Review: Unravel You by Diana A. Hicks

Thanks for stopping by my blog on the Unravel You Tour!
On my stop; I will be doing a review and a giveaway!
I love to hear from you all; so don't forget to sound off with your thoughts in the comments!

Unravel You (Cole Brothers #1)
by: Diana A. Hicks
Published: 11/18/19 by HMG, Inc
Source: From Publisher for Review
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

UNRAVEL YOU is the enthralling sequel to LOVE OVER LATTES and can be read as a standalone. It is also book one in the Cole Brothers series, a new family saga, binge reading experience: 5 brothers, 5 full-length novels in 5 months.

College graduate Valentina never expected to fall for the hot as hell and intimidating Derek Cole when she accepted his offer to rent his property.

From cottage to mansion, Valentina is certain she doesn't deserve the fairytale unfolding. But Derek gets what he wants... and he wants her.

He’s “the one” for her, but before she says I do, she has to survive a month long trip to his family’s estate in Atlanta. Gaining approval from four brothers and an over-protective mother might just be her hardest test yet.

For billionaire Derek Cole, this homecoming is a chance to mend the damage he caused when he walked away from the family business.

Just when they think they have a handle on their happily ever after... their past and future collide.

Note: This is a steamy romance with explicit sensual scenes, happily ever after, no cheating, and no cliffhanger. Can be read as a standalone.

Thoughts On The Novel:

Before I read this book, I went back and read Love Over Lattes (which is not needed to read this one, but you get to meet Derek and Valentina). It was the first book I had read from this author and I am not disappointed. Not one single bit - and I am glad I signed up for this because it has introduced me to stories I never knew I needed in my life. My emotions were all over the place with this one; but I loved every single second of it!

Derek loves Valentina - but he also loves his job. He wants to make her happy; give her and Max everything they have ever dreamed of; but he has secrets of his own. Sometimes his need to give them what he feels they deserve has him coming off as controlling sometimes; but I can see the good in what he is doing and where he is trying to go with it. He has this insane tendency to keep things to himself a lot and more often than not, that seems to get him into some unwanted trouble.

Valentina is a dedicated mother - as well as determined to make something of her life. She went back and completed school after having Max and made sure she was making something of herself to give him a good life. She's trying her best to fit into the billionaire world of the man she loves, but goodness is it proving to be a bit complicated for her. She is passionate, strong, fierce, determined and she has no problems showing those she loves just how much she cares for them. She doesn't shy away from issues; she faces things head on.

Watching the two of them struggle through things life is throwing their way and watching them juggle all of the new and try and blend it with both of their past is really a joy in itself. We know of their past and even though most of us met them once they were already engaged, we get to see them work their way to happily every after together. I loved that this was not a one hit wonder book. I was about halfway through this novel when it seemed as though everything was kind of coming together and then HHEELLOO - a whole new something to try and keep our love birds apart and we were back off to the races with the story.

The secondary characters were simply amazing. It's rare that I read a story that takes some shine away from the two main characters - but boy are you in for a treat when you meet these brothers. Lilly, Derek's mom is a treat as well. It took her a bit to grow on me; because she came off kind of.. bitchy-like in the beginning; but she did come around; bless her. I without a doubt love the way the story line around Alex was written. As someone who has lived through a menacing man (or should I say boy) such as that; I think it was written to a point where connecting with Valentina comes naturally and nothing about it felt forced.

One thing I wish this book did have was some more involving Max. Maybe that is just the mother in me, but I always find it a joy when the kids are as prominent as the main characters; but at the same time it did not take away anything from this novel at all! This was a solid read; with plenty of tear jerk moments; heart string pulling, laughter and enjoyment. Overall it was well written, flowed beautifully and I cannot wait to get my hands on the stories of the brothers.

Broken Soul Rating

4/5 Hearts for Unravel You - Def a MUST READ!-------------------------------------------------------------

Author Information Corner:

Website | Goodreads | FB | Twitter | Instagram | Bookhub

Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy contemporary romance with a touch of suspense. Book two in her Desert Monsoon series, LOVE OVER LOGIC, won the 2019 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner in the Romance – Suspense genre

When Diana is not writing, she enjoys kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband.

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It's Giveaway Time!

Tour-wide giveaway (US & INT)
2x ebook copies of Love Over Lattes (prequel to Unravel You)a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Book Review: Hard Justice by Lori Foster

Title: Hard Justice (Body Armor #2)
by: Lori Foster
Published: 3/21/2017 by HQN Books
Source: Purchased by Me
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Playing it safe has never felt so dangerous

Justice Wallington knows how to harness his strength and intimidating size, skills he put to good use first in the MMA cage and now as a bodyguard at the Body Armor agency. But no opponent has ever left him feeling as off balance as his new client, heiress Fallon Wade. Far from a spoiled princess, she's sweet and intriguingly innocent. It's a risk-free assignment, until he's required to fake a relationship with her in order to blend in.

Sheltered from the world after a family tragedy, Fallon longs to experience life, going to bars, dancing, talking to strangers. Not easy with a huge, lethal-looking bodyguard shadowing her every move. Justice seems like her polar opposite, but pretending to be a couple stirs undeniable heat. And when danger strikes again, it's not just her safety in jeopardy, but a passion that's real, raw and absolutely against the rules.

Thoughts On The Novel:

If you haven't read my review of BOOK #1 in this series; you can do so HERE!
Like I stated in my review of Under Pressure; I read these for a monthly challenge I signed up for. Even without having signed up - after reading Under Pressure and meeting Justice, I would have read this book anyways. You ever just meet a character in a book and hope beyond all hope they get their own book? Well look no further, I give you - Justice!

“If anything happens to her, we will hold you and the agency personally responsible.”

“Nothing will.”

Her father scowled. “Ms. Silver swears you’re ca­pable.”

“That I am.” Though Justice spoke to her father, he didn’t look away from Fallon, and she shivered at the deepness of the voice that stroked over her skin like a warm caress.

Another fighter turned bodyguard, Justice is.. something else. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that he brought back so many memories of Foster's previous MMA heroes that she has written for other series. He's more easy going than some of the characters Foster has written, but I think that is one of the amazing things about him. His sense of humor is something I think most of us can relate to, because lets be honest; dude is hilarious. He's passionate and not afraid to show it; his sweet side is completely swoon worthy and he is so easy to connect with and root for. He has a way with all the women in his life (not like that ladies!) that is touching. The connections he has with his mom; grandmother - the important ladies! And yes, even Fallon - who he is tasked with protecting.

Justice was tasked with protecting Fallon as she attempts to see all life has to offer for herself. Sheltered, to me, seems to be too small of a word in Fallon's case. Her parents sheltered her after the accident that took her sisters life, and while I am sure they meant well - they kind of set her up for failure when it cmae to Fallon learning how to come into her own in the world. Fallon's parent's crack me up. Her mom picked Justice because she was convinced that he is someone she wouldn't go for, but that kind of backfired on her. I think I laughed myself silly when it came to interactions between Fallon's dad and Justice.

"Don't sweat it."
Fallon strangled on a breath. Dear God, he'd just told her mother not to "sweat it." In her memory, no one had ever spoken to the refined Mrs. Rothschild Wade in such a way. It was, Fallon decided, somewhat hilarious.

I loved watching Fallon come into her own with Justice helping her along the way. I love that this was not an insta-love story. We got to see them go through things in stages, watch their love grow. For everything Fallon had to deal with, she handled it like a pro. She is one determined woman and that paid off for her more often than not. Getting to watch Justice understand that MMA is still a part of him and grow as a bodyguard was a blast as well. The two of them are well rounded and it made for one hell of a story.

This novel has once again given us insight to past characters of Foster's as well as upcoming ones. One thing I love about her writing is that she knows how to bring back loved characters while not messing with the flow of the story. This book was fun. Interesting, fun and a complete joy to read. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good read!

Broken Soul Rating

4/5 Hearts for Under Pressure - Def a TOP READ!
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Discuss With Me!

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Have you read this novel before?
Read anything by this author before?
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Book Review: Under Pressure by Lori Foster

Title: Under Pressure (Body Armor #1)
by: Lori Foster
Published: Jan 24 2017
Source: Purchased by Me
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo

He can protect anything except his heart

Leese Phelps’s road hasn’t been an easy one, but it’s brought him to the perfect job — working for the elite Body Armor security agency. And what his newest assignment lacks in size, she makes up for in fire and backbone. But being drawn to Catalina Nicholson is a dangerous complication, especially since it could be the very man who hired Leese who’s threatening her.

What Catalina knows could get her killed. But who’d believe the sordid truth about her powerful stepfather? Beyond Leese’s ripped body and brooding gaze is a man of impeccable honour. He’s the last person she expects to trust — and the first who’s ever made her feel safe. And he’s the only one who can help her expose a deadly secret, if they can just stay alive long enough...

Bonus Story Included
"Built for Love" Contractor Jesse Baker knows all about knocking down walls—but chipping away at Tonya Bloom's defenses has been tougher than he expected. The gorgeous blonde has made it clear she doesn't have room in her life for romance…so what is it about her that makes Jesse determined to prove her wrong?

Realtor Tonya is an expert on houses, but building a home—and family—for her newly orphaned nephew, Kevin, is a challenge she never expected. And while Jesse might be a shoulder to lean on, he's also a distraction she can't afford. But with Jesse set on winning her heart, will she realize once and for all that the perfect love doesn't always happen at the perfect time?

Thoughts On The Novel:

I read this book as part of the #SeriesInAMonth challenge hosted by Because Reading. Lori Foster is one of my all time favorite authors, so picking this series was an easy decision. I will also be reviewing the other 3 novels in this series this month. Hopefully; I can convince at least one of you to check out at least one book in this series!

First off; let me say how much I LOVE the fact that this book mentions Cannon and the MMA gym from The Ultimate Fighter Series she wrote! As my all time favorite character Lori Foster has ever written, I love the fact that this series ties into that and the characters came from the same place. - Now; having said that, I have been waiting for Leese since he was mentioned in Denver's story. He is an Alpha man through and through. Foster really knows how to write them. She does so in a way that is not intimidating, but draws us in, has us connecting to him and rooting for every single part of his life by the time the book is done. In the beginning I thought he was kind of work only and he had a not so subtle way of talking to people. Boy did he grow on me. The man is good at his job - but he also understands that sometimes rules can be bent and he has a way of doing things that makes me want to follow him into the deepest pits of hell; knowing that he would save me from anything along the way. I would legit follow this guy anywhere. He's strong; head smart; street smart; full of courage; soft when needed; thoughtful and isn't afraid to show those emotions that men tend to shy away from. What he wasn't expecting at this point is his life, was Catalina - and let me tell you; she came in like a wrecking ball.

"You should know something."
"What's that?"
"I'm not holding you against your will. I'm here to keep you safe."
"So you've said. But if I choose to leave?"
"I'd follow."

Catalina.. sweet; mousey; strong-willed; kind of my spirit animal Cat. The girl is going through hell. She's had to leave her entire life behind. Brothers; a job she loves; her house; and even her plants; that to her complete despair, have died. The girl has her priorities man. She's on the run from people trying to kill her because she overhead things between her Stepfather and other people - but she's going to make sure she takes some time to grieve those plants! She's timid sometimes; but so freaking strong other times; you would think that she does this for a living. She's in your face one minute and blushing the next because she's thinking thoughts she shouldn't be. Despite where she is in life; she wears her heart on her sleeve and she speaks her mind - even when you don't want to hear it.

The chemistry between the two of them is sizzling and completely unable to be ignored by them - or anyone that has two seconds to even glance in their direction. Try as he might; Leese attempted to set rules - silly boy. I love the way Foster can write a few pages that get you kind of steaming and then cut you off.. To be followed a chapter or so later with some seriously steaming pages that make you insanely glad you aren't reading this novel in public. The way these two were written made them seem completely believable as a couple; nothing seemed forced and the two of them complimented each other so effortlessly.

"You're the most impressive man I've ever seen."
"I'm glad you think so, because I've been craving you since we met."
"Do I measure up?"
"You're hotter than even my imagination. And I imagined you naked a lot."

I read this book in one sitting; and that's not something I can do very often around my house! Foster has yet to write a book that disappoints me. I honestly do not think she could. She is a go to author for me and I love that she has managed to create that for me. Aside from the two mains of the novel; the secondary characters are amazing as well. Saraha (who owns Body Armor) is freaking amazing. That woman is 100% my spirit animal and boy did I love reading anything pertaining to her. Let's not forget about Justice.. Sweet; no filter Justice. You will learn more about both of these characters as you read the series.

"You need to be careful too, Sahara."

She cooked her head. "I would tell you that careful is my middle name - " her expression hardened "- but actually it's vengeance."

If you are looking for a novel to rock your socks; tug on those heart strings; get your blood pumping; your heart pounding and those pages turning - look no further than this novel and the ones that follow! Lori Foster will bring all of that out in you - and she does it effortlessly.

Broken Soul Rating

4/5 Hearts for Under Pressure - Def a TOP READ!
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Review: Zed by M.V. Ellis

Title: Zed(Rough Ink #1)
by: M.V. Ellis
Published: 7/29/19 by Hot Tree Publishing
Source: Book Sirens
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Secrets from his past have scarred his heart. Can he trust her enough to learn to love again?

In the eyes of the law, I’d atoned for the secrets of my past, but in my heart, I knew the debt I owed was too big to ever be repaid. I didn’t ask for forgiveness, because I knew I wasn’t worthy of it. Guilt weighed me down and scarred my heart.

If it wasn’t for my art, I’d probably be dead. The truth was, I had nothing else to live for. Or so I thought until Octavia Douglas came breezing unexpectedly into the picture.

Sexy, stubborn, and smart enough to know better than to throw her future away on a guy like me, Vivi made me question everything I thought I already knew. I suddenly craved the happy ever after I’d never dared dream of, and knew I didn’t deserve.

Thoughts On The Novel:

I requested this book on Book Sirens after the blurb caught my attention. This is the first novel I have read from this author and I was not disappointed. Have you ever started a book not knowing what to expect, but then found you couldn't put the thing down because you just HAD to finish it? That was this book for me! It kind of took me on a ride I wasn't quite used to. I had things thrown at me that I wasn't expecting, but in a good way. It was unique in it's own way; but so well written that I was hooked from the beginning.

“You’re not as humorless as I first thought, so I guess we’re each learning new things about the other person.” Why the fuck she had ever thought I was humorless was anyone’s guess.

“Awesome. Right now I’m learning that you still have way too many clothes on, and that you don’t have the ability to freeze time. So….”

Zed is one of those Alpha characters that I love in a novel. He's gruff; sarcastic; mysterious and has a past that he can't seem to shake. You know; the normal things that draw us readers in and make us want to get to know him and do what we do best - think of ways to save this wonderful man. The story really kicks off when Zed meets Xavier - then his so called babysitter.. I mean, attorney. Being thrown into the mix with the two of them; flipped Zed's life course into a whole new direction he wasn't ever expecting to go in.

Octavia - the said babysitter - was something else man. Something else so easily related to; that more than a few times, I saw myself in her. To me; that's one of the best ways to write a character; where other people can relate to them through the entire story. She is headstrong; determined; witty; she speaks her mind and she stands behind her beliefs and the direction she is going in. She was frustrating at times, but she was so well written. She has her hands full with Xavier - and for someone who has her life on course - she wasn't at all ready for the crash course with Zed.

“An underage, under-the-influence kid who should have been at school and under house arrest, on the loose in Brooklyn with a grumpy tattoo guy? What could possibly go wrong? As I paid the cab driver and approached the door of the place, I had a feeling I was about to find out.”

The chemistry between the two was instant fire. With the two of them being so very different; it was hard for either to believe that this could go anywhere. The one person who did see it; was the hard headed teenager in the mist of everything. Through the entire story; you see them battle with that. The one thing I didn't see coming would be Xavier becoming the glue that kind of kept everything in place.

Overall, for being the first novel I read from this author; I would pick up another one by her in a heartbeat. Even the secondary characters in this book were written into it effortlessly and everything flowed together in a way that kept me turning the pages wanting more. I loved that there was some level of mystery with this novel. It wasn't just one of those, "oh my gosh, I know what's going to happen 10 pages into the book," kind of novels. I would recommend this to anyone who loves romance; laughter; steamy pages and a great read.

Broken Soul Rating

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Book Review: Kill Shot by Liliana Hart

Title: Kill Shot (The Collective #1)
by: Liliana Hart
Published: May 2013
Source: Purchased by Me
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Grace Meredith is the CIA’s most deadly assassin. Too bad she’s gone off the grid and become a mercenary for hire. After the death of her daughter by a sniper’s bullet, Grace can no longer stomach the demands of agency life or keep herself from blaming the only man she’s ever loved. Her mind and body are fragile, and she knows she’s just a step away from breaking down completely.

Gabe Brennan holds the weight of the world on his shoulders. As one of the most brilliant black ops agents the CIA has ever employed, he knows it’s no one’s fault but his own that his child was gunned down in cold blood. He might not have been able to save his daughter, but he’s determined to save his wife. He only has to find her first.

Sexual tension crackles between Gabe and Grace from the moment they’re reunited, but between the man who is hunting them, a secret that’s been buried for eighty years, and a turbulent past—the odds are stacked against them.

Thoughts On The Novel:

This isn’t the first book I have read by Liliana Hart – but it is the 1st book that I am reviewing. This book was AWESOME. Literally. It had just about every aspect that I look for in a book – especially since we ALL know I love my Romantic Suspense! & this book delivered just that; and I loved every second of reading it. The characters were hilarious; the chemistry between each and every one of them literally jumped off the page at you & it made for such an interesting read!

“I’ll gladly take whatever shit job you throw my way,” he said, nodding. “To tell you the truth, I could use a low key babysitting job. Preferably by the beach somewhere.”

Grace is your “Alpha Female,” if you will. She is rock solid (in her own way), knows what she wants, isn’t afraid to use what she has to get it && is a take no nonsense or I will shoot you with my sniper rifle, kind of girl. Talk about epic. & her attitude. Oh how I love her attitude. All sass, mixed with some brass && add brains on top of that. If I was a guy; I’d be all over that. Grace was one very well written character. She has her set backs – I believe everyone would after going through what she did. Her struggles were very real and watching her as she learned to cope, heal and move on was amazing.

Gabe – he’s your average Alpha Male – complete with his own company ran by AMAZING men just like him. OH! & did I mention he and Grace were MARRIED?! Yea – you guessed it — insert firework scenes here! It really was a joy to read. Gabe has a mission he needs completed & he needs none other than his ex-wife’s special qualifications. OH YEA, things just got real. Imagine the reading that went on once these two were back in the same place, facing the very same past they have been avoiding for the past couple of years. The dialogue between the two of them ranged from hilarious, serious, steamy and right back to hilarious all over again.

“Darlin’, I have scars on my back from the last time you asked me to move my hard-on. Be careful what you wish for.”

“You son of a bitch.”

“So you’ve told me before. Let’s go before Vasquez’s men get here. I’ve got a pick up scheduled in twenty on the other side of the border.”

Grace had no choice but to follow him out of one hell and into another.

Liliana Hart wrote such amazing secondary characters that I could not get enough of them! Seriously, I need me a Logan & a Jack! Let’s not forget about Ethan. That poor, poor little dude. He will learn one day.. ONE DAY! lol – I can’t wait to see what is in store next! If you are a fan of Romantic Suspense, or just Romance in general, then Kill Shot is def a MUST READ for you!

Broken Soul Rating

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Book Review: Secret Words by Miranda P. Charles

Title: Secret Words (Secret Dreams #1)
by: Miranda P. Charles
Published: Oct. 13, 2013
Source: Purchased by Me
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

When Jasmine Allen met Kane Summers in the unlikeliest of places, she wasn't expecting the swift and immediate attraction she felt for him. But Jasmine had a secret she wasn't at all comfortable sharing with anyone, least of all, the hunky guy who was literally sweeping her off her feet.

Kane Summers was a sucker for damsels in distress. When he found himself wanting to protect Jasmine Allen in more ways than one, the instant chemistry they had for each other hit him squarely in the chest. But Kane's life was complicated, and he wasn't totally free to act on the fascination he felt for her.

Kane and Jasmine were fighting a losing battle to stay away from each other. But circumstances--and certain people--beyond their control were very much intent on keeping them apart.

How could they find their way past secrets and malicious intents to nurture a love that, if given the chance, could last a lifetime?

Thoughts On The Novel:

This book is a first by this author and so far, I love what I am reading! I am always a bit apprehensive when it comes to new authors, because everyone has their own writing style and not everyone’s style is for everyone. However, this book surprised me! I went into with an open mind and I really enjoyed it!

You can tell simply from reading the synopsis that fate, life and everything in between is determined to keep Kane and Jasmine away from each other. Like always; writers have a way of telling fate to shove off and make the readers happy beyond happy (:

Kane is someone you just WANT to read about in a book! He’s an Alpha, he has a protective side, a heart the size of gold and a past that he’d rather not talk about and issues that complicate his life more than he would like. To him, chivalry is never dead. As much as he tries to stay away from her – he has this urge to SAVE her.. With secrets of his own, I doubt he knew just what he was getting into.

Jasmine has secrets of her own. Actually, a secret LIFE of her own that she would rather no one find out about. The attraction she feels with Kane is different than any attractions he’s felt before. She knows she should stay away from him.. It’s never a good idea to get to close with a secret like hers, but she can’t help herself! Little does she know what SHE is getting into.

In a way, despite secrets, drama, lies and everything in between – I think the two were meant for each other! This is a short, fast paced read and I completely loved it! It literally keep me page turning until the very end! Mostly because I am impatient and refused to set the book down with so many secrets to discover, but it was well worth it! If you haven’t read this one yet, I highly suggest you look into it!

Broken Soul Rating

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Book Review: At Any Turn by Brenna Aubrey

Title: At Any Turn (Gaming the System #2)
by: Brenna Aubrey
Published: April 15, 2014
Published By: Silver Griffon Associates
Source: Purchased by Me
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

So You Want to Be a Hero?

Millionaire CEO Adam Drake, overcame a tortured past to build his own gaming empire. He’s in complete control of his life. With his new found love for brilliant geek girl blogger, Mia Strong, the last piece of his life is in place. He's at the top of his game.

Your Princess Is in Another Castle.

Until suddenly, she withdraws from him, leaving him in the dark. Something tells him she needs help. But she's too stubborn or scared to ask for it, and the more he tries to take control, the further he pushes her away. He can’t solve this problem by writing a check or a few lines of code.

He’ll have to dig deep and put himself at risk... or risk losing her forever.

Thoughts On The Novel:

So if anyone saw my review for Book #1 in this series - you know that this was off to a fantastic start! I fell in love with Mia and Adam and even the secondary characters. So I jumped right into the next book to see where this story would take us. I can tell you that some of this I didn't expect, but some of it I should have seen coming! I'm not sad that their story was continued, because I was not at all ready to give them up! In a way - a part of me thinks that Any Any Price would have stood alone all on its own - but in times like these; I can see why the author wanted to keep their story going.

I was a man on fire and the only way to smother the flames was to dive in and drown in her.

While this one didn't strike the heart like the first one did, I still liked it in its own way. Unlike the first novel, this story was told from Adam's point of view, which was pretty exciting for me! I love them the point of views are mixed up. I like seeing the inner working of everyone's mind when things are going on. Adam is a little closed off and slightly hard to get to know and figure out, so this was a great addition for us readers!

Adam and Mia are together - officially - in this one and their story picks up not long after the other ends. More often than not, most people believe happily ever after comes from uttering the words "I love you." In real life, and in this novel, that is just not the case most times. It seems as though things for Mia and Adam are about to start getting really and the true testing of their relationship is really about to come into play. I will give the author super credit here - she kept the previous friendships alive as well. While I couldn't understand where Heath was coming from half the time in this novel, I believe it would have been a let down had he not been in this one as well.

With her, it was like being engrossed in a full-immersion virtual reality, an experience unique to itself. There was no life before Emilia.

This novel took us on a turn that I DID NOT want to go on - but I could see how it built things up to give us things our hearts were really yearning for. I loved this ride that is Mia and Adam's relationship. I like that this isn't an insta-love novel, but one that is a journey that we get to follow along with as they discover who they are, how they fit together and handle every single thing life feels the need to throw at them. While I feel that some things could have been handled differently, I feel that overall this story was smooth flowing. It didn't reach me as much as the first one did - but I am already on book three and I can promise you it is worth the ride! I look forward to seeing how everything pans out with these two!

Broken Soul Rating

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Book Review: At Any Price by Brenna Aubrey

Title: At Any Price (Gaming the System #1)
by: Brenna Aubrey
Published: Jan 13, 2014
Source: Purchased by Me
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Achievement Unlocked: Geek Virgin

When Mia Strong, proud geek-girl and popular gaming blogger, auctions off her virginity online, she knows she'll make waves. But what she will not be making is a love connection. Her rules are set in stone: One night. No further contact.

It's a desperate step, but it's the only way she can go to medical school and pay her mother's mounting hospital bills.

Difficulty Level: Millionaire CEO

Adam Drake, the enigmatic auction winner, is a software prodigy who made his first million at seventeen. Now, in his mid-twenties, he's sexy, driven and--as CEO of his own gaming company--he's used to making the rules. Before Mia knows what's happening, he's found the loophole in the rules of her auction. Every stipulation she's made to protect her heart gets tossed by the wayside.

She can't tell if he's playing her...or if he's playing for keeps.

This New Adult book is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content and adult situations.

Thoughts On The Novel:

So in reading the synopsis of this novel, I felt a slight connection to it. My husband and I are really into gaming. So I thought, Hey! I might be able to connect with the characters a little more!" - Then I find out that Mia is a blogger and it was like SCORE! Literally this novel was written for someone like me - and the many others around the world who can relate.

Here is a novel about someone who knows what she wants and is about to do one of the most unthinkable things to accomplish it. Mia is strong, driven and so far beyond independent that I don't think she would be able to depend on someone if her life counted on it. She is loving, with a kind heart and the most generous person I have read about in while. Do not let that fool you thought. Under all of that - she will throw you to the wolves with a quickness should you make her feel as though you are anything less that what she though you were. To me, that is one of the best qualities of someone holding the heroine title in a novel. I need to know that this woman can live her life without a man, should it come to it. Nothing bores me more than a novel about a woman who "cannot even" unless there is a male involved.

“I’m sorry if my bluntness has offended you. I assumed that a woman who has placed herself on the block like you have would be comfortable with straight talk.” I laughed.

“Oh, is that what that was? I just thought you were being an asshat.”

Adam is a CEO and a young one at that. He built his company on his dream and he is making it work for him. When testing his own game out as an unknown player he stumbles across Mia's group playing this game. Before he knows it, he is looking forward to the times he gets to spend with these players in the game. None of them know it is him of course, so the connections made are pure. He is known as his character name and he has never once spoken in voice, just texting in the game. When Mia tells him her plan to help her get ahead and to cover her medical school cost - he about loses his mind. Then, without her knowing - he finds a way to make sure she stays safe; as well as making sure he gets to meet the girl he has been falling for all this time. Despite everything being thrown at him and the life he had growing up - Adam is not a "bad boy". He may seem that way to the naked eye, but he is so much more underneath.

I honestly do not know what I expected reading this novel - but I was completely blown away. It was an effortless flow from beginning to end. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the secondary characters as well. Heath is a riot and I look forward to learning a little more about him as well. I was not expecting the family aspect I found in this novel either, but I feel like it gave the book a little extra something that made it seem that much more real. I was blindsided a time or two about things I THOUGHT I knew were going on - but it was a good blindside, as I was completely glad I was wrong or mistaken! The tears were real in this one a few times. I might be a slight sissy with a big emotional issue - but I loved it all the same.

“Fuck you, Adam Drake,” I hissed. “I never asked for you to come into my life and arrange things. I never needed you to save me!”

“No. Probably you didn’t,” he said so quietly I could barely hear him over the raging, wild twister of emotions swirling inside of me. “But I sure needed you to save me.”

What I love most about this novel is that it is not an insta-love novel. We get to follow Mia and Adam throughout their entire love story. You may THINK you will know how this novel ends, but I can promise you - you won't see what is coming next. Just to let you know ladies - you are going to need an extra pair of panties for these amazingly written, insanely graphic scenes between the two. They honestly make the book so much better. From start to finish this novel kept me on my toes. I wanted to know more with each turn of the page. I wanted SO MUCH to feel this story as I was reading it and I was not disappointed. Slowly, with each novel written that I come across by Aubrey - I am turning into even more of a fan. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves romance with a side of wet panties and a page or two of throat punches galore.

Broken Soul Rating

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Book Review: Exception by Mariah Dietz

Title: Exception
by: Mariah Dietz
Published: Jan 9, 2018
Source: Netgalley
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

He’s arrogant.
Loud.
Rude.
And to make matters worse, he looks good doing it—too good.

Joey DeLuca should have been nothing but a maddening memory, a blip on my radar during my three month sabbatical in my small hometown while I get back on my feet.

My time back home was supposed to be simple. Easy. Fast.
But he’s everywhere I go, invading my thoughts, and stealing my attention.
Is it possible to hate the same person I can’t get enough of?
Is there really an exception to every rule?

Broken Soul Rating

Thoughts On The Novel:

People of the book world. Have you ever read a book where things touched you - but at the same time; things bugged you? This book was both fantastic and frustrating at the same time. I don't know if it was just because I thought things were going to go a certain way; but there were parts of this novel that touched my heart, rocked my socks and made me want to punt someone all at the same time.

I loved every single thing (okay, almost) about Kennedy. I mean even her name! She is head strong, she knows where she wants to end up in life - she has just hit a patch trying to get there. She seems to have spent a good part of her life settling just because she thought where she was is where she was meant to be. She is insanely loyal - which leads to most of the issues that seem to arise in her life. She has gotten herself into a situation she cannot seem to see any way out of and ultimately ends up back in her home town.. the one place she said she would never come back to once she left. The thing is, everyone there is happy to see her and asking her how long she plans to stay. The town has grown, the people have expanded and life has gone on in the little town she thought would never change.

Enter Joey Deluca. No one WANTS to end up hating the man who is suppose to win the girls heart. While hate is a strong bit of a word, I seriously disliked Deluca. There is a fine line between arrogant and alpha - and he crossed it just about every change he got. Over and over he showed us just why Kennedy shouldn't fall for him. While yes, he had his moments - to me they were not big enough to outshine all the insanity that seems to be just the person he is. He is rude, very arrogant, un-trusting and has the bad habit of blaming every single annoying habit of his on his job as a detective.

The story itself was a cute read and had some awesome parts. I loved the ends and out of the novel. I loved getting to know the characters and reading about how it all comes together. To me there just wasn't enough. I felt like some of the lines were overplayed, some of the issues were underplayed and some things just seemed to have been thrown in there to cause a little extra drama, but it just got slightly overwhelming with all the players in this novel.

The secondary characters were up there in my rating there. Joey's brother Coen, his fiancee and her little boy were awesome characters. I actually like Coen more than Joey. Kennedy's sister and parents were a big part of the novel as well, but I am still up in the air on her sister. That whole story lined bothered me just a little. I had such high hopes going into this novel and some if it just didn't do it for me. While this one might not have worked, I am very open to trying other novels from this author! Like I said - this is just my opinion so I def would want everyone to read it for themselves!

Discuss With Me!

What did you think after reading the review?
Have you read this novel before?
Is it something you will add to your TBR list?
I'd love to hear from all of you!

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