Amy's 5 star ARC Review of Oliver (This Is Our Life Series #3) by FG Adams

Soulmates destined to collide.

Six years after surviving a tragic loss, a photograph of a young woman turns Oliver Bishop’s world upside down. He’s on a mission, tracking her from state to state. Each stop bringing him closer to finding her. Will his search find the ghost vixen, or will the madman stalking her get to her first?

After fourteen years of running from a nightmare, Fallyn Blackwood barely escaped her stalker's clutches in Washington. When a sexy stranger walks into Ray’s Diner, her entire world shifts on its axis. Scared and determined, she finds herself fighting his protective nature—and her desire. The problem is, she’s not looking to be saved.

He’s come too far to back down. He found her, and he won’t let go. Freedom from the past is within his grasp, and he'll fight for her love

Oliver (This is our Life Series #3)
FG Adams
5 stars

This is a tragic and wonderful standalone in this series. I have to go back and catch up now for sure. Each book can be read on its own so if you find yourself not interested in the back story of the characters you don't have to click the prior ones up. However I recommend doing so in order to appreciate the characters regardless of the "standalone tag." 

If you are starting here you have missed Grayson in book one and Keagan in book two from what I understand. Again I will be catching up. I really LOVE this cover. It's dark and stormy just like the read. Excellent choice! 

This .. yes this one ... is Oliver Bishop and Fallyn Blackwood's story.

Oliver knows tragedy and he knows survival. Knowing how it taints you he is on a mission to find a woman and her daughter. Whether she wants to be found or not he will find her. He has to. It's what he was meant to do. 

Fallyn Blackwood is on the run. Her life has not been kind. It's been brutal. She cannot speak about the things that have been in her path. Her daughter is her life. This man looking for her and wanting to save her is not what she wants. Fallyn needs to hide. She needs to be safe and she only trusts herself. The people after her that tainted her life are very powerful. No one man can save her from them. Running is the best thing. 

This is an incredible read of two characters fighting to stay above water. Strength is the word I use to describe both of our lead characters. Your heart will break -- it will heal and it will find its way. Keep reading through the parts you can't bear -- its worth it! 

Thank you for the ARC! I loved this book and am going back to click up the other releases. What a beautiful and fantastic story. Magnificent! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.

Amy's 3.5 star ARC Review of Black Hat Hacker ( Chicago Syndicate Series #6) by Soraya Naomi

Although part of the Chicago Syndicate world, Black Hat Hacker is a complete standalone and can be enjoyed either with or without reading the rest of the series.

You don’t know me.
But that’s only because I don’t want you to.

I have the most lucrative job in the country as a hacker in the notorious underworld. I’ve built entire systems and destroyed evidence for career advancement while stealing and exploiting data for personal gain. 
I’m the black hat hacker for the Chicago Syndicate and hold all the dirty secrets of the most powerful men in the U.S. in the palm of my hands, just a keystroke away from mass ruination.

However, no one knows my dirty secret, a decision from my past that’s just aching to blow up in my face and shatter my future. Especially when a certain wavy haired brunette begins to demand my attention with her odd ways and her carefree attitude.

She’s a woman who makes me go against everything I’ve ever believed.
A woman whom I’m forbidden from having my usual one-night stand with, even if she was available.
A woman whom I have to keep from getting herself killed, whether she likes it or not.

You don’t know me, but neither does she…yet. 

A standalone novel from the Chicago Syndicate world.
A New Adult Mafia Romance.

*From Amazon Bestselling Author Soraya Naomi. 
*Chicago Syndicate series #1 Organized Crime 2015. 
*A contemporary mafia romance novel. 

From Soraya Naomi, International Bestselling Author of For Fallon and For Luca.
Novel Grounds Semi Annual Literary Awards 2014 winner of Best Breakout Novel For Fallon (Chicago Syndicate, #1).

Black Hat Hacker (#6)
Soraya Naomi

3.5 stars

So I have only read the 4th book in this series which are all considered standalones but for me it left me a little confused as to who was what and where. I know .. I'm picky but I like to know all the people. This one is also very heavy with details and sometimes I was not sure what exactly was going on. NOW let me say that could be because I had not read books 1-3 and also missed 5. 

This release is based around Mary who is a sister to the men of the Chi Town Syndicate. Mary is very intrigued with one of their top men but he continues to box her out and not want anything to do with her. They are friends but anything beyond that Henry doesn't seem to interested in. He flirts but nothing more .. no lines are to be crossed. 

Henry is very taken with Mary but is trying his best to pull the reigns on what he wants. Keeping Mary safe is his number one goal. People are more interested in keeping them apart than they are pushing them together. There is a lot going on that is for sure. 

There is a good plot line here but like I said I think I was somewhat confused because I have missed so many books. When books say they are standalones I honestly don't recommend it because you don't know the characters that are showing up in the one you are currently reading. NOW if this does not bother you or you don't care to know and want to jump on in then click this up and let me know what you think. 

The writing is good and the characters are developed. I don't think you will be disappointed! Thank you for the ARC. 

Amy's 5 star Review of Firestorm (The Sons of Templar #2) by Anne Malcom

Amy Abrams doesn’t do love. Nor does she do emotional attachments, unless you count the connection she has with designer handbags. She grew up in an Upper East Side penthouse, which had about as much affection within its tastefully decorated walls as Castle Dracula. Her family is the precise reason why she points her red-soled heels firmly in the opposite direction of that dreaded four-letter word.

Then it happens. Love. It comes right out of the blue and knocks her off her six-inch heels. She learns that love comes with pesky side effects such as heartbreak, which seriously messes with the complexion. Amy promises herself that she’ll never open herself to that horrible feeling again. She doesn’t count on an infuriating, albeit drool-worthy biker to roar into her life and ruin the plans she had of locking up her heart. She keeps her distance, wary of the sinfully sexy biker whose tattoos should read Warning - dangerous alpha male, will screw up your life.

Amy may be an Upper East Side princess but she wasn’t looking for Prince Charming. She wouldn’t mind the name of his hair stylist, though. Brock certainly isn’t a knight in shining armor, but he consumes her, body and soul. Drama pulls them apart; danger will bring them back together. When Amy is threatened Brock is there ready to save her life. Her heart is another story

Firestorm Sons of Templar MC 2
Anne Malcom
5 stars

Amy and Brock! YAY! This is a great story and continuation of this series. Now these can be read as standalone but I don't recommend it. You should know Cade and Gwen's story in order to appreciate Ian, Gwen, Brock and Amy. The two girls are excellent characters. I love Rosie and Luke as well. Something there maybe? 

So if you read the first book you know the turmoil with Amy. We are picking up where we left her and also filling in bits and pieces that were not in Gwen and Cades book. This book partially takes place at the same time as the other book. Its excellent because you would be wondering in Making The Cut what took place with Amy in some specific situations and you get that here. 

Amy is trying to move on but finds herself in a situation caused by her father. Her parents see her as a disappointment and Amy working to please them; never going to happen. Determined to not let this man get the best of her she uses her sass towards the wrong people and pays the price.

Gwen realizes that something is wrong because Amy would never lie to her of all people concerning her whereabouts. After a call comes from Amy's uncle Brock and the boys jump into action hoping to save Amy from a wicked man. 

This is a great story with just enormous heartbreak. Amy is fighting not only her parents but also herself plagued with guilt. I found Brock and she to be such fantastically written characters and so real at times. I love this one and I'm so glad it showed up on my Kindle. As always I can't wait for the next. There are so many more family members to get to!

Amy's 4 star ARC Review of Use Me : Kid's Story - (Caldwell Brothers #4) by MJ Fields and Chelsea Camaron

New York Times Bestselling author, Tatum Longley, is being forced out of her comfort zone. Her publisher needs her to change from hard-hitting non fiction to romance.
But first, she must find a muse.
Angelo has no desire to form relationships, when a very persistent Tatum makes him an offer that nearly knocks this six-foot-five, long-haired, tattooed, dangerous-looking man on his ass.
Will he be able to resist the temptation? Or will he allow her to use him? 

*** This is a full-length, standalone romance. Although a spinoff book from the Caldwell Brothers Series, it is not necessary to read any other books before this one, though it is recommended. ***

This is a standalone series for lack of a better word and I have missed the first four books. I wish I had read them because this was a good read. I might have loved it more though if I would have known of the other men or background. 

I have a feeling that Kid was mentioned in the other books and that we know more about his past from those stories. Maybe why he is a loner, why is he refusing to love someone or let anyone love him ... or the bond between he and Jagger. I know he lost the man he considered his father and now runs the gym he left behind. A legacy. 

Tatum is a writer that needs this book. Her best friend and publisher is pushing her to find a muse. A chance encounter at a coffee shop sends Tatum into a whirlwind and becoming a person that she never knew was inside her. She shouldn't offer herself on a platter to this man but she can't help herself. But when he denies her .... now what? 

I did really love these two characters. They were both finding themselves .. one again after his served time and another because she was trying to be someone she wasn't. Again I loved the story line and the willingness of each character to give into things they shouldn't have but knowing in the end it would hurt and it was only an agreement. 

I am looking forward to back clicking. You don't have to read the first three books but I am anxious to find out all I can about the other characters that appear in this story. Looking forward to the next for sure. Its time to go play catch up! Thank you for the chance to read an ARC! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets!

Amy's 4 star Review of Rooke by Callie Hart

Watchmaker. Car thief. Heartbreaker extraordinaire.

Rooke Blackheath has spent enough time in juvie to know that he really doesn’t want to go to jail. The food sucks, the clothes itch, and there are absolutely no women in sight. Well…none he wants to fuck, anyway. 

He should probably stop boosting cars, but the money is stellar and the high is out of this world. And why should he turn his back on something that sets his soul on fire anyway? 

The answer to that question comes in an unexpected form—a petite five-foot-three firecracker named Sorcha, who refuses to give him the time of day no matter how thick he lays on the charm. 

Rooke’s not easily deterred, though. Just like the watches he builds from scratch, Rooke knows all too well how women tick. Women are a game to him. A game he always wins. 

Sasha doesn’t stand a chance.

***

Sasha Connor’s life has been permanently derailed since her son died five years ago. You wouldn’t know it to look at her, of course. She has a great job, a beautiful house, and caring friends. Every week, she hosts a book club featuring the sexiest, most romantic stories on the planet, and every week she falls for a new fictional knight in shining armor. 

Fictional men are perfect. They don’t hurt you. They don’t break your heart. They don’t cheat on you after your child dies, and they rarely ever leave the toilet seat up. 

When Rooke Blackheath shows up at Sasha’s workplace, it’s clear he’s nothing like the men who grace the pages of her favorite books. Dangerous, arrogant, sharp-tongued and sarcastic, Rooke’s not the kind of guy she needs in her life. Not to mention the fact that he’s eleven years her junior. 

As far as Sasha is concerned, Rooke doesn’t just live in a different world. He lives in a different galaxy altogether. She’d like to keep it that way, but fate appears to have other plans.

When Cinderella lost her shoe, Prince Charming showed up at her door. 

When Sasha Connor loses her book, an entirely different kind of rogue comes a-knocking.

4 stars

New from our lady Callie Hart we have Rooke. You are going to be very pleased. 

Sasha Connor experienced a tragedy that no mother should ever have to live through and then try to live on. The first chapters will break your heart. If you have triggers of death pertaining to a child please do not read. Moving forward has been impossible. She has lost everything. She lives in the house she gave birth in, she lives in the past trying to move forward. She can't admit what she should. She plays the same song and dance to her therapist and refuses to admit what she really can remember. She is numb. 

Rooke Blackheath is an ex-con who sees people. He is a watcher. The encounter he has with the beautiful woman has him watching and wondering what darkness and sadness keeps this woman from living. The dark that she holds inside her has him coming back to find out why and wanting more. 

This is as story of second chances. Rooke has a way of bringing Sasha back into the living and giving her hope. This is a good read and a heart turner. There are moments of heartbreak and devastation. Keep the pages moving ... very intense read. Thank you for the ARC! 

Amy's 4 star Review of Making The Cut (The Sons Of Templar #1) by Anne Malcom

Gwen Alexandra does not need a man in her life. Especially not a man who looks like Chris Hemsworth and Joe Manganiello's love child. One wearing leather, riding a Harley, and covered in tattoos. 

Gwen can bet every pair of her Manolo's that Cade Fletcher is trouble. From the moment she meets him, the attraction sizzles between them. Gwen has a problem when it comes to attractive men in motorcycle clubs. The last one she got involved with almost killed her.

After healing physically, Gwen decides to get a new start in a small town, half a country away from the man who nearly cost her her life. She isn't in town five minutes when she runs into Cade, a man that is too sexy and dangerous for his own good.

She tries to keep away from him, to ignore the attraction between them. But the biker has other ideas, soon she is in way over her head, and her heart, and her life are in danger once again.

Making the Cut Book 1 -- The entire series is out. This is a re-release and its good. 
Anne Malcom
4 stars

So this book apparently has been released before without professional editing and such and has now been edited a few things changed and released again. Having said that if you read this book before I don't know that much has changed BUT I would say give it another go because I found it to be a good start to a series. 

There are numerous characters and several that I loved. I was devastated and my heart was broken along with another character who was very intriguing to me. I can't wait to hear her story. (Amy the best friend). Gwen and Cade are our leads in this release. 

The book starts out strong but graphic. It definitely has you holding your breath from the get go. Gwen is in a barbaric situation with her ex. After the event she is trying to start a new life and the first person she meets is a burly biker named Cade. The exact person she is trying to avoid. Now this is a very powerful meet because of the past. 

From this point on the story grows. What I can say is that the story was maybe too drawn out. It seemed liked we were on repeat about mid book. A few things could have potentially been cut and made the book a little more climatic. I was feeling somewhat thank goodness when it finally did hit. I will tell you when it does it's good but it could have been great with a few less chapters in between of the same thing. 

Brock, Steg and a few others are definitely going to catch your attention. I encourage you to keep reading and keep this series on your TBR. Grab it up and take it along to the beach. Anxious to read the second book! Thank you for the chance to read. Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.

Amy's 3.5 star ARC Review of The Silver Swan (The Elite Kings Club, #1) by Amo Jones

Madison Montgomery comes from money and power, but when someone close to her commits the ultimate crime, Madison must live with her tainted name for the rest of her life. When she begins Riverside Preparatory Academy, the private school her father has swept her into in The Hamptons, she hopes for a fresh start. What she wasn't hoping for was the pack of bad boys who run the school; ten, to be exact. When Madison gains the attention of their leader, Bishop Vincent Hayes, a whole new world that she didn't think existed is exposed to her. A whole world that starts and ends with The Elite Kings Club and these boys, are about to flip her world upside down. Secrets are overflowing and family lies are about to be exposed. Is there more to Madison Montgomery than even she knows?

3.5 stars

So again I love Amo and maybe the next book in this series will answer some of those questions that I felt were left unanswered but still I'm not sure how I felt about this book. 

There are so many characters we meet and of course they hold a place but its a lot to take in. There is also a book that maybe is the past but holds keys to the present. Again it was somewhat confusing to me. Madison meets the leader of the Elite Kings; Bishop Hayes and is taken or involved with him. The behavior of some of the characters and her willingness to overlook these things just seemed very far fetched. I mean of course we have female leads that are withdrawn or shy but some of this was just too much. There are ten other members; if I counted correctly that I'm guessing we will meet along the way which means we are also in for a long haul if they all are getting their stories. There is also the two T's that are Madison's girls that I am guessing will continue with this along the way. (Tillie and Tatum) 

Honestly I can't say much because I'm not sure what happened here. I think we have only hit the tip of the iceberg here so my hope and expectation is that along the way things will come to light and I can re-write this review with a bigger picture. The story at this time just seemed rushed and too many roads for me. 

Read it and let me know what you think! Thank you for the ARC and the chance to read. Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets. 

Amy's 3 star ARC Review of Amnesia (Centrifuge Duet Book 1) by Kylie Hillman

PLEASE NOTE: This story is a dark psychological thriller. Due to potentially triggering content, it is not suitable for all readers.

Dr. Jaxon Ray has bided his time. He's watched Amber St. George from afar, plotting and calculating the best way to get her back, until he realised that the answer was simple...

Steal her mind so he can own her body. Program her to forget then reprogram her as his perfect partner. The plan is foolproof, promising everything he's ever wanted once it's executed. Money. Prestige. Her.

Why? Because when you don't know that you're missing, it's not possible for you to be found. Especially when the only person you think you can trust, is the one who's left you with medically-induced amnesia.

This story unfolds over two installments, approximately 45 - 50,000 words each. 
The second installment, Exodus, will be available on March 28, 2017.

Amnesia 
Kylie Hillman
3 stars

Ok so big time warning of rape. Let's say that is not why this is a 3 star read for me but it was the entire preface of the story. Injections to forget and control ... I don't know. 

Jaxon is testing his serum on Amber making sure she forgets. He is a nut job to say the least. Bat shit crazy. The serum he is using was created to help with the memory loss associated with dementia. So ... on to Amber ... 

Amber not only knows about the injections and what is being done to her but she allows it because its imperative to her family and the relationship of the family ... no. Add in Xander ... there is no real explanation of his relationship to Amber but he is used for memories? 

If you like thrillers this one for sure is for you. The families are nutzo. For me .. this was just too far gone and made me angry. Girl .. no .. Amber grow a pair of something. I'm giving this three stars for the way out there bat shit cray cray aspect. Read it up and let me know what you think. 

Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets. However Thank you for the ARC and the chance to read. 

Amy's 5 star ARC Review of Big (Satan's Fury MC) by L. Wilder

I don’t use a knife or a gun to get the guy I’m after. I find that my weapon of choice has a much longer, more crippling effect. With just a few keystrokes, I can have him scrambling for his life. I’ll take everything he’s ever worked for, everything he’s ever loved, and I’ll destroy it. That’s what I do.

My brothers don’t ask questions. They don’t want to know what I do behind the closed door. They know I bring results, and that’s all that matters. It’s my job to protect the club, and nothing is going to stand in my way—not even Josie Carmichael.

The girl with the tantalizing curves and emerald green eyes is an unexpected threat, but a threat nonetheless. It’s my job to take her down, but there’s just one hitch. I can’t get the smart-mouthed beauty out of my head. She’s trouble. The kind of trouble that would turn my whole world upside down, but I don’t give a damn. I want her.

Josie Carmichael will be mine, even if that means I must break her first. 

** spoiler alert **
 Big
Satans Fury 6
L. Wilder
5 stars


YUP! Big .. finally! 
Big has been my favorite guy in our Satan's Fury MC. This group of alpha males with awesome hearts and magnificent minds is one of a kind in the MC writing world. Incredible characters to wrap your mind around. So .. our resident geek Big ... yeah look at the cover .. LOL! 

I loved the fact that we get the background on Big and how he found his way. Meeting Nitro was excellent for sure. Loved the fact that we get that as well from the beginning. YES! And there is a story within a story there as well. You are going to love this. 

Josie is about to give the MC a run for their money. Big thought no one could ever get the upper hand on him but they did. No this is a spoiler but I can't talk about the female lead if I don't mention her so I'm going to mark spoiler on this feed. I never do that but this can't be helped. 
Finding the person missing from the club holds a very special place in Josie's heart. Gosh that is about all I can say. There is trouble along the way and the love story that unfolds between these two characters is brilliant just like all the rest we have already been given. 

What I won't tell you is what the twofer story is. Not a word. I'm just sorry to write this short review I had to spoil some of the plot but it couldn't be written without it. Grab it up. Sorry its short just trust me. If I say anymore then you are going to know what happens but process of elimination as you read ... won't do that. 

Give me the next one please! I am dying here! Thank you for the ARC! LOVE THIS SERIES! 

Amy's 5 star Review of Love Me More by RS Medina

I’ve always heard that you should marry someone that loves you more than you love them – that if you do this, you’ll always be happy.
Did I follow that advice? No. Am I happy? No. And is Finn happy? No. 
I’m stuck in a marriage with an ex-Marine suffering from PTSD. I’m not sure we’re in love anymore. We have a baby who brings us both joy—but it’s not enough. I feel like my life is crumbling around me and I’m struggling to keep the pieces together. 
Someone from my past has sauntered back in quietly, unknowingly. To my surprise, the attention is what I was craving.
I have to make a decision. Do I stay and fight, or leave, when the idea of escape is beautiful and tempting?
I’m always the one who loves more.

5 stars

I want to preface this with saying that I am married to a solider that has PTSD. He served 21 years in Special Ops and went places that I didn't even want to know about; did things I couldn't even wrap my brain around and saw his friends die; not only die but their bodies torn apart. So this book is something that shouldn't be being rated as a one star read. I don't understand those ratings except to say that maybe you haven't experienced someone losing themselves to the country we so gratefully live in. And if you haven't experienced this, then you should consider yourself very lucky. 

Finn is not the man that Blaire married. She always knew he wanted to be a Marine but she never knew how it would take the man she loved. He once made her feel she was the most beautiful woman in the world. He looked at her like she was the only one and their love created Olivia. Finn adores his daughter. He lives and breathes her. But their marriage, the team that they once were is gone. How can you continue to love someone who doesn't give the love in return. How do you continue to survive yourself. 

Finn wears his scarred and worn face well. He won't forget the things he saw or did or his tours. Each one changed him; leaving him hardened and empty. Three tours and out. They didn't want him back. Evaluated, diagnosed with PTSD and trying to transition into civilian life. They don't help you. Depression, anger, hurt .. admitting you have those things is weakness and a Marine is not weak. No one will give him a job. No one wants a damaged soldier except for maybe some fast food joints for minimum wage. Failure ... 

The characters in this story are so well written I could see it in my head. A wife craving the attention and love that never comes from her husband -- an unexpected old flame giving her what she needs. A man who has no soul left; a soul left in the desert with his brothers. A child caught in between and a old lover who should have never stepped through that door. 

RS Medina has written a story for us but yet its so true to life. Every part of Finn and what happens to him is true .. every part of the wife left wishing and feeling helpless .. true. Absolutely incredible. As a reader and a advocate for soldiers with PTSD; their families and their transitions this story needed to be told. I am so proud of the writing, the characters, the depiction of life during and after the military is spot on. No one wants to hire lifetime soldiers because they are "afraid" they might have an episode or they offer them "cart duty" outside or they offer them nothing at all. Life at home is the same. Anything can trigger a flashback, emotions are dealt with in ways that aren't the best for the entire family and then those family members suffer. Its truly a disease and an incredible hardship for everyone. 

So again I say thank you. Thank you for your bravery in sharing this story. Thank you from those of us that sit and hope that the world knows what these men and women are giving up for the freedoms we have. I thank you for the families that work to save the lives of their lives when they come home from unknown places. I thank you for shedding light onto a hush hush subject. I also encourage anyone who is suffering to reach out. You are not alone. Do not suffer in silence. Do not take yourself out of this world. HELP make the world understand what you need. We will be there. I will be there. 

Standing ovation -- and again those who gave this book a one star rating. Please go talk to some veterans, volunteer and then read this book again. Please ... 

WARNING: This book contains a story around a serious disease PTSD. If you have triggers I caution you. This does NOT have a HEA by any means but if you can do it .. read it. Buy it .. keep it and share it. 

Thank you for the chance to read. I am honored. Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.