Amanda's Blog

3.5 stars

Considering this book is only 200 over pages and the blurb pretty much says it all, I'm going to keep this short and simply. This is quite a short, fun and sexy read about Abby, a book reviewer, who reluctantly joined the Survivor reality game show and got team up with Dean Woodall, the competitive golden boy, who wants to win at all cost. Of course, things doesn't always appear as it seem. They both started off on the wrong footing and unable to cooperate, but later on formed an understanding and a solid partnership. However, the underhand allegiance with other contestants threaten they trust towards each other that further leads to some misunderstanding.

This was told entirely from Abby's POV, but I like that on the beginning of every chapter, we have a paragraph of Dean's POV as well. He had his soft side apart from appearing as the arrogant, cocky guy who thinks he is the best out there. Anyway, this is a pretty light read that is not overall romantic or dramatic and didn't get me all emotionally engage, but is fun and we got a little sexy times. The epilogue give us a nice HEA, but is too damn short. I wonder does Book 2 still features Abby and Dean in it.

This is quite a surprise find because there seems to be very few reviews on this book. The first few chapters felt a bit off and I kept wondering whether did I miss a prequel novella or maybe this is not Book 1. We were thrown right into the heroine's dilemma and those background information was not presented to me upfront. But worry not, I did get the big picture later on and able to get into its flow.

Cassie, a doctor practicing in San Diego is still mourning for her mother and stepbrother after six months of their accidental passing. She decided to seek out the truth of their fatal incident back in Baja, Mexico and kick her mobster stepfather, Saul out from her mother's estate. While in Mexico, she found out that the kind man that she met during her mother's funeral was Saul's right hand man.

Rio Santana is deep undercover within Saul's human smuggling organization. However, Cassie's arrival at the estate threaten to crumble his plan and put both of them in harms way. I find Rio instantly likable after I get pass the awkward first meeting moment where I'm not sure what is their past history. Besides being totally professional and serious with Saul, he is down to earth and playful in front of Cassie. The way she tried to hit on him and Rio trying his damnest to ignore the temptation is pure hilarious. I love seeing him getting frustrated and crazy over her.

Well, Cassie is stubborn as hell, she is like a dog on a bone that just wouldn't let go. She is determine to avenge her mother's death and put Saul behind prison. But her sense of right and wrong was blurred when she got close of Rio. Is he a bad guy or a good guy? She isn't sure with all the conflicting action he'd done, but one thing she know is that she isn't willing to let him go. I just love Cassie for believing in Rio and loving him despite the circumstances.

I had read plenty of romantic suspense, especially those with undercover theme, but I find the plot in here quite refreshing. But for me to give any hint will be too spoilery. I will just say is quite different. This is a pretty solid writing for a romantic suspense with a evil villain, suspenseful plot that keeping me engage and some light humor thrown in, so I didn't feel the setting was too bleak and depressing. Considering this is a romance catering for the female reader, I don't expect the procedural detail to be realistic and detailed. Some of the things that Rio did make me roll my eyes wondering how come he was not dead yet. Anyway, putting that aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense and looking forward to read the next one in this series.

I always love a Beauty and the Beast theme book and will never miss reading one of it. I thought Book 1 Stranded with a Billionaire was good, but Book 2 Beauty and the Billionaire left me feeling slightly disappointed. The Hunter that I knew from Book 1 doesn't really live up to my expectation. Usually scarred hero can be insecure and vulnerable, but they will have another alpha side that make us swoon for them. However, that's really not the case here.

There is some flashback on previous book regarding Hunter's first meeting with Gretchen at an empty apartment. So if you didn't read book 1, you won't be missing out much. Just from that one encounter, Hunter is determined to have this woman that captivates him with her charm and tough exterior. I admire him for his determination, but found his way of trying to get to her slightly creepy.

Gretchen, hmm... I totally like this girl from Book 1. She the elder sister of Audrey, Logan's assistant and working as a ghostwriter. She seems so tough, no-nonsense kinda girl, who loves adventure and gave some pretty good girl to girl advise to Bronte. But here, I found her simply too immature and irresponsible. Her career as a ghostwriter was a disaster, missing deadline and tons of procrastinating. I can't find myself sympathize with her when her landlord threaten to throw her on the street.

So, Hunter offered a writing job to Gretchen that manage to keep her at his side that enable him to slowly work his way into her heart. However, instead of him working his way in, it seems that Gretchen is much fascinated with the grouchy and scarred owner of the mansion herself. Hunter is feeling elated, nervous and excited about this new development in his lonely life.

What disappoint me is that Hunter is just simply too insecure with his disfigurement and never did any heroic moves that makes him worthy in my eyes. So I don't see why Gretchen keep giving him chances over and over again. I don't even understand the reason she like him.

Logan, the hero from the previous book did make a little appearance, but there isn't much development between him and Bronte for us. When Hunter's relationship with Gretchen blew up in his face, he seek advice from Logan. But again, he is of no help at all. These guys should really stop asking each other for relationship advise.

The next book is about Audrey, but I'm not sure which billionaire she is going to end up with. Reese, Cade, Griffin or Jonathan? I hope the next book is gonna be better. Finger crossed.

I guess everyone had read this except me. I swear I need to do a spring cleaning on my Kindle. Its simply too many books too keep track of. Flat-Out Love is a clean romance story that is funny, quirky and came with a secret that I'm dying to unfold.

Julie, a college freshman from Ohio recently moved to Boston and ended up staying with her mum's long time friend, the Watkins family. What should be a short one day stayed turn out to be longer than expected and Julie found herself got embroiled in the family secret and got attached with the Watkins siblings.

The Watkins family had a lawyer mum who teach, but never cook, a researcher who is fascinated with shrimp, an adrenalines junkie son Finn who is doing an around-the-world tour in i-don't-know-how-many days, nerdy son Matt who loves geeky T-shirt and 13 years old Celeste who communicate with Flat Finn, a 2D cardboard version of her brother, Finn.

Once I met the Watkins clan, all I can say is they are plain weird and quirky and obvious there is seriously something wrong with all of them. But hats off to them, they were all brainy. It must be the genes. First off, what's the deal with Flat Finn and everyone acting as if he is a living figure in the family. Julie was kept in the dark about the situation and expected to just 'play along'.

Matt is the fix-it-all middle child of the family. He had to take care of his sister because his parent was always not available and his elder brother, Finn is enjoying life in mosquito infested countries. He spent all his time on his sister and his studies and had zero social life. He loves his geeky T-shirt that comes with all sort of weird statement. I loves his dry sense of humor although sometimes the things he said makes my head hurt trying to understand it.

Celeste is the socially awkward little sister that everyone is trying to protect from the world. She had no friends and spent all her time with Flat Finn and talked like someone from the Victorian era.

And then we had the wonder boy, Finn. He had been travelling the world for God's know how long and doesn't seems to be in a hurry in coming back soon although his sister is missing him like crazy. Literally.

When probe by Celeste to add Finn in Facebook, Julie found herself enamored by the adventurous boy who did everything that she fear of. They spent half the book emailing and chatting with each other and before long formed deep connection. Meanwhile, Julie had also been spending some quality time with Matt, the guy who always has her back and also assigned herself the task to transform Celeste into a 'normal' teenager.

I kept figuring out why is Celeste acting the way she is, why the family seems tight lip about certain issue and when the hell is Finn finally going to show up. I've been making so many wild guesses that the book can actually come out with a few different alternate endings. Hah! And when the truth is finally revealed, I just need to scream....!!!



I thought the plot was very well written and clever, it kept you guessing what the heck is going on and I can assure you, you will keep changing your thoughts. Anyway, I simply don't understand the fascination with Facebook and the characters in this story spend all awful lots of time on it. But I can't stop myself from wanting to read their status updates on every beginning of a new chapter.

"Thinks that twitter is like facebook's slutty cousin. It does everything dumb and whore-ish you're too responsible to do”

Well, I think that Goodread is Facebook's brainy cousin. Don't you agree?

The Billionaire Boys Club may sound cliché and a billionaire hero theme had already been overdone. I might have whined ‘not another billionaire again’. But if I tried to ignore that Logan Hawkings is freaking rich as the king himself, this is a pure fun and feel good romance with some panty melting hot sex without all the drama and angst.

Bronte Dawson, a simple waitress who likes quoting Plato and sprouting ancient wisdom from Kansas City won herself a free trip to Bahamas Island. However her trip turned into a disaster when she brought along a room mate from hell and encounter a damn hurricane.

Logan Hawkings, the billionaire himself, a no-nonsense business man and a man who always get what he wants, brought a resort from Bahamas Island for restoration. However, with his luck he found himself trapped in an elevator with a strange woman who likes to quote Plato and later left stranded in the island with her.

As per the title, both the Bronte and Logan met while being stranded at a resort island during a hurricane. Bronte thought Logan was the hotel manager with his suit and all, while Logan didn't want to correct her thinking their friendship together will feel more real without factoring in his wealth. They both have to survive with the minimum supplies they manage to scavenge while awaiting the rescue team. Meanwhile, they both have a romantic island fling.

“ ‘Fortune favors the bold’ and all that”
“I love it when you talk Plato to me.”
“Virgil, baby. Virgil.”

Initially, I thought they will spend a large portion of the book stranded together, but they were actually rescued and brought back to civilization half way through. Now back in reality, Logan's real identity was reveal and Bronte had to acknowledge and deal with their status difference. Well, a billionaire just can't be dating a waitress, can he? And Bronte is not satisfy to be Logan's live in plaything. They had some issue to work through, there is some back and forth that I felt slightly draggy, but there isn't any presence of angst, which I appreciate.

We met the other billionaires of the club, Hunter, the scarred and quiet one, Reese, the playboy, Griffin, the geek, Jonathan and Cade. Considering the next book is about Hunter, he had more page time here. He is Logan's closest friend and happen to give Logan some personal advice regarding Bronte that make me wanna kick his ass.

We were also introduced to Audrey, Logan's assistant who pretty much do everything for him, which include and not limited to buying clothes for his girlfriend and checking movie schedule for him. There is also Audrey's sister, Gretchen, the bold one with an attitude and works as a ghost writer. Although we only got some glimpses of them, I felt intrigue by them both and wonder will they be the future books heroine.

“Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back.”

Contain spoiler from Book 1

After the awful cliffhanger in Book 1, Turner Campbell is suffering through the aftermath of Naomi’s disappearance. Everyone is believing she’s dead, but not him. He believes she is out there somewhere, waiting for him to come in to save her and sweep her off her feet.

“I’m going to find you, Knox. You can bet your sweet ass that I won’t rest until you’re lying in my arms, sated and sweaty, filled with me while I’m consumed by you.”

I thought his love for her had turn into a full on obsession and mind you is not creepy or weird, is just plain hilarious. The things he would do to find her and then when she finally did resurface (of course she did), his dedication to win her heart. Aww… Turner. Some might think he turned into a total puppy, but I thought otherwise. He’s a changed man when he’s in love. Although I appreciated that his crude words and sarcasm still remain. You still want to hit him over the head for the ideas that came from his clogged brain.

“Falling in love is like catching an incurable disease. Yeah, maybe that doesn’t sounds so romantic, but it’s true. It’s incurable and it’s contagious as shit. It makes you want to have babies and raise kittens, pet butterfly wings and sleep with your head on somebody else’s chest. Love… man, it fucks with everything you are and everything you want to be. I like it and hate it.”

We knew from previous book that Naomi is the main reason for most of the things that happen. But I find that this book is very much a Turner book. I find myself not very caring about the who, what and why did things happen. I just want Turner to get his girl, fuck her crazy, sing his song and make Campbell babies.

Although the entire mystery pertaining Naomi’s brother and sister felt too convoluted to me, I find the romance plot help in keeping me engage and not feeling totally cheated when I was left with tons of unanswered question and a mild cliffy. If you think that Book 1 left you puzzled, Book 2 is even worst. I actually don’t give a damn any more. I’m just glad Turner and Naomi got their sort of HEA for now. I was told that Ronnie’s story was next in the series, but I dying to read more on Naomi and Turner. I hope he gets to make some Campbell babies that he so desperately wanted.

This is the dirtiest rock star romance that I had read so far with an on-going mystery that kept me hooked. The entire plot took place during the tour and was filled with rock music, groupies, sex, drug and booze. The rock stars here are not the Disney version, they are in their most ugly, primal form that might disgust you, or intrigue you.

Naomi Knox is the lead guitarist of Armatory Riot and she’s harbouring some secrets of her own. One pertaining Turner Campbell, the lead singer of Indecency. Why she hates him so much, I had no idea. But it makes me curious like hell and wanted to know every little detail about their previous encounter six years ago. On the other hand, she was also entangled in a web of mystery involving her foster brother and sister.

“I was born with this horrible infliction that leaves me attracted to men. Why haven’t they invented a cure for that shit yet? Check the facts. It’s the world’s deadliest disease. I kid you not.”

Turner Campbell, the Rock God himself who thinks he can walks on water and should be worship by every living soul. He is such an asshole, but an adorable one at that. When he was rebuffed by a girl namely, Naomi, he swore he needs to get her on her knees. The way he tries him damnest to get to her is hilarious at best and funny as hell. He had no idea of their previous encounter, which totally pissed her off and make me wondering whether did he suffered from selective memory lost, amnesia or he just happen to fuck too many chicks to remember.

“She’s like a fucking dream. Physically anyway. Mentally , she’s a mess.”

Told in dual POV from Naomi and Turner, Real Ugly as its name represent show the ugly side of the rock stars. There is drama, mystery, romance and comedy. Well, most of the funny stuff came from Turner alone. That guy can make you want to kill him and kiss him at the same time. No wonder Naomi felt so conflicted.

The things the so-called rock stars did in this book, I should be disgusted, but I’m not. I’m excited, thrilled even. What’s up with sex in filthy bathroom that makes it so exhilarating? I thought Naomi and Turner is such match made in Hell. One a bitch, another a total asshole and they really do fit together. There is an on-going mystery and weird things that happen on their tour buses that kept me guessing and wondering who the main culprit behind these sabotages is. When I was in the climax high and awaiting the big bomb to be drop, I was treated to a cliffhanger. Thank God, I actually waited for the next book to be released before starting this. I'm heading over to Book 2 Get Bent now.

“Tell me what you listen to, and I'll tell you who you are.”

Although I rate it 5 star, I can definitely see that this is not everyone cuppa tea. This is not a mainstream read that delight everyone. What truly stands out to me about this book is the writing style that had me captivated and mesmerized. From the first chapter, is just sucked me in and it makes me questions a lot of things around us. The music industry, the songs we heard on the radio and the songs that we will never hear in the radio. The story seems to be mocking the current music industry, our pop culture that drives by million dollar marketing campaign, connection, politics, money and greed.



We have read plenty of rock star stories. This is a story about a guy who is passionate in music, working on a dead end job, awaiting his big break. This is the story of the beginning of a journey, the major life changing decision, the responsibility to the people around you, to compromise without losing your integrity and the ugly truth. The tone of the story was kinda depressing and funny at the same time. Am I even making any sense? Shall I call it dark humor? It evoked varies emotion in me and I felt a heavy weight on my chest.

Eliza is a music journalist and recently move to New York where her brother, Michael was playing for the band 'Bananafish'. Okay, the band name sounds totally weird. I just don't get it. Anyway, that's beside the point because apparently 'Bananafish' is the shit, according to Eliza. She moved into her brother's old apartment and found herself being a roommate with Paul Hudson, the lead singer of 'Bananafish'. Eliza had an extreme phobia towards flying and apparently the said flying is kinda the cause of all the drama the ensure. I can never fathom her extreme fear nor understand it, so I kinda dislike her during parts of the story. Her blossoming romance with Paul Hudson seems so easy and they just get together without much drama or any well orchestra seduction. They both seems so real to me. Real people with real problems.

“Sometimes I would open my eyes when we were kissing, I would watch him and I could see it. I could actually see LOVE - not words, not an emotion, not an abstract concept or a subjective state of mind, but a living, breathing thing.”



Paul Hudson is a talented musician, albeit a struggling one at that. Isn't every musician with real talent struggle either in their early life or their entire life? I wanted to scream freaking injustice to the world at large for every Paul Hudson out there who are making genuine music that move our soul. He is at times eccentric, self absorbed and pessimist, you might think that he is melodramatic and a whiny brat, but he is the most true to self and honest person out there. He is not motivated by money or fame, he just want to make an honest living and pour his soul into his music. He is not the kind of hero that is gonna save the day and make everything alright, he is the kind who make me wanna save him instead. I wish I could wrap him up in a cocoon, keep him away from the evil Winkles and tell him everything is gonna be alright. This guy brought out all my motherly instinct.

"Eliza believes in me, she moves me, and she's moved BY me. She makes me happy, she makes me sad, she makes me try harder, she makes me laugh, and she makes me feel like I can fly. Isn't that the goddamn definition of Love?”



“Personally, I don’t like inherently happy people. I don’t trust them. I think there’s something seriously wrong with anyone who isn’t at least a little let down by the world.”

Loring. Hmm... what can I say about this perfect man? If Paul Hudson is the representation of the underdog, Loring is the representation of the mainstream. He is the kind of guy that every woman can only dream of marrying. Handsome, kind, compassion, good family background, in short, the Prince Charming. But too bad, when he make his appearance, I'm already half in love with Paul. So to me, Loring will forever be the 'other guy'.

“When you’re twenty-three and you fall in love, you tend to think that love will supersede any problems. But no matter how much you love somebody, no matter how desperately you want a relationship to work, life can act as an oxidizer and corrode it to pieces.”

The story was told in multiple POV of Eliza, Paul and Loring. I find it confusing at times because at every start of a new chapter, I had to read a few lines to find out whose POV is that. After that I find myself rereading the chapter from the beginning to understand it better. Apart from this annoying tidbits, the writing is phenomenal and flawless. I love Paul POV the most, it is poetic and moving. He was actually recounting his thought to his audio diary and I love everything that he had to say. I guess as with his music, you either get him or you don't, there isn't a borderline.

I have to admit there are times I felt the story drag too much especially during the second quarter. It was mainly due to the fact that Paul and Eliza had easily get together and from then onwards everything they did seems inconsequential. I had no idea where is the story heading next. But the bomb drop at the half mark and I'm so in rage I wanted to scream bloody hell and slap her silly. How can she do that!? Oh, my poor Paul. I cried angry tears and I'm so mad. The next quarter of the book doesn't improve my mood at all. I'm Team Paul all the way. There were heartbreaking moments where I am practically shattered into million pieces and having a hard time picking myself up. If not because everyone was saying there is a plot twist with a HEA, I don't think I can endure through the end.

By the end, I'm totally exhausted and emotionally drained. This is definitely not my cuppa tea. I usually like to read books that makes me all happy, excited and giddy. Not emotionally wrecked and bracing myself for every chapter to come. Well, the journey definitely pays off because this is a bloody great writing I tell ya. This is one of those book that I will remember for a long time. Okay, there is a HEA, so I can at least sleep happy.

“I've got my girl and my guitar, and for me that's enough.”

Over

It had been such a long time since I read a good romantic suspense. Cynthia Eden's Deadly Fear came across with a plot that is strong on suspense but weaker on the romance side. The romance element was not the focus of the story, but it was pretty well done and believable.

Monica was the sole survivor of Romeo, the serial killer that targeted young women fifteen years ago. Now Monica is the best profiler in the force and working in the SSD team. She had a tough exterior that put everyone at a distant and her only friend and mentor is Hyde. When Hyde decided to bring in Luke Dante into their team, she knew she will lose her control and gave in to the temptation.

Luke Dante was not surprised to find Monica, a woman of his past showed up on his first day at SSD. Luke came across as a down to earth guy with a boy scout attitude. His mission is to serve and protect the people, very much different from Monica's motivation, which is to hunt down the killers. Luke is a very likable character and during the rare moments when he talked about his past, I really felt connected to him. I like how he manage to tear down the wall that Monica built around herself and never seems to back down from her.

A serial killer is believe to be targeting folks at Jasper county. The MO was letting his victim succumb to their most deadly fear. What scare you the most? The suspense here was very well developed and keep me on my edge. I keep wondering and guessing who is the real killer. Usually is someone right in front of them.

Monica and Luke seems to form an unlikely partnership because she insisted that she didn't want to work with someone she used to sleep with. But the whole investigation is pretty much a Monica show. She had to battle her demons and get into the mind of the killer that keep taunting her with her biggest fear. I would have like Luke to play a bigger role here, but he merely act as an emotional support to Monica. Making her feel alive, needed and not just a victim. This is a good suspense read and I will be reading Kenton's story next. Hopefully the romance department will kick up a notch.

3.5 stars

This is one light and sexy read about two strangers that came together through text messages. There is some forbidden lovers vibe here that came from the heroine not wanting to let the scandal tarnish her reputation.

Lexi is a big shot haute couture wedding dress designer that make a name for herself out of nothing. She strives to maintain her success in the competitive market by all cost and needs to maintain a healthy image to secure her deals.

Jax is a rebellious bad boy who gave up his acting career to do what he like most, a stuntman. He formed the Renegades that take up stunt jobs for Hollywood. He was used to being treated like a means to an end by every woman who came at him. He had never felt treasure and love by someone for him alone minus all the connections and fame he had in the industry.

By a chance encounter at the airport, Lexi bumped into a hot guy with leather jacket and decided to leave him an anonymous text. This part was actually the highlight of the story. They started texting, and things get flirting and heated up. Wow! They really bring a whole new meaning to sexting.

The part that I find it weird is when they plan for a mysterious hook up at the hotel with the lights off as per Lexi's demand. She just went into his room. What if he turn out to be an axe murderer? So Jax spent half the book not knowing how Lexi looks like, but he felt connected to her and for the first time he felt needed for who he is, not as an actor or someone famous.

I actually had a hard time connecting with both the characters. They don't seems to be well developed. I do find myself enjoying all the sexy scene that they had together, but not really caring for their HEA. We don't really know about them apart from their current predicament. Jax came off as feeling too insecure most of the time. He keep waiting for Lexi to drop the bomb on him and make her demand. While, Lexi came off as putting too much into maintaining her image. What wrong with Jax, anyway? He had his own career and a hot bode to die for. Considering she's selling her dress for ten of thousands dollars, she sounded too insecure about her financial situation.

I love the writing style, but I need to point out there is just too many cliche moments. We can definitely do without those. Regarding the ending, it was kinda abrupt and I was totally caught off guard by it because when it ended, my Kindle is showing 55%. The indicator did play a huge role in my state of mind because I was still waiting for something to happen.

4.5 stars

I finally finished Book 3 of Exquisite and we got Rachel's story. She is Mason's spunky little sister and also the pastry chef of the restaurant. She had an unforgettable encounter with the mysterious and sexy Cole at Whipped from Book 2. This can works as a standalone if you are only interested in Rachel and Cole story, but if you've been reading the whole series, then you feel the strong family dynamic and some of the inside jokes within the Exquisite.

I would never had guess Rachel had been hiding some dark past from her family. She used to be such a fun and spunky character with wild hair. In Book 2, we can see that she started to distant herself and acting out of norm. She was haunted by her past and can't seem to trust men in general, especially the alpha and dominant type. So when she met Cole, a man who seems to be controlling all her hormones and emotion, she knew she need to get away.

The only thing we knew about Cole was he's Josh's lawyer friend and played a wicked game of poker. He is a workaholic, arrogant, stuffy and serious guy in a three piece suit. This man was hot and sexy as sin and when he took off his suit for the first time, I had to pick up my jaw from the floor because it had dropped obviously and wiped off my drools. Holy shit! One sight on the girl in leather and wild hair, he knew he wanted her. Well, considering his profession, he managed to force himself into her life and coerce her to be with him for a week.



As compare to the previous two books, this one feels different in a lot of ways. First two books have plenty of laugh out loud moments and comedic in general, while this one seems to veer towards a serious tone. On the plus side though, the hotness level is the highest here and explosive. We got highest number of sex scenes in here and things are way more kinkier between these two. The pool, the library, the kitchen.... Hotness overloaded. Previously, the romances took place over months, while being Rachel, she had a whirlwind romance in a week. Things definitely boiling up fast, but is so full of passion and love.



It was surprising to find that there isn't any drama or stupid disagreement that happen between these two. Unless you consider Mason blowing up when he found out what Rachel did with Cole without his knowledge. The confrontation that they had at Exquisite was freaking entertaining to watch. What's up with Cole and confrontation? He seems to partial to it, maybe he knew he gonna win anyway. Oh, Mason.. Well, he's definitely best brother ever.

I would have like if the author explore more on Cole's background. He seems to be walking contradiction to his profession as a lawyer. What's up with his tattoos and piercing? I thought there was more story to that. We have a very sweet and heartwarming epilogue that includes all the couples from this wonderful series. After completing this series, I can confidently said that Mason is still my favorite. Love that guy. I'm looking forward to the spin-off Temptation series that will features Logan Mitchell, Cole's law firm partner.

This Book 2 of Exquisite series is as entertaining as its predecessor. We have Josh Daniels, who is Mason's best friend from out of town and Dr. Shelly Monroe, who is Lena's best friend cum colleague. They have to endure the lame 'set up' by their friends' namely, Mason and Lena.

“Josh, this is Dr. Shelly Monroe, and that gorgeous woman over there is my doctor, Lena.” Mason paused, and then looked back to Shelly. “This is my non-balding friend, Josh Daniels.”

Both Mason and Lena the matchmaker in town played a huge part in this book and they are so in love and so damn sweet. They have so much scene here in the first half and totally stealing the limelight. I felt like reading their full length epilogue, with their wedding preparation and all. Mason still can make me laugh so hard with his witty comeback. So make sure you read Book 1 Exquisite before starting this.

“Ahh, ladies? I’m still in the room. Although I have to tell you, being fought over is kind of
hot. Can you maybe start pulling hair? Ripping clothes?” Mason pretended to look around, and then opened the fridge. “I’m sure I can find some Jello for you to both roll in.”

Well, poor Shelly and Josh have to endure the presence of the lovesick couple and this was pretty much their reaction to the couple-in-paradise.



Shelly and Josh started off on the wrong foot. Well, who can blame them. Their first reaction towards being set up by friends was 'Hell, no!', even though they both find each other absolutely hot. Josh called her the 'man-eater', he seriously felt intimidated by the ferocious woman, but can't seems to keep his hands away.

"The woman was a man-eater, and he had to admit he was finding it difficult to avoid the urge to offer himself up for a bite."

“That woman is hotter than hell, but I’m not touching her. She’ll burn me to a crisp.”

Shelly is only interested in dating white collar men to prove her father wrong. He is convinced that his daughter is going to end up with a good for nothing man that will use up her money. So now she rather date boring men with good pay aka Paul or Dr. McKinney. However, after meeting Josh aka Delicious Daniels, she's going to forget the rules and enjoy him immensely. Who cares that he is just a construction crew renovating Mason's restaurant, she is going to have an incredible fling.

“Let’s put it this way. If I found out Paul wasn’t a firecracker after dark, it wouldn’t be such a surprise. If I found out you weren’t, I’d want to find a short pier and hurl myself off it. You
have a body that’s made to pound a woman into her bed. So, I’m really hoping you can live up to that.”

Josh is not just a construction crew of course, but he decided to keep that little tidbits to himself. They both make a deal to agree on a fling with the terms 'keeping it secret from their nosy friends'. Josh felt like being a booty call to Shelly, but he is definitely not complaining.

Their relationship deepen when Shelly invited him for a road trip to Georgia where her family stay. Did I mentioned he had a dog, Mutley? I had weakness towards man with dogs. While at Georgia, Josh came to know Shelly, the country girl, as oppose to Shelly, the man-eater and he can't help falling for her. The second half of the book came a shift whereby, Josh gave Shelly some sort of ultimatum in a gentlemanly way. He is an all or nothing kind of guy and he wants Shelly to come to terms with what he wanted and he is willing to wait for her to meet him there. I love his big romantic gesture towards the end. Total swoon.

I love the fact that this book featured all the secondary characters as one big happy family and no one was left out. I just couldn't get enough of Mason, the hot chef and so damn looking forward for Rachel's book. Oh, Cole! The guy who 'read up on how to play Poker' and proceed to cleaning house. How much more impressive can he be?

5 'fun, hilarious, sexy' stars

This book is a gem, it was freaking hilarious, I was laughing so hard in the beginning feeling all giddy and then got all choked up near the end. For a book with such a sexy cover and label as erotica, we only had three sex scenes and the story had a lot of meat and it also dealt with some pretty serious issue within a family.

You just have to meet Mason, the hot chef and owner of Exquisite. Finally, a guy who actually brings woman on dates and get to know her before jumping into the sack. He is such a charmer with his easy going manner and great sense of humor, though he can be a total masochist because i can't think of any other reason for him to be interested in a woman keep insulting him, fighting him off and demand him to get lost.

"He'd gone into the date knowing up front she was prickly and grouchy and more guarded than a castle under a full blown attack."



Lena is a pediatrician of St. Luke's, she is a reserve woman who doesn't date or enjoy her life due to the extreme guilt she had over the death of her sister, Carly. Sounds depressing? Fear not. This book is full of fantastic humor that make you laugh out loud. Lena is snarky and bitchy and couldn't seems to filter the words that coming through her mouth. She is the female version of a jerk. Most of the things she said should have pissed us off, but I didn't because after she calmed down she often felt sorry. So how can I stay mad at her?

I like the back and forth POV between these two, it was hilarious to see their reaction and inner monologue towards each other. During their first meeting, they got on the wrong foot and was so pissed at each other. Lena think he is a "mule headed, freakishly tall flower delivery man". While, Mason secretly called her the 'Queen Bitch' and 'the thing.' Their bickering was the highlight of the book to me.



Apparently, Mason just couldn't help himself and being a total masochist, he still wanted to date the impossible Dr. Lena. After some manipulation, he finally got her to agree on one. Let's just say thing really get hot and heavy. They have way too much foreplay to be deem healthy and I was panting there like a dog waiting for them to DO IT already! And I can never see a ripe peach without having dirty thoughts.

"If you're gonna die from frustration. I'm about to die from a meltdown."

"You left marks on my fragile body."
"Well, you left a damn hickey on me."

So Mason sounds like a totally great guy and his only wish is to bring happiness into Lena's life, but I love him even more when he showed his dark said aka dirty talker and angry man. I find men totally hot when they get angry and Lena totally drove him 'in-fucking-sane', his word.

"My reactions to you make me question myself because they aren't light and carefree, they're dark and dirty, Lena."

"My dad once told me, the day I meet someone who drives me so crazy I want to strangle her, that's when I know I've met a woman worth keeping."

We have plenty of supporting characters that played prominent role in the story. I love Rachel, Mason's spunky sister, the pastry chef, Wendy, manager of Exquisite and Shelly, Lena's best friend and colleague. I just can't wait for all their stories. Of course, not to forget, Catherine, Mason's mom. She's a mom that everyone wish to have.

The humor is the heart of the story, but towards the end things got more emotional and I was throw off guard by the depth of the story. I love the way the story ended, Lena totally redeem herself and make me thinks she is so worthy of Mason. It showed us how far she will go to finally fight for what she wants. The old Lena will definitely just walk away and sulk it off. We have a very nice and sweet HEA, but I can't wait to read the rest of the book to get more glimpses into Lena and Mason's life.

"I didn't want anyone in my life until you fought your way into it and I miss hearing from you, even if it is just to argue."

"Just so you know I fought tooth and nail for him. We saved each other."

3.5 stars

I've read the prequel novella Embattled Road and love the premise of this series that center around the Lost 'N' Found Investigation Service set up by Duncan, whom was discharged from the Marine after his injury in Iraq. His partners, Chad and John, along with the employees they recruited were mostly discharged who had suffered certain injury rendered them unable to service in the military any longer.

In this Book 1, we have John Palmer, a paraplegic who is one of Duncan's business partner. He appeared to be a grumpy guy in general and hating everyone who look at him the wrong way. He had too much pride in himself and constantly feeling bitter about his condition.

Shannon Murphy had been working at the company for six months and she was having a big crush on the sex-on-wheelchair, John. Their relationship seems to be heading nowhere, until she started to get harassed by a stalker, whom she believed might or might not be her ex-psychotic stalker.

When Shannon safety was being threaten, John offered to protect and watch out for her, which include camping in her house, much to her pleasure. One thing that bug me about Shannon was her constant 'tears'. She didn't downright sob or wail, but she often had short moments of 'tears in her eyes'. Besides that minor annoyance, she was generally a likable character, who doesn't perform any dumb move or create unnecessary drama.

I started this series believing it to be a romantic suspense. But I need to point out that the suspense plot on the stalker issue was not a strong one and it rather serve as a subplot to get the story going. During the climatic ending and revelation, I find the reason to be kinda far-fetched. If you are looking for a good suspense, this is not the book.

What I like in this book was the way the author tackled the handicap issue within the relationship. I know I will sound totally shallow because the only reason I kept reading this book was to see how they work out the sex scene. And I gotta tell you it was GOOD. The author tried to make it realistic for us. John had been a paraplegic and celibate for 6 years and of course he won't miraculously had great sex during his first attempt post-injury. Well, Shannon was very accepting when it comes to John, she help him whenever he allowed her. On a side not, I keep racking my head wondering why aren't they using protection though. They didn't even talk about it.

In the end, John is learning how to accept help from others and tried not to be an ass most of the time. Shannon will make sure of that. I find that their relationship towards the end got a little too rush in order to wrap up with a HEA. Is a pretty good read for those who like to read about handicap heroes, like me. I will definitely follow this series through and can't wait to read Duncan's story.

Read this back in 2011. Another story about drunken marriage at Vegas.

This light romance started with a CPA, Heather Montgomery who was forced once again to be the bridesmaid whenever someone in her big family got married, and this is the time whereby she got repeatedly reminded by Aunt Bev on the fact that she is already hitting 30 with no man in her life. This time is cousin Regina's wedding and she was whisk off to Las Vegas for the bachelorette party along with the groups of bridesmaid.

Tony McCaffrey is in the verged of buying the local sport bar McMillan's, only to have his friend withdrew from lending him 20 grand. In a whim, he decided to try his luck by gambling off in Vegas. When he was giving up hope and waiting at the elevator lobby, he came across the half drunk Heather who recognized him from McMillan because he's such a catch. Tony though can't recognize her, but he spilled out about his problem with the funding to buy McMillan. Heather showed him the chip that she found by the lobby and offered to help win the 20 grand.

I wondered where did Heather got all her lady luck, but eventually she did won the 20 grand for Tony. Tony hired a limousine to celebrate the night with Heather under the sight of the jealous Regina, who can't believe what she just saw.

The next morning, Tony woke up fully clothed on bed next to Heather and was shocked to find out their marriage license on the table. He was contemplating how to deal with her when Heather woke up and stunned. She quickly gathered up the fact that she had too much to drink and didn't realize what she had done. She decided to get an annulment as soon as possible, much to the relieve Tony. Little did she know that the night before, she had called to announce her marriage to her mother. Let the disaster begins!

In order not to get Heather embarrassed in front of her family and relatives, Tony kindly volunteer to act as her husband for a month and waited until after Regina's wedding to file for divorce. Initially, Heather disagree to lie to her family, but after seeing her mother being so happy and able to tell Aunt Bev that her daughter finally married, she can't bear letting her mother down.

This is a predictable story of how a plain Jane get the playboy to settle down. Heather always got teased by her relatives about how she still not married at 30. When she ended up with Tony, her cousin Regina can't stop trying to figure out the sinister plot that she is convince lurking somewhere behind the facade. The plot is generic with nothing surprising.

This novella really did remind me so much of the independent film titled 'The Waterdance', a story about three injured men who bonded during their stay at the rehab. The story told about their struggle to adjust to their life ahead and some drama that unfold in their love life.



In The Embattled Road, we met Duncan, Chad and John Palmer. They were Marines that got physically injured during their mission. Each of them suffered different injury, yet they knew they will never be psychically whole again and now contemplating what the future holds for them.

We got to know this three courageous Marine who had battled through their life and survive. This is the perfect set up for the Lost and Found series and I can't wait to read about their future shenanigans. I have to say that Duncan impressed me most and he was the oldest one among the trio. I'm looking forward to reading this series. I know it sounds wrong, but I love reading about handicap heroes.