Scandalous (Scandalous #1) by Ella Steele

"I see it, Jack. Your muse is back. The thing that gave you passion, tormented you, and haunted you is back. You're reeling in ecstasy and dread. It's something you want, but can't ever have. And the one that brings the pain is pure, white as snow... and standing in front of you."

One kiss could have changed Abby's life, but when it didn't happen, she ran. Jack was everything to her and when he didn't respond, Abby couldn't bear it. Everything about that night--leaning in close to his face, feeling the night breeze teasing her hair, the way his scent filled her head--was burned vividly into her mind, including the moment when Jack pulled away. There was no kiss. Abby was wrong. She was wrong about him, wrong about them. 

Maybe she didn't have to go to college two thousand miles away, but she did. She had to forget about him. Abby threw herself off the grid, disappearing completely from the life she knew. After completing her undergraduate degree, she enrolled in seminary. All contact with her old life was severed and she never looked back, until she was forced to.

When Abby puts idealism into practice, her congregation throws her out. If she can survive a year on her own, they'll take her back, and continue to pay off her student loans--but if she fails, Abby is on her own with enough debt to fund a small town. Seminary wasn't cheap. With no place left to go, Abby returns to New York and her best friend takes her in. 

Desperate to make it on her own and prove she was right, Abby follows a job lead to an art studio on Long Island. It isn't until she hears Jack's voice that she freezes. The hairs on the back of her neck prickle as she turns to see Jack, ten years later, looking even more tempting than before.

Fate is cruel. Abby left this life behind, but she's thrown back into it, head first. It's like someone hit rewind on her life and its ten years earlier. She's the cotton-mouthed girl that she always was around Jack, and now her future relies on the man who rejected her.

FIVE HUGE, SINFULLY SCANDALOUS STARS =)

"I see it, Jack. Your muse is back. The thing that gave you passion, tormented you, and haunted you is back. You're reeling in ecstasy and dread. It's something you want, but can't ever have. And the one that brings the pain is pure, white as snow... and standing in front of you" 

**SIGH**

This is one of the best books I’ve read all year. That’s a heck of a statement, but I mean it. I don’t know how I found this book, maybe it was divine providence, but it quenched everything I love about romance books. I was initially hesitant at first, considering the H/h were not at all typical, but the cover and hidden promise of what might transpire just drew me right in. By the way, how beautiful is that cover? I’ll tell you right now, the story is just as provocative. It tore me up, made my heart ache, made me cry and made me happy. 

As I said, Jack & Abby were not your typical H/h. Jack is a famous artist, whose work can be construed as either fine art or pornographic. He does not touch, nor date, nor sleep with his models. He also hires a female assistant to oversee his every move when he’s painting a model. With these simple rules, he maintains a pristine reputation that helps him sell his art. Abby is the dubbed as the one who got away. Jack and Abby were close high school friends until she disappears after their near kiss. A decade has passed and Abby returns, practically penniless & desperate looking for job. She has spent most of her time as a minister in a small church in Texas. However, her church forced her to take a mandatory sabbatical after she openly commits an offense. So she’s back and her desperation lands her at Jack’s studio. Yes, she is a minister, but she doesn’t find his work offensive or disgusting, but evocative and beautiful. He hires her as his new assistant. 

Working in such close proximity to Jack is having a profound effect on Abby. He’s stirring up feelings within her that she thought was long gone. Those repressed feelings that she has had for him all these years are returning with a force. As for Jack, he’s always seen Abby as his “unattainable goddess.” How long can these two keep up this charade?

He reached out for me, tugging me by the waist closer to him. Gazing down into my face, he whispered, “I’m sorry, but I can’t be the one to start this. I can’t be the one to pull you from your calling and break your vows.” 

Talk about forbidden love and lust…WOW!! Though this was told in Abby’s POV, I felt so much for both characters. The tension was palpable and so physically powerful; it literally reached out and tugged at all my emotions. When they finally couldn’t take it anymore, their coming together was explosive. My God, it was beautifully erotic. When a story elicits so much emotion from you, you know it’s good. I love, Love, LOVE this story. I cannot recommend it enough. 

Side note: H.M. Ward writes paranormal YA romance. Ella Steele is her pen name. I hope that Ms. Steele continues to write more these adult contemporary novels because this was utterly fantastic. 

From Rags by Suzanne Wright

There has only been three people in Jaxxon Carter's life who truly mattered to her. Her mum, who committed suicide. Her sister, who she hasn’t seen since her teens. And Connor McKenzie, who disappeared from her life the same day he left their foster home. The hardest part of that was that he never completely left her life because she was forever seeing him on T.V. or in magazines as a Formula One Driver. But Jaxxon refuses to live a ‘woe is me’ life, even in spite of living alone in her one-roomed flat and being expected to survive on a ridiculously low income. Then one night she is offered a modelling job and before she knows it she has been catapulted to the peak of success, gaining fame, fortune and security. Oh and a stalker. 

Connor McKenzie is busy trying to shake off his crazy ex-girlfriend – another woman who thought she could get around his no marriage rule – when he sees Jaxxon on the cover of a magazine. Remembering how close they had once been, he’s shocked when she doesn’t respond to his attempts to contact her and then acts indifferently to him when they meet. But Connor can’t let it go. The only reason he had kept his hands off her ten years ago was that she had been younger than him. Now that they’re adults, he isn’t prepared to allow anything – not even Jaxxon – to stop him from having her. 

Warning: This novel contains a bitchy female who curses like a sailor, a persistent alpha male who doesn’t understand the word ‘no’, and explicit hot sex in some very public places.

Five++ Bloody Brilliant Stars :)

Okay. I need to calm my arse down a little here. Normally I would swoon over the Hero, but I must say, I loved the heroine more. Yes, I would go bi for this cheeky Brit. Mother Lord Jaxxon was a fantastic female lead. She was not your typical heroine. She’s beautiful, but she’s no where near conceited. She’s ballsy, curses like a sailor, and not at all intimidated by anyone. She tells it how it is and there is no censor on that mouth of hers. She’s mental and I effin love her. God knows I read a ton of books, but Jaxxon is my first ever female crush. 

Alright, with that said, I must also give our hero, Connor, his due. It takes a mans-man to tame Jaxxon. Connor is all Alpha. He’s sexy, extremely possessive, and can easily kick anyone’s arse. He doesn’t do relationships. Because of his star status, he could have his pick of any woman, so why settle? Of course there are other reasons why he will never commit, but that’s for you to read and find out. However, Jaxxon is his Achilles heel. He just won’t admit it yet. 

Jaxxon and Connor are former foster kids. They grew up together with Connor always looking out for Jaxxon. She’s always had this sort of magnetism that attracts the opposite sex, even the creepers. Connor was always there to fight off any bloke who even looked at her funny. However, when it was time for Connor to leave the system, he left Jaxxon promising her that he would back. Jaxxon has always loved Connor and it devastated her when everyone she loved, especially Connor, left her. 

Fast forward eight years. Jaxxon is working as a barmaid working at a shite-hole pub fending off creepers. She always held her own and no one ever intimidated her. Believe it or not, it was at this pub that she was discovered. A model scout, looking for the right face for a new line of cosmetics, found her I-don’t-give-a-shite-I-can-wipe-your-arse-on-the-floor attitude alluring and automatically knew she was the right girl for the job. The more pissed off she was, the better she came off on camera. Jaxxon couldn’t believe she was model. She never thought of herself that way. She was reluctant, but knowing that it would give her financial security she wants to live on her own terms, she took it.

Connor was now a famous Formula One driver. He’s got a shag em’ and leave em’ reputation when it comes to women. It was during another break-up that he happened to notice Jaxxon on a cover of a magazine. He decides to phone her thinking that they could just “catch up”. Jaxxon doesn’t even return his call. He is frustrated and curious to know why. When they unintentionally see each other at a charity event, all hell broke loose. Jaxxon wants nothing to do him and Connor will not take “no” for an answer. What do you pair up an Alpha male and an Alpha female? A f**king great story. 

The chemistry between the two was beyond intense. Good God these two were off the bloody charts. I bloody loved everything about their story and add the fact that they were both Brits (and if you know me, I love everything British) and that the story took place in London, how could I not love this story!? It was fantastic and I'm so happy I found this gem. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! 

Captive in the Dark (Dark Duet #1) by CJ Roberts

Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.

Five Dark & Captivating Stars

Each story wanted, no--needed--to reveal a human fragility, a human bondage which tied people to the things they did and to be the person they held in their heads. Those stories were something true and sometimes horrific but people were people and the parts didn't just tell the whole story. 

The above excerpt states it all. That was...not what I expected. Not at all. This was explicit & very dark. I mean really dark, but wow, it was really good & extremely well written. I knew it wasn't going to be the typical heroine-falling-for-captor story line, so I guess I shouldn't be too shocked, but I still was. Still am actually. But it was so much more, and so much better than I expected. So many emotions, and not all good ones, are felt in this story. This is definitely not for everyone.

Caleb was not easy to like. He wants revenge, plain and simple. He and his partner, Rafiq, are seeking vengeance against Vladek Restrovich (now known as Demitri Balk). Vladek is the main person responsible for the pain and suffering that both he and Rafiq have endured. Once a child slave, Caleb, wants nothing more than to make Vladek suffer and then kill him. However, they must find a way to get into his inner circle. This is where Livvie comes into play. 

Olivia, or Livvie, is the perfect candidate for the Flower Sale, an auction in which women from all over the world are auctioned off to be pleasure slaves to rich and powerful men. She is chosen by Caleb because she is poor, inexperienced, and extremely beautiful. Someone poor is most likely not to gain attention by their disappearance. Auctioning off a virginal, American girl like Livvie will gain Caleb the status he needs to get into Vladek's circle. Once taken, Caleb must train her to become obedient and submissive. Livvie is very strong willed and makes it very difficult for Caleb to train her. Caleb finds her innocence and fierceness all too alluring. He is strongly attracted to her, more than he will ever openly admit. Eventually Caleb finds a way to slowly expose Livvie to the point where she is raw and controllable. Livvie is fighting off some serious attraction for her captor. He is caring and sensitive one minute, then furious and angry the next. She holds on to that hope that somewhere deep down that Caleb will always protect and care for her. She, too, finds a way to slowly expose Caleb. 

Caleb and Livvie's attraction to one another is deep, powerfully raw and at times, destructive. They are both damaged individuals and have more in common than originally thought. This story is not for everyone. Some of the contents in the story might be deemed as too explicit. This book does not hold back the punches and its probably because of it that made me really appreciate it more. 

From what I read, the sequel, which is also the story's conclusion, will be out in September. I cannot wait for it. Excellent story.

Gabriel's Inferno (Gabriel's Inferno #1) by Sylvain Reynard

Professor Gabriel Emerson, a specialist in Dante and the art of seduction, believes he has already earned his exile to the lower circles of hell. Since redemption is impossible, there is no reason to refrain from indulging in a life of pleasurable sin, using his notorious good looks and sophisticated charm as a means to gratify his every whim. But when he meets Julia Mitchell, a brilliant, lovely, and innocent grad student with the achingly familiar eyes of an angel, all of his cynical convictions are challenged. Her mysterious allure and the havoc she wreaks on his self-satisfied existence cause him to lash out at her, while her quiet beauty and innate goodness consistently undermine his control, tempting him beyond measure.

Despite surviving a traumatic childhood, nothing has shaken Julia’s faith that redemption is possible for everyone—everyone but her. Her unworthiness torments her, since the only man she will ever love has managed to forget her very existence, failing to even recognize her when they reconnect. Too naive to see that Gabriel’s hostility is a mask for his increasing obsession with her, Julia forces him to come to grips with his past while she continues to unwittingly torment his senses. His fascination grows into a dangerous preoccupation, for Julia is forbidden fruit . . .

Will Gabriel survive the inferno, or will he succumb to the flames?

--04/15/12-- Loved it even more the second time around =)

--My review from October, 2011--

LOVED it. Review to follow, but for now, sleep so I can work in the morning to pay for my book addiction. lol.

-----

I really don't know how I can review this book properly. I was so absorbed in the story, I just could not put it down. It had so many emotional elements to it. The story between Gabriel and Julia is a beautiful tale of second chances, fate and finding that certain person that makes you feel whole and happy. 

Gabriel was very hard for me like at first. He's bold, brash, rude, egotistical, and basically is an ass. Julia is everything that Gabriel considers good and beautiful. She is his angel. She is innocent, shy and sometimes naive. Though he doesn't remember it, yet, they have met in the past. She seems familiar to him, but just couldn't place her. She, however, has never forgotten Gabriel and their night together in the orchard. Fate has once again place these two together. He is her Professor. After almost kicking her out of the program, and being a total "ass", she still shows him kindness. After various encounters, especially when Gabriel's sister, and Julia's best friend, Rachel comes for a visit and after an embarrassing night of drunkenness, Gabriel finally starts to realize who Julia really is. After this part, sparks really fly between the two. From the voicemail messages he leaves her, to their face-off in the classroom, it draws you further into their story. However, as with all great love stories, their past lives play a huge part in the story. Will their pasts come back to bite them back? Actually, the bite does happen in Julia's case, but that's all I'll say about it. 

Anyhow, I HIGHLY recommend this book if you like to be absorbed into a deep, emotional love story. Thank you Mr. Reynard, and I cannot wait for your sequel. :)

Slammed (Slammed #1) by Colleen Hoover

Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.

Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.

Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.

Five big, enormous, gargantuan, gigantic, huge, mammoth, massive Stars!

I got schooled this year

by

a

Boy.

a boy that I'm seriously,

deeply, madly, incredibly, 

and undeniably in love

with.

And he taught me the most

important thing of all...

To put the emphasis

On life.

This book was pure brilliance. Shortly after the death of her father, Layken, her mother, & younger brother, Ky, moved from Texas to Michigan to start a new life. There she meets her neighbor, Will. Will is no stranger to love & loss. He lost his parents when he was only 19 years old and now is caring for his little brother, Caulder. Will & Layken almost immediately are drawn to one another. Their first date involved attending Club N9NE, which on Thursdays close for slam poetry. They have the perfect first date. However, just when Layken & Will were forming a relationship...slam! A serious roadblock emerges and the two cannot move forward in their relationship. Both struggle immensely with keeping their feelings in check, but they cope with it the best they can for the sake of both their little brothers, who are now BFFs. Just as Layken was starting to pick up the pieces...slam! Layken is hit with some devastating news about her mother. She just cannot catch a break. 

I simply loved Will & Layken's relationship. They are so similar in so many ways, that you were hoping and praying that they were going to find a way to be together. The use of slam poetry in this book was utter genius. I've never read anything like it before and I effin LOVED it. Some of the pieces written, like the one above, stirred so many emotions in me. I was blown away. Wow.

I feel extremely fortunate to have come across this gem. After reading a strong recommendation from a book blogger, I was compelled to read this immediately. Thank God I did. Excellent, excellent, excellent. Highly recommend :)