Billy and Me Book Review *Giovanna Fletcher*

Synopsis: Sophie May has a secret.

One that she’s successfully kept for years. It’s meant that she’s had to give up her dreams of going to university and travelling the world to stay in her little village, living with her mum and working in the local teashop.

But then she meets the gorgeous Billy – an actor with ambitions to make it to the top. And when they fall in love, Sophie is whisked away from the comfort of her life into Billy’s glamorous – but ruthless – world.

Their relationship throws Sophie right into the spotlight after years of shying away from attention. Can she handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with Billy? And most of all, is she ready for her secret heartbreak to be discovered and shared with the nation?

Billy and Me is by debut author Giovanna Fletcher. I was sent this book from Penguin UK, and after reading the book description I cracked this open and to my surprise it was a delightful, and charming read! Billy and Me is what I would consider Chick-Lit. Fans of Sophia Kinsella will eat this one up. There’s a message here about being true to one’s self and finding happiness wherever you can, even if that means working in a tea shop in a small village like Sophie, the main protagonist of this tale. Sophie may seem like a normal, everyday woman, but she’s more than that. She is loving, supportive and open to new things, although at first she may seem to be a homebody and is shy and reserved. She’s taken out of her element by Billy, an up and coming actor that many teens girls, as well as their moms are crushing heavily on. Because of Billy, Sophie learns a great deal about herself, including her strengths and weaknesses.

Sophie has worked at Tea-on-the-Hill in her village for the past eight years. She lives with her widowed mother and has no complaints about her very simple life. She loves serving the quirky customers that come in, even the teens girls and their silly gossip. She overhears that a remake of Pride and Prejudice will be filmed nearby and up and coming heartthrob, Billy Buskin is Mr. Darcy. Sophia doesn’t think much more about it (she does wish Jude Law had taken on Darcy because of her crush on him), but then a handsome man comes into the tea shop and sits alone. It’s Billy, and after he and Sophie chat, he asks her to help him run lines and soon he asks her out on a date. Billy is not only gorgeous but sweet and nice and falls for Sophia pretty fast. She has deep feelings for him and he asks her to move with him to London so they can be together all the time. Sophia accepts and leaves everything she has ever known behind. Soon she's very out of her element as she tries to make sense of Billy's profession and if he’s the right man she wants to build a future with. 

If you’re in a foul mood and need some cheering up fast, you need to get your hands on Billy and Me. This is the type of book that gives you the warm fuzzies and will put a spring in your step. Sweet is the key word here. Sophie and Billy are an incredible couple and watching them trust one another and try to work things out as they navigate the craziness that’s Billy’s career is the reason to read. Billy might just be my favorite hero of the year. He’s precious and has a big heart. Sophie is THE ONE for him, and you get a good sense he wants to do whatever he can to make Sophie comfortable and loved. Unfortunately outside sources try to ruin their relationship even as Billy and Sophie are dedicated to making it work between them.

There are a few weepy type moments, especially about Sophie’s deceased father, her mother and her ex-boss Molly who treats Sophie like her own daughter. You’ll end up admiring Sophie a great deal because even when she’s down, she tries to raise herself back up. The ending almost had me in sniffles, but happy sniffles because of Billy and a very romantic speech he prepares for Sophie on why he adores her so much. I think I swooned inside.

Billy and Me is a true winner perfect for all ages, both male and female. This is one book I’m putting on my keeper shelf. Total love for Billy and Me. (Penguin)

Finale Grade: A-

A few other Billy and Me reviews:
Dot Scribbles
I Heart Chick Lit

The Female Bookworm

Book Spotlight and Cover Reveal: The Nature of Cruelty by L.H. Cosway

I'm pleased to announce L.H.Cosway's nest release. The Nature of Cruelty will be available on June 28th. Ever since I've read Painted Faces by L.H., I've been anxious for more from her. The Nature of Cruelty sounds like a hard hitting, emotional read.

Synopsis: Cruelty is a cycle. Once inflicted, it spreads.

Her name is Lana. She wasn’t dealt the easiest cards in life. She wasn’t dealt the hardest. She has an illness, but she doesn’t let it rule her. The first time she laid eyes on her best friend’s twin brother, she fell in love at first sight. It didn’t last very long. He was a hateful boy who made her miserable. The happiest day of her life was when he moved away to London six years ago.

His name is Robert. He breaks the ones who love him. He’s always liked to play games with Lana, see how far he could push her. He once thrived on her pain, but no more. Now she’s coming to London to live with his sister for the summer and this time he plans on being her friend instead of her tormentor. But Lana is scarred by his past bullying. She doesn’t trust him, nor does she have any reason to.

When the two find themselves living under the same roof, they call a truce. This summer will change both of their lives, as they put their history aside and learn one another from scratch.

When fear takes over, we use cruelty as a mask. Robert and Lana’s story will see their masks slip away as the love they felt on the inside shows its true face.


Bio: L.H. Cosway is a self-employed writer, editor, and proofreader. She has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

L.H. Cosway on Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5622223
L_H_Cosway Twitter- @LHCosway
LH Cosway Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/LH-Cosway/171041853046034

Guest Author Post: Cat Grant on Flawless and Writing Transgender Characters

People are always asking where I get my ideas. But in the case of my new m/m novella Flawless, it’s safe to say I never would’ve written it if not for Tyrrell, an extraordinary woman I met early last year.

To call her an inspiration would be a vast understatement. She’s packed an incredible amount of living into her fifty-odd years. I considered using her life as the basis for a novel, until I realized no one would believe a character who’d earned a doctorate in aeronautics engineering, served as a commander in the US Navy, worked for JPL in Pasadena, and owned her own auto shop and string of racing cars.

Oh, and in the midst of it all, she transitioned from male to female.

As we grew closer, I gave her some of my books to read, and she passed them on to some of her friends in the trans* community. A little while later, Tyrrell came to me with a special request. “There are no books like this for us,” she said. “Will you write one?”

How could I say no?

I won’t say it was easy – in fact, it was one of the most difficult books I’ve ever written. I knew I had to do right by Tyrrell and her friends by presenting the reality of their lives in an honest way. Frankly, it stymied me at times. I put the manuscript aside for a couple of months because I was convinced there was no way I’d pull it off. I mean, how could I? I’ve never experienced gender dysphoria.

But I have been overweight my entire life. I know how it feels to look in the mirror and hate what I see. I know how it’s like to be taunted and ridiculed for it. Of course that’s not the same as growing up knowing Mother Nature mixed up your X and Y chromosomes, but it’s as close as I’ll ever get.

This was the first time I’d ever used a real, live person as my main source of research. Every time I had a question, all I had to do was pick up the phone. It was great! Tyrrell even took me out to an auto-cross race, so I could smell the burning fuel and hear the ear-splitting roar of all those engines. She drove me around the track at Laguna Seca too. (And that corkscrew turn? Every bit as scary as it sounds!)

The book became my tribute to Tyrrell’s life and courage. When she read the finished product and told me she loved it – well, that’s the best review I’ve ever received.

You can find Flawless here: Amazon, Nook, Kobo, All Romance ebooks or directly from Riptide Publishing.

Synopsis: Steve Campbell used to be a player, until a mid-life crisis opened his eyes to his long-repressed love for Connor, his soon-to-be-married best friend and business partner. Coming out at thirty-eight means learning how to date all over again, and this time, Steve’s not willing to settle for empty one-night stands. He wants the real thing.

Gil Alvarez has never had it easy, struggling through childhood and rejected by his family for a body that didn’t match who he was inside. A skilled driver and mechanic, he’s working hard to make his auto shop a success. The last thing he needs is a rich white guy in a candy-apple-red Ferrari tempting him, but Steve’s ready smile and easygoing manner prove irresistible.

One brief, intimate encounter leaves them both hungry for more. Gil’s not ashamed of who he is, but he’s terrified that Steve will reject him—or worse—when he discovers what Gil can’t find the courage to tell him.

 

Bio: Cat Grant lives by the ocean in beautiful Monterey, California with one persnickety feline and way too many books and DVDs. When she’s not writing, you’ll probably catch her singing along to whatever’s on her iTunes, or fantasizing about kinky sex with Michael Fassbender. Website Twitter Facebook Goodreads 







 

WTFckery or Not? You Decide

Welcome to your favorite post of the week! Here comes the WTFckery!

1. Some wonderful WTFckery books:

Cock-a-doodle-doo...literally.  Her Big Fat Cock 2: Bigger and Harder (futa on female breeding) WTF is futa?!

Synopsis: Macey runs away with Julie, whose stomach is expanding with the child inside. At the same time Macey finds her own body is growing as well, in a very different area. She puts her new size to good use with Julie as they discover interesting things to do with her swollen breasts.

This story contains graphic tit sex, lactation, and vaginal sex between a woman and a futanari woman, with pregnancy resulting from said sex.

Mastering Her Tush sounds like a more appropriate book title:

2. 18th century art monstrosities are freaky yet beautiful pieces of art. From Io9: 

"There is a long and sometimes grotesque history of books cataloging “monsters”. From ancient times to the around the 17^th century, people with congenital defects and deformations were lumped in with fantastical beasts and considered less than human. Around the 18^th century, science began to counter superstition and the portrayal of “monsters” began to soften."

3. The uber rich line jumping at Disney by renting handicapped our guides is beyond low. From NY Post:

"Some wealthy Manhattan moms have figured out a way to cut the long lines at Disney World — by hiring disabled people to pose as family members so they and their kids can jump to the front, The Post has learned. The “black-market Disney guides” run $130 an hour, or $1,040 for an eight-hour day.

“My daughter waited one minute to get on ‘It’s a Small World’ — the other kids had to wait 2 1/2 hours,” crowed one mom, who hired a disabled guide through Dream Tours Florida."

4. Dino Corn Cob holders, anyone? Why didn't they have these around when I was a kid? From Gizmodo:

5. I so want a Cast Iron Pig Bacon Grill Press! 

• Made of heavy cast iron with a wooden knob handle
• Whimsical pig-shaped press keeps bacon flat during frying
• Needs to be seasoned before use
• Hand wash, rinse thoroughly and dry with a paper towel - Never soak cast iron

6. This is the first time I ever heard of a tsunami in ice form. From Io9:

"The whole thing only took 15 minutes, but by the time it stopped over two-dozen homes and cottages were either seriously damaged or completely destroyed. An arctic wind blowing across Duphin Lake near Winnipeg, Manitoba, created this bizarre phenomenon in which rapidly forming ice moved inland along Ochre Beach. According to Manitoba's Emergency Measures Organization, 12 permanent homes were completely crushed and destroyed by the ice floes. The walls of ice were pushed inward by winds gusting up to 37 mph (60 kph). 

7. Might be a WTF, but a bacon taco does sound tasty. From Dude Foods:

"In the end my Bacon Weave Taco ended up looking — and tasting — way better than I ever could have imagined. Once it was done baking I filled it to the brim with seasoned ground beef, sour cream, lettuce, tomato and shredded cheese and took a bite. It was completely amazing, and aside from that the shell actually looked exactly like a real taco shell!"

8. Sexcereal, the umph needed every morning before work.

 "If Richard Branson could make a brand named Virgin work, I could find the courage to give SEXCEREAL a go.  It was “go big or go home” time. My biggest worry was that by calling it SEXCEREAL everyone would think it was a novelty item, created for shock value alone with no redeeming qualities.  So I knew SEXCEREAL had to be real, honest, nutritious, and taste great. I also knew that because men and women have different biologically and nutritional needs, there had to be one distinct formula for men, and one for women."

9. Would you wear a gun bra holster? I would be afraid I accidentally shoot my nipple off. It was showcased at the NRA Convention this year. From HuffPo:

"Made by Flashbang Holsters, the Women’s Holster allows women to conceal a firearm right between their breasts. As Flashbang describes on its website, "Simply pull up your shirt with one hand and pull down on your pistol with the other -- in a matter of seconds you’ve safely deployed your self-defense sidearm." And for only $39.95."

10. And your final WTFckery is for fans of The Hobbit and some tongue in cheek humor underwear:

Nerds with Vagina's ($15)

I hope you have enjoyed this week's best in WTFckery!

Guest Author Post: A Series With a Life of Its Own by Liz Crowe

I did not set out to make the Jack and Sara Story into the Major Saga it has become. As a reader, I like series mind you. Ones with a defined beginning and an end, although the word “series” implies “never ending.” Television shows are called “series” because they can stretch on for years, like M*A*S*H or Dallas (which is back and more explicit than ever) or any number of the daytime soap operas.  There are writers whose main job is to concoct yet more dilemmas and conflicts to resolve for these shows, and who are tasked with keeping it fresh—their express purpose being to Never Let It End.

Book series are slightly different in that most of them do end, even if readers are loathe to hear that news. There are a few that stretch on, based on reader response (read: “sales”) of the current books and some that may never end because apparently the world simply cannot have enough Sookie Stackhouse (yes I know the next one is supposedly The End), or Stephanie Plum, or Miss Marple for that matter (the death of the author is a sure way to “end” a series but we won’t go there today).

What happened to me, as the creator of the Stewart Realty gang, was that after the first 3 books were so well received (despite their unfortunate timing dovetail with a Much More Popular Trilogy) I decided that one of the side characters (Blake Thornton, Sara’s overprotective, adorable, bi-sexual brother) needed his story told. Essence of Time (the 4^th book) has been one of the most positively reviewed to date, and has won several reader’s choice awards and, recently an E-Lit bronze medal for erotic fiction.

I have let the characters in these books demand a fair bit from me, I’ll admit it. The next book (Conditional Offer, book 5) was “Craig and Suzanne’s story” because, frankly, once you hear HER backstory you will really want her to find some peace in life. Then I had to pick up the threads of the rather distressing ending of Essence of Time, which I did with Escalation Clause (book 6) which also gave me the opportunity to tell Jack’s sister’s tale. Maureen was such a cool chick throughout the other books. And so she got her story along with the “aftermath” of book 4.

For the current novel, Mutual Release (book 7), I went in a slightly different direction. It is written as a stand alone novel, and nearly every reviewer has agreed that knowledge of the previous books is completely unnecessary for the enjoyment of this one. While it is Yet Another Secondary Character tale, it’s more than that. I take Evan Adams (one of Jack’s friends from law school) and his wife Julie (you already know they are together IF you have read the first 3 books) back to their teenage years, and show what shaped them into the adults they are when they meet in their thirties. It is a coming of age tale without a doubt, for both of them. It serves is a great intro as well, because you see glimpses of Jack, Sara, Rob and some others and I hope will want to know more about them by going back and reading books one through six.

But I got to thinking about our man John Patrick (Jack) Gordon along the way and realized I had told a lot of his backstory…but through everyone else’s eyes. Jack is hands-down the most beloved/reviled character in this series. He’s meant to be. He’s the glue holding everyone together. He’s the guy who befriends Rob and Suzanne in undergrad, Evan in law school and of course, when he ends up tied in with Blake and later Craig because of Sara, his circle is pretty complete.  I felt remiss about not giving him his full due. So I wrote the House Rules novella (it’s about 30,000 words) as homage to Jack and as a gift to my fans. We will offer this book free of charge on the publisher’s site in June and for just .99 on all the other sites.

And now, not only do I feel that Jack has been treated fairly, I also have a much better sense of how to end this thing. Because an ending is coming. Good Faith, book 8, releases November 13, 2013 (I will be doing a book signing and reading from several of the books at the Ann Arbor Barnes & Noble store on Nov. 16). I don’t let my characters live in their perpetual thirties or even forties. Jack, Sara, Rob, Lila, Evan, Julie, Mo, Rafe, Craig and Suzanne all age, and they all have kids. These kids have spent a lot of time together through their lives and end up staying somewhat intertwined. One of them, Brandis, Jack and Sara’s son, looks to be a sort of “tie them together” personality like his father. Unfortunately, he has inherited some of his parents’ less favorable traits as well, and for a while it seems he will be a much more negative catalyst for many of them. He’s a type-A, driven, athletic young man—with very addictive tendencies. I explore them all, including those who try to help but become enablers by the end.

Writing The End of this series will be a challenge for me personally. I want to make sure that I have completed the trajectory of my beloved characters’ later years in a way that gives each character closure, as well as stay true to my conviction that the “happily ever after” is a myth—at least in my books. That true happiness is in the journey, the struggle, the failures and the triumphs, and finally, the satisfaction that your “what happens after” is something you feel is your legacy.  This book will be that—the legacy story. The end will be bittersweet on many levels. I have even done something as a writer I have never attempted in the creation of 20 or so books because of it: I wrote the ending, just last night, so I could get it out of my head.I needed to accept it with the knowledge of its “rightness” for the characters, and then fill it in from that, backwards.

Not all series are meant to end. I am enjoying Game of Thrones in print and on television and that is a prime example of a guy who has no intention of ending a saga. But Jack and Sara’s tale will end. In the meantime I welcome you to join the journey with me.

Available from www.sizzlinbooks.com as well as on Amazon, B&N, ARe and Kobo sites on June 16.

Synopsis: It takes a wealth of collected experiences, emotions, successes and failures to craft the personality of a true Alpha Male

Jack Gordon, real estate broker, licensed builder, Juris Doctorate, has had his fair share of strife. His ability to cope, to fall down and pick himself back up has lead him to a place where he believes he has it all. Friends, money, cars, more women than he can count, and a club in Detroit where he can exorcise his inner demons, fill his days and his nights.

When he walks up to a penthouse door on a hot Ann Arbor summer afternoon, frustrated, exasperated and ready to call it quits after hours of condo shopping with a wealthy couple, the last thing on his mind is meeting his destiny.

House Rules: The Jack Gordon Story. A prequel novella of the Stewart Realty Series.

Bio: Microbrewery owner, best-selling author, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town. Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse, plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry), has prepped her for life as a successful author. 

When she isn’t sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, she can be found writing, editing or implementing promotions for her latest publications.  Her groundbreaking literary fiction subgenre, “reality fiction,” has gained thousands of fans and followers who are interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”)

Her beer blog a2beerwench.com is nationally recognized for its insider yet outsider views on the craft beer industry. Her books are set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch and in high-powered real estate offices. Don’t ask her for anything “like” a Budweiser or risk painful injury.

For more information on Liz Crowe, please visit her website www.lizcrowe.com or www.brewingpassion.com (her author blog).  She enjoys interacting with her fans on her Facebook author page www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor. Information for all of her books, including eBook and print formats (where available), can be found on her Amazon author page.

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia: Love is Love

Today, May 17th, is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (also known as IDAHO). This is a worldwide event held each year.

From International Day Against Homophobia:

“The cause for the International Day Against Homophobia, its central topic of interest, the common theme that provides information for each of its endeavours remains a universal, multi-faceted and historical phenomenon: homophobia.

In Canada, recognition, for lesbian and gay communities, has been first and foremost a judicial acceptance brought about by the adoption of the Charter of Human Rights. However, judicial advances will remain only that until a complete, unlimited social acceptance of homosexuality is achieved and homophobia wiped out. To achieve this goal, the Fondation Émergence proposed in 2003, along with partners, to hold each year a special day dedicated to the social recognition of homosexual experience.”

In honor of IDAHO, over 180 writers, publishers, reviewers and cover artists for LGBT have joined together to celebrate this special day with a blog hop. I am one of them.

Love is love…

When I decided I finally wanted to get published, I really didn’t have a plan. I thought I would write a story that had been rolling around in my head and take a chance and submit it in the hopes it would get published. I knew I wanted to write a romance because I adore romance novels and I love the message of how love can heal all wounds and there’s always a happily ever after at the end of the book. Since I grew up in a very traditional household, I always thought a happily ever after involved a man and woman. All the romances I read had a hero and a heroine finding love together. It wasn’t until I was much older and started experiencing life, including branching out and reading all different types of books, was when I came to the conclusion that falling in love happens regardless of the gender of the couple.

When it comes to LGBT fiction, the phrase- “love is love” is very important. A book is all about the story and the characters created. Most readers connect with the characters in one way or another. The reason I write LGBT romance is because I feel it doesn’t get enough respect like Straight fiction, and at times is belittled and disregarded. This hits close to home for me because while I was growing up, I was bullied horribly and treated like an outcast. I turned to books for comfort and it gave me a sense of empowerment and the feeling that I belonged somewhere. The reason I write LGBT romance is because I want to show how love is wonderful and precious in all forms, and LGBT romance is just as wonderful and important as Straight romance.

The majority of what I write and publish happens to be Lesbian romance. I also write M/M (Gay) and Straight romance, but I feel I’ve found my stride writing Lesbian romance. When I decided to write something in the hopes of getting published, I wanted to create something different. My very first book I ever published was a Lesbian Contemporary Romance. The reason was because of a Twitter conversation I listened in on where the discussion was about LGBT fiction and the concern that there wasn’t enough Lesbian fiction being written and published. In that moment I decided I was going to write a romance about two women falling in love and hope it would sell. The need, the urge to write this story and do whatever I could to get it published was my ultimate goal.

To be honest, I was afraid. Up to this point I would just write for myself and never thought I was good enough for publication. Plus, I was writing a specific type of romance that I was told wouldn’t sell because two women falling in love is something readers weren’t interested in reading. Also was writing with the goal for publication was scary. What if I wrote this story and the public would never read it because those who decided on accepting submissions for publication thought it wasn’t good enough? “It’s not good enough” was a phrase that stayed with me and still does. But even though there are doubts, and I can promise you the majority of writers have them, we all write because we love the written word and enjoy creating characters and new worlds.

And so, three years ago come this June I was published for the first time, and my debut novel was a Lesbian romance called Lovestruck. I can say that was one of my proudest and most memorable moments in my life. Not only did I get published, but I published something I believed in and loved writing. I proved to myself that I could write a book where it’s all about the power of love and the gender of the couple falling in love isn’t necessarily the most important thing when telling the story.

Since then I’ve published over 20 works ranging from short stories to novellas and full lengths with all different types of couples and settings. I refuse to limit myself as a writer and I try to write the best possible story I can. The majority of what I’ve written and published happens to be LGBT, mainly Lesbian. I would have it no other way and I’m thrilled the public at large has the option to read my stories and characters.

Perhaps in the future the LGBT label will disappear, and if the main couple just happens to be the same gender, it won’t matter because it will just be a romance-a love story featuring two people falling in love. The labels separating Lesbian, Gay, Straight, Transgender, Bi-Sexual or what have you in the romance genre will be a thing of the past and it will be only known for showing that love is all about the love shared and given, and nothing else.

CONTEST!

In honor of this special day, I'm offering any one of my LGBT titles in digital format to one lucky winner. Just leave a comment here by Sunday, 5/19.  Who are some of your favorite LGBT authors or your favorite LGBT books?

My New Author Addiction: Karina Halle and Her Artists Trilogy

It takes a lot to impress me. I’m a hard critic when it comes to books, specifically books with major buzz behind them. I first heard of Karina Halle on Twitter where here was a lot of mentions about her Artists Trilogy and the first book, Sins & Needles that was released in January. Karina is a self published author, best known for her Experiment in Terror series. Since I’m always on the lookout for new authors, I bought a copy of Sins & Needles and the prequel, On Every Street that was released in March.

I’m so happy I decided to take a chance and read On Every Street and Sins & Needles because Karina has me hook line and sinker with these books. On Every Street and Sins & Needles is a gritty, seductive, adrenaline rush that reminds me of a Quentin Tarantino movie. The characters portrayed are living on the edge and have questionable morals, specifically Ellie, the main protagonist who’s a traveling con artist. She steals, cheats and lies, but still has this endearing quality to her. You can’t help but root her on because she’s very likable but damaged. She’s damaged because of what happened to her parents and how she was scarred by acid on her leg at six years old for a con done wrong (because of her parents). She has this need for revenge against Travis Raines, who punished her because of her parents’ selfishness. She’s also running for various reasons, one of which deals with her ex-boyfriend, Javier a dangerous man (he’s Travis’s main henchman) who she basically handed her heart and soul over to. He ended up crushing it brutally. Then there’s Camden, her first love from high school who was as much of an outcast as she was. She reconnects with him, but because of her trust issues and her constant lying, she ruins that relationship and is in more danger than ever before.

Although On Every Street is a prequel to Sins& Needles, I recommend you read Sins & Needles first for one reason. In Sins & Needles, Javier, the man who has been chasing Ellie for six years comes across as this sly, possibly psychotic madman. We don’t really understand why he wants Ellie and was he’s been tracking her. It appears he’s out for revenge because Ellie tricked him in some way. When you read On Every Street, you’re given a great deal of insight on Javier and what he means to Ellie. This will change your entire opinion of Javier and what’s in store for Ellie in the second book, Shooting Stars that will be released by Grand Central Publishing in August.

Synopsis: Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents' latest scam. Now she’s much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for – Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie’s counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she’s not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie’s plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn’t dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it’s one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.

In Sins & Needles, Ellie returns to the home she never thought she would go back to after she left when she was eighteen. Her Uncle Jim still lives there but isn’t as welcoming as Ellie thought he would be. He knows she’s up to no good, but will let her crash with him until she can get back on her feet. Ellie’s low on money and has nowhere to turn. But then she meets Camden, a local tattoo artist she once was friends with in high school. Camden was an outcast who was into Goth and wore black clothes and long hair. Camden has changed drastically. He’s covered in tattoos and has incredible body that would make most women drool over. Ellie drools silently and is pleasantly surprised Camden wants to reconnect. He goes out of his way to befriend her again. Ellie think she’s hit a jackpot when she finds out how much money Camden makes in his job. She plans on stealing from him even after they become lovers. But Camden has tricked Ellie and catches her in her deceit. He expects her to help him now because he owes some bad people money, and if he doesn’t pay up, his toddler son and perhaps his ex-wife could get hurt. Soon Ellie is on the run with Camden to Las Vegas. But her past comes back full throttle as her ex drug cartel mob boyfriend Javier is hot on her trail and won’t stop until he has Ellie back again and makes her pay for leaving him.

Sins & Needles is electric, especially when Ellie and Camden get involved sexually and most importantly emotionally. These two seem so wrong for each other but they click. They’re both very scarred and troubled individuals because of their families and life choices. Some may think these two are disturbed and amoral, but you can't help but like them. You understand where they’re coming from and you hurt for them.

Love doesn't conquer all or heal all wounds in Ellie's world. The end is a humdinger of a cliffhanger that has me panting for the next book.

Synopsis: When young con artist Ellie Watt decides to call herself Eden White and go after the drug lord who ruined her as a child, she never expects to fall for one of his henchmen. But Javier Bernal is no ordinary man. Subtly dangerous and overwhelmingly seductive, Eden finds herself passionately in love with Javier, the very person she's set-up to betray. With her body and heart in a heated battle against her deep need for revenge, no one will walk away from this con a winner.

On Every Street had me hooked right from the first page. It’s gritty, dark and very steamy, although this isn't a tender and sweet romance. Javier, the villain of Sins & Needles, is seductive here and I can see why Ellie fell for him, but something was very off about him. He's twenty-three but acts much older and is far too slick and cool as a cucumber. Ellie is from the school of hard knocks and should know better than to fall for him, but she does because she think he’ll give her something she had always wanted but never had- unconditional love and a permanent home.

You end up sympathizing with Ellie a great deal, although she can be a manipulator. Javier manipulates her from the first moment they meet. The way he handles Ellie reminds me of someone who owns a beloved pet like a cat or a dog.

Ellie's "deflowering" scene by Javier was not sexy to me at all and it’s unflinching, but then again it seems to fit the way Javier is. The erotic and sensuality tone is more intense than Sins & Needle, and don’t be surprised after you read On Every Street you’re more of a Javier fan than Camden. But Javier is all wrong for Ellie and will destroy her because of some questionable things he does that are more confusing than understandable and very cruel.

The ending is gut wrenching because of the, "oh no he didn't!" reveal about Javier that has me wondering if what he did is really what he did or there’s something more behind it. There’s actually two events here Javier precipitates, much like a very shocking, unredeemable act he does in Sins & Needle that proves he’s the true villain of this tale and one that will be Ellie’s downfall when all is said and done.

If you’re not reading Karina Halle or haven’t picked up these two book, grab them ASAP. Grant Central did a very smart thing and bought this trilogy. They have a very good thing with Karina Halle. Karina’s writing is fierce and she’s willing to take some big chances that has her readers, and me, in awe of and constantly talking about. 

Final Grade: B+

Coming August 20th from Grand Central Publishing...

 (The Artists Trilogy Book #2)

Synopsis: A second chance at first love.

There are a few things worth risking everything for - even your life. For Camden McQueen, this is one of them.

Shooting Scars is the second book in The Artists Trilogy and is told from the dual POV of Camden and Ellie.