5 Smooches!

Synopsis

I was born a fighter. Abandoned by my parents, I spent my life forging my own path—one guided by my fists and paved with pain.

Untouchable in the ring, I destroyed everyone who faced me, but that’s where my victories ended. Outside the ropes, I repeatedly failed the few people who loved me. Including my best friend, Liv James—the one person I’d die to protect.

Even though I didn’t deserve her, Liv never stopped believing in me. Never gave up. Never let go. After all, she understood what I’d lost, because she’d lost it too.

Liv was everything to me, but she was never truly mine.

That was going to change.

I lost my first love, but I refused to lose my soulmate.

Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting to be the man she deserves.
Fighting the solitude of our pasts.
Fighting for her.

Review

I could have prevented it all if only I’d only been stronger. 

Tougher. 

Patient.

Careful.

Smarter.

YOU GUYS!  I just can’t with this book.  I know we have all been patiently (not so much) waiting for Quarry’s story.  I mean, after all, we have been witness to all of Quarry’s ups and downs since he was just a little guy.  I don’t know about y’all but I have been so fully invested in this cussing, snarky, and tough kid since day one.  So invested, that I feared this book.  I wasn’t sure if I was going to find him a sexy adult.  The Quarry I loved prior to this book was like a baby to me.  One I wanted to hug and comfort and mother.  Especially with how the last book ended.  I was all “Quarry needs me”.  But the truth is in Fighting Solitude, Quarry is all grown up, alpha as hell, and smoking hot.  Lord Jesus!

“Tell me this doesn’t feel like everything you’ve ever wanted.  Because that’s exactly how it fucking feels to me.”

So we all know that Quarry has big issues because we have witnessed all of the injustices that he suffered from a young age.  But what we don’t know is Liv’s story and we get to go back to little Quarry and little Liv and experience the first time they meet.  How they become the very best of friends and comfort each other through the toughest of circumstances.  And, man.  Tissues and wine, guys.  Tissues and wine.

It was a scary realization. 

Because for the first time in my life, I found myself with something to lose. 

Cue Liv James.

We watch them grow together and apart and then together again.  We get to experience the whole love never dies bit, especially from Liv’s side and man is it sweet and awesome.  I just loved her and hurt for her and hoped for her happily ever after so hard.  I felt it was just, so deserved.  Her and Quarry’s story one I will never forget and will read again and again.

“The silence is terrifying.”

The truth is, is that Fighting Solitude is my favorite in this series by far and you guys know I loved them all.  But see, Quarry got the best of attributes from both his big brothers.  He is tough as nails like Flint but has the heart and imagination of a dreamer like Till.  Quarry has turned out to be my most favorite Page boy.  His and Liv’s is the hardest story to read.  I spent most of this book with a tissue in my hand but God,  I cannot even describe the emotion I felt for these beaten but not down people.

“Every. Single. Day.”

I don’t want to give one single iota of this book away and there are tons and tons of surprises.  So many brilliant things happen the last 35% of this book.  People are redeemed in the most amazing ways.  I feel like the Page boys were finally vindicated in some way.  And Aly Martinez does such an amazing job of wrapping up this series.  I visited with some of my most favorite men and their women in this book.  I felt like 2 amazing series came to such a beautiful conclusion.  I will miss these boys something fierce but man, what a crazy good ending to this series.  Be prepared to have your mind blown, people.  The best is yet to come.

Move on and Live

~Amie

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5 Smooches!

Synopsis

Nightmares

Sterling and Ruthie have more things in common than they realize, even though from the outside it doesn’t seem like they do.

Blood

Sterling is a decorated war hero.

Ruthie is an ex-con.

Their two worlds should’ve never collided, but fate has a way of turning life in the direction least expected. Now Ruthie has to try to come to terms with the fact that she’s in love with a biker who’s also a decorated Navy SEAL. One who leaves for months at a time with little to no advance warning, taking her heart with him each time he goes.

Pain

Sterling has a lot of things to overcome in order to have Ruthie, the biggest being her mind.

She doesn’t think she’s good enough.

He thinks she’s perfect.

Now it’s up to him to show her just how right he can be.

Review

“Sterling, I’m one &*^@#! up mess.”

“Well, that makes two of us. …Trust me. My &*^@#! up mess could easily complete with your &*^@#! up mess.”

Ruthie was the hopeful, young bride when she entered into what turned out to be a loveless marriage with her husband, Bender. Unbeknownst to Ruthie, Bender had wanted her best friend, Lily, who was in love with his best friend, Dane. Ruthie was nothing more than a means to an end in Bender’s plan to make Lily jealous; a plan that seriously backfired on him when she turned up pregnant and his parents forced him to “do the right thing.” An enormous man, both in stature and in strength, the three-sport college athlete quickly turned his anger at the situation on Ruthie in the form of physical and verbal abuse. One day that abuse went too far, and after sustaining a particularly brutal beating, Ruthie was not only hospitalized but she also lost her baby. She returned home knowing that the abuse would continue. The next time her husband turned fists to her, though, she was ready and shot him in self-defense. Unfortunately, she was charged, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and served every minute of her ten-year sentence, eight years of which had been spent as Sawyer’s cellmate.

“…with her arms wrapped around me, everything was right in my world.”

Sterling, an active-duty Navy SEAL and a member of the Dixie Wardens MC, was abandoned as an adolescent into the foster care system by his mother. There he met his two foster brothers, Cormac and Garrison, and the three of them managed to survive a hellish experience with their abusive foster father. Sterling enlisted immediately upon turning eighteen, and in his years as a SEAL, he’s seen, been through and survived a lot. All of it, coupled with the abuse he survived in foster care, has marked him deeply, and he’s got his own demons. He met Ruthie at an impromptu Dixie Wardens surprise party in his honor when he returned from a long deployment. He knew immediately that this woman was different, special and someone he definitely wanted to know better.

”Everyone here is so freakin’ mean. … They don’t even know me.”

Ruthie is having a very hard time assimilating into life in Kilgore. To say that she is unwelcome there is putting it mildly; she’s openly scorned, ridiculed and ostracized. She’s always on guard, and she feels very much alone. One of the few bright spots in her existence is her friendship with Sterling. It’s obvious he wants more, but Ruthie is determined not to drag him into the darkness of her life. Sterling is equally determined, though, and just when he finally manages to convince Ruthie to go on a date with him, Uncle Sam, the ultimate cock-blocker for a SEAL, suddenly comes calling. Sterling, under-the-gun to report on base, takes off without saying goodbye to Ruthie for a mission that turns out to be ill conceived and goes completely FUBAR once it’s underway. Ruthie is crushed thinking Sterling stood her up, but once the news breaks that a SEAL team is missing in Iran, that disappointment turns to distress as she, like the rest of the country, is glued to the TV waiting for news.

”… What do you call it when adults go on dates?”

“Foreplay.”

Both of them individually have more baggage than a Samsonite salesman, and together they could fill an entire store with it. But in each other, they find kindred spirits; Ruthie finds someone who makes her feel safe and wanted, and Sterling finds someone who is capable of not only handling his demons, but also chasing them away. As their relationship grows and progresses, they are both slowly unburdening themselves to each other. In the weeks Sterling and his SEAL team were missing, a lot was going on in Kilgore. Ruthie’s situation deteriorated, and someone from Sterling’s past showed up. When he finally returns, though, there is no rest for the weary, new couple as the hits keep coming and the drama and loss they need to wade through grows. Will they be able to stand strong in the face of all of the adversity around them? Will it unite them or tear them apart?

“We can’t see into the future and we can’t change the past.  You’ll just have to learn to live with it, and hope you have someone… to see you through.”

I’ve been anxiously awaiting Right To My Wrong and Ruthie’s story since she was introduced in Counter To My Intelligence. As usual, Lani didn’t let me down, and she gave her readers an awesome ending to the fan-favorite Heroes of the Dixie Wardens series with Right To My Wrong. I absolutely adore Vale’s books; her writing style, the types of alpha heroes and smart, sassy heroines in her steamy, suspenseful plots coupled with Vale’s trademark sense of humor are always add up to a sure hit for me. Each month when her latest release hits my Kindle, I know I’m in for a treat. Ms. Vale is an immensely talented writer, and she’s at the top of her game when writing about every-day heroes like police officers, firemen and paramedics, and the evidence of that is in this wildly successful, much beloved series. While I’m sad to see this series come to an end, I am very excited about what lies ahead.

5 hard fought, ferocious, forever smooches for Lani Lynn Vale’s Right to My Wrong!

~ Danielle Palumbo

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5 Smooches!

Synopsis

Welcome to a seductive world where two solo artists combine their talents-and their hearts-to make beautiful music together…

SHE’S GETTING INTO THE GROOVE 
Lacy Dawson is a young singer-songwriter with a record deal, a studio gig, and a serious case of writer’s block. After looking for love songs in all the wrong places, she finds inspiration at an online support group called Song Writers Anonymous. Thanks to one mysterious member who motivates her and inspires her, Lacy’s career is back on track. But is she ready to meet her sexy musical muse…face to face?

HE MAKES HER HEART SKIP A BEAT
Eli is definitely interested in hooking up with Lacy, aka “LoveCoda.” But between writing her new album and his band’s success, they can’t find the time to face the music-or each other-about their burgeoning online romance. All that changes when Eli and Lacy get booked on tour together. In person, the attraction is all too real and explosive. They both should walk away, but once they are in each other’s arms, there is no turning back…

Review

Alright, so I loved Miss Match.  So I was really looking forward to whatever was next from these funny great writers but when I heard they were writing “a famous people” book I was a little discouraged.  Rocker/actor books are my least favorite for some reason.  But I still took this arc because I really wanted to love it.  I mean, the first book was so funny and charming.  I am really glad that I gave this book a chance because it was a different kind of story and I thorougly  enjoyed it.  Even more than Miss Match.  EEP!

Ok a few things that I loved.  I am so in like with books that have a bunch of correspondence via email or text or messenger.  I don’t know why.  Maybe it takes me back to my younger days but it gives me all the feels and this book was loaded with messages back and forth before these two officially meet.  There was also just so much angst and not as much funny this time around and I admit I am sucker for some drama and I really loved all of the confusion that leads to a sort of love triangle, which in turn lead to bad decisions and complete craziness from these characters.

“I have to admit, Lacy, that it’s easy to forget about her when I’m near you.  I don’t know what it is, but you really get me going.”

I didn’t really mind the famous people in the making bit because that really wasn’t what the story was about ultimately.  It was just a small piece and it didn’t overshadow the actual love story.  And even though I loved Eli and Lacy, oh God, I became frustrated with them which is good because it meant I was completely invested.  I just wanted them to talk to each other.  Ahhh!  This was a really great book.  A must read from these two authors again!

The.  Best.  Day.  Ever

~Amie

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5 Smooches

Synopsis

For two people ambivalent about dating and love, they sure get naked around each other an awful lot . . .

London Hughes is very content to surf daily, tend bar, hang out with her group of friends, and slowly orient herself in the years after college. Everything’s going great and according to the non-plan.

But when a wave knocks her for a loop one morning, then Luke Sutter’s flirtatious smile knocks her for another that evening, she veers slightly off course…and into his path. Sure, he’s a total player, but the Why not—it’s only one night is a persistent voice in her ear.

For his part, Luke’s been on hookup autopilot for so long that he rarely ever pauses to consider what he’s doing. But after an amazing time with London, he realizes that he hasn’t been moving on from a devastating heartbreak so much as he’s been drifting to wherever—and whomever—the current takes him. With London he wants more.

Every relationship involves two people…plus their pasts. And as much as she enjoys her fling with Luke, when London learns about his past—more specifically, who’s in it—everything becomes the brand of complicated she strives to avoid. It’s up to Luke then to change some things in order to try and ensure he’s not something she’ll outright avoid as well.

Review

“We are only doing this tonight, so make sure to show me all your tricks.”

I have been eagerly awaiting Luke’s story since we first met him in Sweet Filthy Boy as Mia’s ex-boyfriend. He was not painted in the best light but it was clear even then that there was so much more to him than we knew. Luke, Lola, Harlow and Mia have been close friends since childhood and Luke and Mia because a couple soon after puberty hit. But once Mia had her life changing accident nothing was the same and soon these two soulmates were too different to continue. Luke quickly became a man-whore and has stayed that way till present day.

‘I nod, unable to reply aloud because

something

is breaking

wide-open in me.’

London is Lola’s roommate and the bartender at the local bar they all hang out at. Instantly attracted to Luke, even though is opposite of everything she is. London is a relaxed surfer girl who is content in her laid back life but when she decides to give in to the urges she feels Luke she makes it very very clear that it is only once and only sex. But nothing is ever that easy and while on paper these two could not be more wrong when they are together it feels all too right. But Luke is her friends ex and a known man whore. Can she give in to temptation just once . . .maybe twice? Because nothing lasting could possibly come with those kind of strings.

“It’s not that I’m complaining, mind you. But what about over your panties? I could put my mouth there, suck a little. Maybe hum the alphabet.” “The alphabet?” “Literacy is very important to me.”

I went into this book having read the synopsis and knowing a tad about Luke from the previous books convinced that I would instantly side with London and Luke would need to win me over. Boy was I wrong, from early on my heart felt for Luke and all he has been through. He hasn’t always made the best decisions but once he sets his mind on London he does nothing but try to break her idea of him, but sometimes good deeds are too late. London was a slow build for me. I really liked her but also wanted to shake her and have her see how much he wanted her.

‘I’ve gone so far as to make a list of goals for the day:

1. Don’t let Luke drown.

2. Don’t ogle Luke in his board shorts.

3. Don’t accidentally have sex with Luke.

Wicked Sexy Liar had the intense and exciting sexual tension we have come to know and love from Christina Lauren and along with it was a ton of feels and angst that had my heart racing and my fingers eager to flip the pages to see what would happen next. The story felt like a real love, the attraction came first, the incredible sex next, a deep friendship followed, but the trust and love was a true slow build. We get to go on a journey of growth and self discovery with these two and I personally loved it.

“Stop walking away from me. All I’m saying is it’s hard, okay? I shouldn’t have said what I did back there, but I’m scared. I’m trying not to be, but I’m terrifies of what it could be like with you.”

I always set high expectations when opening a new book from Christina Lauren and they never seem to let me down. Their stories are fun and sexy but still emotional. Wicked Sexy Liar was amazing and I cannot wait to read anything they put out in the future!

~miranda

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4 Smooches!

Synopsis

Growing up an only child, Kate Reynolds lived a normal, almost sheltered life. When the unthinkable happens and Kate is left all alone in the world, and set to inherit her parents’ fortune, she discovers the evils that truly exist.

Gavin Loman has a tumultuous past: losing his father at a young age, a mother with a destructive personality, and buried secrets even he does not truly understand the depths of. Striking out on his own, he is finally making a name for himself . . . until a green-eyed girl who haunts his dreams comes crashing into his life.

When hidden truths are unveiled and pasts collide, Gavin must protect those he loves from becoming victims to the terrors of his childhood. However, not everything is as it seems . . .

What would you do if everything you held dear was threatened? When the truth you believed is weaved with lies?

Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Review

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