Grand Final: Playing the Game # 6

Grand Final by Lorraine Loveit

This has been a long, twisting, and turning read with all of these characters. I'm happy that Suzie finally got what she wanted and that Brendan was able to be what she needed him to be. I'm sure whatever magic anger management or therapy he had will have many readers wishing they knew his secret recipe for their own loved ones, friends, or hopefully not themselves. He was a changed man. And, it was great to see Suzie with the relationship that she should have had from the beginning. There are some great characters in this book that I would love to see with their own stories. Jason, of course, is the first one to come to mind. But, there are plenty of others here, even the new JB. Hopefully the story isn't over now that Brendan and Susie's story is concluded.
Ms. Loveit has a way with words that keeps you reading to find out what will happen next. I'm looking forward to whatever that is.

Reviewed by Marla Josephs
http://www.marlajosephs.com/
                                                       Marla's GoodReads Reviews
This book is our book of the month and has also been reviewed by The Next Great Read reviewer Michelle. Click on our book of the month to read both reviews.

Wilder Destiny: The Guardian Series Book 2

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Wilder Destiny: The Guardian Series Book 2 by G.K. DeRosa

 

HOLY.......Cliffhanger is not the word......As soon as I finished I felt that someone pushed me off the damn cliff. lol WOW!!! If you have read the first book, then you HAVE to read this one. Secrets will be revealed, battles will be fought, but will love endure all. I was desperately waiting for this book to come out and as soon as I got the chance to start it - OMG I could not put it down. This book had me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, turning page by page to see what was going to happen. G.K. DeRosa definitely knows how to pull you in, she pulls you in and holds on until the very end when she drops you making you hang on for dear life until the next book comes out. I know some don't like a cliffhanger, but this is the way to do a cliffhanger in my opinion. Make you want to throw your kindle, huff and puff, scream, then sit there like what the **** just happened. Now begins the stalking for the next book. ;)

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

 

Reviewed by Michelle Thompson
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The Vanilla Bet by Ella Emerson

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The Vanilla Bet by Ella Emerson

 

Okay, Ella Emerson is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine!!!!! In the past month I have read everyone of her books and already desperately waiting for the next!! Trace is the manwhore-hot, sexy, and doesn't not date- until he loses a bet to have a relationship with Vanessa. Vanessa is running for her past, but not all things can stay in the past..... I have to say, I was not expecting the suspense and heart stopping moments in this book, but OMG they are there and will have you turning the page quickly to see what happens. This book is fast paced and pulls you in on the first page. I don't think my heart rate went back to normal until after the last page. There are twists and turns that will keep you guessing and sweet and loving moments that will have your heart fluttering.

 

Reviewed byMichelle Thompson
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Focused & Driven

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Focused & Driven by Savana Jade

Savana Jade has written another masterpiece!! One that will pull at your heart strings, frustrate you, make you laugh, and make you fall in love with not just the characters but the story. This a complete page turner that I didn't want to put down and I only did when I absolutely had to. For me, this was a story that pulled at every emotion in me. I cheered for the characters, got mad at them, cried and laughed with them, and truly fell in love with them. Savana Jade definitely knows how to write a unique story that hits you right in the heart. I finished reading last night and I am still trying to calm my emotions down from reading.

I received an ARC copy for an honest review.

 

Reviewed by Michelle Thompson
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Just One Summer

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Just One Summer by: A.D. Justice

 

Just one summer......No strings.....It's going to get very hot!!!

I have one complaint.....I wish this story was longer!!! I need more! I absolutely loved it!! In just the span of this novella my world got wrapped up within the story. I loved these characters, and you really got a feel for them. A.D. Justice truly put an amazing story in this novella and in the end I actually felt that I had read a full length book with the detail and the power of these characters.

I received this copy for an honest review.

 

Michelle Thompson
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Breaking Faith

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Breaking Faith by Joy

 

Phenomenal on all accounts!!! Storyline, character, drama, you name it - it was phenomenal! I got so wrapped up in this story that even the once or twice I had to put it down, it was all I could think about until I could pick it back up. There were times my chest literally hurt from feeling the emotions Faith was feeling. Kill completely made me fall in love. He is just an amazing guy that won my heart very quickly . The whole group of friends are truly a family and you can see that love they have for each other. I loved getting to know a little about each one of them. I do have to say I am now desperate for the next book.

I received a copy through The Next Great Read Book Reviews Blog for an honest review.

 

Reviewed by Michelle Thompson 
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I am Atlas

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I am Atlas by Ella Emerson

WOW!!!!! I so did not see that ending coming!!! I finished this book yesterday and I think I'm still in shock!! This is a review I am actually really scared to write as I am scared of giving too much away. One thing I can say is you will not be disappointed and you will not see that ending coming. I was so intrigued by this story that I literally read the entire book at work in one day. Luckily, it was a slow day or I think I would have hurt somebody for taking me away from this book. This book will intrigue you, impress you, make you think you know what is going on, maybe even confuse you a little and make you think, it will definitely surprise you, and you will love every minute of it. Well these are my feelings anyway.

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

Reviewed by Michelle Thompson
 Michelle's GoodReads Reviews

The Domville 6

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The Domville 6 by CJ Fallowfield

Another night at The Domville. This one is hot and sexy while also sweet. I think this one is my favorite of The Domville series so far. In such a short timespan, I really fell for these characters and their story. I couldn't wait to see how it played out and how it would end. This book completely left me feeling good. I can't wait to see what the next night at The Domville will be.

Reviewed by Michelle Thompson
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Spirit Walker

Occult Assassin: Spirit Walker by William Massa

Another great listen by William Massa. I loved the fact that our main character is now sort of working with a team. He was more of a lone wolf before. But, now he's working with others more closely in his battle against evil. This was another fast paced, action packed ride.
And, I love that the same narrator is used. The consistency is great. He really makes the reader feel these characters he's come to know so well, as well as new characters. Another solid listen. 

Reviewed by Amado Temporal
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The Fine Art of Keeping Quiet

The Fine Art of Keeping Quiet by Charity Tahmaseb

I really enjoyed this book. It's a YA book about a girl who doesn't like pubic speaking having to join a speech club to save her grade. Sounds boring right?. But, it so wasn't. I listened to the sample and that sold me on giving it a try. It was a well written, well performed, wonderful little story. I'm so glad I took a chance on this book. The characters were relatable as was her fear of public speaking. This has got to be one of the most dreaded requirements for many students in high school and college. Reasons my be different, but the distaste for it is the same.
At times I didn't understand why Jolia went to such lengths for her friend. And, I didn't understand why she just didn't tell Sam what was going on so he wouldn't wonder and risk losing him. But, it wasn't a distraction. The things we do for our friends.
The speech tournaments were quite interesting. And, I just loved Sam's character. What a sweetie! Overall, just a wonderful listen.
The narrator, Ashley Klanac did a great job. She is also new to me. Her characters were well performed, believable and she just pulled you into the story.
This book was an ARC from the author. And, I'm so glad I agreed to give this one a try. I normally don't care for YA. Kid-lit, yes. But YA, no. But, this was great. I look forward to more from this author. YA at its best.

Reviewed by Marla Josephs
http://www.marlajosephs.com/
Marla's GoodReads Reviews

Duke of Scandal

Duke of Scandal by Gaelen Foley

Another great read from Gaelen Foley. I have been a Gaelen Foley fan for some time now, and was excited about this new series she's begun. She just never disappoints. We met our Duke of Scandal, Naughty Netherford, and Felicity in the prequel, One Moonlit Night. I was intrigued by their potential story and enjoyed watching it unfold.
Felicity was a surprise. She always seemed so passive and proper in the previous book, but comes totally out of her shell in his book.
I really enjoyed Mrs. Foley revisiting Alec Night, and his band of rakehells. I think his story is my all time favorite by Mrs. Foley. Though, I think the timing is set somewhere before Alec's would have taken place since he is no longer a rakehell, and head over heals for his Rebecca.
I think this series is off to a good start. I can't wait to see what will happen with the mystery from One Moonlit Night. It wasn't touched upon here, besides an appearance our two of a key character. Something is a brewing, and I can't wait to see what it is.
This was an ARC provided for an honest review.

Reviewed by Marla Josephs
 http://www.marlajosephs.com/
Marla's GoodReads Reviews

Sweet Filthy Boy

Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren

I'm on a roll. The last few books I've chosen have been big winners for me. I loved this book. It made me think of what people with arranged marriages might go through. Though this wasn't an arranged marriage, it's strangers getting married and what happens after. And, yes arranged marriages still happen today. I had a colleague who had an arranged marriage and I was dying to ask, how awkward was that?!?! And, recently found out about a MMA associate who just got back from being married by arranged marriage in her parents home country. Again, I had the burning desire to ask, but didn't of course. Still, that has to be really weird day to day.
I'm sure everyone's experience would be different, but I loved these 2 characters. The whole story was weird good. And, I loved the time in Paris. I just love Paris and it made me remember when I went as an exchange student. I stayed with a wonderful French family and explored Paris very much as she did. I started off each morning with a trip to the patisserie for a pain au chocolat, then it was an eclair, etc. I went through phases. I was reliving the view from the Eiffel Tower amongst other places. Loved it!
I have to say, I wasn't sure I would like the narrator, Shayna Thibodeaux at first. But, after the first few minutes I loved her. She did an amazing job. At first I thought her accent wasn't right. But for someone who was half French, raised in France with an American mother who actually spoke English to him obviously, I thought it was perfect. I see some reviews of people that don't like the narrator. But, I honestly enjoyed her. There was something in the very beginning I couldn't put my finger on that gave me pause, but I was totally engrossed in the first few minutes. So for me anyway, she was great. She brought the characters, the feelings, everything to life.
Reviewed by Marla Josephs
http://www.marlajosephs.com/
Marla's GoodReads Reviews

The Vincent Boys

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I wasn't sure I'd like it, but gave it a chance, and it was great. On the one hand, I felt at times it seemed more like an after high school story. But, then again, I remember some of the drama in high school being something I thought adults would be dealing with not under aged teens. But, that being said, I don't think this is a teen book. It is an adult book about teens.
But, I loved the way Ms. Glines penned this story. The turmoil, tension, genuine love and caring the characters felt for each other. It was great. I liked that all of the characters totally loved each other and cared, and the romance complicated it. It wasn't as simple as love and hate, and jealousy. And, they worked to try and work things out. Great listen.
As far as narration goes, this was the second book I have heard by, Shayna Thibodeaux. And, I loved it. She really pulls you into the story and grabs you. I normally don't care for books with multiple narrators, but this one was great. I also really liked Kirby Heyborne. I thought he pronounced Ashton's name a little strangely, almost like Ashting. But, otherwise, I was very impressed. Sometimes male narrators make woman sound very strange. But, not Mr. Heyborne. I loved this book from beginning to end. I thought the 2 narrators blended well together. Sometimes their style or cadence is so different that it seems they are narrating completely different characters. But, not these two. It was great.

Reviewed by Marla Josephs
http://www.marlajosephs.com/
Marla's GoodReads Reviews

Second Chances

Second Chances by Kristi Rose

I really enjoyed this story. It was a very short read that I would have loved to be longer. But, still it was a full story. I loved the characters. Lorelei's character cracked me up. I loved her sarcasm. Some might not like her character or think she was too bitter or sarcastic, but considering what she'd been through, I thought she was perfect. And, I wanted to not like Cole, but I couldn't. He was remorseful, young, and dumb, and felt really bad about what had happened. Now that they are adults, I totally wanted to see what happened between them.
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator, Suzanne Barbetta, did a great job! She really brought the characters and story to life. This book was an ARC and, I'm so happy I chose to read and review it. I'm always on the lookout for my next great read or listen!

Reviewed by Marla Josephs
http://www.marlajosephs.com/
                                                         Marla's GoodReads Reviews

Grand Final: The Last Game

Grand Final: The Last Game (Playing the Game, #6) by: Lorraine Loveit

How is it going to end?? This was an amazing final book in this series!!! Full of suspense that will truly leave you on the edge of your seat. I loved watching Brendon be the man that we, well I know at least me, have always known he could be. Hoping Jason will find love one day, maybe in the next series....I have to say I really loved watching Jason in this book as well, I think we have truly watched all these characters grow as people and you really can see it in this book. Suzie, who has always been a strong person but I saw so much more strength through her here. Then, there is JB (I think he might deserve his own book at some point), I love his protectiveness and caring. This book, along with the whole series, will pull you in and hold you there until the very end with suspense and drama that will leave you on the edge of your seat, characters that make you laugh and truly care about them, sex scenes that will have you needing a cold shower, and a truly intriguing story.

Reviewed by Michelle Thompson
Michelle's GoodReads Reviews

Sky Watcher

Sky Watcher by Ella Emerson

Oh, how I loved this sweet and loving story. I could not put the book down, and loved watching the story unfold. This is one of those stories that just warmed my heart. Ella Emerson writes a beautiful story that will pull you in, give you the feels, and makes you fall in love with the characters and their story. I actually tried to read very slowly as I did not want it to end, but couldn't help but fly through the pages wanting more.

I received this copy through The Next Great Read Book Review Blog for an honest review.

Reviewed by Michelle Thompson
Michelle's GoodReads Reviews

Freak Out

Freak Out by Ella Emerson

 

Humor, drama, love, family, great characters, and a storyline that pulls you in-yep, this book has it all. I could not put it down. Ms. Emerson definitely knows how to bring her characters to life and make them real. I wanted to smack some characters, while defending some too. I was completely drawn into the characters world, feeling emotions with them. Freak definitely has a way of crashing into your heat and making you love him. This was an amazing and fun story of how you can't judge a book by it's cover!!

I received this copy through The Next Great Read Book Reviews Blog for an honest review.

 

Reviewed by Michelle Thompson
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S.O.B.

S.O.B by JC Valentine (Release Date 11/10/2015)

 

This is the first step-brother romance I have read, because I honestly haven't seen the appeal. When I first got the offer to read S.O.B. by J.C. Valentine I was skeptical, but I have loved everyone of Ms. Valentine's book I have read and after reading the synopsis I knew I had to give it a try. Let me tell you I am so glad I did!! I loved this book!!! Vista is so strong and feisty and Levi, well Levi is the rich playboy with a heart of gold under the façade. These two go through such a rollercoaster of not only emotions but of just trying to fight their way through everything that tries to stand in their way. Definitely a story I could not put down.

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.

 

Reviewed by Michelle Thompson
Michelle's GoodReads Reviews

Worth the Chase

Worth the Chase by J.L. Beck (release date 11/03/2015)

J.L. Beck has done it again with amazing book!!! This spin off of two of her other series with now the kids all grown up and trying to find their way. Only thing is in their journey they find each other. I loved watching these two play around one another with their love/hate relationship. Gia is such a great combination of her mother and father. Since I have not read the Bittersweet series yet, all I can say about Chase is he is guy that will definitely win over your heart. They are both trying to find their way while afraid of the emotions they are feeling. I absolutely loved watching them, but have to say at times they both frustrated me to the point I wanted to smack some sense in them both. lol. Their love is one that is definitely worth the chase and this is definitely worth the read!!!!

I received an advanced copy from the author for an honest review.
Reviewed by Michelle Thompson
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