Tag Archive | Emotional

Cruel Prince by Siobhan Davis–Blog Tour

Aug22

 

Cruel Prince (Royal Hearts Academy #1) by Ashley Jade
Release Date: August 20th

 

Make sure to vote for CRUEL PRINCE for August’s Most Anticipated Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/135087.August_2019_Most_Anticipated_Romances

 

 

AVAILABLE NOW!!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/30l209E
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2XFs5Pb
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2XCn4eU
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2XHo9xm

 

 

Add to Goodreads:
http://bit.ly/Cruel-Prince-GR

 

 

Blurb:
Welcome to their kingdom…

I never thought I’d step foot in Royal Manor again.
But four years later, here I am…back to finish my senior year at Royal Hearts Academy.

And forced to face Jace Covington.
My first friend. First crush. First kiss.
The one I left behind.

Only—he isn’t the same boy I gave my heart to.

This new Jace is as cruel as he is gorgeous.
And he’s determined to make my life a living hell.
Along with the rest of his glorified family and crew of tyrants.

They expect me to worship the ground they walk on like everyone else, but I’d rather eat dirt.

If Jace Covington wants me gone…he’ll have to try harder.
Because I’ve never been the kind of girl to play by the rules.

WARNING: Royal Hearts Academy is a New Adult/High School series of standalones filled with drama, a touch of angst, and boys who are bad to the bone.

This series is recommended for mature readers due to graphic language and sexual content.

 

Excerpt:
“Is that why you wore this sexy little shirt tonight?” His warm breath tickles the side of my neck. “Hoping to get my attention.”

“No.”

That earns me a husky chuckle. “Too bad.” He presses his lips against my throat. “Because it’s working. You have all my attention.” He walks his fingers down my torso. “Question is…what are you going to do with it?”

 

 

About the Author:
Ashley Jade loves to tackle different genres and tropes within romance. Her first loves are New Adult Romance and Romantic Suspense, but she also writes everything in between including: contemporary romance, erotica, and dark romance.

Her characters are flawed and complex, and chances are you will hate them before you fall head over heels in love with them.

She’s a die-hard lover of oxford commas, em dashes, music, coffee, and anything thought provoking…except for math.

Books make her heart beat faster and writing makes her soul come alive. She’s always read books growing up and scribbled stories in her journal, and after having a strange dream one night; she decided to just go for it and publish her first series.

It was the best decision she ever made.

If she’s not paying off student loan debt, working, or writing a novel—you can usually find her listening to music, hanging out with her readers online, and pondering the meaning of life.

Check out her amazon page and Facebook page for future novels.
She recently became hip and joined Twitter, so you can find her there, too.
She loves connecting with her readers—they make her world go round’.

Connect w/Ashley:
Website: https://ashleyjadeauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ashley-Jade-Author-788137781302982/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajadeauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyjadeauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14175946
Bookbub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ashley-jade
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2RGsIJ9

 

Crew Princess by Tijan–Review

Aug19

Let me start this my saying that I love Tijan. She has so many powerful and meaningful books, that when I see she has a new one coming out, I’m like, ‘yes please’. However, it pains me to say this, but I was a little disappointed in Crew Princess. It seemed to fall a little flat compared to the rest of the series, but I’m not exactly sure why.

Jordan, Zellman, Cross, and Bren are still tight as ever in their Wolf Crew and have matured and grown over the course of the book. Bren is in a quandary as she tries to figure out what she’s going to do after graduation, if she makes it that far. The rest of the crew already have plans, but she doesn’t know where this leaves her. Cross and her are as adorable as ever. Would you call Cross adorable? 😏😉

‘Your first loyalty is to the crew, but mine is to you.’

As mentioned previously, the Wolf Crow is tight. They are loyal to the fullest, will protect each other with their lives, and are their own family unit. I loved the ‘love’ these four had for each other and never once did they question where their loyalty laid or what they should do in any given scenario. These guys are going to need it with the war that is headed their way.

There is plenty of action throughout with multiple Crew’s involved. Roussou has had to take in students from other high schools, and since then the crews have been scrambling to regain and dominate their turf.

“We were the Wolf Crew, the smallest crew in the Roussou crew system, but also the most dangerous one.”

Let’s talk about Cross for a second. Cross (insert sigh) is still the alpha leader of the crew. Dare I say this, but his relationship with Bren is quite refreshing. There aren’t many ‘PDA’ moments in this book, but what they do share is very sweet. You can really feel the love between these two. Despite being in high school, he is a Hero that one could only hope for.

‘We caught the end of one girl telling her friend to just do it, “break the a@@ seal.” Cross shot me a grin over his shoulder. I shook my head. Not solid advice, on any day.’

I mean, come on. All it took was one glance over his shoulder and he had Bren had their own non-communicative conversation. That’s why I love their relationship.

I’m slightly confused on Bren. I love her, because she is a super strong heroine, but in CP we got to see a different side of her. With the realization that things are moving and changing, she becomes more emotional which is a contrast from her hard, dark persona. I feel like this was to humanize her a little bit to show her growth and change. I’m just used to seeing her a certain way and it felt unnatural. What I absolutely adored more than anything though was her interaction with Harrison. This completely felt natural and truly showed that she was changing and growing.

Despite all this, I am still a huge Tijan fan. Will I still read and buy her books? Heck yeah, because I’m curious to see what she has in store for us is Crew Love (Wolf Crew #3).

Severance by N.N. Britt–Review

Jul25

5 ‘Cupcake’ Stars

There are unfortunate tragedies that happen in the world today. Despicable, unfathomable and horrendous acts that occur every single day, hour, and minute. They are acts that may be uncomfortable and unpleasant to talk about and read about.  But have you ever put yourself in these people’s shoes and think what they may be going through or have gone through? N.N. Britt tackled a very heavy subject with sympathy, grace, understanding, and compassion. When she wrote, Severance, she left everything on the floor, including me. I have been drained and wrenched of any and all emotion within my body leaving me wrecked.

“We’re not victims” …” Survivors”

Alana Novak has many nicknames, Cupcake Queen, Virgin Mary, and church mouse, but who she really is, is an eighteen-year-old college freshman, who lives at home (not by choice), and has incredibly overprotective parents who are very religious. Alana is a young girl who is trying to find herself without all the restrictions laid before from her parents. Besides college, she has a passion for blogging and baking. She has a best friend, Jess, who is the quintessential friend who tries to ‘corrupt’, ahem, I mean push her outside of her box boundaries.

 

Alana and Jess attend a concert one night to see their favorite band, Black Rose. While there, they meet an up and coming new band, Midnight Rust and specifically, Alana meets her future boyfriend, Dakota Bennett. Immediate attraction brews between the two and they become as inseparable as two can be, with a set of overprotective parents. Dakota has a brother, Mikah Bennett, who is also part of Midnight Rust. If you think you know where this story is going, STOP, because it is so well done, that Ms. Britt has attached a part of Severance to my soul.

“I think I’m dreaming and one day, I’m going to wake up and he’ll be gone. And I’m dreading that moment like I’m dreading the end of the world.’

Mikah, Mikah, Mikah. My heart bleeds for him. He is a tortured, brooding, and silent screaming soul who is trying to find his place in this world. When a tragic event happens, this is even more amplified.

“Do you wanna know what I feel?” he continues. I hold my breath; my heart’s stuck in my throat. “Do you want to know what it’s like to always be second best, Alana?”

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I know Ms. Britt can write and if you’ve read, Rapture, you may know this as well. If you haven’t that’s ok, because she blew it out of the park in her writing skills in Severance. While she was pulling, twisting, and dragging the emotions out of me, she was also healing me with her writing style, unique situations and incredible storyline. Let me just say that I am in awe and privileged to have gone on this journey with her. I have to say, that honestly, I don’t know if I could ever give enough kudos, props, and accolades to N.N. Britt and Severance. What I can say is a definite ‘best of 2019’ book.

Honorable mention quotes:

“You’re my weird, Cupcake Queen.”

“I don’t know if he understands what I see is beautiful. I don’t have any other words to describe him.”

“He’s everything I ever wanted in a man. I just didn’t realize it until I got to know him.”

“I would die for you…if that would make you happy again.”

“No one wanted me. Ever.”

Fallen Saint by Monica James–Review

Jul14

To say, I was an immediate fan after reading Bad Saint is a small understatement. Monica James…I am a huge fan. I loved Bad Saint, but can honestly say, I don’t know if I love it as much as Fallen Saint.

I feel as if I’ve aged 5 years while reading Fallen Saint. It carried the same fervor as BS but was amplified by 1,000%. I found myself yearning for the bad, trigger warning, take your breath away moments, because the writing was so descriptive, I felt like I had been thrown into this ‘little’ fantasy world of hers. While Monica was aging me, I was on the cusp of my seat wanting to yell, scream or throw something. *Side note: my hubby finally handed me a throw pillow, so I could do any of the above*. I had so many emotions running through my veins that I felt strung out like a junkie.
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I fell hard for Saint in Bad Saint and didn’t think I could fall in love with him more. I was so wrong. The struggle within him to do what he should and what he wants was overwhelming and made me fall into that cocooned blanket of his love.

Willow is amazing. She has phased out of the ditzy, ‘I’m a model’, into her own strong, self-confident woman. She had continued to evolve into a strong alpha heroine who emotes love for her Saint and has enough fierceness for the two of them.

Although, I was sad to see them leave the island and Harriet Pot Pie, I was intrigued and curious as to see where the next phase would take them and what would happen when they get there. We get to see a more prominent role of Aleksei and of course, I hated him immediately and didn’t trust him. The funny thing is, Monica did her thing with her fingers and keyboard keys, and I ended up liking him and felt sympathetic to him and his story. So, weird, but, so good at the same time.
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Fallen Saint was jaw dropping, completely worthy of swooning, adrenaline induced heart pounding palpitations, mindf*@king and book hangover worthy. I hope I didn’t give away too much of this book, but the ending. The ending!! Girl, you aren’t ready. Scout’s honor! I was around 85% when I thought, ‘really? That’s it?’ and then I get to the last sentence and find out I’m bawling and cursing Monica James for her good writing, but just kept saying, ‘why? Why?’ The ending had me shook, in disbelief and completely wrecked. I have re-read the last three chapters a total of three times and still feel the same. Forever My Saint, book three, can not come soon enough!!

First and Forever (Heartache duet, #2) by Jay McLean–Review

Jul12

Jay McLean is a new author to me, but after reading the ‘Heartache duet’ she just gained a true lifelong reader. Heartache and Hope was well written, but First and Forever was so well written that if I could give it 10 ⭐, I would. The grammar portion of the writing was top notch (as it was in H and H), it was the extras in writing I’m talking about. Jay dug into these characters and pulled back the layers. She got to the meaty, nitty, gritty of it all and didn’t have to sacrifice a darn thing. She played your heartstrings like she was the third member of 2 Cellos or she was first chair in the violins at the New York Philharmonic playing, ‘Flight of the bumblebee’. She played hard and got the reaction she was looking for. Uber emotional.
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First and Forever picked up right where Heartache and Hope left off. Connor is still the standup man or kid trying to do right by everyone. The maturity he displayed was overwhelming, incredible and heartbreaking while retaining the little boy innocence of youth at the same time. Connor is truly a standout character.

I applaud Jay for tackling some tough real-life issues with Momma Jo, because as much as this is Connor and Ava’s story, Jo is a very vital character in it all. I have had the pleasure to work with patients like her and her depiction was spot on. PTSD and mental health are some overlooked issues. Easy to diagnose on paper, but not so accurate when speaking about each person individually and finding the best care for them. There a lot of misconceptions when these two diagnoses get thrown around. Well done, Jay!!
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As a sequel, it accomplished everything it should have, but it truly is the whole duet here. I felt torn apart, pulverized, shocked, stepped on, broken and full of tears. Then, magically, as if this story was written for me specifically, I felt being put back together piece by piece, held in such delicate hands to encourage healing and finally beaming in love and happiness knowing that I was made into a better person. Exquisite!
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Malum part 2 by Amo Jones–Review

Jun12

Seriously, a part of me wants to just say to you all, ‘Just read the book. Don’t hesitate, don’t think twice, just one-click this baby and read.’ However, that really isn’t a review now is it?

I am wrecked, flabbergasted, suspicious of everything and everyone. Dare I say happy? I’m afraid if I do, Ms. Jones is going to throw another one of her epic monkey wrenches in everything and take that away. I’ll admit I said this before about a couple of books, but Malum part 2, truly did destroy me and rip me apart. I’m still unsure how I’m being put back together, but my love for Tillie and Nate is strong. 

Tillie is the epitome of savage. She is hardcore, smart, will defend herself and others, if needed. In a sense, she is like Robin Hood. He gave money to the poor, while Tillie defends those that are frailer and weaker than her. She doesn’t take any crap from anyone. However, there is one person that can slip past her defenses no matter how many times she puts a wall up. Nate.

Nate has left me speechless. He had just evolved tremendously from part 1 to now. Malum part 1 felt like boys playing King of the Hill on the schoolyard. Malum part 2 brings on a whole new ballgame for The Kings. It’s no more King of the Hill their playing, now it’s King of the World and watch out world, because these boys mean and do what they say. Their lives are one big chess match and you don’t want to cross Tillie and her Kings. They have matured, evolved in their roles within the group and quite frankly are bad@ss. Nate was larger than life. He appeared to fill in every space wherever he was. He is domineering, scary, hot and plain excelled in his role with the Kings. Tillie and Nate are two puzzle pieces trying to find their match. The downside to finding your match with these two is that they are explosive together and if you don’t watch out, you will get burned. 

Amo Jones has seriously done it again. She held back no punches, displayed the chemistry that just blew up the page, took you on a ride full of up’s, down’s, twist’s and turns. As jarring and addicting as it was, one of my favorite things was when Tillie and the Kings just sat back, relaxed, bantered and had a few laughs. They emanated the whole feeling of family, despite not necessarily being blood related. 

Amo you continually mesmerize me with your talented writing. I know when I read an Amo Jones’ book, I will have had everything drawn out of me and be left breathless. In Malum 1, I was full of ‘no way’ and ‘oh my gosh where is this going’? In Malum 2, all questions from part I were answered, and you have left me spent and emotional.

Congratulations on a well-done book and I can’t wait for what’s next!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Wickedly and delicious Royal stars.

Bad Boy Blues by Saffron Kent–Review

Apr11

What do you have when you complete the following equation?

Prince Charming + Rapunzel + Cinderella (both pre and post the ball) + Claude Frollo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame + The Evil Queen from Snow White + Jordan Catalano in ‘My So-Called Life’ with PLUS a little fairy dusting of Vicious?

You get Bad Boy Blues. Saffron Kent has this ability to take common themes/ideas and mis them up. Half the fun of reading BBB, was to figure out what concept she was taking, spinning it and making it her own.

‘If he’s a false prince, then I’m his street Cinderella. I don’t need glass slippers or a pretty gown to change out stars. I can do it in my quiet leather boots and my gray uniform.’

Zachariah Prince is the only child of his parents. One would think he has it all when you live in a town that’s named after you, Princetown. However, things are not all as they seem in his multi-towered home with anything and everything one could ask for. Answer me this…how can you be completely surrounded by people, but be incredibly alone at the same time?

‘Hate is just love wrapped up in a barbed wire. Or at least, mine was.’

Cleopatra Paige has never had an easy life, but it was a good one. She was never the popular girl, she never had lots of people around her, but she had the only two that mattered, her mom and dad. She had big plans for life after high school and one was to get out of the town she lived in. She loved her parents, but she wanted to experience more, and this was the plan until tragedy hits. She now has to work for the Prince’s in their monstrosity of a house as a maid. Despite desperately needing a job, she feels safe working there for two reason, one, Zach has been gone for three years and two, the house is so large, there is no conceivable way possible that they would cross paths. I’m sure you can guess what happens. Yep, they somehow find each other. This is not an ‘awe’ moment, you see, because Zach and his ‘following’ were her tormenters since she was the age of ten. Bullied, yep, she was bullied. However, Cleo (affectionately called Blue), was just as spunky, loud mouthed with a firecracker personality that she didn’t stand for it. Did this make it stop, nope, but at least she got her last words in, even if that didn’t mean anything. She still stood up for herself.

Bad Boy Blues, as you can tell, takes on bullying head on. Among some other big topics, Saffron Kent explores all sides of bullying and really makes you think about being careful of what you say to someone, because you never know what kind of lasting wounds you may be creating.

Blue and ‘The Dark Prince’ (aka Zach) display a unique coupling. I don’t’ think it’s any surprise for me to say this, but I LOVE alpha men and females who can stand up for themselves, who are not whiny or wishy-washy. True? 🙋🏻‍♀️True. I will say, that I loved Blue. She has had tragedy in her life yet has come out the other side a stronger person. Now, this isn’t saying that she is over what happened, but she is one tough chick.

Now, Master Zach, has me on the fence. While reading, I wasn’t sure if I liked him, but now, that I’m done and have had some time to digest everything, I like him, but I’m not blown away by him. I hurt for him, I longed to be able to hug him and parts of his story took my breath away. The thing with Zach is he was a victim and not a full-blown survivor. Unfortunately for him, he just knew how to survive in his given surroundings. He hasn’t shaken off that dark cloak that surrounds him and step into survivorship. I will freely admit, that I’m not used to my Heroes being in that ‘victim’ category, so it was a different viewpoint for me to get used to. Now, back to Zach. My heart bleeds for him and everything he has, had and is currently going through. Man, how much can one little boy in a grown man’s body go through?

Saffron Kent never fails to disappoint in her writing. She has delicately approached many difficult topics and wrote about them beautifully.

‘The night sky is full of them, love stories. That’s where the term comes from: a love written in the stars.’