For when you need that quick hit - Novella Reviews

 Sometimes when I want to satisfy a romance craving, I'll go with a quick, easy to read book fix.  Novella's are perfect for this and these are three that I have read recently.  

So here are some quick reviews for the quick reads.

Second Chance by Lisa Scott 

The Blurb: Second Chance (Short story #1 from Reunion Flirts! 5 Romantic Short Stories. 11,000 words)

Chelsea Hallman dumped her boyfriend, Tripp, back in high school because she had big plans—and he was too busy goofing off to think about his future. Ten years later, Tripp McCall is now a rich business tycoon, offering to help her organize an over-the-top class reunion. Chelsea suspects he’s just trying to show her what she lost. But Chelsea doesn’t care about his money; she misses his humor, his gray eyes and soft lips. Could he ever give her a second chance?

This is story #1 from Reunion Flirts! 5 Romantic Short Stories. Buy the whole collection and see how the stories connect. Try Lisa’s other Flirts! volumes: Flirts!, Beach Flirts, Holiday Flirts!, Fairy Tale Flirts!, Wedding Flirts!, and More Flirts! Also check out Lisa’s Willowdale Romance series.

My Review:

Oh I wish, wish that this was a longer story!  It was a very fast, fun read that would make a fantastic full length novel.  Didn't feel too rushed (well apart from Tripp's over the top gestures at the end).  Over all very enjoyable.


My rating?  3.5 out 5

Buy Second Chance

I Remember You - by Scarlett Metal

The blurb: Lance never got over his teenage love despite years of trying to forget her with alcohol, music, and other women. 

Samantha dated lots of different guys after Lance, guys most girls would love to have even a chance with. No one can make her happy though; she compares them all to Lance. 

Fate brings them together when Lance is in town for some family business. They end up spending a passionate night together but can they be more? Can they finally find their happily ever after?


My Review:

It started off so well!  Basically there is a good story underneath all this but It was so unbelievable and incredibly rushed that I couldn't enjoy it.  I mean they reconnected one day, say I love you that night and are married the next????

Hmmmmmm

It was saved by a sweet epilogue.



My rating 1.5 out of 5

Buy I Remember You

My ex-Wife's Wedding by Elise Marion

Buy My ex-Wife's Wedding

The Blurb: Jack's ex-wife is getting married in the morning. With only one night left to change her mind, can he convince her not to give up on 13 years of marriage?

Holly has always loved Jack, but her new fiance' is the safe, logical choice. Will she choose him, or risk all to give Jack another chance? When Jack comes flying into her wedding, putting it all on the line, which will she choose?

My Review:

Another one I would like to see a longer version of.  Quite a sad story of a marriage breaking down and the realisation that they still love each other as one of the former couple is about to marry someone else.

Don't worry there is a HEA and this one is currently free on Amazon.co.uk!

My rating?  3.5 out of 5

Thank you Facebook!

I'm sitting here procrastinating really.......


I'm trying to avoid the search for a wrought iron table and chair set for the garden as, quite frankly, I can't be arsed.  So once again I find oneself on my second Facebook profile which I actually use more than my 'real life' one.

I love my second profile (Greydaysohmy Fanfiction), I have been so lucky as I have been able to interact with my favourite indie authors (Michelle Valentine responded to my message that she is outlining the 3rd Black Falcon book and it will be Trip's story  - how awesome is that!!!)

I have also made a fair few FB friends; everyone is so friendly and supportive and what started out as a small community on ff.net as grown!  Who would have thought that reading a certain book one year ago (Fifty Shades Of Grey) would lead me to a whole new 'family' and new nickname (mama bear) ???

I have seen wonderful fanfiction authors become indie authors in their own right and I couldn't be prouder of them.

Last night, I posted a photos of all my Kindle books.....It was seriously shocking the amount of books that I have but they bring me so much  pleasure (mind out of the gutter peeps, not THAT kind of pleasure.)  but I love reading.

When I was younger my family would often say "that Sara always has her nose in a book.'  I'll never make it as a writer but my addiction to reading is why I love to review.

What this post really boils down to is that I really wanted to say is thank you.

Thank you to all my Facebook friends, to all the authors whose books I love to read, to my hubby for putting up with my reading addiction.

You make this little bookworm very happy.

Sara

PS Matt Bomer for Christian Grey.

Rock My Bed (Black Falcon 2) by Michelle Valentine

The Blurb:

Book Two in the New York Times and USA Today Best Selling Series:

Everything always seems to fall into place for twenty-four year-old Aubrey Jenson, except for when it comes to her luck with men. Bad boys always draw her in and crush her heart, and Black Falcon’s lead guitarist, Riff, is no exception. After sharing a few wild nights together, she leaves him behind, knowing a guy like Riff isn’t the relationship type, merely just a play thing. 

When she returns to New York, she tries to get the passion she felt in Riff’s arms out of her head by dating Isaac, a successful representative at Center Stage Marketing. Just when she thinks she’s forgotten Riff, she’s forced to see him again when her best friend, Lanie, ropes her into being a bridesmaid for her upcoming wedding to Black Falcon front man, Noel. 

Sparks fly instantly between Aubrey and Riff when they’re forced to reunite, and suddenly she finds herself caught between the man that’s good for her and the one who completely rocks her in every way. 

My Review: (It may contain spoilers)

Dear Noel,

I don't know how to tell you this but I have a new favourite Falcon now.

You stole my heart in Rock the Heart and Rock the Band and you will always be one of my favourites but Riff... well he's just (dare I say it) swoonworthy.

Kind, sensitive and sexy as hell.

I know this seems sudden but please understand that it's not you, it's me.  I'm a sucker for characters like Riff; strong men who do not think they are worthy of love.  (Plus he has a constant supply of Oreos and when it comes to food and bad boy, man whore rockers well there really is no competition.)

I'm happy Riff found love with Aubrey; they too were an awesome match.   Smitten with Kitten!  I loved Aubrey too.  At times you must have wanted to bang their heads together; I know Lanie did.

Riff had such an unhappy life.  The story woven by the talented Michelle was a thing of beauty.  You and the others are lucky to have her bring you to life in a way that thousands adore your story.

I read the end on my own in the staff room Noel, I let out a massive 'awwwwwwww' and nearly cried, again. (Thanks Michelle!)

I'm sorry Noel but what can I say?  You and Lanie were finally married in possibly the most romantic of ceremonies.  Damn it, Faithfully was even played again.  I'm so glad you got your happily ever after and I hope to see more of all of you in the next book.

You'll always have a place in my heart

Sara

(Ps In short I loved it, go buy and read now!!)

My Favourite Quotes;

"Don't call me that.  Not in here," he whispers roughly in my ear.  "Call me Zach."

Everything about him that screams naughty sex on a stick, and I can't believe he's heading my way.

"Zach is my forever."

'Either he'll take the challenge or i'll never hear from him again.  Before I have a time to toss my phone on my bed, another message comes in.

Name your terms, Kitten....

I nearly squeal with delight.  Game on.'

There are a few books that I have been impatiently waiting for the release of this year.  Rock my Bed, Wethering the Storm and Unexpected Forever.  Believe me, Rock My Bed was worth the wait.

5 out of 5.

Purchase Rock my Bed

Review - Meeting My Master (A week with my Romanian) by Steffie Dawn

The Blurb:

Having been dreaming of meeting her Romanian Master since the day they met online Ella is on a trip of a lifetime to Bucharest! Join her & her Master on a journey of discovery & learning. On her arrival Ella is thrown into the deep end with a session in Master’s dungeon & a trip outside the confines of his apartment finds her in some trouble!

EXTENDED
Being a twenty two year old student from the United Kingdom Ella doesn’t know what to expect when she boards the jet to Bucharest. Her online relationship has been keeping her occupied for over a year but she doesn’t know how that will fair when transferred to real life. All she knows for certain is in the year they’ve been playing on the internet and web camera, she has fallen head over heels in love with the only man to ever control her in the way she desires and needs. But will love be enough for this duo when their online relationship is played out in real life?


The Review:

First of all I will start out by saying I do know the author through Facebook.  You see we have a mutual love of a certain trilogy of books about a dark copper haired man with grey eyes and penchant for whipping dark haired girls.... I respect Steffie an awful lot for her fanfiction stories (seriously check them out) and as I kind of know her, I want to give a constructive review.  

We first meet Ella at the airport nervously waiting to board a plan to meet her master, her Romanian. After my initial reaction of 'What are you doing?? He could be a serial killer!!!' I found that underneath the premise of BDSM there was actually a very sweet little love story.

It was the little things Master did that made me think that he felt more for her; the decorating the  room, the kiss outside the airport.....

The sex scenes between the two characters were particularly steamy and Steffie certainly has a talent for being very descriptive.  This also shows particularly when she is describing people and places.  I could actually see Master's apartment in my mind's eye.

My only issues are that it is too short (I know the 2nd part will be out soon) and that sometimes I didn't feel connected to the characters.

(The submissive life would not be for me, a fact that hubby knows all too well...)

Steffie is definitely one to watch.

Overall, it's a excellent debut for a first time author!

My rating? 3.5 out of 5 stars






ARC copy received in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Meeting My Master

Review - Friend Zoned by Belle Aurora

The Blurb:

Nikolai Leokov never thought he'd fall in love with the only girl he's ever befriended.
Valentina Tomic has issues with commitment after the ultimate betrayal.
When Tina decides to make broody Nik's day better, she never thought she would end up friends with the hard man.
Nik has never had a woman be so affectionate to him without expecting something in return.
Nik and Tina cordially invite you to read Friend-zoned.
A story of friendship, humor and love.

My Review:

The one that came as a complete surprise.

This is my original review on Goodreads;

I didn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did but I loved it!

I spent a ridiculous amount of time smiling and laughing (and there were a few sad tears!)
I loved the relationship between 'hurricane' Tina and Nik. Hawt and sexy!!

I loved Max, Ceecee, Trick, Lola, Mimi Bear and Uncle Jerm. I especially loved Asher and Nat and can't wait to read their story.

5 Stars 

I stick by it.

They meet when sweet Tina, after weeks of staring at Nik outside her shop and decides he needs cheering up, sends him a box of candy with a note.

"Smile sometime, handsome."

(Obviously anonymously you understand but leaving your business card in there will take away the element of surprise, darling one.)

What follows is a fab little story of two friends gradually falling in love, of loyalty, tragedy but ultimately hope and a whole lot of humour.

At times the female protagonist, Tina, annoyed the hell out of me.  She was, at times, a little too nice, a little bit cloying.

"Crudsickles!"

(I mean who says crudsickles?? Being British I prefer a good old fashioned 'bollocks' but there you go)

BUT!!!!

As we delve deeper into the story getting more background on Tina, you realise that behind that perkiness is a truly tragic story.  It is heartbreaking and I shed a fair few tears.  Especially when (SPOILER!!!) her one link to her past, Bear, is killed.

I also enjoyed the stories of the secondary characters Ghost (Asher, not to be confused with Leave me Breathless's Ghost) and Nat.  I'm really looking forward to their book, which is the next in the series.


I seriously could not put this book down and read it through the night.

My rating? 5 out of 5.






Buy Friend-Zoned

Review: Rock the Heart (Black Falcon 1#) by Michelle Valentine

The Blurb:

For the last four years, good girl Lane has regretted breaking up with Noel Falcon. She thought she was sensible when she told him his dreams of being a rock star would get him nowhere, but now that he's a rock god and her career is stagnant, she realizes just how wrong she was. When Noel hires the marketing company where Lane is an intern, she’s forced to see him again. If she wants to land her dream job as executive within the company, she has to win him over and secure his account. Too bad Noel is still pissed at her for breaking his heart.

When Lane’s company flies her to a Black Falcon concert to gain Noel’s attention, emotions run high the moment she sees him and realizes she’s far from over him. But Noel’s countless trysts with groupies and his cocky attitude make Lane believe he isn’t the same guy she once loved—now he seems to only want her body. Then after Lane discloses she needs him to procure a job, Noel proves he’s a changed man by forcing her to go on the road with him in order to get it.

After Lane reluctantly takes Noel up on his offer, she becomes willing to do whatever it takes to keep him satisfied, even if it means succumbing to his seductive ways. Lane soon finds deception is a dangerous game and she’s not the only one playing. 

My Review:

In a previous review I may have mentioned that if I really enjoyed a book then I will read it again? In this case I've read it again and again and again (up to four or five times now....)

To me it's that good!

I'm still  not sure what it is about Rock the Heart (and the follow up, Rock the Band) that appeals to me so much but appeal it does.

From the get go it's obvious that the main characters Noel Falcon and Lanie Vance are still completely, desperately, head over heels in love with each other; despite four years apart and despite a whole lot of anger towards the other.

"This next song goes out to the girl who shredded my heart without hesitation back in high school.  It's called Ball Busting Bitch, and Lanie, this one's for you."

I feel sorry for Lanie in the book.  All the poor girl wants to do is get her dream job and ends up being basically used as a pawn between her boss, Diana, and Noel who will do anything to get her back.  

And Noel.... I have one word for him.

SWOOOOOOONNNNN

When we first meet him, he's being a typical arrogant, mega Rock star arse with a couple of groupies but over the course of the book that side of him all but disappears and we see the real Noel.  The Noel that Lane fell in love with and who she left on the dock all those years ago.

"I thought so.  That boy is still crazy over you."

When Noel and Lane finally decide the kissing only rule is a bust and reunite in her childhood bedroom... well it's as hot as hell and incredibly romantic.

"I love you Lane.  I always have."


There is drama (I'm talking about you Sophie and Mike!), there's humour (Trip & Tyke), there's sexy men (say hello ladies to Riff and Striker).  Friendships are nearly destroyed and new ones formed.......

The ending made me cry (happy tears people...happy tears) and being the sad sack obsessive that I secretly am, I downloaded Boyce Avenue's version of Faithfully and played it when I read the ending again.

(Cue sobbing and hubby asking if I was OK or was it my 'lady time?'...gah)

How can you not cry at the last line?

"Forever," he whispers. "I'm yours."

My rating? 5 out of 5

(Book 2# Rock the Bed is out on the 22nd........)

Buy Rock the Heart

Touch Me: One Night with Sole Regret out now

Is live on Amazon.com now!

(Unless you are in the UK, in which case we are still patiently waiting....)

Review - Unleashed by Cherrie Lynn

The Blurb:

One week in paradise will make or break them…
It’s not enough that Kelsey’s husband left her for another woman. Oh, no. The “other woman” had to be her best friend Evan’s fiancee. Not only has she lost her marriage, she fears losing Evan to the lingering awkwardness and humiliation that hangs between them.
Evan has no intention of letting that happen. He’s got plans…namely, an extra plane ticket to Hawaii now his future wife is out of the picture. There’s only one person he wants on the trip with him, the one who’s always been there for him. The one he should never have let slip away into the arms of a traitorous friend who shattered her heart.
Kelsey is anticipating a week of fun in the sun with the man who’s always treated her like a little sister. No one’s more surprised when she discovers that Evan has seduction on his mind—and that she’s more than ready for it.
Love is the most powerful healing force of all. But past demons have a way of ripping open old wounds, and threatening the survival of even the strongest friendship…

My Review:

It is here that I make my first confession....

I am a huge fan of Cherrie Lynn.  I totally blame her for my current obsession with tattooed bad boys with hearts of gold.

If I were single Ghost, from her book Leave me Breathless (which will be reviewed at a later date), would be my number one book boyfriend (swiftly followed by Kellan Kyle, Sed Lionheart and Noel Falcon.......the list goes on and on).  I'm even a member of a group on the Facebook where we have decided that Olly Foster looks like our Ghost..... but I digress.

As such a fangirl, I'm not sure whether I can give an unbiased review but i'll try.

(Of course this will go out the window when I review Rock Me (RM) and Leave me Breathless (LMB) - There will be a one word review such as 'Ghost' followed by 'drooooolllss'

I've decided to start with the first book in the series, Unleashed.  It's the somewhat unloved older sibling to the behemoths that are RM and LMB.  Which is such a shame as it is really rather good!

As a rule I'll only read a book more than once if I've really enjoyed it.

I've read Unleashed twice now.

It's the story of two college friends who have secretly been in love with each other for ages but who just could not admit it.

After waiting years for Evan Ross to wake up and realise his undying love for her, Kelsey Peterson gives up and eventually marries a friend of Evan's. Later on, said husband cheats on poor Kelsey with Evan's fiance!!

We pick the story up as Evan asks Kelsey to join him on his abandoned honeymoon.....

I loved Kelsey (although she's far far too nice to her ex) and I loved Evan.

Sometimes I find that you can read a book and you get annoyed with the characters, I didn't with this one.

The location is steamy and the sex is steamier.  I'm still trying to decide whether the bit about the hot tub or the sex in the office was my favourite bit.....

Scrap that! Both scenes are hot but I loved the epilogue. 

Yes, despite some angst, uncertainty and hurt; Evan and Kelsey get their well deserved HEA.  Brian from Rock Me even makes his debut......

The writing is superb and after reading all of Cherrie's books, you will expect nothing less.

My rating?  4.5 out of 5


Buy Unleashed

Oh wow!!

First day on the blog and I have my first ARC :)

Thanks to Steffie Dawn for letting me loose on


Meeting My Master

Review to follow.......

The First Review - Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec

The Blurb:

Claire is a twenty-something, single mom that grudgingly helps her best friend sell sex toys while she attempts to make enough money to start her own business to give her foul-mouthed, but extremely loveable (when he's asleep) toddler a better life.  

When Carter, the one-night-stand from her past that changed her life forever, shows up in her hometown bar without any recollection of her besides her unique chocolate scent, Claire will make it a point that he remembers her this time.  

With Carter's undisguised shock at suddenly finding out he has a four-year-old son and Claire's panic that her stretch marks and slim to none bedroom experience will send the man of her dreams heading for the hills, the pair will do whatever they can to get their happily ever after.

Warning: contains explicit sex, profanity and enough sarcasm to choke a horse.

My Review:

This book should come with a warning, a bit like the one in Gremlins.  You know the one;

Do not get wet

Do not feed after midnight

Do not read on a train or in the staff canteen.......

I have honestly never laughed as much as I did when reading Seduction and Snacks.  It was that really embarrassing guffaw followed by several, equally embarrassing snorts. (Thanks sooo much Ms Sivec.)

Whether is was Gavin, the brilliantly foul mouthed but lovable four year old.

"Ga ga ah-ah-ahhhhh, rama llama llama, want your bad bromance."

Or the other well rounded, believable band of characters who formed a strong bond over love, sex toys and alcohol (and who reminded me far too much of my friends and I).

There were a few grammatical errors (but then, you'll find them all through this review and unless it's really bad then they don't bother me).

The main love story between Claire and Carter is what sold it to me.  Two people who met at a frat party, played Beer Pong, had sex and never thought they'd see each other again.... fate had other ideas  It was in no way slushy, often hilarious, sometimes stalkerish but ultimately heart meltingly lovely.

My rating?  5 out of 5.


Get it here...

Buy Seduction & Snacks

Hi my name is Sara and I'm addicted to romance novels........

So, here's the thing.....

I no longer smoke (but by god do I miss it... yep i'm bad) rarely drink (boohiss) and I don't do drugs but I do have a strange addiction to reading books; especially romance novels with Rock Stars and tattooed bad boys with hearts of gold (Sed Lionheart anyone... anyone??).

I read so many books that my husband wants to put me in some form of rehab and has started having dreams about me running off with a Biker whilst being attacked by Ninja's....

Through the medium of print (or more correctly the kindle app on my iphone), I have discovered what an Apadravya is; fallen in love with the music of Hinder; developed a crush on Adam Levine; starting sobbing everytime I hear 'Here Without You' by Three Doors down and 'Faithfully' by Boyce Avenue; been stared at on the train for laughing too loudly at Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivic and have unsuccessfully tried to convince hubby to get sleeve tattoos as I want him to be more like Brian and Ghost.

For some reason people like my book list on Goodreads and I like to write....

I write fanfiction.

Yep, i've said it.

(Although, I haven't updated in a few months and fear getting lynched.)

I like to read....

So this is what you'll get from me; an honest review.

I have about twenty books waiting to be read, the promise of a Kindle for my birthday and copious amounts of Chai Latte.  The only thing that remains is what the hell do I review first??

Let the blogging begin!

Warning: I do work full time but I will try to update as often as possible.