Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling. Discover the story that garnered more than two million reads online.

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other. Originally only available online as The Office by tby789—and garnering over two million reads on fan fiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release.

3 stars
I received a copy of Beautiful Bastard courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.

Beautiful Bastard is about Bennett Ryan, a COO at his families media firm, and his assistant/intern Chloe. They bicker and annoy each other, but are also fiercely attracted to one another. After working together for 9 months, the sparks burst into a full on raging flame, and boy is it hot! As far as the story goes, there isn't much to it, aside from them having lots and lots, and LOTS of sex. Some of the other reviews I read mentioned something along the lines of this being a fan fiction of Twilight. I just don't see it. Fifty Shades, yep, but this, nope. Either way, it didn't really matter to me. I wasn't reading Beautiful Bastard because of literary appreciation, I read it because I wanted to indulge in some mindless smut. I was not disappointed!
~Mandy

Divergent by Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series--dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

4 stars
I decided to finally give into the hype of the dystopian YA books a couple months ago, and read The Hunger Games. Of course it was a toss up of starting that one vs Divergent, but I figured I'd get to both of them soon enough. And then I had to wait a bit before starting Divergent, because I didn't want to be comparing the two. I mean, let's be honest- Divergent has Tobias/Four, but Hunger Games has Peeta AND Gale. So I waited until I couldn't hold off any longer, and I loved it! Divergent was fun! It has the under dog learning how to kick some ass and take some names, as well as beat the system! Anyone that read this book was rooting for Tris from the beginning! She was the little Amish-type girl that could! I did find the idea that in order to prove you were Dauntless, you also had to sort of give up common sense. I mean, jumping off a moving train onto a building 7 stories down isn't really brave, it's stupid! But I can see how people would mix the two up. Anyway, I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Insurgent, and see how the shake up of factions turns out.
~Mandy

A Handful of Heaven by Kristin Hannah

Yukon Territory was a gold miner's heaven, and Devon O'Shea had come to claim her share. But instead of a thriving store in a boom town, Devon discovered she was part owner of a filthy, disorganized tent with a bunch of gold diggers and a mountainous slap of animosity for a partner: Stone Man McKenna. Gathering mop, pail and sheer determination, Devon vowed to make this post the best in the Yukon Territory. Stone Man didn't scare her. But his kiss -- a gruff attempt to convince her that the Yukon was no place for a lady -- left her feeling, for the first time in her life, feminine and alive . . .

3 Stars

A Handful of Heaven is Kristin Hannah's debut novel, and after reading a few of her newer books, it was obvious to me. She has come a long way! Set in the winter/spring of 1896 in the Yukon Territory of Alaskan wilderness, Devon applies to become a partner at a trading post for Stone Man. Except Devon was picturing a city, and ends up in a tent city out in the sticks! Stone Man wants nothing to do with Devon, because he was expecting a HE and got a SHE instead, and everyone knows, Alaskan gold mining towns are no place for ladies (unless you're a whore, of course) and Devon is surely a lady. The two bicker and fight and obviously fall in love, but both are too stubborn to tell the other how they feel. Made me want to reach thru the pages and shake them to be perfectly honest. Of course, it wouldn't be a great romance without the trials and tribulations, so no surprise we got a happy ending. Not bad, but not her best by far. Solid 3 stars.

~Mandy

All In (The Blackstone Affair 2) by Raine Miller

 
THIS IS BOOK TWO IN The Blackstone Affair TRILOGY.  THE BOOKS ARE NOT STAND ALONE.  If you have not read Naked (Part 1) then you need to go back and do that first.  *Raine is just looking out for you to ensure you a positive reading experience*

All In, The Blackstone Affair, Part 2

Ethan Blackstone has problems.  He's broken the trust of the woman he loves and she's left him because of it.  Ethan isn't giving up though -- he's determined to get his girl back.  Their passion together was explosive, but their secrets are even darker and more frightening.  With political threats directed at Brynne, Ethan has no choice but to fight for her, to win her love, and to protect her from the very dangers that could take her away from him forever.  He's willing to risk everything to have Brynne and to keep her safe.  He'll go all in...

3 Stars

I received a copy of All In: The Blackstone Affair 2 courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher.

All in starts out where Naked left off, Brynne found out Ethan was hired by her father to protect her, and she walked out on him. Ethan is a wreck without Brynne, because he realizes how much she means to him, more than any other woman has before. After reading a bit of poetry, Ethan tries to make it right with Brynne, and luckily for him, she agrees to try again, with full disclosure. 

I'm not sure if it was because the story was told from Ethan's point of view or what, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I liked it, don't get me wrong. It had plenty of steamy scenes, the plot line evolved, but Ethan just seemed so...obsessed. Or something along those lines. It was obvious from Brynne that he was a bit possessive, but Ethan just brought it all out there. Maybe it was because of her safety, on top of the Olympics he was doing security for (which he really didn't seem to be doing much work for) who knows? I want to see where the story ends up, and the preview of Wide Eyes Open seems to be in Brynne's POV. I'm pretty sure I've guessed some of the surprises, but want to be proved right.

~Mandy

Fragile Eternity (Wicked Lovely #3) by Melissa Marr

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone - but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her - but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.


In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

4 Stars

Fragile Eternity was a great read. Yet again, I could not put the book down. The deeper I get into this series, the more I want to see this made into a miniseries. Marr's vision is perfectly executed and I can picture each character beautifully. My favorite character thus far is Niall. He is the one I am most rooting for in the books. Bananach is evil incarnate, but I love how she is portrayed. I don't think I will ever look at a crow the same way again. The story is enthralling and I can honestly say I am a fan of Melissa Marr.

~Kat

Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely #2) by Melissa Marr

Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance among the Faery Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow.

Seventeen-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.

The tattoo does bring changes--not the kind Leslie has dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faery world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils. . . .

4 Stars

I was a little concerned at first when I saw the main character had changed, however to my surprise, I was sucked in and couldn't put the book down. Loved it as much as the first. Definitely an awesome series.

~Kat

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty--especially if they learn of her Sight--and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost--regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale.

4 Stars

I completely loved this book. I couldn't put it down and it was 3am. The story is compelling, exciting, and romantic. The characters are lovable, believable, and complicated. Marr does an amazing job creating a beautiful and complex world. Loved it. Really needed to go to bed, but really wanted to start the second... Decisions decisions.

~Kat