Running Barefoot by Amy Harmon

When Josie Jensen, an awkward 13-year-old musical prodigy, crashes headlong into new kid Samuel Yazzie, an 18-year-old Navajo boy full of anger and confusion, an unlikely friendship blooms. Josie teaches Samuel about words, music, and friendship, and along the way finds a kindred spirit. Upon graduation, Samuel abandons the sleepy, small town in search of a future and a life, leaving his young mentor behind. Many years go by, and Samuel returns to find his old friend in need of the very things she offered him years before. Their roles reversed, Samuel teaches Josie about life, love, and letting go.

Deeply romantic and poignant, 'Running Barefoot' is the story of a small town girl and a Native American boy, the ties that bind us to our homes and families, and the love that gives us wings.

4.5-4.75 Stars

“True love sufferth long, and is kind; true love envieth not. True love vounteth not itself, is not puffed up. True love does not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. True love rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in truth. True love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endoureth all things.” ~ 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13 

Tell me that is not one of the most beautiful things ever. I’m completely blown away by this story. I cannot begin to describe the emotions that ran through me while I read this. If that opening line above didn’t tell you, I’ll tell you right now: This is aVERY deep, emotional love story. The story contained several spiritual and religious components, and along with the music, it wove a beautiful story.

“You always had this light that made you seem like royalty…such an incredible mind, such beauty and humility. You took my breath away, time after time, day after day, on that smelly old school bus.” 

Josie and Samuel first met when she was only thirteen and he eighteen: She in seventh grade, he a high school senior. They rode the same bus to school every day and was assigned to sit next to each other. Josie, though young in age, has been through a lot in life. She lost her mother very early in her life and took it upon herself to take care of her father, and three older brothers. She is wise beyond her years, tall, pretty and easily intimidates a lot of the boys in her school. She’s also a very accomplished piano player and avid reader. She is not your typical thirteen-year-old girl. Josie grew up fast. 

When she meets Samuel, he was one very angry boy. Samuel is half Navajo Indian and half Caucasian. He lost his father early in life and lived with his mother on the reservation before finally moving in with his grandparents. The feeling of not belonging has always plagued Samuel. His half/half heritage has always made him a target at school and at the reservation. He hardly talks to anyone, but the girl sitting next to him slowly melts his icy reserve. 

During their bus ride is where hey talked of books, music, and religion. The friendship between Josie and Samuel became very strong. However, no one really knew the extent of it. It was kept mostly between themselves because honestly, how would it look? Once Samuel graduated, he joined the Marines. It broke Josie’s heart, as well as mine, when he went away. At first, they constantly wrote each other and kept in touch. Two years after, Samuel returned home to visit, but he and Josie had a falling out of sorts. Josie and he moved on as best they could. 

“You were so young, and the feelings between us were too intense. I found myself thinking about you like you were my girl. Then I would remember how young you were, and I would be ashamed of myself.”

“You see, in my mind, I always kept track. I would mark time with your birthdays. Josie is sixteen – but I’m 21. Josie is 17, still too young.” 

Josie is twenty-three when twenty-eight year old Samuel returns. Josie has been through a lot during his absence. She has lost another person she loves and dreams of becoming a famous pianist were put on the backburner as she cared for her father. Samuel is currently on leave and is there to help his aging grandparents. When he first encounters Josie, he notices her bright spirit has diminished into something sad. Their friendship soon rekindles, but is friendship really what they want? 

“I did my best to be a man you could be proud of.” 

“You were the bar I measured everything by.” ~ Samuel 

The story was not rushed. The relationship that blossomed between the Josie and Samuel took a natural progression that involved a lot of deep conversations. If you’re an impatient person, this is probably not the book for you. I do have to warn you though, it did feel a little overwhelming at times, but not enough to bother me. I was not easily deterred. I was too engrossed with Samuel and Josie’s relationship to keep me going. The fact that there was no of steam whatsoever didn’t even bother me; I loved them both too much too care the lack of. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a beautiful and emotional love story. 

Jackson Rule by Dinah McCall

SHE OFFERED HIM A SECOND CHANCE...

Jackson Rule had spent nearly half his life behind bars for murder. Now he was starting over-or trying to. Once he laid hungry eyes on his new employer, though, his resolve to lead a simple, solitary life deserted him, replaced by yearnings for fierce, forbidden passion. 

WHAT COULD HE GIVE HER BUT TROUBLE

Preacher's daughter Rebecca Hill was raised to give folks the benefit of the doubt--though maybe this time she'd taken charity a bit too far. True, Jackson Rule had paid his debt to society, and was a hard, honest worker. What threatened to undo her was the sheer burning desire she felt in his presence, and the sinking feeling that her heart would be his captive forever.

3.75-4 Stars

“Be careful, lady.” His voice was harsh as his hands raked through her wet, tangled hair, bringing her face closer to his own. 

“Of what?”

“Of this.” He cupped her hips with his hands and lifted her off her feet. “Of that.” His groin had swelled in one huge ache and was pressing into her flesh. “Of me.” 

I needed a break from my current read and decided to pick this up. I’m not really sure why I decided to, but I think I just needed some good ole fashioned predictable drama, especially one that involved redemption and second chances. I love these types of stories. Yes, this involved an ex-con/murderer, but I knew that there was something else to our Hero’s story and I was determined to find out.

And the facts were that he was an ex-con and the woman he wanted was the daughter of a man of God. It was an impossible situation, and Jackson knew it. 

An ex-con and a preacher’s daughter. Yea, you know there was going to be some drama in this book. Jackson Rule was just released from prison after serving fifteen years for shooting his father. The thing about it is, if you’d ask him if he’d do it all over again, he’ll tell you without a doubt, yes, he would. His father was very abusive to him and his sister. One day, it all came crashing down. Now he’s out, he wants nothing more than to make a life for himself and hopefully rekindle the relationship he had with his sister, who has been in a mental health facility all these years after the murder. He is determined to find a job, but being an ex-con, he knew it wasn’t going to be easy. 

He lowered his lips and she forgot to move. And when they connected with her lips, she forgot to breathe. 

Gently. Coaxing. Taking. Giving.

His mouth moved from one pleasure to another until Rebecca lost all track of place and time. 

Who was this man that suddenly appeared in Rebecca’s life. She’s never met such a contradiction. Jackson doesn’t seem to be at all what he’s pegged to be. A murderer? An ex-con? Yes and yes. However she saw something more in Jackson, especially after he saved her life more than once. Her father is always preaching about forgiveness and after his heroic display, she easily decided to take the risk and hired Jackson to help around her greenhouse. The fact that was what he was didn’t faze her. Nope, she’s as strong willed as they come. She wasn’t surprised that he was a model worker, hardworking and honest. What she didn’t expect is the chemistry brewing between her and Jackson. 

Jackson however, knew he was never going to be good enough for a woman like Rebecca. He wouldn’t risk the type of scrutiny she would endure if they decide to make their working relationship into something more. No. He would stand his ground. He will fight his feelings. He could never live with himself if her reputation was to be tainted by a man like him. So begins the battle of wills.

“I love you, Rebecca Hills, more than you will ever know.”

He wasn’t certain, but he imagined that he heard her whisper “thank God” right before the kiss. 

Like I said, I really enjoyed stories like this. I’m happy Rebecca believed in Jackson and never gave up on him no matter what her father or her friends say. There were only a couple drawbacks that prevented me from loving this read. One: Needs more steam. (Yes, I have issues, but you already knew that.) Two: It seemed like it took the two forever to finally get together. The story wasn’t slow or anything, but it really could’ve helped if things moved along faster. As for the ending, well, that was a bit of a shock, but no worries, it ended happily. Overall, a very good contemporary read. 

Reaper's Property (Reapers MC #1) by Joanna Wylde

Marie doesn’t need a complication like Horse. The massive, tattooed, badass biker who shows up at her brother’s house one afternoon doesn’t agree. He wants Marie on his bike and in his bed. Now.

But Marie just left her abusive jerk of an ex-husband and she’s not looking for a new man. Especially one like Horse—she doesn’t know his real name or where he lives, she’s ninety percent certain he’s a criminal and that the “business” he talks with her brother isn’t website design. She needs him out of her life, which would be a snap if he’d just stop giving her mind-blowing orgasms.

Horse is part of the Reapers Motorcycle Club, and when he wants something, he takes it. What he wants is Marie, but she’s not interested in becoming “property of”.

Then her brother steals from the club. Marie can save him by giving Horse what he wants—at home, in public, on his bike… If she’s a very, very good girl, she’ll get lots more of those orgasms only he can offer, and he’ll let her brother live.

Maybe.

A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Four Stars

** WARNING: This review contains some graphic dirty talk, which if you know me, I fucking love that shit, but if you don’t, well…just proceed at your own risk**

“This pussy,” he said, fingering me. I moaned in response, ashamed at how easily he made me wet. “This pussy is mine. You are mine. I’ll fuck you when and where I want, and you can either take it or get the fuck out. Are we clear?” 

Did that get your attention?? Because seriously, that line still gets to me. Holy Mother FUCK!! **Deep breath** Give me five seconds to recuperate from that. 5…4…3…2…1… 

Okay. So, umm, yea. I ran across this book on Facebook, read the blurb and just couldn’t say no. Come on you guys! Get this: The Hero is a tattooed, badass Alpha biker named Horse. That’s right, you heard me. HORSE! It took me a nano second for mind to come to an obvious and pervy conclusion and another minute to shuck $7 for this book. Was it worth it? Hells fuckin yea it was!

“Someday,” he whispered softly in my ear. “I don’t want to hurt you. Not until you’re ready for me… But someday I’m going to own all of you, Marie. You’re all mine, babe. Knew it the first time I saw you. Couldn’t give you up if I tried.” 

Marie just moved back into her brother, Jeff’s, house after leaving her no good cheating soon to be ex-husband. Marie adores and loves Jeff. So when he gets into some serious trouble with a local MC, The Reapers, she doesn’t hesitate to help him. Anything. 

“This is your option,” Horse said to me abruptly. “You want to keep dumbass alive, pack a bag and climb on my bike when we leave. You do what I tell you, when I tell you, no questions and no bitching.”

“Why?” I asked blankly.

“So you can cook dessert for me,” he snapped. 

“Why the hell do you think?” he said, voice strained. “So I can fuck you.” 

Horse will do anything to have Marie. Ever since he first laid eyes on her, he was determined to make her his. Horse and Marie had their chances to be together, but Horse’s personality was confusing the hell out of Marie. Not to mention his involvement in an MC and what all that entails; including access to the MC’s harem of easy women. She did not want to be just another notch on his bedpost. When Jeff fucks up, this was his opening he needed to have Marie right where he wants her. 

“I’m not gonna let you go, Marie. I’m keeping you and I don’t care if I go to hell for doing it. I don’t care about anything but fucking you.” 

Just like sexy Rock Star books, I’ve also learned that I’m a sucker for Badass Biker books. To me, they are the epitome of what I love most about my Alpha Heroes: They’re strong, brooding, sexy, possessive, protective and have that don’t fucking mess with me or my woman attitude. Fucking swoon! If you’re a fan of Madeline Sheehan’s Undeniable, you will probably like this read. It’s not as good, nor as intense, but still a great read nonetheless. 

Ten Tiny Breaths (Ten Tiny Breaths #1) by K.A. Tucker

Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D.

Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair.

But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.

4.75-5 Stars

Breathe, I hear my mother’s voice say. Ten tiny breaths. Over and over again. It doesn’t help. It never fucking helps, dammit! I’m shaking all over as I sink further and further into the dark abyss where I go when people I care about die. I can’t seem to get out of it. I’m drowning under the weight of it. 

I’ve seen this book all around GR and Facebook, but it wasn’t until my friend, Trish, told me to just read it. She told me the Hero reminded her of Andrew from The Edge of Never. That statement alone told me I couldn’t go wrong and picked it up immediately. OMG, I’m just floored. So many emotions passed through me when I was reading this; just such an emotional read. I cried good and bad tears. I loved it. Thank you, Trish!

Before Kacey died four years ago and all that’s left is a mess. A mess who spent a year in physical rehabilitation to repair her shattered body, only to be released with a shattered soul. 

The Before Kacey refers to the Kacey before the accident. Thebefore Kacey was so full of life, full of friends and a boyfriend she could touch and adore anytime she wanted. Then came the accident that shattered her life and took the life of her parents, best friend and boyfriend. She even held his hand as he died; no wonder she has issues with shaking hands with strangers. The only family she has left is her younger sister, Livie. 

Livie is everything to Kacey. She’s willing to try to not be as destructive and try to become the Kacey Livie once knew. They didn’t’ last living with their Aunt and Uncle, especially after their Uncle piddled away their inheritance and tried to make a very inappropriate move on Livie. Kacey and Livie upped and moved far away from them and ended up all the way in Florida. There, Kacey and Livie try to make a new life for themselves. It’s here where Kacey will try, for Livie, to move forward. It’s here that Kacey meets Trent, and slowly her life begins to change. 

But Trent…there’s something different about him, and I don’t have to think hard to see it. Something about the way he takes over a room, the way he looks at me, like he has already identified and can disarm every one of my defense mechanisms with no effort, like he sees through them to the disaster lying beneath.

And he wants it. 

Oh Trent. I love you. There. Had to say that first. I just don’t know a proper way to describe him. He’s ridiculously sexy and amazingly sweet amazing. When he meets Kacey, he was pretty much a goner. He was patient with her, pushing, but not overly prying. She’s a tough shell to crack, but he doesn’t give up. However, the more he knows of her and her past, he tries desperately to help her and her demons. What he doesn’t understand is that Kacey will do anything in her power to avoid the issue. But Trent is no open book, either. The truth behind Trent’s past might just be another feather to tip Kacey over the edge. 

“I’ll make you whole again, Kacey. I promise you, I will,” he whispers. And then his mouth covers mine. 

I’m faintly aware of the wall now flattening against my back, of his boxers droping to the ground, of strong arms lifting me up, of my legs wrapping around his hips, of feeling him against me.

Pushing inside me.

Making me whole. 

**SWOON!!** OMG, this book is just A-fucking-mazing! I cannot reiterate that enough. The pace wasn’t too fast, nor does Trent and Kacey’s love instant. They had to overcome a lot to be together. Kacey’s transformation was beautiful. Kacey’s tough persona and I-will-not-care-for-anyone-ever-again attitude was short lived. There are just too many people to love in this story. The support she had from Livie, Trent and her band of co-workers and neighbors was so sweet; it was inevitable that beforeKacey would slowly return. As for book two, Livie’s story…CAN. NOT. WAIT! I LOVE THIS STORY and highly recommend it anyone and everyone. 

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.