Showing posts with label past. Show all posts
Showing posts with label past. Show all posts

Tuesday, 24 November 2015

Review: Stabled by Penny Lam



Synopsis
A new dark romance from the author of Amazon bestseller "Struck Down"

"Don't go in there. Ever."
Maple is a smart, quiet, meek girl who, after a failed stint at college, takes a job at Deyton Ranch. The job is perfect. Free room and board, good pay, and most importantly, no one there knows her face or past. It's a place where she can hide-- even from herself.

Except some people are impossible to hide from. Her boss, J.B. Deyton, is a cowboy with money, serious sex appeal, and a secret. With tousled black hair and a commanding attitude, he's both terrifying and irresistible.

When he becomes not only her boss but also her savior, he brings forth the dark, quivering desires she keeps hidden beneath her milquetoast exterior. The job he's given her was supposed to offer her shelter, but soon Maple is in danger of running wild.

Now Maple needs to finds a way to rein herself in, or risk making the same mistakes twice. But when she opens the door to his secret, the blinders are lifted and something in her threatens to break.

She needs this job. She needs to not go in the stable. She needs to keep herself locked down.

But she isn't sure she can control her desires...or her heart.

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My Review

4 Stars!

I started reading this and could not stop so I was sneaking off to quite corners when I was forced to attend a family gathering, this really kept me going! I finished it half way through the day which sucked and I've just got home and started this review because I will end up forgetting how i felt and yada yada, so here goes..

'All monsters look peaceful in their sleep'

Stabled is book 1 in a trilogy and ends in a cliffhanger, it's not for those who don't enjoy darker elements in books or one who likes to stick to the 'norm'.This is the first book I have read by Penny Lam and lets be honest it's probably not going to be the last.

Maple is a quite, sort of shy woman with a dark past, one that she can't seem to run from.When hired by a rich cowboy called J.B. Deyton things end up getting worse instead of better.It's like her she just can't escape her dirty little past maybe it's time to embrace it. Her curiosity ends up getting her in to a lot of bother,secrets are revealed and there are some things you just can't come back from.

I'm so confused about how I feel about this book, like uhm wow this was soooo not what I had expected.I'm still trying to kind of get my head around it. I started this and thought it would be a cowboy romance, I missed out the part where it was a dark romance. I see how it is, there are quite a few dark elements to it which I usually try to stay away from. I've read books with the whole hardcore pain and pleasure element of it and it's fine when its a little bit but too much and it puts me off the book. If I know it will be in the book I usually avoid the book, it's just not my thing but..this worked.

I'm so intrigued with what will happen next, never have I read the whole 'pony girls'thing which you will understand what I mean when you read it. I don't want to give anything away.It's just a book you have to read to understand, even though I don't even fully understand this.Like whaat? When did this become a thing? Its weird yet I want to carry on and see how things go.

My thoughts on Maple are confused,I don't get her kind of kink, I want to see J.B's reaction when she tells him of her past.J.B is a bloody mystery. What are you? I would love a chapter in his POV just to get more insight to his character and past.I can't wait for book 2!


*Arc provided by the author for an honest review*

Monday, 17 November 2014

Review: Black Box by Cassia Leo



Synopsis
Over the course of five years, Mikki and Crush cross paths on three separate occasions. Their first encounter changes Mikki’s life forever, but their second meeting leaves them both buried beneath the emotional wreckage of a violent attack. Mikki is left with more questions and grief than she can handle, while Crush is forced to forget the girl who saved his life. 

Now nineteen years old, Mikki Gladstone has decided she’s tired of the mind-numbing meds. She books a flight to Los Angeles to end her life far away from her loving, though often distant, family. 

Twenty-one-year-old Crush has always channeled his blackest thoughts into his music, but he’s never had great aspirations. He decides to fly to Los Angeles to record a demo of the only song he’s never performed in public; a song he wrote for a girl he doesn’t even know: Black Box. He has no expectations of fame and he’s never felt like his life had any purpose… until he meets Mikki in Terminal B. 

When Mikki and Crush cross paths for the third time in Terminal B, neither has any idea who the other person is; until they slowly piece together their history and realize that fate has more in store for them than just another love story.

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My Review
3 Black Box Stars!!


I have had this arc for a while and finally got round to it. I don't know what it was I thought would happen in this book but its really wasn't anything like i was expecting. I thought it was well written yet at times I felt like its was too slow for me, it dragged at times and I wanted it to pick up speed.I loved how this book was unique and the synopsis really draws you in.

This book alternates between Crush and Mikki's POV so we get to know both the characters as individuals and what is happening in their life.I always love dual POVs since I feel like it makes you feel more connected to both characters and you don't feel as frustrated with their actions because you can kind of see where they are coming from.


I don’t believe in coincidence or fate

But I know one thing for sure
Your face was meant to be
Burned into the deepest reaches
Of my blackest memories.


Mikki's POV was written really well and it was pretty depressing being in her head. She wanted to die, she had finally had enough.Totally felt what she was feeling yet I wanted to reach in and change it all. Scream that she couldn't kill herself, keep fighting!It was like no hope left and then in walks Crush and things start looking up.Pieces start joining together and we find about how they met before and what happened in the past to change both their lives.

I loved Crush! Bless him, he was so patient and loving.He also had a rough past, one that still haunts him but Mikki changed his life a few years back. He just didn't know who she was at that point.But another meeting, different circumstances and fate pushing to make them meet. What will happen? Will it all end in tragedy?

“...not all stories have happy endings; but that doesn't mean they're not worth the read.”

Overall it was okay but I don't think it was a book for me. I didn't really that connected to the characters and wanted more from the ending.This is the first book I have read by Cassia Leo and since lots of her books have been recommended to me I will check them out and see how they go!


**Arc provided by NetGalley for an honest review**



Friday, 25 October 2013

Blog Tour/Review/Giveaway: Burn (Spark, #2) By Brooke Cumberland



Book 1- Spark- My Review


Synopsis:
Just when Velaney thinks she is safe again…her worst nightmare comes back to haunt her.

Eric is dealing with his own insecurities as he tries to accept Velaney’s decision to help the enemy…can he get past it? Will they be there for each other in the end?

He struggles to step aside and trust Velaney...but will his past keep him from doing so? Can he let go in order to move forward?

Velaney and Eric had their fair share of ups and downs in SPARK…they love was undeniable and intense. Just when you think they could get their happily ever after…pasts collide and merge together…will they fight for what they want?

Or will their love crash and burn?

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Author Bio:

Brooke is a midwestern gal, from the cheese state of Wisconsin! Go Packers! She's a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children (one daughter & two stepsons) and a black fury dog. She's studied psychology in college, and counseling and education in graduate school where she found her love for writing. Most days you can find her reading or writing, or just hanging out with her family! She loves movies, cooking, and shopping! She's addicted to Starbucks, Coach purses, and wearing yoga pants.

Social Links:

Twitter: @blcumberland
Other:

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My Review
4 DRAMA FILLED, UNEXPECTED STARS!


What an ending to this series!This book is filled with drama, twists and turns and much more.It had parts which made me laugh and others which made me want to pull my hair out.Its sad to see it finish I want more Eric. Oh but I can not wait to read Carissa's book she is a great character and I am intrigued.Oh and that hot English dude, hope he stays ;)

"Can I have my girlfriend back now?" Eric pouts, pretending to feel left out.
"Oh, now you hush boy.She's our guest."
"And what am I? Chopped Liver?" He pouts his lower lip out and it takes all the willpower in me not to bite it between my teeth.


This book starts off where Spark (book 1) left off its like just when things start to settle down BOOM! problem arises. Like seriously stop it, all that drama must be so damn exhausting! At the end of this book I was drained and so glad it was a happily ever after.

In Burn I am glad that there is more about Eric's past and his family oh his POV. I feel like we got to know Eric more even though in book 1 there weren't indications about Eric having a rough past so this was a surprise. I thought it was only Velaney who has a lot of issues.I loved how protective and caring Eric was and how he was very supportive even through some rough times where Velaney makes some stupid decisions.

Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
When Velaney makes a difficult decision she could easily tear a lot of new relationships apart.
So what will happen, will Eric and Velaney's relationship survive?


I really enjoyed book 1 and was looking forward to see how the story would continue.There were a lot of things happening which I didn't expect and in this book I was quite pissed off with Velaney. I understand that she has past issues which keep re-surfacing but because of her issues I felt like she repeatedly hurt Eric.And he just didn't deserve that! NO!



Velaney struggles through life and I'm glad she changes over time, I was okay with her again by the end.
Okay now her family..I HATE THEM!
Urgh manipulative disgusting people that should be in jail or buried alive (I like option B)

"..When someone changes you for the better and loves you despite all your faults, you better marry that person, swoop them up and claim their body as yours-otherwise someone smarter than you will."

**ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review**

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Buy Links:

Kitchen Affairs Series:


Spark Series:
Spark:

Burn:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/burn-spark-2/id718191421?mt=11

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tour Schedule Link:
http://wp.me/p3raRE-Do


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Saturday, 12 October 2013

Blog Tour/Review/Giveaway: Hardwired (Hacker#1) By Meredith Wild


Title:   Hardwired (Hacker#1)
Author:  Meredith Wild
Genre: Erotic Romance 18+
Publication Date:  September 3, 2013
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.


Synopsis
Determined to overcome a difficult past, Erica Hathaway learns early on to make it on her own. Days after her college graduation, she finds herself face to face with a panel of investors who will make or break her fledgling startup. The only thing she didn’t prepare for was going weak in the knees over an arrogant and gorgeous investor who seems determined to derail her presentation.

Billionaire and rumored hacker Blake Landon has already made his fortune in software, and he’s used to getting what he wants. Captivated by Erica’s drive and unassuming beauty, he’s wanted nothing more than to possess her since she stepped into his boardroom. Determined to win her over, he breaks down her defenses and fights for her trust, even if it means sacrificing a level of control he’s grown accustomed to.

But when Blake uncovers a dark secret from Erica’s past, he threatens not just her trust, but the life she’s fought so hard to create

Add to Goodreads

Purchase Links
Amazon Paperback | Amazon Kindle | Amazon UK | Nook

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About The Author
Meredith Wild picked up her first romance novel at the tender age of twelve, and shortly after put pen to word processor and made her first attempt at writing a love story inspired by those she so enjoyed reading well past her bedtime.

Her dream of writing took a back seat to college, parenthood and eventually entrepreneurship, which led her into the fast-paced and male-dominated high tech industry.  With enough life experience for a few lifetimes, she now devotes her hours to writing contemporary adult romance, with a hint of kink.
Her debut novel Hardwired tells the story of billionaire bad boy, Blake Landon, and the object of his obsession, strong-willed tech startup CEO, Erica Hathaway. Hardwired will be the first of the Hardwired Series, while writing is underway for the second installment, Hardpressed.

When she isn’t writing or mothering, Meredith can be found sunbathing with an adult beverage.

Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

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My Review

4 HOT, MYSTERIOUS, HACKING STARS!!


Okay so when I saw this cover I was like ooh this looks like a dark or BDSM book, the cover is pretty mysterious and doesn't give much away.Anyways its none of those but it is very good. I need more especially with the way things were left at the end ooh can't wait for book 2.
If you are not into the whole rich alpha male characters and similar storylines to 50shades and so on I guess this really isnt the book for you!Every character is different and so I don't think there is any point in comparing them or hating on the book because of it.

So this book is in female POV so yeah all in Erica's POV which is great but still I wish it had some male POV so I could understand Blake more.He is pretty mysterious and confusing at times, it would have been fab to see things his way.Hopefully in the next book his character will be explored more and become more open as I felt he was pretty closed off in this one.

Erica is a just graduated Harvard alumni that is the founder and operator of Clozpin, an online social/fashion site.She launched the site with the help of her friends who all seem to be moving on to other things but this is her dream she wont let it go.
When she is out with her late mother best-friend, someone who has become a mother figure to her she runs smack bang into a hot mysterious stranger..

"Are you all right?"
His voice vibrated through me.My knees weakened a little at the sensation.His arm tightened around my waist in response, bringing our bodies infinitely closer.


When she arrives at arrives at a very important meeting to help get Clozpin up and running with more traffic and audience her nerves are all over the place.And then in walks the mysterious stranger that she ran into. Oh and it gets worse he decides to put her on the spot with question after question and his arrogant behaviour irritates Erica to no end.
Blake Landon always gets what he wants and when he spots Erica Hathaway he is intrigued and captivated by her drive and ambition. She isn't some easy woman though which only makes Blake want her more.I hate it when in book the women pushes the guy away too much its like C'mon you know you will get with him in the end, is this all necessary?

"Baby, this is who I am.I'm hardwired this way.And if I'm trying to take control over the situation, please understand that I have very solid reasoning for it."

I think Erica's best friend Alli kind of pushed her away at times I get it but she should have been more open and it felt like whilst Erica was being pushed away from her friend she was then pushing Blake away and I was like omg stop it!

"Clothes, off," I ordered, directing him with my index finger..."Shouldn't we talk about this?"..."Did I stutter? Clothes. Off." I cocked my head, daring his to argue.

80-90% a lot changes and you are like whaatt? ohhh this is great give me more and you just need to know more by the ending!
When past traumas and present issues clash things could take a turn for the worse.
Blake decides to look into Erica's past and finds some crucial stuff, little does he know that this could put Erica in danger.Trying to protect Erica isn't that easy and then things about Blake's past are revealed. There is a whole lot more than meets the eye..

**ARC provided by author for an honest review**

Review: Dance For Me (Fenbrook Academy #1) by Helena Newbury



Synopsis
Natasha is one of the most promising ballet dancers at the prestigious Fenbrook Academy of Performing Arts and she’s just landed a life-changing audition. But no one knows the guilt she carries...or the damage it makes her inflict on herself when she’s alone.


Darrell is a multi-millionaire designer at 25. But past traumas have pushed him into isolation and the intense pressure of his work has brought him to the edge of burnout. Seeking inspiration, he sees Natasha dance and hires her as his muse.



As she dances for him, the two become entwined in a passionate but troubled relationship. He starts to see the pain inside her and helps her gradually lower her defenses...but Darrell has demons of his own. Can two broken people save each other? Or will the darkness they’re hiding consume them both?


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My Review
4 Captivating heart breaking stars!!



2 Broken Tortured Souls
Drowning in guilt and anger
Holding on to a broken past

Can two broken souls heal each other?



This is the story of Natasha and Darrel.They are two different people, one rich and one poor, yet they have a lot in common. They both are hiding a hideous past that has scarred them for life.Can they move forward without letting their past drag them back?

Natasha is a ballet dancer its all she knows and its one of the ways she escapes. Ballet makes her forget everything for a moment but sometimes ballet isn't enough to keep her grounded sometimes everything becomes too much for her to handle..

"You're beautiful," he said,and it was so out of nowhere that I wobbled."Sorry" he said quickly."But you are."

Darrel is a multi-millionaire designer at 25, he creates dangerous things due to his past. His escape is work.He works to forget about his brutal past, he works to stamp down on his anger and guilt, he works to escape.

They are both surviving, they are both just existing
But meeting each other changes everything..

"I could feel his eyes on the shape of my extended leg as I leaned into the six o'clock arabesque, on the line of my arm as I straightened up.He wasn't watching,he was absorbing.."

It all starts when Natasha has a big audition and half way through it Darrel barges in and knocks Natasha's concentration.When she runs out after the messed up audition, she is approached by Darrel he asks her to dance for him.Darrel needs a muse and Natasha is perfect for the job but what is he creating that he needs a ballet dancer for a muse?

I really enjoyed the book and discovering what happened to Natasha and Darrel that caused them to be drowning in anger and guilt.Why did they need an escape?

"The hot wave of shame as he saw my scars up close. He moved forward and kissed them."

This is a well written book especially the dancing scenes i could imagine it all each dance step was written perfectly to create an amazing overall picture.Some parts were slightly slow for me and I wanted Natasha to quit running and face her problems head on.

Overall this is a great book and I am looking forward to the next one to see how the story will continue..


*ARC provided by author for an honest review*

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Buy Links

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00DNK5RC0

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DNK5RC0

Thursday, 10 October 2013

Release Blitz/ Review/Giveaway: Anna Brookes - In Training By Margaret McHeyzer


Title: Anna Brookes - In Training (HiT #0.5 Novella)
Author: Margaret McHeyzer
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Genre: Chick Lit "with an Edge"
HITseriesnovella (1) (1)

Synopsis
****Recommended for readers 18+**** 
Imagine watching your Father die in front of you because two men were sent to take you. The two men were sent by Roman Murphy, the boss of Hunter Inc. The sole job of Hunter Inc is to train and produce assassins. Anna Brookes, a 15 year old girl with a love and panache for precision and handling of weapons was sort out by Hunter Inc. One evening she encounters Lukas, a man she saves but a man who ultimately goes on to save her. The months that follow see Anna's intuition heightened and defined. She is forced to deal with techniques that no ordinary 15 year old girl should ever encounter in their lives. Anna Brookes - In Training picks up from the moment she killed Damon and Nox in HiT 149. “I’ll agree that you, Anna, are not ordinary at all. You are simply… extraordinary” ~ Lukas
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IN2
Buy Links
Purchase Anna Brookes - In Training for $1.99
                             Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/anna-brookes-in-training 

hit149
   
Purchase HiT 149 - Anna Brookes First Chapter (HiT #1)


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About the Author
I love to read. I'm a huge fan of books and when I start reading anything, I usually forgo doing everything else, I mean the housework will still be there in the morning (right?). When I love a story or book that I've downloaded, I usually refrain from sleep and am crabby the next day - but only until I pick my iPad up and start reading again! The idea for my debut novel HiT 149, came to me as I was chopping my vegetables for dinner and before the night was over I had written 10 chapters! My goal with writing is just to take people away from whatever is going on in their lives, even if it's only for a split second. I'm a go with the flow sort of person and don't really take a course of action to get where I am going. I live in the moment and don't usually worry about tomorrow because whatever life is due to bring me, I'll be happy to accept. I love my family and friends and will help anyway I can if someone needs it. But I can be a bit daft sometimes and need to be told very specifically or it'll go over my head! I really don't like people that are nasty just because they can be, I don't believe that's necessary, I mean life is hard enough as it is. I hope you enjoy my books, I've had a hoot writing them. There's more to come, and not all from the same series... Til next time
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Connect with the Author

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

 
IT4

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Excerpt
Fuck. I just killed two people. I look down at my hands and they are shaking. Am I shaking or is it because it’s cold outside? It’s the early hours of the morning and I’ve put a bullet in Damon and Nox’s head. My gaze tries to look around but all I see is black. No cars approaching. Just the abandoned vehicle with two bodies pulled up towards the break down lane. I try to focus but there is this knot in my stomach; it feels like it’s travelling up towards my throat. I feel the Birthday cupcake that Dad had for me starting to make its way north, back into my mouth. I’m not sure I can hold onto it. My breath is hitched and it feels like my heart is going to implode. If I die here on the road, no one will be able to claim me. Everyone important to me is dead. Dad - Henry. Is it raining? What can I feel? I look up and the sky is black and cloudless. It’s not raining. I touch my face to where the wetness is; my brain is in neutral, not going anyway. I stand on the same spot for I don’t know how long but it seems like I’m starting to see through the smokiness and haze that is surrounding my conscious. I close my eyes and try and calm myself. The bile that is threatening to make an appearance is starting to recede. Deep breath in through my nose and out through my mouth. My mind is clearing up. The hair on my arms is starting to stand to attention and the feeling of imminent doom is close by. My feet are trying to save themselves, and me. They have started running, not towards my old home that now lays in burning embers but away from it. I need to run and start a new life, but with whom? I have no one I can go to. Maybe a school friend? No one. Maybe a teacher? No not even them. I’m not going to become a ward of the state I need to fight for myself now. Where will I go? What can I do? With limited money I’ve taken from a now deceased Damon and Nox, but with no clothes, no food, no home and no one who loves me. Fuck me. What the fuck am I going to do?
  IT3  
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My Review
5 Learning-To-Kill Stars!!

Wow!
This is a short brilliant novella giving an insight on Anna's childhood, how she survived after her father was killed.I totally loved the first book in the HiT series and couldn't wait for more.This is fast-paced and you will have it read in no time as it takes you into the Anna's life as a child.She never got the time to have a normal childhood, then again was she ever normal? With guns as her friends and her only family being her deceased father she had to grow up fast become a mature women even though she was only 15 years old.


15 is the age my life changed.


You'll address me as 15.


What happens when she saves a mans life? Saving Lukas's life could be her best opportunity to get even with the man who sent the men to kill her father or it could turn out to be her worst nightmare.

Lukas is the best, he knows it all so when he sees Anna he sees an opportunity to mold her into the most notorious assassin around.
It won't be easy and not everything will go as planned.
How well will Anna cope with the brutal training?

“Fucking focus Anna. You think this is tough? You think this is the worst you’ll get? I’m here teaching you to save your fucking life here Anna. This could be the difference between jail or a bullet in the fucking head. Fucking focus. Stop this bullshit”

Anna has to learn to become a cold-blooded killer with no emotion, no feelings.

Breathe. In and Out

She is determined to be the best at everything Lukas puts her through.He is distant with her yet she feels safe with him. He is her role model and she will do her best to accomplish each goal he sets.


“You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind.”

― Mahatma Gandhi



**ARC courtesy of the amazing author in exchange for an honest review**

Friday, 6 September 2013

Review: Complete Me (Stark Trilogy #3) By J. Kenner




Book 1-Release Me
Book 2- Claim Me 
Book 3- Complete Me 

Synopsis
This sexy, emotionally charged romance continues the story of Damien Stark, the powerful multimillionaire who’s never had to take “no” for an answer, and Nikki Fairchild, the Southern belle who only says “yes” on her own terms.

Our desire runs deep. But our secrets cut close. Beautiful, strong, and commanding, Damien Stark fills a void in me that no other man can touch. His fierce cravings push me beyond the brink of bliss—and unleash a wild passion that utterly consumes us both.

Yet beneath his need for dominance, he carries the wounds of a painful past. Haunted by a legacy of dark secrets and broken trust, he seeks release in our shared ecstasy, the  heat between us burning stronger each day.

Our attraction is undeniable, our obsession inevitable. Yet not even Damien can run from his ghosts, or shield us from the dangers yet to come.

My Review
4 Stars for the gorgeous Damien Stark!

Complete me is the third installment of the Stark series, it starts off straight from where it left off in book two.The trial is beginning and Damien is slowly losing control of his life.We find out how control is important to Damien but when he is accused of killing his coach who abused him,things go downhill,fast.

Nikki's past was revealed in the past books but we didn't know alot of things about Damien s past.This book reveals his demons and Nikki is by his side when he has to face them.

This book shows how far Damien and Nikki have come and how their relationship has grown stronger.
I really enjoyed discovering a more vulnerable side to the sexy powerful millionaire his character changes becoming more open towards Nikki and more accepting of the past.I think the story was concluded well and both main characters became stronger as individuals and as a couple.

I thought some parts of this book were a little slow and dragged on a bit though i enjoyed how the author added suspense and i had to finish the book to find out the answers to all the questions i had.

This book needed a better ending i just needed more from it!I don't think this book is better than the first but overall i enjoyed this series.


*ARC courtesy of Random House Publishing Group via Netgalley*