One Night in Edinburgh- Charlotte Howard

The Blurb

Chloe Shard has travelled to Edinburgh to meet up with a potential client, and has just twenty-four hours to convince them to sign her contract. But when she meets the delicious Ethan, he proves to be so much more than an enticing distraction. It’s not long before Chloe has some life changing decisions to make, and less than a day to make them.

The Review

It's been quite a while since I've read an erotic/hot romance, and when I heard about the City Nights series through author Lisa Fox (whose One Night in New York is out this month) I was keen to find out more.

I decided to start with the places I've visited or hope to visit, and I liked the sound of the Edinburgh story so thought it would be a good way to test out the series. 

It begins with business woman Chloe heading to Edinburgh to try and strike a lucrative deal, but when she meets Ethan she finds she's not focussing on her job, she's focussing on him.  But when she realises she's lost her box of sample products, she thinks she's blown her chance of the pitch anyway...

I enjoyed the story in this one, although the ending was very much in the realms of fiction rather than reality.  But then that's one of the reasons I read, to escape everyday life, so it didn't bother me too much.  I did wish there had been more made of Edinburgh itself though, the location didn't play that big part in the story and it could have been based anywhere.

There's sex in this one pretty much from the off, but then I expected that because of the novella length and the intention of the series.  That taxi scene- it's pretty hot stuff!  I've read my fair share of hot romance/erotic fiction over the years, and this was well written compared to much of what's on the market. 

If you like this genre, give it a whirl.  It's encouraged me to read some of the other titles in the series- next stop, San Francisco!

One Night in Edinburgh is out now, published by Tirgearr.

The Trouble with Mojitos- Romy Sommer

The Blurb

Turquoise blue waters. Sandy white beaches. Mojitos... Film location scout Kenzie Cole has found herself in paradise. Working in the Caribbean for a week is just what she needs to escape the long line of exes in her closet. Though the last thing she expects is to be picked up at the resort bar by a disgraced former Prince!

Luckily for Kenzie, exile is suiting the man formerly known as Prince Fredrik very well. And it’s not long before his rugged, pirate charm is proving hard to resist.

But Rik’s been spending his time in paradise exorcising demons of his own and he has danger written all over him. If Kenzie was sensible she’d run a mile instead of lose herself to lust - although, they do say sometimes you have to get lost before you can be found....

The Review

I'm writing this review as the sun shines over my city, day one of a mini heatwave of sorts if the weather forecasters are to be believed.  And The Trouble with Mojitos is the sort of book to enjoy on a lazy summer day, that's for sure.

So, why should you be putting it in your suitcase this summer?

Firstly, the settings. What's not to love about deserted beaches with waterfalls spilling down a rock face?  Or stunning palaces with baroque architecture?  The way Romy Sommer writes these places, they are easy to envisage, and although I was reading from my battered sofa, I felt like I was transported to somewhere far more exotic.  This would be a perfect beach or poolside read, even better with a cocktail (mojito?) on the side.  And if, like me, you're at home surrounded by dirty pots and piles of ironing, what better place is there to escape to than an idyllic island?

The characters were interesting too.  I fell head over heels in love with Rik from the get-go, which was quite strange as the opening scenes didn't paint him in the most flattering light!  But there was a definite charm, and as the story wore on it became more and more apparent that he was nigh on the perfect hero. I couldn't fangirl harder for him if I tried.  A prince who could pass for a pirate- yum yum, indeed.

Kenzie, the female protagonist, was a bit harder to get the measure of.  Whilst we learn about her job I felt I never really knew her that well as a character, and although I liked her it was as though she had a barrier up.  As it turns out she does have a pretty big secret of her own...

There are a fair few sex scenes which will get you fanning yourself with your sunhat if that's your scene, and the plot itself held my attention.  I wanted to find out the details behind why Rik was no longer in the royal household and also whether Kenzie would be able to impress her boss and boast the perfect film location for the next blockbuster smash!

However, the highlight is Romy Sommer's engaging voice which kept me hitting the next page button on my kindle.  This book was just so readable. 

The Trouble with Mojitos is actually the second book in the Westerwald series, and I haven't read the first.  But I can tell you now, I definitely will be.  Firstly, because I want to see if there are any more glimpses of the freshest prince around, and secondly, after the massive hint about what could happen in the next book I am NEEDING to know just why things ended as they did.

The Trouble with Mojitos is out now, published by Harper Impulse.
With thanks to the publisher who provided me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Romy Sommer recently wrote an exclusive guest post around the theme 'Should you write what you know?' for Books with Bunny.  You can read that article here.

The British Book Affair 2015

On Saturday 18th April 2015 I headed down to London's swanky Marriott Hotel just off Grosvenor Square to meet up with some of my favourite authors!  The British Book Affair celebrated the best of steamy erotic fiction and I was delighted to be able to attend and meet the creators of some of my book boyfriends.

 

Firstly I met the lovely Emma Hart, author of The Love Game.  She signed my books and her very sweet hubby took our photo- plus he won the award for best tshirt at the event hands down!

 

 

I was also desperately keen to meet Kitty French as I've known Kitty for ten years now, but the queue to get near her was crazily long- which just goes to show how popular her books are with readers!

 

I did eventually get to give her a good squish though and have a bit of a catch up- albeit short, as her fans were clamouring for an autograph and pictures.  I'm so, so proud of how far she's come, she's hugely inspirational to me.  I can't wait to read Genie!  I'd been waiting for a paper copy rather than buying a kindle version because I knew I wanted it signed, but now there's no stopping me...

 

Another author I just had to meet was Anna Todd, author of the After series.  As a One Direction fan I've been a fan of Anna for a long while and her success is just phenomenal.  She's also genuinely lovely, and I can vouch for her being just as sweet in real life as she is on twitter.  She really does value her readers!  She gave me a huge hug (even though I was all stinky from travelling from Sheffield to London!) and I couldn't believe she knew who little old me was. 

 

Anna has always been keen to encourage others to write and has definitely played a part in helping me to believe that dreams can come true, so it was great to be able to tell her how thrilled I am for her success and that she's spurring me on to reach my own writing related goals.

 

I was also thrilled to meet the glamorous saucepot Abbi Glines.  Seriously, she's one foxy mama!  And I've got most of her back catalogue waiting to be read, so this summer is going to be a Glines-fest, for sure. 

 

I also fangirlled so hard over the lovely Christina Lauren girls!  They are constantly smiling and laughing and both of them appreciate all aspects of the genre (and, ahem, the importance of a gorgeous, half-naked-if-possible man on the cover).  I want a night out with these ladies so badly, because they are hilarious!  And I want to reread all their books, and share my thoughts on the ones I've not yet reviewed.

 

 

 

I also had the pleasure of meeting Samantha Young, Rebecca Donovan and Pamela Ann amongst others, plus the lovely ladies from The Hot Bed. Everyone was great fun and they all seemed to enjoy connecting with readers. 

 

Overall, it was a fabulous event-and it went on long after I had to leave with a fancy evening do running late into the night.

 

How long until BBA16?!  I want to get my ticket...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hero- Samantha Young BLOG TOUR

I am delighted that Books with Bunny is one of today's stops on the blog tour for Samantha Young's stunning new release Hero!

 

 

 

The Blurb

 

Author Samantha Young

Alexa Holland's father was her hero-until her shocking discovery. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets. But when she meets a man who's as damaged by her father's mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

 

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa's efforts at redemption, but it's not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and all-consuming affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for, and when they're on the precipice of danger, he finds he'll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again . . .

 

The Review

I started to hear a lot about Samantha Young last year when bloggers were raving about her on twitter, and as a result of that I vowed to get my hands on her Dublin Street books.  However, as it happened I was invited to be part of the Hero blog tour before I got chance to read them so this is my very first time reading a Samantha Young book!

 

And it had me from the off. 

 

As soon as Alexa and Caine's paths cross there is a sizzle in the air and tension fizzing off the pages-this is hot stuff!  I absolutely loved their stubborn natures and how every interaction was a battle of wills, and that their relationship had to be kept a secret made it all the more attractive.  And there's a reason why businessmen are so often at the heart of erotic romances- suits are undeniably sexy!!!

 

Alexa has a feisty personality but it is apparent that deep down she longs for approval and affection. As the story develops and more is revealed about her family history, the reader will discover why it's no wonder she wants stability and honesty.  Her relationship with her Grandfather was quite the emotional read.

 

And Caine.  Caine, Caine, Caine.  There were times when I really warmed to him, especially when there were hints towards his soft and generous nature, but there's enough jealousy and power in there for those of you who love a bad boy too- he really is the hero who's got the lot!  Anyone who's best friend's with the Grandma-figure who lives in the same block has to be a sweetheart deep down and that was where Caine won me over.

 

There's family drama, long kept secrets and explicit sex scenes throughout the book and I rampaged through this romp in two sittings, putty in Ms Young's authorly (which isn't a word, but so should be) hands.

 

If you enjoyed Sylvia Day's Crossfire series or Christina Lauren's Beautiful books then Hero could be right up your street.

 

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

 

Hero by Samantha Young is published by Piatkus in paperback and eBook. You can find of all Samantha Young’s titles on the Kobo website here .

 

And the tour continues.  Drop by these blogs to see what THEY thought of Hero...

 

 

 

 

My Favourite Reads of 2014

Last year I posted My Favourite Books of 2013 and my list ended up being pretty long and diverse.  As 2014 comes to a close it is time to look back at some of the books which captured my imagination, and my heart, over the past twelve months.  If you click on the link beneath each picture you'll be taken to my review to find out exactly what made it such a wonderful read.  Hopefully it'll inspire you to add some of them to your collection in 2015.

 

The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson- Paige Toon

 

 

The Memory Book- Rowan Coleman

 

The Name on Your Wrist- Helen Hiorns

 

Anna and the French Kiss- Stephanie Perkins

 

The Duff- Kody Keplinger

 

Fan- Danny Rhodes

 

The Fault in Our Stars- John Green

 

Barcelona- Philip Langeskov

 

Duende- E.E. Ottoman

 

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café- Rebecca Raisin

 

The Rosie Project- Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Effect- Graeme Simsion

 

The Girl Behind the Mask- Stella Knightley

 

The Oxford Blue Series- Pippa Croft

 

 

Wonder- R.J Palacio

The End of the Year Round Up 2014

Christmas might be over but there's some final wrapping up to do at Books with Bunny...

I've had a rollercoaster year health-wise as some of you know, and as 2014 drew to a close I found myself with answers as to why I've been feeling rubbish for so long.  After a hospital admission, an ECG, X-Rays, a flexi-scope, a colonoscopy and biopsies taken, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease just before Christmas- where the digestive tract becomes inflamed.  Crohn's manifests itself in lots of different and unpleasant ways, and not everyone with IBD (the umbrella term which covers both Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis) has the same symptoms and signs- mine are abdominal pain, diarrhoea (sometimes with blood/mucus), achy joints, extreme fatigue and feeling feverish.  It is a disease which has no cure, but it can go into long term remission.  That's my main goal for 2015-to get it under control so there's less chance of me needing harsh treatments or surgery.  I'm currently taking a high dose of steroids to try and reduce the inflammation that's spread through my colon, awaiting a very sci-fi sounding capsule test which will see if there's inflammation elsewhere and  have numerous appointments at the hospital with specialists to assess the best medication for me.

With all this going on, my blog has naturally had to take a back seat for a while.

I'm not going to get the chance to catch up with writing the reviews I missed out on when I was at my most poorly, so, just for a sense of finality, here are the other books I've read this year that I haven't had chance to review.  I'm planning on 2015 being a new slate in many, many ways, so it's time to wrap 2014 up!

I read and enjoyed-

The Wrong Knickers- Bryony Gordon
Geek Girl 2- Holly Smale
Beautiful Bastard- Christina Lauren
Beautiful Stranger- Christina Lauren
Beautiful Player- Christina Lauren
The Christmas Bake Off- Abby Clements
The Little Stranger- Sarah Waters
The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes- Anna McPartlin (review coming in January, as it is released in paperback on New Years Day)
The Girl on the Train- Paula Hawkins (review coming on January 15th 2015, as this one isn't actually released yet)

I read and wasn't so keen on-

All I Want for Christmas- Claudia Carroll

I was nowhere near my target of 250 books read in 2014, but I enjoyed my reading, blogging and the wonderful friendships I made and built on with other bloggers, authors and publicists throughout the year. 

Here's to 2015!

Erotic Autumn part 2

So, I'm here again with a further instalment of Autumn sauce!  Today I'm reviewing the final book in Pippa Croft's Oxford Blue trilogy (you can find reviews of the first two books by scrolling down the page here ) and the first book in Sylvia Day's successful Crossfire series.  Gorgeous male leads and sexy scenes aplenty...

Third Time Lucky- Pippa Croft

 

 

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have followed the Oxford Blue series from the very beginning, but of course there is one problem with being the first on the scene when it comes to trilogies/serials...the waiting!  I felt like I was waiting forever to get a copy of Third Time Lucky! But I can say it was well worth the wait.

Alexander and Lauren are a great fictional couple.  A far cry from perfect, especially when they keep secrets from each other, but they have a spark.  Although the Oxford Blue series is erotic and as such there are lots of sex scenes, their relationship is built on more than that.  Lauren is the feisty American full of spirit and confidence and Alexander is the aristocratic Brit, sometimes moody and bullish but strong and determined. 

Book 2 ended with a real cliffhanger (I don't want to give too much away here!) and now Lauren and Alexander face new challenges.  I loved how the impact of this gave Lauren more power- it was sexy and exciting and proved that Alexander needed her just as much as she needed him, in every sense.

There were also some highly entertaining scenes involving scheming bitch-face Valentina getting her comeuppance (finally!  Honestly one of my least favourite fictional characters-which proves she is well crafted) and the world's slimiest professor getting, shall we say, a cold shower of sorts.  I do love it when the baddies get their just desserts.

I wasn't particularly keen on the ending, that was the one part which didn't quite ring true for me, but appreciate that if this was to be the final instalment there needed to be a level of 'closure'.  However, I want more!  Please Pippa?! 

And I am desperate for someone to come along and make a TV series of this.  It would go down a storm on E4.  Beautiful Oxford, country retreats, a man in uniform, the American girl, the glamorous Italian cowbag and of course oodles of racy scenes...it has it all. 

If you are a fan of the New Adult genre and you haven't yet read the Oxford Blue series, you really must.  You'll be left clamouring for more.

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.  All three books in Pippa Croft's Oxford Blue series are out now.

Bared to You- Sylvia Day

 

Yes, I'm probably the very last person in the world to read Bared to You. I'd heard so much about Sylvia Day and the Crossfire series, but one thing put me off.  'It's just like Fifty Shades...'

I'm not snooty about reading erotica/smut/whatever you want to call books with some explicit sex scenes AT ALL, but I do value a well-told story with strong characters and good structure.  That was what Fifty Shades lacked for me, and was why I didn't finish it.  But Bared to You was so much better!

Part of that was that Gideon Cross, the wealthy, stylish businessman male lead.  I developed a bit of a book crush, I'll admit it.  He was powerful and strong and deliciously handsome.  He did have signs of the one thing that really bugs me about men in erotic fiction though- hints at a troubled past.  Why does this seem to be such a common denominator in these books?  Most men I know are really into sex, and that isn't because of a troubled past, or an abusive relationship or anything else, it's because THEY LIKE SEX.

I also really liked Eva.  She'd been figuratively suffocated by an overprotective mother and so of course, she's ready to go off the rails a bit when she escapes to the decadence of New York.  And when she meets the undeniably attractive Gideon Cross, there are naturally going to be fireworks. 

I personally thought it was a very well written book- the characters grew as the story built, the plot was decent and the sex scenes were among the best I've come across in erotic fiction.  It is decadent, engaging and whipped me right into their world.  I'm not generally one of these women who lust over businessmen.  I love a man in a suit as much as the next girl, but I'm not that turned on by power.  But honestly, that guy... with his money and success, I could be drawn in, turning into a helpless little kitten like Eva, unable to resist him.

I've not yet read the rest of the series, but I definitely will be. 

Sylvia Day, I am at your mercy.  Or at least, that of Gideon Cross.

Bared To You is out now, as are books 2 and 3.  Book 4 in the Crossfire series, Captivated by You is out on November 18th.

Catch up blog post- Erotic Autumn Part 1

I have managed to fall behind big time with blogging.  This is partly because I haven't been very well (after almost ten years of tests and generally feeling dire I FINALLY had a test for IBD- Crohn's Disease/Ulcerative Colitis- which has come back abnormal.  Hopefully now I can get medication and things will get easier).  We are also trying to sell our house and buy another one, which is just chaotic.  Plus, I started a new job last week so I am now back to working five days a week.  What with all this, plus trying to write myself whenever possible, blogging has been the thing to slide.

However...I have still been reading, and a lot of what I've been reading has been some steamy romance!  So here's a little update for Erotic Autumn.

If I Were You- Lisa Renee Jones

The Blurb

How it all started…

One day I was a high school teacher on summer break, leading a relatively uneventful but happy life. Or so I told myself. Later, I’d question that, as I would question pretty much everything I knew about me, my relationships, and my desires. It all began when my neighbor thrust a key to a storage unit at me. She’d bought it to make extra money after watching some storage auction show. Now she was on her way to the airport to elope with a man she barely knew, and she needed me to clear out the unit before the lease expired.

Soon, I was standing inside a small room that held the intimate details of another woman’s life, feeling uncomfortable, as if I was invading her privacy. Why had she let these items so neatly packed, possessions that she clearly cared about deeply, be lost at an auction? Driven to find out by some unnamed force, I began to dig, to discover this woman’s life, and yes, read her journals—-dark, erotic journals that I had no business reading. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I read on obsessively, living out fantasies through her words that I’d never dare experience on my own, compelled by the three men in her life, none of whom had names. I read onward until the last terrifying dark entry left me certain that something had happened to this woman. I had to find her and be sure she was okay.

Before long, I was taking her job for the summer at the art gallery, living her life, and she was nowhere to be found. I was becoming someone I didn’t know. I was becoming her.

The dark, passion it becomes…

Now, I am working at a prestigious gallery, where I have always dreamed of being, and I’ve been delivered to the doorstep of several men, allof which I envision as one I’ve read about in the journal. But there is one man that will call to me, that will awaken me in ways I never believed possible. That man is the ruggedly sexy artist, Chris Merit, who wants to paint me. He is rich and famous, and dark in ways I shouldn’t find intriguing, but I do. I so do. I don’t understand why his dark side appeals to me, but the attraction between us is rich with velvety promises of satisfaction. Chris is dark, and so are his desires, but I cannot turn away. He is damaged beneath his confident good looks and need for control, and in some way, I feel he needs me. I need him.

All I know for certain is that he knows me like I don’t even know me, and he says I know him. Still, I keep asking myself — do I know him? Did he know her, the journal writer, and where is she? And why doesn’t it seem to matter anymore? There is just him and me, and the burn for more.

My thoughts

I really liked the idea for this book- the dusty journals holding deep, dark secrets and the idea of a modern day love interest linked to the past. 

But I found it really hard to feel involved with the story, and it only got harder for me to maintain my interest when I realised I didn't like the male lead at all.  I found him creepy and weird and my skin literally crawled right off me at a few points.  I completely understand the author trying to make him dark and secretive, but for me it was too much. 

It is hard to say much else about this one as I was overwhelmed by the negative emotion I felt towards Chris, but it was reasonably well written and there was a plot to go along with the sex, which isn't always true of erotic romance.

I did finish this book, although it was partly through sheer determination not to be beaten by the freaky weirdo guy, but won't be rushing out to read the rest of the series.

The Girl Behind the Mask- Stella Knightley

The Blurb

Leaving the heartache of sexual betrayal behind her in London, historian Sarah Thomson intends to make the most of her research trip to Venice. But she soon finds her attention consumed by mysterious millionaire Marco Donato. Despite their deepening relationship, however, the handsome playboy persists in playing a secretive game.

What exactly is Marco hiding? The subject of Sarah's research is eighteenth-century Venetian Luciana Giordano. At a time when debauchery is the city's favourite pastime, virginal Luciana is kept out of trouble by a zealous chaperone--until she meets a man who promises to help her escape her restraints. But just what does the worldly stranger want to teach her in return?

My Thoughts

Now, this one I LOVED.  The gorgeous cover had me smitten to start with, but this book is so much more than a pretty face.

It is erotic, it is spine-tinglingly sexy and it has a cracker of a story line.  Essentially, it is your high brow smut, well written and doubling up as part historical novel.  I didn't think I'd be falling in love with this one as much as I did, especially when I realised it was partly set in eighteenth century Venice.  But Stella Knightly totally captivated me and maybe even opened my eyes to how fiction set in a different era can still offer everything I enjoy in a novel.

The characters were great, the setting was exquisitely described, the kinky bits were brilliant.  All in all, this is a winner, infact I'd say it is one of my favourite reads of the year.  I gave it to my Mum after I'd finished it and she loved it too!

After- Anna Todd BLOG TOUR

 

 

 

ORGASMIC AUTUMN IS HERE!!!  YIPPEEEEE!

 

This is a weird one for me to be writing about as it feels very close to home!  I'm friends with a lot of the other bloggers on the UK tour for After, but I don't think they were familiar with it until The Hot Bed, Simon and Schuster's raunchy side, started promoting it.  Whereas I knew all about After. 

 

If you've read my blog before, you'll have seen me talking of my love for One Direction-maybe even the 'celebrity crush' promo video for a book earlier in the year, where I'm holding a picture of Louis and the drool is almost visible.  That's the small scale side of the obsession.  Here comes the full on confession.  I saw them four times this summer-twice as VIP (absolutely amazing.  Niall did the Better than Words thrust practically IN MY FACE).  I went to support Louis and Niall in their charity games.  I've been tweeted by Anne, Ruth and Dan, and DMed by Keith.  Liam's car nearly ran me and my friend Svenja over at 1am on his way back from a late night trip to KFC to beat the munchies.  And I actually met Dan and nearly died with excitement (I'm a huge Dangirl Fangirl. Gotta love someone who strums that well.  Ahem).  

 

Basically, I'm just sharing a few credentials here so people who find my blog via Anna know I'm not a carrot ;) 

 



Any excuse to relive the 'meeting Dan' moment, even though my hair did look exceptionally shit that day

And if none of that made any sense to you, you're obviously one of the bookish visitors not a Directioner...

 

If you know me then you'll know I unashamedly read/write/champion fanfiction.  And One Direction fanfiction is my area of expertise.  I've read it all-the good, the bad, the ugly, the downright weird.

 

Anna Todd is the most well known writer of fanfic in our fandom.  She has an absolute 'Anna Army' clamouring for updates and there are people who've had 'Hessa' tattoos, make endless manips and are probably as obsessed with 'After Harry' (who has been renamed as Hardin for the print version) as they are with Harry himself.  And because Anna is so bloody lovely, answering hundreds of fans tweets daily, running an online reading group and aiming to meet as many fans as she can in person, it has grown, and grown, and grown.  It's like an After snowball running away down a hill, building up speed and bundling up new readers with each update.

 

I'll be honest.  I resisted After for a long time, partly because of the hype.  And also, I seriously struggle with any serialised fiction because I am the most impatient human on the entire planet, and waiting for updates on fanfics I read nigh on kills me.  It was only when I started interacting with Anna on twitter that I finally started reading it, but when that happened I was hooked.

 

This is quite a rambly opening for a blog post, I admit.  But I couldn't launch straight into a review without a bit of background, because it is the background which has brought us to this point-where After is on the verge of release to an unsuspecting public.  Fans will be slightly reluctant to share, because Hessa is part of our fandom and we are a very tight, loyal bunch (best fans in the world, eh Nialler?).  Yet in saying that, I think everyone that's enjoyed After on Wattpad will be thrilled for Anna and the success she is having. 

 

She's one of us, afterall. 

 

The Blurb

 

Anna Todd's After fan fiction racked up 1 billion reads online and captivated readers across the globe. Experience the Internet's most talked-about book, now newly revised and expanded, for yourself! There was the time before Tessa met Hardin, and then there's everything AFTER...Life will never be the same. #Hessa

 

Tessa is a good girl with a sweet, reliable boyfriend back home. She's got direction, ambition, and a mother who's intent on keeping her that way. But she's barely moved into her freshman dorm when she runs into Hardin. With his tousled brown hair, cocky British accent, tattoos, and lip ring, Hardin is undeniably hot! But he's also rude - to the point of cruelty, even.

 

For all his attitude, Tessa should hate Hardin. And she does - until she finds herself alone with him in his room. Something about his dark mood grabs her, and when they kiss it ignites within her a passion she's never known before. He'll call her beautiful, then insist he isn't the one for her and disappear again and again.

 

Despite the reckless way he treats her, Tessa is compelled to dig deeper and find the real Hardin beneath all his lies. He pushes her away again and again, yet every time she pushes back, he only pulls her in deeper.

 

Tessa already has the perfect boyfriend. So why is she trying so hard to overcome her own hurt pride and Hardin's prejudice about nice girls like her? Unless...could this be love?

 

The Review 

 

Here goes nothing... This is literally one of the most scary reviews I have ever had to write!

 

But before I start, I need to get the negative out of the way- I really don't like the name change to Hardin.  I understand why it had to be altered, but Hardin just sounds so unBritish. I did kind of get used to it after a while, and for anyone coming to After for the first time it wouldn't be an issue at all.  I guess he'll just always be Harry to me *shrugs*  The other major name changes are Liam/Landon, Louis/Logan, Niall/Nate, Zayn/Zed- I actually really like the last one, but the others not so much.  They're only names though, and I can get over that.

 

For those who don't know, the story itself is in classic New Adult frenemies territory- preppy girl (Tessa) goes off to college leaving her reliable-yet-unexciting boyfriend (Noah) back in her hometown.  Finding herself thrown into a group of alternative types with tattoos and piercings, Tessa wonders where she fits in.  It's her roommate Steph who really opens Tessa's eyes to how appearances can be deceptive, and I love her.  She's a strong female with a real sense of her own identity and is a good friend to Tessa-she's got that rebellious streak but a good heart.  I'd love a friend like her.

 

Hardin is a bit more complex.  He's troubled, and broody and at times downright rude.  But he's also sexy as hell and has a reputation for being pretty darn amazing in bed. Oh, and he likes reading the classics.  Which all in all makes for a lethal and undeniably attractive character.  In real life I look for devotion and honesty, but in fiction I like my men with a bit of attitude and Hardin has that in bundles. 

 

Hardin was physically based on this beautiful man. What's not to love?

 

Of course, I'm not giving anything away if I let slip Tessa and Hardin become 'involved'.  It's messy and toxic with some steamy sex thrown in for good measure, but mostly their story is of fraught arguments and a power struggle. 

 

This is where some people find After hard. 

 

Both Tessa and Hardin can be selfish, both Tessa and Hardin are stubborn.  There is a lot of game playing between them where they seemingly testing each other. Tessa does this through meddling in Hardin's fractured family life, whereas Hardin closes off, uses sex to control Tessa and for large parts of the book is pretty awful.  There are people who have said After glamorises abusive relationships and that it shouldn't be released, especially when teen girls are reading it.  Two points on this from me.  Firstly, I don't think it does.  Tessa goes into the relationship with her eyes wide open and builds enough confidence to leave if she so wished.  And After has always been more about infatuation than straightforward love.  Secondly, those who say 'teens shouldn't read after because it gives an unhealthy view of relationships'- would you let teens read Jane Eyre?  Because having a wife locked in an attic isn't really healthy either, but I don't think Bronte was advocating it just because she used it as a plot device...

 

The editing has definitely improved the quality of the writing.  Wattpad is a fabulous place to get down ideas but Anna and her editors have really added to the style and substance of the book.  It is really, really readable- one of those books where you settle down to read a few pages and BAM- half your day is gone because you have been suckered in.  Put simply, if you're a fan of new adult fiction, then you have got to read After. 

 

Overall, I am really, really proud to 'know' Anna.  She built up from writing updates on her phone to a publishing deal and the After series is going to be a huge global phenomenon, even moreso than it already is.  I'm glad to have found Hardin and Tessa before the explosion which is coming.  And although it makes me a bit sad to say it, it's time for the fandom to share Hessa *sob*

 

*******

 



And I am EXCEPTIONALLY fortunate to have a little video snippet of the gorgeous Anna that she made exclusively for Books with Bunny (see, told you she was lovely) thanking everyone for their support.  Mwah. xxx

 

 1D fanfic lovers, you can find me on Wattpad here .

 

AND IF YOU WANT TO PREORDER AFTER....

 

 

Ebook links:
Kindle: amzn.to/1D9Yj6w
Google Play: bit.ly/1pgjfOW
Kobo: bit.ly/1uzvUDc
iTunes: bit.ly/X5Dd87

Paperback links: Amazon: amzn.to/1Da0OWI
Waterstones: bit.ly/1oOrMt3
WHSmith: bit.ly/ZmpHPt
Foyles: bit.ly/1qYb27M

Duende- E.E. Ottoman

The blurb
Famed opera singer Aimé has a lot in common with Badri, the Royal Ballet Company's most popular male lead. They have both dedicated their entire lives to their art, and struggle to be taken seriously among the Empire's elite. And both harbor a secret admiration and desire for the other.

This year for his birthday Aimé treats himself to a night at the ballet seeing Badri perform, and after the show decides to meet Badri and confess his admiration for Badri's skill. But when that first awkward meeting turns to more, they are left wondering if there is room in their lives for both career and romance…

The Review
Oh, how I loved this book!  I can't put into words just how much it touched me. 

Firstly, I adored how art was portrayed as a vessel for life.  That was something I could totally relate to and I felt E.E. Ottoman managed to put that across beautifully.  But most of all, this is a fabulous love story.  Aime and Badri aren't perfect.  But they love each other, imperfections and all, with that total, all-consuming love and fascination. 

It is intense.  It is passionate.  In fact, my heart almost leapt out of my chest because their relationship was so beautiful and tender and real.  And I think I developed a bit of a crush on Badri too.  Partly because he was so wonderfully dedicated, partly because of his love for Aime, partly because he places such importance on family by doting on his brother Sushil.

I can't really compare it to anything else out there.  It kind of defies genre.  Duende is otherworldly.  It is romance.  It is erotica.  And (although I hate classifying things this way) it is GBLTQ.

But above all it is fantastic. 

I didn't realise it was part of a series, but have now greedily got my hands on part one.  And part three is in the pipeline!  Yippee!  I just hope there will be more of Amie and Badri somewhere along the way, even if it is a cameo or reference.  I love them like I love Jane and Mr Rochester.  I want to write fanfics about them.  I want them to be adapted into a TV series shown late night on BBC3 (or maybe E4).

Basically, I want more.

Bring.  It. On.

Duende is out now, published by Less Than Three.

I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Ugly Love- Colleen Hoover

 

One girl throwing caution to the wind and one boy giving in to lust for the first time in six years...that's pretty much the plot of Colleen Hoover's latest release Ugly Love.  I'd heard so many fantastic things about Colleen's novels but this is the first one I have read- I can tell you now it won't be the last.

Airline pilot Miles is up front and honest.  He isn't open to love.   Sensible, reliable Tate convinces herself this doesn't matter, that she can handle a no-strings, purely physical relationship. They have two rules- don't ask about the past and don't expect a future.  But can Tate play by the rules?  And does she even want to?

I'm not going to lie, there are some pretty steamy scenes in this one.  And the amount of sexual tension that sizzles off the page...well, let's just say that Miles and Tate's story had me gripped.  Hoover uses a dual narrative to expose both the characters points of view which results in the reader feeling like they know a lot about them both.  From the moment they meet (a slumped, drunken Miles lying in the doorway to Tate's apartment) through to the emotional climax, I took them into my heart.

It is a great summer read, perfect for the beach.  I rattled through it at pace, keen to know where the story was going and if the secrets of the past would be revealed.  The only trouble is I'm now gagging for more!

Colleen Hoover has succeeded where many others have fallen short.  In Ugly Love she's written a book with an intense and sexy feel which also has a strong plot.  Hoorah!

Ugly Love is out now published by Simon and Schuster.

The Second Time I Saw You- Pippa Croft

The Blurb
Lauren and Alexander's journey continues in the second novel in Pippa Croft's Oxford Blue romance series.

It's the beginning of a new term at Wyckham College, Oxford, and a fresh start for Lauren Cusack. Her fingers were badly burnt when a whirlwind romance with gorgeous English aristocrat, Alexander Hunt, became too hot to handle - and now she's determined to keep her distance.

Her resolve is shaken when Alexander appears on her doorstep - he's been completely torn apart by some devastating news. Lauren knows that she should stay away, but their chemistry is undeniable and she soon finds herself back in Alexander's arms.

Can Lauren handle the drama that comes with Alexander Hunt? Or will she have to sacrifice the most exhilarating passion she's ever known . . .

Fans of E L James, Tammara Webber and Beth Kery won't be able to get enough of Pippa Croft's Oxford Blue romance series. The First Time We Met and The Second Time I Saw You are the first two novels in the series, followed by Third Time Lucky, which is also available to pre-order from Penguin.

Pippa Croft is the pen name of an award-winning romantic novelist. After studying English at Oxford, she worked as a copywriter and journalist before writing her debut novel, which won the RNA's New Writers' award and was later made into a TV movie. She lives in a village in the heart of England with her husband and daughter.

The Review
It is really rare that I read books in a series back to back regardless of how much I love them, but I couldn't help myself when it came to Pippa Croft's Oxford Blue series.  I loved the balance of out and out drama and tantalising raunch in The First Time We Met (you can read my review here ) and showed no restraint-I just had to read The Second Time I Saw You right away.

We're taken back to Oxford for Lauren's second term of university.  This book delves deeper than The First Time We Met- probably because we are already familiar with the characters.  However, life has irrevocably changed for Alexander, and although are plenty titillating sex scenes for the fans of erotica there is also a strong story running through the book. 

Without giving too much away we find out more about Alexander's younger sister (who pushes boundaries in the way teenagers are wont) and life at Falconbury, and I loved this.  It felt like the series had moved on yet still had all the familiar elements that I loved about the first book.  There are secrets and lies throughout and as the story unfolds the links between the characters are more apparent.  It seemed that the characters all had to grow up quickly because of events in this book, and I enjoyed finding out more about Lauren's compassionate side.

I'm not going to lie, the ending almost killed me.  It is a complete cliffhanger which had me screaming 'NOOOOOOOOOOOOO' at the thought that I'll have to wait for the final instalment of Oxford Blue.

It's fair to say that I'm a fan.  Hurry up with part three Pippa, we're all waiting!

The Second Time I Saw You is out now, published by Penguin.

With thanks to Penguin for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Second Time I Saw You- Pippa Croft *Blog Blitz*

Publishing 22^nd May 2014 Penguin

It's the beginning of a new term at Wyckham College, Oxford, and a fresh start for Lauren Cusack. Her fingers were badly burnt when a whirlwind romance with gorgeous English aristocrat, Alexander Hunt, became too hot to handle - and now she's determined to keep her distance.

Her resolve is shaken when Alexander appears on her doorstep - he's been completely torn apart by some devastating news. Lauren knows that she should stay away, but their chemistry is undeniable and she soon finds herself back in Alexander's arms.

Can Lauren handle the drama that comes with Alexander Hunt? Or will she have to sacrifice the most exhilarating passion she's ever known . . .

(The Second Time I saw you is the 2^nd book in the Oxford Blue Series.)

 

 

About the Author

 

Pippa Croft is the pen name of an award-winning romantic novelist. After studying English at Oxford, she worked as a copywriter and journalist before writing her debut novel, which won the RNA's New Writers' award and was later made into a TV movie. She lives in a village in the heart of England with her husband and daughter.

 

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The First Time We Met is the first novel in the sizzling new Oxford Blue romance series from Pippa Croft.

When US Senator’s daughter Lauren Cusack arrives at the enchanting Wyckham College of Oxford University, she hopes to mend her broken heart by throwing herself into her studies.

But then English aristocrat Alexander Hunt walks into her life and everything changes. Handsome, brooding, and with his own dark past to escape, Alexander is exactly what Lauren doesn’t need – but she finds herself helplessly drawn towards him.

Both Alexander and Lauren know that they should stay away from each other . . . but sometimes desire is so powerful that it conquers all else.