Painted Faces by L.H. Cosway

Come forth with an open mind, for an unconventional tale of love... 

Dublin native Freda Wilson considers herself to be an acquired taste. She has a habit of making offensive jokes and speaking her mind too often. She doesn't have the best track record with first impressions, which is why she gets a surprise when her new neighbour Nicholas takes a shine to her.

Nicholas is darkly handsome, funny and magnetic, and Freda feels like her black and white existence is plunged into a rainbow of colour when she's around him. When he walks into a room he lights it up, with his quick wit and charisma. He is a travelling cabaret performer, but Freda doesn't know exactly what that entails until the curtains pull back on his opening night. 

She is gob-smacked and entirely intrigued to see him take to the stage in drag. Later on, Nicholas asks her if she would like to become his show assistant. Excited by the idea, she jumps at the chance. Soon she finds herself immersed in a world of wigs, make-up and high heels, surrounded by pretty men and the temptation of falling for her incredibly beautiful employer.

In this story of passion and sexual discovery, Nicholas and Freda will contend with jealousy, emotional highs and lows, and the kind of love that only comes around once in a lifetime.

FIVE Stars!

“We all paint on a face to show the world,” Nicholas replies philosophically. “For some of us, that’s quite literal.” He takes a brief pause. “When you’re passionate about something, you don’t mind suffering a little discomfort.” 

To be quite honest, when I first read the synopsis, I was a bit hesitant. I wasn’t sure how I would like my Hero dressing in women’s clothing. I like my men as men, like all rugged and pure Alpha male. But let me tell you something: Nicholas isn’t character to be written off quite quickly. My reluctance was very short lived. I was sucked into his and Freda’s (a.k.a. Fred) characters. For the record, Nicholas is one fine male specimen. Even as Vivica, his female counterpart, I found sexy. I think it all came down to the writing and storytelling. Seeing Nicholas/Viv in Fred’s eyes was so…I don’t know…entrancing. I’m honestly left speechless as to how I can describe my feelings towards Nicholas. One thing is for sure, like Fred, you can’t help but love him. 

He really is a beautiful mess. A beautiful mess that sucks you in and messes you up too. 

OMG. How do I even begin to describe Nicholas? He’s magnetic, charismatic, flirty, fun, quirky, humorous and, let’s not forget, extremely handsome. As for his stage persona, Vivica, well she’s quite the talent on stage. However, the more we get to know Nicholas, we find that he has no middle ground. He’s either extremely happy or extremely sad. From the beginning we find that Nicholas’ past isn’t all rosy and bright. Life as a traveling performer can be lonely. But when Fred enters his life, things start to change. He pretty much immerses her into his world. She is quickly introduced to Vivica. Fred is undeterred. As a matter of fact, she immediately embraces Nicholas/Vivica. To each his own, right? She constantly calls him “Viv” and welcomes both Nicholas and Vivica with open arms. He has never felt more comfortable about himself until Fred. When she’s around, he’s purely happy. 

“Every woman is different,” he explains. “Some of them make you feel satisfied, others make you feel high, most just make me feel cleansed. There’s no guile or ulterior motives with you. You’re just in the moment for whatever it might bring.” 

----

She doesn’t know it yet, but she is his muse now, his everything. 

I loved Fred’s character. Her sense of humor almost mirrors mine. She’s whip smart so don’t get in the way of her wicked tongue. Though Fred doesn’t see it, she’s also very beautiful, even though she’s not the typical woman guys go for, with all her curves and such. She definitely has some self-esteem issues. It’s apparent that Nicholas is drawn to her, but what she doesn’t understand is why? Nicholas and Fred immediately become close friends. Why is Nicholas constantly flirting and wanting to spend time with her? Is it for a quick shag? It surely doesn’t feel that way, but with Fred’s way of thinking, she certainly thinks it is. 

“This is…dangerous,” he says, eyes tracing the planes of my cheeks, the curve of my lips.

“Probably,” I whisper in reply.

He leans in closer. “I want to be inside you Freda.”

I bite my lip. “Mm hmm.”

“What do you want?” he asks.

“I think I want the same as you,”

“Fuck,” he mutters, and it comes sounding like a vow. 

Nicholas is all man. The way he flirts, the way he talks, the way he made me squirm; it’s all man, baby. This definitely isn’t your typical romance story. It’s unique and unconventional in a lot of ways. I think that’s the reason why it stands out so much. I absolutely LOVED this story and highly recommend it. 

Beautiful Bastard (Beautiful Bastard #1) by Christina Lauren

An ambitious intern.
A perfectionist executive.
And a whole lot of name calling. 

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He's exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard. 

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family's massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who'd been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he's never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe's so tempting he's willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office. 

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they're willing to lose in order to win each other. 

Originally only available online as The Office by tby789—and garnering over two million reads on fan fiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release.

3.75 Stars

“What’s that?” he hissed through clenched teeth, his hips slapping against my thighs driving him deep inside. “Never been fucked like this before, have you? You wouldn’t be such a tease if you were being properly fucked.”

Who did he think he was? And why the hell did it turn me on so much that he was right?

“I’ve had better,” I taunted. 

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I picked up this book. The reviews I’ve read so far were okay and far from stellar, but the blurb drew me in. I decided to go into this with an open mind and just went with it. Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying the story. Yes, it was basically the H/h fighting all the time then having incredibly hot sex before and afterwards, but I guess I didn’t mind at all. Shocker, I know. **snort** I think I’m twisted in some way. I loved the banter between the two. It’s like the harder they fought, the harder they fucked. And that, my friends, is all right by me. ;)

Nine months. Nine fucking months of morning wood, jacking off, and endless fantasies about someone I didn’t even want. Well, that wasn’t complete true. I wanted her. I wanted her more than any woman I’d ever seen. The big problem was I also hated her. 

Chloe has worked for Ryan Media Group for last six years, but for the last nine months, her work environment changed dramatically. That’s when the boss’ son, Bennett Ryan, returned. She now works directly for him and it is no easy task. Yes, Bennett is sexy and his presence demands attention, but he can be one big asshole. He is not an easy man to work for. He is oneBeautiful Bastard.

It’s no secret around the office that Bennett and Chloe do not get along. They’re both very driven and both have very strong personalities. They hate each other and neither shows any weaknesses toward one another. As much as they try to deny it, they're both attracted to one another, strongly. All the built up sexual tension between them soon turns into them pouncing on each other in the conference room, but once was never going to be enough for the two of them. They find that they can’t keep their hands off each other, especially after arguing. These two are doing it whenever and wherever. How long can they keep up this charade? Sooner or later someone is going to get hurt. 

“Go ahead and rip them…you know you want to,” she murmured into my ear and then bit down hard. A half-second later, her panties were nothing but a mess of lace in the corner of the room. 

It’s no doubt that this had tons of hot sexy times. Like. Lots. But along with their steamy moments, I did enjoy their softer/human sides. It was refreshing to see underneath their tough outer shells. They were both human, secretly longing to find the one person they could not live without. I think that’s what I liked most in the book; the times where they slowly revealed who they really are. Also, is it demented that I found Bennett’s hoarding of Chloe’s underwear funny? Seriously, the dude really does rips 99% of them off and then keeps them as mementos. Everytime he did this, I found myself shaking my head, snickering. lol. I had fun reading this. The beginning was a little slow, but it picked up fast and hard. Yes, pun intended :) I know it won’t be for everyone, but for me, the story worked. 

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing the ARC. 

This Man (This Man #1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Young interior designer Ava O’Shea has an appointment for a first consultation at The Manor with the owner, Mr Jesse Ward. She is expecting nothing more than an overweight, cravat wearing, well-to-do countryman, and on arrival, nothing would suggest otherwise. How wrong could she be? This Man is devastatingly handsome, charming and confident. He is also a conceited, hedonistic playboy, who knows no boundaries. Ava desperately does not want to be attracted to him, but she can’t control the overwhelming affect he has on her. Every instinct is telling her to run, so she does, but Jesse Ward is not so willing to let her go. He wants her and is determined to have her. She knows she is heading for heartbreak, but how can she run when he won’t let her?

The Hero in the book, I hear, is BRITISH!!!!! Yea. Nuff said. I'm sold. ;)

4.5 Stars

His face is serious, but still stunning. 'How loud do you think you'll scream when I fuck you?' 

Holy. Bloody. Fucking. Hell. I...I...I don't know what to fucking say. I'm rendered a bit speechless. This story has left me in a state of frustration; I'm completely dumbfounded. What the hell did I just read? I've never read a story that has left me with more questions than answers. I don’t ever remember feeling like this. Ever. Don’t get me wrong, this story was all kinds of…smutty, sexy, frustrating fun. I’m think I’m just stunned. I need book two. Oh fuck it. I need the next two books because I have a feeling that if this book ended like this, I’m sure the author will undoubtedly leave us salivating after the end of book two. **sigh** Deep breaths. 

‘I’m…going…to…possess every.single.part.of.you,’ He punctuates each word clearly and sharply, ‘There will be nowhere on this beautiful body that won’t have had me in it, on it or over it.’ 

Holy. Bloody. Fucking. Hell. Get use to these words because I’ll be saying this a lot during this review. Oh Ava, Ava, Ava. This poor woman didn’t know what she was getting into when she went to The Manor to meet her potential client. The rich gentleman client asked for her personally to work on designing the extension of his ‘hotel.’ A stodgy man is what she expected. What she didn’t expect was sex personified. Jesse Ward is devastatingly sexy. What is it with This Man that makes her, and us, weak in the knees. 

He rips his hand from the apex of my thighs and knocks me away from his throbbing arousal. In one measured movement, he moves his hands to my backside, lifts me and impales me onto his waiting length.

OUCH! Oh my God and fucking hell! 

**Deep Breath** Fuck. Me. Jesse is one intense man. That’s an understatement actually. He’s so many other things, too: Persistent, controlling, possessive, aggressive and a bit manipulative. Ava doesn’t know what to make of him. I don’t know what to make of him. OMG! He is so overwhelming! Ava is in constant whiplash when it comes to this man. Throughout the story, no matter how Ava ‘tried’ she could not shake Jesse. Ignoring her feeling/libido (because let’s face it, her feelings were intertwined with her libido), was pointless. Jesse was so overbearing that she tried to push him away, but he was the most persistent man, ever. He would not take the hint. Why was he was pursuing her so hard core? The thing is this question, and many others, were left unanswered. I’m still in shock at how adamantly he was in perusing her and never ever even knew why. I’m at a loss. 

‘I’m going to distract you some more now. We need to make friends.’ 

We need to make friends. Ha! This phrase has taken on a whole new meeting. It practically makes me blush at thinking about the hiding meaning behind these words. Let’s just say that Ava and Jesse spend a lot of time making friends in this story. The sex in this book is in-fucking-credible. It will leave you squirming, your jaw gaping and sometimes, just Flat. Out. Stunned. Whew!Ummm, yea. What was I saying? **Shakes head** Sorry, I was reminiscing the sexy times these two had and I was in a daze for a moment. This story will do that to you, you know. It will also leave you frustrated, but in a good way, though. I seriously cannot wait for book two. I already miss making friends with Jesse. **Smirks**

Sometimes Never (Sometimes Never #1) by Cheryl McIntyre

Hope didn't have the best role model when it came to relationships. She’s content with her current no-strings-attached extracurricular activity with the lead singer of her band. She’s never believed in love and commitment.

Mason starts his eighth school in five years anticipating nothing more than the usual—boring classes, fighting more than making friends, and girls happily willing to succumb to his easy smile. He’s never put much stock into love at first sight—until he sees her.

Regardless of their painful pasts, Hope and Mason discover that sometimes never can become forever.

*This is a mature young adult. Recommended for 17+ due to sensitive subject material, harsh language, and sexual situations.

3.75-4 Stars

“I’m afraid that if I let myself feel the way I do about you, ugh, I’m so afraid you’ll realize what I am, and you’ll walk away. And it’ll hurt me.”

“What are you?” I hold my breath, waiting.

“Broken,” she murmurs. 

This is story reminded me a lot of Colleen Hoover’s Hopeless. So if you’re a fan of that story, you might want to hold off on reading this. Strange request, I know, but hear me out. I really liked this story, and maybe if I had read this first, I might’ve actually loved this. However, I’m still in a Hopeless funk and that story Wowed the frick out of me. This is a wonderful story in its own right. I just think I should’ve picked it up after some time off from my Hopeless high. Am I making any sense? 

Anything could happen at any second. So why bother? Why bother meeting people? Making friends? Caring about someone? Falling in love? It’s just going to end. Taken away, ripped from my hands. Tore from my heart. ~ Hope 

Hope is one messed up chick; seriously fucked up. She’s not your typical teenage girl. She’s got multicolored hair and her attitude is sometimes scary. She can seriously kick any guy’s ass. What isn’t well known about Hope is that she’s hiding a pretty dark secret. She’s got this whole laundry list of issues that I cannot even begin to divulge. Something happens to her in her past and believes that she is not worthy of love. She doesn’t do relationships. Even her boyfriend isn’t even a boyfriend. No labels, that’s too personal. However, when she meets Mason, how much longer could she hide behind her tough persona? 

Mason Patel is my counterpart. He is the eraser to my chalk. The milk to my cereal. The chocolate to my peanut butter. We were made for each other…

It’s like I can breathe better. Stand taller. Smile easier. It’s ridiculous. I have this sinking feeling I’m going to regret this. That this boy is going to end up inflicting the worst pain I’ve ever felt. 

I absolutely LOVE Mason Patel. Just an FYI, he made it onto my elite ultimate book boyfriend list. That’s saying something. Anyway, Mason is immediately drawn to Hope. He wants to get to know this girl who just kicked a jock’s ass. She is nothing like the girls he used to date, if you could even call his previous relationships “dating.” Hope is a tough cookie to crack, but he’s a patient man and sooner or later, Hope is going to crack. But when he finds out Hope’s secrets, how will he react? 

I’m done counting the days. Now because of you I’m making the days count. 

This really was a very good story, one I really liked, a lot. The author dealt with some seriously dark issues and handled it very well. The relationship between Mason and Hope is a beautiful one. It’s amazing when you find the one person who truly mattered and can change your life like that. Just beautiful. However, there were times where I wanted to smack some sense into Hope. How she treated Mason at times made me so angry at her. Plus the ending left me a little disappointed. No worries, it ends happily, but it felt just a little rushed Anyway, I have no problems recommending this read, just go into it without certain expectations and with a little patience with Hope’s character.

Come Away with Me (Meet Me in Seattle #1) by Kristen Proby

Being confronted on the beach by a sexy stranger wasn't part of Natalie Conner's plans for a peaceful morning taking photos. And why on earth would he think she's taking pictures of him, anyway? Who is he? One thing’s for sure, he’s hot, and incredibly romantic, feeding Natalie’s wounded soul.

Luke Williams just wants the world to give him a break, so seeing yet another camera aimed at his face has him ready to pounce on the beauty behind the lens. When he finds out she has no idea who he is, he's intrigued and more than a little tempted by her. Natalie has a body made for sex, a sassy mouth and Luke can’t get enough of her, but he’s not ready to tell her who he really his.

Natalie is a no nonsense girl who doesn’t do well with lies and secrets. What will happen to this new relationship when she discovers what Luke’s hiding?

3.5-3.75 Stars

“Because you’re the first woman I’ve brought into my home and all I can think about is getting your beautiful body naked and fucking you senseless.” 

Holy shit! Umm, yea. That’s hot. 

I’ve been wanting to read this for a while now and figured it was good time as any to finally do so. I could never say no to a celebrity Hero character. I’ve read my fair share of these types of stories, you know…the ones where a famous hot actor meets and falls for the typical, non-celebrity, girl. I’m a sucker for those, especially when the steam factor is as hot as this one. 

I’ve fallen in love with a beautiful, sexy, sweet, jealous control freak. 

Shit. 

After taking scenic pictures, Natalie is surprised when a man approaches her and demands her camera. Is she getting mugged? No. Luke is just sick and tired of people taking pictures of him. He’s getting tired of living the celebrity life. He wants his privacy and this woman taking his picture is unacceptable. However, when he learns that she has no clue as to who he is, he’s both embarrassed and intrigued by her. How could she not know who he is? Luke finds this very refreshing and wants nothing more than get to know this stranger. 

The relationship between Luke and Natalie progressed at a very nice rate. Nothing seemed too rushed and the steam between the two was very H-O-T! Normally celebrity love stories often involve long drawn out dramas and miscommunications between the H/h. Though this one had a few minor (like very minor) ones, it was refreshing just to read and not feel angry and frustrated at the drama. It was just a story about the two of them getting to know one another and falling in love. It was a nice change of pace and I’m sure I’ll be checking out more from this author.