REVIEW: Down London Road by Samantha Young

Down London Road by Samantha Young

Title: Down London Road

Author: Samantha Young

Publication Date: May 9th 2013 (UK ver)

Publisher: Penguin

Johanna Walker knows what she wants. And that's a strong, steady, financially secure man who will treat her well and look after her and her little brother, Cole - something her parents have never done.
But when she meets the gorgeous Cameron MacCabe, a new bartender at work, Jo can't deny the instant and undeniable attraction she feels. Cam doesn't fit into her strict specifications of her perfect partner at all - but for once she is tempted to let her heart rule her head.
And as their intense connection grows, Jo has to stop hiding the truth about herself and her family. Is Cam prepared to accept Jo for who she really is? And is Jo willing to let someone into her life for keeps?

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My Review

WOW! What can I say? Samantha did an awesome job AGAIN. When I first read the first book On Dublin Street, I was hooked straight away. So when this book came out, I HAD to go and get it. And believe me, I did not regret a moment of reading it.

In this second instalment (which can be read as a stand-alone), we get to meet Jo, short for Johanna. She is generous, friendly, and she cares about her friends and family. I have to say that she was selfless, maybe a bit TOO selfless. I mean, she cared about her family and friends way more than she cares about herself. And I found that very admirable. Not many girls in their twenties put everything first before themselves. Jo was unique and she had humour. I love girls with smart-ass humour. 

And of course, we get to meet Cam. Oh Cam!! I love Cam, I mean, who wouldn't?? You would be crazy if you didn't fall in love with him. He's charming, a bit weird, very humourous, and (obviously) HOT!! He cared about Jo and her family, he is truthful when he speaks to her. He doesn't lie, and that is what I want in every man. He has these feelings towards Jo that I can't explain, but I can feel it. I can feel his need and desperation for Jo to trust him, but he doesn't push her. He gives her time. 

And how could I forget Braden and Joss? I mean, they are such a cute couple together. I love Braden and I love Joss. They are the sort of friends who I would love to have right by my side every time. They are funny, protective (not too protective though) and I just love them. 

The plot of this book was great. I love how Jo had an abusive past and the relationship between her and her 14-year-old brother. Normally, brothers and sisters don't get along well. But I love their relationship, how they both care so much about each other (*sniff sniff* it makes me miss my sister). 

There were these feelings and emotions that Samantha created that got to me every time. Sometimes I feel like laughing, crying or sometimes, makes me think about my own family. It was just all so real! Of course, you can read this one as a stand-alone but I suggest you go and read On Dublin Street first. Both books are AMAZING!! 

Looking forward to reading Samantha's next book!!!

About The Author

Samantha Young is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She's been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Author and Best Romance for her international bestseller ON DUBLIN STREET.
For more info on Samantha's adult fiction visit http://www.ondublinstreet.com
For info on her young adult fiction visit www.samanthayoungbooks.com

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BLOG STOP & GIVEAWAY: The Golden Couple by Stephanie Karpinske

The Golden Couple by Stephanie Karpinske

Title: The Golden Couple

Author: Stephanie Karpinske

Series: The Samantha Project #2

Publication Date: February 23rd 2013

In this action-packed second installment of The Samantha Project series, Samantha and Erik go on a search to find a way to save themselves from the genetic time bomb ticking away in their cells. Along the way, they discover a shocking secret--one they wish they were never told!
Although Samantha's boyfriend, Colin, is back now, her feelings for Erik are getting stronger by the minute. It isn't long before she finally learns the real reason why she can't resist Erik. But only after she's gone too far with him! So far that Colin may never forgive her.
GlobalLife Genetics continues to pursue Samantha and they'll stop at nothing to get her. Sam still doesn't understand what GlobalLife's plan is for her but she knows it's something big. And she knows it isn't good.

| Goodreads | 

My Review

WHAT?! I mean, you can't just end the book like that!!! 

Anyway, this book picked off right where it ended in The Samantha Project.

I'm not a big fat fan of love-triangles so I didn't enjoy Sam's feelings towards Erik AND Collin that much, but I have to say, TEAM COLLIN ALL THE WAY!!

I love all of the science brought up in this story. I mean, it wasn't too complicated, and it wasn't boring either. I love how Stephanie creates up all of this science things. I understood all of the science stuff going on and I could see how science was practically battling with reality. 

I thought the author did a great job at creating up this whole world of genes and genetics. She didn't make it too confusing by using too many science words. I am totally enjoying this series, and I wish I could've seen this sooner. I mean, I've gone past it in lists and all that but it never really got my attention. But I guess, everyone always say this, never judge a book by its cover, right?

Go Team Collin! And I can't wait to read the third book!! 

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About The Author

Hi everyone! I'm a freelance writer and recipe developer for magazines and cookbooks. That's my "day job" but in my free time, I write young adult novels. I just finished book 3 of The Samantha Project series and am now working on two new YA/NA romance novels. I love hearing from readers so feel free to chat with me on goodreads, facebook, or my blog.

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RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan

Title: Unbreak Me
Author: Lexi Ryan
Publication Date: May 27th 2013

“If you’re broken, I’ll fix you…”
I’m only twenty-one and already damaged goods. A slut. A failure. A disappointment to my picture-perfect family as long as I can remember. I called off my wedding to William Bailey, the only man who thought I was worth fixing. A year later, he’s marrying my sister. Unless I ask him not to…
“If you shatter, I’ll find you…”
But now there’s Asher Logan, a broken man who sees the fractures in my façade and doesn’t want to fix me at all. Asher wants me to stop hiding, to stop pretending. Asher wants to break down my walls. But that means letting him see my ugly secrets and forgiving him for his.
With my past weighing down on me, do I want the man who holds me together or the man who gives me permission to break?

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| My Review |

EXCERPT from Unbreak Me:

“You’ve had a long day,” he says. “You want to talk?”

I drape my arms behind his neck. “Why would you think I want to talk to you at all?” 

He grunts. “Because you’re looking at me like a starved woman at a prime rib buffet.”

“Yes,” I murmur. “What does that have to do with talking?”

His eyes are so damn sexy. The kind of eyes you see in magazines, where the man staring at you from the pages seems to invite you to strip bare while promising you’d enjoy it. 

“Don’t you want us to get to know each other before you indulge?”

I pretend to consider it. “I’m more about the meal than the conversation.” 

“You’re a kid.” If it’s supposed to be an objection it rings weak against the pressure of his hand on my hip.

I trace a rivulet of water down his neck. “I’m twenty-one.” I bring up my knees and wrap my legs around his waist, satisfied when he draws in his breath with a sharp hiss.

“Is this about him?” he asks.

I frown. “Who?”

“The groom at your sister’s wedding? He has some kind of hold on you. I saw it in your eyes. In his.”

“This has nothing to do with William Bailey.”

He looks unconvinced but doesn’t call my bluff. Instead, he brushes his lips over mine. Gentle. Careful. Sweet.

The only thing that can break me tonight is sweet, and I won’t be broken. I bite his full bottom lip and dig my nails into his shoulder blades.

A quick study, he gets my message. His hand tangles into my hair while the other digs into my ass and pulls me against him. The hard length of his cock rests between my legs and lights a hot coil of pulsing energy.

He rubs his tongue against mine and moans. Or maybe that’s me, because I’m pulling him closer. I wrap my arm tighter behind his neck, and I’m practically crawling up him in my efforts to get closer and closer still. 

I break the kiss and make myself back off. I’m not the kind of girl who loses control. I don’t lose my mind over men and expect to be saved. I don’t want Asher to save me.

His fingertips are at my hip, tracing an invisible path down and under, moving ever closer to that coiled ache between my thighs. His lips part and our breath mingles as I savor the heat of his body against mine, the sweet anticipation of his fingers inching closer to where I want them.

I slide a hand down his bare chest and between our bodies and cup him through his swim trunks. I’m rewarded with another hiss and then his lips, his tongue, his teeth, hot and desperate against my neck, nipping, toying, playing. Electrifying the sensitive skin.

He cups my breast, and this time I know the moan I hear is my own.

“So goddamn sexy.” His thumb flicks across my nipple, a strangled sound escaping his throat.

I graze my fingertips under the waistband of his swim trunks. I want to feel him in my palm. I want that power to whip through me as I wrap my hands around his hot flesh and it pulses thicker, harder.

For a moment, that’s where this is headed. His hands are greedy, all over me, his mouth doing delicious things to my neck.

“You have protection, right?” I ask.

He laughs and stops toying with me, his head leaning against my shoulder. Slowly, he slides his hands to my back. “That’s not exactly something I keep tucked in my swim trunks.” 

I’m so aroused it hurts. Asher is stunning. Solid. Delicious. I want to bite into that corded muscle of his neck. Want to explore that smattering of chest hair with my fingers while I drag my mouth down his flat stomach. 

But he doesn’t have protection, and that’s a deal breaker. 

“In your house?” My breathing’s unsteady, my heart pounding.

He cups my face in one big hand. “Why don’t you run home and get dressed? I’ll take you to breakfast.”

My jaw goes slack. Who the hell is this guy? Who has brakes that good?

Excerpt © Lexi Ryan, 2013

About The Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Ryan writes romances with humor, heat, and heart. Her books are described as fun, flirty, and wickedly sexy. A lover of learning, Lexi has been in the classroom all her life and currently holds the title of assistant professor of English at her local community college. Lexi is a proud member of Romance Writers of America. She lives in rural Indiana with her husband and two children.

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REVIEW: Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan

Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan

Title: Unbreak Me

Author: Lexi Ryan

Publication Date: May 27th 2013

“If you’re broken, I’ll fix you…”
I’m only twenty-one and already damaged goods. A slut. A failure. A disappointment to my picture-perfect family as long as I can remember. I called off my wedding to William Bailey, the only man who thought I was worth fixing. A year later, he’s marrying my sister. Unless I ask him not to…
“If you shatter, I’ll find you…”
But now there’s Asher Logan, a broken man who sees the fractures in my façade and doesn’t want to fix me at all. Asher wants me to stop hiding, to stop pretending. Asher wants to break down my walls. But that means letting him see my ugly secrets and forgiving him for his.
With my past weighing down on me, do I want the man who holds me together or the man who gives me permission to break?

| Goodreads |

My Review

**ARC given in exchange for an honest review**

How do you describe a book like this? How can you not LOVE this book? 

When I first read the blurb for this book, part of me thought 'I need this book!!1' and the other part of me thought 'love-triangle, really?'

I have to say, I'm not a big fan of love-triangles. Because sometimes, the author might make the girl/boy end up with the wrong girl/boy. But honestly, Lexi did an awesome job at creating up these characters. The main character is Maggie. She's broken, and she has a complicated past. Maggie was mature, she wasn't like those type of girls who would swoon for all of the boys that like her. Instead, she's confused, she's not sure of her decision. She doesn't trust people, in fact, she doesn't trust herself.

There are two boys in this book (duh!). Will and Asher. Will is the sort of good boy who mostly cares about work and being successful. I didn't really like his character at some point, but in other, I did like him. He is kind, and charming. But I sometimes, I thought he was too forceful. 

I LOVE Asher! He's everything I need!! Not only that he's a bad-boy-rockstar-living-next-door, he's also very genuine. he's understanding and (how could I forget?) HOT!! I love his character. He wasn't even a bit forceful, he understood what Maggie wanted, what she needed. And I found that very admirable because sometimes, men aren't like that, they sometime gets pissed whenever the girl they love hides away. But Asher wasn't like that at all. He left Maggie space when she needed it and he lent her a shoulder to cry on (or should I say, 'chest'!!).

The pacing was great. It didn't go too past, it didn't stretch out too long. It was just...normal. I didn't get bored while reading this book and I didn't get rushed either. I love this book, the love-triangle didn't get on my nerve AT ALL, so that was a first in a long time. Lexi did an awesome job and I can't wait to read what she has in store next!!

About The Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Ryan writes romances with humor, heat, and heart. Her books are described as fun, flirty, and wickedly sexy. A lover of learning, Lexi has been in the classroom all her life and currently holds the title of assistant professor of English at her local community college. Lexi is a proud member of Romance Writers of America. She lives in rural Indiana with her husband and two children.

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STACKING THE SHELVES #5

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews

This week, I BOUGHT:

1. Going Under by S. Walden

WON:

1. Clutch by J.A. Huss (SIGNED)

FOR REVIEW:

1. Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan

2. The Trouble With Goodbye by Sarra Cannon

3. A Sliver Of Hope by Karla J. Nellenbach

What did YOU buy, win or got for review??

REVIEW: Breathe Me by Alexia Purdy

Breathe Me by Alexia Purdy

Title: Breathe Me

Author: Alexia Purdy

Publication Date: May 31st 2013

Publisher: Lyrical Lit. Publishing

Sometimes the one who broke your heart, needs the most saving.
Piper Sandervale never thought she’d see Sasha Koval ever again. Not since he took her heart, ripped it out and obliterated it from existence. Now, six years have passed and she has run into him once more at the local fairgrounds in Las Vegas. He desperately wants another chance, and he’d do anything to get her back. She’s willing to give him a taste of his own medicine, if this is her chance for payback. But, will she find herself way in over her head?
Something has changed with Sasha and Piper struggles to justify the worth of past hurts to continue her quest for atonement.
Who needs saving now?

| Goodreads | 

My Review

***I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review***

4.5 stars

WOW! Alexia can never disappoint me with her writing! When she revealed the cover, I immediately wanted this book straight away! And lucky me!!

This book was very interesting. It wasn't about love-at-first-sight or falling-in-love-with-a-bad-boy. It was about second chances. We get to meet Piper. She is quiet, still heart broken over her break-up in college. Piper doesn't trust people straight away, and that was what made her stronger than she really was inside. I love Piper, I love how she's weak at some point, and strong in another. 

We also get to meet Sasha. He was the boy that broke Piper's heart in college. Now he's back, and he still loves Piper. I have to say, reading this book was a refreshment for me since I was more into a bad-boy thing. But Sasha wasn't the bad-boy type at all. He's kind, charming and very caring. I love his relationship with his son, and I love how he isn't the rich-type. 

The pacing of this book was great at first. But then it was kind of rushed near the end. I thought if Alexia stretched it out a bit more then it would have been AMAZING! That was the only reason I gave this a 4.5 instead of a 5. 

The chemistry in here was so strong that I could practically feel it myself. It was all so realistic that I could just grab it. I could feel how Piper was feeling, and I could feel how generous Sasha was. The characters and emotions in here were so well described that I caught every little aspect of the story. 

I love Alexia's writing. This book was an epic read. I only just started reading it yesterday evening and finished it straight away today. AMAZING BOOK! I cannot wait to read what Alexia has in store next!!

About The Author

Alexia currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada–Sin City! She loves to spend every free moment writing or playing with her four rambunctious kids. Writing has always been her dream and she has been writing ever since she can remember. She loves writing paranormal fantasy and poetry and devours books daily. Alexia also enjoys watching movies, dancing, singing loudly in the car and Italian food. She is currently working on ‘Ever Winter’, the third installment of A Dark Faerie Tale Series and ‘Disarming (Reign of Blood Series Book 2)

Visit her at http://alexiapurdy.blogspot.com