Aflame by Penelope Douglas (Fall Away 4)

Aflame by Penelope Douglas

Published: April 5, 2015

Spoiler Free review by Meagan

"The tables have turned. Now I have the power—and it’s his turn to beg…
 
Everyone wants to be me.
 
Maybe it’s the sway of my skirt or the way I flip my hair, but I don’t care. Even though their attention is the last thing I crave, I just can’t stop. I dominate the track, the speed rattles my bones, and the wind and the crowd screams my name. 
 
I’m her. The girl driver. The queen of the race. And I’m surviving—something he thought I’d never do.
 
They all talk about him. Did you see Jared Trent on T.V? What did you think of his last race, Tate? When is he coming back to town, Tate? 
 
But I refuse to care too much. Because when Jared does come home, I won’t be here. 
 
Tatum Brandt is gone. I’m someone new."

Raising Cain (Wild Rose #3)

Raising Cain (Wild Rose Series #3) by Scarlett Jade

Released December 7, 2014

Spoiler free by Meagan

"Grace’s world is rocked after Christina dies and she’s left learning how to raise a micro preemie with many health concerns. As Cain reaches his first Christmas, someone from her past returns, and Grace is left reeling. 
When Drake finds a strange e-mail in his inbox after returning from touring with his band, Jacob’s Ladder, his first thought is that it can’t be true. A part of him has to know for sure, and he makes a trip to Phoenix to find out if Grace really had a child, and if it’s his. 
Grace is determined to make sure the littlest wild rose has a home, and she’s not willing to have her heart broken again by anyone. Being alone is the safest thing. 
Drake has other plans. 
Can he convince her to fall in love again, or has Grace become wary of love’s thorns?"

After the heart aching tear jerker that was Finding Christina I absolutely could not wait to get my hands on Raising Cain, if you fell in love with these characters like I have you will understand what I mean. I tend to fall horribly in love with these book boyfriends, as does most of the female population. Drake Stone was no exception, I'm still suffering from the fact that he is indeed just a character and I can't have him. 

Taking Chances (Taking Chances #1) by Molly McAdams

Taking Chances (Taking Chances #1) by Molly McAdams

Released April 2012

Spoiler Free Review by Krystal

"Her first year away is turning out to be nearly perfect, but one weekend of giving in to heated passion will change everything.

Eighteen-year-old Harper has grown up under the thumb of her career marine father. Ready to live life her own way and to experience things she's only ever heard of from the jarheads in her father's unit, she's on her way to college at San Diego State University.

Thanks to her new roommate, Harper is introduced to a world of parties, gorgeous guys, family, and emotions. She finds herself being torn in two as she quickly falls in love with both her new boyfriend, Brandon, and her roommate's brother, Chase. Despite their dangerous looks and histories, both men adore Harper and would do anything for her, including taking a step back if it would mean she'd be happy."

Wow, what can I say about this book? This book should have came with a warning label letting you know your heart will break like an earthquake with little aftershocks to follow painfully ripping it just as it starts to heal again.  Everybody on the planet needs to go out and buy this book (along with a box of Kleenex) right now!!! This is amazing, yet heartbreaking story about love, family and friendship. 

Finding Christina by Scarlett Jade (Wild Rose Series 2)

Finding Christina (Wild Rose Series #2) by Scarlett Jade

Released November 24, 2014

Spoiler Free by Meagan

"Christina didn't stop the crash of reality from coming down on her best friend Grace after she fell in love with the sexy professor Drake Stone. She hated herself as she continued to lie to her, but lying was the only thing she'd ever known. It had always been easier to tell a colorful lie than admit to a dark truth. 
Protecting Grace from the truth until the last minute was the goal, when she'd need her best friend's forgiveness and help more than ever. All she could hope for when the dust settled from the bombshell of the biggest lie she'd ever told was that what was broken could be repaired. Christina had a plan all along from the minute she found her time was running out—the littlest wild rose would have a family. At all costs."

Where do I even start with this book? I was so excited when it came out and I was able to read. Once I started this, it was over just as fast. Scarlett Jade has a phenomenal  way with writing the stories that pop into her head. She has a way with drawing her readers in and making them live the story as if it was their own life.

When we start Christina's story it starts with Christmas vacation at Yale, the only problem is, colleges don't let students stay on campus during breaks. Christina is forced to go home and face her family. But when she ends up in the hospital she is forced to face the facts, including that she may not have much time left here with her friends and family.

"The trick to getting what you want from someone is waiting until they have everything to lose and you have nothing left. Then you grab them by the balls and squeeze. They'll roll every time."

Christina knows how to get her way with things she wants, that was learned when she kept Grace from the truth about Drake. Except this time, she doesn't know if she can have everything she wants. When Christina is finally forced to tell Grace the truth, Grace of course gets upset, she doesn't need someone to protect her. All Christina wanted to do was protect her best friend, because no one protected her when she needed it most. 

Hurt flickered in Grace's warm eyes. "Why did you lie to me?" "My mother would tell you that I'm a pathological liar and I love attention. In a way maybe she's right. It's easier to tell a colorful story sometimes than to tell the truth. I'm not proud of the lies I've told and I've messed things up. You need to understand that I'm not the good person you think I am." Christina pleaded."But you are a good person. I know you are.""My story isn't over yet. Don't make your decision about a character halfway through the story. Haven't you ever heard to wait until the last page? Maybe the bad person redeems herself. Or, maybe the bad person is rotten to the core. We won't know until the end."

Grace and Christina reconnect after all truths are revealed, but she still hides some thing to protect her for just a few days. In the end, Grace is and always will be an amazing person and always see the  good in people, unless they truly are rotten to the core. 

Christina ends up asking a big favor of Grace, one that could change her life and would if she ever had to fulfill her promise, but Christina would do anything, include giving up her own life if it meant the littlest Wild Rose could have a family.

Scarlett Jade completely ripped my heart out and stomped on it with this story, but I don't love it any less. I've said it before and I'll say it anytime, she is absolutely amazing with sucking us readers in. I warn you to grab your tissues and chocolate, because you will need them, maybe even wine too!

♥♥

Purchase Link ♥Amazon♥

If I Fly (Behind the Stars #6) by Leigh Talbert Moore

If I Fly (Behind the Stars #6) by Leigh Talbert Moore

Releases December 28, 2014
Spoiler Free review by Krystal and Meagan



***We received a copy in exchange for an honest review.***

"Prentiss Puckett is certain of three things:
-Graduation is two weeks away.
-Summer only gets hotter in south Mississippi.
-She’s getting a job with air-conditioning.

She did not expect to be kidnapped walking to work.
 And she never expected to become a hero."

Into the Woods (Behind the Stars #5) by Leigh Talbert Moore

Into the Woods (Behind the Stars #5) by Leigh Talbert Moore

Releases December 21, 2014
Spoiler Free review by Krystal and Meagan



We received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Prentiss Puckett is certain of three things:
-Graduation is two weeks away.
-Summer only gets hotter in south Mississippi.
-She’s getting a job with air-conditioning.

She did not expect to be kidnapped walking to work.
 And she never expected to become a hero."

Now that Prentiss and D'Lo found Jackson, and the three of them have escaped captivity, what will they do? Save the captors or plot revenge? 

We were excited to see that the group with Jackson had a camp set up, and that there was slight laughter in the air. When Prentiss arrives, any suspicions and questions regarding "Jacksons mistakes," were confirmed. And with this, Prentiss was determined to be strong, and be the hero for her friends, but first, to get back to Gallatin.

But what happens when Prentiss tries to find her way back to Gallatin? What if he's already gone? What if Jackson's group finds him first?

Into the Woods answered many questions, and you won't be disappointed.

Captive (Behind the Stars #1)  Our Review♥Amazon

Learning to Spy (Behind the Stars #2) Our Review♥Amazon

Harvest Moon (Behind the Stars 3) Our Review♥ Amazon

Jackson (Behind the Stars 4) Our Review♥Amazon

Into The Woods (Behind the Stars #5) Amazon

If I Fly (Behind the Stars #6) Our Review ♥Amazon 

♥COVER REVEAL: BEHIND THE STARS by Leigh Talbert Moore♥

BEHIND THE STARS

Leigh Talbert Moore

Action - Adventure Romance

Meagan and I had the opportunity to review the series and we truly loved it!!! If you're looking for an adventure and romance...this is it!! As we read each volume, Behind the Stars had us on the edge of our seats wanting more!!

Jackson (Behind the Stars 4) by Leigh Talbert Moore

Jackson (Behind the Stars 4) by Leigh Talbert Moore

Released December 7, 2014
Spoiler Free review by Krystal and Meagan



We received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Prentiss Puckett is certain of three things:
-Graduation is two weeks away.
-Summer only gets hotter in south Mississippi.
-She’s getting a job with air-conditioning.

She did not expect to be kidnapped walking to work.
 And she never expected to become a hero."


As Prentiss' learns more of the captivity situation, and the motives and reasoning for everything...something tragic happens and she starts further questioning whether to trust Gallatin or not.

Well dagum...I wanted to hate Gallatin. TeamJackson right?

As much as we want to hate Gallatin for who he is and everything that has happened, it's kind of hard when he's so different from what we expected. 

While Prentiss deals with whether or not to trust Gallatin or if she should believe everything he has told her, another tragedy hits, causing heart ache but also more secrets to surface and Prentiss starts to put the puzzle pieces together.

Can Prentiss figure everything out? Can she save her friends and family? Where will her heart lead her?

We were so glad to read Jackson. We were finally able to grab hold of the Romance aspect that everyone was patiently waiting for in the Behind the Stars Series. This series s just keep getting better and better

PS: Meagan wanted to cry ;)

Captive (Behind the Stars #1)  Our Review♥Amazon
Learning to Spy (Behind the Stars #2) Our Review♥Amazon
Harvest Moon (Behind the Stars 3) Our Review♥Amazon
Jackson (Behind the Stars 4) Amazon
Into The Woods (Behind the Stars #5) Our Review♥Amazon
If I Fly (Behind the Stars #6) Our Review♥Amazon

Harvest Moon (Behind the Stars #3) by Leigh Talbert Moore

Harvest Moon (Behind the Stars #3) by Leigh Talbert Moore

Released November 23, 2014
Spoiler Free review by Krystal and Meagan




We received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Prentiss Puckett is certain of three things:
-Graduation is two weeks away.
-Summer only gets hotter in south Mississippi.
-She’s getting a job with air-conditioning.

She did not expect to be kidnapped walking to work.
 And she never expected to become a hero."

Learning to Spy (Behind the Stars #2) by Leigh Talbert Moore

Learning to Spy (Behind the Stars #2) by Leigh Talbert Moore

Released November 9, 2014
Spoiler Free review by Krystal and Meagan

We received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Prentiss Puckett is certain of three things:
-Graduation is two weeks away.
-Summer only gets hotter in south Mississippi.
-She’s getting a job with air-conditioning.

She did not expect to be kidnapped walking to work.
 And she never expected to become a hero."

When we meet back up with Prentiss in part two, not much has changed. She still plans to find a way out, but now her tactics have changed. Knowing she can't just run, Prentiss tries to get help from a few people, but only some are willing. Braxton tries to talk her out of it, but of course when you tell someone they can't do something, they have to try proving you wrong. Even if it means she dies trying.

When Prentiss over hears things that she knows she shouldn't, she decides the easiest way to find information out about where they are and why, is to befriend someone. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? She willingly did more work around the place, and Gallatin was not who she expected to get close to. 

We gave the first volume of this book 3.5 stars because we felt disconnected from the characters and confused. But as we began to read Learning to Spy, volume 2, things started to become a little more clear. Not only did we learn more about Prentiss and life before captivity, but we start getting bits of information as to what the heck is going on. Personally, we think that the friendship is going to progress into something more. When Prentiss and Gallatin find themselves in an awkward and potentially dangerous position with a pregnant cow giving birth, we see a few aspects of Gallatins willingness to befriend and protect Prentiss

"We can do it,' Gallatin said. "I'll protect you."

Leigh Talbert Moore has continued to keep us on our toes. As the plot beings to unfold, and we edge closer to the next book, we look forward to the answers to the questions in our heads: Who are these people? Where the hell is Jackson? And does Prentiss fall for Gallatin (or vice versa)?

Captive (Behind the Stars #1)  Our Review♥Amazon

Learning to Spy (Behind the Stars #2) Amazon

Harvest Moon (Behind the Stars #3) Our Review♥Amazon

Jackson (Behind the Stars #4) Our Review♥Amazon

Into The Woods (Behind the Stars #5) Our Review♥Amazon

If I Fly (Behind the Stars #6) Our Review♥Amazon 

Captive (Behind the Stars #1) by Leigh Talbert Moore

Captive (Behind the Stars #1) by Leigh Talbert Moore

Released November 9, 2014
Spoiler Free review by Krystal and Meagan

We received a copy on exchange for an honest review.

"Prentiss Puckett is certain of three things:

   -Graduation is two weeks away.

   -Summer only gets hotter in south Mississippi.

   -She's getting a job with air-conditioning.

She did not expect to be kidnapped walking to work.

And she never expected to become a hero."

Accidental Love by Adrienne Torrisi (Accidental Crush 2)

Accidental Love by Adrienne Torrisi

Published: September 2, 2014

Spoiler Review by Meagan

"Ashley Taylor is STILL a freshman in High School. 

STILL a nobody, at least in her eyes. 

Yet, something amazing has happened. 

Something she never thought would—Todd Hamilton. 

Her crush on one of her older brother's best friends has finally become a reality. Now, she has a gorgeous, popular, incredible boyfriend, who also happens to be her best friend's older brother. 

But what happens when you get everything you thought you wanted? 

Can their relationship handle long distance this summer while Todd is away at football camp and Ashley is lifeguarding at the pool where an intriguing new boy is just waiting to take Todd's place?

A secret brought them together. 

Will a new secret tear them apart? "

Accidental Crush by Adrienne Torrisi (Accidental Crush 1)

Accidental Crush by Adrienne Torrisi

Published: October 5, 2013

Spoiler Free review by Meagan

"Sometimes you think you know exactly what life is going to be like and then something unexpected turns your world upside down. 

Ashley Taylor is just starting her freshman year of high school. She’s certain this year will be exactly like every other. She'll go unnoticed in the shadow of her older brother, Ryan, because he and his two best friends, Todd and Brian, are juniors as well as stars on the varsity football team. Everyone knows and loves them, while she is only a freshman; a nobody. 

Ashley has known both of her brother’s best friends her entire life, however, she's never really noticed Todd's clear, blue eyes and perfectly messy hair until now. Unfortunately, he still only sees her as Ryan's kid sister. Not to mention, he's also her best friend's older brother; so she needs to keep her true feelings a secret. 

As she navigates her own, difficult feelings, Ashley learns that she's not the only one keeping secrets, and if these other secrets get out, they could destroy friendships... maybe even lives."

All Pepped Up by Ali Dean (Pepper Jones book 2)

All Pepped Up by Ali Dean

Published: July 10, 2014

Spoiler Free review by Meagan

(This is the second book in the Pepper Jones series. The following description contains spoilers for Pepped Up, which should be read first.)

Pepped Up by Ali Dean (Pepper Jones Book 1)

Pepped Up by Ali Dean

Published August 25th, 2013

Spoiler Free by Meagan

"Pepper Jones is ready for an epic cross country season. She wants to qualify for Nationals, and she’s willing to do anything it takes to make it happen. She can handle long miles and hill sprints, but boys? That’s an entirely different challenge.

Pepper’s never considered revealing her deeper feelings for her longtime friend, Jace Wilder. After all, he’s got the personal magnetism and good looks to hook just about any girl in town -- and he has. Their friendship stands apart from high school social circles, and they’re both just fine with that (or at least they pretend to be).

That is, until running star Ryan Harding moves to town.
When it comes to running, Pepper’s goals are clear. But when it comes to Jace and Ryan, it’s nowhere near as simple"

Pepper Jones is a runner, that is what her life revolves around. She has never had a boyfriend or even desired to have one, unless you count her infatuation with her best friend Jace. Yes, the Jace Wilder is her best friend. Everything changes when Ryan comes to town. 

"The quiet moment is broken when I hear Jace in the woods. "Where is she?" he asks, seemingly to no one in particular. I stiffen, and Ryan stops moving his finger along my arm. When Jace bursts through the clearing across the campfire, green eyes blazing, I think I can actually see what frightens people about Jace. He looks volatile. 

"Jace?" I sit up and I hate that my voice quivers. I can see Jace's chest rising and falling as he breathes deeply. His hands clench and unclench. It feels like minutes, although I know it's only seconds, before he slowly makes his way around the campfire and crouches in front of me. "

Pepper quickly learns that she knows very little about Jace since he started high school and made new friends, although they have always been best friends. Jace has always been overly protective when it comes to Pepper, never wanted her to party or drink so when she starts to go out more, he goes out of control. 

"When did it start?" I ask. 

"I guess I noticed the first time he went all crazy was that night I saw you at Remy's place," Wes says. 

"and by get all crazy you mean, get super fucked up right?" Time to stop beating around the bush. 

"Yeah, He never gets real fucked up though. He'll chill, have some drinks, and stayed in control."

To outsiders it may seem like Jace has feelings for Pepper, but only she knows the truth. Her attraction to him is one sided, she knows he sees her as his little sister. Or does he?

"I won't do it anymore. If you don't want. If it means I can be with you." Jace says, his eyes searching my face.

"You won't do what? And be with me how?" 

"Be with you. Like this. Just like this. I could like here every night and I'd be the happiest person in the world."

With Jace sending mixed signals and her budding relationship with Ryan, what's a girl to do? Does Jace want to be with her? What about her and Ryan, where does this leave them? Does Pepper even want to be with Jace anymore? These are all questions I asked my self when I was reading this story. 

Props to Ali Dean for writing such a fantastic book. I laughed and my heart ached when ever Pepper was upset, which happened a few times. With running being such a big part of her life, what's a girl to do when she's confused? Run. And that is what she does with her trusty side kick Dave.

Purchase Link:
Amazon- Kindle Edition

Saving Grace (Wild Rose 1) by Scarlett Jade

Saving Grace (Wild Rose 1) by Scarlett Jade

Published October 27, 2014

Spoiler Free Review by Meagan

"The rule was simple—don't fall in love with a student. Drake had never had that problem—not until he met the buxom brunette in the bar. Grace was one of a kind, virginal but far from chaste. When she wanted him to teach more than history, he was left with a choice that could ruin them both.

Grace was always the good girl, until she met her wild best friend, Christina, who pushed her out of her shell. She fell head over heels for the sexy, young college professor, but when everything shattered around her, she was left with figuring out who she really was. Her journey led her somewhere she never imagined, but along the way she learned that even the wildest roses have to put down roots in a place called home."

Grace grows up in a very strict Christian household, with a dad for a preacher, being a size twenty-two and only five foot four, she knew she was safe. She never tried to act out or prove anything, never went behind her parents back. She never even kissed a boy. That was until she opened her dorm room and met her new best friend. Christina quickly becomes her best friend and helps bring her out of her shell, wearing clothes she never would have dared.

"Christina picked up the ladle in the punch bowl and scooped some of the bright red liquid. She sniffed it and dropped it back in the bowl. "Yeah don't drink that," she mumbled."Why not?" Grace asked. "It looks like punch. "Yeah, do you want to end up naked in Mexico doing a donkey show? The answer should be no. Pass on the innocent looking punch. Always." Christina advised. "Oh, for some reason I don't think being in Mexico and doing a donkey show would be good," Grace agreed.""

And then she met Drake. Oh Drake, I just love him. Even if he is a bit of an ass. When she meets Drake, the chemistry is undeniable, unavoidable, explosive, flammable. Trying to deny it would be like cutting off your own arm.

"I felt...his...wiener!" Grace whispered shrilly. "He ground it up against my butt!"

Scarlett Jade has an amazing way with words, this book made me laugh so bad I had tears, I felt the pain Grace felt when she had so much on her plate and she even gave me a bit of a stomach ache! As I kept on reading, time passed very quickly and even though I should have stopped and gone to bed I knew I couldn't with only so much left of the book. Next thing I knew it was 3 am and I was finally almost done. Grace is an amazing bright and curious young woman. Although there is no cliffhanger, you may want the next book rather quickly, I for one can not wait to delve into the mind of young Christina. 

Purchase Link:

Amazon - Kindle Edition

Goodreads-Saving Grace

Choose Us by Caylie Marcoe

Choose Us by Caylie Marcoe

Published April 2, 2014
Spoiler Free Review by Meagan

"Riley Logan and Travis Grayson have been best friends for the last fifteen years. She would do anything for him, go anywhere for him…and she has, countless times. Except now. Now he’s asking for too much. Their friendship has reached a breaking point and she doesn’t know how to go back. But as Travis’ personal assistant, Riley spends her every waking moment by his side. 

When a fractured ankle puts Travis’ BMX career on hold he’s given more downtime than he knows what to do with. Always one for excitement, he agrees to become the bachelor on a televised dating show, but only if Riley goes in undercover to help weed through the girls. 

What was supposed to be eight weeks of freedom has turned into eight weeks of hell surrounded by desperate girls all vying for Travis’ attention. He promised her the show would be smooth sailing. He promised he would listen to her advice on which girls should be eliminated. But now he’s breaking those promises and getting way too close to the girl Riley despises the most. 
She shouldn’t care. Except she does. Much to her surprise there is one girl she wants Travis to choose… 

Her. 
Will she get what she wants, or will Riley lose her best friend along with getting her heart broken on national television?"

Excellent read by Caylie Marcoe with her debut book Choose Us.

Riley would do anything for Travis, he is her best friend after all.

""You dead?" I asked in a small voice. Travis still didn't move.  So, I kicked him a little harder in the side.
'"Ugh, woman. Stop kicking me!'" Travis still had his eyes closed, but swatted at my leg.
"I'm 10. I'm not a woman," I mumbled.
Travis smirked. "Fine. Stop kicking me, Doll."
"I hate dolls," I said, crossing my arms over my chest glaring at him.
"But you look like one right now." He squinted up at me. I rolled my eyes and kicked him one more time. This time because he was annoying me."

 But when he asks her to do a reality show, she wants to say no, she really does. Of course in the end Riley goes under cover as a contest vying for Travis' love, while secretly telling him who she thinks needs to be sent home.

""So, if you're game Riley, I'd like to play a game of dare with you." Travis brought his cocky smile back out.
Damn it! He knew I wouldn't back down.
"Depends on what it is," I said coyly.
"I'll keep it easy. I dare you to do a backflip into the pit." He cocked his eyebrow and waited for my answer."
A backflip, this was child's play."

"Do you have any idea how cute you looked when you were lying in the pit? All smiles and fist pumping." he asked in a low whisper.
I snorted, "Cute, yeah right. Did you bang your head today?"

As time goes on, feelings start to come to the surface and more drama is added to the show.

"Nicki is a bitch Travis. She is a horrible woman who has nothing nice to say about anything or anyone." I ground it out through my teeth.  

"I'm asking you to stop being a stuck up bitch and start giving people who are not like you a chance," he said, glaring at me now, clearly upset that I was not backing down. 

I was shocked. Travis called me a bitch. He's never called me a bitch before. I couldn't do this anymore; I stomped over to the door and let out a frustrated scream. 

"Don't you dare walk out the door while we're talking." Travis stood.

"Go to hell, Travis." I spit back at him.

This story was full of drama and angst. I laughed, shed a couple tears and screamed along with Riley.

"It's you, Riles. Always you."

Is it? When Travis is tempted by 14 other girls vying for his attention, he has to see it out until the end.

"That's Travis; he has to see things through."

When Riley leaves the show, she isn't exactly sure where this leaves things with her and Travis. What about her job, he best friend, her other family? What about the last 15 years she spent with them?

Caylie Marcoe blew my mind with this story, I loved it beginning to end. What seemed like a perfect friendship, a perfect life, quickly changes when love is involved.

Purchase Link:

Amazon: Kindle Edition