Real Ugly (Hard Rock Roots #1) by C.M. Stunich

Turner Campbell is an asshole.

I f*cking hate him.

But I can't get enough either.

He sings like an angel and f*cks like a devil.

If I could, I'd run away and never look back because to tell you the truth, I think this man might be the death of me.

***

Naomi Knox is a bitch.

I can't f*cking stand her.

But I can't stop thinking about her either.

She looks like an angel and plays like a devil.

If I could, I'd f*ck her good and forget all about her, but to tell you the truth, I think this woman might be my last saving grace.

4.5 Stars

Real Ugly. That’s life. Fucking hideous and hateful and bloody. I wish I could see it otherwise. ~ Naomi 

Holy fucking shit. Well, you know a book is good when I start a review by swearing my mother fucking ass off. Don't be shocked when the rest of my review is more cursing vomit. 

What the fuck did I just read?

This was very different from any other rock star books I’ve read. It seemed more angsty and more dirty than normal. It’s far from pretty, or predictable. I’m not going to lie to you, but the title of this book really fits the story. It isn’t a pretty story, so far from it actually. This story, with its flawed characters and take-no-shit attitude created a very Ugly world full of angst, anger and raw vulnerability. I’m going to warn you right now, this book pissed me off, like a lot. No worries though, you’ll love every minute of it. 

All this time hating Turner, wishing him ill, wanting him dead, has built up into this angry sexual fervor that begs me to ride him until my heart explodes from my chest and my fingers draw blood from his back. 

The H/h in this book are prime examples of people walking the thin line between love and hate. They hate each other so much that I don’t think they could ever love anyone else but each other. Does that make sense? I know it’s confusing, but trust me, when you read this, you’ll understand. 

What is with this chick and who the hell does she think she is? Why doesn’t she worship me like everybody else? 

I don’t even know where to begin describing Naomi and Turner’s volatile relationship. A few words come to mind: Explosive, unstable, unpredictable, and hot-tempered. They are crazy fucked up. 

I have to remember that he’s not just a devil, but The Devil. 

No matter how angelic Turner is on stage, Naomi knows better. She and Turner have a past, but Turner doesn’t remember it. That is what pisses Naomi the most. He saved her, was there for her when she most needed it, but Turner is an asshole. In her mind, she was just one of his many nameless conquests. 

Something about her just pisses me off at the same time it gets me off. 

Turner is an asshole, plain and simple. I fucking hated him, but fucking loved him at the same time. Everytime Naomi stuck up for herself and knocked him down a peg, were joyous moments for me.

Turner cannot get Naomi off his mind. As the lead singer of Indecency, he’s had his share of women, still does actually. No woman has ever imbedded herself into his skin like she has. Unfortunately, she’s hard to avoid since her band is touring with his. There’s something vaguely familiar about her, but with his intermittent drug highs, he could be just hallucinating. Whatever the case may be, her supposed hatred and anger towards him just fuels his want for her. Naomi knows when Turner wants something, he’ll stop at nothing to get it. 

Fuck the past. The present’s all that matters anyway, right? 

So many things happened in the book. Along with fighting her feelings for Turner, there’s something, or someone, in Naomi’s past that is haunting her. Like I mentioned earlier, this story is NOT predictable. This story is far from the cookie-cutter rock star love stories out there. C.M. Stunich is so talented. I love her stories. They’re so full damaged characters that they always make for such interesting stories. This was no exception. However, before you decide to pick this up, I warn you now, this does end in a massive cliffhanger. Luckily, we don’t have to wait to long for the sequel. Can’t wait. 

Thank you C.M. Stunich for providing me this ARC

Good Vibrations (Welcome to Paradise #1) by S.L. Scott

I grab her exploring finger just as it reaches my happy trail—a trail that if I let her wander down further will lead us to do things we can’t take back. Things like three-word phrases being confessed that would end me if I was rejected. Things like selfishly wanting to own her body and doing things to her that would make my fantasies blush. And things like making her promises too soon that won’t do either of us any good. She makes me want a future that’s not possible, and one I don’t deserve.

Listening to my ego got me into this situation. Will listening to my heart get me out?

 

Four Stars

Welcome to Paradise!

College student Mallory Wray is all set for an awesome summer. She's living with her best friend in beautiful Hawaii for 2 months. Sounds lovely, right? Well, what she wasn't expecting was meeting super hot Evan. Mmmm, how shall I best describe Evan? He may be one cocky and arrogant surfer dude, but what I love is that he is honest with Mallory right from the start that he's a no relationship kind of guy.

Although things heat up pretty quickly for these two early on, it took a while for their emotions to catch up. These two make assumptions and frustrate one another so much that I just wanted them to sit down and talk already. However, I promise you that it's worth getting to the point when they finally open up to each other. They're playful and just so darn adorable together! I also love how their friends become a big part of the story, too.

“Desire bubbles inside of me. I haven't desired anyone in years. I've lusted and I've always gotten what I lusted after. But desire, desire feels like an old friend that I didn't know I missed until it returned. I desire this girl.” --Evan

Oh...Swoon! Ladies, you have got to let Evan welcome you to paradise!

Good Vibrations ends on a good note, so no cliffhanger, but there are issues left open. I'm curious to see where Evan and Mallory's story goes. S.L. Scott did a superb job with the setting. I truly felt like I was escaping to the tropical beaches of Hawaii, the land of gorgeous surfers and juicy pineapple. I wanted to book an island getaway right away!

Good Vibrations is definitely a great choice if you're looking for something easy to read for the long, hot summer days at the beach or pool. It's one fun-in-the-sun, steamy-licious and romantic read. Just be sure to have your ice cold drink on hand, because you're going to need it to cool off afterward for sure. Aloha!

Beautiful Broken Rules (Broken #1) by Kimberly Lauren

What happens when you create rules to keep others out?

One thing Emerson Moore has come to terms with is that she is the school slut. She knows her way around a frat house and how to get what she wants. She doesn’t make any excuses for her actions and she doesn’t pretend to be anything different. She is who she is and with that she knows how to have a good time. She’s made rules to keep relationships at bay and avoid the demons of her past.

When her best friend, Cole has his two friends from back home move in with him she begins to think she has met her match with Jaxon Riley. Jax is the perfect mixture of tattooed muscle and a sweet-talking mouth. With “hand” written notes, a voice that exudes sex and knowing just how to get under her skin, Jaxon learns how to break all the rules. But will he just end up breaking her heart anyway?

New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance - recommended for ages 18 and up.

Four Stars

I just met you and I’m amazed by you already 

Jaxon Le Sigh…

I slowly uncurled them to read his message, which was written boldly across the expanse of my palm. One word that screamed a whole lot more.

MINE

I lifted my eyes up to his and nodded. 

Not really sure how to begin this review. First and foremost, I liked it. I really did. This was a bit of an angsty read, but that was okay, it was what I was in the mood for. This story is a little different from the usual fare of the player Hero falling for the girl. In this story, our Hero is trying to change the ways of a very promiscuous heroine. Don’t get me wrong, Jaxon is no saint either; he’s a sexy football player who constantly has wiling women fighting for his attention, but as soon as he meets Emerson, he knew he was willing to do what it took to make her his. Oh yea. Jaxon is definitely swoon-worthy ;)

Jaxon and Emerson had an immediate lust connection. The way they met is pretty unforgettable. After hooking up at a fraternity party, Emerson was caught doing the walk of shame by her BFF Cole and his best friend, Jaxon, who was just starting the semester. She definitely made an impression on Jaxon considering she was just in her skimpy undies. Emerson of course knew it was only a matter of time until she had a taste of Jaxon. She was definitely looking forward to those three times with him. After all, no one can come in between her and her rules. 

I have three rules: 

Never sleep with someone that a friend has feelings for

Never sleep with someone who is in a known relationship

Never sleep with someone more than three times. 

**Shakes head** Oh Emerson and her fucked up rules. I wanted her to take those rules and shove ‘em up her … Okay. I understand her need for it, really, I do. But seriously, there came a point in the book where enough was enough. That point came pretty early in the book, too. So needless to say, I was feeling a little annoyed with Emerson for the majority of the book. 

Jaxon remained a patient man, even after she told him her rules, he still held some hope. Even after seeing Emerson take off with one guy after another, he never gave up No worries. She couldn’t really do anything with those boys, because, well…you know why. She doesn’t want anyone but Jaxon. She’s just too stubborn to admit it. 

Be silly, be honest, and be kind. 

I finished this in one day, so I couldn’t deny that it was good. I loved Jaxon’s character. He’s possessive, protective, so sweet and so very sexy (oh, did I mention he had tattoos? **smirks**). He never judged her. She on the other hand really pushed my patience. To be honest, her reasoning behind her rules wasn’t strong enough for me. After losing her parents, she made the rules up to prevent from getting hurt, but that is NOT the way to live. Plus, when she fucked up, she fucked up royally. It was hard to sympathize with her after constantly running away from Jaxon. Why couldn’t she just open up to him? Ugh. So frustrating. I’m just happy Jaxon never gave up on her and they did end up with her their HEA :)

There is No Light in Darkness (Darkness #1) by Claire Contreras

A past hidden in darkness. Her present cloaked in secrets. The future holds the only truth that cannot be escaped.

After the mysterious and violent death of her parents, Blake Brennan finds comfort with an unconventional family. As the dramatic loss of her parents continues to haunt her—and hinders her from reciprocating love that others give freely—Blake embarks on a harrowing journey in search for the truth.

Living in a constant state of fear and need for control, vivid nightmares reveal details that lead to perilous situations. The past begins to collide with the present, and Blake must decide if the truth is worth losing the ones she loves. 

Can love conquer all as her past comes to light? Or will Blake realize that there is no light in darkness?

Book contains: Explicit language & sexual content

FIVE HUGE STARS

Cole Murphy, I love you to the moon and back.

If it weren’t for love, the suffering we experience wouldn’t be worth it.

Definitely one of my top reads of the year; no question about it. I couldn’t put it down. My chores were put on hold, my dishes were stacking up; I didn’t want to stop reading. I fell in love and have a new addition to my ultimate book boyfriend shelf. Cole is AMAZING. He’s everything I love in my Heroes: Super sexy, smart, protective, possessive, persistent, and so full of love. Blake is one lucky woman. 

I never let them get attached to me, and I don’t attach myself to anyone. 

Blake’s life is complicated. Her past constantly haunts her. One night, she awakens to some gunshots and the next thing she knows, she sees her mother laying on the floor and her dad being hauled away by someone. Her memories of the people involved in that night are very vague at best. She was taken immediately by one of the strangers to live with her Aunt. After her passing, she was taken to live with a foster family. There she meets the people who will forever be part of her life, including Cole Murphy. 

“I’m in love with you, Blake. I’ve been in love with you from the moment I saw you. I’ve been in love with you from the day I was born and possibly even before then. I belong to you. My body belongs to you. My heart belongs to you.” 

I LOVE YOU, COLE!!!!!!!!!

He is such an amazing man. He has loved Blake ever since she moved in with him and his foster family. They share a connection that no one could ever break, and Cole refuses to have anyone but Blake. Relationships have come and gone; people have tried and tried to come between them, including Blake herself, but Cole refuses to give up. He loves Blake with every fiber of his being. Le Sigh…. OMG. No matter the darkness surrounded Blake, he was determined to be her light, her one true constant. God, he makes my heart beat so fast. LOVED HIM!

“Why are you so adamant about getting rid of me?” he whispered into my hair. “I fucking love you, I care about you. I want to take care of you. Let me.” 

There were times I wanted to shake some sense into Blake. Ever since what happened to her parents, Blake refuses to acknowledge love; not to her close friends, her foster mother and especially not to Blake. She believes that saying she loves someone is like signing his or her death warrant. But even though she doesn’t outright say the words, her friends know where she stands. I LOVE everyone them: Aubry, Becky, Greg, Aimee, Maggie and especially Cole. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

This book was AMAZING! I cannot recommend it enough. The writing was flawless, the characters were all unforgettable, and the story was very moving. It had some mystery, lots of love, and TONS of swoon worthy moments with Cole. I’m so happy book two is out so I can dive in. Thank you, Trish, for pushing me to read this. It was fucking awesome. 

Beauty from Pain (Beauty #1) by Georgia Cates

They agreed on three months...but their love knew no boundaries.

Jack McLachlan is a winemaking magnate and easily one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. His success and wealth make him no stranger to the complications of romantic relationships and that’s why he goes to extreme measures to avoid the hassle. He prefers simplicity in the form of a beautiful female companion with no strings attached. He arranges relationships like business deals and they’re always the same. No long term relationships. No real names.

It’s his game and his rules. He’s content to play as usual, but when Laurelyn Prescott enters his life, his strategy must change because this player is like none he's ever encountered. His world is turned on its head after he begins a three month affair with the beautiful American musician. Nothing goes according to plan and as he breaks more and more of his own rules for her, she’s exceptionally close to becoming something he never thought possible. His ultimate game changer.

Not recommended for younger readers due to sexual content and language.

Five Stars

I’m on the ledge, about to fall. Or jump. I’m not sure which, and then I hear his possessive words through gritted teeth and it sends me over the edge. “No one else touches you. Only me. Do you understand?” 

FUCK. That was so unbelievably good. Wow. Just wow. 

I wanted to read this for a long time, but I knew this was going to end in a cliffhanger, so I waited for the sequel to come out. So when it finally did, I no longer had any excuses not to; I dove right in. I cannot believe how good this was. I haven’t read an actual five-star read in such a long time; this totally relieved that ache. It had everything I craved in a book: A strong Alpha male Hero (who by the way has a sexy Australian accent --- which made me create a new shelf I love Aussies LOL!), sizzling sex and just a touch of angst. 

“I can’t wait to have a naughty with you. You know it’s only a matter of time, and when I do, I’m going to make you come so hard.” 

Jack McLachlan is looking for his next conquest, one that will share his bed for the next few months. His past conquests have only lasted three to four weeks at best, but this time, he wants it a little more prolonged. He doesn’t do relationships. He’s a very rich man and the women he use to date wanted more from him. He’s learned his lesson: Be upfront, no telling of real names, no falling in love, just sex, lots of sex, and afterwards, make a clean break. Simple. 

When he spots Laurelyn, he immediately knew his search was over. When he finds out she’s only in Australia for a few months, he knew it was meant to be. 

“No. I can’t love a lie and that’s all we were.” 

When Laurelyn landed in Australia to visit her best friend’s brother, she did not expect to meet a man like Jack. She immediately dismisses Jack’s initial proposal, but couldn’t help but be curious. She decides to live and dive into this arrangement with Jack. She doesn’t know anything about this man, not even his name. What she does find out is that Jack is willing to make all her fantasies come true. She knows she’s living in a fantasy and that it comes with an expiration date, but sooner or later the balloon is going to burst on the fantasy and real feelings start to emerge from both her and Jack. 

I love her too much to let her leave and I need to tell her right this minute. 

Laurelyn is unlike any of his past companions. He doesn’t know what to do. He wants more time with this southern belle, but his constant state of denial keeps him from really opening up to her. All Laurelyn wanted was some sort of reassurance of his feelings, but will it come too late? As I read this, a ticking clock was always in the background. I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering how these two will pull this off. 

I loved everything about this story and I’m happy that book two is immediately available to me because that ending was simply unacceptable. OMG! I need a resolution NOW! Loved this story! 

-----

Me, prior to having the sequel out LOL:

UGH! Once again, I was all set to read this, then BAM! Found out it ends in a cliffhanger. CURSE YOU, CLIFFHANGERS!!