Can't-Wait Wednesday / Waiting on Wednesday #123

Title: Grown
Author: Tiffany D. Jackson
Expected Publication: September 15th 2020
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Mystery

When Enchanted Jones wakes with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night, no one—the police and Korey’s fans included—has more questions than she does. All she really knows is that this isn't how things are supposed to be. Korey was Enchanted’s ticket to stardom.

Before there was a dead body, Enchanted was an aspiring singer, struggling with her tight knit family’s recent move to the suburbs while trying to find her place as the lone Black girl in high school. But then legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots her at an audition. And suddenly her dream of being a professional singer takes flight.

Enchanted is dazzled by Korey’s luxurious life but soon her dream turns into a nightmare. Behind Korey’s charm and star power hides a dark side, one that wants to control her every move, with rage and consequences. Except now he’s dead and the police are at the door. Who killed Korey Fields?

All signs point to Enchanted. 

What are you waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comment section below.

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking The Spine.

Shon's Review Corrupt

Corrupt

by Penelope Douglas
Release Date: November 15, 2015
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Erika

I was told that dreams were our heart's desires. My nightmares, however, became my obsession.

His name is Michael Crist.

My boyfriend's older brother is like that scary movie that you peek through your hand to watch. He's handsome, strong, and completely terrifying. The star of his college's basketball team and now gone pro, he's more concerned with the dirt on his shoe than me.

But I noticed him.

I saw him. I heard him. The things that he did, and the deeds that he hid... For years, I bit my nails, unable to look away.

Now, I've graduated high school and moved on to college, but I haven't stopped watching Michael. He's bad, and the dirt I've seen isn't content to stay in my head anymore.

Because he's finally noticed me.

Michael

Her name is Erika Fane, but everyone calls her Rika.

My brother's girlfriend grew up hanging around my house and is always at our dinner table. She looks down when I enter a room and stills when I am close. I can always feel the fear rolling off of her, and while I haven't had her body, I know that I have her mind. That's all I really want anyway.

Until my brother leaves for the military, and I find Rika alone at college.

In my city.

Unprotected.

The opportunity is too good to be true, as well as the timing. Because you see, three years ago she put a few of my high school friends in prison, and now they're out.

We've waited. We've been patient. And now every last one of her nightmares will come true.

My Thoughts

Tina gave this book a 5 stars review. Let take that down a bit. I'm being nice by giving this a 2 stars.

This was BS!!! I Freaking Hate Stupid People!!! Rika was all kind of stupid. After reading the blurb for this I was so excited!

Then I read the book and I was like WTF is this right here.

Not only was Rika stupid but so was Michael! He was secretly lusting after his little brother girlfriend while not secretly hating her at the same time. WTF!!!

Then we had the stupid The Four Horsemen. Are you being serious right now? Four little rich boys with to much time on their hands.

xoxo,

Shon

Shon Review: Temptation Series

Temptation Series
Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Publication Date: Nov. 2013 - Dec. 2017
Pages: 2,022
Genre: M/M Romance
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Available for Purchase:
Amazon | The Book Depository

Synopsis

Try – verb: to make an attempt or effort to do something or in this case…someone.

Sex. Logan Mitchell loves it, and ever since he realized his raw sexual appeal at a young age, he has had no problem using it to his advantage. Men and women alike fall into his bed—after all, Logan is not one to discriminate. He lives by one motto—if something interests you, why not just take a chance and try?

And he wants to try Tate Morrison.

Just coming out of a four-year marriage with an ex-wife from hell, a relationship is the last thing on Tate’s mind. He’s starting fresh and trying to get back on his feet with a new job at an upscale bar in downtown Chicago.

The only problem is, Tate has caught the unwavering and unwelcome attention of Mr. Logan Mitchell – a regular at the bar and a man who always gets what he wants.

Night after night Tate fends off the persistent advances of the undeniably charismatic man, but after an explosive moment in the bar, all bets are off as he finds his body stirring with a different desire than his mind.
As arrogance, stubbornness and sexual tension sizzles between the two, it threatens to change the very course of their lives.

Logan doesn’t do relationships. Tate doesn’t do men. But what would happen if they both just gave in and…tried?

Try (Temptation Series Book 1)

Try – verb: to make an attempt or effort to do something or in this case…someone.

Take (Temptation Series Book 2)

TAKE – verb: to reach for and hold in one’s hands or get into one’s possession, power or control.

Trust (Temptation Series Book 3)

TRUST – verb: to believe in the reliability, truth, or strength of another.

Tease (Temptation Series Book 4)

Tease - verb: to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it....unless your name is Tate Morrison.

Tate (Temptation Series Book 5)

William Tate Morrison – The man who came into my life and turned my entire world—and me—on its ass.

True (Temptation Series Book 6)

True - adjective: That which is accurate or exact.

My Thoughts:

OMG! These books are hot AF! Well book 1 - 3 where HOT AF!  Halfway through book 4 the story got a little repetitive. It was Tate and Logan talk then Tate and Logan have sex then repeat 20 times. The End.  By the time I got to book 5 I was so over this series. 

This whole series was just pornography in writing. Overall I give this series 3.75 stars.

Shon Review: Top Secret

Top Secret
Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Website | Twitter | Website | Twitter

Publication Date: May 7th 2019
Publisher:  Tuxbury Publishing LLC and Elle Kennedy Inc
Pages: 319
Genre: M M Romance | New Adult | Contemporary
Source: Bought

Synopsis

Bestselling authors Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy return with their first Male / Male romance in 3 years.

LobsterShorts, 21. Jock. Secretly a science geek. Hot AF.

LobsterShorts: So. Here goes. For her birthday, my girlfriend wants…a threesome.

SinnerThree: Then you’ve come to the right hookup app.

LobsterShorts: Have you done this sort of thing before? With another guy?

SinnerThree: All the time. I’m an equal opportunity player. You?

LobsterShorts: [crickets!]

SinnerThree, 21. Finance major. Secretly a male dancer. Hot AF.

SinnerThree: Well, I’m down if you are. My life is kind of a mess right now. School, work, family stress. Oh, and I live next door to the most annoying dude in the world. I need the distraction. Are you sure you want this?

LobsterShorts: I might want it a little more than I’m willing to admit.

SinnerThree: Hey, nothing wrong with pushing your boundaries...

LobsterShorts: Tell that to my control-freak father. Anyway. What if this threesome is awkward?

SinnerThree: Then it’s awkward. It’s not like we’ll ever have to see each other again. Right? Just promise you won’t fall in love with me.

LobsterShorts: Now wouldn’t that be life-changing...

My Thoughts:

Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy just might be my favorite writing duo. I enjoy both of their separate work. But, when they get together it is pure magic.  I have loss how many time have read and re-read Him & Us. When I saw that they were back with an new Male / Male romance. I was all for it!

I'm a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I like the book but I didn't enjoy it. It felt like something was missing. The only part I enjoy was the texting between Luke and Keaton.

I don't see myself re-reading this book again.

Shon Review: Here and Now Series by Lexi Ryan

Here and Now Series
by Lexi Ryan
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: April 6th 2014 | May 29th 2014 | August 2nd 2014
Publisher:  Ever After, LLC
Pages: 216 | 235 | 199
Genre: Romance | New Adult | Contemporary
Source: Bought

Synopsis

The last thing I remember is having drinks at Brady’s and trying to avoid eye-contact with my life-long crush—the gorgeous, unattainable Maximilian Hallowell. They tell me that was a year ago, but I have no memories of anything since then. What I do have is this ring on my finger that Max says he gave me, and this much-thinner body I’ve dreamed of most of my life. Aside from a case of retrograde amnesia, everything seems almost...perfect.

But the deeper I immerse myself into this new world of mine—planning a wedding to a man I don't remember dating, attempting to run a business I don't remember starting—the clearer it becomes that nothing is as it seems. Do I have the life I’ve always wanted or is it a façade propped up by secrets I don't even know I have?

I need answers before I marry Max, and the only person who seems to have them is the angry, tatted, sexy-as-sin rocker Nate Crane. And Nate wants me for himself.

My Thoughts:

Lost in Me Review:

What just happened? What I have done? How have I survived reading this? I am speechless and my mouth is still open after I finished this book! If you don’t like stories that leave you with more questions than answers, then don’t read this book.  I loved all the characters in this book but that didn’t stop me from suspecting some of them of being part of the mystery. And yes, it ends on a CLIFFHANGER!!

Fall to You Review:

Oh my gosh! With such a huge cliffhanger at the end of book one, I was so happy that I could grab book two immediately! And I was not disappointed. Not only did I get some answers to this mystery, I also was treated to some twists that made me doubt my conclusions about how this was going to end. And, of course, there are still several questions to be answered…including one very important one, one that has my heart racing!!

All for This review:

What a great ending! As the story was moving to the conclusion and more details were provided, I started to get anxious. The events that occurred when she had her fall, was surprising and I was really shocked when I found out the truth.

This series is so addictive that I could not put it down.

Shon Review: Verity by Colleen Hoover

Verity

by Colleen Hoover
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: December 7, 2018
Publisher: Hoover Ink, Inc
Pages: 333
Genre: Romance | Thriller | Contemporary
Source: Kindle Ulimited

Synopsis

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of what really happened the day her daughter died.

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen's feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife's words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her.


Hello bookworms! I know it’s been awhile. Sorry for the very long absence there! I have been both busy and not busy. I just hope you’ll be happy to join me as I rediscover blogging and reading. You’ll be pleased to find out that I have a book review for you today.

My thoughts:

I don't even really know where to start with this one. Holy crap what did I just read!!!

The story is so twisted it’s hard to talk about the storyline without giving it all away. I will say at one point I was a little disturbed by some of the things, that were said and done in this book. That at time it was actually uncomfortable for me to read.

And that ending! That ending came out of nowhere! My mind was blown! That ending was magnificent and wicked at the same time.

It was an intense read, and I recommend reading it. Just be prepared for your mind to run with possibilities and heart to race.

Happy Reading!

Friday 56! January 4, 2019

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Grab a book, any book. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it. Post it.

"A year later they found the remains of Kristal Davis, nineteen, a stripper and a drug addict who'd gone missing a month earlier. Someone leaked to the media that Fayette County was dealing with a serial killer. But no one was really worried. The killer was targeting the types of girls who didn't have anyone to worry about them."

The Darkest Corners by KaraThomas 

 

Happy Reading

Xo,

Wendy

Monday Reviews: Made You Up by Francesca Zappia

Made You Up by Francesca Zappia
Published May 19th 2015 by Greenwillow Books
Genres: Young Adult, Mental Health-Mental Illness, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction
Page: 428
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis

Reality is often not what you perceive it to be. Alex fights a daily battle to figure out the difference between reality and hallucination. Alone, she wages a war against her schizophrenia, determined to stay sane long enough to get into college. Then she has her freedom, away from the watchful eyes of her parents, away from the judging looks of her classmates. 

Thoughts

"Real or not real?"

I've said this in Eliza and Her Monsters and I'll say this again, watch out for Francesca Zappia. She writes compelling realistic stories! Her YA contemporary romances are phenomenal. Especially the heart felt mental illness issues.

Review

Alexandra is diagnosed for paranoia and schizophrenia after an incident that happened when she was 7 years old that her mother believed to be made up. She goes through daily routines from checking her surroundings to taking photos to examine later, constantly questioning her visual and audio hallucinations.

Her reality begins to bleed into her hallucinations when she meets her childhood friend on the first day of senior year. I love Alex meeting Miles. Two unlikely anti-social outcasts finding friendship, understanding, and love. They are so perfect for one another. And both equally flawed. I also love the squad. Charming, loyal, reliable, and funny. They make a great team for these highly functioning introverts. 

This story is unbelievably pure. I've never read anything this complex. I thought with all the modern medicine has to offer, Alex would be able to seek help and relief. But her reality is so blurred and she shatters each time she discovers what she think is real isn't. It has me questioning what are the truths in her life.

This story also throws me for a loop. Each time I think I know what's about to happen, it goes another way. Moments of joy mixed with incredulous scenes. And times when I expect a happier moment, the rug is pulled out under me. Brilliant writing. Always a joy picking up Francesca Zappia's book.

Monday Reviews: When It's Real by Erin Watt

When It's Real by Erin Watt
Published May 30th 2017 by Harlequin Teen
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult, New Adult
Page: 413
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis

Teen rock star in need of an image makeover and the teen girl hired to be his fake girlfriend.

Meet Oakley Ford-teen celebrity, renowned pop star, child of famous movie stars, and restless troublemaker. On the surface he has it all, but with his home life disintegrating, his music well suddenly running dry, and the tabloids having a field day over his outrageous exploits. Oakley's team decides it's time for an image overhaul, complete with a fake girlfriend meant to show the world he's settled down.

Enter seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett-recently orphaned, part-time waitress, the definition of "normal." Under normal circumstances she'd never consider this gig, but with her family in desperate need, she doesn't have much of a choice. And for the money Oakley's team is paying her, she figures she can put up with outlandish Hollywood parties and a team of publicists watching her every move. So what if she thinks Oakley's a shallow, self-centered jerk? It's not like they're going to fall for each other in real life…right?

Thoughts

I'm surprised to admit after reading Paper Princess, I didn't think Erin Watt would write another innovative truly addictive story. I was sorely wrong, not only is her 2017 release invigorating and refreshing but it has a strong narrative with a sweet and positive note. I can't express how much I gushed reading this story. It felt like a breath of fresh air.

I truly love this type of romance. I want to read more romance with music as the main focus. I think I've found my new love.

Monday Reviews: Follow Me Back and Queens of Geek

Our August Top Ten Tuesday had me wanting to read more fan reading/fan fiction-writing type books. Here are two 2017 contemporary fanfic type books I picked up last week.

The first one is Follow Me Back by A.V. Geiger. It is a lighthearted story about an agoraphobia girl, Tessa, who writes and tweets all things Eric Thorn. The pop sensational singer has enough of these obsessed fangirling fantasies and wants nothing more than to hide and write music. When he learns about Tessa's #ericthornobsessed tweets ranking number one on Twitter, he decides to confront her and make her stop writing fanfics about him. The story takes a funny turn and will completely take you by surprise. Rough intro but great hook at the end. Delightful read.

The second one is Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde. Three best friends takes a trip from Australia to America to attend the biggest nerd convention SupaCon. Charlie is a rising youtube star turned actress and is there at the con to promote her new indie zombie film. The other two friends Taylor and Jamie, have a blast cosplaying from their favorite fantasy franchise Queen Firestone. The story has me reminiscing my time at various cons myself and the intensity and buildup of fan culture. Love the movie and nerd references. Warm and fuzzy reading.

Friday 56! August 25, 2017

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Grab a book, any book. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it. Post it.

"Please, Dr. Petermann, I say, stepping in front of him. I've been having the craziest dreams, and I'm starting to question what is real and what isn't. My dad says you guys helped me when I was little. I want to know exactly what you did."

From: Dreamology by Lucy Keating

Happy Reading

Xo,

Wendy

Monday Reviews: Eliza and Her Monsters

Eliza and Her Monsters
Published May 30th 2017 by HarperCollins
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Page: 385
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis

In the real world, Eliza Mirk is shy, weird, and friendless. Online, she’s LadyConstellation, the anonymous creator of the wildly popular webcomic Monstrous Sea. Eliza can’t imagine enjoying the real world as much as she loves the online one, and she has no desire to try.

Then Wallace Warland, Monstrous Sea’s biggest fanfiction writer, transfers to her school. Wallace thinks Eliza is just another fan, and as he draws her out of her shell, she begins to wonder if a life offline might be worthwhile.

But when Eliza’s secret is accidentally shared with the world, everything she’s built—her story, her relationship with Wallace, and even her sanity—begins to fall apart.


Thoughts

This book is such a gem. As soon as I picked it up, I could not put it down. There's something about creation and being lost in your art that I find so appealing. There are times when I truly wonder if the most brilliant writer/artist is an emotional wreck. The main character Eliza completely embodies what I "think" a true artist is, an introvert, lost in the vast universe of her creation, and unwilling to face reality. I love how Eliza is such a relatable character and how she struggles to come out of her shell. I love her journey and her stories; it is such a great read!

Monday Reviews: What to Say Next

What to Say Next
Written by Julie Buxbaum
Published July 11th 2017 by Delacorte Press
Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Page: 292
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis

A sweet and unlikely friendship sparked between popular Kit Lowell and socially isolated David Drucker. Kit is emotionally vulnerable and David is inquisitive and bluntly honest. When she asks for his help figuring out the how and why of her dad’s tragic car accident, David is all in. But neither of them can predict what they’ll find.


Comment

It's been a while since I've last posted. I felt I needed to take a break and return to reading with fresh eyes. But getting back into reading took some effort. Nothing peaked my interest. So I decided to look into a contemporary novel. Boy were there plenty to choose from.

Review

The story of Kit and David all began when Kit sat down at David's lunch table one day. She wanted some peace and quiet from everyday chaos and loner David saw this random occurrence as his chance to make a friend. Kit recently lost her father to a car accident and feeling emotionally frail and vulnerable, she couldn't face her peers and sought friendship from an unlikely loner. David, who turns out to be an Asperger, used this chance to find other interactions with Kit. Together they found comfort and joy in each other's company.

I felt this novel is such a cute and sweet contemporary. I really felt for David Drucker. His insecurities, his misunderstandings are so genuine. And the things that he say are witty and intellectual. He has great family support and his interactions with Kit are funny and joyful. Really enjoyed this story.

Friday 56! June 16, 2017

Happy Friday Everyone! I'm so happy it's the weekend, it means I get to read more! :) Hope you enjoy this Friday 56!

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Grab a book, any book. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it. Post it.

" If you think this is bad, you should see the other guy."

From the book A Week of Mondays by Jessica Brody

Have a safe and fun weekend
Happy Reading

Xo,
Wendy

Shon Review: True Colors by Anyta Sunday

Title / Author: True Colors by Anyta Sunday
Published: March 14, 2017
Genres: Contemporary, M/M Romance
Source: Review Copy
Series: True Love
Rating: 1.5 stars

Synopsis

Oskar used to be Marco’s best friend. His everything. His sunshine yellow.

But that was before. Before Marco stopped being a hot jock. Before he learned to live with scars and pain. And before Oskar tore their friendship apart.

Now the boy next door has returned home, determined to rekindle his friendship with Marco, and Marco’s more afraid than ever. Afraid of getting hurt. Afraid of being humiliated.

Afraid of falling in love.

Can Oskar find a way through Marco’s fear, back into his heart?

True Colors is an enemies to lovers, boy next door, first time, slow burn M/M romance with a generous helping of LUST. This no-cliffhanger, HEA book can be read as a standalone.


 

My Thoughts. . .

Not a big fan of how the book started. It had three different beginnings and each one less interesting than the previous one.

As I read, I find myself intrigued. I'm curious as to what happened between our two main characters. I find myself thinking of all the things that could have happened to drive these two best friends so far apart.

Wait! They're not talking to each other because Oskar made fun of Marco's scars, burns and bruise on his body from the accident? I must say I'm a little disappointed right now.

Okay, I finally got the whole story. Kids can be so cruel.

WTF! Why are they outside? Marco has an apartment. So why are they outside on a frozen lake! Out all the places, they could have pick to make out, they pick a frozen lake. I'm so over this book.

You've got to be kidding me. Once again I say that Marco has an apartment so please tell me why! They first time they have sex is at Oskar's parents house with his parents and his little sister home?

That's how Marco coming out to everyone. Now I'm really over this book.