughly) 19 year old sexy man candy. We're talking black hair and blue eyes (my favorite combination) on a Harley. Yeppers, this bad boy rides a motorcycle... also one of my favorite bad boy things.  And he has the cutest nickname for Raine. No I'm not telling you! You have to read it silly!

The thing that stood out the most for me about this book is the paranormal aspect. Yes, there are a lot of paranormal books out there, but the paranormal aspect in RUNES was so different from what I've read before. I don't want to give the surprise away, but I will tell you that I couldn't even begin to figure out what paranormal "thing" (for lack of a better term) Torin was or what his world revolved around. I tend to be a little disappointed when I can figure it out on my own or I feel like I know what's coming, but that was SO not an issue with this book. Ednah has done an absolutely fantastic job with this story!

Go on... you know you want to one-click it. And you definitely should. Every possibly buy link you could need is below, and I promise, you won't be sorry. And if you're one of those people who get green just thinking about how long you'll have to wait for the next book in a series, no worries, Ednah assures me that book 2, IMMORTALS will be out in July! So like I said... GET ON IT ALREADY! And please, let me know what you think and share the love! 

BUY RUNES

Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Runes-Ednah-Walters/dp/0983429766/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367437599&sr=1-1-
Kindle (US): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP4YKTG
Kindle (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CP4YKTG
Kindle (CA): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00CP4YKTG
Barnes&Nobles: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1115272293?ean=2940016613338
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=ednah+walters

ABOUT THE FABULOUS AUTHOR:

EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, she’s at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans.

Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released by Pill Hill Press in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, will be released April 2013. She’s working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN.

Ednah also writes New Adult paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. She is presently working on book 2, IMMORTALS.

Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published four more books in this series. She's presently working on book six. You can visit her online at www.ednahwalters.com or www.ebwalters.com.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.ednahwalters.com/index.html

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4188120.Ednah_Walters

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdnahWalters

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ednahwalters

Giveaway:

Tour Grand Prize (INTL)

1st prize: A choice of signed copy or e-book of Runes and $25 gift card from Amazon

2 prize: A choice of signed copy or e-book of Runes and $10  gift card from amazon.

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Beach Reads + Giveaway

So, I (Britney) am going to the beach next week ! 

Not the exact beach in the picture but the beach none the less. My husband and I will be spending 5 whole days in lovely PCB (Panama City Beach for those of you who aren't familiar with the local beach slang). So of course, I've got my "TBR BEACH READS" list. There's only one tiny problem I've come across. I HAVE TOO MANY BOOKS ON MY LIST! 

Yep, I have only 5 short days and 34 books. No, I cannot read 7 books a day, although that would be totally awesome. Here is my list in no particular order.

The Indigo Spell – Bloodlines #3 – Rachelle Mead

Requiem – Delirium #3 – Lauren Oliver

Reckless – Thoughtless #3 – S.C. Stephens

Until I Break – M. Leighton

Twisted Perfection – Abbi Glines

Because of Low – Sea Breeze – Abbi Glines

While It Lasts – Sea Breeze – Abbi Glines

Just for Now – Sea Breeze – Abbi Glines

Music of the Heart – Katie Ashley

Wallbanger – Alice Clayton

Slammed – Colleen Hoover

Point of Retreat – Colleen Hoover

This Girl – Colleen Hoover

The Forgotten Ones – Laura Howard

Luke series – Cassia Leo

Chase series – Cassia Leo

Wreck Me – Wrecked series #1 – J.L. Mac

Translation of Love – Alice Montalvo-Tribue

Suicide Note – Teresa Mummert

Once Week Girlfriend – Monica Murphy

The Edge of Never – J.A. Redmerski

Consequences – Aleatha Romig

A Beautiful Lie – Playing with Fire #1 – Tara Sivec

Because of You – Playing with Fire #2 – Tara Sivec

Shattered Promises – Jessica Sorensen

The Perfect Game – J. Sterling

The Mighty Storm – Samantha Towle

Ten Tiny Breaths – K.A. Tucker

Rock my Bed – Michelle Valentine

Demon at My Door – Michelle Valentine

Damaged – H.M. Ward

Wounded – Jasinda Wilder

Falling Into You – Jasinda Wilder

South of Bixby Bridge – Ryan Winfield
Beauty from Surrender - Georgia Cates

So, this is where I need your help. I need suggestions for narrowing down this list or at least putting them in some kind of "order of importance." Don't worry, they will all get read eventually! In exchange for helping me out, I'll give away a $5 Amazon GC to 1 lucky person. I'm leaving next Wed. so the giveaway will end 1 week from today. Just enter through the Rafflecopter form below. 

Oh and our Facebook page is just 1 like away from 200, so for every 50 "likes" we get over 200, I'll draw 1 additional winner to win an e-book of their choice ($5 or less). So get entered! Share your suggestions and spread the word!

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HONEY RED by Liz Crowe - Review

Source: Provided by publisher for honest review.

Honey Red

by Liz Crowe 

**WARNING: This is an adult read with various topics and activities that are not suitable for all readers. 

Two men suffering from visible and invisible wounds meet by chance circumstance.

Nick Traynor and Ian Donovan spend a lot of time and effort keeping it very hot, only physical, and purely superficial. But when their resolve starts to slip, a woman is tossed into their midst.

Hannah Williams wants nothing more than to do her job until something better comes along, but is forced to own up to her visceral reaction to Ian, her new boss, and later to Nick, his sometimes lover.

Lust has a funny way of turning into companionship, and eventually evolving into a deeper connection. Faced with the internal and external complications of their potential three-way relationship, they begin to heal and trust, to consider that it might work. Then life tosses them a hardball, forcing them back into their respective corners, where each must choose what is most important.

Three people determined not to commit, thrown together by fate and undeniable attraction--their nights heat up and emotions run high in spite of a claimed mutual desire to "keep it simple." In the process of honest self-discovery, can they learn that while love is never simple, it is definitely worth fighting for?

Review:

Ok, this was a VERY different read for me. I don't typically pick up books that have M/M or three-way relationships. It's just not something that really appeals to me. So naturally when I was first asked if I'd like to review it, I was a little iffy, but since I've absolutely loved everything of Liz's that I've read so far I decided to give a chance. After all, she does write some epic love stories, and I love how she always writes about the craft beer industry. I'm a sucker for a good beer. Needless to say, I already had a long list of reviews scheduled so it took me a little time to get around it Honey Red. 

Even though I had decided to give it a shot, I still wasn't sure I was going to like it so I opened it a little reluctantly. And of course, after all that I fell in love with it, but I was still struggling with whether or not I would review it. But I finally decided that, at the center of everything it's just a love story. Granted an unconventional one, but I fell in love with the characters, and realized that they were struggling with their own story just like I was struggling with my decision to review it, and that's when I realized that yes, of course I would review it because it's a good book! So duh, that's what it's all about.

Ultimately, this is a story about love and loss and confusion, which are all things that make for a great story, but the way Liz tells the story is what makes it so unbelievably engrossing. The story is told from all 3 POVs, which allows the reader to really understand the motivations and feelings of each character. These are 3 very different people trying to come to terms with a very unconventional way of life and love while each battling their own insecurities and pasts. 

Honey Red is heartwarming and captivating and just an all around good love story. I seriously hope that, if you are like me and a little reluctant, that you will give this book a try. Admittedly, it's not for everyone. I wrote this review with my personal approach to the book for a reason. Many of you out there  are probably wondering why I feel the way I do, and have probably read books with similar relationships; however, I never have. So I wanted to give you all my honest perspective. This was a new adventure for me, and at times I know I blushed furiously. But the beauty of this love story really shined, and I really felt compelled to share it. I hope you all love it as much as I did.

If you've never read anything by Liz Crowe, you can read my reviews of Mutual Release and Paradise Hops. 

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REVIEW (adult) ~ Mr. Real by Carolyn Crane

He finds the girl of his dreams…with the secret agent of his nightmares.

Alix Gordon is a woman who doesn’t take life too seriously. What’s the fun in that? So when she stumbles across occult software that can bring any computer image to life, she conjures up lots of awesome outfits and accessories. And then, on one drunken, horny night, she conjures up Sir Kendall, the sexy TV ad spy . . . who looks exactly like Paul Reinhardt, the super-sexy martial arts teacher who kicked her out of class three years ago.

Fighter Paul Reinhardt has good reason to hate Sir Kendall, the character he brought to life to land a part in a TV ad; he’d do anything to forget him. A cross country road trip seems just the thing . . . until Paul finds himself inexplicably drawn to Minnesota and is shocked to discover Sir Kendall - in the flesh - with the girl he’d once loved from afar. He barges into Alix and Sir Kendall’s love nest, determined to stop the madness - somehow.

But is superspy Sir Kendall transforming into something more dangerous anyone can imagine? And what will Sir Kendall do when Paul and Alix finally give into their mad lust for each other?

Virtual manifestations, doppelgängers, and a show down? You betcha you got an entertaining story!

I am a fan of Carolyn Crane's witty writing. She grasps my attention with suspenseful plots, surprises and spicy love scenes. Her Disillusionists series is a favorite adult read of mine, and now, she has the Code of Shadows series, book 1- Mr. Real. As expected, she leaves you with satisfaction from the beginning to the end with quite an interesting read.

Hold on to your keyboards peeps!! This is like computer voodoo magical manifestations gone wild!!! And I mean MAN... Hear me roarrrr!
This chick, Alix, had the world at her fingertips. BUT.... There's always but... Is it what it seems? Is she prepared for this? Is it real? I can tell you this much, Alix has her hands full as two worlds collide. Will she make it right? Does she want to? Can her want become a reality?

Alix was a very enjoyable character. She had a spunky, daring attitude and was reckless, desperate and naïve- but not dumb - not to mention she had über cool pink hair trying to live it up in the country in a house her aunt left her. But, is that the only thing she inherited? Plus, she's got a cool BFF Karen. And their friendship supportively rocked.

Sir Kendall left me panting... Man was he hot- totally knew how to take care of the ladies! I caught myself many times reading in the accent of his language and made facial expressions while I did it, lol! Therefore, I very much enjoyed the portrayal of Sir Kendall Nicholas the Third, a dangerous, but seductive man.

Oh Paul. One more time. Paul. Glorious. Confident, yet scarred. Intense. Savior. Hard Ass Paul. I'm not going to lie, you may wanna tap his trunk. Poor fella. I can't imagine walking in on the situation he did. I know it left me wide-eyed!

There was so much tension between the two male characters- I.Guess.So- considering the circumstances, plus the battle of their inner selves. It was very nice and easy stepping into Alix's shoes while I read. I'm certain I would've made the same choices and handled the situations as she did.

If you are looking for a refreshing, charismatic and eager read, then Mr. Real is for you!

Mr. Real on Goodreads

Purchase Mr. Real by Carolyn Crane on Barnes and Noble or Amazon

 

Kimberly