Night Games by Collette West @Collette_West #review

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

WOW this book was cute, funny, somewhat scary and romantic. The character of Grey Kelleher has always had a crush on her favorite shortstop for the NY Kings, Chase Whitfield. Not only Grey but her sister Erin and her parents.So the All-Star player gets a ligament torn and winds up in Stockton, PA for a short stint in the minor leagues. When Erin gets wind she tells Grey and they are at the game. In the meantime the character of Grey is being set up. Her sister is a loose cannon since her divorce, I find her very amusing, Grey is trying to enjoy the game and keep her in check. Grey has a dream, she wants a glimpse of her player, a good game and she is in harmony. It goes oddly off balance from here on.

So Chase is going to do his time, keep his therapy and knee from injury and be playing for the Kings again. Chase has some dialogue that I need to point out. He decided that the girls are no longer amusing so, maybe he wants to look for “the one”. When he sees Grey the lights, bells and whistles go off.

They get to meet …READ this book! It has a family story that will make you smile, one that will make you cry and show loyalty beyond words. There are a few things that happen in this small town in Pennsylvania that, when the reveal comes up, you will shake your head. I was like WOW things like that go on there…hhhmmm. interestingly scary. I totally loved this book. Now here is a quote to give you some of the humor I hope others will catch:

location 1236

To her, I’m not Chase Whitfield, Im just some guy, pestering the heck out of her. Even if what I’m really trying to do is get her to flirt with me.

“I fondle men’s underwear all day long. Is that specific enough for you?”

“Very. Think you can hook me up with some? I should really stock up while Im here since I never have time to shop”

“Im not kidding I could use your professional advice. What do you think? Am I a boxers or a briefs kind of guy?”

“Well since I read your interview in GQ, I already know the answer to that.”

“And?”

“You prefer more of a combination style”

You cant help but smile at her she is so becoming the encyclopedia of Chase I find it so endearing. I say read it now and if you by chance like baseball (I dont) it will be a bonus. Note to author: I love basketball, so keep it in mind for the next book. Some nice hot sweaty JJ Reddick for me please

Collette West grew up as somewhat of a jock-nerd hybrid. Entering the world three weeks premature, her dad nearly missed her birth because he had seats behind the dugout for a sold-out, highly-anticipated match-up between two of baseball’s biggest rivals. Not to be outdone, her book-loving mom taught her how to read by the time she was three. A love of the game coupled with an appreciation for the written word were instilled in Collette’s impressionable brain from a young age. No wonder her characters believe in the philosophy: sports + romance = a little slice of heaven.

Splitting her time between the Pocono Mountains and Manhattan, Collette indulges her inner fangirl by going to as many games as she can from hockey to baseball and downloading every sports romance novel in existence onto her iPad. When she’s not clicking away on her laptop, she enjoys walking her dog in Central Park, satisfying her caffeine craving at the Starbucks on Broadway and keeping an eye out for Mr. Right. But above all, she loves dishing with her readers. Email her at collette_west@yahoo.com.

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30Jul2014

Tug (Irreparable #3) by K.J. Bell @authorkjbell #Review

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

If you have not read Irreparably Broken (Book 1) or Irreversible Damage (book 2) then you have not only missed out on two great novels but Tug will not be nearly as good. I loved the first two book in this series. They are continual stories, so unless you understand the Aiden (aka Tug) character’s past, this wont make as much sense.

Tug has always loved Tori, teased Tori and been like a brother to her. He is complicated in that his family, which is from books 1 and 2, have started him on his road to being a little bit of a bed hopping slut. So if you know Tug then you get where he is coming from. Yes he hops from girl to girl but the reason is he has not found anyone who compares to his sister and Tori. So Tug is a complex character just as much as his family. The aftermath of his mother’s secrets and suicide have effected him in a bad way. The author does this character so much justice in writing him the way she did. She created a business man, who has taken over for his brother/cousin and he does his job well. Only problems keep piling up for him. No it isnt good for a billion dollar company that is publicly traded to have a CEO who is on the Hollywood scene.

So Tug has to hit rock bottom or get a slap in the face.

This was a fantastic book! I loved the growth relating to Tug. He has matured and is semi-reckless. That sounds sort of bad, but he is sort of bad. Deliciously bad!

There is so much more in this novel for Brady, Tori and Liv. For Tori, well she has exceeded my dreams. For one her character is great and she is the most loving and forgiving. I appreciated that her story was one where you hold your breath a few times and then smile. A huge reveal for Harrison and maybe some love for Tug???hhhmm MUST READ

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K J Bell currently lives in California with her husband and three children. As a mother of three, when she’s not writing, she’s usually carting one of her children to their various activities.

She enjoys reading, and music, and is equally addicted to both.

Writing is a passion she simply can’t live without.

She loves hearing from her readers and can be found on various social media sites

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28Jul2014

Destructive Release by LU Ann @authorluann #Review #GIVEAWAY

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

Destructive Release is the third and final book in A Destructive Novel Series and picks up where Destructive Choices left off. Keep in mind it is based on a true story. So therefore, the plot and actions/reactions ARE real and genuine.

In continuation of this story, Lacey is trying to deal with the loss of Devon. The last book left things off in a bad way. A plane, a crash, no bodies WTF How did I deal with waiting this long to find out? I dont know it wasn’t easy I filled myself with reading other books until this came out. So Do I say it or not? OK I will he was not dead. There would be hell to pay if he was!

The book takes a different approach from the moment Devon is discovered. The entire issue with Lacey and her past comes and manifest itself in her conscious mind. She goes overly cautious, which is to be expected. I love the wasy the author tells the mental illness tale. I hate using the word illness, cause it isn’t really an illness or is it? I think she attempts wholeheartedly to dissuade the stigma. What is wrong with people thinking that OCD, Anxiety, Depression and Bi-Polar disorder are bad? Do you know how many people take medication to sleep? To get over anxiety and panic disorders? One in every 4 or about 121 million Americans. So that is in case anyone needs a number.

Lacey and Devon have together dealt with a lot and the next few battles in this book center around more than one serious mental health issue. It is enlightening and hard to read at times, because for anyone knowing a loved one affected, it is all too real. The choices Lacey makes for herself and sometimes her family have a greater effect than she knows.

This is a great book and I am thrilled to have been able to enjoy the first two. A definite must read!

*Warning* Not appropriate for audiences 17 years of age and under.

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She lives in Colorado with her husband and two children. Moving from the lush landscapes of Maryland’s Eastern Shore to the high desert plains of Colorado was a drastic change. She and her family moved to their own “Little House on the Prairie” at an elevation of over 6,000 feet above sea level, and a semi-arid climate that makes it hard to grow anything. While barely anything can grow where she resides now, the wildlife makes up for it. Mountain Lions, and coyotes, and rattlesnakes, oh my!

She tries to spend a little time each day writing, but domestic chores around the house usually take precedence. She would much rather hide them from her husband. She tends to her loving four-legged children who at times become much too demanding when she locks herself in the office. This often results in MORE domestic work, and she finds herself cleaning up after their deviant behavior.

She has always been an artist painting as a hobby to back drops in theatrical set designs. Graphic design is her guilty pleasure.

A Destructive Novel is a series of three books based on her life. They deal with heavy life issues and will have the reader begging for a happily ever after.

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20Jul2014

Irreparably Broken (Irreparable, #1) by K.J. Bell @authorkjbell #Review

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

This is a love/have review. I loved the friendship of Tori and Olivia. That is what started off great for me. As with a debut in the INDIE world yes there are little errors here and there. Who cares? Most of the time there is a few little things you see but roll over it. I did see a few reviews where people wrote things that didnt make sense. So HERE goes …………………….

I think if you love NA, romance, angst and a good plot this is for you. It is a meaty book – more than 400 pages- and I loved it all! So writing a bad review for this book on Amazon, blows my mind. Seriously people? It makes me look at their others and I laughed one gave Garbiel’s Inferno 1 star, please people you make me sad for your ignorance is laughable. Then the next is a Kristen Ashley with a 1 star now I am gonna wet my pants! Now move on certainly we all have better things to do.

It was a VERY slow buildup. I will admit I wanted to through the kindle halfway through. Jake cheated and broke Tori’s heart. The entire story of those two was like shocking! No spoilers here except to say Jake is a sad sorry excuse for someone breathing air.

Brady being Liv’s oldest brother was there for her. This didnt last. The tornado that follows is Vanessa, Brady’s girlfriend and then the secrets. GOOD Lord and all that is holy there are secrets. Trust me!

There was a bright light throughout the entire book, the real star, guess who it was?? TUG aka Aiden Hunter. The nic name is adorable cuase he used to tug on their shirts. I guess Im glad he didnt have another annoying habit like drool, spit, pick or well I can go on but you get it. What is there to love about Tug? Well everything. The on going joke between Tug and Tori was “I would rahter” so Tug says “Go out with me” he says this all the time, then Tori says “I would rather lick maggots off of cow dung” This was the type of friendship that went on between the two of them.

Poor Tori didnt know what was going on BUT she did always trust Brady. When she would be doubting herself I was almost talking myself into not going postal. What would I get except a stomped on Kindle Fire and no way to finish this book.

The next thing I loved was Olivia. She was the BFFAA of Tori. Now most of the time the best friend is the total opposite in the outgoing and sexual department. With Olivia, this is not the case. Olivia is a great friend. She is persistent, loving, kind, caring, sharing and talkative. She is asking questions before one is even answered. I appreciated the author’s way of writing and developing this character. We have all seen far too many friends who are tramps while the other is a virgin and shies away from life. This was written especially believable for me.
Just a snip of a text message chain that had me laughing:

Livinator: 8:24 PM ur not my BFFAA anymore!
Livinator: 8:25 PM I take it back. Luv u. call me!!!
Livinator: 8:33 PM WTH!…did u guys elope? LMFAO
Livinator: 8:35 PM Seriously…if u got hitched w/o me I will kill u!!! I laugh out loud.
Livinator: 8:46 PM Grrrr!!! Where r u?
Harrison: 8:52 PM Pls call me. Worried, cuz ur w/Brady.
Huh? Why is he worried I’m with Brady?
Livinator: 9:05 PM should I call cops? LOL.
Livinator: 9:12 PM If ur getting laid,
Read more at location 1542
The last 20% totally blows your mind. The buildup was slow until about 50% when the plots slowly gathers steam, gains momentum and starts sewing up the lose ends. Now it is a must read series. I cant wait for more about Olivia and Tori they are one dynamic duo.

Seriously?? She is stunning

K J Bell currently lives in California with her husband and three children. As a mother of three, when she’s not writing, she’s usually carting one of her children to their various activities.

She enjoys reading, and music, and is equally addicted to both.

Writing is a passion she simply can’t live without.

She loves hearing from her readers and can be found on various social media sites

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17Jul2014

Fantasized by You Love in the City – Book #2 @StephNuss13 #Review @BrandeesBook

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

Celebrity fashion designer, Harper Jennings is only months away from turning thirty, and her dream of living a happily ever after has yet to come true.

She’s given up on her fantasy.

Personal trainer and gym owner, Maverick Jones isn’t thrilled about having a designer mentoring in his new clinic, but after meeting the brunette beauty face-to-face, he dreams of having his way with her.

He’s ready to turn his fantasy into reality.

But when their fantasies collide, love in the city becomes more complicated than they ever imagined.

Love the teaser and I am drooling over Maverick. I honestly say that creating Maverick is ruining it for every other guy on the planet, they will all seem inferior to his greatness. He is real to me! In book one we meet Harper, Carter’s sister and I instantly loved her. Now for the story of Maverick, my love so hands off, and Harper. They sort of have a past connection. There is a mutual friend who dies as a result of bulimia, that is scary but Harper also suffered from it. The fact that Harper was forced by this death into rehab is a stunning revelation. I really really really loved that aspect of the story. She battles as does Maverick with the loss and the disease. It is good but by no means does this overshadow them.

Elly and Carter are getting married. Oh just imagine little hummingbirds circling their dreamy heads and Elly’s mother smiling from heaven. Oh swoon. Yeah it will happen!

Maverick and Harper are perfect together and what I loved about both of them is that they accepted it. There was no angst involved here. Both Maverick and Harper are taken with each other and there is a very adult way the author handles them getting together.

Parts of the story that are light, for example, one bucket list check is paint balling. This is something from book 1. At this point they are broken up into teams Carter and Cash are picking and Carter picks his sister. OMG laughing so hard. Harper was archery captain and he says to Elly this is paintball not the Hunger Games. Just the visual is fabulous!

To further my swooning over Maverick he is a baller. The NCAA Final Four game tickets made me smile. Im my mind me and Maverick are hanging out watching NBA TV listening to Shaq and Charles with Ernie and his commentary.

The last thing to love is the fact that it is a series that ends the characters with each novel. In the ever so popular trend of series, this is different. Book one is Carter and Ellyson, book two Maverick and Harper and then book 3 had BETTER be Fletcher, if not well there will be trouble!.

Carter was captivated by Ellyson Evans the moment he laid eyes on her,

but she was the one girl who didn’t beg for his attention.

He wanted her.

Ellyson vowed to never fall in love, because love can destroy you,

but then she met Carter Jennings.

She wanted him.

Unwilling to risk their comfortable friendship, neither confessed their desires.

Losing touch after college, a chance meeting reconnects them.

They want each other.

But love in the city is never quite that easy.

Steph Nuss was born and raised in rural Kansas, where she currently resides with her black Labrador son named Gunner. She grew up with a passion for reading and writing. When she’s not immersed into the land of fiction, she enjoys listening to music that came before her time, watching movies and reruns of her favorite shows, and hanging out with her family and friends. She also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology that she’ll never use…unless she’s profiling her characters of course.

Website: http://stephnuss.com/

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17Jul2014

Wanted By You by Steph Nuss @StephNuss13 #Review @BrandeesBook

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

Carter was captivated by Ellyson Evans the moment he laid eyes on her,

but she was the one girl who didn’t beg for his attention.

He wanted her.

Ellyson vowed to never fall in love, because love can destroy you,

but then she met Carter Jennings.

She wanted him.

Unwilling to risk their comfortable friendship, neither confessed their desires.

Losing touch after college, a chance meeting reconnects them.

They want each other.

But love in the city is never quite that easy.

OK I was in love with Carter and Ellyson. First their names were just perfect and then their stories. Being that they were friends for a long time and lost touch I was sort of sad. I wanted them to have some contact, but no nothing! Then the big buzzing bug named fate comes and bites both of them. Carter finally gets his professor position and ends up where they started. Ellyson now has her private practice as a psychologist. Both very respectable jobs that in my opinion was completely believable. I loved reading about them because they were not written over the top. What I mean is that Carter was no man slut and Ellyson was a nice girl. So the playing field was even, which was a special point for me.

Lucky for us Carter has two sisters, Harper a designer and Bayler who is a baker. I know they are going to have a starring role in this series. who are going to be in the series. As for them, there is such a richness to his family and family values that I know they will be around for a long time.

What I loved in this book was the friendship that Carter and Ellyson had. They never crossed the line even though there was an attraction. I wont spoil anything but I will say that the author creates a longing, but not one that is unrealistic. They saw other people, dated and had fun, it wasn’t like they were in exile pining away for one another.

So for me it was a score! I cant wait for more from this author I hope you all are pleasantly surprised! 40976-5halfstarblogbook

A few Quotes I loved:

Paige said, walking down the hall. “But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t kinda excited about coming over and seeing you mad at him; watching him grovel a little bit … and then I walk in on you two making out.” I laughed and leaned against her arm. “Oh, I can’t wait until the love bug bites you someday.” “I will squish that damn bug under my heel before I let that happen to me,” she said definitively.Read more at location 2858

Let her fall in love as many times as she has to until she finds the one who will love her unconditionally. Give her the wedding of her dreams because she’s our little girl and she deserves to have whatever she wants. Encourage her to become a parent and spoil our grandbabies twice as much. But most importantly, remind her to live each day to the fullest so she’s ready when her time comes.’“Read more at location 2208

“No.” Fletcher shook his head and looked around at everyone before firing his glare back at Elly. “I can’t believe we’ve been sitting here for the last five years listening to you talk about him, and now that he’s back you and your Little Debbie don’t even try to unwrap a smile!”Read more at location 1481

Website: http://stephnuss.com/

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16Jul2014

Grace for Drowning by Maya Cross @Maya_cross #Review

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

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I love a great MAN fighter novel. This has a really different approach to it. The character of Logan struggles with a lot, almost too much. He fights and trains for the need to be busy. This guy is in the gym 5-7 hours a day! He has had alcohol problems and thanks to Charlie, his boss, he has been successfully sober. Being he has had Charlie to guide him through overcoming his addiction, Charlie comes into play later in a big way!

Then there is Grace, down on her luck, transplant from Brooklyn, in Vegas and…she’s hitting the booze too. There is Joy, a bartender that shows Grace the ropes, is bubbly, and wants to offer nothing but friendship. I liked how Joy interacted with Grace. There was a need for information but Joy never pressured Grace for anything other than being a co-worker and friend. NO spoiler but there is a time when she tells Joy something and Joy tells Grace that she knew all along. For that I was thankful that Joy wasnt nosy and in Grace’s business.

The history of Grace and Logan is tough but rich. I liked how the alternating POV were chapter by chapter and in current time. I thought it helped the story flow.

Definitely a worthwhile read if you like emotional romances.There was a very emotional story that blended romance and a big addiction together in a great way.

Maya Cross is a writer who enjoys making people blush. Growing up with a mother who worked in a book store, she read a lot from a very young age, and soon enough picked up a pen of her own. She’s tried her hands at a whole variety of genres including horror, science fiction, and fantasy, but funnily enough, it was the sexy stuff that stuck. She has now started this pen name as an outlet for her spicier thoughts (they were starting to overflow). She likes her heroes strong but mysterious, her encounters sizzling, and her characters true to life.

She believes in writing familiar narratives told with a twist, so most of her stories will feel comfortable, but hopefully a little unique. Whatever genre she’s writing, finding a fascinating concept is the first, and most important step.

The Alpha Group is her first attempt at erotic romance.

When she’s not writing, she’s playing tennis, trawling her home town of Sydney for new inspiration, and drinking too much coffee.

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15Jul2014

The Point G. Nykanen @AuthorGNykanen @DianthaJones @MasqCrew

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

A dark journey through madness…

Publication Date: May 30, 2014

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Befuddled by her current relationship woes, Nora Reynolds leaves college at semester’s end to drive north of nowhere to her hometown of Iron Bay. Vulnerable and on the rebound, she is the perfect prey for fledgling felon Dane Buchman. Dane takes advantage of the unaware young woman, feeding his appetite for mischief until a rather violent shift in their relationship reveals to him what he’s really been craving. Driven by his new found hunger, Dane feels unstoppable, until former high school rival and town deputy, Doug Sanders, navigates the trail of Dane’s destruction.

The Point is a dark thriller that will allow you to witness a truly dangerous sociopath wander through madness guided by a treasured family heirloom, and a pensive young woman find her way after discovering, that which doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. With echoes of theCoen brothers’ Fargo, the folksy town of Iron Bay and the nearby north-woods community of Deer Lake are the destinations for Mr. Buchman’s many misdeeds.

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G. Nykanen was born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This small, rural land mass seems to cultivate a wide variety of colorful characters who provide a plethora of inspiration. The Point, Nykanen’s first novel, is filled with nuances of these local characters and the landscapes one might find in the north woods.

Well traveled thanks to her husband’s government career, she has lived in Europe and many of our United States over the last twenty years. She has recently returned home, moving back to her beloved Upper Peninsula where she resides with her husband and three children.

With The Point now completed, she will continue working on her next novel, Accumulation, along with continuing to develop other stories in the works.

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9Aug2013

Chasing Stars by L. Duarte @LDuarte77 #review #debut #newrelease

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

OK here it is my next BIG thing.

Hope sprouts from the recognition that the person with real flaws and qualities dormant

inside me is capable of love.

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Book Review

I KNOW when I read something within a few pages if I like or love. This BLOWS me away. I have almost 30 quotes. What I loved was the deep story and the ultimate foundation for the entire story was FAITH, God, love, family and hope.

“Though we had all the money most people can only think of, we were the rejects of the plastic city of LA, where artificial is the norm and the normal is outdated”

As very wealthy family begins a life, here is Portia. She is perfect and soon to be a star herself. Her Mom and Dad divorced and she immersed herself with her best friends Tarry and Nillie. All three come from wealthy family backgrounds. Portia McGee and her friends created a list “Things to do before we die” yeah I know I wanted to kick Nillie myself for naming it that. Anyways they make the list and start checking things off. The base of their childhood is friends. They have Estela who is Portia’s nanny. There is a story about how she learns Spanish from going to Guadalajara and saying she is a relative so that the kids will play with her. The only real Motherly love Portia gets is from Estela her Nanny. As the three go on to their lives, they get together and make it fun whenever they can.

Portia has to get a temporary tattoo for a big role. Enter Will, the artist. He is not a traditional tattoo artist, but a recent grad of the Columbia school. WOW a smart, talented artist who can tattoo.

What I LOVED was the meeting of Will and then his family. His life was so tough and I won’t elaborate and spoil that part, it is to be read and savored. When he introduces Portia to Dan, his Pastor Dad and Maritza, his Mom along with the overly outspoken and protective sister Melody (Mel). I loved Mel for the way she protected Wil. She was one of those I hate her characters, but that is the author’s beauty of storytelling. When you think you can’t stand someone, but you do totally get the dialogue and where they are coming from. Mel is also very forgiving, very pregnant and very loving. The fact that she is on leave from being a police officer is exceptional character placement to me. Her partner Lucas is a sub-plot character, that only adds more depth, showing why she is a fierce protector. Her Husband Tim is in Afghanistan and again the message is family, Dan and Maritza really support her during this trying time. Then there was Rick, the co-owner of the tattoo shop. Now he adds certain messaging to the story, which relates well to Will’s growing up.

It doesn’t take long for Portia to understand what Dan’s valued have done to Will. He has taken this kid, made him into a better person and shown him the Lord. Will has accepted it and leads a life based on faith and giving back.

So as you know, when I believe in something I sell it big. THIS is big. I hope and pray that the message is received and just maybe touches a few people. I want everyone to read this and take a new and different meaning from the many lessons that are here. Don’t just know something, but feel it, live it, grow from it, and experience it.

“The point being, no matter how much we try, sometimes it is impossible to like certain things or people”

It is both well written and a wealth of story telling genius. I always say if you read something and it leaves an impression, share it, pass it on, shout the title and get others to read it. I will make sure others read this. I am so thankful the author found me and let me experience her writing. Bravo!!

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Chasing Stars is intended for mature readers, containing sexual content and strong language.