Beautiful Beloved by Christina Lauren

In Beautiful Stranger , finance whiz Sara Dillon met the irresistibly sexy Brit, Max Stella, at a New York City club. Through the series we’ve watched them learn to balance commitment with their less than private brand of playfulness. In Beautiful Beloved, Max and Sara take it to the next step. But the question is: Will they be able to find a balance between the wild sexcapades they aren’t ready to retire, and the demands of parenthood that come along with their new Beautiful bundle of joy? Parenthood: it’s not for the weak of heart.


I never new I needed another Max Stella read until I came across this novella. Then suddenly I was all giggles and butterflies-in-my-stomach.

This was what I just needed during a stressful week at work (and it's only even Tuesday!). The situation was a far cry from the Max and Sara that we were used to reading--both workaholics and not too shy about their PDAs...and beyond. It was so much fun reading about a couple that was new to the family set-up with their first baby. There was too much adorableness line after line after line. (I cannot imagine my feels when CL comes around to writing a new Will and Hanna book. I would just faint in happiness! I love me some Will, is all.)

So just about everything about being new parents you can read in this fast read. Whether it was about a couple getting back on to their sex life or even simply going on date nights or wanting to go back to work. This was just an all-around funny read (that picture "accident" with Will though) that ended too quickly for me. I just couldn't get enough. 

Also take note that we get introduced to Max's brother Niall here. Another character with a British accent. Seriously, how are we surviving this series again? Ahhh, I'm all melty waiting to read his book!


Final verdict: 9/10. Great funny read.


Beautiful Bastard series reviews:
Beautiful Bastard
Beautiful Bitch
Beautiful Stranger
Beautiful Bombshell
Beautiful Player
Beautiful Beginning

A Week In New York by Louise Bay

Anna Kirby is sick of dating. She's tired of heartbreak. Despite being smart, sexy, and funny, she's a magnet for men who don't deserve her.

A week's vacation in New York is the ultimate distraction from her most recent break-up, as well as a great place to meet a stranger and have some summer fun. But to protect her still-bruised heart, fun comes with rules. There will be no sharing stories, no swapping numbers, and no real names. Just one night of uncomplicated fun.

Super-successful serial seducer Ethan Scott has some rules of his own. He doesn't date, he doesn't stay the night, and he doesn't make any promises.

It should be a match made in heaven. But rules are made to be broken.


Ahhh, how to begin this review without you picturing me flailing and crying happy tears about how great this novella was? Like I-could-go-days-without-reading-anything-while-I-soak-in-the-awesomeness-of-this-book great.

The chemistry between Anna and Ethan was just amazing to read and, well, experience. It just felt real and I loved how unpretentious their supposed one night stand was. Just like the characters, the story was in-your-face fun and had lots of steamy sex. Yes! What more do you need? Knowing that there pseudo-relationship has an expiration date, reading the book felt like I had to be in there, in the story to make sure that the week they had was something they would never forget. All this despite their promise that it was all going to be about the sex, one hundred per cent no strings attached.

So I just found myself another author to fangirl for. (Yes, there are favorite authors and there are those you fangirl about because favoriting them is too casual.) OMG, I loved LB's writing style. It was smooth, easy, and comfortable reading all through out for me. Don't get me wrong though. I still got euphoric at the highs in this book, still felt butterflies in my stomach in all those romantic scenes, and that ending? To put it mildly, it did a whammy on my heart. That's effortless effective writing.

Must.Get. More. Louise Bay. Books.

PS How friggin' sexy is that cover?! Le sigh.


Final verdict: 10/10. Awesome must-read.

Like by JA Huss

#WhatADick

Vaughn Asher. I’ve stalked him relentlessly. I shaped and formed my lust into the perfect dirty hashtag...day after day...weekend after weekend. He was my prince. My fairy tale. My fantasy.

I gave him the best years of my online life and what did he do for me? 

Ruined my social media experience one tweet at a time. That’s what.

MovieStar @VaughnAsher 
@FilthyBlueBird #Fantastic #BackToNatureFucking #MissingSomething #You

And now #TheDickWhoIsVaughnAsher thinks he can weasel his way back into this filthy blue bird’s Twitter account? He’s wrong.

His public fantasy is about to collide...ah, fuck it. He’s hot as hell, bitches. I need more than a free sample. This time I want it all and I’ll do whatever it takes to get it.


This story is growing on me by the volume. I don't know why but the appeal of Grace and Vaughn being together just gets me. Everytime. Probably because I am such a fangirl myself (although never to Grace's extent) so I would totally understand the dilemma Grace was going through--to give in or not to the man she had been crushing on for years. I'm sure my head will be spinning, too, were I in her shoes.

Despite this read being all hot and sexy, I do find some points to be funny and I love how things are unraveling in the story. I loved that Vaughn turned out to be an adoptive father. This was a total surpise; I didn't see it coming at all. I sense that he was really trying to be his badass self but it was easy to tell that he was beginning to change so that he could continue to keep Grace in his life. I am just a little bothered by his stalker-ish behavior though...which he called security. Riiight. Damn, alpha males!

After just the second part in this series, I'm totally sucked into the story. I cannot wait how this love story will pan out.


Final verdict: 8/10. Good read.


Social Media series reviews:
Follow

Room For Just A Little Bit More by Beth Ehemann

Five years ago, my dreams were shattered in an instant.

One year ago, a horrible rainstorm flooded a bridge in town, leaving us with an Inn full of stranded travelers. Turns out one of those travelers would give me a whole new set of dreams, ones I never thought possible. Brody Murphy spent the last year teaching me what it was like to live, and more importantly love, again.

Two days ago, he asked me to marry him, and if I’d said yes any faster, I would have interrupted the most romantic proposal ever offered. I can’t wait to marry him and spend the rest of our lives spoiling our Twinkies.

One year from now I’ll be Mrs. Kacie Murphy, assuming everything goes nice and smooth.


This novella was like one of those beautiful surprises that kinda get you off guard. I did not see this one coming at all. I was pretty happy with the first two books in the Cranberry Inn series that I was okay with how things were.

And then this read came along...and proved me wrong.

Because this novella tied up some loose ends that I wasn't able to focus on in the first two books, e.g. Kacie's relationship with her biological father. Also this book just confirmed that I was right in loving Brody and Kacie's story. These two were just so easily to fall in love with. This novella was a confirmation of everything I loved in the first two books.

But aside from those things, this also served as a good bridge to the next book (books! *fingers crossed*) because where is the justice in this world if the secondary characters in this book don't get their own stories, right? Starting with Brody's bestfriend, Viper. Yes, that man. I cannot wait to get my hands on that! And that first scene in the epilogue? Swoon-worthy. I used to have a picture of a scene just like that back in high school which I got, if I remember correctly, from a perfume advertising spread. *squeeeeee*

And lest I forget, BE's writing is love. Always.


Final verdict: 9/10. Awesome read.


Cranberry Inn series reviews:
Room For You
Room For More

Sexting The Limits by Remy Richard

Celeste Benning lost her phone-the lifeline that connects her to everything social. Luckily, she's able to retrace her steps and find not just her phone, but a hot bartender who leaves her head spinning and a mystery man who sends her sexy text messages that leave her phone smoking. When a gorgeous woman comes into his bar looking for her phone, Grant is only too happy to save the day...and ask her to go out with him the next night. Then he impulsively sends her some anonymous text messages designed to tease and titillate, realizing only too late that he's just become his own romantic competition. While Celeste wonders how to choose between the sexy, exciting mystery man and lovable, gorgeous Grant, Grant wonders how Celeste will react when she realizes that both men are the same person...and how he can convince her to stay with him forever.


Saying that this is a pretty busy week is an understatement. I barely had time to read a full length novel so my best option was to find a good novella to read. This was the one that got randomly clicked. 

I didn't expect much because this was the first time I'm reading this author. This novella turned out to be between so-so and okay. I understood that based on the premise of the book, there isn't much of a story to go on. But in the first place, I really couldn't complain much since I knew what I was going into after reading the blurb.

To cut a short story shorter, I am in between two opinions about this read. My first reaction was I wish I have the same result if ever I lose my phone. Which has never happened. Never. But as I was going through the story, my reaction eventually turned to thinking I would never do what Celeste did with a stranger. How does one text that much when they are, uhm, otherwise occupied? Gggggg. I don't want to find out. But all in all, I guess I'm a bit okay with the entire book. I will not say not to read this book BUT I would leave it to you to decide if you would want to read this book or not.


Final verdict: 5/10. Hmm, so so.

First Night by Lauren Blakely

It was only supposed to be one night...

When the sinfully handsome man walks into her bar in San Francisco, Julia Bell simply wants a break from the troubles that keep chasing her. That escape comes in the form of sexy, confident and commanding Clay Nichols, who captivates her mind AND turns her inside out with pleasure. The attraction is electric and they share one scorchingly hot night together, but they also discover there is more than just off-the-charts chemistry; the connection between them runs deep. Clay never thought he’d return to New York with this woman still on his mind. But he can’t get her out of his system, and he needs more of her…He wants more than just the first night...


The first thing I loved about this novella is the in-your-face sensuality that took no effort at all. I always love it when that happens. 

This novella laid the foundation well for the story of the two main books in the series. I liked the honest pseudo-relationship that is Julia and Clay. I mean there really was no relationship, right? Yet.

But despite this very short read, there's enough surprises for me to make me want to read the main two books in the series. Oh, yes. Just try to keep me away from them. Now, gimme more!


Final verdict: 8/10. Good read.

Castle Hill by Samantha Young

Braden Carmichael never imagined he’d fall as hard and as fast as he did for Jocelyn Butler. He also could not have anticipated how difficult it would be to convince her to give in to love. But now that he has her, he’s never letting go. He’s got it all planned—the passionate proposal, the dream wedding, the sexy Hawaiian honeymoon—even the perfect family they’ll start.

After trying to flee from her painful past, Joss is finally allowing herself to embrace the future. But when things start moving faster than she anticipated, she finds herself panicking over something Braden can’t understand. After everything they’ve been through, Joss is sure that their love can survive even her worst fears. But, this time, she may push Braden too far—and risk losing everything all over again...


Another Braden and Jocelyn read. Who can refuse to read more Braden, eh? Certainly not I.

I love these two characters, epecially Braden, that it's easy to forget that they were not married yet. They were good as married in the books since their very own, On Dublin Street. But then again, here it is.

This novella puts everything in perspective the status of Braden and Jocelyn's relationship--from their engagement to their wedding, from their honeymoon to the first few months of married life. It's like a super extended epilogue. But then it also introduces a side of Braden I haven't met yet--the brooding, silent side of him that I don't exactly like.

But then as soon as he and Jocelyn decided to confront the first issue that hounded them as a married couple, they were back to their two adorable selves. I want to say I'm ready for more of these two but lemme breath for a bit because this novella took a bit off of me. I don't like it when these two fight. Ugh!


Final verdict: 8/10. Good read.


On Dublin Street series reviews:
On Dublin Street
Until Fountain Bridge
Down London Road

The Diary Of Brad De Luca by Alessandra Torre

I was happy with my life. And who wouldn’t be? Beautiful women, money, a job that I could sleep through and still make bank. But I was bored. And I never could walk away from a challenge.

This challenge turned out to be brunette. Feisty. Just the way I like them. But innocent. Too innocent for me. Too innocent to do anything other than sample and then toss back. Anything more would be too risky, too much work.

I was unprepared for Julia Campbell. I should have done my homework, should have looked before jumping off that cliff. Ditching her proved to be problematic, my sexual needs greater than my common sense.

She was different. She became more than a challenge.

She may just bring my world crashing down.


I did not notice that this novella existed before I started reading the second book hence I read this after it. As much as I have loved the second book, there might have a been a doubt or two at the back of my head. Thank God I found this novella then.

This short story helped ease any doubts that I may have had about how genuine Brad's feelings were for Julia. It validated just how the crazy the man was for her. It was hard to clearly see that in the other two books because Brad's POVs were few and far in between.

It was good to know how caught off guard Brad really was with his attraction to Julia. I'm on Team Julia and it was good reading about what was really going on Brad's head while he started to get to know her. A hero's POV is always welcome and this was no different.


Final verdict: 8/10. Good read.


Innocence series reviews:
Blindfolded Innocence
Masked Innocence

Until Fountain Bridge by Samantha Young

Before I got my hands on this lovely novella, I just had to read this:


An On Dublin Street Christmas

This was a very short read. But I am never going to complain about any read that has Braden Carmichael in it. I know better. I will read anything that has him in it. Anything, I tell you. Ha!

This was still a great read, happening before the epilogue of On Dublin Street during Joss and Braden's second Christmas together. Although technically, they were "not" together on their "first."

Long story short, Braden was his usual awesome self. And I want a Braden Christmas of this year. Here's hoping.



Ellie Carmichael had a crush on Adam Sutherland, her brother, Braden’s, best friend, for years, and although Adam treated her with proprietary concern he made it clear he thought of her only as a little sister. 

Over the years, as Ellie’s crush develops into love, her romantic idealism makes it difficult for her to move on. To make matters worse, as she’s gotten older, Adam’s attitude has changed toward her. His affection for her is now joined by attraction, but his loyalty to Braden, and his fear of losing the only family he has, stops him from claiming Ellie the way she wishes he would. 

But one night his attraction is put to the test, and as much as Adam would like things to remain the same everything changes between them in a simple brush of the lips. 

Soon lust, love, jealousy and heartbreak combine to force change upon their relationship...and Adam discovers the hard way that life is too damn short to spend it on regret.


When I was reading ODS and reading about the sparks between Adam and Ellie, I was thinking that there better be a book for them. It looks like all I'd be getting is this novella. Adam had always been Braden's bestfriend while Ellie has always been his sister and reading about them ending up together before really reading about their story was the epitome of an anticlimax. Once again, I shan't complain because holy guacamole...ADAM!!!

What have they been feeding these guys when they were kids? Braden was perfection so I guess it didn't come as a surprise that his bestfriend was going to be one, too. Ohmygod, ohmygod! *fans self*

Finally reading about how long Adam was really in love with Ellie was a relief. Or even back then, that their lives and their entire friendship was a preparation for what was to come. There's no more room left for wondering. But it made me sad that they had to wait until Ellie had a scary medical incident before they decided that they can be together. Blast all gentlemen! Well, not really. But they could've saved themselves from all that heartache.

I must say, Braden and Adam are going to be hard acts to follow in this series. Make no mistake about it. 


Final verdict: 9/10. Great reads. Mmmmmm.


On Dublin Street series reviews:
On Dublin Street

Selling It All by Josie Daleiden

It's hard to get ahead in the breakneck world of California real estate. Sarah finds herself locked in an interesting battle with the top dog; a handsome, yet enigmatic, bachelor who will stop at nothing to make a sale. As the stakes get higher, she surprises herself by what she is forced to accomplish. 


I finally got around to reading this novella after lining this up for reading--it was Friday night in and I was in the midst of deciding whether I should do laundry or not. I really didn't want to risk reading a full-length novel because even if I did want to skip doing the laundry, half of me wanted to do it and get it out of the way for the weekend.

And so I got myself stuck with this...and realized I should've jumped directly to doing the laundry instead. I'm not one to DNF a book. I feel bad when I DNF something and I usually stick to something, hoping for some sort of saving grace. Sadly, I just didn't find it here.

I found the characters flat and I just couldn't connect to the plot--too juvenile. Or the storytelling. I guess this could've worked as a full-length novel to give more dimension. But then it could've also been excruciating if it was. The ending was a bit rushed and was left hanging there with a "What...? That's it?!"

3 points for the cover though.


Final verdict: 3/10. Meh.

The Weekend Proposition by Ella Jade

One weekend—no strings, no expectations, and no commitments. On Sunday afternoon it all ends, or does it?

No-nonsense businessman Spencer Cannon has a dilemma. He's headed to Connecticut for the weekend to attend his cousin's elaborate wedding. His whole family will be there in addition to his obsessed ex-girlfriend Ava. According to Spencer's brother, Ava has been telling her friends she's planning a magical reunion with her favorite ex-boyfriend. Spencer's not in the mood to deal with her, but he can't miss the wedding. He needs a plan.

Struggling Brooklyn waitress and aspiring graphic designer Dakota Vercelli has fallen on hard times. College debts, pending eviction, and her sick mother are taking a toll on her. A chance encounter with Mr. Cannon, CEO of Cannon and Carrington Advertising, leads to a proposition that may be just the thing to solve both of their problems. Spencer's offer—spend four days with him during the wedding festivities and keep his ex off his trail. In return, he'll compensate her generously for her time. He needs a weekend girlfriend, and Dakota needs the cash.

It was just supposed to be a business deal, but after sharing a room, kissing under the stars, and attending a wedding, their attraction is undeniable. Will the illusion end when the weekend is over or is the proposition just the beginning?


This is a quickie read that I went through early this morning before going to work--woke up too early and couldn't go back to sleep anymore.

I loved this novella. Sure enough, the premise is quite common but I liked the writing enough to keep my interest after I started reading it. It was an easy read and enjoyed it enough to feel bad that it was not a full length novel. There was just the right amount of sass, fun, steam, and good all-around pace. Despite it being just a short story, I didn't feel that any part of it being rushed at all.

I had a pet peeve though: the name Spencer just doesn't sit well with me as a hero's name. I can't explain it. It just isn't. Spencer in the book is tsss! hot but the name just cooled the steam down a bit. But that's just me.


Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

How (Not) To Be Seduced By Billionaires by Marian Tee

My name is Yanna Everleigh. I used to think that being an old-fashioned virgin would be enough to keep gorgeous, sexy billionaires away--well, the kind who didn't do love, at least. But I was wrong. If anything, it simply made my billionaire want me even more.

His name is Constantijin Kastein. He blows hot and cold, arrogant and cynical one moment and then disarmingly sweet the next. He makes me forget all about waiting for true love and just go for mind-blowingly hot sex. He makes me want to be his, even though he seems to want other women, too.

But he's also Netherlands' #1 playboy, and I'm my own worst enemy. I must be on my guard.

Maybe if I tell him first that I love him--maybe if I pretend that I don't see the coldness in his eyes when we talk about that word - pretend that I don't feel him putting distance between us when I ask for something he's not yet ready to give - maybe he'll finally realize that he doesn't have to seduce a woman who loves him. He just has to love her back.

Or not.


This series was originally released as three separate novellas: Chased, Courted, and Caged. Since I read the entire thing as one whole book, my review will be for the entire series.

What I liked about this read: it was hilarious, romantic, had great sex but nothing eeky, had fun secondary characters (that deserve their own stories/novellas/books...if you have read this and think that Drake and Alyx wold make a great couple then I think I love you), had good pace, and ***SPOILER*** a begging, crying hero in the end. I just melt into a puddle when they do that for their ladies. Mmm-hmm.

What I didn't like: there were too many name-dropping and pop culture referencing, and the story telling could also use a bit more polishing. The writing was good and enjoyable enough but I really wanted the narration to be more solid.

Nevertheless, this turned to be a quick one-sitter for me. Some reviews point to this as some sort of a Fifty Shades rip-off but what the heck, I really enjoyed the characters' quick banter and fluid exchange. This was easy to go through and even easier to finish. Trust me, I just suffered through a few days of reading funk and this helped me in getting back to the grind. With that said, it's guaranteed that this will not be the last MT book that I will be reading.


Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

Lawful Escort by Tina Folsom

When Daniel has to travel to San Francisco and needs an escort for a social event, the beautiful Sabrina shows up on his doorstep. Little does he know that she's not an escort. Their encounter quickly turns steamy until lies threaten to destroy their passionate affair.


I just don't get the premise of this book. (Which really confuses me why I picked it up in the first place...but I did.)

I mean, why would a lawyer like Sabrina take on her friend's gig as an escort? If one's friend is really on a tight bind, of course, you would want to help. But in her case, it wasn't the very best decision because it could really bite her in the ass sometime in the future, career-wise. And I think it was rather rash of Daniel to decide to want an escort for the event that he went right after he broke up with his girlfriend. He could've met someone there much better than his cheating girlfriend...although it would have rebound written all over it.

So, there.

The only consolation in this book was I liked Tina Folsom's writing. Great narration, good storytelling, and she made the characters still interesting enough despite my earlier apprehensions.

So if the first part of the story wouldn't bother you, I'd say this was a good, quick read.


Final verdict: 6/10. Okay read.

Beautiful Beginning by Christina Lauren

Back when not being able to stand each other also meant not being able to keep their hands off each other in Beautiful Bastard, neither Bennett nor Chloe could have seen this day coming.

An exasperated bride who just wants to elope. A determined groom whose only focus is getting to the wedding night. And—of course—a whole lot of name calling.


So we have come to the end of the Ben, Max, and Will Show. Sad to be ending this series but this novella was the perfect end to it. The icing to a yummy, yummy triple chocolate cake. Ha!

Ben and Chloe were finally getting married. He had also made the decision to abstain for the last four days before their wedding. We're talking Max here. And don't forget, Chloe. Fireworks were delivered, thank you very much.

Max and Sara were having a baby. Oh, oh, oh. Pregnant women always make the best pictures. And babies, too. Hmm, I'm sure someone's picture collection grew quite huge.

And there's my Will and Hannah. Ahhh. I loved these two. The only reason I'm not giving this novella a perfect score is because there wasn't enough Will scenes to melt my insides.

But OMG! I was laughing so hard at some parts while reading this. It was like watching Hangover all over. Nothing ever seemed to go right for these trio and yet, nothing seemed to faze them either. Like we didn't already know, right? If you have read their books, that is.

I need a fourth full-length novel in this series. Stat.


Final verdict: 9/10. Great novella.


Beautiful Bastard series reviews:
Beautiful Bastard
Beautiful Bitch
Beautiful Stranger
Beautiful Bombshell
Beautiful Player

Rockstar by Lexi Adair

It’s not the act. It’s the details...

Incredibly tight-lipped and painfully private, Anthony Phoenix has been known to make lesser women cry. Luckily, Summer Staite is by no means a lesser woman. It’s her job to know his type—rich, handsome, famous and used to getting what he wants. A dangerous, seductive combination. Luckily for her it’s not the man she’s after. It’s his story. A story that’ll earn her the respect she craves—one they tell her is impossible to get. “They” have no idea how far she’ll go.

With his freight-train vocals, dark intensity and brooding good looks, Anthony is well aware he presents a challenge to the brazen columnist from Stripped Magazine. Yet she intrigues him more than he cares to admit. Beneath her soft, girl-next-door façade, she drips with the kind of sensuality that makes him edgy. High. And completely stupid. Stupid enough to let her get into the act...and under his skin.


This was a very quick read. Don't tell but, uh, I finished this today while attending meetings at work. I was sleepy, okay? Don't worry, I gave the requisite head-nodding and monosyllabic answers.

Unlike other books where I think that endings are pretty rushed, I thought the start to this actually was. Rushed in way that I thought Summer was easy. Although I couldn't blame her because our guy Anthony here was a rockstar. I hate it when that happens, you know. "Hold on to those panties, girl" and all that.

Nevertheless, the ending pretty much made up for the kinda blah start. The one thing I hated having read this at work was that the ending made me tear up a bit. I was holding it all in and trying to flutter off the tears as if I was Betty Boop. I don't know why but it just got me. Or maybe I was just too sleepy earlier? Bottom line is: this was a better read than expected.


Final verdict: 7/10. Good quickie read.

Beautiful Bombshell by Christina Lauren

When Max, Henry, and Will steal Bennett away for a weekend of shenanigans and strippers in Vegas, the first stop of the night doesn’t go at all as planned. With their scheme for a Guys Weekend completely derailed anyway, Max and Bennett begin to play a wild game of stealth and secrecy in order to have their bombshells all over Sin City.


Ahh, a breath of fresh air! This is probably the best novella I have read in weeks. I'm not the biggest fan of novellas because I like my stories in full-length books but sometimes novellas get thrown in your way that it's hard to say no to them.

Told in Bennett and Max's POVs, I loved how this one still focused on Bennett and Chloe without the awkwardness of having to add Max and Sara's story in it. This was full-packed with romp, lust, steamy sex, and good old fun. In this POV, it was fun to be let in on being one of the boys. 

With Bennett and Max already hooked, this provided a great companion read to their stories and at the same time, gave me more insight into Will and his friendship with the rest of the guys. Will's book is next in the series so I cannot help but be excited to read it...although I'm being myself and trying to hold off reading it and therefore, end the series. Am not ready to do that yet.


Final verdict: 8/10. Great quick read.


Beautiful Bastard series reviews:
Beautiful Bastard
Beautiful Bitch
Beautiful Stranger

Lana by RK Lilley

Lana can’t remember a time when she wasn’t hopelessly in love with Akira. Even knowing that he viewed her as a kid sister had never helped to dampen her feelings. One night together only made it worse. After seducing Akira, it became apparent that their love affair was hopelessly one-sided, and heartbroken, Lana fled her beloved island paradise.

Eight years later, Lana finally returns home, planning to stay briefly, and only for business, but her plans go quickly awry when she runs into the man she could never get over.


I liked Lana just fine when I first met her in the RKL's Up In The Air series and I was pretty excited to get my hands on this read. Although I also know that this is a novella, in the end, I was kind of disappointed.

I am a huge fan of the Up In The Air trilogy and I was expecting the same connection I had with it with this book. Unfortunately, I didn't quite find it. I thought the book wasjust a bit rushed.

Nevertheless, it was still good to read Lana's story. She was quite the mystery when I read first read about her so it was a good fix to finally read her story and what she was all about, what made her tick. I wouldn't have minded her being more kickass and made Akira suffer just a bit.

This novella provided good closure if you have been intrigued by Lana's character in James and Bianca's trilogy, like I was.


Final verdict: 6/10. Okay read.

All Revved Up by Sylvia Day

On the eve of his thirtieth birthday, Miguel Santos leaves his high-powered life behind for a visit to the small town he grew up in… and the high school sweetheart whose wild passion he's never stopped craving.

Faith Bennett loved Miguel the moment she saw him. But she always knew his future was in New York, while hers was tied to the auto shop that was her close-knit family's livelihood. Pushing him away nearly broke her, but when he took her heart with him, he left something precious behind.

Now he's back, demanding her body, her desire, her very soul as retribution for the pain he still carries. He won't settle for anything less than everything she’s got, but she still can't leave with him and he still can't stay, and their past has secrets too explosive to share.


This is an okay read, perfect for when you are queuing for something--at the dentist's, doing the grocery, or simply waiting for any appointment.

This is very short. Although I prefer long-ish stories myself, I was actually glad that I had this when I did. I was pretty busy these past couple of days so I really didn't have the time to read a full-length novel but just enough time to squeeze this one in.

Now, this book may have spoiled me for this type of premise because, hey!, compressing a story like this into a very short novella is actually doable. Enough of the hulabaloo. There are times though that I like some hulabaloo in my reads. I didn't feel that this was rushed but then I may be singing a different tune if I had read this on a weekend or during those times when I had a lot of time to do some reading.

This is typical Sylvia Day--lots of steam, some very great characters, and a well-written story that even how short it really was, it still kinda left you full.


Final verdict: 6/10. Okay read.

Beautiful Bitch by Christina Lauren

Picking up where Beautiful Bastard left off, Chloe Mills and Bennett Ryan continue their steamy, combative relationship.

Just when Chloe’s career starts to take off, Bennett wishes it would all slow down long enough to spend a wild night alone with his girlfriend. But after he refuses to take no for an answer, Chloe and Bennett find themselves with two plane tickets, one French Villa, and a surprising conversation that, predictably, leaves them wrestling under the covers.


It was a good thing that I learned that Beautiful Bastard had a re-write because this read would've felt like an alien read to me.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed this novella. It's always good to read about how a couple continues on in their happy ever after and we all know that realistically, it won't be always happy. There was still the Chloe/Bennett chemistry and I have actually become fond with their little fights.

But despite knowing that there was a rewrite for BB, this one kind of fell short to expectations. Probably because I have read alternate endings to BB? I don't know. I probably would've enjoyed this better if I just read it thinking it was a standalone. But this doesn't mean that I've been put off from reading the rest of the BB series. I will most definitely read each book soon.


Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

Holiday Sparks by Shannon Stacey

House-sitting for her parents seemed like a good idea, until the microwave blew up and the lights went out.

Now Chloe Burke thinks upgrading the electrical system of her childhood home while they are away would make the perfect Christmas gift. Fortunately, there's an electrician in town who can get the job done by the holidays.

Scott Quinn has wanted to get his hands on the Burkes' wiring for almost as long as he's wanted to get his hands on their daughter. Chloe didn't notice Scott back in high school, but she's noticing him now, and soon they're indulging in a little festive fun: no strings, no expectations. After all, Chloe plans to get out of this goldfish bowl of a town and back to her real life in Boston by New Year's.

But Chloe and Scott discover they enjoy each other's company just as much out of bed. Could their holiday fling turn out to be the real thing?


I wanted to put in some TV time but just couldn't do it without squeezing in a short reading time. Hence, this.

This novella was a fun read. I really coldn't have high expectations since this was a novella--just seven chapters. But it was a good one while it lasted. There was enough base for the characters and despite it being a novella, the story progressed enough in a comfortable pace. No jumping off to bed in the first few pages. Yep.

This is probably one of the few novellas that I didn't find too short. It was just right. I also love books with pet dogs in them...Kojak was awesome! 


Final verdict: 8/10. Great read.