Kathleen Mareé
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**Recent Reads**

5/18/2017

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Wow where has the time gone? I've been a little MIA on the whole blog front lately, but I promise its for a very good reason :) Not only has Camouflage hit the fiction waves, but a new novel will soon be surfing as well :) The first novel in my brand new Lake Shore Uni series will be released around the end of July, with the second book in that series to follow shortly after. So whilst I haven't been that active on the blog writing front - I promise I've been VERY active on the novel writing front :)

Anyway, back to the post...

​Like always I have been reading a tonne of amazing novels by some incredible authors. I have posted some below with my thoughts and recommendations, and if you have any stories you think I might enjoy - please comment on the post below and I will be sure to check them out!

​KM xoxo

THE WALL OF WINNIPEG AND ME by Mariana Zapata
Well I had no idea what to expect when I went into this one except what I had heard. It was a sports story about an arrogant and quiet football star, and it was a very slow burn. Before I comment on the story I will say this - it was a SLOW burn, like as in a 'snails-pace' slow.

But do you know what? I didn't mind it.

In fact, I actually loved it!
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And this was all because I was so in the story with Vanessa and Aiden from the beginning. It was my first read by this author and I have to say I enjoyed the way she created this real story with these awesome characters. Vanessa was a strong woman who had been working for Aiden for many years, an assistant to his every need, until well... she wasn't. She had enough and decided to move on and that's when we begin to really see the man known as the 'Wall of Winnipeg.' We see his fierce loyalty, and extreme dedication to his sport, as well as the love for Vanessa he learns to prove.
​Now the slow burn (did I mention its a VERY slow burn?) may not be for everyone, but I connected with the characters 100% and loved their story!

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EVERYTHING EVERYTHING by Nicola Yoon
I'll be honest.
​I saw the preview at the movies for this film which I believe comes out this month, and instantly fell for the short clip about a cute new neighbour and a teenage girl who was locked in her home due to some severe illness. The short clip hooked me instantly and since I was counting down the days until I could see the film - I read the novel.
​This is a typical cute, YA story, but with solid characters and an incredibly sweet teen romance. Maddy is very naïve and yet subtly strong, which I found interesting since she has been house-bound for most of her life - and Olly, her new neighbour, is all things perfection. Seriously, where were boys like Olly when I was 17? Please tell me they exist outside of our stories, because seriously he was the sweetest book bf in YA I think I've ever read about!
​This story has all the feels with a little twist which you may or may not see coming (Unfortunately for me, I did predict the twist which meant it didn't wow me). All in all, this is a beautiful story with very sweet moments and a surprisingly strong heroine despite her lack of life experience.
​#allthefeels
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ARCHERS VOICE by Mia Sheridan
I have been waiting and waiting to do one of these posts just so I could gush about this story.
​Oh my did it blow me away!
​First off, this has been in my reads list FOREVER and I don't even know what made me pick it up but whatever it was - thank God I did! Archers Voice is a BEAUTIFUL story.
That's it.
​This book has everything you could want, a strong heroine, an amazing hero who is authentic and honest; an alpha man on the outside but as soft as butter on the inside. What makes this story so real for me, was the actual story itself. A woman, Bree, running from her past and setting herself up in a small town hoping she can camouflage herself in it and a man, Archer, who has lost absolutely everything in his life and deep down blames himself. This man has no humanity left in him. He is lost. He is destroyed. And the real knife-twister...
He doesn't speak.
​So when these two begin a timid friendship and Bree really finds herself enjoying her time with Archer, we see a blossoming romance that is built on words that cannot be spoken out loud.
​Honestly, this story was just so beautiful and I loved every page.
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**Recent Reads**

1/6/2017

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So the last time I posted some recent reads was waaaaay back in July!! Eeeek!

​Needless to say I have read a LOT since then, so because I couldn't limit this post to just three like I usually do, I added an extra one and a few series (which may or may not be cheating) ;)  I do try and keep this section as versatile as possible, because lets face it, noone would want to hear me say how every book is simply 'amazing.' However if you have read my thoughts on my own publishing journey I appreciate an authors vision and understand that not every book is for everyone. So with that, here are just some of my own thoughts about some of my recent reads!

​Keep the emails and comments coming! I love hearing from you!

​KM xo

​PAPER PRINCESS (Royals series) by Erin Watt
So I am going to start this edition off with a bang and with one of my favourite, FAVOURITE series. The Royal Series (Paper Princess, Broken Prince and Twisted Palace) was one of those book series I just devoured. For those who know I love the Fallen Crest series, this to me, had similarities.
The heroine (Ella) being 'adopted' (moving) into the brothers family... Check!
​The heroine's own family drama/secrets coming out... Check!
​The alpha, cocky, gorgeous, lovable brothers who learn to adore and protec her.... Check!
But what made this its own story was the writing, the characters and the chemistry... oh lord, the chemistry. I love me a little mystery and drama, and I love the quiet, alpha-type heros. And my love for Mason Kade, was brought to the ultimate test with the very lovable Reed Royal. There were times I wanted to smack Reed across the head for being so stupid, but alas, thats the kind of book boy we love to hate. His devotion, loyalty and the powerful love he had for Ella was off the charts. I really enjoyed this series and it is definitely a series I will re-read over and over. Loved it!
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FALLEN Series by Lauren Kate
I have been on a little bit of a Supernatural kick lately which seemed to start with Obsidian (that you know from my previous post I LOVED) and the Fallen series came up on my recommendations. I had never read a book about Angels before and if someone had of told me to read one, I would have probably laughed at them. I mean.. Angels? They dont sound that bad-ass do they? And Im not sure what it was, but I really, really enjoyed this story and this world that unravelled on my Kindle.
I have to say I was pulled into Lucindas world at the Sword and Cross school she was sent to. I was definitely drawn to her connection and magnetism for Daniel (the hero) and also the other side characters along the way. I read all five books, basically straight after eachother. I get a bit obsessive that way, but I just had to see how her story finished up. And I guess, this is where it fell flat for me. I felt it had all the elements to make this a five star supernatural romance, but the journey they took just got a little... cray cray for me. I really enjoyed it though, and it did inspire me to smash through a few other 'angel' style novels, but I didn't obsessively love it.
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DEVIANT (Blood & Roses Series) by Callie Hart
Well this is my first Callie Hart read but definitely NOT my first dark romance read. When this started, it was basically a young girl giving away her virginity to a stranger in a dark, seedy hotel room in exchange for information about her missing sister. I knew, from the many reviews that the stranger was the 'hero' in the story and I just didnt understand how this situation was going to be turned around. Well after the short six books in this series...
I. WAS. HOOKED.
​I absolutely loved Zeth. I loved getting to know him, his back story, how fiercely protective he was of Sloane (the heroine) and what she was trying to discover about her sister. The journey these two took was very dark at times, but it was written so well it became so much more. Sometimes with dark reads those disturbing scenes feel more like 'shock value' to me instead of substance, and I didnt feel that at all about this series. The chemistry between these two was off the charts, perhaps unorthodox, but real.
And I felt all of it.
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HALF-BLOOD (Covenant Series) by Jennifer L Armentrout
One afternoon whilst on my supernatural bandwagon, I was obsessively looking for another similar read. Perhaps another fallen angel or something I could obsess over. That was when I stumbled on the Convenant series. For supernatural fans, this was not Fallen Angels, but Gods, Pure-Bloods and half mortals (or half-bloods as they are referred to). They are forbidden to associate with eachother and the half-bloods are seen as lower class citizens to the Pures. They train for their battles and this is where we see the friendship blossum between Half-Blood (and heroine) Alex and Pure Aidan.
​I loved this series because of their growing friendship and attraction, and also how Aidan really put Alex above everything, even what his people enforced. He wanted the best for Alex and in return these two went on such an amazing journey of discovery, love and loyalty. Towards the end of the series, some of the events got a little too 'out-there' for me (as I like to say) as I am honestly more of a sucker about the romance side than the 'demons-battling-gods' side - but I did enjoy their story.
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**Recent Reads**

7/13/2016

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I can't believe how time has flown by these past six months! We are already in the second half of 2016! And you know what that means? The countdown to Christmas has already begun!! Eeeek!! Something else that hasn't been posted in a little while is my Recent Reads segment, and trust me, it isn't through lack of reading. Quite the opposite. So I'm really struggling with which books to discuss in this post as there have been so many that I've either loved and can't wait to gush about; as well as several I haven't really enjoyed which I'd also hoped to tell you. Keep your emails and comments coming. I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of these books too. Everyone has differing opinions on novels and how you interpret them, so I always enjoy hearing your points of view as well :)

KM xo

OBSIDIAN (Lux Series) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
What can I say about this series, except that I freaking loved it! It was different to my usual darker read, but the constant recommendations from friends about this series had me deciding to bite the bullet. And I wasn't disappointed. I'll simplify it a little by saying it reminded me of a cross between Twilight and Roswell (for those that remember that Alien tv show with the gorgeous cast). Set in highschool, the new girl meets her bubbly and beautiful neighbour Dee and she's excited about the prospect of making a new friend in a strange town; until she meets her brother Daemon. Now Daemon is an arsehole. Just putting it out there. But as the story evolves you discover their secrets, and the friendship between the three of them transforms into an entirely different world that you can't help but be sucked into. Now its obvious for those who know what I like that I LOVED Daemon. As far as book boys go, he was utterly awesome. But what I loved about this was the draw I felt for our heroine Katy. She had some back bone, which is hard to come by in books of late and I loved that she stayed true to that throughout the series.
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TEN by Ker Dukey
So after reading Ker's empathy series, which from my earlier post as you know left me a little disturbed, I stumbled onto 'Ten' and was interested to give it a go. The blurb hooked me straight away and I went into this with no preconceived ideas about what I thought about her other series I had read. I wanted to like this. I really, really did. It started off well and I was extremely hopeful, but unfortunately, it took a turn for the worse and I was left disappointed. Now for those Dukey fans, please don't get me wrong. It isn't even the dark and twisted content that I struggled with as it was nowhere near as twisted as her previous novels; however what I need in a book as a reader is connection. Plain and simple. Had I felt more of a connection to either of the main characters, their relationship, their history... damn, ANYTHING! I would have enjoyed this far more. Now being a writer myself, I have the upmost respect for authors as I understand the amount of passion and effort it takes to write a novel and I truly respect that. So for me, I guess Ker's style just isn't for me and thats completely okay.
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CARTER (and LEAH) by R.J. Lewis
This book was a total win for me that left me on a book high. Now we all know that experiencing a book high can occur due to many reasons. Perhaps the book you read before it wasn't so great, or you had been in a massive book rut, or perhaps this book was just too-damn-good. Whatever the reason, I LOVED this! This was a friends to lovers to kind-of-enemies story and I enjoyed every angsty minute. There was drama, without there being way too much, and the scenes between both Carter and Leah were full of intense moments. Leah had her moments of being a little too weak, however I enjoyed seeing her evolve from that scared and accepting little girl to someone who fought for the man she loved against all odds. It would be so difficult to imagine a warm future when you grew up in anything but, and I understood some of Leahs choices even though I may not have agreed with them. Getting to the best part - Carter. That guy was in my eyes a grittier version of Kellan Kyle. I loved everything about him. He held Leah in his heart no matter where he was in his life and proved how much they were meant to be together.  #allthefeels
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**Recent Reads**

5/12/2016

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Wow! I just scrolled through my blog feed and it has been almost three months since I posted some recent reads on my Blog! Going through my goodreads profile to see just​ how many books Ive read since then, made it really difficult to select just a few to blog about. But like always, I have chosen some different authors as well as books that are quite different from one another, so lets get to it! Please feel free to comment on these posts with some books you would like to recommend I read, or perhaps even the next book boyfriend I should meet ;)
​Enjoy!

​EXPERIMENT IN TERROR SERIES by Karina Halle
This series conquered a few 'firsts' for me in my time as an avid reader. It was the first real paranormal series I have read, and also my first experience with author, Karina Halle's work. So lets just start by saying I am not sure exactly what hooked me into this series, but whatever the hell it was, saw me devour the entire 12 books over a period of five days!! It was crazy! Whilst some fans of these books are obsessed with the ghosts and ghouls Dex and Perry encounter throughout their journey, I fell for the slow (yet real) development of these two friends who were just meant to be! First things first, I'm just going to put it out there. I LOVED Dex!! He wasn't the conventional book boyfriend hero, or muscle-bound alpha we cant help but love. He was quirky. Un-conventional. And so damn charming, that I just fell for him. Flaws and all. I also loved Perry. She was a pretty awesome heroine, and I loved her bite and sassiness, despite her self-consciousness, which lets face it, all​ women have. Not my usual read, but I really loved this series. The characters, even though at times the things they faced were quite a stretch for me to wrap my head around, I was rooting for them to find eachother and to also stay alive (which might help) ;)
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 KING & TYRANT, by T.M Frazier
​So I just finished this series and my God, I just realised how much of a sucker I am for dark romances. These two books, cant get much more confronting. Themes like drug use, rape, killing and a whole stack of violence and in-humane behaviour are quite confronting topics to read about. But whilst these serious issues could lead to a variety of unease when reading about them; the flip of the coin is the relationship between King and Doe. From the time these two lost souls meet, to the times when they are torn apart. Both from their own choices or by outside forces - you honestly get caught up in rooting for these two to work it out. Doe cant remember her past, and is living a life where she can barely survive each day, and King, hes a bad ass ex-felon who believes he isn't worth anything except the chance to live his non-emotional life with his bestfriend. That life for him, consists of endless women, killing and money, until little lost Doe 'Ray' stumbles into his crazy world. Enjoy the journey with these two. Whilst it's angsty and quite a wild ride - their story is one worth reading about.
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GINGERS HEART by Katy Regnery
​This book came recommended by a friend and I have to say I enjoyed this sweet, less angsty read. It was a light read, flowed nicely (although at times it was repetitive), and I enjoyed watching this story unfold. Ginger was best friends with two completely opposite cousins growing up. Woodman was her white, shining knight; and Cain was her dark, broody wolf. It was common knowledge that Ginger would end up with Woodman. Their families knew it, Woodman prayed for it, and Ginger..? Well, she cared for him, but always felt alive around Cain. Unfortunately, despite Cain feeling the same about her, he was a self-destructive bad boy who didn't want to tread on his cousins shoes (or heart) - hence the root of the drama between this love triangle. Another first for me with this one, as I usually don't enjoy the sweet reads, and this was told in third person but from everyones POV at one point or another. It was hard for me to get used to, but I just really wanted to know what happened. I was so hooked on the first half of this story, but have to admit by the second half I skimmed just to see where it ended. I did love Cain - as those who read these posts know I love the leads a little rough and damaged ;) but hoped the story wouldn't have turned in a few places it did ( no spoiling I promise ) All in all, if you enjoy a light, easy read, with little angst - give this one a go.
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**Recent Reads**

2/24/2016

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I have been reading some really awesome stories lately, and I am like a kid in a candy store when I find a really good book - I go hunting for more and more and MORE!! I have chosen a couple of interesting ones for my segment this week, and I am going to be tackling one of your recommended reads very soon! So keep your comments and recommendations coming, I will get to them I promise :)

BLACK by T.L Smith
So this book came up on one of my bloggers I follow and I read the synopsis and was so eager to read it. I really worry when this happens, as the book usually disappoints me, however this was NOT the case with this one! I absolutely loved it! 
Black is about a man who has a dark soul. He keeps his distance from people and human emotions, does his 'job' and leads a quiet and empty life. He always remembers the girl in his neighbourhood from his childhood though, and how her 'light' used to brighten his dark soul. But when he sees this blast from his past looking anything but the spark he remembers - he jumps in to help her. He isnt sure why. He doesnt do feelings. But he is determined to bring her light back so she can shine like she always did. 
Ah, I literally get the tingles just thinking about their journey. Yes, this story is dark and contains quite confronting themes at times - but at the core is a developing story about two individuals who are trying to find themselves amongst the insanity. I could not put this book down and cannot wait until the next one is finished! Did I mention that I loved this book? :)
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BALLER by V.I Keeland
This is the second story I have read from Keeland and I am starting to see that this lady knows how to write male leads. This story centres around a journalist who is determined to get ahead in her career, despite being a female in a heavily dominated male industry; and the cocky athlete who is out to have a good time at any cost. 
On the surface this story has been done many times before, but as soon as I started this I had a real hard time putting the darn thing down. And it all came down to Mr Brody Easton. Oh my. He was arrogant, cocky and a typical male alpha athlete - but the banter between feisty Delilah and Brody was so captivating, that I would at times find myself smiling and giggling. I really enjoyed this story and the evolution of their relationship. Their struggles were real in their industry and I loved the fact that Delilah was career driven and strong, unlike some other wishy washy females of late. She didnt need (or want) rescuing from the confident Brody - she honestly needed to work out on her own terms what she wanted from him. 
A great, enjoyable, and fun read that will have you wishing you knew some cocky footballers of your own to banter with ;)
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ROOMHATE by Penelope Ward
Again, another novel that one of my bloggers recommended, and my gosh am I glad I read this one. Eeek! Loved it!!
This was a friends to enemies to friends to lovers story, that evolved so beautifully. Justin and Amelia were best friends since childhood, until a revelation and supposed betrayal of trust - sent Amelia packing. She ran away, leaving her bestie Justin devastated. For years she tried to reach out to him, but he hated her for leaving without a word. When her grandmother leaves her the beachhouse when she dies, she leaves it in both Justin and Amelias hands. After years apart Amelia was meeting Justin again, and also Justins girlfriend. This story was written so so well. The development between all of the characters felt realistic and the reasons behind Justins anger toward Amelia felt justified too. Justins character was dreamy and strong, without being cheesy that he actually reminded me a lot of Kellan from Thoughtless (for any Kellan fans out there) He had the right amount of everything to make him such a great male lead in this story - who really wanted to find himself after feeling so lost over the years without his 'patch' (Amelia).
I really, really enjoyed this and would happily recommend away! Loved it!
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**Recent Reads**

1/16/2016

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So my holidays over Christmas and New Year was supposed to give me ample time to write - but I found myself lost in other novels (damn it!!) But for those getting cranky right now thinking my final novel in the Cut series will take forever - it will still be released on time :)

Again, I try to read very different authors and stories; as despite being a new adult / contemporary fan - I feel like there is just SO much variety in this genre. So I hope you enjoy my Recent Reads segment this month!

WAITING ON THE SIDELINES by Ginger Scott
This novel came up on a bloggers feed I follow, and despite it sounding a little familiar for this genre - something about it appealed to me and I just had to read it. On the surface this story is about the usual high profile school jock and the tomboy outsider. But what appealed to me was that this story started in highschool and saw their journey end in college. This meant the span of their friendship/relationship journey was set over a couple of years.
For those who know me, know I need a hook to get completely captured by a story and despite the drama of ups and downs that I usually love in these friends to lovers stories - it just didnt happen for me. I did enjoy it, and loved seeing Reed's evolution; however too many of the 'miscommunications' between these two meant it fell a little flat for me.
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UNTIL NOVEMBER by Aurora Rose Reynolds
This novel has been on my TBR list FOR-EV-ER! Finally, my over analytical self was in the mood it seems to read this and I am so glad I was because I really, really enjoyed this.
This story had a little bit of everything for me. It had the broken girl who was trying to start her new life in a new town, the alpha Asher who persisted relentlessly to have her and the added drama of something dark coming from November's past. What I really enjoyed between these two though, was their believable banter and chemistry. I almost found myself grinning from ear to ear just reading the back and forth between these two. There was also just enough drama and intrigue without it being too much. 
​But finally, can we please just talk about Asher?!? Actually, I really don't need to say anything more. Just one word is enough. Asher. ;)
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NOVEMBER 9 by Colleen Hoover
Okay, so one of my favourite reads ever has to be Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. I have to admit when I became introduced to this genre early last year, I had literally smashed through several Colleen Hoover books and I did enjoy them a lot. 
First, Ill get the obvious out of the way. Her writing, storytelling, and characters - always fantastic. I even found the entire idea of this story really interesting, which is why I was also salivating to read it. But for some reason, it fell a little flat for me.. (yes I am starting to see I use that line WAY too much!)
Now read the reviews. The MANY reviews. It is probably just me. But I just couldn't get my head around the fact that the main characters just insisted to not contact one another each year. In a world that is so dominated by so easily keeping in touch with people - as each year passes and they spent such little time together - the more I lost interest and lost their connection. 
Now PLEASE don't send me hate mail! I love, love her stories and since I am completely alone on my thoughts on this novel, I will more than likely read it again. ;)
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As mentioned before, I love to hear your thoughts or comments on these posts. Or perhaps for those who read these segments often might have a book you can recommend to me that you think I would love!
Feel free to contact me, or post your comments below!

Happy reading!

​Kathleen xo
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**Recent Reads**

11/12/2015

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With book two, Battlescars, finally in editing stage, I have managed to read a few novels over the past few weeks. I have kept with the theme of discussing different authors as well, so feel free to add any others who I haven't covered yet!
​Have you read any of these?

Due to the fact that some of you are commenting on these posts with your recommendations, I will also be posting a **Recommended by Readers Reads** segment to my blog as well. So keep them coming! I am hoping I fall in love with some of your suggested reads as well :)

SAVED BY HER by Michelle Horst
I was quite excited to read this novel as it definitely seemed like a story I hadn't read yet. This book takes you into the dark life of Jack, as he has been born into a life of sex slavery by his step father after his mother passed away when he was a young boy. Shutting off emotions, and just going through the daily motions - praying he survives for the sake of his brothers life. Throw in River - a woman who saves these lost souls from their torturous life, trying to make up for her fathers involvement in the same industry. 
This story had everything I wanted it to have. It had the dark and damaged Jack, and a sassy heroine who strives to rescue him. Even the development of their friendship felt like the right journey for these two into their romance. However, it fell a little short for me. All of the elements were there - but it didn't reach me like I hoped it would. I still enjoyed the story, but not enough for a kick arse, memorable read... Unfortunately.​
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 THIRD BASE by Heidi McLaughlin
This was a book I had seen on a book bloggers promotional post, and the synopsis had me salivating to read it! It would be my first Heidi McLaughlin book as well I know, crazy right! and I pre-ordered and read it the day it came out. I'm not going to lie. It took me awhile to get into this story. For some reason, for me, the synopsis didn't hit the mark to accurately describe the book. I didn't really feel the main character was as he had been alluded to, and therefore found it hard to get into Ethan and Daisy's story. 
I did enjoy it by the end, even though I did predict the big curveball that was thrown - but I have to admit I wasn't entirely convinced by Ethan :( I have to say, I did LOVE that this was in his pov which was a fantastic change of pace, and I also enjoyed her writing style. I definitely don't think this will be my last Ms McLaughlin read that's for sure :)
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ZACK by Sawyer Bennett
Another author I had not read, and again, I am certain I will read others by this talented writer. This book is in the Cold Fury Hockey Series. Whilst it isn't the first book in this series, they can be read as stand alones and during my annoying habit of researching books to death before I read them Yes it is a VERY bad habit.. I decided to read Zack! And...? 
I am SO glad I did! This story was a sports romance yes, but most books in this genre that I have read tend be more of a college based. What I liked about this was that he had a career as a professional athlete and had a life outside of it - which was as a single father to his son. Bring in a geeky looking nanny and I bet most of you are thinking it's way too cheesy and predictable. I suppose for some parts you are right; but what made this book so enjoyable for me is quite simply... ZACK. He had just the right amount of, well, everything, that I found myself understanding and knowing him. A really sweet read, that isn't too intense and is hard not to love.
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** Recents Reads **

10/22/2015

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In between writing and being a mother, wife, 9 to 5er, maid and chef ;) I have also been reading. I have stumbled onto some new authors as well, and become an instant fan of their work. When I write these 'recent reads' posts, despite being in similar genres, I do try and ensure the stories at least, are a little versatile.

Have you read any of these? Let me know! I am always adding books to my to read list, so if you have one you think I might like feel free to comment below or send message me!

xo

KALEIDOSCOPE HEARTS by Clare Contreras
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A story about a girl, her brothers friend, and a history of hidden feelings. This is the basis behind this beautiful novel and the journey of the main characters. And can we just talk about the book cover for a second... gorgeous! I love finding novels that aren't covered in a mans torso (and there are a lot out there) so big high five to Clare Contreras for this beautiful cover. Speaking of the author, I really enjoyed Ms Contreras's style of writing. As an author, balancing that line of description and flow, is a hard one to walk - and I felt she nailed it. The story for me flowed beautifully, the characters engaging, and the journey developed really well. I loved this story. Loved the interwined double meanings behind Oli being a doctor, the Kaleidoscope Hearts, and the angst behind wanting what your heart shouldn't want.

And Oliver Hart....? Oh my God. He is hands down the best doctor character I have ever met. ;)
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THE HOOKUP by Kristin Callihan

So this was one book I have picked up before and tried to get into. It is constantly showing up on my recommended books. Obviously I am into swoon-worthy, angsty, collegey type NA books :) Who would've thought?!?

So after failing to read this last time, I dug it out and started it again. Whilst the story developed well and the writing was great - it didn't grab me like other similar books in this genre. It might just be me, as this book is rated quite well - but for me, there has to be a hook to grab me. Whether that's the characters, the journey, the emotional development... just something. I kept waiting for it to happen, but it just didn't - which is a shame. For those that do love your sports college romances, and a really nice, sweet guy - you will like this book.

On second thought, It is probably just me. I think I like my main men a little damaged and broken :) Issues... :)
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LEV by Belle Aurora

So I have obviously been living under a rock (and weighted with a ton of books) and I hadn't heard of Belle Aurora. I know... shock! Then, the added surprise that she was an Aussie - instantly pushed this new novel up my to read list. Lev was one of those stories that I knew as soon as I started it, I would want to finish it straight away. Mina was homeless. Struggling to even fight food to survive before she walked right into a Russian club and the quiet, Lev. 
Was some of this story predictable? Yes. Were there any major surprises that had me gobsmacked? No. Did this story keep me intrigued? Hell YES!

This was one I had to finish, and the main reason for me was LEV. He was broken, without being obviously broken like so many other books. His character, I felt was different, beautifully written, and he was very protective and alpha - but in HIS own unique way. I enjoyed learning about him, his past and why he was the way he was. He may think he didn't know what love was, but it proved that being told that something was black your entire life can never change the fact that it was actually white. He felt more than most, and I loved seeing this evolve throughout the course of the story. 
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** Recent Reads **

9/22/2015

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With my impending debut mere days away now (eeeek!!) I have been winding down with way more novels than I should be. It is just so damn enticing to relax with a book late at night than mustering the mental capacity to write. Like I have said before - it is an extremely bad habit :( Nevertheless, my loss is your gain as I have noted a couple of books that have stood out - one way or another for me of late.

Keep your emails, comments and facebook posts coming! If you have a book you would love me to read, please let me know! 

xo

EMPATHY by Ker Dukey
Well those that know me well, know I am rarely left speechless - but this novel (series) did just that. I literally had more than one 'WTF' moment whilst reading this series. Not usually my go-to type of book, as this one was dark. Very dark and twisted. If you are into all things killing, manipulation, and soulless human beings - this would be right up your alley! The first book I did enjoy as the romance element and strong love between the two main characters was built beautifully and woven through the story. I really enjoyed it, despite me feeling queasy at some of the scenes - I am a massive sook though :) 
Unfortunately for me, the later books in this series just got far too twisted and removed from the core love story that I fell for in book one. An unpredictable, twisted story with many unpredictable moments -  just not for the faint hearted.

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THE END GAME by Kate McCarthy
There were two main reasons I picked up this novel. The first being the book cover. It was pointing towards all kinds of a sweet and sporty romance which instantly drew me to the characters on the cover. The second reason was the fact that it was an Australian author with an Aussie female main character - who also happened to be a star athlete. Yes, it wasn't just the guy who was the superstar sportsman - Jordan was the 'ít' girl in her chosen sport too. 
I really enjoyed this sports story, as for me, it was far different to others in its genre. I felt the battles this couple went through were very real, and it was a relief that they were dealing with more current situations than a severe dark past like in others. An easy read if you enjoy your angsty college romances, where there are many hurdles faced in order for the two to find a happy ending.
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WHEN IT RAINS by Lisa De Jong
Yes, we all know - I love love. One thing you may not know, is I am not a fan of tear jerkers. It isnt the fact that I get emotional over a book; no, not at all. I guess it's the fact that I read to escape and to feel good. When a novel is gut wrenchingly sad - I can't handle it. So this brings me to 'When It Rains.' Prepare yourself. It. Is. A. Tearjerker.
I wasn't expecting this at all. The story follows a girl and her bestie that is honestly the sweetest guy in the world. He loves her. She loves him. But she isn't ready for him to know her that way. When he goes off to college, she meets a new mystery guy called Asher. On the outside, he appears like he is not right for her - but he too, is the sweetest guy in town. Yes, I know what you are all thinking. Where are of these sweet guys in our towns?!?
Anyway, this story has some nice twists and explores the possibilities of love, soul mates, and how certain people are just right for certain times of your life. A different (and did I mention teary) story that really crawled its way into my heart; despite being drowned by salty tears. ;)
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** Recent Reads **

8/27/2015

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As per my previous post, I am going to add another few books this week to my ** Recent Reads ** since I have far too many to share! These are some other notable books I have read recently that I enjoyed. Even though they are in a similar genre, I will try and post novels with diverse themes and main characters so there is hopefully something for everyone! Keep your messages and feedback coming!


THE HURRICANE by R.J Prescott
When I started this book I didn't think I would like it. And you know what, I was right.... I loved it!

This book follows the story of smart mathematician Emily, who befriends an old owner of a gym during her shifts at the local diner where she struggles to make ends meet. Its through this guy she meets Cormac. A lethal weapon in the ring and to the outside world. Now despite this sounding similar to a lot of other novels out there - it's better. Well written, captivating with enough drama to keep you in without it pushing you away. I really enjoyed this read, and look forward to the sequel which comes out soon (hopefully) :)
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LAWLESS by Tracey Ward
A book about a good-looking and laid back surfer who commits to nothing except the ocean; and the day he crosses paths with a local girl who he has known about forever. The two never really make contact despite always crossing paths until the day she is in the ocean and almost doesn't make it out in one piece. 

This book doesn't only tell the story of a growing romance, but facing fears and dealing with your past; and that sometimes what you see isn't what lies beneath. An easy read with a story that develops nicely.
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BEAT by Vi Keeland
Lucky feels she is just that. Girlfriend to her long term boyfriend who also happens to be a famous rock star, and forging her own career that she loves. She has everything she ever wanted. But something appears to be missing, and she doesn't really know it...

That is until the pre-show entertainment arrives on tour in the form of cocky newbie Flynn Ryder. The friendship and connection between these two is what holds the story together for me, and also Lucky's struggles with why she feels the way she does considering she has everything she wants. Not usually a fan of love triangles, but I did enjoy this and their journey. Flynn is also that perfect combination of cocky and sweet.  
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