Elizabeth's Review~ If You Dare~ AR Torre~ Erotic Thriller

~5 Daring Stars~ 

“To girls with broken hearts and vengeful souls. Go forth and raise hell.”-Alessandra Torre 

If You Dare is the third book in the Deanna Madden Series. InIf You Dare, Deanna shocks us once again with her flair for blood, desire for love, and unending quest for normalcy.

"I AM NOT a normal individual. I've known that for quite some time."-Deanna 

"I love him because he looks at me like I am normal."-Deanna 

One year after Do Not Disturb and Deanna has finally found a slice of happiness with Jeremy. Although she recognizes she will never have the entire pie, she is able to find a steady routine that keeps her illness under control. She has maintained a friendship with Mike and sustained her routine therapy sessions with Dr. Derek. Just when we think everything might just turn out alright for our devilish heroine, in true Deanna style, everything comes crashing down.

"My love for him is selfish and wishful. His love for me is pure and naive."-Deanna 

Deanna must find the inner strength to recognize exactly "who she is" and "who she can never be". However strong her love for Jeremy "might" or "might not be", she is forced to reconcile the delicate balance between love and reality. 

"I'm sorry that my heart is black and I didn't let you see that until now."-Deanna 

Told in multiple POV, If You Dare is a stunning addition to this series. The text is thick with tender emotion, action, and wicked sex! Deanna is a complex character and to experience her interactions with her "friends" and "neighbors" is like nothing you have ever experienced before. Deanna's inner monologue will keep you laughing, crying, and cringing from one beat to the next. Each moment is sequenced with ease as the story shifts between the present and the past. The anticipation of not knowing what happened until the very end will keep you glued to the text. The dynamics between the tender moments are such a stark contrast to the blood lust Deanna experiences throughout the read. This causes any "normal individual" to struggle with the knowledge of knowing "what you want for Deanna" but also knowing "what is best for Deanna". However hard I tried to come to terms with that central question, the result was always the same. Deanna is unique and powerful creature and she will never be held down by any person or thing. 

"I will not be harnessed, I will not be kept; I am freedom, and my name is Deanna."-Deanna 

What is most notable about the Deanna Madden Series is the relationships between Deanna and the three men in her life. Throughout each book in the series we have been witness to the growth Deanna and three men. Her friend Mike, Dr. Derek, and Jeremy. Each individual plays a significant role in her life. I have adored every second of this series and If You Dare only strengthened my love for Deanna and my addiction to escaping to her world. 

"The madness in me, it is pushing, stretching, filling my body down new and unique paths, my skin growing accustomed to its heat, it's darkness."-Deanna 

Overall, If You Dare is a must read for readers who love a suspenseful erotic thriller! If you are willing to live beyond the fringe, Deanna will take you there. Alessandra Torre is a brilliant author who never fails to amaze me. Her writing style is diverse, unique, and rich with description. I simply devoured this read and I can only hope that there will be more to come for Deanna. I am rooting for her. I will never stop rooting for her!

***Deanna Madden Series***

~ARC graciously provided from the author in exchange for an honest review! Thank you AT for sharing your work with me!!!~

GET YOUR COPY TODAY AT:

http://www.amazon.com/If-You-Dare-R-T...

~F (BR) with Shh... in honor of The Deanna Madden Series Epic WORLDWIDE (F) buddy-read for If You Dare November 8-14!

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

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Elizabeth's Review~ Sinful~ Susan Johnson~ Historical Romance

"She was sheer unadulterated sexuality~like a pagan rite of 

spring."

Sinful is my first Historical Romance read EVER! Diving in, I didn't quite know what to expect! Sinjin certainly did not disappoint! Sinful is set in the United Kingdom in 1787. So jump into your time machine and get ready for horse races, horse breeding, British Royal Society, parties, carriage rides, harems, kidnapping, sea voyages, duels, and indiscretion at it's finest.

"I'll be a spinster and wear mucking boots and smoke a pipe with the stable lads. And stay with my horses."-Chelsea

Chelsea Fergusson is doomed. As the daughter of the Earl of Dumfries, she is destined to be married off before her 18th birthday. However, Chelsea has bigger dreams for her life. She is a strong willed independent woman who wants to ride horses and stay with her brothers and father forever. When her father tries to arrange a marriage to a high society English Man, Chelsea takes matters into her own hands. She decides to seduce "London's most infamous libertine", Sinjin St.John, Duke of Seth, “the Saint.”

"Despite his reputation for sexual excess, women had always played a relatively minor role in his life."

Sinjin is a well versed in the ways of women. At first when Chelsea tries to draw him in (literally), Sinjin is able to resist temptation. However, later Chelsea finds a way into his bed. After one night, Sinjin recognizes something different about the young vixen. They form a friendship of sorts. In addition to friendship, the two have formed a passionate sexual bond that brings them both a great deal of satisfaction. 

"He drove into her deeply as if the answer to his unease could be physically assuaged, as if the powerful rhythm of thrust and withdrawal would clear away the enigmatic conundrum, as if his strength could overcome her bewitching allure."

After their time together has passed, Chelsea and Sinjin go their own ways. Although they believe they will never see each other again, circumstances change and they are forced back together. Sinjin must then decide if he is truly able to be a "kept man"? Does Chelsea have the staying power to keep Sinjin satisfied for a lifetime?

Sinful is truly a delectable read. The combination of the rich text and clearly defined setting allows you to feel connected to the characters and the time period. Although I am not a historian, I was completely absorbed in the story and felt like I had a good grasp on the dynamics of that time period. Both Sinjin and Chelsea are extremely likable characters and although there story is set in the 18th Century, I feel that their story could have been unfolding in the 21st century. The sexual chemistry between Sinjin and Chelsea was quite scandalous and although Sinjin is a bit of a bad boy, it didn't take him long to win me over! Regarding the story arc, there were aspects towards the end of the read that seemed a bit disconnected from "the core" of the story and yet, I found the addition only heightened the dynamics between Chelsea and Sinjin. 

"Everything about you matters."

Overall, Sinful is a spectacular Historical Romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip to the past and will definitely continue reading this series. I understand Wicked is about Sinjin's son. As we know, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Therefore I, for one, am ready to get to know the grown up Beau! My kindle will be ready!

***St. John-Duras Series***

~Pre-Order SINFUL for KINDLE now at:

http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Susan-Jo...

~ARC graciously provided via author in exchange for an honest review! Thank you Ms. Johnson for sharing your work with me!~

~Special thanks to my sweet friend SueBee for introducing me to SINJIN!~

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Elizabeth's Review~ Childstar 3~ J.J. McAvoy~ Contemporary Romance

~5 Stunning Stars~

"We were kids. The whole world was watching us. We couldn't breathe. We were trying to grow up, deal with the media, expand our careers, and hold on to each other."-Noah 

Childstar 3 is the third novella in the Childstar Trilogy and it was a non stop action packed read full of passion and desire! Every question is answered and the stakes are high as Amelia and Noah hold on tight to each other. In fact, Noah holds her so tight that sometimes she gets bruises! (Some might not be into the tough love thing...I just think YUMMY!)

"In the mirror, I could see light bruises, marks from his hands, that I was sure would look worse in the morning. However, I took them with pride."-Amelia 

Childstar 3 picks up as the aftermath of Childstar 2 is beginning to settle! Noah and Amelia have a mess on their hands. Despite the turmoil surrounding them, they both recognize the importance of staying strong together. Even when everything is burning up in flames around them, these two refuse to give up. 

Amelia and Noah must continue to film the movie, cover up their mistakes and continue to maintain an unblemished reputation in the press. With every step forward they take, the demons of their past are constantly dragging them two steps back. 

In addition to the rising tension in the plot, the secondary characters begin to play a more prominent role. I relish every second of Ms. McAvoy's writing. As Noah and Amelia are both evolving as a couple, we see them transform into strong individuals who will do anything to protect their love for each other. 

"My mouth dropped open from the sheer pleasure of it. He waited only for a second, if that, before pulling out and burying himself again, even deeper, over and over again."-Amelia

Told in dual POV, Childstar 3 was a perfect ending to this trilogy. The dialogue is rich with texture, the action scenes are intense, and the sexual escapades between Noah and Amelia only get hotter with each book! When reading Childstar 3, I experienced every emotion of the spectrum. I felt transported to another world in which, I never wanted to leave! This series has a unique plot, well developed characters, and a perfect story arc. I especially loved the epilogue! Nothing is better than walking away from Noah and Amelia with a huge smile on your face!

"My dream? The both of us, married, kids of our own, still acting. It was all possible~ after we healed from this."-Noah 

"What can I say? I grew up and changed the rating of my life."-Amelia

Overall, Childstar 3 is a must read! I simply cannot rave enough about this series. Everyone needs to meet Noah and Amelia now! Get your kindle ready because this is one series you do not want to miss! 

Childstar Series

Pre-order this blockbuster now:

http://www.amazon.com/Child-Star-Part...

~ARC graciously provided via J.J. McAvoy in exchange for an honest review! Thank you for sharing your work with me! I simply cannot get enough!~

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Elizabeth's Review~ Childstar 2~ J.J. McAvoy~ Contemporary Romance

~5 Can't Get Enough Stars~

"She wasn't under my spell. I was under hers."-Noah 

Childstar 2 is the second novella in the Childstar Trilogy. With fast paced action, sultry steam, and complex characters, Childstar 2 is a must read! 

Childstar 2 begins in the same hotel room where Childstar 1ended. Amelia is coming to terms with "the big reveal" and Noah stays right beside her the entire time. With the understanding that they are committed to each other, Amelia and Noah must face down their adversaries, keep their managers satisfied, and continue to film the movie Sinners Like Us , all with smiles plastered on their faces!

"Being an actor was great at a time like this. All of those years of training on how to give an emotional performance that resonated with viewers came to the forefront of my mind."-Amelia

Amelia and Noah don't have long to bask in the glory of being together before mayhem irrupts around them. Amelia makes the choice to do whatever it takes to protect him. She exposes herself emotionally in every way in order to protect her love. I loved her transformation from the timid "Hollywood Good Girl" to the "Bad Ass Bitch" that will battle anyone who tries to tear them apart! Amelia is able to enlist support from some very surprising places!

"To kill a lion, you can't be another lion, you've got to be the motherfucker with the gun."

"Sinners Like Us was the metamorphosis of Amelia London."-Noah

In addition to the mystery and suspense surrounding our lovers, Noah displays a tender side that only enhances my love for him. What I want is a bad boy. What I really want is a bad boy that knows how to make his woman feel good in every way! Noah knows how to deliver and his delivery is "first class" every time! He and Amelia have an explosive sexual chemistry that has only intensified after the years they were apart. Additionally, the emotional connection is strong. 

"You worry about me, and I'll worry about you. That's how we work."-Noah

Told in dual POV, Childstar 2 is an addictive read that is sure to please action/romance readers everywhere. The plot is well developed, the characters are complex, the pacing is upbeat, and the romance between Noah and Amelia will leave you breathless!

"A decade of Amelia. I wasn't a fortune teller, but I was sure that would involve us spending most nights alternating between work, sex, and Netflix. Every once in a while, we might do something crazy like socialize with other human beings. Sounds like paradise!"-Noah

Overall, Childstar 2 is a must read! This trilogy is sure to put a smile on your face and leave you wanting more. There is just something special about a couple that takes on the world together. I find myself married to my kindle as I offer commentary throughout the entire read. When it comes to Noah and Amelia, I am their champion and biggest fan! Get your kindles ready...you don't want to miss this read!

***Childstar Series***

Preorder Childstar 2 now:

http://www.amazon.com/Child-Star-Part...

~ARC graciously provided via J.J. McAvoy in exchange for an honest review! Thank you for sharing your work with me! I simply cannot get enough!~

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Elizabeth's Review~ Betrayal~ Aleatha Romig~ Contemporary Romance

"Stupid, naive people. Happiness in another person wasn't real. All people did was betray one another: if not on the first date, then eventually." 

Betrayal is the first installment of the Infidelity Series. Aleatha Romig doesn't disappoint with her stellar writing rich with complex characters and sexy overtones. I find myself enraptured every single time I read one of her books.

Alexandria Collins comes from southern money and the world of old school charm. Her mother and stepfather ooze power and prestige and feel that they have ownership of Alex. However, Alex is determined to become something great and she is able to escape the prison of that world when she moves to California for college. After graduation, she takes a quick trip with her best friend and she meets Nox.

"His unique combination of force and tenderness should be illegal, because with just one taste I was instantly addicted."-Alex

Nox Demetri is a successful business man who charms Alex with his devilish smile and dashing good looks. There is an instant attraction between the two. Alex is hesitant to reveal her identity and therefore they decide to have one week of fun together. After a week of courting and some intense exploration of each other's bodies, they part without ever revealing their true identities. 

"Breathing no longer mattered as my back arched and I pushed pebbled nipples against the hardness of his chest. We didn't rush. For was seemed like an eternity, we lost ourselves in one another."-Alex

Before Alex settles in New York for Law School, she takes a detour back home in order to deal with some family business. She is immediately transported to a world that has only brought her pain. She is determined to escape and return to her freedom. However, when she discovers her inheritance has been put in jeopardy, she feels her future slipping between her fingers. With the hope of overcoming her adversaries (her parents), she moves to New York in order to start Law School and find a way to keep her future secure and put her past behind her forever. 

"Montague name didn't own me-no one did."-Alex

Despite her past and current plight, Alex is determined. However, Nox has left a vacancy in her heart. Never far from her mind, he constantly lingers like a ghost in her thoughts.

Told in first POV, Betrayal shifts from the present and the past. In the past, we experience her love affair with the mysterious and "sexy" Nox. In the future, we experience the horrors of her family and their dysfunctional lifestyle. Although I understood the importance of the time shift, I found myself anxious the majority of the read waiting for the timelines to match. Still, the plot is well developed and the characters are quite intriguing. I felt that the tempo was generally a little slow for my taste and yet, in true Aleatha fashion, the plot development towards the end of the book left me desperate for more. The chemistry between Nox and Alex is undeniable and I have no doubt the next book will bring even more mystery and intrigue to the plot. The dynamics between the characters are intense and the setting is rich with description. 

Anticipation is the name of this game and it's a game I want to play! 

"He set his sight on you."

Overall, Betrayal was an intriguing read and I will certainly be looking for the next installment in this series. There is a slight cliffy in this read. Although it is completely bearable, it certainly left me anxious for the next book. If you are a fan of Aleatha's work, this is a must read! You will not be disappointed with the time you spend with Nox and Alex! 

~BR with my girls WAR and CC.~

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