[Review] Addicted To You ~ Krista & Becca Ritchie

She’s addicted to sex. He’s addicted to booze…the only way out is rock bottom.

No one would suspect shy Lily Calloway’s biggest secret. While everyone is dancing at college bars, Lily stays in the bathroom. To get laid. Her compulsion leads her to one-night stands, steamy hookups and events she shamefully regrets. The only person who knows her secret happens to have one of his own.

Loren Hale’s best friend is his bottle of bourbon. Lily comes at a close second. For three years, they’ve pretended to be in a real relationship, hiding their addictions from their families. They’ve mastered the art of concealing flasks and random guys that filter in and out of their apartment.

But as they sink beneath the weight of their addictions, they cling harder to their destructive relationship and wonder if a life together, for real, is better than a lie. Strangers and family begin to infiltrate their guarded lives, and with new challenges, they realize they may not just be addicted to alcohol and sex.

Their real vice may be each other. 

New Adult Romance recommended for readers 18+ for mature content

Goodreads | Amazon

Aly's Review
“Our selfishness wedges between us. Neither of us is willing to give up what we love for each other. Not yet. And I’m not sure what it’s going to take to let go of our addictions.” - Addicted To You. *whooosh*  me being blown away by the truth in there.

Addicted To You by Krista & Becca Ritchie is not just a love story. It is a story of addiction and personal demons. It is a story of family and how much we hurt those we love. Because Addicted To You shows important lessons we romantics need to learn: sometimes love is not enough.

He's addicted to alcohol.
She's addicted to sex.
They are self destructive, a bomb just ticking. But bombs will always have collateral damage. As much as you try to blow up alone, someone's bound to get hurt. This novel is a full display of that.

“Our love should have mended all the pain and the hurt. Instead, we’re met with more complications, more consequences, more frowns and furrowed brows.” ~ Addicted To You


Lily has a problem. Sex is her constant - and always will be. Her life is made up of a string of forgettable one night stands. But her best friend Lo pushes her, forces her to see that HE is there. Their "relationship" doesn't have to be fake.

Loren "Lo" Hale has a problem. Alcohol is the only thing he could depend on. It is his crutch, his lover, his friend. He has the worst temper and could say such hurtful words. But the only person Lo could really love is Lily.

What I loved about this book is its cynicism and evasion. Lily and Lo hated the world and lived in their own bubble. They hated each other's addictions but had to deal with it. They were broken and lost in their addictions. A typical love story would be them getting together, then POOF, bye bye demons. But it wasn't like that.

 It made it harder.

They didn't WANT to change or give up what they had. Their love for each other wasn't enough because they didn't love themselves. It took self acceptance, love for themselves, and reality to really change. This was a heartfelt book that didn't make the effort to sugarcoat the hardships with addiction.

There were a few editing issues though. Just a few. The following are some of the problems I've found:
-Discrete vs discrete
-Taught vs taut (this seems to be really common among authors)
-Lauren vs Loren (weird, since this is the main character's name)
-People, persons
I know, I'm being so picky. It's just a bit bothering, so it's a personal thing. Read it though. The quality of this NA book surpassed my expectations.

4 whiskeys!

Oh! And it's really cute how they both start with the letter L. For loooove. Haha. Ha. Ha. Kay.

LL (love and... L...?) okay, bye,

Aly

[Review] Theirs To Play ~ Kenya Wright

Two billionaire brothers enjoy twisted games where women are the sport. They find a female, date her, and compete to see who can bed her first. 

Too bad they picked the wrong one this time. Dawn's too smart for their verbal play and too quick to get trapped by clever ploys. 

The more the brothers work to capture her heart, the more they discover she might not be theirs to play.

Buy Links

Amazon

Aly's Review

Dawn. Oh, Dawn. Swooooon.

Okay, just kidding. But Dawn IS pretty hot. She isn't your conventional storybook heroine with typical cliches. There was no lovesick girl with delusions in this book. Dawn was sure of herself and what she wanted. She didn't fall for the sappy lines or put up with the crap that was given to her.
She was my ideal heroine - one that was long needed in the NA genre.

The best feature in Theirs To Play was the characters. They were well developed and had layers of complexity. They were the type to laugh with and get frustrated with. Kenya Wright has an obvious talent with writing, a strong and clear voice apart from the typical characters.

The love triangle (yes, there were two guys and the possibility of another one in the end. Oops. Spoiler!) was one of the good ones I've read. There's a fine line in books with love triangles, and Ms. Wright balanced herself pretty well.

Of course, no book is unblemished. I read in Goodreads that Wright had impeccable writing style, grammar, spelling, and composition. I decided to watch out for those common errors that authors tend to make. There was the occasion misspelled word (site instead of sight, taut instead of taught, its instead of it's). This was a huge turn off, especially in the steamy scenes. There were around eight of these errors - which aren't all that bad compared to the others I've read.

Despite its flaws, Theirs To Play is a definite must-read. If you're looking for an independent, strong heroine in a love triangle, I strongly suggest you read this book. A definite warning for you though; it has a "cliffy" in the end. Good luck with that, if you're planning to read it.

Always reading,

Aly

5 Money Bills

[Blog Tour - Review & Giveaway] Only For You ~ Genna Rulon

Tour Schedule

“In its purest form love is self-sacrificing, eternal, selfless, enduring, truthful, forgiving and indulgent. It also feels an awful lot like a kick to the stomach when you try to fight it!“

All Everleigh Carsen wanted to do was complete her final semester at Hensley University and begin the life she carefully planned.

When a wave of violent crime seizes campus, Everleigh is persuaded to attend a school sponsored self-defense seminar by her best friend, where she meets volunteer instructor, Hunter Charles. After Everleigh’s biting sarcasm induces Hunter to eject her from class, a tempestuous relationship is born.

Everleigh is determined to forget the striking man, but fate–that fickle shrew–continuously intervenes. Unable to escape him, she declares Hunter an enemy combatant. The only complication… Hunter is resolutely pursuing vindication…by any means necessary. Verbal warfare ensues, and despite Everleigh’s ingenious efforts, in Hunter, she has finally found her equal.

Only For You is a compelling tale of friendship, desire, and redemption--brimming with intelligent characters, witty dialogue, unexpected twists, profound sorrow, unfettered hope, and love’s unassailable perseverance.

Note:  Although this is series, each novel can be read as a stand alone.

Buy links:

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK

Aly's Review

Only For You was an interesting book. It was set in college like your typical NA novel, but it had a touch of thriller. Though a bit obvious who the antagonist was, Genna Rulon wrote the scenarios very well.

The characters were pretty decent. They were interesting and had a good mix of good and bad qualities.

I would say this book is something "decent." I did love how it showed Hunter and Ev's love story and how it grew. It was a tad too long and tended to drag off in some parts.

Albeit all it's flaws, Only For You is a good book to read and simply enjoy. It was refreshing from typical sex-by-the-fifth-chapter NA books.

Cramming Everytime, 

Aly

Author Bio:

During her 15 years in the corporate world, Genna, inspired by her love of reading, fantasized about penning her own stories. Encouraged by her favorite authors, many of whom are indie writers and self-published, she committed to pursuing her aspirations of writing her own novels.Genna Rulon is an up and coming contemporary romance author.

Genna was raised in Long Island, New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most amazing family and friends. Married to a wonderful man, who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on, even feigning interest relatively convincingly! Genna is blessed with two little boys who do their best to thwart mommy’s writing time with their hilarious antics and charming extrapolations.

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[Blog Tour - Review,Excerpt & 3 freaking Giveaways] Second Chance Summer ~ Emma Hart

Second Chance Summer by: Emma Hart

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Love Game and Playing for Keeps is a story of hope and the beauty of getting a second chance at the kind of love that comes once in a lifetime…

“You don’t get a love like ours and get to leave it behind.”

Kia James was never meant to return to her hometown of Harlan Grove, Alabama… But she has.

And Reese Pembleton was definitely not supposed to still be in love with her the way she is him… But he is.

Last summer was the summer to end all summers. It was the summer they both fell in too deep to get out, and try as she might, Kia can’t deny that whatever was there between them a year ago is still there. If she’s honest with herself, there’s so much more there than there ever was, but the way her dad walked out six years ago has shattered her belief of that fairytale love every girl craves.

Reese isn’t giving up so easily. His biggest mistake was not chasing after Kia the way he wanted to when she upped and left him without a word. Despite what she says, he knows her better than anyone, and he knows she still wants him the way he wants her. And this time, nothing will stop him from getting – and keeping – his girl.

But nothing is that easy. When Kia’s dad arrives back in town, family secrets come tumbling out she never realized existed. Everything her mom has ever told her about the reason he left is a lie – but how can she trust the man who, by his own admission, didn’t fight for her as hard as he could have?

With her past and present wants and needs colliding, Kia is thrown into the turmoil of the biggest decisions of her life. And she realizes, sometimes a second chance is all you need.

Buy it now: Only 99c!

Amazon US / Amazon UK / B&N / iTunes / Kobo

Aly's Review:

Second Chance Summer (SCS) by Emma Hart was a good-slash-okay read. I've read her Never Forget series, so I was pretty excited for this one.

There was nothing really wrong with this book. Emma's writing was flowing; she's an obviously experienced writer. What needed some work was the pace. It was a little too slow for me. It became the type of book you'd pick up then stop and read again. It wasn't "un-put-downable." (Making up my own words here. Never claimed I was an author.) It was a sweet southern read of first loves and second chances. Although, I would definitely read the second book. If you're planning to start on Emma Hart's books, I do suggest trying the Never Forget series first.

Love,
Aly

3.5 Treehouses

(Can't remember Aly's reason for treehouses. I have horrible memory - Jasmine)

I think it's something about it being their hideout:D

Excerpt:


“Shit! Kia!” Reese calls after me. “I didn’t mean it like that!”
I ignore him and keep walking. Step, step, step. Keep going, Kia, don’t stop for him. His hand grabs my arm, and I turn, yanking my arm back as I near where his truck is parked.
“What, Reese? You’ve made it clear last summer was a mistake. You’re right. It was. It was just a whirlwind mess between two people who had no idea what they wanted from life.”
“I didn’t mean it like it came out. I just meant I didn’t want you to hate this place because of me.”
“I don’t hate it because of you.” I look at him and laugh bitterly. Shadows play across his face in the darkness. “I hate this place because of what it means to me.”
“What does it mean, Kia? Tell me.” He loosens his grip on my arm; his thumb gently stroking my skin.
“It means nothing,” I say quietly, stepping back. “Nothing.”
“You’re lying,” Reese steps closer and holds my other arm. “If it meant nothin’, you wouldn’t be running from me.”
“I’m not running from you! Why would I be? One summer, that’s all we had.”
“Is it?” he asks quietly. “One summer? Is that really all we had? Do you think my feelings disappeared the way you did? Do you think they upped and went in the middle of the night just like you?”
“I never said that-”
“‘Cause they damn well didn’t!”
“Rumor has it you’re seein’ someone, or have you forgotten that?” I throw back at him.
“Maybe I don’t care about her. The person I care about is front of me.”
“After eleven months? Why don’t I believe you?”
“Let me show you. Make you believe me.”
I shake my head. “You’re so fucking funny.” I pull myself from his grip and move toward my car, passing his truck.
“Am I?” he growls, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward him. My back hits the door of his truck, and he stops in front of me. He places his hands either side of my head, his face bent into mine. “Am I funny, Kia? Really?”
My heart is pounding furiously at his nearness, and I push at his arm. My blood is thundering through my body, my breathing coming hard and fast. I can feel the warmth emanating from his body. I want more. I need more. I want to feel his body pressed against mine, even if it’s just for a second. I need to feel it.
His hazel eyes collide with mine, and I can see he feels the same. It’s been a year. He still feels it. I still feel it.
“Jokes usually are funny,” I retort, trying to move away from him in an attempt to regain control of my body.
His mouth crashes into mine, his lips molding to mine. One of his hands cups the side of my head, the other resting on my waist. I grab his shirt when he nips my bottom lip. My mouth opens, and his tongue meets mine, stroking it in a gentle caress. Our bodies push together, and I drink him in, kissing him greedily.
Now, I remember. I remember why I can’t fight it. Why I’m powerless. Why, at nineteen, he is all there is.
I open my eyes as our mouths part. His lips are hovering over mine, close enough they could touch mine again, but they don’t. In the small gap between us all,I feel is the chilling night air where, just seconds ago, there was nothing but heat.
“Am I funny now, Kia?” he breathes, still holding my face.
“Yep,” I whisper, my voice slightly shaky. “You’re fucking hilarious.”
Reese’s hand leaves my waist and tugs the door open. “Then you better get in the truck so you can find out exactly how not funny I am.”
“I’m not...”
“Get in,” he growls, his eyes promising me a fight.
“No,” I say, pushing him back. I shake my head. “No.”
“What?”
I walk around him and away from him, walking backward. I shake my head, everything warring inside me. “I… No, Reese. I can’t.”
“Kia?” he calls.
“That…” I take a deep breath and stop at my car. “That shouldn’t have happened.”

Author Bio:

By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies – usually wine – and writes books.
Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.
She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.

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Giveaway Time!! (When I think about it saying time is kinda lame.) :D

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[Review] Eleanor and Park ~ Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park was so sweet. It's lighthearted, heartwarming, and a great read.

Even the blurb showed you a glimpse of Eleanor and Park's relationship.

Eleanor is the new girl in town, and with her chaotic family life, her mismatched clothes and unruly red hair, she couldn't stick out more if she tried.

Park is the boy at the back of the bus. Black T-shirts, headphones, head in a book - he thinks he's made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor... never to Eleanor.

Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall for each other. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're young, and you feel as if you have nothing and everything to lose.

What I loved about the book was that it was REAL. Because as much as we'd like to believe it, love isn't always at first sight. It showed what teenagers feel and HOW teenagers love.

The characters were the best part of the story (apart from the mix tapes). Eleanor wasn't your typical girl. She's bent but not broken. She was independent and her own character. She was confident but not stick thin. Gotta give the girl some credit for that. Park is moody and imperfect. He was a flawed, yet a great first love.

The ending though... RAINBOW ROWELL'S GOTTA WORK ON OTHER ENDINGS. I've read ROWELL'S other books and the endings have always been a cliffhanger. Ones that make you go die. Go die after it. I did.

Just read it. READ IT. It's a great book about first loves and living in the fantasy and reality of real life. Eleanor and Park. El and Park. Aly and Park.  Heehee.

Book Crazy
Aly 
XOXO (Just to piss her off - Jasmine:D)

This Jasmine and I just wanna comment. The ending was pure freaking torture!!! K. that's all.:D

[Release Day Review and GIVEAWAY!!:D] One To Hold ~ Tia Louise

Get ready to HEAT UP Oct. 9!

On Amazon

Early Readers say...

"One to Hold is One to buy! Holy mother of god is Derek Alexander HOT!!!!" --Karrie, Panty Dropping Book Blog

"Brilliant.Absolutely brilliant.Will have you waiting up at night for your husband so you can recreate scenes." --Magan Vernon, author of The Only One

"Beautiful, meaningful and extremely sexy. Tia Louise created an amazing story that hooked me and kept me guessing." --Patricia, Smokin' Hot Book Blog

"A sexy read with just the right amount of drama. Louise's characters pulled me in and didn't let go." --Kate Roth, author of The Low Notes

"Well paced, well written, steamy and downright exciting." --Jennifer Kyle, Goodreads reviewer

"Super HOT, AMAZING chemistry, and a really great story line."--Jamie~Book Boyfriend Ho, Goodreadsreviewer 

***WARNING: Mature themes, strong language and sexual content. Recommended for adult readers (18+) only!***

Derek Alexander is an ex-Marine, ex-cop, and the top investigator in his field. Melissa Jones is a small-town girl trying to escape her troubled past.

When the two intersect in a bar in Arizona, their sexual chemistry is off the charts. But what is revealed during their "one week stand" only complicates matters.

Because she'll do everything in her power to get away from the past, but he'll do everything he can to hold her.

Note: Stand-alone, M/F, HEA.

Review:

Tia Louise knows how to write. There’s no doubt about that, folks. Her grammar and spelling is impeccable, unlike other indie authors. The plot was interesting. When my friend gave this book to me for a review, I was EXCITED. It was my first ARC, plus the cover was cute. I had high hopes for this one.

But this book was a disappointment to me. *insert sad face* sigh.

Okay, I’m female. I can admit. Derek Alexander was pretty hot. The facial hair and smoldering eyes got me. He emanated Alpha. They had sexual chemistry, all right. The cover spoke of their sexy relationship.

But to me, that was it. Their relationship was all sexy and steamy but the readers don’t get to feel the growth of their love. The introductory part was too fast. I didn’t get to know who Melissa was or had a connection with her before BAM! They were against the wall. (BAM!)

It was written well, but the characters weren’t alive. You don’t fall in love with the hero or the heroine because you don’t know who they are. Though Tia Louise wrote well, she didn’t bring life to the characters.

Only the last 1/3 part of this book was worth it and actually gripped me. Twists were thrown in. And the twist was my favorite part. This showed Melissa’s emotions that you could feel right along with her.

This was a quick read. The scenes were steamy and sexy, if that’s what you’re looking for. But as a reader that prefers romance with her smut, there are other books out there to read. If you want to give Miss Tia Louise a chance to tell you her love story, I have nothing against that. The book had its high points. If Tia Louise were to release a different book, I would read it. She has the ability to write a great and captivating book. And some hot smut.

Xoxo Aly

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | AllRomance | iTunes

* * *

Exclusive excerpt:

On Amazon

I only had a moment to observe how very clean it was before he had me against the wall, pinned by his huge physique.

“You never came.” His voice was a low, husky whisper. “I waited all night.”

My hands rested on his chest, and heat flamed through me with every heartbeat. My eyes traveled up, up, up to his. They were darkened now, and I was certain he was thinking the same thing as me. 

He remembered how fantastically our bodies came together two nights ago. I barely registered him reaching out to lock the door. 

“I’m sorry,” was all I could say.

“When you walked in the restaurant tonight… god, you’re so beautiful.” He spoke against my skin as his lips pressed into my brow, his beard roughing my closed eyelids. “Are you feeling bad?”

“No,” I managed to say despite the heat surging through me as his lips moved to my temple. “I... didn't think I could eat.”

“Good,” he said in a thick voice before covering my mouth with his. Mine opened quickly, drawing him in. Our tongues entwined before his lips moved to my jaw then down my neck. 

"I thought about you all day.” His breath whispered across my skin, and I couldn't stop a surge of desire low in my stomach. “Will you let me have you here?”

“Yes,” I barely spoke, and he dropped to his knees.

He gathered the thin fabric of my dress, shoving it up to my waist as he caught the side of my thong with his thumb.

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* * *

Tia Louise is a former journalist, world-traveler, and collector of beautiful men (who inspire ALL of her stories... *wink*)---turned wife, mommy, and novelist.

It's possible she has a slight truffle addiction. And she will never look at a family restroom the same way again.

One to Hold is her debut adult romance.

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