Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

Erika 

I was told that dreams were our heart’s desires. My nightmares, however, became my obsession. 

His name is Michael Crist. 

My boyfriend’s older brother is like that scary movie that you peek through your hand to watch. He is handsome, strong, and completely terrifying. The star of his college’s basketball team and now gone pro, he’s more concerned with the dirt on his shoe than me. 

But I noticed him.

I saw him. I heard him. The things that he did, and the deeds that he hid…For years, I bit my nails, unable to look away. 

Now, I’ve graduated high school and moved on to college, but I haven’t stopped watching Michael. He’s bad, and the dirt I’ve seen isn’t content to stay in my head anymore. 

Because he’s finally noticed me. 

Michael

Her name is Erika Fane, but everyone calls her Rika.

My brother’s girlfriend grew up hanging around my house and is always at our dinner table. She looks down when I enter a room and stills when I am close. I can always feel the fear rolling off of her, and while I haven’t had her body, I know that I have her mind. That’s all I really want anyway. 

Until my brother leaves for the military, and I find Rika alone at college. 

In my city. 

Unprotected. 

The opportunity is too good to be true as well as the timing. Because you see, three years ago she put a few of my high school friends in prison, and now they’re out. 

We’ve waited. We’ve been patient. And now every last one of her nightmares will come true. 


***Corrupt is a stand-alone dark romance with no Cliffy

Well.....
The first 70% of this book I was completely engrossed and really curious to see how it was going to end!!
 It was crazy, effed up and down right twisted.  
The male characters were harsh, they were intriguing, especially Michael,  and holy hell something was going on and something major was going down!!!

After that point though, when the shit actually hit the fan and secrets were revealed....
I pretty much was stopped in my tracks! I had a complete WTF? moment.

Don't get me wrong, this was supposed to be crazy, this was supposed to have slightly disturbing characters, I got all that and I enjoyed all of that.. but certain events occurred and the reactions and behaviors from that point on didn't make a lick of sense to me!!

The first almost three quarters of the book was a resounding 4 plus stars, but after that it just went down a peg or two. :(

Unfortunately the ending seemed to be rushed and certain 'activities' were thrown in that added nothing to the story. Nothing but an eye roll. Shock value maybe? 

I was left feeling quite disappointed after such a strong beginning.

I know I'm in the minority when it comes to my feelings on this book, but to each his own.

Amazon US / UK

Amber to Ashes by Gail McHugh

From the New York Times bestselling author of Collide and Pulse 
comes a gritty new novel about a shattered young woman who unexpectedly falls for two best friends as she struggles to overcome the trauma of her tormented childhood.

They were a storm I never saw coming, an unforeseen heartbreak on the edge of a dangerous cliff. 

Amber Moretti's life changes in the span of minutes. An orphaned outsider, she is desperate to start fresh the moment she walks onto campus. In the time it takes to cross the university’s dining hall, she meets two men who bring color, air, and light to her darkened world. 

They became my addiction, each a needle to my next hit, my high. 

Brock Cunningham’s appeal is dizzying, a potent force Amber can’t deny. A green-eyed smooth talker, he instantly attracts Amber. It doesn’t take long for him to consume her every thought, her every breath. 

Ryder Ashcroft, a blue-eyed, tattooed, and pierced bad boy, turns Amber off immediately—that is, until he kisses her, stealing a piece of her heart, her soul. 

They were as opposite as fire and ice, yet I ached for them equally.

Never knowing she could be broken down in so many unexpectedly beautiful yet petrifying ways, Amber finds herself falling for both men. 

Immoral? Maybe. I say undeniable. Uncontained. 

But one event changes everything, shattering each of their lives…and Amber isn’t sure she can come back from it. 

Amber is a broken mess.. on the inside. On the outside she's a tough, takes no shit, does what she wants type of girl.

Brock is gorgeous, an all American boy, captain of the football team deliciousness.

Ryder is his best friend. He's divine, muscles upon muscles, tats, piercings and a player.

Everyone is hiding something. But what and from whom?

There's craziness, there's tenderness, sweet and sad. The sexual tension is palpable and the sex is off the charts. But there was something missing for me. All the elements are there, yet I stayed neutral.

From the beginning I struggled. I was ecstatic beyond belief when I received an advanced copy to read and review. I couldn't contain myself. That coupled with hearing about the tears and heart ache that was awaiting me had me sort of stumped and deflated once I started reading.

I wasn't that into it! 

There are some eye rolling moments, a couple unbelievable silly moments, as well as dark and holy shit ones.

Not sure how I felt about Amber throughout. 

I thought the men were very intriguing. I knew they were deeper than they seemed. I was curious as to their story and I could see how she could fall in love with both of them.

But the more I read, the more I felt the same. 

I highlighted several inspirational quotes along the way, but they never really hit me in the heart like I'd hoped they would.

Like I hope they do for you.

Regardless of my not loving the absolute shit out of this book.. I will read the next one.. and anything else written by Gail in the future! Why? Because I'm a fan and that's just how I roll!

AMAZON

Afraid to Fly by S.L. Jennings

I’d like to tell you that I’m ok.

That the meaningless sex with countless women has somehow numbed the pain. That it’s deciphered the constant confusion in my head. Eased the self-hatred that sinks into my gut every time I look in the mirror.

I’d like to tell you that time heals all wounds. 

That we evolve and grow into well-adjusted, stable adults, set on a path to right the world’s wrongs. That we are not our past…we are not our pain. 

I want to tell you all those things. Hell, I want to believe all those things. But I’d be lying. I’m good at that. Living a lie is the only way I truly know how to survive. 

But the day I saw her, I stopped surviving. I stopped existing. And for the first time in 24 years, I started living. 

She brought me back to life. Set me free and sent my soul soaring. Made this useless shell of a man feel like…something. Something whole and real and good. 

She saved me.

Although she believes I wasn’t even worth saving.

This story chronicles the journey of Dominic Trevino, a character from Fear of Falling. However, it can be read as a standalone.

Dirty Dom

Wow, I thought he was a dirty, heartless player, like his name states.... but boy was I wrong.

Sex was like a soothing balm to the remembrance of pain. 

Pain, shame, disgust, humiliation. It helped to quiet them all.

Let me rephrase, he is a player.. but he is so much more than that. So much more than I thought he was going to be.

Wow! Get your tissues ready people!

I read the first book, Fear of Falling, which is where Dom was first introduced, but it had been such a long time that I really didn't remember much of it. oops

But that was fine. The first 20 percent was a bit of a recap, with all the previous characters present. 

Soon I was just fine and on my way. 

This story is ultimately about Dom and Raven.. 
but it's also very much about the bond between Dom, Kam and Angel. 

These three, together, are unbreakable.. which is ironic for such broken souls. 

They are the glue that holds the other together and although it seems strange to some, their relationship is beautiful.

Everyone perceives Dominic to be a confident, outgoing, womanizer, especially Raven.. 
but he is so far from that. 
He's kind and generous. 
He is the ultimate friend.
He loves his job working with children. 
He is everything on the outside he only wishes he could be on the inside.
We get hints here and there on what makes him the way he is, but when his secrets are revealed! Brace yourself!

 Dom's childhood was gut wrenching and had me in tears. 

So much emotion and utter heartbreak. 

Bravo S.L. Jennings. Dominic is a very complex and beautiful character and you have made me fall for him wholeheartedly! 

Raven has her own set of problems and heartbreak.
Dom is instantly attracted to her and doesn't understand why she insists on looking at him as if he were a piece of gum under her shoe!

Yes there is pain, and tears and overwhelming sadness... but thankfully there is a lot of humor and laugh out loud moments as well! Thank goodness for jokes between these friends, because if not for that, I would have been reduced to a puddle on the floor for sure!

 Does Angel get a book of her own?? I'd love for her to get her HEA as well.

AMAZON

Blind Obsession by Ella Frank

      

Obsession, defined as the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image or desire....

Chantel Rosenberg's passion for music and life had never shone brighter than the time she spent in Bordeaux France. It's a time when feelings arose and desires ran deep, a time that fundamentally changed her life.

A man living in seclusion, Phillipe Tibideau is haunted and plagued by memories he cannot disregard. Choosing to live a quiet life in his Chateau surrounded by the vineyards of France, he's left his passion for art behind. 

However, the time has arrived to tell his side of a tale. A tale that has depicted him as a 'beautiful monster' and he's finally allowing someone close.

Close enough to ask questions. Questions he's not sure he wants to answer. Questions about her.

For up and coming journalist Gemma Harris, the pursuit of truth is what drives her and when a job of a lifetime presents itself there is nothing in the world that will stop her from taking it. Even if it does mean leaving her home for several months to stay at Chateau Tibideau, with him.

This is a story of what happens when three passionate lovers collide and the desire for truth, art and music merge.

Chateau Tibideau is a place full of unanswered questions, dark sinful desire and a beauty so hauntingly sad it will have you wondering how you will ever leave the same....

WARNING: Must have tissues ready as well as a clean pair of panties!!! You will need them both, I guarantee it!

What an incredible, tortured and tragic love story... but it was more than that. Intensely erotic and voyeuristic... as well as devastating and utterly heartbreaking. 

I know I can not do it justice with words.

This book is a total mind fu%@! One minute you're intrigued and awed, the next you're completely shocked!

There were moments where I cried so hard I had to stop reading. Another time I got chills. Literally had goosebumps on my skip!!

It was so erotic and so sexy as well as passionate, tender and loving.

Blind Obsession is one hell of a roller coaster ride!!! I didn't want it to end!

Sadly it had to end and not the way I wanted it to. Of course, I cried again!

Definite MUST READ. Bravo Ella Frank!

Amazon

Flawed by Kate Avelynn

Sarah O’Brien is alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago — James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she’s watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she’ll give it freely.

Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give.

Sam Donavon has been James’ best friend — and the boy Sarah’s had a crush on — for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows she’s in trouble. Quiet, serious Sam has decided he’s going to save her. Neither of them realize James is far more unstable than her father ever was, or that he’s not about to let Sarah forget her half of the pact . . .

                                               

WOW!! I can't stop the tears. 

Flawed is a gripping tale of family, fear, love and tragedy. It's truly a heartbreaking read and at times quite disturbing.

What would you do to protect those you love? Would you do anything it takes? 
Even the unthinkable?

James and Sarah are the closest a brother and sister can be. They had to be, growing up in the house with abusive and absent parents.

But James takes his role as protector a little too far at times. 

From the very beginning I had a terrible feeling of how things would end, but I pushed it out of my mind. I was SO expecting and hoping for a different outcome.

Flawed is dark and twisted.  And trust me.... you will never listen to the song 

"You are my Sunshine" the same way again! 

It will have you cringing and crying. 

Please don't let my warnings of tears and heartbreak scare you away. 

This book was as awesome as it was disturbing.

It's definitely a must read!


Amazon

Broken Pieces (Broken Pieces #1) by Riley Hart

Can three broken pieces make a whole?

Josiah Evans is the orphan who lost both his parents. He’s sweet, shy, and all heart. He wants nothing more than to be loved.

Mateo Sanchez is the son of a gang leader. He’s seen it all, and never hesitates to do what needs to be done, no matter what it is.

Tristan Croft is the wealthy attorney who clawed his way up from the bottom to rule his own world. He’ll never depend on anyone but himself again.

Three men who couldn’t be more different…and yet, as their lives intersect they find an uncommon balance that calms the storms inside each of them, and ignites fires hotter than they ever thought imaginable.

Told uniquely in three parts and spanning over ten years, BROKEN PIECES is a journey of healing for three fragmented souls, finding love in the unlikeliest of places—

with each other.

"Maybe most things, the important things, don't really have to make sense. Maybe they just are"

Truly amazing read! I went through an array of emotions while reading this that it was overwhelming. 

I cried and I hurt, over and over. 

There was such sweetness, passion, love, pain and beauty!

Fantastic job Riley Hart!

"Emotions don't play by rules. That's what makes them so incredible."

Let me say that I sometimes find it hard to read menage books. When it's happening for fun, it's fine, I get it... but when it comes to matters of the heart, it makes me feel weird. It makes me cringe.

I don't know how to explain it. 

 This book had me feeling so much love, then came a point that I was also confused. How can you be in love with two people at once? How can you give yourself to two people at once? 

I didn't understand what was happening, I was sad and angry....but then it clicked. I got it. I figured it out. It all made sense.

"Nothing in this world was completely black and white. Right or wrong."

"We might be broken in so many ways, but together, we're whole."

Broken Pieces really surprised me. It wasn't what I was expecting. It was so much more, and it was amazing! A truly beautiful love story.

           Amazon

Temperance (The Arcanian Chronicles #1) by Ella Frank

“Tell me about this place. This…Arcania.” 

What if your life as you knew it ceased to exist? 

 That is the question Naeve Brannigan and her three sisters are faced with on the eve of their 25th birthday. Continuing a tradition they’ve hidden from their mother for years, the four women arrive at a tarot shop to have their futures told. Only this time their futures aren't predicted—they’re forever changed. 

 They've awoken in a strange time and place with no knowledge of how they got there. All they have to go by is the word of a man who claims to be family—a family they've never heard of. He tells them of a world they could never have imagined. One that has been cursed by an Empress fueled by old revenge—revenge their mother appears to be at the center of. 

 As they fight to survive the people and dangers of an unknown land, they slowly begin to unravel its mysteries to find that they hold the key to saving this world…this Arcania. 

 The question that remains for each of them is: Who do you become when the you that you always were is no longer? 

 Fantasy is not a genre I usually read. That being said, when Ella Frank writes a book... I read it. 

No Questions Asked!!

When I first started reading the ancient tale of Arcania, I'll admit, I was a little confused.. but as I read on, things started to click into place, questions were answered, other questions arose. I was so intrigued! Ella has woven the perfect blend of present day with a mystical, magical world we know nothing about. 

It's told in multiple points of view, which I absolutely love. 

This story contains several main characters (which you fall in love with almost immediately) and by the time I finished reading, all I could think of was.. 

"What happens now? What's next? Whose book is next?" 

I can see many books in the future and I am super excited!! 

 Family bonds, sisters, love, lust, acceptance, death, betrayal, sacrifice... sex!! 

(It's Ella Frank, there's gonna be sex involved!!) It's all there! 

 This first book is full of unknown, the characters don't know what is happening, the reader doesn't know what is happening... but what I do know is that I am now 100 percent immersed in this new world of fantasy and I WANT MORE!


Amazon