A. C. Marchman: Overwhelm Me and Stay With Me

A. C. Marchman

Series: Callahan

Book One: Overwhelm Me

Synopsis:

Allie Marshall has dealt with a traumatic past that she desperately wants to keep buried...

After moving to Atlanta to escape her old life and pursue her dream of becoming a Physician Assistant, with the help of her roommate, Livey, she's finally gotten her life back on track and will be graduating from Emory University with honors.

When she meets Donovan Callahan--a sexy and wealthy doctor who Allie cannot resist... 

Their relationship starts off intense and full of passion. Donovan wants to give Allie the world. But she soon learns he was involved with Claire Dubois, a reality star convicted of murdering her husband.

Will she stick by his side when all of his baggage comes to the surface? Or will she be overwhelmed and turn her back on him?

Publication Date: January 7, 2014 (Revised - 2nd Edition)

Review:

Things seem a little unrealistic to me in this book just because of how fast they get so sudden. Especially since Donovan is such a wealthy and some-what famous guy. I would think that he would be a little more guarded with his heart. The same goes with Allie. Maybe it is just me. It may just be because I haven't ever had a connection that strong before that makes me want to jump someone right away. The story was really sweet and I'm excited to see what happens between each other. If they are both able to set aside their pasts to explore a relationship with one another. I would recommend the series to a fellow reader. Only if you believe in a love at first sight kind of thing.

 


Book Two: Stay With Me

Synopsis:

Allie Marshall, PA student, and Dr. Donovan Callahan have overcome such intense drama in their short relationship. 

Dealing with thoughts of Claire, his ex who sits in jail for murdering her husband, to Allie's secret past, has been extremely stressful. From the day they met, it has been hot and heavy; both of them giving into their wants and needs. The pair have thrown caution to the wind and...just went with their hearts.

All seems well, finally, and Allie is letting go of her insecurities, which could ultimately threaten to be her downfall. That is, until someone from Donovan's past decides to make a surprise and unwelcome appearance at a wedding the couple attends.

A shocking announcement is made that will force Allie to question everything about Donovan-- his honesty, his character, even his feelings for her.

Will this be the final straw, or will this be a test of strength of their feelings for each other?

Publication Date: January 7, 2014 (Revised - 2nd Edition)

Review:

This book was a lot better than the first one. Things still seem unrealistic to me, but the story has grown larger and more in depth. This story has a strange turn of events at the end that I am nervously waiting to find out about. Not much more to say about the book. I'm glad to see that Allie has such a great relationship with the son she gave up for adoption. Also, that he has knowledge of who she is.




Book Three: Release Me

Synopsis:

Donovan Callahan started a relationship with the married Claire Dubois as a teenager. Attracted to her beauty and raw sexuality, he let his hormones take control of him.
He couldn't resist the woman all the guys at school could only dream about...
As time went by, she sank her claws in deep, keeping his heart in a vice grip and toying with his emotions. He longed to be free, but was terrified of what this crazy woman was capable of. She had a way of keeping him in line, either by physical or mental force. She was manipulative, conniving, and just plain evil. Pulling him back in as he tried to push away. Donovan felt trapped in a web of lies and deceit, and Claire was the proverbial black widow.
Donovan has to take back control of his life. Claire has screwed him up in more ways than one and he wants her to release him...for good!

Publication Date: January 7, 2014 (Revised - 2nd Edition)

Review:

Have not read yet!




Book Four: Here With Me

Book not yet available!

R. D. Cole: Learning to Live

R. D. Cole

Series: Learning

Book One: Learning to Live

Synopsis:

Being alive and living are not always the same.

Trudy Love is used to being on her own and has rarely been shown affection. Between growing up in foster care and her abusive boyfriend she has no idea what life can be. At 19 she goes through something no one should ever experience and is left alone once again. Six months later she moves to Mobile, Alabama where she meets someone whose eyes bring back memories of the one person she misses everyday. Too late she finds herself caught in a storm of emotions that are unwanted, but she's determined to fight them off.
Jaxon Coleman has a good life, and for him to attend one of the finest Med schools in the country and follow in his dad's foot steps is a dream come true. However, dreams can change in life and when he meets Trudy he knows his will never be the same. Jax knows she has secrets she is unwilling to share, but he's never given up on something he wants and he wants Tru.
Can Trudy stop resisting her feelings and welcome the chance to live a different life than she pictured or will her defiance and haunted past eventually take her out of Jax's reach?
After tragedy living is not easy, but with the right person it can be learned.

 

Publication Date: December 21, 2013

 

Review:

Such a good book. It talks a little about abuse and the foster care system. So many emotions are associated with this book. The characters have amazing chemistry together. You feel so strongly for all of them. I would definitely recommend this book to fellow readers. There is some questions that I have after reading the book, but hopefully they will be answered in the other books. The major one I have though, I'm not sure if it will be answered or not in Blaire's story (Book Three). Book is told in two point of views, Jaxon and Tru's. It is nice to know what is going through each of their minds. You seem to get more from Tru's point of view though. You get sucked into the love story of Jax and Tru. You also fall for how big of a heart Tru has. She has had to face so many things in such a short life; you can't help but root for her to succeed and have a happy life. It seems that if things can go wrong, they will for her.

 


Book Two: Learning to Heal

Synopsis:

"If Fools rush in, then most people in love are idiots. And I'm the biggest one of all."

-Jazz
Meet Jasmine Coleman. She's the girl that's outgoing, beautiful, and full of self-assurance- a confidence that’s forced to cover the scars she hides. When rushing into love becomes a heartbreaking mistake the last piece of it disappears. Now she is left uncertain, weak, and full of self-loathing. But her strength is needed now more than before.
Mason Reed is the quiet computer geek that's always the friend and never the boyfriend. Putting his social life on hold to help his single mother has left him shy when it comes to the opposite sex. And Meeting Jazz is no different. However being in love makes you do crazy things and his crazy has major consequences. Especially when the truth is revealed to others who are determined to rip them apart.
Rash Decisions have major consequences. Some good. Some bad. All Life Changing.
"The Truth doesn't always set you free. Sometimes it breaks you apart and leaves you in pieces."

 

Publication Date: December 21, 2013

 

Review:

Have not read yet!





Book Three: Learning to Forgive

Synopsis:

“I’ve learned a lot this past year, but there are two things I’ll never forget: one, People aren’t what they seem, and two, I fucking hate liars.” –Blaire
Blaire Morgan was a quiet, grief stricken girl when she left Mobile, Alabama, a year ago after her brother’s unexpected death. She returns a year later with fresh wounds from another betrayal, and she’s not the same person. A woman letting her tortured past rule her life, her “take no shit” attitude is catching the attention of everyone that crosses her path, including the bad boy front man of Lyrical Obsessions—the new band that plays at Jay Jay’s. When she learns he has something she wants, she plans on doing whatever it takes to get it.
What is a demon? An evil spirit possessing a person, acting as a tormentor in Hell?
Lyric “The Demon” Devereux is that tormentor and Hell is any place he sees fit, either in the fighting ring or on the streets. He killed his first person at seventeen years old, and that list has grown over the years—as well as his list of enemies—but his biggest enemy is himself and he doesn’t know how to win that battle.
When Blaire comes into town like wildfire and turns heads, Lyric’s temper emerges—uninvited and unexpected. His plan to stay at a distance for her safety, and his sanity, changes when she continuously shows up with her defiance and seductive pull. He now has no choice but to face his past that could possibly destroy the both of them.
Tempers will detonate. Lust will consume. Truth will destroy. But will love forgive?

Review:

Book not available yet!

S. L. Jennings: Fear of Falling

S. L. Jennings

Fear of Falling

Synopsis:

I can't remember the last time I felt completely safe. Security seemed more like a luxury to me, reserved for those who were fortunate enough to have picture perfect childhoods. For those who didn't bear the ugly scars that keep me bound in constant, debilitating fear. I've run from that fear my entire life. But when I met him, for once, I couldn't run anymore.
He scared the hell out of me in a way that excited every fiber of my being. It wasn't the tattoos or the piercings. It wasn't the warmth that seemed to radiate from his frame and blanket me whenever he was near. It was just...him. The scary beautiful man that threatened to alter 23 years of routine and rituals, and make me face my crippling fear.
My name is Kami and I am constantly afraid. And the thing that scares me the most is the very thing I want.

Publication Date: July 15, 2013
 
Review:

Such a heart-breaking story. This story will truly touch you. It touches on a subject that many Americans face every single day, but are sometimes to scared to admit that it is happening. Nobody really knows what type of effects abuse will pose on a person. Everyone reacts differently. This particular character takes on an extreme case of phobias. I believe that they are all justified. Just the fact that Kami was able to get up every morning and have a somewhat normal life is more than many people can say. After everything she had endured, she found the will to live. I was truly touched by this story and felt everything the character was feeling. I couldn't believe that just how troubled the girl was and how she was able to function the way she did. And the fact that this story was based on actual events broke my heart. I'm not sure to what degree this is all true, but even just small amounts of it are, is so sad. I would definitely recommend this book, but it is not something you should take likely. If you don't think you can handle some serious heart-wrenching facts, do not read. Be prepared to want to cry your eyes out for several of the characters in this book. Be prepared to not be able to understand how some people can be so cruel to others.

M. Pierce: Night Owl

M. Pierce

Series: The Night Owl

Book One: Night Owl

Synopsis:

Love is unstoppable...

At twenty-eight, Matt Sky has the perfect life. He has a beautiful girlfriend, a massive inheritance, and four national bestsellers -- all penned under his airtight alias, M. Pierce.

At twenty-seven, Hannah Catalano has a train wreck. Her boyfriend is a deadbeat and her job is abysmal.

Matt and Hannah meet online as writing partners. Their relationship is safe, anonymous, and innocent...

Until Matt sees a picture of Hannah.Hannah's picture sparks an attraction Matt is powerless to ignore. When circumstance brings Matt and Hannah together, the strangers begin a love story that's passionate, poignant, unforgettable, and unstoppable.

 

Publication Date: September 6, 2013

 

Review:

Wow. That is the best way to describe this book. It is a cross between Fifty Shades and I don't even know. It can definitely hold its own in the erotic category, but it also takes on a whole different genre with the many problems that Matt faces. This book is told from two point of views; Matt and Hannah. Matt is a best-selling author, but nobody really knows that he is. The people that do know how an non-disclosure agreement stating they can't let people know who he is. Matt is also completely out there. He is like a hermit. He doesn't do social very well. Hannah is your typical girl except she is into gaming and writing. She has emotions that overwhelm her at times and isn't afraid to let people know about them. Hannah and Matt meet online. They weren't ever suppose to know any more information about each other except what pertained to writing a novel together. When Hannah decides she needs to move back home, she accidentally broke some of Matt's rules. Matt is instantly mesmerized by her. When he finds out that she is moving to the same state and city as him, he can't control himself, even though he is in a committed relationship. Matt acts upon his urges and soon they are both falling for each other. When Matt's secrets are leaked to the press, Hannah distances herself. She knows that she will never feel what she felt for Matt with anybody else, but she must carry on the best way she knows how. Even if she is hollow inside. Matt's brother comes to bribe Hannah to help him save his brother from himself. This is the part of the story where you see just how bad Matt can get. He is almost like a paranoid schizophrenic.  However, Hannah is able to pull him from the darkness. It takes a while to get him back to himself, but when he does, Hannah couldn't be happier with the man she has fallen hopelessly in love with. The epilogue left me with quite a few questions that I'm hoping the rest of the books in the trilogy will be able to answer. Really excited to see where this trilogy will lead us. Also, looking forward to what the author will bring. Definitely a must read book!





Book Two: Last Light

No information available yet except that it is intented to be out in June of 2014. 

S. E. Hall: Emerge

S. E. Hall

Series: Evolve

Book One: Emerge

Synopsis:

Laney Walker is a quick witted, athletic, southern tomboy who lets few get too close, using her sarcastic zingers to deflect. She also has no idea how others view her since Evan, her best friend, has coveted her since they were children. But college puts a gap between Laney and Evan that neither of them were prepared for- old relationships are tested, new ones are formed and nothing will ever be the same.
Especially when in walks one Dane Kendrick, not at all the familiar, southern charmer of home, but an animal all his own.
A story of growing up, friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love...and life.

Publication Date: May 15, 2013 

Review:

A twist on the classic high school sweethearts story. You usually read about two teenagers who fall in love in high school and have been best friends since they were young. They usually go off to college together and their love blossoms. That is NOT the case in this story. Both Laney and Evan love each other unconditionally, but Laney is realistic. She knows that a long distance relationship will put a strain on any relationship, especially one that has just started. It doesn't matter that they have always been there for each other. She wants Evan, and herself, to be able to enjoy college without all the insecurities of having a long distance relationship. Laney never thought she would find love in someone else, but steps in Dane. The instant she sees Dane there is a connection. She tries to fight it because of her loyalty to Evan, but she just can't seem to shake Dane. When she finally gives in to Dane, her world comes apart. She is truly happy in her relationship with Dane, but it is costing her her friendship with Evan that she was hoping that she could salvage. Evan was willing to give up everything for Laney, but it was a little too late. The characters in this story have amazing chemistry and get along great. You can feel the emotions that are going on with each of them. You know how they feel and wish that you could help them out anyway possible. Excited to see what the rest of the series will offer. I noticed that the other books are not centered around Laney and Dane and that is a little disappointing because I want to know how their relationship will pan out. Hopefully we will hear a little more from them in the other books. That way we can keep an eye on them and know if the relationship works out for the best!


Book Two: Embrace

Synopsis:

Evan Allen is a handsome, athletic, southern gentleman who now attends Georgia Southern University for no good reason.
After what he expected to be the romantic gesture of the century, Evan is looking at no friends, a year of ineligibility on the football team, and no girl.
He's starting over alone and doesn't know quite how to proceed. Certain members of The Crew refuse to let him face things by himself, taking him under their wing, and it doesn't take the ladies long to notice him, either.
Sometimes life doesn't go as you had planned. Sometimes it goes better.
Embrace it.

Publication Date: January 1, 2014
 
Review:

Currently reading!



Book Two and a Half: Entangled

Synopsis:

Things heat up, and not just the Georgia summertime, when Dane and Laney go head to head over plans for her new duplex. But Laney's got his number, and knows just how to coerce her bossy, domineering man. Spend the summer with the gang and find out...just how many is a crowd?
The members of the Evolve Crew are getting older; so is the content.

Publication Date: January 1, 2014
 
Review:

Have not read yet!



Book Three: Entice

Synopsis:

Sawyer Beckett does everything full throttle— he’s fiercely loyal to his friends, always the life of the party and impossible for the parade of women in and out of his bedroom to forget.
Surrounded by true love and happily ever afters, Sawyer's not sure if he's enhancing the what-ifs in his head, or if the goddess on stage that night really is worth the search and nagging in his chest.
At the most inopportune moment possible, Emmett Young comes "skipping" back into his life...and for the first time, Sawyer is the one left wanting more. But Emmett can't give her heart; it's already committed—for life.
The only one strong enough to bring the elusive playboy to his knees is the one he can't have. Luckily, Sawyer Beckett doesn't give up easily.

Review:

Book not yet available!

J. S. Cooper: The Ex Games Part 1, 2, and 3

J. S. Cooper

Series: The Ex Games

Book One: The Ex Games Part One

Synopsis:

Handsome billionaire, Brandon Hastings was Katie Raymond's first love. They had a whirlwind romance that captivated her heart and took her on a sexual journey she never wanted to end. Their future together looked bright until Brandon found out that Katie was keeping a huge secret from him. Once he realized the truth, he broke her heart and she never saw him again.
Seven years later, Katie has finally moved on and accepts the position of her dreams at Marathon Corporation as an executive manager. The only problem is, Brandon Hastings bought the business a month after she started working there.
Now Katie has to fly to San Francisco to attend a company-wide orientation and she is scared that Brandon is going to fire her on sight. Little does she know that Brandon has lot more planned for her and this time he's the one keeping a secret.

Publication Date: December 26, 2013
 
Review:

I love J. S. Cooper's writing and I just had to read this book. I didn't realize just exactly how short this book was. There is only about five chapters, but they are some pretty amazing chapters. The first book here mostly goes into detail about what is happening in the present and what went down in the past to get Katie into the situation she is in now. It tells of the huge lie that Katie kept from Brandon while they were together. She is older now, but she still loves him after all this time and she is finding it hard to have to see him now. She knows she messed up, but deep down she is hoping that he will forgive her. After all, it has been seven years since it happened. There isn't a bunch of eroticness in this book, but it does get pretty intense in some parts. If you are not comfortable with those types of scenes, I would not recommend this book. If you are looking for a quick, fun read, then this is the mini series for you! Ready to find out what happens in the next book.


Book Two: The Ex Games Part Two

Synopsis:

Seven years ago, Brandon Hastings and Katie Raymond had a relationship that other couples envied. They loved each other more than anything, but one lie ruined their relationship forever.
Now, Brandon is the CEO of the company that Katie works for and she is finding it hard to be around him without wanting to touch him and be touched by him. Katie gives in to one moment of weakness with Brandon, and he reveals a secret that breaks her heart once again.
Katie is determined that she will not let Brandon break her again and they go back in forth in a mouse and cat game that has them both wondering what's really going on. Just when Katie thinks she can take no more, one more secret is revealed that will make her question everything she ever thought she knew about Brandon Hastings.

Publication Date: December 31, 2013
 
Review:

I will tell you this first thing, this part of the mini series end in a HUGE cliffhanger. I was very disappointed with that. LOL. This part of the series describes the current situation between Katie and Brandon. Katie has flown in for her new business meeting with a company that Brandon owns. She isn't sure what he is going to do or say when he sees her. Brandon throws Katie a huge secret, but then Katie throws one to the audience. It is one that I definitely didn't see coming and the revelation that is the cliffhanger is definitely not something I saw coming. I am so looking forward to see what Book Three has to offer. It will be the end of the mini series, so I'm sure it has a lot of juicy information. I have a feeling I know what one of the big revelations of the story will be, but I am going to keep it to myself. No fun in spoiling everybody's fun. :) 3 more days!!


Book Three: The Ex Games Part Three

Synopsis:

What other secret is Brandon hiding?
Seven years ago, Katie Raymond made a mistake that cost her the love of her life. Now, Brandon Hastings is back in her life and it seems like he is determined to make her pay for her previous mistakes.
When Katie overhears a private conversation, she has no idea just how deep the secrets go. She gives, Brandon one last chance to prove his love to her, but when he violates her trust one last time, she doesn't think she can ever forgive him.
But then, Brandon tells her the one thing that is guaranteed to turn her world upside down and she's not sure if her life will ever be the same again.

Publication Date: January 7, 2014

Review:

So I knew that one of the secrets he was going to reveal, but I just didn't expect it to all come out to play like this. I loved the ending. I can't believe how everything turned out. I am excited that Katie and Brandon will finally have their happily ever after. I think they both deserve it. They each gave each other way too much grieve over things. They should have just laid everything out from the very beginning. However, I guess that wouldn't had much for such an entertaining story. I am very happy with what J. S. Cooper has done with this story. I have always liked her stories. Looking forward to more to come from her!

Amanda Jason: Lucky Number Four

Amanda Jason

Lucky Number Four

Synopsis:

Pandora Ann Phillips’ life is just normal-crazy.
Her mom’s psychic, her dad’s mom is a snob, her mom’s parental units are ‘too down to earth’ and her best friends are newlyweds. Okay, so her best friends being newlyweds isn’t really abnormal, but living with them in a cramped two-bedroom apartment definitely is. Sex, sex, sex, is totally on their brains. Actually, it’s not only on their brains, but it’s on the kitchen table, couch, on top of the washer…well, you get the picture.
Being a celibate (not by choice, mind you) full-time college student, and working as an almost full-time barista, Pandora can’t afford to lose anymore sleep. So, she decides to seek out a new place to lay her head. Enter three ‘drool worthy’ male models that are looking for a fourth roommate, and they want her…and won’t take no for an answer.
Romantic hilarity ensues as Pandora’s life turns completely upside down, and she begins to wonder if it will ever be the same again!

 

Publication Date: January 4, 2014

 

Review:

I purchased this book because one of the authors I read pretty frequently had a post on her Facebook page announcing this book being published. I highly recommend the other author, so I figured this author would be just as good. And I was right. This book is good. I wasn't a big fan of all the psychic like things, but that really didn't play a major part in the story telling. The models are not at all what Dora thought you might believe models to behave like. They are all easy-going and down to earth. She has a hard time telling them no and an even harder time trying to contain her raging hormones. She thinks she feels it for Collin, but it turns out it was Drew all along that she was lusting after. The ending seemed to sneak up on you and get over with quickly. The happy couple wasn't actually together for very long and then a huge secret comes up. Luckily, you get a pretty good epilogue that gives you a little bit extra, but in my opinion I would have loved to hear just a little bit more about their romance together. I am looking forward to more from Amanda Jason. If her books are anything like this one, then I will definitely be reading!