The 2014 Official Wrap Up Post

It's the end of 2014! Can you BELIEVE it?! I can't. I really exceeded all my expectations on this year.

I wrote 114 reviews, which is insane. And I still have a gazillion to catch up on. 2015 is gonna be crazypants.

I originally planned on reading 52 books, then when I beat that, I increased my goal to 75. THEN when I beat THAT, I increased my goal to 127. When I beat THAT goal, I just figured I'd stop setting goals for 2014 and just kept reading. LOL. I ended the year at 141!!! WOOHOO!!! And that made me reach something on my bucket list: Read 100 books in a year. As of next year, I'm still going to start with 52 and go from there. I'd like to focus more of my attention on writing than reading in 2015.

I also met another bucket list goal: Have ombre hair. And I still have it! I might be changing it in 2015. Maybe... most likely. But right now I still love it, so, it stays.

Since I only reached two things on my bucket list in 2014 (which is appalling, by the way), I'm going to make sure that 2015 is the year I complete A LOT of things on the bucket list.

But enough about that... let's get to the long lists of ALL THE BOOKISH things!

All the books I read in 2014:

1. Only In Vegas by Lindsey Brookes

2. Addicted For Now by Krista and Becca Ritchie

3. Asking For Trouble by Tessa Bailey

4. Love the One You're With by Lauren Layne

5. Sleepless In Las Vegas by Colleen Collins

6. As You Turn Away by Molli Moran

7. Domino Effect by Jill Elaine Hughes

8. Kiss Me At Midnight by Diane Alberts

9. One Night In Santiago by Audra North

10. Changing His Game by Justine Elvira

11. The Billionaire's Paradigm by Cerys du Lys

12. Unlikely by Sylvie Fox

13. Impasse by Sylvie Fox

14. He Belongs With Me by Sarah Darlington

15. Just One Night by Lauren Layne

16. Something Borrowed by Adriana Hunter

17. Secrets Of Seduction by Nicole Jordan

18. After The Storm by Marie Landry

19. The Trouble With Honor by Julie London

20. Layers Peeled by Lacey Silks

21. Star-Crossed by Luna Lacour

22. Fool Me Twice by Meredith Duran

23. In Bloom by Katie Delehanty

24. Escorted by Claire Kent

25. One Night With An Earl by Jennifer Haymore

26. Never Entice An Earl by Lily Dalton

27. In Bed With The Boss by Alexa Bravo
28. After The Scandal by Elizabeth Essex

29. A Night With The Bride by Kate McKinley

30. Improper Proposals by Juliana Ross
31. In Bed with Mr. Wrong by Katee Robert
32. The Wedding Trap by Adrienne Bell
33. Seducing Mr. Right by Katee Robert
34. Fiance by Fate by Jennifer Shirk

35. The Wedding Favor by Cara Connelly

36. Melting the Ice by Jaci Burton

37. The Scoundrel's Seduction by Jennifer Haymore

38. Breaking (Escorted #1.5) by Claire Kent

39. Heated (Most Wanted #2) by J. Kenner

40. The Reunion (Sugar Cay #2) by Jennifer Haymore

41. Late Call (Call #1) by Emma Hart

42. Tryst (Take It Off #8) by Cambria Hebert

43. Just A Kiss (It's In His Kiss #0.5) by Ally Broadfield

44. Moments of Julian by Keary Taylor

45. Matched to a Billionaire (Happily Ever After, Inc. #1) by Kat Cantrell

46. Her Wicked Heart by Ember Casey

47. Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

48. Undeniable (Undeniable #1) by Ashley Simone

49. Beyond Love and Hate (Wardham #3.5) by Zoe York

50. Slade (Walk Of Shame #1) by Victoria Ashley

51. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

52. The Millionaire Affair (Love in the Balance #3) by Jessica Lemmon
53. The Moment We Began (Fairhope #2) by Sarra Cannon
54. The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
55. Blue Sky Days by Marie Landry
56. Relentless (The Marsh Brothers #1) by Anna Wells
57. Sweet Addiction (Sweet Addiction #1) by Jessica Daniels
58. Overexposed by Noelle Adams
59. One Night with her Bodyguard (One Night novellas #3) by Noelle Adams
60. One Night in the Ice Storm (One Night novellas #2) by Noelle Adams
61. One Night with her Best Friend (One Night novellas #1) by Noelle Adams
62. Boys and Toys by Cara Lockwood
63. Sex on the Beach (Tropical Trysts #2) by Delphine Dryden
64. Final Call (Call #2) by Emma Hart
65. Road Tripping by Noelle Adams
66. Tease (The Ivy Chronicles #2) by Sophie Jordan
67. Only with You (The Best Mistake #1) by Lauren Layne
68. No Regrets by Claire Kent
69. Playing to Win (Play by Play #4) by Jaci Burton
70. Kill Devil Hills by Sarah Darlington
71. Seven by Claire Kent
72. A Woman Made For Sin (Promises Trilogy #2) by Michele Sinclair
73. The Other Side of Someday (Carolina Days #1) by Carey Heywood
74. If I Were You (Inside Out #1) by Lisa Renee Jones
75. Burned (Miller Sisters #2) by Sarah Morgan
76. Seducing the Enemy (Heirs of Damon #1) by Noelle Adams

77. Hothouse Flower (Calloway Sisters #2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie

78. Sugar on the Edge (Last Call #3) by Sawyer Bennett

79. Scandalous Summer Nights by various authors
80. Getting Off (Cosmo Red-Hot Reads from Harlequin) by Abby Green
81. Breaking All Her Rules by Maisey Yates
82. A SEAL's Fantasy (Uniformly Hot SEALs #5) by Tawny Weber
83. Channel 20Something (20Something #1) by Amy Patrick
84. Keeping Mr. Right Now (Kisses in the Sand) by Robin Bielman
85. This is Falling (Falling #1) by Ginger Scott
86. Sleeping with the Boss (Anderson Brothers #1) by Marissa Clarke

87. Wild Attraction (Wild 0.5) by Emma Hart
88. Wild Temptation (Wild #1) by Emma Hart

89. One Night with her Boss (One Night novellas #4) by Noelle Adams
90. Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare 0.5) by Laura Kaye

91. Wild (The Ivy Chronicles #3) by Sophie Jordan
92. What a Duke Dares (Sons of Sin #3) by Anna Campbell
93. Made for You (The Best Mistake #2) by Lauren Layne
94. Truth or Dare (Dare to Love #1) by Mira Lyn Kelly
95. Switch Me On by Jule McBride
96. Stripping the Billionaire (Heirs of Damon #4) by Noelle Adams
97. Billy Joel by Fred Schruers
98. Stranded with the Rancher (Texas Cattleman's Club: After the Storm #1) by Janice Maynard
99. My First, My Last by Lacey Silks
100. No More Mr. Nice Guy by Amy Andrews
101. Oh, Naughty Night! by Leslie Kelly
102. One Song Away by Molli Moran
103. Jilted by Rachael Johns
104. Wanted: Wife (French Kiss #1) by Gwen Jones
105. Ring in the Holidays (Hunk for the Holidays #2) by Katie Lane
106. Tempting Her Fake Fiancé (a Gone Hollywood novel) by Julie Particka
107. Taste (Take It Off #9) by Cambria Hebert
108. The Duality Principle by Rebecca Grace Allen
109. Love Thy Neighbor (an Unexpected Love novel) by Sophie Wintner
110. Alex (Cold Fury Hockey #1) by Sawyer Bennett
111. Flirting With The Competition by Kerri Carpenter
112. Swept Away (Swept Away #1) by J. Haymore
113. A Last Chance Christmas by Vicki Lewis Thompson
114. Take Them By Storm (Angel Island #3) by Marie Landry
115. Christmas with a SEAL by Tawny Weber
116. Night Fever (Night Fever #1) by Jessica Hawkins
117. Not Her Type by Kay Jaybee
118. Come to Me Quietly (Closer to You #1) by A.L. Jackson
119. Still Yours (20Something #2) by Amy Patrick
120. Reining Men (Boot Knockers Ranch #3) by Em Petrova
121. Playing Doctor by Jan Meredith
122. One Night of Sin (After Hours #1) by Elle Kennedy
123. One Night of Scandal (After Hours #2) by Elle Kennedy
124. Flirting with Love (Love in Bloom #18) by Melissa Foster
125. Being Neighborly: a novella by Carey Heywood
126. The Surrogate Husband by Wynter Daniels
127. No Time Like Forever (Wardham #4) by Zoe York
128. Leo Maddox by Sarah Darlington
129. Take You Away: A Novella (Her Wicked Heart #1.5) by Ember Casey

130. Seducing the Princess (Shillings Agency #3) by Diane Alberts
131. Touch & Go (Dare to Love #2) by Mira Lyn Kelly
132. Club Luxe 1: The Private Room (Billionaires Underground #1) by Olivia Noble
133. Completely: A Cunningham Family Short Story by Ember Casey
134. Burnin' Up Memphis (Firehouse 69 #1) by Delilah Devlin
135. Eyes Turned Skyward by Rebecca Yarros
136. Pretending with the Playboy by Tracey Livesay
137. The Trouble with Love (Sex, Love & Stiletto #4) by Lauren Layne
138. Snowed In with Her Ex (Brides and Belles #1) by Andrea Laurence
139. The Rules According to Gracie by Stefanie London
140. Thirty Days to Win His Wife (Brides and Belles #2) by Andrea Laurence
141. More Than a Convenient Bride (Texas Cattleman's Club: After the Storm #6) by Michelle Celmer

All the books I reviewed in 2014:

1). Entwine (Entwine #1) by Rebecca Berto (01/06/2014)
2). The Almost Girl by Amalie Howard (01/07/2014) 
3). Layers Deep (Layers Trilogy #1) by Lacey Silks (01/14/2014)
4). Wrong Bed, Right Guy (Come Undone #1) by Katee Robert (01/21/2014)
5). Wicked Heat (Feel the Heat #1) by Nicola Marsh (01/23/2014)
6). Sweet Victory (His Wicked Games #2.5) by Ember Casey (01/28/2014)
7). Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth (01/30/2014)
8). Sneaking Candy by Lisa Burstein (02/04/2014)
9). Down for the Count (Dare Me #1) by Christine Bell (02/06/2014)
10). No Dress Required (Love Required #1) by Cari Quinn (02/09/2014)
11). Addicted for Now (Addicted #2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie (02/13/2014)
12). Love the One You're With (Sex, Love & Stiletto #2) by Lauren Layne (02/18/2014)
13). Only In Vegas by Lindsey Brookes (02/20/2014)
14). Sleepless in Las Vegas by Colleen Collins (02/23/2014)
15). As You Turn Away (The Walker Boys #1) by Molli Moran (03/02/2014)
16). He Belongs With Me by Sarah Darlington (03/04/2014)
17). Kiss Me at Midnight by Diane Alberts (03/06/2014)
18). Just One Night (Sex, Love & Stiletto #3) by Lauren Layne (03/11/2014)
19). Asking For Trouble (Line Of Duty #4) by Tessa Bailey (03/13/2014)
20). One Night in Santiago by Audra North (03/18/2014)
21). Hard to Handle (Love in the Balance #2) by Jessica Lemmon (03/25/2014)
22). Something Borrowed by Adriana Hunter (04/03/2014)
23). After the Storm (Angel Island #2) by Marie Landry (04/09/2014)
24). Unlikely (L.A. Nights #1) by Sylvie Fox (04/15/2014)
25). Impasse (L.A. Nights #2) by Sylvie Fox (04/17/2014)
26). Layers Peeled (Layers Trilogy #2) by Lacey Silks (04/22/2014)
27). Secrets of Seduction (Legendary Lovers #3) by Nicole Jordan (05/06/2014)
28). The Trouble With Honor (The Cabot Sisters #1) by Julia London (05/13/2014)
29). Star-Crossed by Luna Lacour (05/15/2014)
30). Fool Me Twice (Rules for the Reckless #2) by Meredith Duran (05/22/2014)
31). In Bloom (The Brightside #1) by Katie Delahanty (05/23/2014)
32). The Scoundrel's Seduction (House of Trent #3) by Jennifer Haymore (05/29/2014)
33). Heated (Most Wanted #2) by J. Kenner (06/03/2014)
34). Escorted (Escorted #1) by Claire Kent (06/05/2014)
35). One Night with an Earl (House of Trent #2.5) by Jennifer Haymore (06/10/2014)
36). Never Entice an Earl (One Scandalous Season #2) by Lily Dalton (06/12/2014)
37). In Bed With the Boss by Alexa Bravo (06/16/2014)
38). After the Scandal (The Reckless Brides #4) by Elizabeth Essex (06/19/2014)
39). The Millionaire Affair (Love in the Balance #3) by Jessica Lemmon (06/24/2014)
40). A Night with the Bride (By Invitation Only #3) by Kate McKinley (06/26/2014)
41). Improper Proposals (Improper #3) by Juliana Ross (06/30/2014)
42). Matched to a Billionaire (Happily Ever After, Inc. #1) by Kat Cantrell (07/01/2014)
43). The Reunion - A Sugar Cay Novella (Sugar Cay #2) by Jennifer Haymore (07/04/2014)
44). Fiance by Fate (Anyone But You #1) by Jennifer Shirk (07/08/2014)
45). The Wedding Trap (Second Service #1) by Adrienne Bell (07/10/2014)
46). Road Tripping by Noelle Adams (07/13/2014)
47). Sex on the Beach (Tropical Trysts #2) by Delphine Dryden (07/15/2014)
48). Boys and Toys by Cara Lockwood (07/17/2014)
49). My First, My Last by Lacey Silks (07/19/2014)
50). Bossy Request by Lacey Silks (07/19/2014)
51). In Bed With Mr. Wrong (Out of Uniform #1) by Katee Robert (07/23/2014)
52). Just a Kiss (It's In His Kiss #0.5)  by Ally Broadfield (07/24/2014)
53). No Regrets by Claire Kent (07/28/2014)
54). Only With You (The Best Mistake #1) by Lauren Layne (07/30/2014)
55). Seducing Mr. Right  (Come Undone #3.5) by Katee Robert (07/31/2014)
56). A Woman Made For Sin (Promises Trilogy #2) by Michele Sinclair (08/05/2014)
57). Melting The Ice (Play By Play #7) by Jaci Burton (08/07/2014)
58). Kill Devil Hills (Kill Devil Hills #1) by Sarah Darlington (08/08/2014)
59). Tryst (Take It Off #8) by Cambria Hebert (08/09/2014)
60). The Moment We Began (Fairhope #2) by Sarra Cannon (08/11/2014)
61). Late Call (Call #1) by Emma Hart (08/12/2014)
62). Final Call (Call #2) by Emma Hart (08/14/2014)
63). Breaking (Escorted #1.5) by Claire Kent (08/16/2014)
64). A SEAL's Fantasy (Uniformly Hot SEALs #5) by Tawny Weber (08/19/2014)
65). Undeniable (Undeniable #1) by Ashley Simone and Alicia Roberts (08/23/2014)
66). Seducing The Enemy (Heirs of Damon #1) by Noelle Adams (08/28/2014)
67). This Is Falling (Falling #1) by Ginger Scott (08/29/2014)
68). Sugar on the Edge (Last Call #3) by Sawyer Bennett (09/01/2014)
69). Overexposed by Noelle Adams (09/04/2014)
70). Burned (Miller Sisters #2) by Sarah Morgan (09/06/2014)
71). The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett (09/08/2014)
72). Relentless (The Marsh Brothers #1) by Anna Wells (09/11/2014)
73). Switch Me On by Julie McBride (09/15/2014)
74). The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (09/16/2014)
75). Sleeping with the Boss (Anderson Brothers #1) by Marissa Clarke (09/17/2014)
76). If I Were You (Inside Out #1) by Lisa Renee Jones (09/25/2014)
77). No More Mr. Nice Guy by Amy Andrews (09/30/2014)
78). Breaking All Her Rules by Maisey Yates (10/01/2014)
79). Getting Off by Abby Green (10/03/2014)
80). Stranded with the Rancher (Texas Cattleman's Club: After The Storm #1) by Janice Maynard (10/07/2014)
81). Her Wicked Heart (Her Wicked Heart #1) by Ember Casey (10/08/2014)
82). Beyond Love and Hate (Wardham #3.5) by Zoe York (10/10/2014)
83). What a Duke Dares (Sons Of Sin #3) by Anna Campbell (10/13/2014)
84). Alex (Cold Fury Hockey #1) by Sawyer Bennett (10/15/2014)
85). Moments of Julian (The McCain Saga #2) by Keary Taylor (10/19/2014)
86). Christmas with a SEAL by Tawny Weber (10/21/2014)
87). Tempting Her Fake Fiancé by Julie Particka (10/27/2014)
88). Made for You (The Best Mistake #2) by Lauren Layne (10/30/2014)
89). Tease (The Ivy Chronicles #2) by Sophie Jordan (11/04/2014)
90). Playing to Win (Play By Play #4) by Jaci Burton (11/08/2014)
91). Scandalous Summer Nights Novellas (11/08/2014)
92). Oh, Naughty Night! by Leslie Kelly (11/12/2014)
93). One Hot Night: Three Contemporary Romance Novellas (One Night novellas #1-3) by Noelle Adams (11/13/2014)
94). One Night with her Boss (One Night novellas #4) by Noelle Adams (11/14/2014)
95). Wild (The Ivy Chronicles #3) by Sophie Jordan (11/18/2014)
96). A Last Chance Christmas (Sons of Chance #17) by Vicki Lewis Thompson (11/19/2014)
97). Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins (11/20/2014)
98). Flirting with Love (Love In Bloom #18) by Melissa Foster (11/21/2014)
99). Keeping Mr. Right Now (Kisses In The Sand #1) by Robin Bielman (11/24/2014)
100). Channel 20Something (20Something #1) by Amy Patrick (11/28/2014)
101). The Duality Principle by Rebecca Grace Allen (12/03/2014)
102). Truth or Dare (Dare to Love #1) by Mira Lyn Kelly (12/05/2014)
103). The Surrogate Husband by Wynter Daniels (12/08/2014)
104). Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare #0.5) by Laura Kaye (12/12/2014)
105). Seducing the Princess (Shillings Agency #3) by Diane Alberts (12/15/2014)
106). One Song Away by Molli Moran (12/17/2014)
107). Jilted by Rachael Johns (12/18/2014)
108). Love Thy Neighbor by Sophie Wintner (12/19/2014)
109). Flirting With The Competition by Kerri Carpenter (12/22/2014)
110). Ring in the Holidays (Hunk For The Holidays #2) by Katie Lane (12/23/2014)
111). My First, My Last by Lacey Silks (12/24/2014)
112). Eyes Turned Skyward by Rebecca Yarros
113). Pretending with the Playboy by Tracey Livesay
114). Leo Maddox by Sarah Darlington

How was your 2014?!

December Update at Thoughts

I've decided to do monthly updates instead of weekly updates here at Thoughts. So here's a racap of the month of December for you.

~*Reviews*~

TOTAL: 14

1. The Duality Principle by Rebecca Grace Allen
2. Truth or Dare by Mira Lyn Kelly
3. The Surrogate Husband by Wynter Daniels
4. Dare to Resist by Laura Kaye
5. Seducing the Princess by Diane Alberts
6. One Song Away by Molli Moran
7. Jilted by Rachael Johns
8. Love Thy Neighbor by Sophie Wintner
9. Flirting With The Competition by Kerri Carpenter
10. Ring in the Holidays by Katie Lane
11. My First, My Last by Lacey Silks 
12.  Eyes Turned Skyward by Rebecca Yarros
13. Pretending with the Playboy by Tracey Livesay
14.  Leo Maddox by Sarah Darlington

~*Books Finished*~

TOTAL: 12

1. Seducing the Princess (Shillings Agency #3) by Diane Alberts
2. Touch & Go (Dare to Love #2) by Mira Lyn Kelly
3. Club Luxe 1: The Private Room (Billionaires Underground #1) by Olivia Noble
4. Completely: A Cunningham Family Short Story by Ember Casey
5. Burnin' Up Memphis (Firehouse 69 #1) by Delilah Devlin
6. Eyes Turned Skyward by Rebecca Yarros
7. Pretending with the Playboy by Tracey Livesay
8. The Trouble with Love (Sex, Love & Stiletto #4) by Lauren Layne
9. Snowed In with Her Ex (Brides and Belles #1) by Andrea Laurence
10. The Rules According to Gracie by Stefanie London
11. Thirty Days to Win His Wife (Brides and Belles #2) by Andrea Laurence
12. More Than a Convenient Bride (Texas Cattleman's Club: After the Storm #6) by Michelle Celmer

~*Tours/Blasts/Reveals*~

• It's Release Day for One Song Away by Molli Moran!
• Tasty Virtual Book Tour: Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover: Rule of Scoundrels Book #4 by Sarah MacLean
• Cover Reveal: Longing by Lilly Avalon
• Tasty Virtual Book Tour: The Winner Takes It All: Something New # 2 by Jennifer Dawson
• Blog Tour: Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie - Excerpt

~*Otherwise*~

• Stacking the Shelves #32: November Edition
• Write On Review-a-thon (Take Three!): Saturday
• Write On Review-a-thon (Take Three!): Sunday
• Stocking Your E-Reader Sale!

~*As for me...*~

Well, I got a new job! I'm making fruit arrangements for a living now. It's actually a lot of fun to do, and the people I work with are super awesome and funny. Also? It's NOT pharmacy! So, score!

I've got a lot of projects going on--Etsy and eBay selling mostly. Which hasn't been going according to plan. I originally thought I had a decent amount of stuff to sell online. Turns out I underestimated... bigtime. There's a TON of junk around here that I set aside to sell, I just completely forgot about what there was! So I didn't get around to putting anything up for sale on eBay, which is unfortunate since December is a good month for selling online. So, I had to delay the sales until January.

Otherwise, not much else happening around here to report! One thing I do have to say? Totally looking forward to 2015! Almost here. <3

And that's about it! I hope everyone's been having a great year!

Stocking Your E-Reader Sale! #giveaway

Check it! I'm pleased to present a nice little list of books you can get your hands on for the low, low cost of either 99¢ or--wait for it--FREE! How cool is that?

Even cooler? Both of my books are 99¢! That's right--you can get a copy of If Only We or Not Until Tonight for just ninety-nine pennies. Talk about a deal. Not only that, but there are A LOT of other AMAZING books available as super deals.

~Just CLICK HERE to find some super amazing awesomesauce deals~

Buy If Only We on Amazon

Buy Not Until Tonight on Amazon

Review: Leo Maddox by Sarah Darlington

Title: Leo Maddox
Author: Sarah Darlington
Published: November 25th 2014
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

The one. The only. Leo Maddox.

Leo’s cocky. He’s mean. He’s gorgeous. He’s never learned the meaning of the word no. He’s the twenty-one-year-old, billionaire grandson of a hotel mogul. He has vacation homes he’s never been to and cars he doesn’t drive. Women. Fashion. Alcohol. There’s nothing he can’t get. Well…almost nothing.

He can’t have her. The girl he loves. The girl he’s loved his entire life. She hates him. Until one morning when Leo wakes up and decides enough is enough. He’s going to get the only girl he’s ever wanted. So what if she has a new boyfriend. So what if she loathes his very existence. Clara belongs with him and he’s going to prove it to her by winning her heart.

This New Adult Romance is told entirely from Leo Maddox’s POV. It can be read before, after, or in place of He Belongs With Me.

My Thoughts:

After thoroughly enjoying He Belongs With Me, I was super stoked to read the story from Leo's point-of-view. He's one of those guys where appearances are very deceiving, and you want to just cuddle with him. So, yeah, definitely loved hearing his side to the story!

The story is told parallel to He Belongs With Me, so everything is relatively familiar, we just get to see some of the things only Leo saw, and thought. I loved seeing his feelings for Clara bloom further as she starts to discover the new side to Leo. His adoration for her is beyond what you could even imagine, and watching it all unfold was so sweet.

Leo Maddox was a great retelling of the original story. He's hard not to love, and so it the story! If you want to know which one you should read first, I'd like to say He Belongs With Me so you can get everything from Clara and Maggies POV, but I think I liked hearing Leo's a little more. Either way, Sarah Darlington has penned another great story!

My Rating:

Review: Pretending with the Playboy by Tracey Livesay

Title: Pretending With The Playboy
Author: Tracey Livesay
Published: December 29th 2014
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

Commitment makes you weak. It's playboy Carter Richardson's motto. The only exception to the rule is his aunt, and when Carter learns she's terminally ill, he rushes to her bedside. Filled with fear and guilt—and desperate to ease his aunt's mind—Carter does the only thing a guy could do...he panics and blurts out that he's engaged to his aunt's enticing protegée.

Lauren Olsen has already had her heart crushed once by Carter. Against her better judgment, she agrees to keep up appearances—until Carter makes their “engagement” public in order to protect the family business. Now Lauren's torn between obeying her conscience, and obeying her desire. Because while she could never trust the womanizing Carter she once knew, she seems to be falling for the man beneath the playboy...

My Thoughts:

I've read a few of these "pretending to be engaged and then falling for each other" tales and I always seem to love them. This one is definitely another good one!

Carter's attempt to make things better for his dying aunt by saying he's engaged to Lauren was an adorable scene. It's all supposed to be just for show, but they have to play it up, right? Can't pretend to be engaged without a few kisses here and there. And so what if they're amazing kisses, and neither one of them want to stop? Yeah, that's the stuff. I loved seeing Carter grow and watch the two of them follow their hearts.

Pretending With The Playboy is an cute play on the fake fiancé trope. Carter and Lauren are loveable and so sweet together. I would love to see what else Tracey Livesay writes!

My Rating:

Review: Eyes Turned Skyward by Rebecca Yarros

Title: Eyes Turned Skyward
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Published: December 8th 2014
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

Since her sister's death, twenty-year-old Paisley Donovan, who shares her sister’s heart condition, is treated like delicate glass by her parents. But nothing will stop her from completing her Bucket List—even if it kills her. And it almost does, until Jagger Bateman pulls her from the ocean and breathes more than air into her lungs—he sets her soul on fire.

Jagger is enrolled in the country's toughest flight school. He's wickedly hot, reckless, and perfect for a girl looking to live life to the fullest. Except that Paisley is the commanding general's daughter, and her boyfriend is Jagger's biggest rival. Now Paisley must decide just how much to risk for a guy who makes her heart pound a little too hard.

They're flying through dangerous territory—and one wrong move could make them crash and burn...

My Thoughts:

When I picked this one up, I knew it would be a somewhat heavy and intense read with the medical issues (and control issue due to them) at play. I just had no idea the kind of intense it would be--how emotional and touching.

Paisley has a heart condition--one that killed her sister--and she's bound and determined to do all these things her sister wanted to do. After Jagger saves her life and they become friends, it's only a matter of time before their attraction becomes too much. They share an extremely hot kiss (like a real fan yourself kiss), bringing Paisley to a crossroads. There's still the boyfriend, Will, in the picture, and he's not willing to just go away. However, Paisley wants to live her life as she chooses. Unfortunately, her heart condition could always come to the surface and ruin whatever choice she makes.

Eyes Turned Skyward is an absolutely heartwarming and beautiful read. Paisley and Jagger together are something inspirational--Paisley, so full of life and tenacious, and Jagger, willing to become a better person and becoming one. All I can say is, hellooooo swoon when it comes to him. After the wonder of this book, reading the other novel by Rebecca Yarros, Full Measures, is definitely higher up on my priority list.

My Rating:

Review: My First, My Last by Lacey Silks

Title: My First, My Last
Author: Lacey Silks
Published: July 21st 2014
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

Fate has kept them apart for twenty years.
Their roads hadn't crossed and the stars didn't align until now...

Matured, more experienced, pierced, tattooed and hot as hell, Adrian steps back into Mia's life to reclaim his first love.

And the moment she sees him she can't even remember her own name.

Adrian Reed had always remained in Mia's heart. After all, he was her first boyfriend and the man she'd lost her virginity to, but that was twenty years ago. His sudden appearance at a bar, on a girls night out, has Mia acting like the fifteen year old girl she was when they parted.

But life now is not as simple as it was twenty years ago. With two kids, a hopeful ex-husband and new insecurities, Mia finds opening up to a new relationship more challenging.

Will she give her first love another chance, or will she push him away, this time for good?

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved the first two books in the Layers trilogy, so when this one was out, I was very excited to read about new characters by the talented Lacey Silks. And this heartwarming story about second chances really showcased the author's talent.

Mia and Adrian have been through a lot since they first fell for each other years ago. Their lives have changed dramatically--marriage and children and divorce. But they're here now, and their feelings that were long buried have resurfaced. Is it possible for them to get their second chance? It's worth a chance, right? Watching the two of them draw closer again was the sweetest thing. It's a slow burn, and the love is still there, blossoming all over again.

My First, My Last is a touching story about old love becoming new again. I loved the premise, and I love the idea of their love never dying. As the story neared the end, I was on the edge of my seat, hoping for everything to turn out okay. Lacey Silks never ceases to amaze with her stories. If you haven't picked up a book by her, you definitely need to get one and see how great she is.

My Rating:

Review: Ring in the Holidays by Katie Lane

Title: Ring in the Holidays
Author: Katie Lane
Published: September 30th 2014
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
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Caution: May contain spoilers

THE BEST NEW YEAR'S EVE . . . EVER
Psychologist Ellie Simpson is about to get a healthy dose of sex therapy. Leaving her cheating boyfriend behind, she has everything she needs for a quick rebound: Vegas, plenty of champagne, and a proposition from the sexiest man she's ever seen. As her handsome stranger helps her ring in the New Year-over and over again-Ellie finds herself blissfully losing all of her inhibitions.

Attorney Matthew McPherson is good at making women lose things, like their minds and underwear. With his athletic build and soulful eyes, he doesn't need to use his powers of persuasion or famous last name to get a woman into bed. But when morning comes, Matthew finds Ellie is the only woman he can't bear to leave-ever. It's enough to make him wonder if what happens in Vegas really has to stay there.

My Thoughts:

This story kind of pulls you in from the beginning by the absolute ridiculousness of how Ellie and Matthew meet. And honestly, the way their relationship progressed felt a little like it was all over the place...but I couldn't stop reading! There was just something about the two of them together that you couldn't help but love, and the chemistry was there. I liked how psychology was thrown into the mix, and how both Ellie and Matthew can't deny their feelings.

Ring in the Holidays is a super cute romantic tale. It surrounds the romance with family and love and all the cozy feelings of the winter months. I enjoyed seeing the story play out right up until the end. I'm quite interested in the rest of the Hunk for the Holidays series by Katie Lane!

My Rating:

Review: Flirting With The Competition by Kerri Carpenter

Title: Flirting With The Competition
Author: Kerri Carpenter
Published: October 27th 2014
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
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Caution: May contain spoilers

A satisfying category romance from Entangled's Lovestruck imprint…

The sexiest things happen in confined spaces…

Under normal circumstances, Whitney March might have appreciated sharing an elevator with a ridiculously attractive and clearly wealthy guy. Even enjoyed it. But when her companion turns out to be the man who almost ran her over in parking garage moments earlier? Nope and nope. Besides, she's on her way to a job interview at a prestigious law firm, and she needs to stay focused. Not staring at the rich and sexy jerk. Then the elevator comes to an abrupt stop. They're stuck.

Jordan Campbell has every intention of acing the interview for his dream job, and he's not about to let anything stop him. Not even the sexy, capable, and fiery woman who turns out to be his main competitor he's trapped with. The only thing they have in common is determination to get the job...and an escalating attraction. And it's only a matter of time before these competitors indulge in a very sexy little connection between floors.

My Thoughts:

A whole book where the two main characters are trapped in an elevator where the tension is high? (And I don't mean just the fact that they're competing for the same job. No, I'm talking about the sexual tension...) The answer? Yes, please and thank you very much.

When Whitney and Jordan find themselves trapped in an elevator together, it could be the absolute worst thing that could happen. Despite the very annoyed beginnings, they start to talk and surprisingly begin understanding each other. Even though they should be disliking the other person (considering the circumstances) they find themselves drawn in--and to--each other. It wouldn't mean anything if they kissed, right? Because, they must kiss!

Flirting with the Competition was an absolutely enjoyable ride. I liked to see Whitney and Jordan grow in that short period of time. And then right after, when Jordan has his epiphany, it was just brilliant. You can't find better stories than ones like these by Kerri Carpenter!

My Rating:

Write On Review-a-thon (Take Four!): Sunday #reviewathon

Hello everybody! I found something AMAZING. It's called the Write On Review-a-thon! It's hosted by Brianna at The Book Vixen.


* = NetGalley, Edelweiss, or review book
~ = Book that takes priority for posting end of this month or next month

✓  = Completed

Here's a little check-in post for myself...

~List of books to review~

1. Hothouse Flower by Krista & Becca Ritchie ~
2. The Other Side of Someday by Carey Heywood
3. Changing His Game by Justine Elvira
4. Slade by Victoria Ashley
5. Seven by Claire Kent
6. Stripping the Billionaire by Noelle Adams
7. Wild Attraction by Emma Hart
8. Wild Temptation by Emma Hart
9. The Wedding Favor by Cara Connelly
10. One Night of Scandal (After Hours #2) by Elle Kennedy
11. Night Fever (Night Fever #1) by Jessica Hawkins * ~ ✓
12. Come to Me Quietly (Closer to You #1) by A.L. Jackson ~ ✓ 
13. Still Yours (20Something #2) by Amy Patrick *
14. Playing Doctor by Jan Meredith
15. One Night of Sin (After Hours #1) by Elle Kennedy
16. Taste by Cambria Hebert
17. Touch & Go (Dare to Love #2) by Mira Lyn Kelly * ~ ✓
18. Take You Away: A Novella (Her Wicked Heart #1.5) by Ember Casey * ~
19. Still Me (20Something #3) by Amy Patrick *
20. Everly After by Rebecca Paula * ~
21. Leo Maddox by Sarah Darlington * ~ ✓
22. No Time Like Forever (Wardham #4) by Zoe York * ~ ✓
23. Being Neighborly: a novella by Carey Heywood
24. Completely by Ember Casey * ~ ✓
25. Lost and Found by Ember Casey ~
26. Their Wicked Wedding by Ember Casey * ~
27. Eyes Turned Skyward by Rebecca Yarros * ~ ✓
28. Swept Away by J. Haymore * ~ ✓
29. Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie ~ ✓
30. Snowed In with Her Ex (Brides and Belles #1) by Andrea Laurence * ✓
31. Pretending with the Playboy by Tracey Livesay * ~ ✓
32. The Trouble with Love (Sex, Love & Stiletto #4) by Lauren Layne *

~Completed so far~

1. Eyes Turned Skyward by Rebecca Yarros * ~ ✓ posted to Goodreads
2. Night Fever (Night Fever #1) by Jessica Hawkins * ~ ✓ posted to Goodreads
3. No Time Like Forever (Wardham #4) by Zoe York * ~ ✓ posted to Goodreads
4. Swept Away by J. Haymore * ~ ✓ posted to Goodreads
5. Pretending with the Playboy by Tracey Livesay * ~ ✓ posted to Goodreads
6. Leo Maddox by Sarah Darlington * ~ ✓ posted to Goodreads
7. Completely by Ember Casey * ~ ✓ posted to Goodreads
8. Come to Me Quietly (Closer to You #1) by A.L. Jackson ~ ✓ posted to Goodreads
9. Snowed In with Her Ex (Brides and Belles #1) by Andrea Laurence * ~ ✓ posted to Goodreads
10. Touch & Go (Dare to Love #2) by Mira Lyn Kelly * ~ ✓ posted to Goodreads
11. Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie ~ ✓ posted to Goodreads

~To format and set up~

1. Calling California (Hunter Hill University #1) by J.P. Grider
2. Mending Michael (Hunter Hill University #2) by J.P. Grider
3. Pretending with the Playboy by Tracey Livesay ✓
4. Swept Away by J. Haymore ✓
5. Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie ✓
6. Snowed In with Her Ex (Brides and Belles #1) by Andrea Laurence ✓
7. Hope Burns (Hope #3) by Jaci Burton
8. The Rules According to Gracie by Stefanie London ✓
9. The Trouble with Love (Sex, Love & Stiletto #4) by Lauren Layne ✓
10. Courting Trouble by Kimberly Dean ✓
11. Kiss the Sky by Krista & Becca Ritchie ✓

~Formatted & Set Up~

1. Pretending with the Playboy by Tracey Livesay
2. Swept Away by J. Haymore
3. The Rules According to Gracie by Stefanie London
4. The Trouble with Love (Sex, Love & Stiletto #4) by Lauren Layne
5. Courting Trouble by Kimberly Dean
6. Kiss the Sky by Krista & Becca Ritchie
7. Snowed In with Her Ex (Brides and Belles #1) by Andrea Laurence
8. Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie

~Add on for Mini Reviews~

Review to be Copied/Written:

1. The Billionaire's Paradigm: His Absolute Purpose by Cerys du Lys ✓ posted to Goodreads
2. Domino Effect by Jill Elaine Hughes ✓ posted to Goodreads
3. Elevator Heat by B.D. Rowe ✓ posted to Goodreads
4. Reining Men by Em Petrova ✓ posted to Goodreads
5. Club Luxe 1: The Private Room (Billionaires Underground #1) by Olivia Noble
6. Burnin' Up Memphis (Firehouse 69 #1) by Delilah Devlin

Formatted:

1. The Billionaire's Paradigm: His Absolute Purpose by Cerys du Lys ✓
2. Domino Effect by Jill Elaine Hughes ✓
3. Elevator Heat by B.D. Rowe ✓
4. Reining Men by Em Petrova ✓
5. Club Luxe 1: The Private Room (Billionaires Underground #1) by Olivia Noble ✓
6. Burnin' Up Memphis (Firehouse 69 #1) by Delilah Devlin ✓

~Completed~

Review Copied/Written:

1. The Billionaire's Paradigm: His Absolute Purpose by Cerys du Lys
2. Domino Effect by Jill Elaine Hughes
3. Elevator Heat by B.D. Rowe
4. Reining Men by Em Petrova

Formatted:

1. The Billionaire's Paradigm: His Absolute Purpose by Cerys du Lys
2. Domino Effect by Jill Elaine Hughes
3. Elevator Heat by B.D. Rowe
4. Reining Men by Em Petrova
5. Club Luxe 1: The Private Room (Billionaires Underground #1) by Olivia Noble
6. Burnin' Up Memphis (Firehouse 69 #1) by Delilah Devlin

I managed to complete a total of 11 reviews and format and set up 8, plus started on my mini reviews! So all in all, this was definitely what I was going for.

How did your reviewing go this weekend? How many reviews were you able to write?