Showing posts with label Truly Schmexy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Truly Schmexy. Show all posts

Saturday, February 14, 2015

BLOG TOUR - Floored (Frenched #3) by Melanie Harlow


Title:    Floored (Frenched Series Book #3)
Author:   Melanie Harlow
Genre:   NA, Contemporary Romance, Humor
Release Date:   February 5, 2015

Synopsis:
Erin Upton is too embarrassed to tell the cops what she was really doing while her townhouse was burglarized, especially since the first officer on the scene is former nuisance next door Charlie Dwyer. Where’s the justice in the world when a neighborhood know-it-all grows up to be six-foot-three inches of solid muscle with gorgeous green eyes and a slow, sexy please-arrest-me-now-officer smile? It’s bad enough she’s wearing her robe and slippers—did he have to notice her fuzzy hand cuffs on the bathroom sink?

He’s arrogant as he ever was, which is fine by her—she’s too busy with her dance studio’s grand opening to make time for a man. But they keep crossing paths, and when Charlie offers to help her put in new flooring at the studio one night, things go from hammering nails to hammering each other in a hurry. And about those hand cuffs…

They agree it’s a one-time thing. But when that becomes a two-time thing, then a three-time thing, Erin starts to wonder if maybe she and Charlie could be a life-time thing. Her best friends Mia and Coco found love in unexpected places. Is it finally her turn?


Preorder Links:

Excerpt

“Stop it. Im not perfect. Im not what you think.”
Charlie tilted his head. “No?”
I licked my lips. “You think Im a joke. The “Teachers Pet. The Homecoming Queen. The Goody Two Shoes who likes everything just so, everything neat and clean. Well, I dont, you know. Like everything clean.”
Charlie said nothing at first. But his stillness told me he was intrigued. A lovely little ache blossomed between my legs.
“You like some things dirty. Is that what youre saying?”
“Yes,” I whispered, butterflies rioting in my belly.
“Im not sure you do.”
“Try me.”
Slowly, he came off the counter. Bracing my hands behind my hips, I opened my knees, and he stepped between them, sliding his hands up the tops of my thighs. He was so tall, I had to tilt my head back to look at him. Up close his chest was even more imposing, and his shoulders seemed to dwarf mine. Gooseflesh rippled down my arms, and my breaths came fast.
By contrast, Charlie seemed completely in control. His breathing was slow and measured, his hands moving over my hips and beneath my sweatshirt. His eyes stayed locked on mine as his palms slid up the sides of my ribcage and back down, spanning my waist. “Such a tiny little thing.”
“Scared youll break me?”
“Yes.” In the near dark, his blue eyes looked black.
“Do it.”
In less than a second, Charlie pulled off three moves that had me gasping for air—he yanked me to my feet, turned me around, and kicked my heels apart so my legs were spread and I was bent over the island, arms pinned behind my back. His legs pressed the backs of my thighs, and his hips pushed against my ass.
He was hard.
The power went out completely.
Oh my fucking God.
“Panting, I lay my cheek on the cool marble, unsure of what to do next. Between my ears, the message was this is scary. Between my legs, it was this is hot.
No, don’t give up. Fight me. Come on. Struggle.” His voice was different now—deeper, quieter even, yet more intimidating.
Adrenaline coursed through my body, my heart pounding with fear, with arousal, with shock. I tried moving my arms—he pulled them tighter, clamped my wrists harder. I tried moving my legs—he pinned my hips against the marble, his erection pushing firmly into my flesh. I flexed my fingers—he laughed softly.
“Thats it. Try everything. Scream if you like.”
I couldnt scream even if I wanted to. It felt like the darkness had weight, like it was bearing down on my back with a force stronger than gravity. Breathing required all the lung strength I had, and I wasnt even sure I could keep that up.
Tell me Im hurting you.”
He was hurting me.
But I liked it.
He yanked my arms mercilessly behind me. “Tell me.
“Youre hurting me,” I said weakly.
“Tell me to stop.”
“Stop.” Dont stop.
“Tell me you dont want this from me.”
I don’t—want this—from you.” Each word was its own struggle. I meant the words, and yet I didnt. I wanted him, but knew I shouldnt. And was this only a game? Was he just testing me? Or, worse, was he back there laughing at me in the dark? I had no way to tell.
Good girl. You dont want this from me, sweet thing.” He backed off slightly and somehow imprisoned both my wrists with one of his hands. The other one snaked around to my belly.
And down the front of my pants.
REVIEW:
Another funny, hot and sexy book in this series, this is about Erin, the youngest of the trio of friends. We get to meet Erin in the first two books of the series, but we really don't learn much about her before now. However, I found her to be just as funny as Coco, especially when she would share her confessions.

The chemistry between Erin and Charlie is great, although I did get tired of Charlie's back and forth with Erin. He wants her, but then he backs off and they agree to be friends, only for him to keep turning up at her house. The reason for his behavior finally comes out towards the end of the book, although I had part of the reason figured out after their second non-date. His hot and cold behavior makes sense once he tells his background story.

The sexy times are pretty freakin' hot though, and I love how everything was tied up at the end of the book.

RATING
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
Title:    Frenched (Frenched Series Book #1)
Author:   Melanie Harlow
Genre:   NA, Contemporary Romance, Humor

Synopsis:
When Tucker Branch, playboy heir to Branch Bolt and Screw, screws and bolts a week before their wedding, Mia Devine wants nothing more than to crawl under her newly monogrammed sheets and plan a funeral for her dignity. But her friends convince her that bitter tastes better when it’s drowned in Bordeaux, so Mia grits her teeth and packs her bags, determined to make the best of her luxurious Paris honeymoon—alone.

She never planned on meeting Lucas Fournier.

The easygoing bartender’s scruffy good looks and less-than-sympathetic ear annoy her at first, but when she takes him up on his offer to show her around the city, she discovers that the romance of Paris isn’t just a myth.

Nor is the simultaneous O.

The last thing Mia needs is another doomed love affair, but since she only has a week, she figures she might as well enjoy la vie en O with Lucas while she can. But each day—and night—with Lucas is better than the last, and suddenly her heart is telling her this is more than a rebound fling.

Is it just the seduction of Paris…or could this be the real thing?


Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Title:    Yanked (Frenched Series Book #1.5)
Author:   Melanie Harlow
Genre:   NA, Contemporary Romance, Humor

Synopsis:
Mia Devine fell hard for Lucas Fournier after their magical week in Paris. But eight months later, the free-spirited half-French musician still hasn't made any promises about their future. And as magnifique as long-distance phone sex is, nothing compares to the real thing.

Fed up with stolen weekends and lonely nights, Mia flies to New York armed with a list of reasons why they should take the next step, but an unexpected guest in Lucas's apartment derails her plans. He’s been keeping secrets--worse, he claims he's happy with the way things are.

Without the magic of Paris, can their mismatched love survive?
Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks


Title:    Forked (Frenched Series Book #2)
Author:   Melanie Harlow
Genre:   NA, Contemporary Romance, Humor
Release Day: October 20, 2014    

Synopsis:
Twenty-eight year old Coco Thomas knows the recipe for disaster:

1) Agree to plan last-minute engagement blowout for spoiled Mafia princess before you realize her choice of caterer is Nick Lupo, a despicably gorgeous young chef with a hot new restaurant in town, a reality TV show victory, and a romantic past with you—one that did not end well.

2) Strike a deal with Nick in which you agree to spend a weekend with him in exchange for his services, under the strict conditions there will be no talking about the past, no second chances, and definitely no sex.

3) Violate all three conditions within 24 hours and spend two glorious days remembering what made you fall for the sexy, egotistical bastard in the first place, and why it hurt so much when he broke your heart.

Add one road trip, plenty of good scotch, and endless spoonfuls of chocolate cake batter drizzled over your body and licked off inch by oh-my-God-yes-right-there inch, then just admit it.

You’re totally FORKED.


Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Frenched Series Bundle:  Frenched, Yanked & Forked
Amazon | B&N | iBooks

About the Author:

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. She lifts her glass to readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI.

Friday, January 23, 2015

BLOG TOUR REVIEW - The Awakening of Ivy Leavold (Markham Hall #1) by Sierra Simone


Title:   The Awakening of Ivy Leavold (Markham Hall Series Book #1)
Author:   Sierra Simone
Genre:   Historical Romance
Release Day:  January 12, 2015

Synopsis:
Yorkshire, 1879

I am alone.

When Ivy Leavold is left destitute by her brother’s death, she is taken in by her cousin’s brooding, tortured widower--Julian Markham. Handsome and possessive, it’s not long before Ivy falls for him. But Mr. Markham has dark secrets, secrets that may put Ivy in danger...

I am afraid.

As Ivy unravels the mystery surrounding her cousin’s death, she falls deeper and deeper in love with Julian, who opens her body and her mind to his indomitable will. But even as he draws pleasure and desire from her night after night, Ivy can’t shake the feeling that their passionate affair may end in violence…

And I am completely his.
EXCERPT

“You see? You are completely virginal, though Lord knows those lips and eyes don’t look the part.” Mr. Markham shook his head, as if to clear it. “You have all of these firsts—kisses and caresses and more—left in front of you. You are completely fresh to the world of grown men and women.”

He took hold of my hands and helped me stand to my feet. “I think it’s best if we keep our distance from one another,” he said. My whole body wilted in disappointment. I wanted nothing less.

“Why?”

He pressed his forehead against mine just as he had this morning. “Do you remember me saying that I had become a creature of needs after Violet’s death? I wasn’t exaggerating and I wasn’t joking. I’m accustomed to getting what I want. And I want you.”

“What’s wrong with that?” I managed to ask. “Why can’t we want one another?”

“You don’t understand what I mean. When I say that I want you, I don’t mean your company or your conversation. I don’t want to pine over you and write you poetry. I mean,” he pronounced carefully, “that I want to bend you over this sofa and slide inside of you. I mean that I want to pin you to the ground and watch you squirm as I drive into you over and over again. I mean that I want to spend my evenings watching your pretty little head bob up and down on my cock.


Amazon Preorder Link:       http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PHLBCB8/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00PHLBCB8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

About the author:   

Sierra Simone is a librarian who writes unabashedly sexy books with brains, beauty and big words.  She lives with her hot cop husband and family in Kansas City.
You can stalk her on tumblr and pinterest.
You can also find her at authorsierrasimone.com or email her at thesierrasimone@gmail.com.

Author Links: 


REVIEW:
Well, this book certainly isn't the historical romances our mothers read years ago. And for that I would like to thank Ms. Simone for writing such a great piece of literature.

Ivy has already accepted that she more than likely will never be married, simply due to her lot in life, although she comes across as a young woman who doesn't really put much stock into what polite society thinks or says. She does have sense enough to know when something is frowned upon, but she really doesn't care that much about appearances to impress other people.

Ivy is somewhat taken aback when she finally meets her late cousin's husband, who is nothing like what she envisioned. He's all dark and smolder-y (like Mr. Rochester, but without the kid and hidden wife). Mr. Markham doesn't apologize for who he is, and even though he has warned Ivy that she should keep her distance from him lest he despoil her, he is just as drawn to her as she to him. 

Things take a unique turn when Mr. Markham has some friends stay for a couple of days. Oh sure, it's all polite and everyone is on their best behavior at first, but wait until you read about the Charades game; that could make the next party you attend that much more enlightening!

There is more to the story about Ivy's cousin that is revealed in the story, as well as cliffhanger from left field that I sure didn't anticipate, and now I'm left as frustrated as Ivy was after her first few encounters with Mr. Markham, waiting on the next book to be released.
RATING
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.

Friday, January 16, 2015

ARC REVIEW BLOG TOUR - The Club (The Club Series #1) by Lauren Rowe


Title:   The Club (The Club Series Book #1)
Author:   Lauren Rowe
Genre:   Contemporary Romance
Release Day:   January 5, 2015

Synopsis:
When playboy businessman Jonas Faraday receives a private note from the anonymous intake agent assigned to process his online application to an exclusive sex club, he becomes obsessed with finding her and giving her the sexual satisfaction she claims has always eluded her, in order to fulfill his own desperate need for redemption.

Sarah: When I read Jonas Faraday’s brutally honest personal message on his application to The Club, I practically climaxed at my desk. I’m an idiot to risk losing my job but I couldn't resist contacting him. I knew my confession would be like dangling an irresistible carrot in front of his nose—but never in a million years did I think he’d actually hunt me down.

Jonas: I was shocked to get my intake agent’s email—I’d attached that note to my application on a whim, never expecting a reply from an actual person, let alone a reply as mind blowing as that. Her message was so alluring, so irresistible, I’ve been spiraling into a full-blown obsession ever since I got it. What’s her name? What does she look like? Finding her is my top priority.

In The Club, what starts out as an innocent exploration of sexual attraction quickly spirals into a steamy story of unbridled passion, obsession, heartbreak, and, ultimately, redemption.


Amazon Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Club-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00PKKN59S/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421420962&sr=1-1&keywords=9780996013628&pebp=1421420964980&peasin=B00PKKN59S

EXCERPT
I sit down on the bed, my erection poking up from beneath my towel. I can’t stop staring at the picture.
            “Thank you,” I type. “You’re beautiful. I can’t stop looking at the photo. I’m totally obsessed.”
            “I know the feeling,” her reply comes back immediately.
            I practically growl with excitement upon getting her reply. “Tell me your name,” I quickly write.
            “No,” she replies—again, immediately.
I can barely contain myself. This woman is somewhere in this city right now, staring at me through her computer screen. My heart is racing. “Not fair. You know my name,” I type.
            “Life isn’t fair.”
            I half-smile at my screen. “Ain’t that the truth,” I type. Truer words were never spoken. I sigh. “If not your name, tell me something else. How about your age?”
            “I just turned 24.”
            I’m thrilled. She finally threw me a bone. And I’m relieved, too—twenty-four is good. Very good. “See? That wasn’t so hard. Happy Birthday,” I type, smiling.
            “Thank you.”
            “Pisces, then?”
“Oh my God. You did not just ask me, ‘What’s your sign?’”
I laugh out loud. “Yeah, I guess I did. I’m dumb like that sometimes.”
“With cheesy pickup lines like that, it’s clearly thanks to your supernatural good looks and not your sparkling personality that you’ve managed to be worshipped as a supreme sex-god by so many. Gosh, I expected a little more panache from you, Mr. Faraday. Aren’t you supposed to be some kind of woman wizard? Oh, wait, that’s only inside the four walls of your bedroom—never on the outside.”
I can’t help but smile from ear to ear. She’s kicking my ass again. I love it. “You’re right. I’m not very good at this.” And it’s true. I mean, I can talk to women, of course. I can even flirt. Sort of. But I’ve never been great at doing it. And especially not in a situation like this—when I can’t look into her eyes and get a read on her. “I’m hopeless at small talk,” I type.
 “There’s no such thing.”
“No such thing as small talk?”
“No such thing as hopelessness. There’s always hope. ‘We must accept infinite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.’”
Oh God. My cock has been leaping and lurching throughout our entire exchange, but my brain just joined the fray, too. “Who said that?”
“Martin Luther King Jr.,” she types.
She’s a whole new breed of woman I’ve never encountered before. I exhale loudly. “Here’s one,” I type. “’Hope is the dream of a waking man.’”
            “Oh, I like that. Who’s that?”
“Aristotle.”
“That’d be an awesome episode of Epic Rap Battles of History—Martin Luther King Jr. vs. Aristotle. Hard to say who’d win.”
 I grunt. “Stop trying to distract me, My Beautiful Intake Agent. I know exactly what you’re trying to do, but I demand to know more about you. Come on.”
“Okay, okay. You’ve worn me down, especially when you ‘demand’ like that. You’re so manly when you do that, by the way—I like it. Okay, here’s everything: I am a woman. I am 24. I have a Maltese named Kiki. I buy her little outfits with rhinestones on them. She is my world. The End.”
She’s killing me right now, even as I’m laughing out loud. “Come on. Please. Tell me something real,” I type.
“Why?”
I sigh. Jesus, she’s frustrating. “Because you know everything and I know nothing. It’s not fair. Where’s your sense of fair play and justice?”
“Just so you know, I’m sighing right now. Oh, and rolling my eyes, too.”
“Please.”
“Okay, okay. You wore me down again. You’re so persuasive, Mr. Faraday. Irresistible! Okay, here you go: Blah, blah, blah. Prelude, prelude, prelude.”

I burst out laughing. That’s fucked up. I never under any other circumstance would have disclosed my thoughts about “prelude” to a woman—especially a woman I’m trying to get into bed.
 
REVIEW:
I would just  like to know where I (and my beloved Maltese Kiki) can sign up to become a member of the Jonas Faraday club.

This is a book that literally pulled me into the story from the first page, and trust when I say that I was pretty pissed off when real life had the nerve to interrupt while I was immersed in the story.

First, I love the way the characters are written, along with their dialogue. It's all very real and down to earth, just like normal people speak everyday, and that to me makes a story much more fun to read. It's easy to visualize the characters talking as if they're sitting next to you because the dialogue flows so well. None of that stiff way of speaking like if you're being interviewed. Not only that, Jonas and Sarah will readily admit that they have flaws and aren't perfect, which is a breath of fresh air (at least to me anyway. Who wants to read about couples who are always so perfect and never have morning breath?)

There is no denying the chemistry between Jonas and Sarah. But there is more to them than just bumping uglies doing the horizontal tango; hell, Jonas halfway fell in love with Sarah just from her email response before they even actually met. Behind the sad, melancholy eyes of Jonas is a man who is destined to become one of the best book boyfriends in the history of foreverness. No BS, wait until you read the reason why he took her to Belize. I mean dayum, makes ME want to swoon (and look at my husband with the hairy eyeball lol).

Now don't go thinking that these two characters are just perfect by themselves and even more awesome when they're together, because they both have issues from their pasts that have molded them into the characters we meet in this book. While Sarah's past was traumatizing, Jonas' childhood abruptly ended when he was seven years old with a devastating loss that he was unfortunate enough to have witnessed, and he believes it was all his fault.  

There are a few hot sexy times in this book, but that's not all it's about, we actually get a bit of a discovery as well as revenge for said discovery, that leaves us with a cliffhanger. But luckily we don't have to wait that long to get the next book!
RATING
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.



Title:   The Reclamation (The Club Series Book #2)
Author:   Lauren Rowe
Genre:   Contemporary Erotic Romance
Release Day:   January 26, 2015

Synopsis:
Jonas and Sarah’s addictive love story picks up right where the first book left off, hurtling to a heart-stopping conclusion that will leave readers breathless and screaming for the unforgettable final installment of The Club Trilogy.

Sarah: “My entire life has spiraled into chaos—and yet, all I can think about is my raging, thumping, insatiable addiction to Jonas’ magical touch. He’s unleashed an all-consuming hunger inside me that can only be satisfied when Jonas finally surrenders to me the same way I’ve surrendered to him—mind, body and soul.”



Playlist:
White Lies — Rx Bandits
Pony — Far (a badass rock cover of the Genuwine song, highly recommend you check it out)
Melt With You — Modern English
Lick It Before You Stick It —Denise La Salle (it’s about exactly what the title suggests)
I Just Want To Make Love To You — Muddy Waters (perfection)
I Want You  — Bob Dylan
Do I Wanna Know — Arctic Monkeys
Locked Out of Heaven —Bruno Mars
Madness — Muse
Closer —Nine Inch Nails

About the author:   
Lauren Rowe is the pen name of an author and singer-songwriter who decided to use an alter ego in writing THE CLUB TRILOGY to ensure she didn't hold back in writing the story. (And she didn't.) Lauren lives in San Diego, California where she performs with her band, writes, and hangs out with her family and friends. 

Author Links: 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/laurenrowebooks
Website:  http://www.laurenrowebooks.com/
Author Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9699494.Lauren_Rowe
Instagram:     http://instagram.com/laurenrowebooks


Monday, January 5, 2015

BLOG TOUR REVIEW - Keep It Safe (KIS #2) by Olivia Snow


Book Details:
Title:  Keep It Safe (KIS Series Book #2)
Author:  Olivia Snow
Genre:   Contemporary Romance
Release Day:  December 16, 2014

Synopsis:
Eight months ago Vanessa Saint John’s life was a lot different than it is now…

After losing Gabriel, and the discovery of his and Ava’s indiscretions, Vanessa becomes depressed and turns to partying and alcohol as a distraction.

Recognizing that she’s spiraling out of control, she manages to turn her life around. Still, her mother poses as a problem, and like the social climber she is, she fixes Vanessa up with the very rich and affluent Stellen Webb.

Vanessa is nothing more than a pawn in her mother’s quest for wealth and recognition, and unknowingly Cynthia pushes Vanessa into the arms of another man; Diesel Knox, a tattooed country boy with an attitude.

Clean and sober Ava has spent the last eight months in Sicily running away from her problems, until her mother summons her back to Colorado…

Reluctantly Ava returns to a broken Vanessa, a bartending job, and an unexpected love interest. Maxwell Gallagher, a much older man, who has a six-year-old son.

Will Vanessa finally break free of her parents grip? Will Ava finally find the happiness she so desperately seeks? Or will she forever be in the hell of her own making?

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks
EXCERPT
Vanessa

“What are you doing?” I asked my voice coming out in a breathy whisper.
“Tasting you.” He groaned sucking me off his fingers. Oh. My.
“Is that supposed to turn me on?” My stare glued to his mouth.
“Aw, shit baby don't talk like that, or I’ll say forget this self-restraint bullshit and take you against this damn wall.”
“What if I want you too?” I gripped his belt buckle forcing him back against me.
“Fuck, Vanessa, don’t tell me that.” He groaned resting his forehead against mine.
“Why, Diesel? Don't you want me?” My audacity, I justified, was coming from the orgasm he just gave me.
“Of course I fuckin’ want you, I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you, but I’m not takin’ you against this wall. When I make you mine, it'll be on a bed while I slowly peel off your clothes. When I can cherish and devour this perfect body of yours because that’s what you deserve, Vanessa, and not a quick fuck against a wall, you deserve to be made love to.” My heart tugged even though getting fingered outside against the wall was very, uh, unromantic, having him say things like that made me trust him and want him even more.
“Okay.” I replied.
“Okay.” He agreed, “I want to dance with you.” He said taking my hand we began walking towards the inside of the house. Which made me wonder why he was here to begin with.
“Wait, why are you here?” I said pulling him back.
“I was invited.” He replied tightening the hold on my hand.
“By who?” Diesel slowed he turned to look at me.
“The girl I was playing beer pong with.” Oh. Oh! He came with another girl a girl he probably already slept with or was going to have sex with. Which made me feel cheap, and then I remembered I had a boyfriend, which made me even feel worse. What was I doing? This wasn't like me. I wasn't this girl. Pulling my hand out of his grasp I hugged myself before speaking.
“I have to find Mallory, I’m not feeling to well.” I said walking away from him.
“Vanessa, no wait. It's not what you're thinkin’. I just needed a distraction I need somethin’ to do than to think about you all day.” He said curling his hand around my arm to stop me.
“You mean someone to do.” I said yanking my arm free.
“You have a boyfriend, what am I supposed to do, Vanessa?” He loved to remind me.
“I know okay! I know I have a boyfriend.” I covered my face frustrated that I did. Ashamed that I just let Diesel do that to me, while there was still Stellen in the picture.
“I want to be with you, and it sure as hell seems you want to be with me. So, cut that chump loose so we can be together.”
“It's not that easy, Diesel. You don't understand.” I sighed my hands falling to my sides. Diesel looked at me in defeat, “fuck,” he sighed rubbing is face. “Give me a call when it gets easy.” Diesel walked away, and worse yet, I let him.
REVIEW:
I actually enjoyed this book in the series more than the Keep It Secret (and I really liked that story). For me, this book was better because while there was some sneaking around in this story, it wasn't as in your face as it was in KIS #1.

This is still a dual POV tale and takes place 8 months after KIS #1. Vanessa's parents are even more spectacularly craptastic, but at the very least they recognized that Van was spiraling out of control and felt that Ava would be the best to help get her back on track (although Ava's actions and secrets are the main reason why Van started rebelling).

I liked how much Ava matured from book one to this story, she owned up to what went down with her and Gabriel instead of trying to make excuses. It did take a bit for Ava and Van to discuss everything, but at least that wasn't the majority of the book, it actually happened pretty early on, allowing the story to move past all of the drama from book one.

Van's mother is still trying to prostitute Van in order to move ahead in the social circles, by introducing Van to Stellan Webb, a charming young man who seems like a good fit for Van, but alas, there is a secret about Mr. Webb that I picked up on, but was actually surprised to learn the full extent of his secret.

I liked Diesel's character, he knew what he wanted and knew he had to let Van come to that decision for herself. Of course Stellan's secret is pretty much what set her on the path to Diesel. I'm not sure about Maxwell, he was so hot and cold with Ava, not to mention his interesting set of baggage that he fails to reveal until after he and Ava got together.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to read the next book Keep It Sexy, which is supposed to be Christian's story.
RATING
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
 


Title:  Keep It Secret (KIS Series Book #1)
Author:  Olivia Snow
Genre:   Contemporary Romance
Release Day:  November 18, 2014

Synopsis:
Is blood truly thicker than water? 

After the unexpected death of her father, and her mother’s emotional abandonment, Ava Veneziano’s life is turned upside down. She turns to drugs, sex and alcohol as a way to cope with all the destruction in her life, inconsequence, she flunks a grade and loses touch with her favorite cousin Vanessa. 

Five years later, Ava and her mother are reunited with the family they’d lost touch with and they end up moving into their home. 

Enter Vanessa Saint John.

Vanessa is unawarely beautify, with an overbearing and controlling mother. She’s never given the opportunity to have a boyfriend or experience life like a normal seventeen year old girl. 

However, all that changes when her cousin Ava moves in, and she finally gets the attention of Gabriel Mason. 

The same boy who’s also caught the attention of her beloved cousin. 
  
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks

About the author:  

Olivia Snow lives in a lovely town in Colorado, with her wonderful husband and three beautiful but highly energetic children that she can barely keep up with. Her day is devoted to chasing after her three monsters, cleaning, cooking and often times tearing out her hair.

She loves drinking coffee eating chocolate and cheesecake. In her free time, you can catch her reading a steamy book, watching juicy drama filled reality TV or just cuddling with her yummy hubby.

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