Before We Fall (Beautifully Broken #3)

Courtney Cole

Sometimes, one dark moment is all it takes to turn your world black...

For 24-year old Dominic Kinkaide, that moment took place on the night of his high school graduation. One dark incident changed him forever. He's a hardened actor now, famous in the eyes of the world, but tortured in his own. He doesn't care about much of anything, except for losing himself in the roles that he plays.

23-year old Jacey Vincent doesn't realize how much her father's indifference has affected her. She is proof that sometimes it isn't one specific moment that wrecks a person, but rather it's an absence of moments. She's like a bird with a broken wing-strong yet fragile, as she tries to float through life, finding acceptance in the arms of random guys, one after the other... to fill the void that her father left in her.

Until she meets Dominic.

After jaded Dominic and strong-willed Jacey are thrown together, his secret and her issues create a dark and damaged energy that will soon turn their attraction to each other into an explosive storm.

Even though when the clouds have cleared and the dust has settled, both of them are almost obliterated... they've learned a priceless lesson.

Sometimes, before we fall... we fly.

My thoughts

I have loved everything about this series BUUTTTT this one was my favorite!! The bad boys that THINK they can't be saved, oh how I want to be the one to save them as well.  I read the 2.5 introducing Dominic.  I knew to save it before this 3rd book was even released.  I am an instance satisfaction kinda gal!! Dominic's story was so heartbreaking all that time passing, and he couldn't move on, talk about, forgive, basically anything.  In the south we would say "BLESS HIS HEART".  The fact throughout the whole book it stresses he hasn't slept with anyone since Emma, I was like OMG because he was doing anything and everything plus some to the girls he came into contact with.  We got introduced to Jacey in the last installment, so we knew she was good down to her bones.  So for someone that pure to come into his life, we knew what was going to happen!!! I hate that it took SOOOO long for him to admit to everything his feelings for Jacey and dealing with the past.  Regardless of dealing with them, but as a reader we had no idea what she did, but we knew she was dead.  When the end did approach and I did NOT see those twists and turns coming. Just the perfect book that gives me reason keep reading and reading!!

I love Courtney Cole she is just brilliant!!

Losing Hope (Hopeless #2) Colleen Hoover

In Hopeless, Sky left no secret unearthed, no feeling unshared, and no memory forgotten, but Holder’s past remained a mystery.

Still haunted by the little girl he let walk away, Holder has spent his entire life searching for her in an attempt to finally rid himself of the crushing guilt he has felt for years. But he could not have anticipated that the moment they reconnect, even greater remorse would overwhelm him…
Sometimes in life, if we wish to move forward, we must first dig deep into our past and make amends. In Losing Hope, bestselling author Colleen Hoover reveals what was going on inside Holder’s head during all those hopeless moments—and whether he can gain the peace he desperately needs.

My thoughts

First, I have never read a book so slowly even though I can't get enough of it, because I know once it is over there will be no more story for Dean and Hope/Sky.  And I just can't seem to bare this story being over for good :(

This is the other point of view from the first book Hopeless. I don't tend to like the other views of the books for some reason.  BUT let me just say how much of an AMAZEBALLS job Colleen did with this book! The flip side of this one being from Dean's POV was just so awesome and answered SOOO many questions. The way she was able to let us into Dean's world and allow us to see how he was feeling on finding Hope again just drew me in that much more.  I also loved the way the more meat of the book was toward the front, since it had to deal with Les, and losing her, and also the way Dean's world was crumbling before he met Sky.  And once it the end approached it wasn't fluffed in my opinion of all of Sky's dealings.  Holder dealt with the realization of what happened to the girls and what Karen did, on such a different level than Sky did and for that I am grateful.  Because Colleen wrote it this way you literally felt like you were getting a "real" second book to this series!!

One of my favorite parts is Holder asking her to call him Dean!! Absolutely the best line of the book!
I will and have read everything and anything Colleen Hoover writes!!

OMG Thursday

Broken (Broken #1)

Kelly Elliott
 
Layton Morris and his brother Mike grew up not knowing what it would be like to live in a normal home. With no running water or electricity in their home, no parents around to protect them, they quickly learned how to survive and depend only on each other.

When a tragic accident takes Mike away from Layton, and the only other person that he ever let into his heart walked away from him, leaving his heart shattered, Layton focuses all of his time and energy into the ranch he and his brother dreamed of. He makes a vow to himself to never let love in again. The last thing Layton needed or wanted was more heartache.

Whitley Reynolds grew up in a privileged home in upstate New York. When she landed the star football player in high school no one was surprised, not even Whitley. She dreamed of a life with Roger living in New York City and happily followed him there.

The first time Roger hit her for arguing with him about a dinner party, she forgave him. The more it happened, the further Whitley withdrew from her friends and family. One fateful day things go to far. Whitley makes a promise to herself and finds the courage to do the one thing she thought she’d never be able to do.

Fleeing with her best friend Courtney, Whitley was determined to put her past behind her and start a new life in the small town of Llano, Texas, where no one would ever find out about her past.
Will they both ever learn to trust and love again, or will their pasts come back to haunt them, keeping them both alone and…

Broken.

My thoughts

I freaking loved everything about this book!! Well maybe not the beatings and the domestic violence, but hey it makes the story.  I am so glad Whitley didn't stay with the abuser that long in the book. And the real story in Texas started pretty quickly.  I am not a fan of beating around the bush in a book. Layton was a strong cowboy type that of course this Texas girl can always find a place for in my heart.  The instant connection between Layton and Whitley was instant.  The love was so strong and made my heart melt.  I think everyone wants to believe in that fairy tale love.  In reality we know love isn't all rainbows and butterflies.  The books give us that ability to believe again.  As the book begins and proceeds we all know that Roger isn't going away.  And we all knew when "Pete" showed up shit was about to go down.  I couldn't be more happy with the ending.  I also love the side story between Courtney and Reed, I see things starting to happen between the two. It took the entire book of course, but it is the perfect opening for a second book! This makes me very excited.

Scorched

Melody Anne-- The Surrender series has kept readers engaged since the first book hit the shelves. In this final installment to the series, you will finish the journey that Rafe and Ari started, as well as read the stories of Shane and Lia, and Rachel and Ian.

Love and desire run rampant throughout this series, but romance is about more than that. It’s about the small battles that lead to the greatest victories.

Is Ari and Rafe’s love powerful enough to withstand challenges beyond their control? Will Lia and Shane learn to compromise instead of careening between extremes of passion and loathing? Can Rachel give up her dream of living an ordinary life and learn to love King Adriane?

Read the conclusions of these three strong women’s stories, and learn what choices they make. Is love enough to conquer when the odds are stacked against them?

My Thoughts-

I absolutely loved this book. The story between Rafe and Ari was kind of minor due to the main story being centered on Rachel and Ian or whatever his name is.  I loved the friendship between the girls, it was unwavering. Lia and Shane pissed me off more than anything. I am not a fan of the back and forth crap of a relationship. Love isn't that hard.  Bottom line if you love someone, you do regardless and the bullshit they come with is part of it as well.  This isn't high school.  I knew in my heart the King would come to love her, it was in the cards.  If Rafe can love someone, then the King can too.  The twist in the end of the brother coming back to get her, was such a total surprise to me.  I couldn't wrap my head around a sibling wanting to hurt another in that way. I was satisfied in how the series ended with everyone getting their bad boys, and babies!

Treasure Your Love

J.C. Reed - Meeting Jett was like a drug. Dangerous. Addictive. And better forbidden. In his game, there’s a high price to be paid. But how much is too much?



Brooke Stewart, a realtor in New York, was never in love until she met the green eyed, sexy as sin, six foot two sex god, Jett. The man to whom she surrendered. The man who hurt her once only to conquer her heart again.



Sexy, handsome, and arrogant Jett Mayfield knows he has found his match. Brooke is like no other woman he’s ever met and he has every intention of keeping her in his bed.

Their future seems full of promise...until the past is catching up with them and dark secrets threaten to destroy their lives. Soon they realize that to love means to lose, and some choices are harder than others.

When everything comes crashing down, can mistakes be amended…or will he lose her forever?

A woman who surrendered to love.


A man who would do anything to protect her.


Two lives that are about to be tested…and the last secrets laid bare.
My thoughts-

First things first I was so excited for this 3rd installment, so when it finally came available, I jumped to purchase this book.  The book was absolutely a disappointment in my opinion.  It was slow and not necessary to be dragged out as it was.  There was a lack of sex in this as well, which is very disappointing in my book, compared to the last two books.  Sorry to have to write a bad review, but just wasn't up to par.

Reviewing Thursday

Jagged  (Colorado Mountain #5) by Kristen Ashley
An old flame rekindled . . .
Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn't interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara's lost her business, her marriage, and she's barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara's plight, he's on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.
Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham's faced his own demons, and he's learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he's meant to live. So when he hears that Zara's having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he's a changed man.

My thoughts-

Let me just start with Kristen Ashley is probably my most favorite authors EVER.  Her ability to put an alpha male character to where a person will fall in love with him versus hating his guts, is freaking amazeballs!! Let’s start with Graham Reece aka Ham.  We didn't need to shorten his name, it irritated me every time I read it, and obviously it was A LOT.  Anywho, the way Ham is always there for her and visa versa just makes me melt.  The alpha male telling her to do this and do that is kinda of sexist. But I mean come on who cares.  Right!  He is hot and we all know he loves her.  After we find out how he has been scorned, it is wonder he even looks at another woman. Zara is the obvious heroine that has baggage and loves a broken man. When she discovers all the secrets her parents have kept hidden from her it is Reece that is there for her as always.  And has the Aunt caring for her nephew is seen in a different light by Zara makes me smile.  I do believe the book ended on a great note! Anytime a man has said he wants babies with someone and the epilogue concludes with a pregnancy, makes me heart happy!

Definitely check out all of Kristen Ashley's books and I do mean ALL of THEM.

 

Burn (Breathless #3) Banks,Maya

Ash, Jace, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Ash, it’s the woman who changes everything he’s ever known about dominance and desire...
When it comes to sex, Ash McIntyre has always explored his wilder side—extreme and uncompromising. He demands control. And he prefers women who want it like that. Even the women he’s shared with his best friend, Jace.
But Jace is involved with a woman he has no intention of sharing. And now even Gabe has settled into a relationship with a woman who gives him everything he needs, leaving Ash feeling restless and unfulfilled.
Then Ash meets Josie, who seems immune to his charms and his wealth. Intrigued, he begins a relentless pursuit, determined she won’t be the one who got away. He never imagined the one woman to tell him no would be the only woman who’d ever drive him to the edge of desire.

My thoughts-
This is the 3rd and final installment of the Breathless trilogy from Maya Banks.  First let me say this saddens me.  I loved all the men, and the ladies gave the books a comical aspect due to their girl’s nights out! This book is sort of like the 2nd in the aspect Ash falls for Josie at first sight.  I love this kind of story; because the feelings don't change for the characters, just grow stronger.  Ash and his love for Josie is strong and he obviously proves that he will go to any links to make sure no one hurts her or his "family".  When his sister comes back into his life, I think that meant a lot to him, having a family member on the "outside" with him.  I personally think it is pretty shitty how his parents treat the kids in his family.   The grandfather holds the all the cards to that family.  And Ash and Brittney could give two rats asses!  Momma and daddy are douches and on the outside now what what bitches! I honestly didn't see the twist coming.  When the past character came out of nowhere surprised the hell out of me.  In the end when the trilogy ended I was greatly satisfied.  Lesson to be learned don’t mess with Gabe, Jace, and Ash.  I borrowed these books from the library, but they are all on my to buy list immediately!

Wild Cards (Wild Cards #1)

Wild Cards  (Wild Cards #1) by Simone Elkeles

After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek’s counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else’s family drama.

Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain--people you care about leave without a backward glance. A football scholarship would finally give her the chance to leave. So she pours everything into winning a state championship, until her boyfriend and star quarterback betrays them all by joining their rival team. Ashtyn needs a new game plan, but it requires trusting Derek—someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and win it all?

My Review--

I listened to this book from the library audio system.  It was pretty good book.  It was a lot of high school BS.  This pretty much annoyed the SHIT out of me.  I felt sorry for both Ashtyn and Derek for the fact that their Mother's weren't around.  Once Derek's grandmother came into the picture, the book got quite comical.  She made the book that much better.  In the end, after he came clean about everything in his past and finally had a GOAL, it was awesome.  I love how and all the things he did for Ashtyn.  For her not having anyone in her life she can count on, Derek definitely proved himself!!

Typical Tuesday Review

Slow Ride (Fast Track, #5)
McCarthy Erin Synopsis- As a tribute to her late journalist father, Tuesday Jones is planning a career benefit, auctioning off racing memorabilia and meet-and-greets with drivers. Ex-racing star Diesel Lange has had his own brush with death, and is determined not to waste another minute of his life- especially when he meets Tuesday. He wants nothing more than to shift their romance into high gear, but he knows she's still grieving. Can Diesel do the one thing he could never do on the track and take it slow?
My Review-
This book stole my heart Daniel "Diesel" Lange was just absolutely a sweetheart! The way he treated her made my heart so happy.  He set out to please her from the start regardless of what she was into at the moment.  She got herself in a few situations, but he just let her be herself.  This reminded me of how my husband and I's situation is.  He lets me just be myself and just makes sure I don't get arrested LOL!  Him wanting to be called Daniel because he missed it from his mom is totally relatable.  And the fact that he was able to ask for made him my absolute favorite driver so far of the series. 

Fever (Breathless #2)
Banks,Maya Synopsos- Jace, Ash, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Jace, it’s a woman whose allure takes him completely by surprise...
Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women.
When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control.
Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend.
My review-
I am absolutely in love with this series. I was fortunate to borrow this book from the local library.  But it will definitely on my; to be purchased list!  Jace Crestwell being the total bad boy we all knew would just NEVER commit, takes one look at Bethany Willis and must have her as his!  I love how the author has the characters so relatable in the aspect, most authors drag the connections and the big get together out for a whole book. Not Maya she is right off the bat and bam in your face.  Jace and Bethany are basically in separable after Jace searches for her for 2 weeks! Jack was the typical dead weight asshole that every book needs. I really didn't see the Jack piece ending like it did, but I was more than happy with the ending! The relationship between Jace and Ash was repairable, and I am so looking forward to Ash's story next.  I need background and details on his family STAT.

Let's do this week!

  This past weekend was jam packed with activities and fun for everyone!  The kids had their Halloween parade at school! So fun and was so exhausting trying to get three donkeys to bed after all that sugar. 

 

Saturday was the last of the soccer games for this fall season.  Thank goodness too, it was freezing Saturday morning.  Campfires and bunnies were on the agenda for Saturday night and of course mommy juice :)

Sunday was really laid back and just a hang out family day.  Put the girls bunk beds actually together on top of one another, so this has sprung a I want to sleep with sister act again.  We will see how long it last.

As of Monday, I am back on my health/working out kick.  Trying so hard to be good, those 13 pounds I had lost are back and doesn't make this momma happy.  I was even dedicated enough while the girls had dance last night, not to snack.  And while Madison had her classes, Greyson and I went walking up and down the sidewalks. I got 2 miles in I was super impressed!


Today will be a 3 miler, so I can feel good about that Chick fil a for dinner! Madison's soccer party would have to be at the best place ever to eat fast food. Here's to a productive and great rest of the week to everyone!


  Texas Rough  (Texas Soul) #1 by York, Sara
This book was hot hot and hot! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes things out of the ordinary, because WOW.  Lane and Gresh were so cute together.  Pretty sure a man or men want to be referred to as cute, but oh well.  I figured the issues Lane had to deal with would not be answered, but so glad they were at the end.  And bless his heart (that's what we say in the south) his daddy needed to have his ASS horse-whipped.  I like the fast-pacedness (is that a word ha) of this book.  The aspect the guys fall in love that quickly is kinda of not believable, because as a woman we know if real life boys don't fall that quickly.  Well maybe in the case of my husband but that is story another time.  I did like how they through Riley into the mix, but didn't like the aspects of cheating that could have been done. I was super happy how that relationship turned out. One of the best parts to me was how all his ranch hands already knew he was gay.  Was just perfect!!

The Chase (Fast Track #4) by McCarthy, Erin
I had to turn this book into my bathtub, because I listened to the first 3 from the library.  And the others are not available for audio. I was so disappointed in my library because of this option wasn't available. But oh well not going to dwell on the things I can't change. This book restored my faith in the series from the last one.  I really like the dynamic between the two characters.  The long lost lovers that didn't communicate.  What are the odds of this storyline again?  I loved how they came together so quickly, didn't want to wait the whole book for them to finally get together again.  And the SEX was amaze balls in this book.  

Baby, Drive South (Southern Roads, #1) by Bond, Stephanie
I needed something to listen to rather than music at work.  I picked this book, because it was romance and hopefully had some steam.  Boy did it fall FLAT :(  It was slow and the two main characters instead of just talking out things just avoided them, therefore, dragging the story out.  Nikki was the absolute worst, down on your luck and just plain depressing. I get that you were cheated on and dumped. Well how about you put your BIG GIRL PANTIES on and get the HELL over it, like the rest of the world.  It obviously had a HEA but after the whole thing, I was like who the fuck cares anymore.  I sure don't.  I would have let her just continue on back to wherever the hell she came from instead of making that last gesture of blah blah blah.

Texas Hard (Texas Soul #2) York, Sara
This book is just about done, but it is safe to say I am able to give it a well enough review.  I am glad Riley got his own storyline.  I once again found the love unrealistic, to happen so quickly. I get the lust and wanting someone but really I love you after only a short time. WOW The male on male action just makes me wish I was there to watch! Yummy, I am ready for the next on the list.

It's Hump Day-What What!!!

It is that time of the year here in the South!! The state fair is here!!  Bring out the crazy people watching and the ridiculous fried foods this afternoon!



posing for daddy

          Last night was the first night since this weekend getting a full night sleep, hubby finally came home from his work trip.  Just in time to take care of his children this afternoon while mommy has her time.  So thankful for a husband that is an equal partner in this crazy thing we call life.  I don't ever want it to be said that he is not appreciated in every way possible.  But this mommy is grateful for him to be back and take his crazy town posse to school (which he does usually).  That process is not conducive for a sleepless mommy without coffee in her system.  And if I hear the request for Brass Monkey one more time I am going to scream.  GRRRRRRR

As far as books and reading goes, I am still continuing with Seduced by Melody Anne.  I was way too excited for the husband to be home so I could finally sleep and see him (I guess) last night to even think of turning my kindle on. 

The new audiobook is Hot Finish (Fast Track #3) by Erin McCarthy- this book has been good so far.  The bow chicka wow wow scenes have been great.  I haven't enjoyed much of the book otherwise yet.  I am looking forward to getting to the main reasons of the characters split.  It sounds to me though the couple just needs to communicate damn it.  Hello just talk to one another. 

The bathtub book Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks wasn't touched yesterday either. After working all day on no sleep, kids, soccer, and everything else I just relaxed in the bath with my mommy juice until the water was so cold I forced myself to get out. HAHAHA!!!!

Tuesday Updates

Finished book Submit (Surrender #2) by Melody Anne this past weekend. This book ended how I figured it would.  Ari poured her heart out to Rafe, and of course Rafe was STILL confused. He jumped on a jet and left the country, instead of just admitting he loved her as well.  Ari has kept her self-respect to an extent as she is able to walk away with her dignity, instead of continuing their relationship his mistress. Next!

Audiobook--Hard and Fast (Fast Track #2) by Erin McCarthy---This is the 2nd installment of the Fast Track series by Erin.  She is a newly discovered author, and hasn't been disappointing.  Ty and Imogen's story was one of my favorites.  Ty's issue broke my heart, yet I knew it would either break or make the couple.  This is a typical bad boy falling in love with the good girl (classic).  But always one of my favorite kind of stories. 

Currently Reading the third installment Seduced (Surrender #3) by Melody Anne
This book has been a very quick read for myself.  In my opinion it has three storylines instead of just Ari and Rafe.  The story between Shane/Lia and Rachel/Ian/Adrian has me looking forward to their stories rather than Ari and Rafe at this point.  Shane and Lia finally after all he has done to win Lia back, still has a dark past I am unaware of still, but oh so curious. Rachel and Ian story started out great.  I loved the two just wanting to have a week long fling. Then Rachel gets the news, and all hell breaks loose. I am really hoping the dynamic between those two changes.  I don't want Ian to be the complete ASS he is becoming. With less than 25% left, I hope to have a little more clarity before this book ends.  Since the 4th book has yet to be released, I will have to wait until next month. 
 
Currently listening to Crash by Nicole Williams (Crash #1)
This book has been a very quick listen, while making my work day pass these 2 past days.  It started off as a usual young adult book.  The little bits of sex and heated moments it kept it interesting.  But with the main characters still in high school, I can't classify this book too sex worthy.  The bad boy meets good girl is a classic.  I can't get enough of them.  This books twists and turns have left me with my mouth open going OMG several times.  They had relationship and then broke up typical high school relationships.  Until so many answers are answered at the end.  Drama between Holly, the baby, and Sawyer being a rapist kept me on edge.  I called it when Jude was so adamant Luce stay away from Sawyer.  That once we found out about Holly, it wouldn't be long before Sawyer was going try the same thing on Luce. And of course Jude saves the day! The biggest twist is the connection between Lucy's brother and Jude just makes me sad.  But as there are two other books, and the two are drawn to each other like coffee to a mother of 3 is at 6am. Haha!! 

I always have a bathtub read as well, which is an actual paperback or hardback book.  The results if I dropping it into the water is a lot less detrimental than dropping my kindle or phone into the water!!

My current bathtub book is Safe Have by Nicholas Sparks
I am a big believer books are WAY better than the movies.  I was not about to pay for this book, so I watched the movie.  Well if I didn't get sucked in, and want to read the book now.  So I hit up the local used book store in my area to look for a copy. As of last night I am done with the first two chapters.  It actually starts out really different from the movie.  Whereas, it shows Katie running to Southport, the book starts with her already there and on the run.  She immediately meets Jo, which doesn't happen till much later in the movie.  So far no opinion which is better YET!

Thanks for stopping by!! AZ

 

Currently Reading Submit (Surrender #2) by Melody Anne

 This being the second book in the series, I am obviously hooked!  The bad boys that claim "to never love again" make me laugh!! Of course you are going to love again!! There is always that one person for everyone (I believe)! So far Ari, is kind of pissing me off though, just submit to the hot guy already! We all know you have self-respect.  I am curious to see what will happen between Lia and Shane.  Check back with me to find out more!