Top Off Tuesday (9)

SMEXINESS ALERT: Here to make your day even more steamy. Top Off Tuesdays was started by Felicia, Christi and [Amanda].  It is where [ALL OF US] share the book covers that make us melt into a puddle of goo.  Head over to Felicia’s blog to share your Top Off Tuesday link or to see what everyone has posted.



A routine mission…

Sean Taggart is hunting a deadly terrorist, and his only lead is the lovely Grace Hawthorne. She's the executive assistant for an employment agency Sean suspects is a front for illegal activities. To get the truth, he is going to have to get very close to Grace, a task he is all too eager to undertake when he discovers her deliciously submissive nature.

…turns into a dangerous seduction.

Soon, Grace Hawthorne is living a double life. By day, she is the widowed mother of two college-aged sons. By night, she submits to Sean's every dark desire. She's living out her wildest fantasies of pleasure—intimate acts of trust she's only read about. As passion engulfs her, a murderer strikes, and Grace learns that Sean has a deeply hidden agenda. Will Sean choose his mission and break her heart or be the Master of her dreams?

From Goodreads

Top Ten Tuesday (7): Deserted Island

Top Ten Tuesday- Ten Characters I'd want with me on a deserted island!

TTT is hosted by The Broke and Bookish. 

 

1. Jace Wayland (The Mortal Instruments Series)

2. Odd Thomas (Odd Thomas Series)

3. Candy Quackenbush (Abarat Series)

4-5. Fred and George Weasley (HP Series)

6. Magnus Bane (The Mortal Instruments Series)

7. Stephanie Plum (One for the Money)

8. Heather Wells (Size 12 is Not Fat)

9. Helena Handbasket (Tell Me It's Real)

10. Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games)

REVIEW: Love Comes Home by Andrew Grey

Genre: M/M Romance
Release date: March 7th 2014

Rating: ****

Book Blurb: When architect Gregory Hampton’s son, Davey, starts having trouble in Little League, Greg takes him to an eye doctor. The diagnosis hits them hard. Davey’s sight is degenerating rapidly, and eventually he’ll go blind.

Tom Spangler is used to getting what he wants. When Greg captures his attention, he asks Greg for a date. They have a good time until Greg gets a call from the friends watching his son, telling him Davey has fallen. Greg and Tom return to find the worst has happened—Davey can no longer see.

With so much going on in his life, Greg doubts he’ll see Tom again. But Tom has researched beep baseball, where balls and bases make sounds to enable the visually impaired to participate in Little League. Tom spearheads an effort to form a team so Davey can continue to play the game he loves. But when Greg’s ex-wife shows up with her doctor boyfriend, offering a possible cure through a radical procedure, Greg must decide how far he’ll go to give Davey a chance at getting his sight back. (From Goodreads.com)

This is Book Three in the Senses Series.

Review:

First of all, let me just say that I was skeptical to read this book. I mean, Tom sounds like a complete asshole in the blurb. He "gets what he wants" basically means he a total tool. I was happy to find that he wasn't like that at all. He was considerate, great with Davey and only a little bit selfish. He's a rich kid acting like a regular Joe. Well, except for when he drives his Ferrari.

The best thing about this book to me was how Davey and Greg learn to deal with Davey losing his sight. It all seemed real and believe me, parts were heart wrenching. Definitely a tearjerker. It wasn't depressing though, which was a huge feat given the subject matter. A kid goes blind? How can you make that light and fluffy? But somehow Andrew Grey manages to do that.

Beep ball was at times confusing, but hey, I barely understand baseball. I am NOT a sports girl. It gave Davey a sense that he didn't lose everything he loves because he is blind. The message was powerful. Change can be scary, but it's not always a bad thing.

I would definitely recommend this book. It was sweet and pulled at the heartstrings.

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. (Netgalley)

Top Off Tuesday #8

 

Tuesday means I give you shirtless men to make your day better. Top Off Tuesdays was started by Felicia, Christi and [Amanda].  It is where [ALL OF US] share the book covers that make us swoon.  Head over to Felicia’s blog to share your Top Off Tuesday link or to see what everyone has posted.

 

 

Masters at Arms begins the journey of three men, each on a quest for honor, acceptance, and to ease his unspoken pain. Their paths cross at one of the darkest points in their lives. As they try to come to terms with the aftermath--forging an unbreakable bond--will they ever truly become masters of their own fates? Or would fate become masters of them?

(Book One in the Rescue Me series about the men who own the Masters at Arms BDSM Club)

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is an introduction to the series, but does NOT have the Happily Ever After endings that will come in the next three romance novels in the series. Being the back-story that usually is not told in "real time," there are some intense themes in the book, including death of a spouse, incest, torture, a battle scene, and amputation.

FREE ON AMAZON!!

REVIEW: It's All Geek to Me by J.L. Merrow

Genre: M/M Romance

Release date: February 10, 2014

Rating: ****

Book Blurb: Jez is on a mission of mercy: to replace a tragically deceased comic book for his injured best mate, Tel. Venturing into the Hidden Asteroid bookstore in London—the temple of geekdom itself—Jez is bowled over by the guy behind the counter.

Rhys is the poster boy for hot geeks: tall, gorgeous, and totally cool. Jez is desperate to impress him, so he bluffs his way through comic book jargon . . . and then dashes back to the hospital to beg Tel to teach him how to speak Geek.

Tel’s happy to oblige, and Jez is over the moon when Rhys asks him out. He’s even more thrilled when they discover a shared love of rugby, something he won’t have to fake for Rhys. The question is, how long can Jez keep up the deception, and what will happen when Rhys realizes he’s going out with a Fake Geek Guy? (From Goodreads)

Review:

Let's start off with the fact that this book is British. I wasn't aware of this until I was into it a bit. It's hot reading in an accent.

Jez was a great character. He was cute, earnest and used to selling himself short. He didn't think a guy as attractive as Rhys would want anything to do with him. Rhys, however, was a quiet type who seemed very genuine...and not all that nerdy.

I was a little put off by the idea of lying to get someone to date you, but it wasn't anything important, like secret wife. I thought it was really adorable how Jez ran back to the hospital to ask Tel, his best mate, how to be a geek. It was so ridiculous it was cute.

Another plus for this story is that it was about getting to know each other personally first. A lot of short romance stories are all about sex, and though this one did have one such scene, it wasn't the main focus. They connected intellectually before that point which I loved.

I would recommend this read for geek lovers everywhere. Its cute, sexy and just plain adorable.

REVIEW: Legally Wed by Rick R. Reed

 

Genre: M/M Romance
Release date: January 2, 2014
Rating: *** 

Book Blurb: Love comes along when you least expect it. That’s what Duncan Taylor’s sister, Scout, tells him. Scout has everything Duncan wants—a happy life with a wonderful husband. Now that Seattle has made gay marriage legal, Duncan knows he can have the same thing. But when he proposes to his boyfriend Tucker, he doesn’t get the answer he hoped for. Tucker’s refusal is another misstep in a long line of failed romances. Despairing, Duncan thinks of all the loving unions in his life—and how every one of them is straight. Maybe he could be happy, if not sexually compatible, with a woman. When zany, gay-man-loving Marilyn Samples waltzes into his life, he thinks he may have found his answer.

Determined to settle, Duncan forgets his sister’s wisdom about love and begins planning a wedding with Marilyn. But life throws Duncan a curve ball. When he meets wedding planner Peter Dalrymple, unexpected sparks ignite. Neither man knows how long he can resist his powerful attraction to the other. For sure, there’s a wedding in the future. But whose?
~From Goodreads


Review: Let me start by saying, this book was not at all what I expected it to be. First of all, I was a little put-off by the idea of a gay man marrying a straight woman of his own accord. It seemed rather degrading to both parties. I was relieved that it was a friend that Duncan agreed to marry. Let's just break down this book a bit.

Pros:
- The characters were great. Duncan was just adorable and fun. Marilyn was snarky and someone I wanted to be friends with. Peter was a huggable teddy bear.
- Drunken posts to Craigslist? Duncan's post was funny and oddly endearing given the content. That part alone makes the book worth a read.
- Bouncing narratives. I like the opposing perspectives though I know its not for everyone.
- The breakup in the beginning wasn't drawn out and boring. I hate when the intro to a story bores you to tears.

Cons:
- Marilyn's first two narratives were annoying. All she did was talk to her cat and make herself sound like a complete nut job. After the first bit though, I really came to enjoy her wit.
- Duncan's relationship with Peter isn't developed. At all. The have an instant attraction that they ignore, and then somehow, they are in love? I don't buy it.
- My main complaint about this book it that it is mostly centered around Duncan and Marilyn, not Duncan and Peter. I mean, I read this for the love story, not the friendship story.

I did enjoy this book and would recommend it. The premise itself warrants a second glance. I'm sure it won't be what you expect.




 

Top Ten Tuesday (6) - Top Ten Books I Would Love To See As A Movie/TV Show

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by @The Broke and the Bookish. 

Top Five Books I Would Love To See As A Movie/TV Show.

There were so many that I had a hard time deciding. All the books I have read have played like movies in my head and in my dreams. These are the ones I picked that could be successful as a movie or tv series. 

1. Abarat by Clive Barker (movie or tv show) - The Abarat series is so crazy and wild that it would make for a great movie/show. The creatures alone would bring it a lot of attention.

2. The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (movie) - A different take on the vampire world and the one I find the most intriguing. The characters are dynamic and fun. I love it :)

3. The Odd Thomas Series by Dean Koontz (movie) - He's a psychic who works as a line cook at a diner and his name is Odd. Literally. 

4. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (movie) - Okay, I know that made this into a movie already, but they butchered it. I would like it done some justice. It's a great series that would have done great if interpreted better.

5. Skin by Ted Dekker (movie) - This would make a great thriller/suspense movie. The twist at the end, I didn't even think THAT would happen. It was outrageous, but didn't deter from its awesomeness.

Top Ten Tuesday #5: Required Reading

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted @The Broke and the Bookish

This weeks theme is about SCHOOL! With so many schools starting up again for the year, it seems totally appropriate. Though I have been out of school for some time, I still find this topic to be thought provoking. I'll do my best :)

1. The Giver by Lois Lowry - We read this book in the 6th grade. It was thought provoking, if not a little creepy.

2. A Child Called "It" by Dave Pultzer - This book is intense. It brings to light the issue of child abuse from a perspective that has more of an impact. 

3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - Hobbits? Yessir. Who doesn't hobbits? They have giant, hairy feet and love a good adventure. This book was my favorite in the series because it was the smoothest read and it covered all the back story.

4. Night by Elie Wiesel - The real life account of a concentration camp from the perspective of a little boy is heart wrenching. I literally cried the whole time I read it, but I learned a lot from it.

5. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson - The power of this piece and the lessons that can be learned from it could be very valuable. 

6. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles - I just love this book. Everyone should read it ;)

7. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Definitely for an older crowd, but it's amazing. I think there are a lot of themes that would make fore great discussions or projects. 

8. Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen - A must read author for any teenage girl :)

9. The Diary of Anne Frank - Everyone has heard of her at some point, but reading her words really gives you a better understanding of her experiences and the world that she lived in.

10. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (or another classic romance)

Review: His Roommate's Pleasure by Lana Mcgregor

"It started with an accidental click…but where will it end?

Desperate to turn in a paper, Adam borrows his roommate's computer and mistakenly opens a folder that contains Josh's collection of porn. Adam had no idea that his jock roommate was gay—and into leashes, paddles and domination. And Adam, an inexperienced virgin who's only ever kissed one guy, is surprised to find himself curious about submitting…

Josh can't believe that his roommate discovered his spank bank—and he can't believe that Adam is so turned on by the thought of giving up control to someone. Taking a chance, he offers to look through the photos with Adam…and maybe try acting some of them out.

Night after night, the boys delve into their darkest fantasies of domination and submission. And as lust and experimentation grow into the promise of something deeper, Adam must decide if he's brave enough to tell Josh how he feels." (From Goodreads)

I really enjoyed this short story. I was a little skeptical. I mean, how do you "accidentally" find a porn folder? But Lana Mcgregor really accomplished it. It flowed and made you feel for Adam. You felt his embarrassment and shock. I can't even imagine getting caught watch porn, let alone someone else's.

The characters were real and grew a lot through the story which was also a surprise. Usually the development is lacking in stories this short. I really enjoyed how the stumbled through their relationship together, both inexperienced and new, wanting to experiment with each other. The BDSM wasn't hardcore, but the premise was there. 

The way the communicated with each other through the scenes was refreshing. It seems that in the more intense BDSM novels/novellas, the intimacy is there, but it's different. Adam and Josh shared a shy, tender foray into this world. Learning together what works for them, as a duo and individually. 

Adam and Josh are opposites, but I think that's what drew me too them. Opposites tend to work the best together even though they clash, at least in my experience. The jock and the geeky kid. Unlikely match, but perfect for each other.

This novella deals with a lot: BDSM, first times, homophobia, stereotypes and self-doubt. I would highly recommend this read, it's definitely worth it. 

Top Off Tuesday #7

It’s that time again (I know I'm late with this) — Tuesday! — which means [we] give you shirtless men to make your day better. Top Off Tuesdays was started by Felicia, Christi and [Amanda].  It is where [ALL OF US] share the book covers that make us swoon.  Head over to Felicia’s blog to share your Top Off Tuesday link or to see what everyone has posted 



Idle hands are the devil's workshop.

Temptation and seduction are the tricks of the Devil's trade, and when offered the chance to regain his wings by playing guardian angel, he's hell-bent on doing things his way...

Faith McFarland is in need of a miracle. So desperate to save her sick child, she's willing to make a deal with the Devil: steal a ring worn by Finn Payne, the bad-boy rockstar who long ago sold his soul for rock 'n roll. Temptation and seduction become necessary evils, yet Faith's salvation means Finn's damnation...because the ring is all that stands between him and Hell. Falling in love was never part of the bargain, but now that they've tasted heaven in each other's arms, can they convince the Devil to give up his due?

-From Goodreads

Top Off Tuesday #6

It’s that time again (I know I'm late with this) — Tuesday! — which means [we] give you shirtless men to make your day better. Top Off Tuesdays was started by Felicia, Christi and [Amanda].  It is where [ALL OF US] share the book covers that make us swoon.  Head over to Felicia’s blog to share your Top Off Tuesday link or to see what everyone has posted 

“The smart guy”—Sebastian Keller’s lived with that label most of his life. Though he hasn’t always appreciated it, and it hasn’t exactly made him a man magnet, he’s put his intelligence to work building his store, Great Escapes Travel Book Shop, to the point it’s now the favorite recommendation of travel agents in the St. Louis area. His customers—especially the jet-setting senior citizens—love him for his amiable personality. 

He doesn’t feel very amiable, however, when Rad Tattoos moves in next door to Great Escapes. Its owner, Dylan Radamacher, rubs Sebastian the wrong way from the get-go. The man’s insufferable, stubborn, and, worse, a bad boy. Everything Sebastian loathes. To add insult to injury, Sebastian’s certain the loud music, the congested parking lot, and the constant colorful parade of the counterculture in and out of the tattoo studio are scaring away his loyal, conservative customers. 

And yet, much to his annoyance, the teasing sparkle in Dylan’s eyes, his hot, inked body, and come-hither voice set Sebastian’s libido on fire. Sebastian’s “been there, done that” with the bad-boy type before, though, and almost lost everything because of it. There’s no way he’s going down that road again. 

But when Dylan sets his sights on Sebastian and is determined to take him for a walk on the wild side, Sebastian knows he’s in big trouble. It’s going to take all his smarts and a whole lot of willpower to resist the sexy tattoo artist before the man finds a way to burrow deeper under his skin...  

From Goodreads

Top Ten Tuesday #4

Hey there! Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and Bookish. 

This week's topic is:

Top Ten Bookish Secrets

1. Sometimes, I have so many books going, I forget which characters are in which story. It's like everything gets mixed up into one huge bowl and I can't make the pieces separate into a coherent thought. I'll be reading a story and be all WTF, and then I'll have the "Aha!" moment where I realize I picked up the wrong book.

2. I have never read the Twilight series. Even with the big hype surrounding it, I just haven't found the desire to actually read them. I'm sure the books are better than the movies, but I just haven't gotten to it yet.

3. I can put a book down, go back to it in a month, and still know whats going on. I'm pretty awesome at remembering what a book is about and it's main story line, even after a long period of downtime.

4. I read the same book twice and didn't even know it. Sometimes you choose to re-read a book because it's just so amazing. Well, once I read a book and then a few years later, read it again. The whole time I was thinking it sounded familiar...it's because it was. I felt so lame.

5. My mom thinks I read too much. I spend all of my free time reading. My mother thinks it will rot my brain or something. Personally, I just think she's upset because she doesn't make time to read herself. She enjoys it as much as I do.

6. Saving money on books is AMAZING. It's not a secret, but I still think it's awesome. I swap books on swap.com, get books from the library, using Kindle Lending and buy books on the cheap for my kindle. It's so much fun hunting for bargains.

7. I am not a fan of Historical Fiction. Sometimes I can find a good one, but for the most part, I stick to contemporary. I just get bored and/or confused.

8. All through College, the only books I read were textbooks. I missed out on a lot of good books because I was too busy. I'm more than making up for it now.

9. I didn't think 50 Shades of Grey was too intense. All the controversy was over nothing if you asked me. I have read books with much more hardcore BDSM, and it didn't bother me. What does annoy me is people being judgmental when all they had to do was read the summary and be like "Nope that's not for me." and move on.

10. Finding bookmarks is fun. I like taking a book out from the library and finding a cool bookmark. It's like a treasure hunt or something. I've gotten all kinds of them over the years, the most interesting was a $5 bill. 

Top Off Tuesday #5

It’s that time again (I know I'm late with this) — Tuesday! — which means [we] give you shirtless men to make your day better. Top Off Tuesdays was started by Felicia, Christi and [Amanda].  It is where [ALL OF US] share the book covers that make us swoon.  Head over to Felicia’s blog to share your Top Off Tuesday link or to see what everyone has posted 



If you want to score, you have to get in the game... 

The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she's stuck running the family's sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she's vowed to never fall for a jock-even one as hot as Ty.

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty's insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too...

But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all-including Ty...

-From Goodreads

REVIEW - Long Shots: Books 1-3

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Welcome to Pulled Long café, where the coffee is hot, and the sex is hotter! Meet your hosts:

Sadie Long has been lusting after her friend Paul for years, and when she visits him at Mavericks, the sex club where he works, she's suddenly fantasizing about being with Paul and his sexy boss Josh—at the same time.

Paige Long can't help but be attracted to gorgeous firefighter Carter, especially once she learns he's a Dom. But can she trust in her own desires and submit to happiness?

Ian Long doesn't want to be the rebound guy for a brokenhearted man—even after a little exhibitionist play with Jeff satisfies desires he didn't even know he had..

My Review:

Okay, let me start by saying....Holy S&!T this books was awesome!

*Phew* Now that I got that off my chest, let's start talking about the book itself. There are three novella's, each about a member of the Long family.

The three siblings own a coffee shop together.

Each story had it's own appeal and it's own surprises..and lots of steamy sex.

The first story was about Sadie and her love for a friend. This was contained some building suspense and a hot threesome with Paul's boss. 

*Drools on self* This was my favorite of the three stories. 

Paige's story was a little more intense. She meets a Dom at the cafe, digging into her resolve to never be part of the scene again. A man from her past resurfaces, the reason she wasn't getting what she needed.

The love interest's in Ian's story appeared throughout the other two.

Ian was by far by favorite character. He was so fun and believable. I wanted him to be my best friend. The one married man he lust's after finally steps up and returns his interest, thrusting them both head first into the sea of the unknown.

All three stories are available for purchase separately.

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Shots-Double-Dark%5CPulled-ebook/dp/B008JI94PM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346106213&sr=8-1&keywords=long+shots%3A+book+1-3

*I received a copy of this Ebook from NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review.

Top off Tuesday #4

It’s that time again (I know I'm late with this) — Tuesday! — which means [we] give you shirtless men to make your day better. Top Off Tuesdays was started by Felicia, Christi and [Amanda].  It is where [ALL OF US] share the book covers that make us swoon.  Head over to Felicia’s blog to share your Top Off Tuesday link or to see what everyone has posted. 

When Breeze Monaghan gets caught red-handed by her millionaire boss she knows she’s in trouble. Big time. Because Breeze needs to keep her job more than anything else in the world. Sebastian Dark is used to getting exactly what he wants and now he has a hold over Breeze, he makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Like Scheherazade in The 1001 Nights Seb demands that Breeze entertain him to save her skin.

Can she employ all her ingenuity and sensuality in order to satisfy him and stop her world crashing about her? Or, like the ruthless businessman he is, will Seb go back on the deal?

This short story is available from the Kindle store for $0.99!!

Top Off Tuesday #2 & #3

It’s that time again — Tuesday! — which means [we] give you shirtless men. Top Off Tuesdays was started by Felicia, Christi and [Amanda].  It is where [ALL OF US] share the book covers that make us swoon.  Head over to Felicia’s blog to share your Top Off Tuesday link or to see what everyone has posted. (It's totally worth a peek!)

I'm doing a double dose of hotness this week because I missed last week. 

Where there's smoke there's fire. . .

Since 9/11, Brooklyn firefighter Griff Muir has wrestled with impossible feelings for his best friend and partner at Ladder 181: Dante Anastagio. Unfortunately Dante is strictly a ladies' man and the FDNY isn’t exactly gay-friendly. For 10 years, Griff has hidden his heart in a half-life of public heroics and private anguish.

Griff’s caution and Dante’s cockiness make them an unbeatable team. To protect his buddy, there’s nothing Griff wouldn’t do… until Dante is nearly bankrupt and proposes the worst possible solution: HotHead.com, a gay-porn website where uniformed hunks get down-n-dirty… Now Dante wants them to appear there— together.

Griff may have to guard his heart and live out his darkest fantasies on camera. Can he rescue the man he loves without wrecking their careers, their families, or their friendship?

-From Goodreads

This book was pretty steamy. I mean, look at those two hotties on the cover?

What could be hotter than two men fighting fire?

Well...I could think of a few things. *wink* *wink*

All it takes is one night to change a cowboy’s life…

Barrel racer Celia Lawson knows better than to tangle with bull rider Kyle Gilchrist. The sexy cowboy’s love ‘em and leave ‘em ways have earned him a reputation on the rodeo circuit, and he’s always seen her as his best friend’s kid sister. But after one wild, tequila-fueled night, Celia wakes up to find out she’s gotten herself hitched—to a man she never should have married!

When Celia insists on an annulment, Kyle has no good reason to say no—except he isn’t ready to let go of his new bride. But then Kyle inherits a sprawling Wyoming ranch, and seizes the opportunity to enlist Celia’s help. She agrees to lend a hand—with two conditions: He has to get up to speed as a rancher within six months; then they’ll get a divorce. And their marriage will be in name only.

Kyle gives in to Celia’s demand, yet he's ready to prove to her he has what it takes to turn their one night rodeo into a lifetime of love….

-From Amazon

Top Off Tuesday #1

It’s that time again — Tuesday! — which means [we] give you shirtless men. Top Off Tuesdays was started by Felicia, Christi and [Amanda].  It is where [ALL OF US] share the book covers that make us swoon.  Head over to Felicia’s blog to share your Top Off Tuesday link or to see what everyone has posted. (It's totally worth a peek!)

What happens in Vegas…can lead to romance.

It took one wild night for Sergeant Jeremy Addison to realize that Vegas? Was a bad idea.

Bloody. Bruised. Dehydrated. Abandoned in the desert, and left to stagger down the road. The only way this leave could get worse was if his savior was his ex-best friend’s sister…and the girl he’d loved since childhood.

The last person Erica expected to find on the roadside was her high school crush. She hadn’t seen Jeremy in seven years—ever since the night he said he loved her, and she ran away. Losing him then had been a mistake, but wanting him now could be catastrophic if he discovered the secret that chased every other man from her life. But with a tall, tattooed Marine determined to prove he’s always been faithful, can Erica resist his advances…or will she surrender ground and give love a try?

-From Goodreads

I mean, DAMN, look at those abs. *drools on self*

I haven't read this book, but it is now on my TBR list.

Mainly because of the super sexy stud on the cover.

But can you blame me?

Random Scribblings

Words fly from th page, swirling around my head in the most dizzying fashion. Sentences no longer formed in my brain, leaving me broken and confused. What was I supposed to do now? The familiar feeling of uncertainty crept up my spine, caressing me. A light at the end of the tunnel beckons me on. Leads me down he right path. Rearranging and becoming more linear in pattern. Still, they held no meaning. It was no longer terrifying, just spectacular. They are becoming fuzzy. I try to read the sentences fast enough, before they fade completely. I can't. Again, I am startled awake by the dream that has haunted me forever. The full message never received, I stretch out in the warm white linens of my queen sized bed, hugging the pillow tightly to my side. It is the only thing that comforts me. Knowing it was just a dream and coming back to the real world. I believe its because I'm scared. Scred of what it might mean or how it will change my life. Smiling softly, I imagine all the ridiculous advice that could be swirling around in that fishbowl of words. Deep within my soul, I know the message is important. Life changing. Sighing heavily, I pull myself from between the sheets. Ready for yet another day of contemplation and confusion. Unaware that today would be the beginning of my journey. The journey to the discovery of the message in my dreams and who I really am.

Top Ten Tuesday #3

Hey there! Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and Bookish. 

Alaina's Top Ten Favorite Quotes from Books:

1. "It's strange indeed how memories can lie dormant in a man's mind for so many years. Yet those memories can be awakened and brought forth fresh and new, just by something you've seen, or something you've heard, or the sight of an old familiar face."

- Wilson Rawls, Where the Red Fern Grows

2. "Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly."

- Cornelia Funke, Inkheart 

3. "There was a time, actually—you’ll see this in the memories later—when flesh was many different colors. That was before we went to Sameness. Today flesh is all the same."

– Lois Lowry, The Giver

4. “Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Loves is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It dose not take offense and is not resentful. Love take no pleasure in others people's sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.” 

― Nicholas Sparks, A Walk to Remember

5. “I want to know how to make this girl laugh. I want to know what makes her cry. I want to know what it feels like to have her look at me as if I’m her knight in shinning armor” 

― Simone Elkeles, Perfect Chemistry

6. “It was amazing how you could get so far from where you'd planned, and yet find it was exactly were you needed to be.” 

― Sarah Dessen, What Happened to Goodbye

7. “Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.” 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows


8. “I don't believe in failure, because simply by saying you've failed, you've admitted you attempted. And anyone who attempts is not a failure. Those who truly fail in my eyes are the ones who never try at all. The ones who sit on the couch and whine and moan and wait for the world to change for them.” 
― Sarah Dessen, Keeping the Moon

9. “I hated labels anyway. People didn't fit in slots--prostitute, housewife, saint--like sorting the mail. We were so mutable, fluid with fear and desire, ideals and angles, changeable as water.” 

― Janet Fitch, White Oleander

10. “Then tell them we've all got meanness in us...But tell them we have some good in us too. And the only thing worth living for is the good. That's why we've got to make sure we pass it on.” 

― Billie Letts, Where the Heart Is