Tell Me to Stop (Tell Me #1) by Charlotte Byrd

August 24, 2026Leave a comment

⭐ 2.5 Stars | All That Build-Up… FOR WHAT?!

Tell Me to Stop (Tell Me #1) by Charlotte Byrd

I went into Tell Me to Stop genuinely excited. The premise had me intrigued, Nick had that mysterious, potentially dangerous energy, and I was fully prepared for secrets, obsession, morally gray decisions, and some serious “girl, RUN…but also tell me what happens first” behavior.

And then…

The book ended.

Excuse me?! 😭😂

The story was progressing, things were being set up, questions were piling up, and I kept waiting for that moment when everything would finally hit.

It never did.

My biggest issue is that Book One feels less like a complete first installment and more like the opening section of a longer novel that suddenly stopped. It was way too short for the number of questions it introduced, especially considering how few answers we actually received.

And can we talk about Nick?

Sir. WHO ARE YOU?!

Nick is clearly supposed to be this mysterious enigma, and I was waiting for the layers to start peeling back. Give me the morally gray man. Give me the complicated motivations. Give me the darker, dominant edge the story seems to tease. Give me some emotional depth that explains why I should be fascinated by this man beyond the fact that he’s mysterious.

Instead, I finished Book One still waiting to really know him.

Then there’s Olive.

OLIVE?! GIRL?! 😩

I have soooo many questions about her, her choices, her circumstances, her motivations, and where exactly this story is taking her. Some mystery is great because it keeps me turning pages. But there’s a difference between leaving breadcrumbs for the next book and leaving me standing in the bakery wondering where the whole damn loaf went.

The frustrating part is that I actually think there’s an interesting story buried here. The setup has potential, the characters have room to become much more complex, and there are enough unanswered questions that, yes, I’m curious about what happens next.

But Book Two is going to have some WORK to do.

I need more character depth, more plot advancement, more development between Nick and Olive, and ANSWERS. Not every mystery needs to be solved immediately, but Book One needed to give me something substantial before asking me to invest in another installment.

Final verdict: ⭐⭐½
Interesting premise. Plenty of potential. Not nearly enough payoff.

And yes, I’m hella pissed that I’m probably going to read Book Two anyway because now I need to know what the hell is going on. 😂📚

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars | A Story That Got Better the Deeper I Got Into It

August 21, 2026August 20, 2026Leave a comment

Sharing Beatrice A Luna to Her Stepbrothers by Alexis Dee was one of those reads where the progression of the story really worked for me. Instead of feeling like everything was thrown at you at once, the plot continued to build, giving the characters and their relationships room to develop along the way.

What I enjoyed most was the character development. Beatrice didn’t feel like a character who stayed exactly where she started. As the story unfolded, I felt like I was learning more about her personality, emotions, choices, and the complicated dynamics surrounding her. The supporting characters also added enough personality and tension to keep the interactions interesting rather than simply existing to move the plot forward.

The pacing kept me engaged, and I appreciated that the story continued to reveal different layers as it progressed. There were definitely moments where I was sitting there thinking, Okayyy…so THIS is where we’re going? 👀 And naturally, I kept reading.

It wasn’t quite a five-star read for me, but I genuinely enjoyed the journey. The combination of steadily developing relationships, character growth, drama, and an increasingly interesting storyline made this a solid four-star read.

If you enjoy stories where complicated relationships and character dynamics are just as important as the actual plot, this one may be worth adding to your TBR.

⭐ Rating: 4/5

📚 Trulee V’s Spot
Where the review is honest, the TBR is ridiculous, and somehow I keep buying more books anyway. 😂

August 2026 Reading Challenge Update

August 20, 2026Leave a comment

August Reading Update:

Today is August 20, 2026.
I have read 40 books toward my goal of 100 for 2026. I’m a little behind in read count, but 1-Click adding to my “TBR List” is going to get me in trouble. Not that I care.

Currently Reading:

I’ve been reading novel, after novel, after novel…..lol. However, here is what is occupying my spare time this week:

Hard Pass (Lone Star Rebels Book 2) by K. Bromberg —
Tell Me To Stop: Forced Proximity Fake Relationship Mafia Romance (Tell Me Trilogy, Book 1) by Charlotte Byrd —
Reel by Kennedy Ryan —
Death By Breathing by Arianniah Rain —

GRAB YOUR COPY: HART BREAKER is FREE

August 20, 2026Leave a comment

HART BREAKER is FREE for five days starting 8/17/26!

What to expect:

Pro football player

Sassy brewery owner

Forbidden

Sisters ex (ish)

Open ‘locker room’ door spice

Friends to Lovers

Small town feels

Found Family

Alpha hotness

EXCERPT:

“Worse places to have to stay the night. Backup generator if power goes out is the bonus.”

“I have that at my place, too,” she huffs.

“I, uh, yeah, I’m gonna head to bed,” I grumble as I start moving past them, sending Mom a text to make sure she’s good.

“I’m not trying to be a bitch. I just don’t want a fight with Brett,” she says.

I turn around and look at her. “If the man who’s going to be vowing to love you forever gets pissed because you’re not driving on shit roads, he’s an asshole, Riley.”

She shakes her head. “I didn’t tell him I was coming to Skaneateles.”

I hold out my phone. “So, call him and tell him.”

She shakes her head again. “He’s asleep. He has classes tomorrow. A, um, test, and he needs to sleep.”

I cross my arms and look at her, waiting for her to catch on that I’m not buying that shit. She crosses her arms and looks right in my eyes, saying not a fucking thing.

“I should keep my mouth shut and not point out that I see what you’re doing, and it sucks you have to”—I mock gasp—“but oops, I already did.”

“An NFL fuck boy giving me relationship advice?” She holds her hands to her chest and sighs dreamily. “Let me grab my pen.” She reaches into her pocket and pulls out … her middle finger.

The fact my dick jumps at that makes me realize how fucking happy I am that I don’t listen to my dick about chicks.

“You’re infuriatingly adorable, Riley,” I relent. “I just hope he fucking deserves you.” I don’t wait for a response as I turn I tell her, “The rooms next to Lily’s are free. The sheets and linens are clean. Try to control your primal urge to head down the hall to my room. And try to keep me out of your dreams tonight, Brooksie.”

Grab it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFRZK2HN

🐉 BOOK REVIEW: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

July 24, 2026July 22, 2026Leave a comment

🐉 BOOK REVIEW: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

AMAZON LINK: https://a.co/d/01cexzhJ

Okay, friends. Can we talk about the fact that I went into Fourth Wing almost completely blind?

This book was recommended by a fellow book blogger who hyped it up, and if I’m being honest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. No expectations. No spoilers. Just me, my Kindle, and poor decision-making when it comes to starting “just one more chapter” before bed.

What I wasn’t prepared for was stepping into the love child of Divergent and The Hunger Games…with dragons.

Once Violet Sorrengail crossed the parapet, I was invested. Hooked. Done for.

Because of work obligations, I switched from reading the physical book to the dramatized audiobook about halfway through, and let me tell you something…THAT is where Fourth Wing absolutely came alive for me. I didn’t just listen to the story. I lived in it while working. The voice acting, sound effects, and emotional delivery pulled me so deeply into the world that I forgot I was supposed to be doing adult things.

Let’s break it down:

📖 Story Flow: 5/5

The pacing was fantastic. There’s always something happening, whether it’s training, political intrigue, dragon-related chaos, or the ever-present threat that literally no one is safe. The plot keeps moving without feeling rushed or bogged down by unnecessary filler. Every chapter gave me a reason to say, “Okay, one more.”

👑 Characters: 5/5

Violet is the kind of female lead I can get behind. She’s intelligent, vulnerable, physically underestimated, and stubborn enough to prove everyone wrong. She’s not the strongest person in the room, but she’s often the smartest. Watching her grow into herself was one of my favorite parts of the book.

And then there’s the forbidden, broody, rebel bad boy. You know the one. The morally gray, dangerous-but-probably-secretly-soft-for-her kind. Rebecca Yarros knew exactly what she was doing here, and I happily volunteered as tribute.

The supporting characters are equally compelling, and I found myself emotionally attached much faster than I expected.

✍️ Writing Style: 4.75/5

Rebecca Yarros has an incredibly readable writing style. The dialogue feels natural, the action scenes are engaging, and the emotional moments hit when they need to. The world-building is detailed without reading like a fantasy textbook, which I appreciated as someone who doesn’t always want to spend 100 pages learning about magical tax policies.

🔥 Themes: 5/5

At its core, Fourth Wing is about resilience, courage, identity, and discovering that strength doesn’t always look the way people expect it to. It’s about defying expectations, trusting yourself, and finding power in the very things others consider weaknesses.

Also, let’s be honest, it’s about dragons, trauma bonding, impossible choices, and making terrible romantic decisions that we all fully support.

🎧 Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars

Is Fourth Wing worth your time? Absolutely.

Would I recommend reading it? Yes.

Would I recommend the dramatized audiobook? ONE THOUSAND TIMES YES.

Listen, I’m a book girl through and through. There is something sacred about holding a physical book in your hands and turning the pages. But this dramatized audiobook? Whew. Just…WHEW.

The cast understood the assignment. The production elevated an already fantastic story into an experience I genuinely didn’t want to end.

If you’ve been debating whether Fourth Wing is worth the hype, this is your sign to pick it up. Just be prepared to immediately question why dragons weren’t included in higher education when you were younger.

Now excuse me while I recover emotionally and pretend I’m not adding more fantasy romance books to my TBR pile.

“An Honest Review from an ACOTAR Latecomer”

July 23, 2026July 22, 2026Leave a comment

Apparently, I owe Sarah J. Maas an apology.

When I started A Court of Thorns and Roses, I was convinced I knew exactly how this relationship between the book and me was going to end. Spoiler alert: I was wrong.

Listen…the beginning was SLOW for me. I know that’s practically sacrilege in the romantasy community, but I’m committed to honest book reviews around here. I spent the first several chapters wondering if I had somehow missed the memo that everyone else received about why they were obsessed with this series.

I kept asking myself, “Are we there yet?” “When does the magic happen?” and “Why is this punishment looking a little too luxurious?” (You’ll understand when you read it.)

Because life refuses to let me sit down and read uninterrupted for hours at a time, I switched over to the dramatized audiobook. Friends…THAT is when this book looked me dead in the eyes and said, “Sit down. We’re not done with you yet.”

The dramatized adaptation absolutely brought this story to life for me. The voices, the music, the atmosphere? Chef’s kiss. I found myself bouncing between my Kindle and my headphones every chance I got.

And somewhere along the way, I became emotionally invested.

Suddenly, I needed answers. Why is Feyre in this situation? Why am I questioning everyone’s motives? Why do fantasy authors insist on giving us morally complicated, attractive characters and expecting us to simply carry on with our lives? And can someone please tell me who we’re supposed to be rooting for because my feelings are confused!

What I appreciated most about this book is that it rewards patience. Sarah J. Maas doesn’t dump the entire world-building and character motivations into your lap. She lets you discover things alongside Feyre, which admittedly tested my patience in the beginning, but paid off beautifully by the end.

Was I hooked from page one? Nope.

Did I almost side-eye everyone who told me, “Just keep reading”? Absolutely.

Am I now preparing to inhale Book Two like it’s my full-time job? Also yes.

Final verdict: I’m genuinely glad I pushed through the slower start because the payoff was worth it. This book went from “I’m not sure about this” to “Okay, fine. I get the hype.”

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

If you’re struggling in the beginning, don’t DNF it just yet. Trust the process. And if you’re an audiobook lover, do yourself a favor and grab the dramatized version. It completely changed my reading experience.

Sarah J. Maas may have won this round, but I’m keeping my emotional support snacks nearby before I start the next book.

https://www.amazon.com/…/B00OZP…/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0…

#ACourtOfThornsAndRoses #BookReview #SarahJMaas #RomantasyReader #FantasyBooks #BookClub #KindleReads #AudiobookAddict #ReadersOfFacebook #BookTokMadeMeDoIt #NoSpoilers #SendHelpImReadingRomantasy

ADVANCED READER COPY REVIEW: THE BLOODLINE PROTOCOL by R.L. Williams

July 22, 2026Leave a comment

THE BLOODLINE PROTOCOL – Book 1

by R.L. Williams

Live on 7/20/26

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon Kindle: https://a.co/d/0aCeJumO

📖 Kobo – Coming Soon

📖 Barnes & Noble – Coming Soon

📖 Google Play Books – Coming Soon

📖 Apple Books – Coming Soon

Rating: (4.8/5)

I had the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of The Bloodline Protocol – Book 1, and let me just say this: I was not prepared for how ambitious this story was going to be.

If you enjoy international conspiracies, powerful family legacies, secret societies, morally gray characters, hidden identities, and enough twists to make you question everyone in the room, this book deserves a spot on your reading list.

Story Flow – 4.5/5

This isn’t a “read it in one sitting while folding laundry” kind of book. It’s layered, intricate, and asks you to pay attention. The plot constantly evolves, revealing new pieces of a decades-old puzzle without feeling repetitive. There are moments where I found myself rereading a paragraph simply because I didn’t want to miss a clue. The pacing builds intentionally, and once it picks up, it doesn’t let go.

Characters – 5/5

The characters are where this book really shines. No one feels one-dimensional. Heroes have secrets. Villains have motives. Even secondary characters have enough depth that you’re invested in their stories. You’ll likely change your opinion of certain characters several times throughout the book, which I actually loved. Stormy is intelligent, resilient, and far more connected to the mystery than she realizes. And let’s just say there are a few characters whose names alone will have you questioning their loyalties long after you’ve put the book down.

Writing Style – 5/5

R.L. Williams has a cinematic writing style. Several scenes felt like they belonged in a Netflix thriller series or on the big screen. The dialogue is natural, the descriptions are vivid without being overdone, and the author does an excellent job of balancing action, emotion, and suspense. There are moments of humor sprinkled throughout that provide welcome relief when the tension starts climbing.

Themes – 5/5

At its core, The Bloodline Protocol isn’t just about secrets and conspiracies. It’s about legacy. Family. Identity. The choices we’re willing to make to protect the people we love. It asks an interesting question throughout the novel: Are we defined by the blood we inherit or by the choices we make?

Without giving away spoilers, there are multiple generations of secrets waiting to be uncovered, and each revelation raises the stakes in unexpected ways.

Overall – Is It Worth Your Time?

Absolutely!!!!!

This book won’t hold your hand, and that’s one of the things I appreciated most about it. It rewards readers who love unraveling mysteries, paying attention to details, and becoming emotionally invested in complex characters and sprawling family dynamics.

My only “complaint” is that Book 1 leaves you desperately wanting Book 2. There were several moments when I actually said, “Wait…WHAT?!” out loud, and by the final chapters I was already mentally preparing to hunt down the sequel.

Final Rating: 4.8/5 Stars

International intrigue

Family secrets spanning decades

Strong and intelligent female leads

Action and suspense

Emotional depth and complex relationships

Plot twists you won’t see coming

A cliffhanger that will have you demanding Book 2 immediately

If The Da Vinci Code, National Treasure, The Bourne Identity, and a multi-generational family saga had a literary love child, The Bloodline Protocol would be it.

Trust me when I say you’ll finish this book with more questions than answers… and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun.

Thank you to the author for providing an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

#newrelease #newreleasebooks #NewReleasesComingSoon #booklovers #booknerd #ilovebooks #truleevsspot

Dear Book Blogger…

October 28, 2014Leave a comment

Thank you to those who took the time to write this.

Author BL. Berry

Dear Book Blogger,

I know you put an incredible amount of time and pride into what you do and this role is often a thankless one in the industry. So I just wanted to take a moment today and say THANK YOU.

View original post 521 more words

Please follow us at our new web address.

May 21, 20141 Comment

http://www.truleevsspotbookblog.com/

Trulee V’s Spot has moved to a new web address!!

April 17, 2014Leave a comment

Thank you for following our blog. It is because of you that we are excited to announce that we have upgraded.

Trulee V’s Spot is growing and we could not have done it without you.

To continue getting emails of our post, please check out our new web address and follow us there.

http://www.truleevsspotbookblog.com

Please check out our new Blog page and follow us there so you don’t miss any exciting posts, reviews or giveaways.

Linked by literature,

♥Valencia ♥Jay

Trulee V’s Spot Book Blog

http://www.truleevsspotbookblog.com

New Web Address…

March 17, 2014Leave a comment

Trulee V’s Spot has a new web address.

Please visit us there.

http://www.truleevsspotbookblog.com

Thanks for all the support, follows and likes!!

~V & Jay

Book Review: Found in You by K.L. Ruse

March 8, 2014March 9, 2014Leave a comment

So one of our new admins has popped her cherry!!!!!! This is her first published review and she was nervous as HELL. CONGRATS TO JAY!!!!

3.5 STARS

Title: Found In You

Author: K.L. Ruse

Release Date: January 4, 2014

Purchase on Amazon Purchase on B&N

BLURB:

Twenty-three-year-old Camryn Singer never imagined that she would return to the place where she lost everything. To grant a dying wish, she moves back to the small Jersey beach town where she grew up, hoping to somehow find the missing pieces of her life. Determined to keep her wounds unopened and her heart guarded, she instead slams head-first into Cole Stevens.

Sexy surfer Cole has always used the waves to numb the pain of his past. But when he runs into Camryn on the beach one day, he wants nothing more than for her to heal his scars and light the spark back in his life.

Will Camryn and Cole be ripped apart when the ghosts from their pasts come back to life, or will they discover that it’s not until you’re lost, that you can be found?

JAY’S REVIEW:

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

“When you own your breath, nobody can steal your peace.” Love this!

Found In You is a sweet romance about family, hope, healing, and love. Getting past the demons that hunt them and getting their happily ever after is what Camryn and Cole want the most in life.

There’s all kinds of ups and downs in this story and even though I enjoyed the story, it was a little too fast for my liking. I enjoyed Camryn and Cole as a couple but their relationship happened too fast. I mean, I know it happens in “real” life but it was a little unrealistic. Both Camryn and Cole have a past that isn’t letting them move on without the fear of getting hurt. As much as they tried to get past it, there was always something in their way. Don’t want to ruin in for anyone so I won’t go into detail.

One thing that did drive me nuts was the constant pushing away. Even though Cam always found their way back, she was constantly running. Why not talk about it, you know?

Cole is very lovable! Just want to hold him and squeeze him. Love the constant looking out for Cam and Gavin. Always concerned with their well being. He was so good with Gavin and what’s not to like about that! Reminded me a lot of my husband. Gotta love Cole!

I got very emotional with all of Me-Ma’s surprises. Even though she was gone, she let her presence be known. Made me think a lot about how I would feel if someone did that for me once they were gone. A little bittersweet.

I’m all about having a good group of people in your circle, so I was glad that both Cam and Cole had someone supporting them throughout the book.

Overall it was a good quick read. It kept you on your toes to see what would happen next. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

Book Review: Interview With A Master by Jason Luke

March 7, 2014March 9, 2014Leave a comment

5 Stars

BLURB:

It’s the interview like no other.

It’s the interview of a lifetime.

It’s THE Interview with a Master.

When Jonah Noble reveals details of his life within the world of BDSM, the tale he tells is intensely erotic, profoundly sensual, and brutally honest.

This is His world. His way.

There is only one question the man will not answer…

(BDSM erotica from a man’s POV, written by a man. Contains some explicit language)

V’S REVIEW:

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!! I’ve been waiting on a male POV and now that I’ve gotten a full novel of it……I WANT MORE!!!!

Master Noble… #HOTDAMN!!!! I was hooked from the first page. Author Jason Luke, I had no idea experience and creativity could be such a dangerous combination. This novel was able to answer questions that most females want answers to when it comes to adding spice in the bedroom, but the detailed (YES, very erotic detailed), recounts of past situations had my jaw dropped and perhaps shifting a little in my seat. Ok, who am I trying to kid, let’s just say be careful where you read this one at as you might need a wardrobe change. :-) This was an interview like no other….the interview of a lifetime, where the questions you really want to ask, are asked and there is no holding back. The one thing I loved about this book was the real interview format; rules were established, meetings scheduled, and dictation completed. I loved how the author wove the plot and had me riding a wave of heated emotions, not only from the stories of the interviewee but from the honesty demanded from the interviewer. Yeah I can’t tell you more about that you have to get it. There is a highly charged sensual energy throughout this book that you just can’t ignore. If Mr. Noble was able to draw me in with just words (as he did), I’d be putty in his hands. All I can say is YES, SIR!!!!! The only issue I had with this book it that it was written as a stand alone, but the ending will possibly have you in tears with the WTF look. I honest said aloud, ” NO it can’t end there, that’s not fair!!” So be prepared for an emotional, sensual, heated but well worth it ride with this novel. (Prior the the posting of this review, the author has announced there will be a sequel)

This is a definite must read and I give it a high recommendation along with V’s 5 Star stamp of approval!

Please, please, please give me more Jason Luke!!!!! I look forward to it SIR!

Book Release & Giveaway: RIDGE by Adriane Leigh

March 3, 2014March 2, 2014Leave a comment

Title: Ridge (Wild #2)

Author: Adriane Leigh

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 3, 2014

Buy the book: Amazon US – Amazon UK

Synopsis

Sometimes doing the wrong thing feels so right…

I’m a player. I’m an asshole. I’m someone you should stay away from.

I have demons.
I’ve made mistakes.
And the biggest can’t be taken back.

I’ve gone to hell and back in twenty-nine years and I’m only now coming to terms with moving forward, righting my wrongs, and making amends. Except not everyone deserves forgiveness. Sometimes the damage done is beyond repair.
Everyday is exactly the same. I focus on the pain, in the quest to feel and forget, but I remember everything. When I close my eyes the darkness encroaches and some days it feels like the things that kill me are the things that make me feel alive.

*Ridge, like Wild, is a standalone.
Reading Wild first will provide some back story, but is not required to read Ridge

Buy the Book

Wild (Wild #1)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

Excerpt

I hovered over her sweet body, the soft flesh beneath my fingers like fucking silk. Her hands laced in the rungs of the headboard above her head, propping her breasts high and full for me. Her head was thrown back in ecstasy, full lips formed in a a perfect O as moans escaped her throat.

She was fucking stunning. I moved in and out of her, slowing my pace, hitting her as deep as I could, rounding my hips with each slow thrust and drag. She was everything, had been my everything for a few months, the only one that had ever gotten me.

All of me.

The me that no one else had ever seen.

Fuck of it was, she was my brother’s fiancée.

I’d fucking taken her right from under him.

I hadn’t meant to, I don’t think she’d meant to either, it’d just happened one night, and there’d been no going back.

And now here we were, months later, I was still plowing into her—taking her, owning her, making her mine—every fucking night in my bed, hearing her call my name, her eyes hazy with lust and love when I finished.

Except tonight was different.

Tonight was the last time.

Tonight I was ending it.

My heart clutched in my chest as the words floated through my head. My eyes burned with the pain of it.

I didn’t want to let her go, but more than anything, I was sick of running. And seeing my brother again had finally opened my eyes.

This was it.

About the Author

Adriane Leigh was born and raised in a snowbank in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and now lives amongst the sand dunes of the Lake Michigan lakeshore.
She graduated with a Literature degree but never particularly enjoyed reading Shakespeare or Chaucer.

Adriane is married to a tall, dark and handsome guy, plays mama to two sweet baby girls, and is a voracious reader and knitter.

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Pinterest

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Coming Soon

Slade (Wild #3)

Behind every beautiful thing, there is some kind of pain…

Always overlooked. Always just there. That’s what Dillon was to me.

Until one night.

In one night she flipped my world on its axis and there’s no going back. But she has secrets, and secrets fester like an open wound. They color the past and forecast the future, but I’m determined to open her up; free her from her memories so she can live in the light and have the life she deserves.

It’s just too bad that she wants nothing to do with me. But I’m nothing if not persistent and I’m not a man that gives up without a fight. I’ve had a taste and there’s no walking away.
I just have to convince her that I’m not what she fears, I’m what she wants.

Slade, like Wild and Ridge, is a standalone.
Reading Wild and Ridge first will provide some back story, but is not required to read Slade.

Book Review: Deviant by Callie Hart

February 16, 2014March 9, 20142 Comments

4.5 Stars

BLURB:

Sloane

I’m not proud of the things I’ve done.

The things I’ve had to do.

The things I’ve given away.

but I’d give it all over again to find her.

Even if i die trying,

I have to find Alexis.

Zeth

She wants me to help her,

But I won’t.

She wants me to save her sister,

But I can’t.

She wants me to be her hero,

But I’m not a good man.

I am her damnation.

V’S REVIEW:

ARC kindly provided by “Callie Hart” in exchange for an honest review (Thank you for this arc ;-) )

What are you willing to do for someone you love? For someone who was taken from you and you have no idea where to look for them? What are you willing to sacrifice?

Sloane enters into an arrangement to have sex with a man she’s never met, just to gain information that she so desperately wants. The only instructions she was given was to wear a mask, black lace lingerie and to meet at a particular hotel room and wait. Sloane was terrified, but her sister has gone missing and to get the information she needs all she needs to do is sleep with this mystery man. She’s prepared to do anything to get her sister back, and because of desperation, she places herself in a dangerous situation prepared to make an ultimate sacrifice of herself. Though her fear is heightened when this mysterious man arrives, Sloane finds herself in unchartered territory as she gets a shock of a lifetime. How can she be fearful and turned on all at the same time? She had no clue what to expect from the mystery man, but Sloane was even more baffled that her body betrayed her and turned into a wiling participant. As it’s dark in the room and she’s wearing a mask, Sloane never gets to see this man. So how is it that a total stranger has caused every nerve in her body to tremble, every coherent thought in her head to disappear, and nothing has ever felt more electrifying, EVER!! All she knows of him is the feel of his body, his scars, and most of all his deep, rumbling, sexy and commanding voice. The voice that will haunt her for years to come, as well as his touch. Though this arrangement was only meant as a one time encounter, it was a night not to be forgotten, and it was the start of a chain of events for both Zeth and Sloane.

Deviant was an awesome debut novel. The Blurb did nothing but enhance my curiosity as to why it was so vague, and I want to thank Callie for doing so (this was absolute genius). There is so much more to this book and that little passage did exactly what it was supposed to do which was entice the readers to want to find out what was going on. This is a novel that you won’t want to put down, as sexual awakening meets, organized crime syndicates; that will have you turning page after page. Author Callie Hart does a remarkable job of pulling you into the story from the very beginning. The first chapter alone sucks you in as it was mysterious, seductive and terrifyingly exciting all at the same time. Hart’s debut novel gives you jaw dropping kinky sex scenes, intensity, wit, and a sensational plot that has you wanting to know more about Zeth and Sloane.

Sloane is the heroine of this story and though she has inner scars, she is still a sexy, smart and secretly kinky seductive woman, who is hell-bent on finding her sister, but also exploring this sensual side that she didn’t know existed. As for Zeth, here we have another tall, dark hair, dark eyes, tattooed, and kinky as hell bad boy. Let’s not forget somewhat cocky and sure of himself, and YES, definitely my type of BFF. Just read this and let it sink in……

“I’m very particular about what I want. You need to do what I ask you without question

and this will go nicely for both of us, okay?”

Ummmm okay?? Abso-fu*king-lutly Zeth!!!! If his voice is anything like I imagine………*sighs* I’m a goner. I’ll do whatever he says, when he says and how. Talk about conceitedness!!! That’s and understatement here with Zeth. This is a bad boy who knows exactly what he wants and is going to make sure you like it as well. Any complaints???……..NOPE, none here?

“That’s not the game we’re playing, here. Own me, or I’ll own you. And trust me … you don’t want that.”

This entire first encounter that Sloane has with the mystery man (Zeth) screams “Run as far and as quick as you can”, and “Get out now”, but she’s totally turned on. Hell so was I. I think I said yes when I read this statement…….Yes, Zeth you can own me…lol. Trust me when I say that the things he says and does will have your panties wet ladies so you might want to read this one without them.

“She doesn’t know it yet, but she is perfect for me and my dark and nasty desires.”

You want to hear more of what Zeth says? Sorry ladies get the book. :-)

I truly enjoyed this debut novel, the only downfall for me is that it was too short. I wanted more, much, much more. Though the ending isn’t technically a cliffhanger, it will leave you with a WTF!!!!!! As in you can’t end it there, I need to know more. This novel was also like a sea-saw to me, where Hart gave you just enough of the kinkiness of Zeth and Sloane that you were in this erotic haze but then teetering on the edge of all this mysterious organized crime going on in the background. The pace of this book is fast and hard ;-) and as you read the intensity gets stronger. The one thing I know for sure is that I want more…….Callie Hart I’m looking forward to a second book.

K. Bromberg takes over Trulee V’s Spot Facebook page

February 13, 2014February 12, 2014Leave a comment

Head on over to the Trulee V’s Spot Facebook page and join K. Bromberg as she

takes over the blog on Feb. 13, 2014 from 7-9 PM EST.

Like Trulee V’s Spot on Facebook

New reviewers joining the team!!!!

February 9, 2014Leave a comment

I’m excited to announce that there are new reviewers joining the blog. Yes this means more reviews and more fun!!!!! Stayed tuned for their introduction. ~ <3 V

5 Problems Book Bloggers Will Understand

February 9, 2014Leave a comment

I love what I do, sometimes theses are things that come up…….

Book Review: The Agreement (Unrestrained #1) by S.E. Lund

February 7, 2014March 9, 2014Leave a comment

3 Stars

BLURB:

“A letter to my sub:

You trust me completely to know what you need. And I do know what you need. I know what to whisper in your ear to make you need me even more. I know how to touch, where to touch, when to touch.

I know you.

You can relax completely with me. You can feel everything possible with me. You can respond with total abandon with me.

That is what I most desire.”

So begins an enticing letter from an anonymous Dominant to his new submissive.

While graduate student Kate McDermott waits in a Manhattan cafe to meet the Dom who will help with her research on BDSM, she reads the letter again, telling herself her interest is strictly academic. If she’s honest, Kate must admit it’s more than that – it’s a deeper need she can’t deny.

When Drake Morgan, MD, neurosurgeon, bass player, philanthropist walks through the cafe door to talk to her about the lifestyle, Kate is mortified. The son of her father’s oldest and best friend, Drake is far too desirable and too much a part of her social circle for comfort. If she decides to go through with this, can the carefully-worded agreement she draws up restrain their undeniable desire for each other?

Unable to resist his determined seduction, Kate begins an intense relationship with Drake that pushes all of her, and Drake’s, boundaries. Highly erotic, The Agreement is a love story that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

MY REVIEW:

I still haven’t been able to determine what I really feel about this book. I came into it with an expectation that a curious graduate student was interested in more than just researching the BDSM lifestyle, and more that she wanted her real curiosity quenched. Kate has a very interesting upbringing and some dark things that she tries to hide. When she sets a goal to enter the BDSM community using research as her catalyst, she never expected to run into someone so close to her societal circle.

Drake Morgan, MD is a very private guy, so when he agrees to help a grad student with her research on BDSM, he never expected it to be someone so close and someone he really wanted to meet. At the risk of his private life being exposed, Dr. Drake Morgan sets himself on a path that blurs the lines of Master and Submissive, but little does Kate know what she’s getting herself into.

Throughout this book I did struggle with how the D/s relationship evolved. As I’m used to more alpha doms and compliant subs, this D/s relationship was laughable to me. So here is where I’m up in the air. I’m still not sure if this lighthearted D/s relationship was what the author was going for or not. I picture Dr. Morgan as a complete hottie so I’m struggling to see how he was not able to take complete control. Then again Kate is this on again off again sub, who seems to want things her way….so instead of giving herself over completely I sort of felt this watered down D/s relationship. It was baffling that Dr. Morgan is supposed to be this awesome master, but I never really got a chance to experience that with him in this book.

Some scenes felt rushed and the secrets weren’t as deep as I was expecting but rather surface things that were brushed over once revealed. I really would have enjoyed more suspense around the past that Kate and Drake semi shared together. Now I’m not saying that this book was horrible, on average it was on alright book, there were just somethings that didn’t all the way click for me. I did get the second book in this series to see if perhaps more of the suspense in the story comes out and I get a chance to see the real Dominant Dr. Morgan.

Book Review: Keep Me by Faith Andrews

February 7, 2014March 9, 2014Leave a comment

4 Stars

BLURB:

Sexy, tatted up, underwear model Marcus Grayson is every girl’s dream—or more likely worst nightmare. He’s a player, a self-proclaimed bachelor for life, and he’s got no problem living up to his man-whore status. But when his older sister’s friend comes back from the past, he may just have the chance to turn some of his adolescent fantasies into reality.

Tessa Bradley is a self-sufficient, take-no-bull, single mother—well, now she is. Finally rid of her abusive, alcoholic ex, she’s making a new life for herself and catching up with old friends; the ones she was forced to break ties with because of her controlling husband. When she runs into Marcus, her friend Riley’s once-adorable turned smoking-hot little brother, she has no idea how he’s about to rock her world.

You wanted me then, now you can have me. Just promise you’ll Keep Me…

MY REVIEW:

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Marcus Grayson is your typical everyday man-whore. He likes all women, and with his looks, he doesn’t have to work for it. He especially likes his older sister Riley’s friends and seems to have a little trouble saying “no” to their advances though he has not desire to. It all fun and games and comes with the territory of being a male underwear model. With his face and body plastered in magazines and on billboards, he has a history of one night stands and his future looks just the same, that is until one fantasy from the past walks back into his life.

Tessa Bradley is a young, sexy mother of one adorable little boy. Her ex husband is a complete jerk, who treated her so horribly and deflated her self image and self worth, that when the opportunity to get rid of this scum bag presented itself, Tessa took it and ran all the way to the court house. Looking to start over after a failed marriage and a new baby, Tessa reenters the workforce in hopes for a positive future and leave the past, in the past.

Well, as luck would have it, Tessa runs into Marcus at Starbucks one day. What’s interesting is that Tessa and Riley were close friends back in the day and Marcus was the little brother always hanging around and making her laugh. With a dramatic shock to her libido, Tessa realizes Marcus isn’t so little anymore as her body responds not only to his handsome face, but awesome body. Making her “weak in the knees” and thinking some serious dirty thoughts was only the beginning of this roller-coaster ride.

The intent is to rekindle the friendship, but the connection between them is so hot, the lines are blurring. All it took was a steamy motorcycle ride to break the shield Tessa tried to keep in place. When they get their hands on one another all resistance fails and they plunder into unchartered territory.

“I want you naked. Beneath me. So I can show you what I’ve fantasized about doing to you since I was thirteen f*cking years old….First I want to see all of you. Then I’m going to taste all of you. And then I’m going to f*ck you until you make more of those delicious sounds.”

With words like this how can you keep dry panties?? OMG!!!!!! It’s ok, you can take a minute to freshen up…….lol.

But the problem arises when Marcus history with his older sister’s friends rears it’s ugly head. Riley loves her brother but she doesn’t want to loose another friendship due to his male-whorish ways. And as a good friend and sister she’s oppositional to this love/lust connection. Marcus and Tessa attempt to hide their friends with benefits relationship from Riley, but as their intensity and feelings grow will they continue to deny what’s happening? Tessa is focused on getting back to her old self, but is a relationship with Marcus a good idea. Can she trust him after what she went through in the past? Can Marcus be a one woman man? Can Tessa let go of the past in order to move on and protect her and her son? Just when you think things may work out, Tessa’s past comes full force into her present and threatens everyones future.

Wow!!! I could not put this book down. Then again I can’t pass up a new bad boy, alpha male that’s a jerk, but also swoon worthy. Marcus is an amazing, hot, sexy, dirty talkin, tattoo wearing underwear model that will piss you off and wet your panties all at the same time. Get ready ladies………there’s a new BBF on the market and his name is Marcus Grayson. This is a definite must read!!!!!