My best friend was dying and I was in love with his girl.Andy and I had been best friends since we were eight-years old.
Watching him slowly fade away, ever closer to his final breath, made me so incredibly angry. I knew there was nothing I could do to change it–I had given in to despair, but Andy had not. He had one last hand to play.
He wasn’t going to simply sit back and wait for Death to claim him–not Andy. He was going to live life until he couldn’t hold his eyes open any longer.
Andy didn’t want to die in some sterile hospital and asked me to take him and Emily to the beach. It would be our last road trip together.
Emily. Emily was a problem for me.
I harbored a secret that would have torn our friendship apart. I was in love with Andy’s girl, and had been since she’d walked into our sixth grade class, so many years ago.
So what kind of person am I? My best friend is dying, and it’s awful–but my heart still aches for his girl. I hate myself for thinking beyond Andy’s death and whether there could ever be a future for Emily and I, but I can’t help it.
Missy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she’s a cat, a cat who thinks he’s a dog…you get the picture).
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.
“My name’s Jag Steele. I’m the lead singer and guitarist to the band Pandemic Sorrow and I have a drug problem – well, I mean it’s not really a problem unless you count the fact that I almost made my heart explode from all the blow I shoved up my nose a few weeks back.”
That was my introduction during my first stint in rehab. I’m a fuckup. If you ask anybody who I am there’s a list they will go down: Famous, rock star, legend, drug addict, womanizing man-whore… but if you asked me, I wouldn’t have the first idea of what to say because I don’t know who Jag Steele is. Really, I’m living every other damn person’s dream, and all I want is reality.
Roxy Slade, that girl was my reality. My brutally flawed and beautifully broken reality. And she fucking hated everything I stood for. To her I was just one of “those guys”, and she’d rather be buried alive with poisonous snakes than give someone like me a piece of toilet paper to wipe their ass with. Brutal – Life. Is. Brutal. And it is just a giant pain in the ass, which is why I chase after anything to make it numb, anything that can fill this void. I just want anything that can make me not feel.
First in the Bachelorette Party Series. The Bachelorette Party Series is a spin-off from the Blythe College Series.
No woman ever expects to meet the man of her dreams at her bachelorette party…
It’s just Jocelyn’s luck that she meets her match at the fake bachelorette party her best friend throws for her. She knows better than to get pulled into any of Cee-Cee’s antics. It must have been sheer exhaustion that made her agree to help her best friend out with a work project – one that ended up with her playing bachelorette for the night!
No man ever wants to be knocked off his feet by a woman he meets while she’s wearing a bachelorette “suck for a buck” shirt…
Andrew knows that he wants Jocelyn the moment he lays eyes on her, but he’s never been one to poach on another man’s territory. He walks away but finds himself changed by the experience. Imagine his surprise when he sees her again, only to discover she isn’t married and has never even been engaged.
After having her heart broken, Brooke tries to rebuild her life and closes herself off from the one man she loved deeply. When she meets Grayson, a photographer, she has no idea that her new boss will offer her more than she bargained for. The pay is great, her new friends more than welcoming and everything seems to be running well…until everyone insists she find herself a new suitor during a night out.
Jett knows how to play games. He is used to getting attention from everyone except the beautiful dark haired woman who doesn’t like to be fooled with and doesn’t trust him as far as she can spit. He wants Brooke but, more than that, he wants to own her, and the only way to get her is to make her owe him…against her will.
And what Jett owns, Jett keeps forever.
****4 1/2 Wonderful Stars****
The Lover’s Game by J.C. Reed was another fantastic addition to the No Exceptions Series. This book picks up right where The Lover’s Secret left off, and I could not get enough of this book from the moment I picked it up!
The events of this book added so much to Brooke and Jett’s story that I have come to love over the books in this series and the Surrender Series by J.C. Reed. (The No Exceptions Series is a standalone series from the Surrender Series, but they do connect, so for the best reading experience I suggest reading all of the books!) The more I read this series, the more I get hooked in, and I am just dying to know what is going to happen next with these fantastic characters and their exciting story.
What I just loved about The Lover’s Game:
Brooke’s pain and vulnerability. You can feel everything Brooke is feeling throughout the story, but you especially feel all the pain, emotion, and vulnerability she experiences with the events in this book. You feel this right from the beginning, and it makes you want to comfort her and just fight for her. You just want to make her better, and feeling all of this through Brooke’s perspective is very powerful.
The determination and fight. Brooke is determined as hell in this book to make everything alright, even when she is in a true tailspin after what happened in The Lover’s Secret. I loved that Brooke was determined as hell to figure everything out and make it all work. She faces a crap ton, and through it all she is feisty. Even though this is probably the worst time in her life, she is fighting like hell, and I freaking loved that!
The mystery. This book has many different mysteries weaving their way through the story. You’ve got everything that’s going on with Jett, then you’ve also got Brooke’s paranoia over the possibility of harm coming her way. There are just so many mysteries and questions you want to solve and answer. While reading this book you will be trying to put it all together, and that just made this book highly engaging.
The female friendship.The interactions in this book between Brooke and her best friend Sylvie were just wonderful. These two are truly there for one another. In this book you also meet some new females who add another wonderful layer and connection with Brooke. Gina and Thalia are carefree and fun, and bring true liveliness to the story. The female friendship aspect of this book is wholly authentic, and you will feel the connections and friendships developing over the course of the story.
The questions coming up. This book brings up a lot of questions that make you really think about the story you are reading. You will question Brooke’s actions and feelings, the other people and what they’re up to, and so many more things. These questions bring this story to life and it really makes you wonder how it’ll all come together.
The darkness. I really liked that there is a lot of darkness that goes along with The Lover’s Game. That darkness comes out in so many varied and unique ways, and makes this books very different from other’s I’ve read. It made it stand out in such a good way. This darkness also made the story seem so much more real because of what that darkness was stirring up with Brooke and Jett and everyone else.
The pacing. From the moment I began this series with The Lover’s Secret until the end of this book, I hit the ground running and have yet to stop. I absolutely love that. This book picks you up, and takes you on one hell of a ride. The events and characters of this book series come to life and I dare you to try and not be engaged as all get out reading this book.
The writing. J.C. Reed’s books are written beautifully. The writing that is so thoughtfully crafted brings the story to life, and makes it very easy to slip into the world that’s created. It also makes it very easy to connect to the characters. It is just so easy to imagine and experience this story because of the writing.
The twists. This book is full of some major twists and turns. I won’t reveal what those are, but just know that they will blow your mind. There were a few specific ones that had me SHOCKED. These twists and turns take the story on a path that I can’t wait to read more of, because I have to know where this path is heading.
The Lover’s Game was another magnificent addition to the No Exceptions Series. The characters you’ve fallen in love with are back, and are thrown into some pretty interesting and memorable situations. This book just had me falling more and more in love with Brooke and Jett’s exciting story, and I cannot wait to see how it continues in the next book in the series.
I’m sure that one will be another unforgettable story.
J.C. Reed is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of SURRENDER YOUR LOVE series. She writes steamy contemporary fiction with a touch of mystery. When she’s not typing away on her keyboard, forgetting the world around her, she dreams of returning to the beautiful mountains of Wyoming. You can also find her chatting on Facebook with her readers or spending time with her two children.
A secret scar… Tegan Callahan has sworn off bad boys for good. Growing up on tour with her rock star brother, she knows first-hand the damage they can do. She’s looking for a nice, safe, stable guy – until a chance encounter with a devastatingly sexy stranger makes her question everything she thought she wanted.
A troubled soul…
Ryland James arrives in Beachwood Bay on the run from his mistakes. He knows he’s the last thing Tegan needs, but somehow, he can’t stay away. There’s something about her fierce beauty that draws him in – and makes him vow to protect her, whatever the cost.
A passionate destiny…
Their bond is undeniable; the stakes, higher than ever. But the past won’t stay gone forever, and soon, Ryland must make the ultimate choice: will he risk everything he treasures in the world, or keep Tegan safe – and sacrifice her love forever?
*This book contains adult situations and explicit content. 17+*
Just a little tease…
Melody Grace is a small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover. After spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting after fictional menfolk. She is author of USA Today & international bestselling Beachwood Bay series.
At the young age of nineteen, Shayne Andrews thought she had it all. She had the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, and a bright future ahead of her. That is, until one day he just disappeared, leaving a note as his only goodbye. With her heart shattered and broken, Shayne did the only thing she could. She left her small town on the shores of Lake Michigan to start her life over, needing to distance herself from the memories she and Luke had made. At that time, she vowed to herself that she would never return to her hometown again. Seven years later, Shayne realizes that fate is not on her side as she returns home for her aunt’s funeral, bringing back the one secret she swore to protect.
Luke Schavone has regretted every day that he had to leave Shayne behind. Though he didn’t have a choice, his heart still bore the scars from the impact. After five years, Luke returned only to find that Shayne was gone. His best friend was the only lifeline he had to finding her, but Adam wasn’t talking. When the one thing Luke has wanted everyday for the past seven years runs right into him one night, he becomes determined to make sure he doesn’t lose her again.
At first, Shayne is hesitant. She wouldn’t be able to survive losing him again, but the pull toward him is so fierce, she can’t deny herself the chance. With the decision to start over, Luke and Shayne must admit truths and come to terms with the events that forced them apart in the first place. When secrets are revealed and old threats come to pass, will Luke be able to shelter Shayne from the destruction, or will she become lost to him forever?
Shelter Me was a truly wonderful debut novel by Kathy Coopmans. This book had so many aspects to it that I just loved, and the story itself was one that I just fell in love with instantly. Shelter Me is about getting a second chance for something utterly beautiful.
This book is about what happens when those second chances come along, and how light and happiness can be found in even the darkest and hardest of times.
What I absolutely adored about Shelter Me:
You hit the ground running. I loved that this book hit the ground running with everything its got. It’s extremely well-paced and you are thrust right into the story. That just works. It also makes it easy to sink right in with what is going on with the fantastic characters.
The immediate and deep connection of Luke and Shayne. From the moment these two are on the page together, you feel the instant connection and the true depth of feeling between Luke and Shayne. You feel the pain and anguish they’re feeling at seeing each other again, and you feel the hope and desire thrumming from both of them. You will be captivated by the connection between these two, I promise.
Shayne is one tough cookie. Shayne is one strong female character who was extremely relatable. She goes through a lot in the events of this book, and she definitely is put to the test with all the things she experiences. But through all of this she holds her own, and never gives up. She fights and that is utterly fantastic to read, and it really made me love and admire her character for the toughness she had through everything.
Luke is a protective gem of a man.Luke was a magnificent male character to read. He is fiercely protective and majorly passionate about many things, but especially Shayne. The way he looks at her, talks to her, and opens up to her exemplifies every wonderful thing about his character. I am telling you he will just warm your heart with how amazing he is. (He also uses a seriously heart melting term of endearment for Shayne, and that was just the best.)
The mystery and questions. There are some mysteries and questions that come up with the story being told, especially surrounding Luke and the past as well as motives behind what is happening in the present of these characters. Those mysteries come to the page in a truly thoughtful way, and they really piqued my interest. It makes it so you are dying to know what’s going to happen, and certainly makes the book engaging as all get out.
The heat between Luke and Shayne. These two have got it going on. You will feel every single thing these characters feel for one another, and that is hot. The chemistry and desire between them is palpable and continues to throb throughout their entire story.
The feel of family. I absolutely loved that this book had such a feel of coming home and family to it. All the different characters in this book come together to make a crazy kind of family. The feeling of family and home weaves together with the story beautifully, and makes every event in this book that more extraordinary to read. It also truly resonates with what is going on with Luke and Shayne.
Second chances. This is a true second chance at love, and books like this are why I adore these kinds of stories. These magnificent characters are getting a new chapter together, and though they have much to go through, this second chance brings out the best in them. The second chances in this book are hard fought and well deserved, and this book exemplifies what it means to get a second chance at it all.
The fight for the happy. Shelter Me makes Shayne, Luke, and many of the other characters fight for the happy they are seeking. Both Shayne and Luke are fighting for their second chance together. That fight has its ups and downs and puts them to the serious test, but that fight is so worthwhile and enthralling to read.
Bringing it all together. I loved how this book brought the past, present, and futures of both Shayne and Luke, along with everybody else, together. The meshing of these 3 mediums made me love Shayne and Luke more, and it made me invested with them. The author does such a fabulous job of this that you will want to fight for them too with all you’ve got.
Shelter Me was a highly engaging book that explores what happens when two people are given a second chance at the happiness they are both seeking. The connection and power between the two main characters it just utterly wonderful, and will have you in love with their story the minute you meet them.
This book truly exemplifies what it means to take that leap of faith even when you can’t exactly see what’ll happen next. The story within this books page is filled with fantastic characters that will truly captivate you in every way, and in the end the overpowering sense of love, family, and home in the book will just melt your little heart.
“Baby, I never thought I would get to taste those sweet, sexy, seriously fuckable lips again.”
“Fuckable? I ask, “What happened to us starting over?”
Luke brings his mouth to my ear. “I said I wanted us to start over, and I meant it. Doesn’t mean I don’t remember everything that happened between us, my beautiful girl. Especially involving those fuckable lips.,” he whispers, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
“Oh, is all I can get my mouth to say.”
“What’s the matter baby? Did I kiss you senseless?” Luke asks as he pulls me up to a standing position.
Kathy is a Michigan native where she lives with her husband Tony. They have two son’s Aaron and Shane.
She is a sports nut. Her favorite sports include NASCAR, Baseball and Football.
By day she is a hairstylist and loves her job.
She has always been an avid reader and at the young age of 50 decided she wanted to write. She claims she can do several things at once and still stay on task. Her favorite quote is “I got this.”
He’s a broken young boxer whose championship dreams were cut short by a tragic accident. She’s a beautiful young widow whose defenses against love are as strong as his left hook.
When Kenny and Slayde are thrown together one fateful night, they are shaken by their undeniable attraction, and the closer they get, the more they start to believe in second chances.
But Slayde’s troubled past threatens to destroy their dreams, and Kenny must choose between rebuilding her walls or risking her heart for the one to love.
WARNING: Recommended for adult readers (18+) only. Mature themes, strong language, and sexual content.
Check out what readers are saying about the One to Hold series
“FIVE STARS! Tia Louise is an author that surprises me in a pleasant way with each book that she releases in this highly enjoyable, and completely addictive series. I cannot recommend it highly enough.” —Claire Robinson, Goodreads
“Tia Louise hit it out of the ballpark. The One to Hold series is hot, sexy, and full of surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat!” –Sommertime Book Blog
All books in the One to Hold “series” are stand-alone romances.The suggested reading order is One to Hold, One to Protect, One to Keep, One to Love.
Tia Louise is a former journalist, world-traveler, and collector of beautiful men (who inspire ALL of her stories… *wink*)—turned wife, mommy, and novelist.
It’s possible she has a slight truffle addiction. And she will never look at a family restroom the same way again.
Author: J.C. Reed Genre: Mature New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance
Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Full Length Novel
Expected Publication Date: September 9th 2014
When love is a game…
After having her heart broken, Brooke tries to rebuild her life and closes herself off from the one man she loved deeply.
When she meets Grayson, a photographer, she has no idea that her new boss will offer her more than she bargained for. The pay is great, her new friends more than welcoming and everything seems to be running well…until everyone insists she find herself a new suitor during a night out.
Jett knows how to play games. He is used to getting attention from everyone except the beautiful dark haired woman who doesn’t like to be fooled with and doesn’t trust him as far as she can spit. He wants Brooke but, more than that, he wants to own her, and the only way to get her is to make her owe him…against her will.
J.C. Reed is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of SURRENDER YOUR LOVE series. She writes steamy contemporary fiction with a touch of mystery. When she’s not typing away on her keyboard, forgetting the world around her, she dreams of returning to the beautiful mountains of Wyoming. You can also find her chatting on Facebook with her readers or spending time with her two children.
I absolutely LOVED The Lover’s Secret by J.C. Reed, and you can bet your butt that The Lover’s Game is headed right to the top of my TBR list! Be sure to add it to your today!
She can track down the world’s most dangerous drug lords, hack into any computer, and kill a man in fifteen different ways—but when she comes face-to-face with the only man who’s ever held her heart, it might be her most dangerous mission yet… Or is it?
Sloan Walker. Dr. Felicia Santora. Agent L-55. Three very different personas, three very different names, but all have one thing in common. They’re all controlled, acted out, and lived by one woman.
Her past has been long forgotten. Ten years have gone by since someone remembered the girl she used to be. The young girl with the big-brown eyes and beautiful dreams of happiness, dreams of love. She now lives a clandestine life. A life filled with top-secret missions and covert assignments. Only a handful of people know the true nature of her job. Her safety is constantly being pushed towards the brink of life-threatening danger.
Then one day someone unexpectedly steps back into her life…
A man who once owned her mind, body, and soul. A man who held her heart in the palm of his hand.
He remembers. He knows.
And this knowledge could threaten everything she’s worked so hard for. Nixon West is as intelligent as they come and his Navy SEAL training has made him one of the most dangerous weapons in the United States Military. The moment she reappeared into his life he promised himself that he wouldn’t let her go.
But the true question is…what extreme lengths will Nix go to for her?
She will soon face another mission.
And it will test everything.
Time never seems all that important until your life hangs in the balance.
I march to the beat of my drum. Can you hear that? That perpetual bang, bang, bang that’s continually drumming relentlessly inside of my head. Oh, that’s just me? Never mind then, carry on…
Beautiful words, lovely plot lines, and COFFEE…Three of my favorite things.
I savor the weird, embrace the pervy, and willingly open both arms to anything that will make me laugh.
My obsession is books. I like to read them, write them, and inhale them in any way my ravenous mind will allow.
I’m awkward and sarcastic and can’t take a proper selfie if my life depended on it.
I was once told by my high school English teacher that my colorful ability to state the obvious would be my biggest weakness. I thanked him and made it my life’s mission to make that my biggest strength.
At times, I’m bordering on obscene and have strongly considered tattooing the words Approach With Caution on some part of my body.
Procrastinator at heart who tries to tell herself that she’ll meet every deadline.
Tomorrow. I’ll finish it tomorrow, I swear.
And maybe just a smidge more tease…. (I don’t know about y’all, but this one is headed right to the top of my TBR list!)
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000032_00032]](http://www.readlovelust.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/OneToLove_FullCVR-2.jpg)
The Never Ending Book Basket 