Contemporary

An Executive Decision by Grace Marshall

(Read October 21, 2012)  http://flirtyanddirtybookblog.com/2012/10/24/new-review-an-executive-decision-by-grace-marshall/

Ten Days of Perfect by Andrea Randall

(Read October 3, 2012)  http://flirtyanddirtybookblog.com/2012/10/07/new-release-and-review-ten-days-of-perfect-by-andrea-randall/

Down To You by M. Leighton

http://flirtyanddirtybookblog.com/2012/09/27/new-review-down-to-you-by-m-leighton/

 

White Trash Beautiful by Teresa Mummert

http://flirtyanddirtybookblog.com/2012/09/19/new-review-white-trash-beautiful-by-teresa-mummert/

Love Unrehearsed by Tina Reber

 http://flirtyanddirtybookblog.com/2012/09/17/new-review-love-unrehearsed-by-tina-reber/

Bouquet Toss by Melissa Brown

I really don’t know where to start with this review.  I heard about this novel yesterday via Twitter, and was intrigued as soon as I saw the book cover, so I decided I would download it and read it last night.  I have read some amazingly moving stories recently, but for me, nothing compares to Bouquet Toss.  I was up until 2:30am reading (it was hard getting up at 6:30am for work, LOL) because I could not put his book down.  This is a story of love lost and love found.  Do we always make the right choice when it comes to love, or do we risk missing out on what is right in front of us??  Right from the start, I was mesmerized by the story line and the characters.  Not wanting to put this book down because I so desperately needed to know what was going to happen next.  This story is anything but predictable as just when I thought I had it figured out, I was completely taken by surprise.  Bouquet Toss is beautifully written and, the characters are so amazing that I felt as though I knew them.  The story is, at times, funny and romantic and at other times the most raw, gut wrenching beautiful love story I have ever read.  I cannot remember the last time I read a novel that moved me to the point of sobbing.

If you are looking for a truly amazing book that you will never forget, you must read Bouquet Toss.  My new number one favorite read!!  N.  5

(Read September 7, 2012) Not your average bridesmaid’s tale…

Daphne has a gift or a curse… She’s lost count but it doesn’t matter how much she tries to avoid it, she always catches the bride’s bouquet.  Yet she hasn’t found her that special someone who will make her a bride.

Daphne is beautiful, funny, intelligent, and a great teacher. But she’s stuck. Stuck on the what could have been, what should have been and the what ifs.

She can’t let go of her first love. A first love that left her… twice. She’s waiting on and comparing what she thinks was the love of her life.

It’s been five years since Mayson walked out of her life leaving Daphne devastated and emotionally unavailable. No one will ever be Mayson.

Then one day she finds herself back in the world that is Mayson.  It’s not exactly what she had hoped for in a relationship with him, but Daphne will take him any way she can get him.  Just when she thinks she’s ready to surrender her heart to Mayson , he is ripped out of her life a second time.

Daphne finds herself trying to move on but those what ifs consume her. So much so that she risks giving up love that hasn’t pulled at her heart and made her want more ever. Will she be able to let Tanner in? Will she see that Tanner is willing to fight for her? Will she fight her what ifs for Tanner…

Bouquet Toss is Melissa Brown’s debut novel. What a way to enter the literary world. She has a way with her words and her characters, that she will rip your heart out. And just when you think you can’t take any more, she’ll give your heart back filled with the sun. Her story is well thought out with characters that are strong. Her supporting characters are pivotal to the plot. The feelings are real and endearing. Melissa will make you laugh, cry, throw your hands up in exasperation and want to love with everything you have. There isn’t anything over the top or unnecessarily extraneous.

Bouquet Toss… No what ifs. Only the sure thing, the right thing. D.  5

Star Attraction by Sorcha MacMurrough

I happened upon this book thanks to a Facebook group, it was listed as a freebie on Amazon/Kindle so I thought, what do I have to lose.  I am so glad I took a chance, what a fabulous story.  The book is a little rough around the edges with a lot of spelling and grammar errors but if you can get past the errors (which I could) what a great read.  The story is about a woman who has been financially and emotionally destroyed by a past relationship.  When it seems that she has finally turned her life around she literally runs into a stranger who might just be the man she has been looking for all her life, the man who threatens to turn her whole world upside down.  Will they end up together? There are secrets, to many secrets that threaten to keep them apart.  I loved that there is such great chemistry between the characters.  I loved that this book unpredictable and kept me on my toes without being a heavy read.  Honestly, can’t believe I have never heard of this books before because it was a really great read.  If you are a fan of S.C Stephens, Tina Reber or R.L. Mathewson, you will enjoy this book 🙂 N. 4

The Wild Ones by M. Leighton

The story is about a young woman, from a well to do family looking for a little more out of life.  Cami has the perfect life and the perfect boyfriend, yet she still isn’t happy, something is missing. One night she meets him, Patrick (Trick as he likes to be called) and she can think of nothing else.  Trick comes from the wrong side of the tracks.  He has been away at school but after a family tragedy, has returned home to help out.  Fate keeps pulling Cami and Tick together but there is something much stronger that tries to tear them apart.  Is their love strong enough??

The Wild Ones is a great story, told from both Cami and Trick’s perspective.  I have always loved writers who tell both character’s side of the story, make the story seem more real.  I found that I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know if love prevail???  I love the chemistry between Cami and Trick, and was rooting for them.  Cami is beautiful, funny, caring and eager to please.  I absolutely love Trick, he’s a rugged, man’s man who goes after what he wants.  He’s been dealt a crappy hand in life but that doesn’t keep him down.  He’s also fifty shades of sexy!  If you are looking for an easy to read story that will toy with your emotions, you need to read The Wild Ones.  N. 4

Avoiding Commitment by K.A. Linde

I can’t believe I waited so long to read this book (it been in my to-read list for a few weeks now)!!!!!!!  I am still trying to settle down my emotions after reading this book because I honestly could feel what the characters in the story were feeling.  The book is about a couple, Lexi and Jack, both of whom have commitment issues.   I think that many of us can relate, at some point in our lives, to the kind of relationship in this book.  Maybe that’s why I can’t stop thinking about it.  Once I started this book I could think of nothing else. The story is raw, emotional and gut wrenching at times.  It’s so well written that I felt emotionally attached from the get go.  I couldn’t get enough of this book.  I don’t know if I can wait for the sequel to come out….Please K.A. Linde, hurry up with the sequel 😉 N. 5

(Read Aug. 3, 2012)What a mind trip. I loved this book! The back and forth of past and present point of views of Lexi really gave into the emotional dysfunction of Lexi’s and Jack’s relationship. While reading, you couldn’t help but be drawn into riding this roller coaster of feelings and desire. Yet there were times, I was so pissed that these two would even carry on. Why would anyone put themselves through this train wreck of emotional turmoil?— and then you stop and think. It really is simple. You always want what you cannot or should not have. Emotions and one’s brain are not always intricately linked or work in sync with each other.
Avoiding Commitment was well written. It was raw yet thoughtful. Can’t wait to read Avoiding Responsibility— I want more Ramsey! D. 4

On The Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves

WOW! What a truly amazing book!! I could not stop reading!!! This is a big book and it didn’t feel like it at all, the story just flowed. I kept wanting to know what would happen next, it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved how strong the characters in this story were. I found this to be a very emotional story but without being heavy. I felt anxious, I cried and I laughed with the characters. I was sad to finish this books but the ending was written very well. This is a book I would read again, definitely worth it!!!  N. 5

Thoughtless (Thoughtless #1) by S.C. Stephens

This is my all time favourite book series. The story centers around a couple and their roommate.  This book takes you on a journey that will have you laughing and crying.  The characters development is so strong that you feel like you know each    character in the story.  You won’t be able to wait to start the next book 🙂                         N.  5

(Read June 25, 2012) What a great read!!! This was the first book I read after Fifty Shades. Well, let me just say, the D-bags had me over Christian Grey in a heartbeat and a song. This is a story of heartbreak and new love. Kiera is young, inexperienced in the ways of the world and in love with Denny– Her safety, her world, her love, her everything. A big move across country and the beginning of their life together seems so perfect until they are forced to be apart. Kellan; a rock star, gorgeous, a past that won’t let go, girls at his beck and call,  a beautiful voice, amazing song writing skills, did I mention gorgeous—sorry got carried away with Kellan. (you’ll understand once you read).  In the beginning Kellan is a friend to Kiera who has never been away from Denny. As her and Denny’s time apart becomes longer, Kiera’s and Kellan’s feelings for each other grow deeper. How will this triangle reshape itself?

S.C. Stephens is one of those writers who just gets it. There is so much heart in her stories. You always feel like your heart will not be able to take anymore. Every page turn lends itself to butterflies in anticipation of what will happen. Sometimes you feel like your heart is being ripped out and other times you feel it swell with so much of the good stuff. I think many of her readers have found and will find that somehow her stories hit home whether it be in physical experiences or feelings.

So go on and check out her Thoughtless series. See for yourself. I dare you to not become a D-bags fan—even a Griffin fan. D.  5

Effortless (Thoughtless #2)by S.C. Stephens

The second book in the Thoughtless series.  Effortless picks up where Thoughtless left off.  The story is anything but predictable, there are twists and turns that will leave you gasping and laughing at the same time.  More of your favourite characters are back and the story just flows……Effortless!  N. 5

(Read June 26, 2012)This series just gets better. Kiera and Kellan have gone through a lot in the past year.  They have had to learn a lot and grow up a lot.  In Thoughtless, Kiera and Kellan must deal with the repercussions of their deceit and their choice to be together. Now in Effortless, they realize the undeniable draw and passion to each other but are also insecure and doubting their trust for one another and in themselves.  In Thoughtless you really felt the anguish and the struggle in Kiera and Kellan to do right yet surrender to their feelings. In Effortless, I think you feel more desperation; especially because Kellan’s career has just kicked into high gear. The very reason of behind how these two got together is the whole drive in their desperation and trust issues. Throughout the story both are trying to prove themselves worthy of love. And not just from one another. This journey that the two are on is nothing towards Effortless but they will fight for it with all the desperation, passion, heart, tears, and physical intimacy that they can emit.

Again, S.C. will have your heart in turmoil and elation. She will grab your heart and hold it until you feel with everything you have. But within all that, you will enjoy the ride with the likes of  the D-bags, Griffin and Anna. D. 5

Love Unscripted (Love #1) by Tina Reber

This story follows of a young woman who has everything going for her in life until one day out of nowhere…….  The story is very light but emotional at the same time.  The characters in the story are easy to relate to and all very loveable.  This book keeps you wanting more.  N. 5

(Read Aug. 5, 2012) Loved it!!!!!! Can’t wait for Love Unrehearsed. Taryn and Ryan were a hoot. I loved their witty banter and their thoughtful sincerity. At times, Taryn was on my last nerve with her insecurity or her obstinacy. However, that being said, Tina made the love story real. Even though Ryan was a celebrity, the love was real life like any of us would experience. There were no over the top fantasy professions of how absolutely perfect or beautiful Taryn or Ryan was for that matter. Their love for one another was grounded, sincere, at times with doubt, fun, hot, stressful, even hurtful and truly something that us common folk could relate. It wasn’t just book love but real love.
Tina Reber really did well with her character development and interweaving all the characters. I enjoyed the fact that you needed the smallest of character roles to have a Taryn and Ryan story. She is thoughtful in her plot development in that even the light and fluffy parts of the story are strong and pivotal. I found that nothing was in the story as mere filler.
This was a great story that actually carried you through many emotions. Can’t wait for the next book!!! D. 5

 

A Humble Heart by RL Mathewson

(Read July 23, 2012) I’m such a big fan of RL Mathewson’s books.  A Humble Heart is such a GREAT book!  This story grabs you from the get go with the strong characters of Dana and Edward, who you will absolutely fall in love with.  Their story is heartwarming funny with a few twists and turns to keep you on your toes.  Once you start this book you won’t be able to put it down.              N.   5

A Reclusive Heart by RL Mathewson

(Read July 23, 2012) In the second book of the series we follow Nick and Jamie.  Nick is a friend of Dana’s from A Humble Heart.  Like the first book the characters are fabulous and the story line is light easy reading.  If you are looking for a fun, unpredictable love story to read.  This is your book!  N.  4

Playing for Keeps by RL Mathewson

(Read July 19, 2012) If you are looking for a fun easy read, The Neighbour from Hell series by RL Mathewson is just for you.  In the first novel of the series is Playing for Keeps, you are introduced to the Bradford boys more importantly, Jason Bradford.  You will never forget these quirky,macho and annoyingly funny men.  You never know who you will end up with as your neighbor                  N.   4

Perfection by RL Mathewson

(Read July 19, 2012) In the second novel from the Neighbour from Hell series we are introduced to Trevor Bradford.  Like Playing for Keeps, this is a really fun novel that will keep you laughing, it will also tug at your heartstrings.  This is my favourite of the series.  I am looking forward to the release of Checkmate, the third book in the series which is currently being written.  N.   5