| Book Review| “Somewhere to Begin” by: Mika Jolie

 

Title: “Somewhere to Begin”

Series: Poison and Wine Series

Author: Mika Jolie

Author Website: http://www.mikajolie.comi

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/mikajolie

Amazon: Purchase Link

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis: There are wounds that never show on the body.

For twenty-nine years, Colbie Bennington does as expected with an eternal smile stained on her lips. The biggest chances she’s ever taken can be counted on one hand, three fingers to be exact—her battered red chucks, painting her toenails a vibrant blue, and her wedding dress. Always the dutiful daughter and a Stepford fiancée, she has never acted on impulse, never been in love.

She’s never lived.

On her wedding day, Colbie ends a toxic relationship, drops the fake smile, and says, “I can’t do this anymore.”

Navy SEAL Zander Serrano returns home broken and burdened with a volcano of remorse. Too trapped in a mental war to be at peace and too damaged to be at war, he shuts the world out. The last thing he expects is to feel, especially for a runaway bride with her own baggage.

Two empty hearts marred in different spots find themselves drawn to one another. Each with their own scars. Some, the world can see. Others, unseen to the naked eye.

They say two broken people should not be together. But for Colbie and Zander, their attraction is undeniable, unexpected.

Can two souls with fractured parts be the best cure for each other’s wounds?

Starting over is never easy, but sometimes in life, everyone needs somewhere to

I’m sitting here struggling about where to begin but first let me say I was sent an ARC copy for an honest review by the author. That being said, the cover of this book was so beautiful it made me want to read the book, I could care less what genre it would have been I just love it.

Lord have mercy…Y’all this book was like a package of Oreo’s to me, oh so delicious and hard to quit.

From the first page of this book I was hooked. The absolute detail and thought that the author put into this book left me mind blown. Yea, yea I know what you’re thinking “She’s an author, it’s her job to be detailed”, well my friends I’m here to tell you that Ms. Jolie went above and beyond my expectations of being the “average author”. The spectrum of emotion  continuously captured throughout the book  managed to hit me to my core. It was real, it was raw and it was continuously awe inspiring.

Colbie won my heart at “red chucks”. I’m a simple lady, it really doesn’t take much for me to say that someone is a rock star which Colbie certainly is, although for many reasons outside of her favorite pair of worn red chucks. Colbie reached real rock star status when she grew a pair of cojones and walked out of her wedding. I mean its never to late to realize that your fiancé is a total douche. (Sorry guys I tried to make it thru a whole post without being offensive but lets face it, a douche is a douche there’s simply no way around it)

.

Zander.Zander. Zander. What do you say about a hot Puerto Rican soldier who comes home damaged and disconnected from life? Well if you’re asking this specific blogger I would say “I’ll take one please”. All joking aside, Zander’s story is an all to real story for so many of our men returning from war and not a joke at all. His story was heart breaking, the once charismatic and athletic man now finds himself with half a leg and more questions than God could probably answer.

Together these two are hotter than fireworks on the 4th of July. Their chemistry is just on point and has me over here jealous as hell.  “Elle sexually depressed, party of one, your table is now ready.” I mean come on, can I seriously not get me a Zander.

“You’re always rescuing me.”

“I’m not a hero, Colbie.”

She slanted her head sideways and met his gaze. “A nice way of saying don’t get any ideas because you’re not my knight in shining… whatever”

“Not even close”

“The thing is I’m not looking for someone to save me, “she continues, her face to the ocean. “I’d much rather have someone stand by my side as I save myself”

YES!! YES!! YES!! Can we please get some applause over here for that last sentence. That line is Oscar worthy! It gave me all the feels !!

The  supporting characters which I didn’t really mention add so much depth and comedic dimension that it puts this book on the next level.  I cant wait to read the next book in the series that I really pray feature Zander’s sexy as sin brothers Max and Rafe.. Yes, you read that right, there are 3 sexy Serrano brothers.

Y’all this book is entertaining, its educational, its humanizing, its sexy as hell and at the end of the day very worth purchasing and reading. Mrs. Mika Jolie you’ve got a fan for life. Thank you for this beautiful book about acceptance in all forms.

I give “Somewhere to Begin” 4.5 stars !!

| Book Review| “Hart Broken” by Annie Arcane

 

 

 

Title: A Hart Series Novel ” Hart Broken”

Author: Annie Arcane

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Author Website : http://www.anniearcane.com

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31358357-hart-broken

Amazon Link: Where to Buy

Synopsis: Mickey Hart doesn’t do one-night stands. Until she wakes up in a luxury penthouse. With nothing but a t-shirt. And no idea who it belongs to.

Enter Cale Windemere. Driven. Ambitious. Successful. And so gorgeous he could’ve walked straight out of a romance novel….

Except I can’t walk.

Not that it ever stops me from getting what I want.

I want her.

Even if she’s keeping secrets.

That could tear me to f*cking shreds.

That gif says it all….. Just Yes. So much yes. In case your sitting there thinking what the hell is ” So much yes’, well its Elle speak ( I’m Elle btw) for this author kicked this books hind end. See I can keep it clean!

First a back ground story. I met Miss Ann in her hosted Goodreads group Romance Writers and Readers. I asked her for some blogging tips and thus thru this conversation I found out she’d written a book. I flew onto my kindle books app, snapped it up and the rest is history. People I couldn’t put the book down. Seriously, couldn’t put it down!!  Now I’m not touting a life changing novel but I will go as far as saying she is the first and only author that I’ve ever read that has written a male character with a disability that  doesn’t miraculously recover. She gives a realistic view of someone with a disability and what its like to accept your fate and make the best of your situation, which was a breath of fresh air. This book was real, from the dialogue to the characters to the dose of reality that life likes to give us when we’d rather not receive it and that’s what I loved so much.  Ms. Arcane has a unique writing style that I feel would only work for her. Sounds ridic right ? Well it did to me too, but hopefully you get my drift…  She was meant to tell this story !

That being said, this book slayed my emotions. It put them in a pretty little box, then took a hammer and just decimated them.  Yes it was that good!

The book revolves around characters Mackensington aka Mickey and Cale aka captain sexy pants… I might have added the captain sexy pants part but I feel it’s an accurate accounting of Cale.  Anywho I digress. Mickey is a spirited, sweet and damaged soul. Although she hides her damage so very well and plays it off like a champ, until one day  she doesn’t and when she breaks Cale is there to catch her.  Cale is strong and sound of mind but not so much body as he is wheelchair bound. Cale has an amazing personality and a very realistic grip on his life, he’s got limitations but he’s not letting them slow him down. He truly is a different type of super hero, but even super heroes aren’t perfect and have doubts.

The characters each have their own personal struggles with life and the hard knocks that it can deal out. Love is this beautiful and freeing emotion but it can also be ugly and messy and right in the midst of this crazy/beautiful emotion the need  to hold a part of yourself back for protection or even self preservation will rear its ugly head. This specific emotion is one you will find written in a way that doesn’t leave you mad or upset with a character (so guilty of this usually) but instead  it leaves you cheering on these 2 dynamic characters and praising the author for her writing style.

I would really hate to leave out the supporting characters which add laughter, depth and shoulders to lean on when doubt comes knocking and a kick in the butt when acting like fools.

That all being I said I will be brutally honest because that’s just how I roll. Mickey does this stuttering thing because Cale is gorgeous and I believe that it stuns her into panty melting territory but the stuttering drove me crazy, although to be honest if I was confronted with someone as beautiful as Cale I might stutter to so who am I to judge. So yeah it drove me crazy until it just became a part of her quirky personality.  That’s my only negative and let’s face it, it’s reaching at being a negative.

I can only urge you to read this book and take the journey for yourself….

I rated this book 4 stars on goodreads.

| Book Review | “Opening Up” by Lauren Dane

Title: An Ink and Chrome Novel, “Opening Up”

Author: Lauren Dane

Genre: Romance- Erotic Romance

Author Website: http://www.laurendane.com

Publisher: Forever

Summary: Asa Barrons is never lonely for long. Co-owner of the Twisted Steel custom motorcycle shop, he works hard and plays harder . But he never allows his after-hours affairs to interfere with business-until he meets racing royalty PJ Colman. While the blue-eyed blonde is all princess on the outside, on the inside Asa can see that this woman is ready to take a walk on the wild side.

PJ knows trouble when she sees it, and Asa is the complete package: fast bike, killer ink, and sinfully sexy smile that has her imagining things nice girls never do. She talks her way onto the Twisted Steel team to prove her painting skill, and soon learns that Asa is eager to show off some skills of his own.

With the help of Asa’s expert touch , PJ is initiated into a world of wicked desire. No limits. No inhibitions. No turning back. But as perfect as their passion seems , a new challenge awaits, forcing them to ask just how far they are willing to go…

*Sigh*….. That’s all I’ve got….

Just kidding.

Seriously though this book kicks ass.

“Opening Up” is the first book in the Ink and Chrome series. This story features  Penelope Jean Colman aka PJ and this chick  rocks, from her bad ass style, to her hair, tattoos and let’s not forget her kick ass attitude. She’s a strong independent woman and the depth of her character makes this book what it is. Now let’s switch to Asa Barrons, I can’t lie people this man makes my panties melt. He’s the bad guy you’ve always wanted, he’s strong, secure, protective and let’s not forget it’s a romance novel so he’s all about his woman and taking care of her. With his long hair, tattoos, piercings and dark looks he  compliments PJs style and epitomizes sex on 2 legs.

“Here’s the thing, I’m sure you’re thinking, What the hell, she should be grateful and do it the way I said. Maybe you’re right. But while I am grateful for the chance, this is creative for me. I have my own process and it doesn’t include you or anyone else but the owner of the car. I’m worth it.”

“That’s a bold claim.”

“I’m more than happy to show you.”

This story was hot, sexy, fulfilling, steamy etc. I could really keep going but I’m sure you get my point. This story flows beautifully and it hits on the backgrounds of each character without trying to one up the other. Penelope is that epitome of the saying, “Classy, Sassy and a bit Smart Assy, except she’s a huge smart ass and I love it. She really went for what she wanted and what she wanted was Asa. Asa is a man who can take everything that PJ throws at him and comes out on top every time.  Asa embraces PJ trying to make it in a mans world and really encourages her to push the limits and chase after the future she wants.

I love the feel of this “Ink and Chrome Novel”, and that’s why this girl right here is giving it 5 stars. Now don’t get me wrong this book didn’t change my life or make me ponder life’s ways, but it was definitey panty melting and kept me entertained to the last page. Very well done Ms.Dane!!

Happy Sunday Y’all !!!

Hey Y’all. So I’ve officially had my blog for a week and I’m getting the hang of it. I’ve got  some new features I’m going to try out to hopefully bring some interaction in. I know I don’t have many followers but to all 4 of you, THANK YOU!!! I’m currently re-reading Opening Up by Lauren Dane so I can do the review justice. It’s truly a favorite of mine. Well I’m off to read. I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend friends !!!

| Book Review | “Easy” by Tammara Webber

“Easy”

Author: Tammara Webber

Author Website: tammarawebber.com

Publisher: Penguin Group

Goodreads Summary: “When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she’s single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life. Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex’s frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night–but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound. When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he’s hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.”

When I picked up this book it was just another book I was interested in. Never did I imagine that this book would chew me up and spit me out, leaving me reeling. It touched my soul in a way that 18 yr old me needed 16 years ago.

“Easy” was a book I couldnt predict, and there is nothing more that I love than a book I can’t predict. It was funny, sweet, heartbreaking, powerful, suspenseful and in the end everything you didn’t realize you were holding your breath for.

To keep it short and sweet, I recommend the hell out of this book.  Go to your local bookstore or pick up your kindle and read this book for a true full spectrum of emotion!

Pandora’s Box or Something like it…

I’ve been prepping for weeks getting ready to start my blog. I’ve read and read until I suffered from massive book hangovers the next day. Yeah, you know the bleary, bruised eye feeling and yawning every half second and despite all my preparations I find myself just as lost as before. 

I always thought blogging came from the heart, you read a book and gave it an honest review and posted it. Right ? WRONG, on so many levels I was wrong.  First off I find out there are rules, rules of how to get followers, things not to do, ways to ask for ARCS and so on. So much so that I’ve found just as many, “How to blog” post as I have book reviews!  Ok, maybe I’m being dramatic on that front but it just seems like this community is a little more complicated then I assumed. I seriously felt like Alice in Wonderland and had to take a face palm moment after reading the numerous do’s and dont’s. 

         

I’m on  a few different forms of social media minus Facebook. It seems by not being on FB I’m shooting myself in the foot by getting my blog out. Does everyone have a FB?  I had one once upon a time and then the day came that I realized I didn’t have a thing in common with 90% of my “friends” and lost the desire to pretend to care anymore. I believe that’s why I moved to this community, I care about books and the authors that wrote them as well as my fellow bibliophiles. I just feel like I’m approaching this world of blogging wrong. Is there a wrong way? 

How did I not realize this was as complicated as it is??  Have you experienced any of these hiccups in blogging before? Do you also not have FB , and if not what other methods do you use to help spread the word? HELP!! PLEASE, any and all help is appreciated!!

A Literary Love Story

The love of reading came at a very young age, its one of the few memories that I can truly remember as a little one. As I grew, my mother encouraged my love of reading, thru scholastic programs, taking me to half price books, signing me up for numerous book clubs and into early woman-hood finally introducing me to the author that started my passion for reading.  My mother, like myself was always able to escape through a book, she would hole up for hours reading and even though I loved to read at the time, I never really understood reading for hours. Then one day my mother introduced me to the one and only Mrs. Julie Garwood and her book, “The Bride”, I finished that book in 24 hours .  To this day the story of Alec and Jamie is my favorite and incomparable to anything I’ve ever read, to say it set the bar high for books to come in the future would be an understatement. Mrs. Garwood bridged an age gap between myself and my mother as well as my cousin and my aunt, we were all reading  Mrs.Garwood at this time and it brought us together in laughter.  I own every one of Julie Garwood’s books, my mother bought me all her historical romances and put notes inside of them, 18 years later they are still apart of my most prized possessions.

Reading isn’t just a way of getting through a weekend or wasting time, for me its my passion, its my way of finding myself one story at a time. Hundreds of books later I can honestly say I have many favorite authors who have touched my soul and helped me become the woman I am today. There are books that touched me in such a profound way that I tattooed a memory from it, so that I could look at it and know that everything will be ok. Books have been my best friends in light and dark times, they’ve helped me crawl out of the depths of despair and prosper in times of great accomplishments. They continue to better me, they bring perspective to this at times narrow mind of mine.

I know there are other blogs that might connect with your soul better than this one but if I can even touch one literary soul then my mission will be complete. I don’t just want to review books, I want to talk about them with you. The parts that made you laugh out loud, the parts that made you weep silent tears and lets not forget about the parts that had you smiling like a lunatic that begged the question from others, “What on earth are you reading”. I want to talk about every nitty gritty detail if that’s what makes you happy.

This first blog has been so hard for me to share, I have had so much self doubt about my desire to blog and to put myself out there. It leaves you raw and open to criticism and when it comes to your one true passion that’s scary as hell. I’ve had the support of many and trust me when I say it hasn’t been easy but with the feeling its left in my soul, it has been so worth it. Please always be honest with any suggestions or comments, I will always take them to heart so that I may better Southern Bred and Read.  If you’re interested in learning about the story behind Southern Bred and Read, please shoot over to the about me page so I can formally introduce myself !!

Elle