Review: Making Me Sane by Lindsay Paige

Making Me Sane (Sanity #2) by Lindsay Paige

Release Date: September 7, 2016

Genres: New Adult, Romance

Pages: 256

Source: E-Book, ARC

Goodreads Description:

He was my boyfriend. My rock. The love of my life.

She was my girlfriend. My love. My everything.

He abandoned me.

I walked away.

I hate him, but I love him.

I love her and have nothing but regret for letting her go.

He caused me so much pain; I just can't trust him.

I can't live without her. I will earn back her trust.

He's drawing me in but should I stay?

I'll fight for her with everything I have.

Is there a chance we can go from driving each other mad to making each other sane?

My Review

Thank you Lindsay for the opportunity to read this ARC for my honest review.

Lindsay’s books for me are all about the characters. I’m always drawn into the characters and end up falling in love with them. The characters are always one of if not the most important thing about a book for me. My favorite books are always the ones where I feel like the characters are friends. Then when I come to a second book I feel like I’m catching up with an old friend. Lindsay’s characters are like that for me.

So while this book is about a sad and depressing subject, I enjoy the characters. There is also a happy ending to this book. The whole book is about the character’s struggle to manage their depression and anxiety to the point they’re able to live a happy life. In the end, they get that.

This book picks up one year later from where Driving Me Mad left off and Trace is trying to win Brittany back. He comes up with some clever ideas - much better than the dates and sweet things to do I could think of. Brittany’s heart betrays her brain and she finds herself turning to Trace for comfort several times.

I absolutely loved the ending! In an effort to prevent spoilers, I will just say that it contained two things I love in a book. I also appreciated the fact that we got a full epilogue at the end of the book. A lot a books give you  short little epilogue that leave you with more questions. Not this one.

If the depression and anxiety don't hit too close to home for you and you like romance, I definitely recommend this book!

Check out Lindsay's website to read excerpts from the book at http://authorlindsaypaige.blogspot.com/.

Goodreads/Amazon

Review: Books, Blogs & Reality by Ryan Ringbloom

Books, Blogs, & Reality by Ryan Ringbloom

Release Date: October 24, 2014

Genres: New Adult, Romance

Pages:202

Source: Amazon Freebie

Goodreads Description:

Life can suck…

When reality becomes overwhelming, seeking comfort in fictional fantasies keeps hope alive. And while this escape may be a little delusional, it’s also therapeutic.

Sharing secrets is daunting, but virtual friends don’t often judge and they are always ready to share a glass of wine…or three…while typing out life’s latest endeavors.

Brooke believes obstacles only add to romance, not detract. Rachael longs for a more intense relationship, or so she thinks. Lizzie misses the excitement in her life, but sometimes new situations find you when you’re not even looking. And Jess believes a tiger can change his stripes. It can’t.

Bound by a shared passion for blogging about happily ever afters, these four young women use keyboard therapy to work through their expectations, anxieties, and inadequacies, all with the hopes of achieving the perfection found in romance novels.

Completely blinded by what they think life should be, they navigate their unique paths in search of what they envision is right. But when reality taunts them with persistent curve balls, will they be strong enough to choose wisely? Or will their happy endings escape them?

Notes about the book:

There is graphic sex scenes in this book including some BDSM.

Book Quote:

In books it only takes a few pages to fix the difficulties in a relationship. But real life is a whole other ball game. What happens between the pages? After the pages end?

My Review

I picked up this book thinking it would be a light and fun read. I should have realized from reading one other book by Ms. Ringbloom that there would be a hidden message within the pages of the book. The message for this book being that we can dream about finding the actions found in books in our real lives, we have to realize that books are fictional and don't always transfer well to real life. Each girl in the book tried to take their life in the direction of books that they'd read and found that it didn't work out well.

I loved the relationship all four of these girls had with each other. I would love to find an online relationship with women my age like these girls have. My favorite story line was that of Lizzie. It was such a sweet story. Once it started to really take off, I could not put the book down. I had to keep reading well into the night to come to the end of her story. I was sad that in the end Jess didn't find herself a guy. But the book has to have  touch of reality.

This author is definitely becoming a must read author for me.

Check out Ms. Ringbloom's website at http://www.ryanringbloom.com/ or her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fast-Series/205973969576654.

Goodreads/Amazon

Review: Driving Me Mad by Lindsay Paige

Driving Me Mad (Sanity #1) by Lindsay Paige

Release Date: July 6, 2016

Genres: New Adult, Romance

Source: E-Book, ARC

Goodreads Description:

He was my therapist.

She was my client.

He’s the person I lean on and turn to.

She’s the person who brings me relief when there seems to be none.

He makes me smile and laugh when anxiety and depression consume me.

She helps me breathe when depression is choking me.

I don't know how to live without him.

I don't know how to be honest with her.

Are we driving each other mad?

Notes about the book:

If you are easily disturbed by books dealing with anxiety and depression, this is not the book for you. This book goes into great details about the lives of two people dealing with anxiety and depression.

Sex is mentioned, but it it not graphic.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Quote:

"You could take a kiss," he tells me.
"Yeah, but I want you to give it to me." It hits me then just how much I want him to give me. I want him to give me peace, comfort, his time, friendship, and something more than friendship. I don't want to take it. It's so much sweeter when he wants to give it to me. I take enough from him during my moments of panic and depression.

My Review

Lindsay really knows how to tell a heart-wrenching story!

I have to admit that after reading the synopsis for this one, I wasn't too sure about it. While I read a wide range of things, I do have some prudish tendencies. I was bothered by the fact that the story involved a therapist/patient relationship. But without going into details I will just say that I was ok with the details of this relationship. I also have to admit that I was wavering on my issues with it just with the mention of the therapist's name - Trace Lexington. I don't know what it is, but it just said "hot guy" to me.

Then we get to see Brittany and Trace's relationship progress from friendship to something more. It was sweet to watch/read. I loved how just talking to Trace could calm Brittany. I have several favorite scenes that I really want to tell you all about, but I don't want to give away any part of this book.

Lindsay does an excellent job of taking the reader into the lives of Brittany and Trace as they suffer through the very worst of times. I have to admit that I often found myself agreeing with Brittany and Trace about whether their relationship was good for them. They are both suffering so much. But they are the only people in their lives who truly understands what the other is going through. She took us into the minds of both Brittany and Trace and gave me insight into how they could see suicide as a way out.

Be prepared to read book two (anxiously awaiting it here) because you will not get all the answers here in this book.

Check out Lindsay's website to keep up to date on all her projects at http://authorlindsaypaige.blogspot.com/.

Goodreads/Amazon/B&N

Review: Caged by Karina Espinosa

Caged (Mackenzie Grey #2) by Karina Espinosa

Release Date: April 26, 2016

Genres: Paranormal - Werewolves, Romance

Pages:220

Source: E-Book,Author provided review copy

Goodreads Description:

It’s hard out there for a lone-wolf.

Mackenzie Grey has started a brand new life in an attempt to escape the Brooklyn Pack. She settles in as a detective in a special unit of the LAPD when her identity is put at risk, and she has no choice but to run again. The question is: does she want to run forever?
As events force Mackenzie to confront her past, she is met with many surprises—including the revelation of her true ancestry. When Packs across the country learn of who she is, Kenz becomes the object of desire in a deadly wolf hunt, and she must once again fight to keep her freedom.
Witnessing first-hand the barbaric treatment of Lunas, Mackenzie has to make a choice—follow the prediction of her Vision Quest or let herself be CAGED...

Notes about the book:

I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Quote:

Ok, I just absolutely love Mackenzie Grey and am going to share several quotes from her from various points in the book. 
"Dude, open up them eyes and take a good look. You got the wrong idea about me. I hae the mouth of a sailor, the temper of a toddler, and my most lovable trait? I lack a filter when I speak. Am I really a lady?"
"You know, Duke, you might be right, but thank fuck I wasn't because the last thing I ever want to be in life is a goddamn Luna."
"I can't shut up...That would be a miracle if I did."
"They could have at least given me a babysitter that I could annoy -- I mean talk to."

My Review

Again, I just loved Ms. Espinosa's writing. I felt myself drawn into this make-believe world and found it difficult to leave it when I had to put the book down. Damn obligations taking away from my reading time!

Mackenzie hasn't changed one bit since book one. If anything, I just loved her more in this book. She did actually grow some in this book in the fact that she was able to identify when she was making a mistake in her actions. But she also realized that if she didn't do these things, she would be changing the very essence of her being. She stayed true to herself and followed her first instincts. 

The action did not stop in this book either. It is full of so much action! By the end of the book we finally see what direction Mackenzie is heading in to make a life for herself and it's a great direction! She has chosen to stand up for the rights of Lunas to not be forced into the submissive roles they have always been forced to take.

I can't wait to see what she does next! My only question after finishing the book was "When does book three release?" I hope book three brings some resolutions and allows Mackenzie to settle down with her own werewolf and quit running.

Review: Shift by Karina Espinosa

Shift (Mackenzie Grey #1) by Karina Espinosa

Release Date: February 10, 2015

Genres: Paranormal - Werewolves, Romance

Pages:342

Source: E-Book,Author provided review copy

Goodreads Description:

It's hard enough being an undergraduate student, an intern at Downtown Manhattan's police station, and a bouncer at a local bar. Add her now ex-boyfriend who recently dumped her for the school's resident bimbo—oh, and she's a werewolf.
Mackenzie Grey meets her match when she is kidnapped by the Brooklyn Pack and tossed between Sebastian and Jonah—the Alpha and the Beta. Being a lone-wolf in the city is dangerous, and now that the Pack has found her, so can every supernatural being in the Tri-State area. And not even her sarcastic, smart mouth can get her out of this.
When a string of kidnappings involves Mackenzie in supernatural politics, she questions her new acquaintances and finds unlikely allies. Can she escape Pack law and keep her freedom—or will she be condemned to an unwanted path?


 My Review

I absolutely LOVED this book! I only wish I had started it on a Friday night. Then I could have read it in one sitting. But I had to put it down a few times to go to sleep so that I could get up to work the next morning.

I haven’t read a lot of books about shifters/werewolves. The majority of the books with shifters that I have read, have had shifters as a side character instead of the main character. After reading Shift, I find that I really like books about shifters and definitely want to read more.

I loved Mackenzie’s character! She is determined and knows what she wants to do with her life.  She has a potty mouth, but man she doesn’t take shit off no one! Her mouth does get her in trouble some though. But that’s part of what makes this book great.

Then there’s her devoted and loyal best friend Amy. I hope we get to know more about Amy in future books. We’re told that Amy is a smart cookie, but as she’s a side character we don’t get to know too much about her.

Then there’s the men of the book - Jonah, Sebastian, and I’m going to include Jackson. I will have to say that when we’re first introduced to the trio (I’m not counting the first scene where Mackenzie has the run-in with Jonah), I was confused about the relationship between the three. I guessed they were the other werewolves of the book. But I thought they were all brothers (only Jonah and Jackson are brothers). As you continue to learn more about the trio, it’s easy to see why I thought this. They were practically raised as brothers.

There are many more interesting characters - Lucian, Ollie, Blu, and Bernard to name a few -- that we are introduced to throughout the book that could make good side books.The book has a lot of strong and interesting characters.

Then there’s the action. It is spectacular! It is full of action from the very start. Mackenzie causes some of the action by not knowing when to keep her mouth shut. But it brings some interesting turns in events. I have to say that I went into the book thinking the romance among the werewolves would be the main theme of the book. But it’s not. There’s a whole story line and the romance/attraction is brought in as part of the story line. I appreciate that. There were some events that I didn’t see coming.

I normally dislike love triangles because I have difficulty choosing between men. But with this book, I was pretty much able to favor one man over the other. I always like it when the main characters are drawn to each other by some supernatural connection. I think that is part of why I liked this book so much - Mackenzie was drawn to Sebastian and Jonah because of her wolf.

Sebastian and Jonah were a bit over protective of Mackenzie almost to the point of being annoying. But instead I actually liked their protectiveness. I think maybe I was ok with it because Mackenzie was such a strong character and not weak. I enjoy a story that includes a man who will go to great lengths to make sure the woman is comfortable, safe and happy; but also includes a woman strong enough to tell the man when he needs to back off because she’s capable of protecting herself.

I am glad that I didn’t read this book when it was released as it ends in somewhat of a cliffhanger. It would have been a cliffhanger that I could have dealt with. I just wouldn’t have liked waiting for the next book. Lucky for me I don’t have to wait! I received review copies of both Shift and Caged from the author in exchange for my reviews. Although I would like to warn against reading the synopsis for Caged while in the process of reading Shift. It does give away some of the ending of Shift. I made the mistake of doing this and wished I hadn’t.

I’m off to start reading Caged now!

Review: Cross the Stars by Venessa Kimball (writing as V. Angelika)

Cross the Stars (Crossing Stars #1) by Venessa Kimball writing as V. Angelika

Release Date: March 8, 2016

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Pages:312

Source: E-Book, Review Copy

Goodreads Description:

What would you risk for love? Would you cross the stars? Steal the moon?

A year shy of graduating from Georgetown University, Ella Wallace feels like she is losing direction. Having carved her own path through life, rejecting her family’s elitist influences, the last thing she wants is to waste time and prove her parents right. A happenstance summer-long program abroad offers the perfect opportunity to immerse herself in volunteer work, finding richness in family and purpose she has never experienced before.

Prince Rajaa bin Ammaar is returning home to Jordan from Georgetown University. His intent is to spearhead a refugee program meant to bring peace to his country. Amidst threats of civil war and revolt, Raj stands for his convictions, even when they challenge his family and the very culture he is preordained to uphold.

A chance encounter at a crowded party in D.C. brought Ella and Raj together for one fleeting moment – two people never thought to meet again. But it’s not until their diverse worlds collide in Jordan that they realize the power of their connection. With the refugee program as their reuniting bond, they must cross the stars and defy their clashing cultures to protect their forbidden love.

With the culturally rich Jordanian backdrop, Cross the Stars will take you on a journey into the  geographical and cultural Middle East, the resilience of people amidst turbulent civil unrest, the parallel unrest of two lovers’ clashing fates,  and the diversity they must challenge with every breath to keep their love alive.

Notes about the book:

This books is not meant for anyone under 18 as it does contain sex scenes.

Book Quote:

“My last memory of her is her asking me, "Is it worth the risk to cross the stars and steal the moon for something greater than yourself? Something greater for someone else? For love?"

"Always do something with purpose, Ella Marie. Something greater than yourself. Risk for love, risk for life. Cross the stars and steal the moon if you have to."

My Review

I was given a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I remember being intrigued by the setting of this book when I originally read the synopsis. It sounded a bit different than the routine romance book I usually read. I looked forward to reading it and it did not disappoint me.

As the book starts out you can see that Ella has many admirable characteristics. She has come from a privileged family. Yet she has refused help from her family to put her through school. She also has many of the reckless characteristics of a normal young adult namely when it comes to what she wants to do with the rest of her life. She sees the opportunity to travel abroad and do volunteer work and is briefly interested in the opportunity. However, what seals the deal for her is her parents making summer plans for her.

Before leaving Washington DC she attends the party of a prince. She lays eyes on the prince without knowing he's the prince and there's a strong force drawing them to each other. The two meet for the first time when they are miles away in Jordan.

Once in Jordan, Ella finds the family life she was missing in Washington and is quickly falls in love with her host family and the girls she teaches. It was a tear-inducing reading about her finding her something greater.

I was immediately drawn into the relationship between Ella and Prince Rajaa. Although I have to admit that I experienced some prudish moments and disliked the secrecy they kept as well as how quickly they got physical. Although, I can see the need for the secrecy and could "see" the obvious chemistry between the two that would lead to the quick physical nature of their relationship.

I also was worried about Prince Rajaa and his family relationships. There were some struggles there that I struggled with and wondered how the author would resolve them. I also wondered how Ella and the Prince's relationship would work. Unfortunately, we don't get all the answers in this book. I hope for a happily ever after for both Rajaa and Ella as well as for the royal family. I'm just not sure it's possible.

I'm anxiously awaiting book two.

Review: Nepenthe by Lindsay Paige

Nepenthe (Bracing for Love #2) by Lindsay Paige

Release Date: January 24, 2015

Genres: New Adult, Romance

Pages: 308

Source: E-Book 

Please note that I read this book in September 2015. I'd posted my review on Goodreads, but not here on my blog.

Goodreads Description:

Corey Kennedy was once a star on the football team at Salem University with his two younger brothers, Jonathan and Patrick. He lived and breathed football, hoping to follow his father’s dream to make it in the NFL. His chance was stolen from him when he was injured and his future in the sport ended.

As did his long-time method of coping with depression, a battle only he knows about and one he refuses to acknowledge.

A year after moving an hour away from his siblings, Corey hits rock bottom. His life is falling apart piece by piece. He’s too lost in his mind to see a way out. Slowly, with the the help of Olivia, a pushy new neighbor, Corey begins to learn healthier ways of dealing with the problems in his life.

His ground is already shaky and unstable while he struggles to stand on his own two feet again. He must find the strength to withstand what life throws at him, or crumble and fall back into his bad, unhealthy habits, which could end the relationships Corey very much needs.

Book Quote:

“I'm not thinking, okay? About anything at all. My mind is clear, empty, and focused entirely on how you feel. That's how it's possible.”
“How do I feel?” she whispers.
“Like everything I've ever needed in this world wrapped up in one beautiful body.” “Sounds like I feel amazing.”
I laugh. I can't help it. “You do.”

My Review

I pre-ordered this book before it was released in January. So by the time I started reading it I had forgotten what it was about. I read the first paragraph and realized it was a spin off of Bracing the Blue Line which I had just finished last night. I was excited because I loved that book and really liked the characters.

This is a different type of book than Bracing the Blue Line. Bracing the Blue Line was more romance. Nepenthe is more a story of coping and healing with depression with a side story of love.

I loved getting to know Corey more. He’s a tough guy that has lost his ability to achieve his lifelong goals and can’t find new direction for his life. His goals have always centered around football. Now that he’s not able to play football, he can’t stand to be around football or anything connected with it including talking football.

He meets his new neighbor Olivia when he’s at one of the lowest points in his life and is not very nice to her. Olivia isn’t scared away. Instead she sees through Corey’s pain and reaches out to help him. Olivia is able to “see into his soul” as Corey put it and push him when he needs it or hold back when he’s had enough. Over time Corey comes to rely on Olivia to help him cope and learn to be happy again.

The ending was a bit abrupt to me. While I realized I was near the end because my Kindle told me so, I expected the story to keep going a bit longer. However, things were either resolved or you could see that they were on their way to being resolved. I would not let this keep you from reading this book. It was a great read and I often found it difficult to put it down.

Goodreads/Amazon/B&N

Review: Collide by Shelly Crane

Collide (Collide #1) by Shelly Crane

Release Date: June 12, 2011

Genres: Paranormal, New Adult, Romance

Pages:360

Source: E-Book

My Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:

Sherry has always known there was something out there. She's eighteen, works for a tabloid newspaper in Chicago and has a brother, Danny who is a lazy mooch. They live a pretty normal dull life with hippie parents and a normal existence. Then the moon disappears and people start to go missing only to reappear later, but different. Sherry has an abusive ex-boyfriend who shows up and claims to be one of these beings that have been showing up around the world. He's no longer the same person in that body. He tells her he has come to protect her and her brother and takes her underground, against her will to save her, where they meet others like them. She begins to unravel the truth about Merrick, about what he's really doing here, about the way he looks at her, about the crazy dangerous world they live in. Can he convince her that he's here to help? Will she like what she finds when she opens up to the truth? Will he be the one to love her when everyone else has failed her? Will he be able to protect her?

Notes about the book:

This is the first book in a four-book series. 

This book contains humans and non-humans. The non-humans are named (Keepers, Lighters), but are never right out called Aliens. So at this point I'd say the interpretation is up  to the reader.

This books  does contain sex, but it is only discussed in the vaguest terms and I don't believe the word "sex" is even mentioned in the book.

Book Quote:

The one quote from Merrick that I love would give away spoilers. So instead I'll share two lines from the book that I loved.

"We’re not fighting each other. We’re fighting... extinction."

"We may live forever, but what’s the point if you don’t actually live?"

My Review

This book was Shelly Crane’s first published book. It contains things that I’ve liked about her Significance series, but I could definitely tell it was her first book. One thing I like about the Significance series, which this one also contains, is the fact that at every turn there’s something new that the characters are learning they can do (or it's just being revealed) - some new ability. I really like books where the characters have other-worldly abilities that no normal human should be able to do. I’m not sure why, but I do. I especially like it when the love interest characters are able to communicate with each other in their heads. We don’t get the full mind communication in this book, but Merrick is able to speak to Sherry in her mind.

I have to admit that I liked Merrick better than I liked Sherry. Sherry was constantly doing things that I knew wouldn’t be good for her or for the people around her. But she did have several redeeming qualities. When she loved someone, she loved them with all her heart. She was a very giving and caring person. Sometimes I think she was too nice for her own good as she seemed to attract all the bad seeds. I enjoyed the chapters that were told from Merrick’s point of view.

I actually think that the story had too much going on. I tended to get confused easily with terminology (Keepers/Lighters) and I think maybe this was because there was so much introduced in this book. The story also seemed to drag on a bit too much.

Overall, I liked the idea of this book and will probably continue the series because there is so much left to find out. It will be interesting to see if the writing gets better because I know Ms. Crane can write. I absolutely LOVE her Significance series! I’m slowly making my way through that one.

Review: Blake by Lindsay Paige and Mary Smith

Blake (The Ninth Inning #2) by Lindsay Paige and Mary Smith

Release Date: October 25, 2015

Genres: New Adult, Romance

Pages:212

Source: E-Book, ARC

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:

The Ninth Inning series presents Memphis Angels’ catcher, Blake Foster.

Blake Foster has a love/hate relationship with the game he plays for a living. On good days, he smiles and enjoys baseball. During the rest of the time, he’s battling his demons and looking out for his mother. He has a hard time keeping ahold of the good things in life no matter how badly he wants them.

Sofia Gardner might come from a rich family, but she has worked for the opportunity for a position on the staff for the Memphis Angels. However, when she meets Blake, she realizes there’s more to him than his constant grumpy expressions. She feels he needs a friend and in her good-natured way, she reaches out to him, only to find the demons he’s battling are much worse than she thought.

When the bases are loaded and it all comes down to the catch at home plate, can they get their out or lose it all when it matters most?

Notes about the book:

This is the second book in a two-part series. The series is split into seasons. I would say that the books could be read as stand-alones. Although, reading them all helps you to get all the background information.

This books is not meant for anyone under 18 as it does contain mild sex scenes and violence.

Note: I was provided with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Quote:

“Even Snow White had a Grumpy in her life. I figure if it’s good enough for Snow White, it’s good enough for me.”

My Review

Strong Couple. Great HEA!

I enjoyed this couple. There was a heavy issue fighting against their success as a couple. However, they managed to work through it and succeed.

Sofia and Blake are both trying to escape their father’s legacy. Sofia has a little easier time making it on her own. She’s drawn in by Blake’s hazel eyes and quickly finds it difficult to get him off her mind. She senses his need for a friend, someone who will listen as he talks.

Unfortunately Blake will go through both emotional and physical pain before Sofia is able to bring him around to trusting her. Their love for each other helps find a happily ever after solution for all involved.

The story was slow to grab me and pull me into it. However, by the halfway point I was loving Blake and Sofia. I think I like them better than I liked Felix and Abby from the first book in The Ninth Inning series. Their story seemed to have more substance to it and therefore grabbed me more. Like Felix and Abby, Blake and Sofia have a playful nature to their conversations with each other complete with some sarcasm and sexual innuendo. 

By the end I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. You could tell that Blake and Sofia were good in their relationship. However there was still another 5-10% of the book left to read. I love a story where the woman is in danger and the man comes to her rescue!

Check out Lindsay's website at http://authorlindsaypaige.blogspot.com/ and you can connect with Mary at http://www.authormarysmith.blogspot.com/.

Goodreads/Amazon/B&N