Miss Construed's Reviews

Reviews of new adult, young adult, and adult contemporary romance novels. http://www.missconstruedsreviews.com/

Review: Him (Him #1) by Carey Heywood

Him - Carey Heywood

 

Synopsis

 

Sarah Miller hasn’t been home in seven years. She thought she could stay away forever. If it wasn’t for her big brother's wedding, that is. Part of her even feels silly for staying away this long. It's not like anyone even knew what happened. Well, except for him.

 

That guy. The one she compared all others to. The one who set the bar so high no other guy after him could even compete. The one who made her feel like anything was possible. The one she thought she would never be good enough for. The one she spent the last seven years trying to forget.


All she needs to do is make it through the next week without running into him.

 

Reading Order: 

Him (#1)

Her (#2)

Him
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Source: http://missconstruedsreviews.com/?p=1338

Review: Star Crossed by Kele Moon + SIGNED INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!

Star Crossed - Kele Moon

 

Synopsis

 

Heavyweight MMA fighter, Romeo Wellings comes from the hard streets of New York where his family ties to the mafia cause him nothing but pain. His life takes a surprising detour when he crosses paths with the twin sister of his long time enemy. After a steamy one-night stand, he faces the fight of his life, but it’s not in the cage. The secret relationship that blooms between Romeo and his real life Juliet has him battling his family and a dark past rather than let her go.

 

The only lawyer in her hometown of Garnet, Jules Conner is also a volunteer Sheriff’s deputy and co-owner of a successful MMA training center. Strong and dependable, Jules is always there for those who need her. Until one forbidden night in Las Vegas with Romeo leaves her feeling so alive she can’t stop reaching out to the sexy, bad boy of MMA, even knowing the forbidden love affair could jeopardize everything.

 

As the tide rises against them and the people they love work at keeping them apart, Romeo and Jules hold onto a dream for a better life together and vow to go down fighting rather than accept a tragic ending.

 

Reading Order:

 

click photo to purchase

 

Defying the Odds (#1) Melody and Clay Review

Star Crossed (#2) Romeo and Jules

Crossing the Line (#3) TBR

 

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Source: http://missconstruedsreviews.com/?p=1705

Review: Defying the Odds (Battered Hearts #1) by Kele Moon

Defying the Odds - Kele Moon

 

 

Synopsis

 

When struggling waitress Melody Dylan gives a handsome, lonely stranger a simple gift she has no clue her life is about to take a drastic turn.The stranger ends up being Clay Powers, a famous UFC heavyweight fighter. Clay’s large build and dangerous fists have always intimidated. People in his hometown keep their distance and Clay is fine with that. Everything changes when a new waitress at the local diner buys him a piece of pie on thanksgiving. Touched by the gesture when it’s obvious she can barely afford to survive, her warm smile and lush body churn up powerful feelings that leave Clay wanting more from her than pie.

 

Melody is running from her past and the small, country town of Garnet is the perfect hiding place. With an ex-husband after her and scars from her abusive marriage etched deep, the last thing she expects is to fall for a man who makes a living with his fists, but she can’t resist Clay or the tender connection they share.

Finding love in the most unlikely of places, the passion is undeniable, but Clay and Melody know their haunted pasts and unpredictable futures leave the odds stacked against them.

 

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: violence.

 

Reading Order:

 

click to purchase

 

Defying the Odds (#1) Melody and Clay

Star Crossed (#2) Romeo and Jules

Crossing the Line (#3) TBR

 

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Source: http://missconstruedsreviews.com/?p=112

The Weekly 'Miss'ive

The weekly

 

 

Whew! What a crazy hectic week here at the Miss's household. After uprooting from my sunny Florida home, I went and landed myself smack dab in the middle of a Kristen Ashley Colorado Mountain town! Seriously. Gorgeous (the views, not necessarily the men ;) )

 

Anywho, there are a lot of great deals going on this week (of course) I hope you find yourself a great book to curl up with and enjoy this lovely weather, wherever you are!

 

$0.99 Sales

 

 

Series Sales

 

Find You in the Dark Series

 

Find You in the Dark (#1)

Cloud Walking (#1.5, Novella about related characters)

Light in the Shadows (#2)

 

.

 

Just Human Series

 

Just Human (#1) on sale for $0.99

Still Human (#2) New release!

 

 Still Human (Just Human, #2)

 

 

The MC Sinners Series

 

Both books in The MC Sinners Series are on sale for $0.99

 

Hell's Knights (#1)

Heaven's Sinners (#2)

 

 

Mid-Life Love Series

 

Mid-Life Love (#1)

Mid-Life Love: At Last (#2)

 

 

Bullet Series - REDUCED!

 

Bullet (#1)

Rock Bottom (#2)

 

 

Breach Series - On sale for $0.99!

 

Breach (#1)

Dissolution (#1.5)

Infraction (#2)

 

 

Gemini Series

 

Gemini (#1) - on sale for $0.99

Jake Undone (#1.5) Spinoff $1.49

 

 

 Rook and Ronin Series

 

Tragic (#1) $0.99

Manic (#2) $0.99

Panice (#3) New Release

 

 

 

Sometimes Never

 

Sometimes Never (#1) $0.99

Blackbird (#1.5) FREE!

Before Now (#2) $0.99

Long After (#3) - New release!

 

 

 

 

New Releases

 

 

Preorders

 

 

Preorder Price Drop - Now $5.69

 

 

 

Review Recap

 

Willing Captive by Belle Aurora. My review.

 

I love it when books catch me off guard. I totally went in to Willing Captive with no expectations and it completely blew me away with it's unique, snarky humor and entertaining story. Willing Captive is not a dark romance and is a standalone with a HEA.

 

“You’re not for the background.” Burying his nose into my hair he mutters, “You deserve center stage.”

 

 

 

 

Bold Tricks  (The Artists Trilogy #3) by Karina Halle. My review.

 

The perfect conclusion to an absolutely thrilling, bite-your-nails trilogy. Full of gun fights, angst, action, and romance told with only the unique style that Karina Halle can pull off. Who does Ellie choose? The sweetheart tattoo artist with an edge, Camden? Or the devil-may-care, slightly crazy, but also wickedly charming drug lord Javier?

 

I feared Javier and what he might do to Camden. I feared Camden and the way he’d changed toward me. I feared myself and the things I might do to try to make sense of it all. 

 

Manic (Rook and Ronin #2) and Panic (Rook and Ronin #3) by JA Huss.

 

Manic review. Panic review.

 

A distinct series that got better with each successive installment. Rook and Ronin's journey spans three novels and I couldn't stop reading. Set around the modeling industry, full of intrigue, action, and romance.

 

I'd never walk out on you, Rook. I'd fight for you every single time. I want you, I'd risk everything for you. 

 

Recommendations

gen rom recbest of 2013

 

 

 

TBR

 

 

 

Rereading

 

ashes to ashes

Source: http://missconstruedsreviews.com/?p=1599

Review: Darkhouse (Experiment in Terror #1) by Karina Halle

Darkhouse - Karina Halle

 

Synopsis

 

With all the vampire, werewolf and faerie books out there, it's easy to become numb to all things supernatural. The antidote? Darkhouse introduces two real and unforgettable characters, Perry Palomino & Dex Foray, amateur ghost hunters who are "attractive, relatable and oddly heroic," "flawed but loveable," "slightly crazy" and just the most endearing pair to ever tackle the paranormal...just don't call them normal.

 

Darkhouse is a thrilling and sexy new take on concepts like Supernatural and The X-Files, bringing a breath of fresh air to a genre that has been inundated with the dead.

 

Reading Order: 

Darkhouse (#1)

Red Fox (#2)

The Benson (#2.5)

Dead Sky Morning (#3)

Lying Season (#4)

On Demon Wings (#5)

Old Blood (#5.5)

The Dex Files (#5.7)

Into the Hollow (#6)

And With the Madness Comes the Light (#6.5)

Come Alive (#7)

Ashes to Ashes (#8) - To be released

Dust to Dust (#9)  - To be released

 

ashes to ashes

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Source: http://missconstruedsreviews.com/?p=104

Review: Willing Captive by Belle Aurora

Willing Captive - Belle Aurora

 

Synopsis

 

Delilah “Lily” Flynn is used to her drab existence. Lily’s been living it for twenty two years. Her boring life is suddenly turned on its head when she’s rudely kidnapped from her bedroom. Or so she thinks.

 

Nox Taylor is far too high up in his field to be assigned a babysitting job. There’s nothing more he wants than to complete his mission so he can be rid of the smartass tomboy, Lily. Day after day, Nox watches Lily and her strange ways. She’s unlike any woman he’s ever met. Getting close to the girl is purely for her own protection…right?

 

Lily never imagined she’d make her first real friends in captivity.

 

What lengths would she go through to keep them?

 

Purchase: Kindle

 

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Flash Giveaway!

Spiral - Mila Ferrera

Flash Giveaway for Spiral by Mila Ferrera. Enter to win a copy of SPIRAL, a recent 6 star read for me. 

To enter, go like her page then come back and comment on the original facebook photo that you've done so. I'll pick a winner tomorrow at noon.

DISCLAIMER - Facebook giveaways are in NO way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. Information collected is NOT collected by Facebook. In signing up for Facebook promotions, participants release and indemnify Facebook from all liability.

 

Source: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=238218426335335&set=a.198765956947249.1073741828.198420136981831&type=1&theater

Review: Panic by JA Huss

review panic
 
 
 

Synopsis

 

Rook is chasing her dream—film school and a chance at a life beyond the one she ran from six months ago. But before she can become the girl she wants to be, she must deal with the girl she left behind.

Ronin is also chasing his dream—a family of his own and a life away from erotic modeling. And he too, has a past he’s trying to forget. A past that makes Rook question everything about their life together.

 

Lies, secrets, and shocking truths will rock the foundation Rook and Ronin have built. Can they put the past behind them and move forward together? Or is this just another too good to be true relationship that will crash and burn in the end?

 

Reading Order:  

 

At the conclusion of Manic we find Rook completing the STURGIS contract and wrapping up the summer having learned many things about herself and her relationship with Ronin. Their trials aren't over, however, because both Rook and Ronin have pasts and there are even more things that they must divulge to each other before they can move on.

 

Though no longer modeling, Rook is working for Spencer on his  new television show - a much less glamorous and lucrative gig as receptionist slash parts delivery girl. Not only that, but she's trying her hand at college, not that it's boosting her confidence any as she's remarkably bad at it.

 

Rooks journey of self discovery and coming to terms with her dark years with Jon continues. Believe it or not there are still more atrocities to be learned from her time with him. Things that could possibly affect her relationship with Ronin.

 

Similarly, the team, Ronin, Ford, and Spencer also haven't told Rook everything about their nefarious partnership. Spencer - the muscle, Ford - the brains, and Ronin - the face, have their own secrets.

 

When these secrets catch up to our favorite couple, will their love be strong enough?

 

panic

 

 

I read this series in rapid succession in preparation for the conclusion. I'm surprised that I was able to stay hooked on the same characters for so long, which is a testament to the author's ability to construct a unique and believable plot.

 

What's most interesting about this series, as I've said before, is it's truly unique premise. I know that Kendall Ryan is writing about the modeling world, but aside from that I've literally never read anything like this. Even though the modeling aspect isn't as in the forefront as in the previous two books, it was still an interesting backdrop.

 

The only thing that detracted from the story for me was almost how easy it's been for Rook and Ronin. I never really feared for their relationship, even though Rook has doubts. I can't really put my finger on it. Maybe because I feel like he and Rook found each other so quickly and she always defers to him. He almost strikes me as a manipulator and I don't really trust whether or not he's being honest with her - even now. He just seems too good to be true and I always like the bad boys which was probably why I was so drawn to Ford and doubtful of Ronin.

 

Aside from being concerned about Rooks welfare - really? how is she mentally sound right now, I love Rook. She's probably one of my favorite female characters ever. In spite of her weaknesses, she's a really strong women and is very real.

The little BDSM was thrown in there in such a new / slight way that I actually wasn't annoyed with it. So many authors are doing this now and unless it feels authentic I get annoyed real easily. So I'm pretty grateful the subject was glossed over and not over emphasized.

 

I truly enjoyed this conclusion to Rook and Ronin's story. Mostly for the fact that it didn't end conventionally and the author didn't force them to do things that would be completely out of character. If you're looking for something unique, well written and definitely with it's fair share of steam, this is a series you want to get!

 

 
Source: http://missconstruedsreviews.com/?p=1344

Review: Bold Tricks by Karina Halle + Giveaway!

Bold Tricks  - Karina Halle

 

Synopsis

 

The Faster They Live, the Harder They Fall . . .

 

Raised by con artists, Ellie Watt has a lot of crazy childhood memories-but none crazier than being scarred with acid by the demented crime boss Travis Raines. Now Ellie is a full-grown woman who lives for revenge, and Travis is a full-blown drug lord who kills for pleasure. The sadistic bastard has kidnapped her good friend Gus as well as her mother, whom he’s been holding as prized possessions in his heavily guarded lair. And Ellie has only one chance in hell of getting them out alive-using two dangerous men who love her to death . . .

 

One is Camden McQueen, a talented tattoo artist who’s made a permanent mark on Ellie’s heart. The other is Javier Bernal, her fiery ex-lover who’s busted more than a few heads in his time. From the crime-ridden streets of Mexico City to the predatory jungles of Honduras, this unlikely trio forms an uneasy alliance in the deadliest game of all-a gun-blazing battle to the finish that will pit enemy against enemy and lover against lover. And Ellie must choose the right man to trust . . . or die.

 

Reading Order

 

(click on photo to link to Amazon)

 

Sins and Needles Review  | Shooting Scars Review

 

Purchase Bold Tricks: Amazon |  Barnes and Noble  | iBooks

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Source: http://missconstruedsreviews.com/?p=1515

The Weekly 'Miss'ive

weekly

 

 

I'm going to be traveling this week so I'll be a touch out of pocket, depending on the reliability of the internet where I'm going. But I couldn't leave without making sure your little one-clicking fingers have been satisfied and WOW at all of the great books on sale / preorder status right now. And I've read a great deal of the new releases, they don't disappoint!

 

$0.99 Sales

 

Reduced Price

 

 

 

New Releases

 

Preorders

 

 

Review Recap

 

The Wager (The Bet #2) by Rachel Van Dyken. My review

 

This is akin to the A Neighbor From Hell series (see review below). Hilarious enemies -> friends -> lovers. Quirky - cute characters and Grandma is a trip! I actually liked this one better than the first book! 

 

I want to ruin you for anyone else’s kisses. I want to brand you as mine. I want to hear you say my name, not because you’re irritated, but because you’re so damn turned on you can’t think straight. I want to do that to you. I want to make you mine.

 

 

Checkmate (A Neighbor From Hell #3) by RL Mathewson. My review

 

 Though this one didn't resonate with me as much as the previous two in the series, it was still a great addition with plenty of humor and hot, hot scenes.

 

When this project was over, he was keeping her, deal or no deal. She belonged with him…This morning he had a taste of what it could be like between them and he’d have to be out of his fucking mind to give that up. 

 

 

Carter Reed by Tijan.  My review

 

Standalone mafia romance. Action, intrigue, mysterious pasts. Deadly men and women who have to make hard choices. Gritty, raw writing that absolutely captivated me. Can Carter save Emma from some bad guy mafia types?

 

A different look settled over him, a cold mask covered his face. He was no longer the Carter I knew, the one who held me and kissed me. This was the one who killed, and as that sunk in, everything changed. Time slowed until every second passed in rhythm with my heartbeat.

 

 

Spiral by Mila Ferrera. My review

 

Oh. My. God. I was so not expecting to love this book as much as I did. I got it by chance as an Amazon freebie and was looking for something chill to read - having known NOTHING about it prior to cracking it open. I fell in love with it. Amazingly crafted, perfect characterization / voice, excellently paced, flawlessly plotted. I was caught up from page one. 

 

I’m scared of a lot of things. That’s no reason not to try.

 

Cover Reveals

 

The Minaldi Legacy

 

 

Recommendations

gen rom recbest of 2013

Source: http://missconstruedsreviews.com/?p=1540

Win a Kindle Paperwhite!

 

Enter to win an ebook set of The Bet Series by Rachel Van Dyken or a Kindle Paperwhite!

Enter -> http://missconstruedsreviews.com/?p=1336
 

Source: http://missconstruedsreviews.com/?p=1336
Reblogged from Miss Construed's Reviews

Spiral by Mila Fererra (FREE on Amazon until tomorrow) 6 STARS

Spiral - Mila Ferrera

 

Synopsis

 

Nessa Cavanaugh, psychology student, knows how to stay on an even keel. Despite the urging of her mother and her academic advisor to get a life and have some fun, “all work and no play” sums up her plan to survive her grueling internship year at a children's hospital. She doesn't want to end up like her father, whose constant ups and downs broke her family, and avoiding unnecessary emotional entanglements is a must.

 

Then she (literally) runs into Dr. Aron Lindstrom in the middle of her disastrous first day on the job. The attraction is instant—and terrifying. Nessa knows she should stay away—especially when she finds out he has a reputation for being a player—but Aron is brilliant, intense, and as sexy as they come. When he challenges her to take a chance on him, her plans to stay focused on work start to crumble.

 

But what begins as passion takes on a dangerous edge, becoming an emotional roller coaster that’s frighteningly familiar. As things spiral out of control, Nessa must decide whether she should hold on for the ride or run … even if it means leaving her heart behind.

 

Purchase: Kindle

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Source: http://bit.ly/1hCZaPz

Carter Reed by Tijan

Carter Reed - Tijan

 

Synopsis

Emma decided to skip the gym and went home early. It was the last easy decision she made because she found her roommate being raped by the boyfriend. She had two choices. Call the cops and be killed by his family’s mafia connections or kill him first and hope to survive.

 

There was no choice to her.

 

She killed the bastard first and went to the one person who could protect her. Carter Reed. He’s a weapon for the rivaling mafia family, but he’s also Emma’s secret. Not only was he best friends with her brother, but she’s the reason he became that weapon in the first place.

 

Standalone mafia romance with no cliffhanger and a resolved ending.

 

Purchase: Kindle

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Source: http://missconstruedsreviews.com/review-carter-reed-by-tijan

New Book!

 

Add to Goodreads! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18529435-illusions-of-a-fairy-tale

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18529435-illusions-of-a-fairy-tale

Natural Law (Nature of Desire #2) by Joey W. Hill

Natural Law - Joey W. Hill

4.5 Stars. 

I picked this up as an Amazon freebie yesterday on whim, rec'd by Author Belle Aurora and it was actually pretty freaking good.

The switch to a female Dominant / male submissive was intriguing to learn about. Mac is completely alpha, too, so that added some tension. There was a bit of mystery / suspense layered in as well. I found it to be a surprisingly great story, great development, plot, characters. Author is definitely talented! 

Mac was completely hot, both as a submissive and as an alpha. What woman doesn't want a man to carry out her every desire? 

Usually the plot takes a secondary position to the romance, but I found it to be nicely complimentary and the conclusion was very satisfying. 

It's part of a series. I actually haven't read book one, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I'd definitely read something else by this author. 

 

Natural Law (Nature of Desire, #2)

description
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Source: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18428739-natural-law

Checkmate (A Neighbor From Hell #3) by RL Mathewson

Checkmate (Neighbor from Hell #3) - R.L. Mathewson

 

Synopsis

 

There’s nothing worse than living next door to your childhood nemesis, except maybe being forced to share your dream project with him, being blackmailed into going along with something that was just wrong on so many levels, and having your hot cocoa stolen by the person that drove you to drink it in the first place.

 

As long as she has plenty of hot cocoa, a pair of pliers on hand and is able to resist Connor O’Neil’s bad boy charm then Rory James should be able to make it through this project with her sanity intact. If not…..

 

She’d probably face a few more nights in jail, have a few more restraining orders slapped against her and lose her heart to the man that ruined her life.

 

Playing For Keeps (A Neighbor From Hell #1):  Review / Kindle ($0.99!) / Paperback

Pefection (A Neighbor From Hell #2): Kindle (on sale for $0.99 right now!) / Paperback

Checkmate (A Neighbor From Hell #3): Kindle Paperback

 

    
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