BOOK REVIEW: TAKE by Nashoda Rose + Giveaway

Title: TAKE (Scars of Wraiths, #1)
Author: Nashoda Rose
ASIN: B00TWL8NQG
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 208 pages
Binding: E-book, Paperback
Published: 21 February 2015
Buy: Amazon, B&N, KOBO

Synopsis:

MAX

Feelings are a luxury I can’t afford. Hidden behind a shield of quiet placidity, I keep my secret safe from those who’d use it against me. Until him—the tatted up, self-centered Scar assassin hired to protect me.

He takes pleasure in tormenting me, chipping away at my defenses as if I’m a toy to be played with. I hate that he continuously reminds me that I’m nothing more than a job. I hate that my body responds to his touch. I hate him.

JASPER

I’m not a good guy and I don’t pretend to be. Condemn me if you want, I don’t give a fuck. You’re nothing to me. No one is … except her—Max. She’s my target. And I was hired to do a hell of a lot more than protect her … I was hired to kill her.

It should’ve been simple, but it was complicated as hell.

Full-length novel. Come meet the Scars.

My Rating:

My Review: I have read just about every book by Nashoda Rose so I was pleasantly surprised when I got offered a chance to read and review her newest novel TAKE. The reason for my surprise? Because TAKE is a paranormal romance and Rose--up to this point--has written only contemporary erotic romance. Paranormal romance used to be one of my top go-to genres. However, it didn't take me long to get tired of stories that lacked any kind of originality. Don't get me wrong, sometimes reading a book with a similar formula can be great when you just want to shut your brain off and enjoy a few hours of mindless entertainment. But when stories from completely different authors start blurring together, that's when you know a break is in order. And this is why I typically buy only from my constants in the paranormal romance genre, like J.R. Ward and Lara Adrian.

However, Nashoda Rose hasn't failed me yet and I'm not going to lie, there is really nothing in the synopsis that gives away this story is a paranormal romance. So I was curious-- what were the paranormal elements that made up this story?

What we have are Scars, immortal warriors that live in the human world but have heightened senses. For example, our hero, Jasper, is known as a Sounder, the ability to hear noises, voices, etc. from miles away. There are also Trackers, Healers, Tasters, Visionaries and the rare Reflectors. Each of these warriors has a tattoo, or what they call an "Ink" that can be called to life.

I absolutely loved the concept of the Scar warriors, especially their "Ink" that they can summon off of their bodies to manifest into...creatures? Monsters? We only get two examples of "Inks" in the book. Jasper's "Ink" is named Groar, a boar-like monster with silver skin covered in tattoos. Totally bad ass. While immortal warriors with heightened senses and tattoos that come to life are not completely original ideas, Nashoda Rose took the concept and made it her own.

Jasper was the ultimate bad boy alpha male. But he is more then just a Scar Sounder. He is a highly respected hired assassin who crosses paths with our heroine Max in the beginning of the story and then meets up with her again 6 months later when her life is threatened. Jasper is crass, a major smart ass, and hides his emotions behind a thick wall to protect himself from growing attachments to anyone because of a tragedy that happened years ago. This is also why he doesn't belong to a Talde, or a group/band of Scar warriors. A complete loner and he likes it that way, well, until Max starts messing with his head and emotions.

Max was an intriguing character and perhaps is one of the only heroines that I can remember in a romance where I walked away liking her more than the hero! Not that I had any issues towards Jasper-- that man was HOT with a capital H and his tragic past was heartbreaking. But Max's back story is horrific and it takes an extremely strong person to endure what she has. Max is a Scar Healer, only she has a unique ability that no other healer can do-- and that is the ability to heal a Scar's "Ink" once it has been destroyed. Max has endured years of imprisonment, torture, rape by the twistedly evil Drake. Once a Scar Tracker, he is even more powerful now that he is a vampire. At first, Drake enslaves Max and keeps her close so that she can constantly heal is failing lungs which started to occur once his "Ink" had died. At this point, he does not know Max's other ability-- and she will take it to her grave before she lets him find out. After years of imprisonment, she is rescued by Xamien, the leader of his own Talde of Scar warriors. He gives her safety, a place to call home. And while she is forever grateful and has a soft spot for this fierce warrior, she can't completely trust him and remains tight lipped about her time with Drake.

And then Jasper enters her life and all the walls she spent years erecting to keep herself safe start to crumble. He constantly baits her, saying outrageously sexual things that stirs a fire in her blood that she thought long dead. Her body riddled with scars from her time with Drake, Max wants to hide them, but Jasper isn't having any of it. He finds her beautiful, scars and all (even though the thought of someone putting them on her makes him want to hunt down the evil bastard responsible). Jasper and Max have off the charts chemistry and couldn't be more perfectly matched. When Jasper's true motives for taking her on as a "job" are revealed towards the end of the book, I felt a twinge in my heart for both characters-- how would Max ever be able to trust Jasper again and get over feeling betrayed? It took almost losing her for Jasper to realize how important she has become in his world-- how will he ever gain her trust? Well, you'll just have to read to find out!

It is really no surprise how much I also enjoyed the introduction to the secondary characters, especially Jasper's brother Holden (a Scar Tracker) and their friend Guise (a Visionary, ability to see very far). If you've read any of Nashoda Rose's previous novels, then you already know she has an amazing ability to create some of the hottest male secondary characters that will leave you panting for more. I know that TAKE was a bit of an experimental book in that reader reaction will play a huge role on whether Nashoda decides to expand on this series. And I am praying to the gods that she does because Holden, Guise, even Xamien need their own books. It totally has to happen!

So what held me back from giving TAKE a perfect 5 star rating? While I absolutely loved the concept of the Scars, the story lacked world building and mythology. At the very beginning of the book, the author gives us a glossary of terms which I found interesting. I thought wow, okay, Nashoda is trying to prepare us for this unique new world. Well...many of the terms in the glossary weren't even mentioned in the story. For a first novel in a series, there definitely lacks a bit of foundation. We really have no mythology, meaning we don't know where or how Scars came into existence. Oh, and how/where do vampires fit into all of this? I also feel like there was a ton of repetition throughout the story, a lot of Jasper and Max repeating themselves, their thoughts over and over which could have been extra pages spent giving us background.

Despite this, TAKE is a refreshing paranormal romance that will make a great new addition in the overly saturated genre. If you like dirty talking alpha males and strong heroines that aren't easily intimidated, then this is a must read.

best wishes,mia

EXCERPT 

How long since you fucked a guy?”

“What?” Her arms moved as if she was about to cross them over her breasts and then decided against it and put them back at her sides. “What does that have to do with anything?” 

“Because when I fuck you, it will be hard. I need to know if you can take it.” I’d expected her to grab her shirt and put it back on. That was what I had intended. To scare her. Instead, she stared at me as she undid her bra and let it fall to the floor. 

Fuck. 

I was a guy. A guy that didn’t give a shit if a woman hated me in the morning, but they never did. I may be a selfish bastard but I never left a woman unsatisfied. And it was more a self-serving reason as I could always get seconds when I wanted. But this was different. Everything about it was different. Max was different. 

And that should’ve scared me enough to walk away. 

But Max … staring at her milky white naked skin … her handful of breasts with nipples erect and waiting for my mouth to be sucking on them. I should’ve walked back into the bathroom, shut the door and jerked myself off in the shower. 

I didn’t.

about the author

Nashoda Rose lives in Toronto with her assortment of pets. She writes contemporary romance with a splash of darkness, or maybe it’s a tidal wave. Her novella "With You" is the first in the Tear Asunder series, followed by the novel "Torn from You" and "Overwhelmed by You". When she isn’t writing, she can be found sitting in a field reading with her dog at her side while her horses graze nearby. She loves interacting with her readers on Facebook and chatting about her addiction—books.

Connect With Nashoda

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

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*BOOK REVIEW* Overwhelmed By You (Tear Asunder, #2) by: Nashoda Rose + Giveaway

Title: Overwhelmed By You (Tear Asunder, #2)
Author: Nashoda Rose
ASIN: B00KKVN5BK
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Theme(s): Rockstar, child abuse, sexual abuse, MS
Length: 321 pgs
Binding: E-book, Paperback
Published: 25 May 2014
Buy: Amazon, B&N, Goodreads

Synopsis:

Love is ugly and secrets will destroy you.

KAT

I don’t beg. I don’t cry. And I don’t give second chances.

Ream, the lead guitarist of the rock band Tear Asunder, deserves a gold medal for best dick move ever when he ran the moment he discovered my secret after two days of hot sex. Then he brings some chick to my coming home party from the hospital—after being shot. I hate him.

Until …

Ream’s six foot two frame unfolds out of the car after being gone on tour for eight months. I stared. And in my defense, any girl would stare. It would almost be rude not to because Ream was the type of guy who stood out. Not because he was loud and obnoxious. No, it was because he was the complete opposite. Subtle and dangerously quiet. If he spoke, you’d better hope he liked you because otherwise you’d be falling at his feet begging for mercy. Except me … I don’t beg—ever. But when our eyes locked, it was Ream’s steady confidence that had my nerves shooting off like jet sprinklers.

Then…

Ream told me he didn’t need a second chance because he was still working on his first.

REAM

Sex is ugly. It’s using someone for your own narcissistic pleasure. I did it and I hated it—until her. She was unfuckinexpected. Then I had to wreck our beginning with my screwed up past. I don’t deserve her, but I’m selfish and I’m taking her anyway. This is who I am and it’s too late to change me.

My Rating:

When a book proclaims to be dark and filled with angst, I sometimes become a little skeptical. Maybe that's because every author out there seems to be using that label now. The good news is, Overwhelmed By You truly is a dark and angsty novel. It was quite an intense read and the first book I've read by Nashoda Rose. Although Overwhelmed by You, book 2 in the Tear Asunder series is technically a standalone, I found the beginning of the story very confusing. It felt like the author just throws you in and you are expected to understand who these characters are and their troubled history together. Obviously the story does smooth out and things start to make sense, but I found myself wishing that I had read Torn From You first for an easier transition.

After two days of explosive sex, Ream is ready to explore things further with Kat. Sex has always been meaningless and completely on his terms because of his horrific past. But Kat makes him feel things, allows her to do things in the bedroom that he would never allow with another woman. But that all comes to a crashing halt when he sees a needle come flying out of Kat's bag and instantly flies into a rage thinking she is an addict. And Ream doesn't do addicts. Kat is hurt and pissed off that Ream won't give her the chance to explain, that not all is what it seems. Once he does find out what the needles are for, Kat is beyond forgiveness and Ream has no choice but to put their tumultuous relationship on hold as he goes on tour with his band Tear Asunder.  Eight months later, he returns and while Kat has spent the time apart building up her defenses and preparing for verbal sparring, Ream completely does the unexpected. He confesses that there is definitely something between them and he refuses to ignore their magnetic pull. Kat is in for a rude awakening because once Ream puts his mind to something, there is no going back..

Without giving away a major spoiler, one of the things I really liked is how the author didn't shy away from giving one of her main characters-- in this case Kat-- a serious illness/disease. Many authors will try to build suspense by giving a character an illness or ailment but when it is finally revealed, you're left feeling disappointed. Oh, the character has an ingrown toe nail? That's it? Haha, okay maybe it is not that lame, but you get my point. In Overwhelmed By You, Kat's illness is serious and because of this element, it makes her more realistic and human, more relatable as a character.

Since I am on the topic of Kat, I really love her strength-- and her connection with horses. She's stubborn but not naive-- she actually reminds me a little of myself. I may not have a disease but I've had many medical conditions, surgeries at a young age. Kat never cries, she can't afford to break down and she is always used to being the strong one. That's exactly how I used to be. I never wanted anyone to treat me differently, just like Kat. Another interesting aspect about her character is when her face gets cut and plastic surgery never crosses her mind. After being attacked, she is rushed to the hospital and has several ugly cuts on her face. I thought to myself, well she can always go get plastic surgery. Why is she stressing over it? But strangely enough, it never pops up in the story. Kat carries the scars proudly, a survivor, to match the ones on Ream's back. I thought that sent a very powerful message.

Ream--where do I start? I'm not going to lie. At first I did think he was a d*ckhead, but as the story unfolded and the puzzle pieces started clicking into place, I realized Ream has many, many layers, that the wall he has built around himself as a form of protection is damn near impenetrable. This man has major baggage, skeletons in his closet that even I was scared to know about. Recently, I read a book with a similar hero (Rex from Fighting to Forget by JB Salsbury) and prayed Nashoda was going to be able to give a different twist to this type of character-- apparently I had nothing to worry about. Ream was quite swoon worthy even though you wanted to throat punch him a few times because of his attitude. When you find out that he spent every moment he could while he was on tour to learn about Kat's illness, visiting doctors from city to city-- that his disappearance acts after shows was not him running off to sleep with random girls--totally made my heart melt. Ream is very dominant and possessive, but it totally makes sense once you learn why. I also enjoyed how he tried to break down Kat's walls. He knows she is strong and independent, but he also knows what kind of burden it can be to try to carry it all on your own. He wants to prove to her that she isn't alone, that if she wants to cry, yell, scream, even feel sorry for herself, that it is okay and natural. However, I understood Kat's frustration-- how is it fair that Ream expects her to open up when he won't?

If you haven't guessed it already, the chemistry between Ream and Kat  is explosive. Literally. They are both stubborn people. Kat isn't afraid or intimidated by Ream's dominant behavior and I love when she puts him in his place. There is no denial between them-- they have no doubt that they will argue and disagree frequently, but look forward to making up. They are a completely believable, realistic couple because they knew they have issues and that they are going to have to work on their relationship. Oh, and did I forget to mention the sex between them is out of this world hot?

I think what makes Overwhelmed By You stand out even more is Nashoda Rose's ability to create interesting secondary characters. They play a HUGE role in this book, which tells me they will do so in the next. Ream's bandmates are more like a family to him. Logan is almost like the patriarch--dominant, alpha, what he says is law--getting glimpses of Logan throughout Overwhelmed By You defnitely made me want to stop so I could go read Torn From You which is his and Emily's story. Then there is Ream's best friend Crisis who is the comedian/manwhore of the bunch. But I absolutely love him because of his loyalty. Okay, and because he is funny as hell! Kite is quite interesting as well, a little mysterious--I definitely can't wait to see who he gets paired up with. Then you have Deck. Oh my. My absolute favorite hands down. His book is next which I believe is a spinoff and let me tell you...Georgie is supposed to be his heroine. She is bubbly and sweet-- Deck is so serious, the ultimate alpha male. I can only imagine how hot their story is going to be. If you want a little taste of Deck, check out the excerpt I posted below.

Here is what I had problems with. Other than mentioning that Ream is over 6 feet tall, has some tattoos, and pink hair, there is no real description of what he actually looks like. Does he have long pink hair, short pink hair? What kind of tattoos? Authors need to remember that the characters are in their head. Their job is to create a vision for us.

I have a couple of pet peeves, one is consistency. Kat gets beat up really badly, kicked in the ribs, choked, face cut up. She is in the hospital, in and out of consciousness for a couple of days. Ream gets this idea to take her away so they have time to deal with their problems. But what drives me crazy is she was beat up so badly, yet there is no mention of her bruises or soreness (other then her face). It's one thing if they waited a couple of weeks to go on this little trip, but they go straight from the hospital. I guess what I am trying to say is, authors need to be more aware of timing and do the proper medical research. The scene where Kat is attacked was brutal to read, so for me, it made no sense that she was able to walk around, go swimming, etc. if she was hurt that bad.

Another pet peeve of mine is when an author makes a character vomit and they forget to have them brush their teeth. Then the next thing you know they are kissing another character and it kills me, because all I keep thinking about is ewww, she just threw up!!! Don't kiss her! I know this may be a strange thing to complain about but I have read so many romances where the heroine vomits and then her and the hero are making out. Most authors will remember, but unfortunately, there is a scene where Kat has emptied her stomach a few times, her and Ream are in the bathroom, and he kisses her...*shudders* I'll leave it at that.

The story starts out in Ream's POV. Then it switches to Kat's perspective and that is where it stays. I found this a little disappointing. Yes, at the beginning of each chapter are little snippets of Ream's dreams or past, but it's not the same. I think the story could have been more effective if we were able to see more through his eyes.

Overwhelmed By You was quite a roller coaster ride. I won't say that it was completely original, BUT there is a quality to Nashoda Rose's writing that is unique and refreshing. She writes interesting characters and she isn't afraid to push them to the brink of darkness. While there were a few things that were predictable, she also threw in a few shocker moments. I definitely will be going back to read Torn From You, book 1 and I absolutely cannot wait to read Deck and Georgie's story in Perfect Chaos.

best wishes,mia

Excerpt

"You love him?"

Now that was a surprising question coming from Deck. I did't think he would even know about the emotion love. "He cheated on me."

"Harsh for a girl who cheated her best friend the truth for seven years."

"What?" Clifford started shifting his feet and pulling on the crossties. "What the hell, Deck. This isn't my problem. I didn't promise to love someone, care for them, protect them, and then shit all over them. That wasn't me. He did this. Don't you dare turn this around on me." Screw his scariness and the way his jaw clenched. Screw all of this. I went to walk past him but he grabbed my arm and pulled me back around.

"I didn't tell you that fuckin' story for the hell of it. No one knows that fuckin' story. No one except you now. He didn't cheat on you." I jerked, but it only pissed him off more and tightened his grip as he repeated, "He didn't cheat on you."

"I saw--"

"I don't give a fuck what you saw. Ream would never cheat on you. It's not in his makeup."

"Well, maybe, Deck...you think a little too highly of yourself to really know what the truth is this time."

"Probably do, but even if we bet on that point one percent chance I'm wrong, you owe it to him. You know why? Because he gave you more than he has anyone, and after his fucked up past, that was damn hard for him to do. Now you're going to save him because I have no doubt he needs saving right now. He should've crumbled down a real bad path a long time ago, but he didn't. For some reason he came back from that shit and found you. I'm not wrong, he'd never ruin that."

"You don't know that."

"Damn right I do." His harsh voice hit me--hard. "Let's go."

"Now?"

"I have men in the fuckin' desert waiting on me to get back so we can go in and kill some motherfucker who tortures innocent women and children. So yeah. Now. Car in five minutes."

He strode out of the barn.

Shit...

about the author

 

Nashoda Rose lives in Toronto with her assortment of pets. She writes contemporary romance with a splash of darkness, or maybe it’s a tidal wave. Her novella "With You" is the first in the Tear Asunder series, followed by the novel "Torn from You" and "Overwhelmed by You". When she isn’t writing, she can be found sitting in a field reading with her dog at her side while her horses graze nearby. She loves interacting with her readers on Facebook and chatting about her addiction—books.

Connect With Nashoda

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a signed paperback copy of Overwhelmed By You (Tear Asunder, #2) by: Nashoda Rose! Worldwide Giveaway!
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good luck,mia

BOOK REVIEW: Phenomenal X (Hard Knocks, #1) by: Michelle A. Valentine

Title: Phenomenal X (Hard Knocks, #1)
Author: Michelle A. Valentine
ASIN: B00JS9YJPQ
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: NA, Contemporary Romance
Theme(s): Professional Wrestler
Length: 335 pgs
Binding: E-book, Paperback
Published: 22nd April 2014
Buy: Amazon, B&N

Synopsis:

Good Girl. Notorious Bad-Boy. One Phenomenal Love.

From the mean streets of Detroit rises the newest superstar of professional wrestling, Xavier Cold, better known as Phenomenal X. His muscular physique makes men cower before him and women lose their minds with desire.

Anna Cortez is fresh out of college and naive to the harsh realities of the real world. Tired of living under the thumb of her conservative family, she defies them when she accepts a job as the assistant to wrestling’s most notorious bad-boy. Phenomenal X has an animalistic nature that even good girl Anna finds hard to resist.

One night forced to share a bed in a sold-out hotel, lines blur between them and they quickly learn that one lustful night changes everything and neither one of them will ever be the same.

My Rating:

Phenomenal X...where do I even start? I should start with the fact that as soon as I saw the cover, it was added to my goodreads TBR pile without even knowing what it was about. I knew I just HAD to read it. When I finally did check out the blurb, I wanted to drop everything I was doing and start it immediately. Phenomenal X by Michelle A. Valentine was surprisingly original in the sense that instead of another story about an MMA fighter, we finally have the first book (that I know of) that gives us an inside look at the world of Professional Wrestling. Being a huge wrestling fan when I was a kid, I couldn't contain my squeal at this unique spin on an otherwise overtaxed plot device. Sting, Ultimate Warrior, "Macho Man" Randy Savage-- these were the big, muscle bound, testosterone driven men I used to watch pound each other in the ring every week. Now I get to add Xavier to my list of favorite wrestlers =D.

The story definitely starts out strong. Anna, our heroine, is on a plane, leaving behind her old life in Portland to make a new one in Detroit. As she sits and frets about her angry father who definitely does not approve of her moving away, she becomes aware of a tall, broad shouldered, tattooed man moving through the plane to first class. They lock eyes and Anna knows he has "bad boy" written all over him, the kind of man mothers tell their daughters to stay away from. Startled at her own visceral reaction at the site of this stranger, she tries to focus on what awaits her in Detroit. But she can't help her curiosity when the kids in the seats in front of her start waving their hands, trying to get the man's attention, calling out, "X! X! Back here! Can we get your autograph?" Then the whole plane is abuzz, excitement in the air that "Phenomenal X" is actually on the plane. If only Anna knew who the hell this "Phenomenal X" guy actually was. In an interesting turn of events (don't want to give the whole beginning away), she suddenly finds herself sitting beside him in first class. And that's when sparks start to really fly! I really did enjoy how Anna and Xavier aka "Phenomenal X" first meet. The author did a decent job giving us a different way for the main characters to meet without dragging it out. Within two pages, I was hooked.

Anna starts off as a strong heroine, very likeable in the beginning. I can only imagine how stifling it must be to be raised by a controlling parent/parents, to have every single moment of your life micromanaged, every single dream not your own, but someone else's. That being said, sometimes change is scary, especially when you are used to having someone else make all your decisions for you, so I commend Anna for telling her father enough is enough and getting on that plane. Once she arrives in Michigan, it is almost like a culture shock for her. Between trying to fight her attraction to Xavier, keep up with her vivacious cousin Quinn, hold her own at a new job that she knows nothing about, and ignore her father's constant hounding states away, Anna has quite a lot on her plate.

Xavier definitely had that mysterious bad boy persona going on and he is 110% Alpha =D. Valentine has a gift for writing strong, sexy, dominant men with an edge. I could tell by some of the teaser quotes before reading the book that X was going to be on my list of favorite alpha male characters. He might not be at the tippy top of my list, but he at least made it. Xavier also suffers from the tortured hero syndrome that many authors use, but again, I give Valentine credit for trying to give us a different take on the wounded hero. I felt quite a few pulls on my heart strings as Xavier's painful past is slowly revealed. No child should ever have to go through what he did and understanding his past makes sense as to why he is constantly telling Anna he is no good for her. But it doesn't mean he heeds his own words. He can't stay away from her, she's like an addiction, one of the only people that isn't trying to use him because of his celebrity status. One of my favorite scenes is when Xavier stops a guy from potentially date raping Anna. Oh man, X is even more incredibly sexy when he is pissed off and all of his protective instincts are on full alert. (I included this scene as an excerpt below).

Together, Xavier and Anna were a hot couple and the chemistry was scorching. There was a nice build up in sexual tension and I like how Xavier went from trying to get Anna in his bed, to him respecting her enough to want to try being friends. They come up with these ridiculous, yet cute "rules" to keep things completely platonic. This was a great way for the author to create sexual tension and give the characters time to get to know each other without them automatically jumping in bed together (or at least the illusion of time since the time frame of the story spans only a few weeks if that). Xavier does have quite a few sexy lines in the book, like here:

“I don’t typically beg, beautiful, but if begging gets me access between those creamy thighs, I will. Just give in to your desires.”

I also like Anna's spunky attitude towards Xavier when he makes her angry. He gives her permission to use his real name, Xavier, and hates it when she refers to him as "X" like everyone else does. It's her way of putting him in his place which was cute. On a more serious note,  I like how she tries to be there for him during his horrible nightmares--he doesn't like her seeing him in such a vulnerable state, but she handles him with care.

The secondary characters were also a treat in this book. Once Anna lands in Detroit, she moves in with her eccentric Aunt Dee and her beautiful cousin Quinn who she views as more like a sister. Quinn helps her get a job as a waitress at the bar she works at. I really liked Quinn. Usually, authors make the naive heroine have a promiscuous, slutty sidekick which is so irritating. But Quinn is not like that. Yes, she is more outgoing and wants to help Anna loosen up and date, but she is far from a slut. I also adored Nettie and Carl, a black couple that owns a diner where Xavier frequents when he is in town. They play a very important role in X's life, especially for becoming the successful, humble man he is now. I'll leave it at that so I don't get tempted to give away any spoilers.

Valentine also switched up the use of POV in the story. It starts out with Anna's name at the top of each chapter, which prompted me to believe that the perspective was going to switch back and forth between her and Xavier. It's not until chapter 10 that we get to see things through X's eyes. I'm still unsure how I feel about that. I didn't completely hate it and it kept me on my toes because I never knew when his perspective would pop back up again. But I guess you could say that I wished to see more of the story through his POV.

There were a few things that kept Phenomenal X from getting a 5 star rating. The first thing that bothered me was when Anna loses her job at the bar. She convinces her boss to fire her instead of her cousin when Quinn is accused of stealing (I'm being vague on purpose). When Anna goes home, nothing is mentioned by Quinn about the drama at work. Wouldn't you apologize or thank the person who saved your job?

While Anna started out as a strong heroine, she began getting on my nerves towards the end of the book. I felt that she was way too pushy about X revealing his past. If someone spends their whole life never telling a soul about their past, it's going to take time for that person to open up. He kept telling her to back off, but she wouldn't listen and kept pushing. There were also a few awkward scenes in the bedroom, revolving around "protection". I don't want to spoil anything but yeah...you'll understand what I mean. Anna also becomes a little clingy and makes a few unwise decisions near the end of the story that causes a whole bunch of drama and puts X's career in jeopardy. What the hell happened to the independent girl from the beginning of the novel?

While I absolutely loved that X was a wrestler, sadly, that was the only original aspect of the book. The story felt contrived in many places and the plot was very predictable. Don't get me wrong, I am okay with authors using the same formula, but if that is the road you're going to travel, then you need to find ways to make it feel fresh. Valentine can definitely write a good story, she knows how to write a sexy as hell alpha male, but it's the plot devices that felt a bit forced or way too obvious. They should be seamlessly written in. It's almost like I could hear the author saying, "oh, I am going to throw that in there so this will happen."

Phenomenal X was a solid, addictive read, a great start in the Hard Knocks series. I might as well warn everyone that the story does end on a major cliffhanger. I have high hopes that book 2 will smooth out some of the kinks.

best wishes,mia

Excerpt

He grabs the drink from my hand and slams the plastic cup down on the floor, splattering its pink liquid all over a group of guys standing a little too close watching the action unfold. With a sharp tug he pulls me behind him, effectively putting a wall of muscle between Jared and me.

Xavier stars down at Jared, his fingers flexing into fists at his sides. It's like he's ready to rip into my would-be dance partner. "You think I didn't see what you put in her drink back there, motherfucker? There's no way in hell I'm going to allow a little pecker-stain like you to attempt to drug this girl and get away with it."

All the blood drains from Jared's face, leaving his skin pale,and his mouth hanging open in shock. But more frighteningly, he doesn't deny the accusations. Xavier shakes his head in disgust. "You just gave me the green light to end your fucking world."

Jared raises his hands in surrender and takes a step back. "Hey, man. I don't know what you think you saw, but I don't want any trouble."

Xavier rolls his shoulders. "You should've thought about that a few minutes ago because trouble is my middle name, and my foot has been twitching all night to kick your fucking ass."

"I'm sorry, okay." Jared's voice shakes as his eyes flit to Brad, who seems content on staying the hell away. "We'll just go."

Xavier shakes his head and laughs darkly. "Go? You think I'll let you just leave after that shit? You must be out of your fucking mind."

Jared turns to leave but Xavier grabs him by the bicep, turning him back around before drawing back his fist to crush every bone in Jared's skull. The instant I realize what's going on I gasp.

I can't let this happen. He can't get into trouble over me.

I wrap both my hands around his elbow, clinging on for dear life as I scream, "No!"

Xavier jerks his gaze to me, his thick eyebrows knitted in confusion. "You don't want me to pound this punk?"

I shake my head vigorously. "I don't want you to get into any trouble. He's not worth it."

"He's not, but you are."

The intense connection that always pulls me to him assaults me full force and I can tell he feels it too.

I stare into his eyes as I cling to him, my fingers woven together so tightly that they're numb, while he waits for me to give the word to destroy Jared. I have to remain calm and try to defuse the situation before things get ugly and Xavier gets arrested for murdering a man while defending me.

"Let him go and we'll leave."

His hard eyes soften a bit. "Together?"

I nod. "Anywhere you want to go."

A wicked smile cracks his face, and a weird tingle erupts in my belly. Maybe I shouldn't have promised that--who knows what's on that naughty mind of his. But if that means walking out of here without Xavier in handcuffs, I'm game.

About the Author

Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of erotic and New Adult romance. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos, and sexy musicians inspired her erotic BLACK FALCON series.

Connect with Michelle

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win 1 of 2 e-copies of Phenomenal X by: Michelle A. Valentine. Worldwide giveaway! Anyone can enter. Ends 6/14. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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BOOK REVIEW: Fighting to Forget (Fighting, #3) by: JB Salsbury + Giveaway

Title: Fighting to Forget (Fighting, #3)
Author: JB Salsbury
ISBN/ASIN: B00JBSJ4W2
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: New Adult Romance
Theme(s): MMA Fighting, Rock Star, Child abuse
Length: 381 pgs
Binding: E-book, Paperback
Published: 15 April 2014
Buy: Amazon.com, BN.com

Synopsis:

Every fighter is drawn to the violence, the release that a perfect hit can bring.

But very few are drawn to the pain.

Rex Carter lives behind a wall of indifference. The demons from his childhood act as an anesthetic, keeping him distant from emotional connections. Only the ache from a knock to the jaw, sting of a tattoo needles, or heat from a piercing, can jolt him back from the numbness. The fiery pain is all he can feel, and nothing compares to the burn. 

Or so he thought. 

Working in a Las Vegas bar isn't Georgia McIntyre's dream. But she hopes it'll be an end to the nightmare.

Over a decade she's watched him. Followed his career and kept tabs, all in preparation for this moment. To make amends, repair the wrong. But she didn't count on the feelings that seeing him again would stir up. The vacant look in his stormy-blue eyes, his perfect body now mutilated by ink and metal. 

And she knows why. She's lived his pain, every single day, since the day he left.

Changed by time, Rex doesn't remember the girl from his past. If only she could do the same. Will she get the absolution she's spent her life seeking?

Or will he continue, Fighting to Forget?

My Rating:

Is it just me, or have I hit the lottery? If you follow my reviews, then I must apologize for sounding like a broken record. I just can't believe I've dished out yet another 5 star rating in such a short period of time. The only difference is I've been a fan of J.B. Salsbury's Fighting series since the beginning and know the caliber of her writing. Because of this, maybe I was expecting a grand slam. Or maybe not... In Fighting for Flight, book 1 in the series, Salsbury gave us Jonah and Raven's story which blew me away with its unique plot, interesting cast of characters, and dark undertones. Then there was Fighting to Forgive, Blake and Layla's story. While I enjoyed their narrative, it didn't come across as intense as its predecessor. I'm not saying it wasn't good, it just offered a bit more comic relief, mainly because of Blake's personality and his overall way of handling situations with humor. Now we have the highly anticipated Fighting to Forget, Rex and Gia's story and while I was expecting a solid, well written romance, I NEVER expected the places this book would take me. The novel has set a very high bar for the rest of the series, and has skyrocketed Salsbury's writing to a whole new level.

So here are the reasons behind my 5 star rating. Fighting to Forget is a deeply emotional roller coaster ride with twists I didn't see coming. I'm going to try my hardest to stay away from spoilers, but I think it is safe and only right to warn people that this novel focuses on child abuse, some of the worst kind. It may serve as a trigger for those who have suffered from similar experiences. That being said, I commend Salsbury for digging deep and not sugarcoating Rex's horrific childhood.

On the outside, Rex is a successful MMA Fighter and musician. Covered in tattoos and quite a few piercings, he is known as a bit of a daredevil, a thrill seeker that doesn't shy away from the bite of pain. On the inside, there are days he's barely keeping it together, haunted by a childhood he can't remember, suffering from nightmares that he fears are all too real. Jumping from foster home to group home, Rex was assigned a shrink by the name of Darren Gale (whom I really like) and has been seeing him ever since. Over the years he has made progress, but there is no denying Rex's lack of memory drives him crazy, which has developed into a major OCD. No one has ever stepped foot in his apartment and when he is intimate with a woman--which is very rare and only out of pure necessity--there is a very specific way he handles the situation and the reaction is always followed by becoming physically ill. Like I said above, I really admire Salsbury because it is so apparent in the details how much research and thought was put into Rex's character. The pain from body modification and the daredevil, adrenaline junkie stunts help him to FEEL something other than remaining numb. The OCD is more of a way for him to feel in control since he had no control over his childhood and lack of memory. The only comfort he receives is from the colors of gray and red and the vague memory of a little girl with fiery hair and stormy eyes...

For over half of the book, each chapter opens with a piece of lyric that Rex has written with his band Ataxia. Again, this different form of literary prose shows how amazingly talented the author is. But the true purpose of the lyrics are to give us insight into Rex's tormented psyche. They are beautiful yet haunting, revealing yet heartbreaking. Here are a few examples:

Because inside my shell I'm that boy

Who was never given a say

The real me I'll cover and destroy

To keep the worst of the pain away. ~Ataxia

Vivid dreams, different faces

Waves of hate and lust in traces

Festering sickness, my insides rot

There's no pill for what I've got. ~Ataxia

Blue is the sky that I now see

A freedom the dark cannot touch

But the gray is the one that consumes me

And the comfort I miss so much. ~Ataxia

Then there is Gia, who we know as Mac at the beginning of the story. Gia has been working as a waitress at the bar/club that Rex's band Ataxia plays every week. Her past is obviously deeply entwined with his and her motives for moving to Vegas has everything to do with Rex. But thanks to her new identity and his lack of memory, Gia has had plenty of time to keep a watchful eye over him and it has given her the chance to play her cards just right. She wants to avenge him at the same time bring him a measure of peace. But once their paths finally cross and she comes to learn that he doesn't remember her or his traumatic childhood, she is torn as to what exactly is the right thing to do. Gia is a beautifully flawed young woman. I could feel her turmoil through the pages and could understand her indecision.

Later in the novel, Rex's lyrics at the top of each chapter turn into journal-like entries but this time in Gia's POV. Just like with the lyrics, these little snippets give us a better understanding of her past and how determined she was to find Rex and avenge him. Examples below:

"They can lock me up, but they can't keep me in here forever. I'll find my way back to him. Always." 

Georgia McIntyre- age 10

Georgia McIntyre

Gia McIntyre

Mac In Tire

Mac Entire

Mac Ellenshire

RIP Georgia McIntyre

~Mac Ellenshire, Age 17

Due to the serious tone surrounding these two fractured main characters, especially Rex and his intimacy issues, you can imagine how deeply emotional Rex and Gia's love scenes are once they begin to happen. Somehow, Salsbury still gives us all the heat and intensity that we expect from the alpha males she is so great at creating, but with Rex, she gives us MORE. This time, I wasn't just getting turned on while reading these love scenes, but my heart was aching as well.

"Her bare, pale skin beckons my touch. I run my hands from her ankles to her thighs, reading her resulting goose bumps like Braille. I record to memory the places I touch that make her tense and the others that make her melt into the bed. My mouth waters, a familiar feeling when I hook up with a chick, but this time it's not the nausea-accompanied saliva that rushes to my mouth. This is hunger, pure, simple, animalistic starvation."

As with the other two novels in the series, I love the fact that previous characters we have come to enjoy seeing make an appearance and each plays an important role in the story. They are all there, Jonah and Raven, Blake and Layla, Caleb--and Salsbury subtly hints at possible prospects for the next book in the series. I also like how Rex's boys have his back--he may think he is all alone, but the loyalty these guys have for each other really shines through in this book.

Fighting to Forget far exceeded my expectations. It's the type of story that catches you by surprise, rich in plot and character development. There are quite a few twists that I absolutely did not see coming and just when I thought the story couldn't get any more darker, it does. And I am not going to lie, I wasn't sure if I was completely sold on the twist that happens in the later half of the book in regards to one particular character's disturbing journey. Yet somehow Salsbury reigns it in and creates a completely satisfying ending. I very much look forward to reading the fourth book in the series, Fighting the Fall, although I can't help but feel nervous since her latest story has set the bar so high.

best wishes,mia

About the Author

JB Salsbury, USA Today Best Selling author of the Fighting series, lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two kids. She spends the majority of her day as a domestic engineer. But while she works through her daily chores, a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious, begging to be released to the page. 

 Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance prompted her to sink her free time into novel writing. 

 Fighting for Flight, Fighting to Forgive, and Fighting to Forget are the first three novels in the MMA romance series. Fighting the Fall is due to be released in October 2014.

Connect With JB Salsbury:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Giveaway

Is this your first time hearing about the Fighting series by JB Salsbury? Haven't read the first two books, but would like to before jumping into Fighting to Forget? Well here is your chance! Enter for a chance to win an e-copy of Fighting for Flight AND Fighting to Forgive, books 1 & 2! Who can enter? Everyone! It's a worldwide giveaway! Ends 5/4.

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Release Day Blast: Unsurpassed (No Rival, #1) by Charity Parkerson

  

synopsis

Book 1 in the No Rival series

Aubree is infatuated with two men, Max and Ryan. The two former Marines have been her close friends ever since she made her first misguided attempt at joining their kickboxing classes. When the pair invites her to join them at a weekend party thrown by Drew, a famous MMA champion, she has no idea what they have in mind. After spending one hot ménage night with the pair, Aubree learns the men’s intentions are not all about her. Feeling betrayed, Aubree turns to Drew who is also tugging at her heart. She must choose between the two men who have been the center of her fantasies, and the one man who could make all her dreams come true.

Inside Scoop: This sexy tale includes a ménage and male/male encounters that may leave you wishing for an alpha male fighter of your own.

A Romantica contemporary erotic romance from Ellora's Cave Publishing

  

excerpt...teaser

Leaning against the cool wood of the hotel room door, she met his stare trying hard not to smile like an idiot. “This was fun.”

Drew’s eyes flashed. “If you ask nicely, I’ll let you take me to bed.”

She shook her head at his antics. “What if I’m not feeling especially nice?”

Drew brushed his hand over her hip. “You’re right. You do feel naughty,” he agreed. Holding her stare, he bent closer, giving her time to protest his advance. The door opened at Aubree’s back. If she hadn’t hit the solid wall of Max’s chest, she might have ended up sprawled across the floor. Tilting back her head, she took note of the angry expression on Max’s face before switching her gaze back to Drew. His eyes danced with humor as he mouthed, “Denied,” and Aubree slapped her hand over her mouth to smother her giggles.

“Have a nice night, Drew.” Drew ignored Max’s snarling words.

“May I see you again?”

“I’d like that,” she answered without hesitation. Max growled. At the sound, Drew flashed him a cocky grin before giving her a wicked version of it and turning away. As soon as he moved out of the doorway, Max slammed it closed, focusing his ire on her. She’d never seen him truly angry before now. She laughed nervously.

“Are you drunk?”

“No,” she answered, incredulous. “I’ve had two glasses of champagne all night.”

“Your face is flushed.”

Aubree shrugged. “I’m happy. I had a good time.”

Max prowled toward her. The hard set of his jaw caused a flutter of desire to run through her. “Did you forget who you came here with?”

Unable to think of a single retort, she shrugged again. “I’m young and single. Why shouldn’t I enjoy myself?”

Max’s eyes flashed dangerously. His tone had a bite to it when he spoke. “You are not single.”

book info & buy links

Title: Unsurpassed (No Rival, #1)

Author: Charity Parkerson

Genre: Erotic Romance (Menage, M/M)

Organized by: Promotional Book Tours

Publishing Company: Ellora's Cave

Release Date: 16th April 2014

Buy Links

Ellora's Cave | Amazon

about the author

Charity Parkerson is an award winning and multi-published author with Ellora's Cave Publishing. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters.

*2013 Readers' Favorite Award Winner

*2013 Reviewers' Choice Award Winner

*ARRA Finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance

*Five-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath

*Named one of the top 10 best books by an Indie author in 2011- Paranormal Reads Reviews

*Best Paranormal Romance of 2012- Paranormal Reads Reviews

Connect with Charity:

Website | Facebook (author) | Facebook (fan) | Twitter

   

giveaway

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good luck,mia