Book Review: Daring The Wild Sparks by Ren Alexander (Book #2)

Daring The Wild Sparks

Wild Sparks Series book 2

By Ren Alexander

Reviewed by Sandra Long

5 Stars

In the follow up to “Chasing the Wild Sparks,” Hadley Beckett’s quest for wedded bliss perseveres…

What would you do if the love of your life were closer to making your dreams come true?

Riding high in her relationship with her sportscaster/local daredevil boyfriend Finn Wilder, Hadley Beckett makes plans concerning her future with Finn. Big plans. 

Infamously anti-marriage, Finn promised Hadley he’d consider taking her to the altar if she gives him more time. Diving headfirst and with encouragement from friends, Hadley formulates her own way to handle Finn if he can’t commit to her soon. 

Knowing she has an uphill climb ahead of her, Hadley is still determined to succeed, yet is she unwittingly destined to fail?

The love story of Finn and Hadley picks up where Chasing the Wild left off. The two lovers meet at his mom and step-dad's house as planned for a long Easter weekend.  But even away from their jobs and their interfering friends, their problems continue and become even more complicated.

After a 3 year courtship Finn's family has decided it is time for him to marry Hadley and they want it done that weekend. They are really putting pressure on him to do it.  But his mom also drops a bomb on the family--she is divorcing her current husband who has been Finn's step-father for 19 years and has a very close relationship with him. To Finn this is even more proof that marriage destroys love and ends happy relationships, all the more reason to stay single and just live together.

Finn and Hadley have argued and made up and argued, several times and after his mom's big announcement, he and his best friend, Ricky, who is also spending the weekend, take off. Hadley feels like he has thrown her down so she takes off also and goes to visit a friend who lives on an island fairly close to Finn's mom. Finn follows her and once more they make up.

They go back to his mom's and Finn and Ricky take Hadley to Easter mass with them. It is her first time and there are baptisms and communion and as she watches Finn, who seems so comfortable in these rituals, she begins to feel very unworthy . She has never been baptized, never attended church, never taken communion. Her feelings affect their relationship after church but she has trouble explaining how she feels to Finn.

Much like the first book in this series, the story continues with break-ups and make-ups for Finn and Hadley. As this book ends, their relationship is still strained. A hot new intern at his office is chasing him shamelessly and when he is asked to coach Hadley's office softball team, his friend Ricky and this blonde intern volunteer to be his assistant coaches since both have been on teams before. Our story ends as everyone arrives for the first softball practice and the intern in hanging onto Finn while Hadley seethes with jealousy, but hides behind her friends trying to keep Finn from seeing what it is doing to her.

Great book, interesting story, but leaves the reader anxious for the next installment. Will these two lovers ever get their act together or will they end up destroying each other and their relationship by not dealing with their own insecurities and sharing those feelings with each other honestly ? Another 5 star novel for this author.

Ren Alexander was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, but grew up in a nearby tiny, historical, college town in the Northern Panhandle of the state. She graduated from West Liberty University, where she received a B.S. in criminal justice. Although interested in that field, her true passion was reading and writing. 

She currently lives in Detroit, Michigan with her husband, two daughters and two cats. 

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Igniting The Wild Sparks

Book #3

In the second follow up to “Chasing the Wild Sparks,” Hadley Beckett comes closer to triumphing over a reluctant Finn Wilder…

What would you do if the love of your life gave you the keys to the kingdom, but won’t let you in?

At the end of her rope, Hadley grabs her intrepid boyfriend Finn Wilder’s world by the…bridge. Finally ready to end the never-ending merry-go-round that is their unknotted life together, she enlists the help of her friends to help boost her own courage. Since Finn is all about walking on the wild side but not down an aisle, Hadley challenges him to the ultimate test that will prove her more daring than the daredevil himself, hoping Finn will take notice and change his mind about making her forever his.

Throwing down the irrevocable gauntlet, will Hadley celebrate supreme victory over his heart or will she accept the cruelest defeat at the very hand she holds?

Book Review: The Proposal by Katie Ashley

The Proposal By Katie Ashley

408 pages 
Published January 10th 2013
 
My Review:
After reading The Proposition, I was not expecting Aidan to become the person he did in this book. He showed his caring and sweet side to get Emma back. 

The small things Aidan does are the one that matter in the end.
 
And then Pesh comes with fury as he is after Emma's heart. OMG!!!
 
There isn't a triangle in the book, just a hormonal woman who wants to protect her heart from breaking again and a safe choice coming into her life. Just because one person is a safe choice does not mean that her is the right one.

Book Description:
In the weeks following Aidan’s betrayal, Emma has tried her best to move on. Ignoring his countless texts, voice mails, and flowers, she isn’t sure she wants to be won back by him. But Aidan isn’t going down without a fight—especially not until Emma lets him reveal the secret of his past that caused him to be so commitment phobic.

But fate intervenes when premature labor forces Emma on strict bed rest for two weeks. Aidan steps forward with a shocking proposal. To prove his love and commitment for her and their unborn son, he will take a leave of absence from work to care for her around the clock. Vowing to guard her heart, Emma reluctantly agrees.

While she is touched by Aidan’s attentiveness and tender loving care, Emma is thrown for a loop by the amorous attentions of ER doctor, Alpesh “Pesh” Nadeen. Pesh is everything Emma could ever want—successful, stable, and ready to settle down and be a husband and father. Pesh wants nothing more than to win Emma’s heart, but she is not sure she’s able to give it.

Her heart may still belong to the very man who broke it—the one who is so desperately trying to win her back.

Favorite Quotes:

“I want you to think about this for a minute? What would you rather have?Words that can be spoken lightly and then taken back so easily,or would you rather actions?”

“I want to be with you, Em. I want to be with you every fucking moment of every fucking day.” 

“You’re the sexiest, most beautiful pregnant woman I’ve ever seen.”
“Aw, baby, you’re so sweet. But you don’t have to keep complimenting me because you’re so getting laid tonight.” 

“I love you much it hurts. I ache for you in my soul. Please… I can’t live without you. I want to be with you every minute of every day. I want to marry you and make a life with you. I want to raise Noah and be a family together. Please… please say you want to be with me forever.” 

“I'm serious about marrying you, Em. But I want to propose to you the right way- not half-naked and sporting wood.”  

Purchase The Proposal

The Pairing (The Proposition  #3)

309 Pages

Published February 17th 2014

After her former boyfriend left her pregnant and alone, Megan McKenzie swore off men. She spent the last eighteen months focused solely on her son, Mason, along with finishing nursing school at the top of her class. Although she’s not ready to complicate her life with a long-term relationship, a nice no-strings attached hook-up is just what she needs. At her godson, Noah’s, baptism, she finds the perfect candidate in the soft-spoken godfather, Pesh Nadeen. After all, the widower could use a good time too. But after drinking too much, the night doesn’t end the way she thought it would. Forced to leave Pesh’s house through a walk of shame, Megan hopes to never, ever see him again. 

For Pesh Nadeen, the very sight of Megan sends him into an emotional tailspin. Since she reminds him too much of what he has lost, he wants to be out of her sight…at first. But the more he gets to know her, there's something about the diminutive blonde that causes his protective side to go into overdrive, and he finds himself wanting more. When Megan is assigned to work in his ER to complete her nursing clinicals, he sees it as fate, but she’s having no part of it. She only wants a physical relationship while he wants far more.

What happens next is a sexy game of cat and mouse to see who will break first or if both of them will eventually get more than they ever bargained for.                                                                                                                                                                                                   Purchase The Pairing            

Branded is on SALE!!!!!

This story has such an amazing storyline! Imagine a future where there is no president, there is a commander. He is a very powerful and sadistic man. He created this prison strictly for sinners who have been branded with their mark. This is a story of a young girl named Lexi Hamilton and how false accusations landed her here and her struggle to survive in this godforsaken hole. Lexi was taken by the guards one night because she was accused of a sin. She was forced to live in this twisted society where there are no rules for sinners. The guards can do anything they please except for one thing......if a guard falls in love with a sinner they have committed the ultimate sin and the price the pay is DEATH.

Lexi has her own personal guard Cole, who is assigned to protect her no matter the cost. Even in a place as dark and evil as the hole Lexi finds love, friendship and strength.

I loved this book! Action, excitement, anger, lust, passion, sorrow and strength. There are many 

twists at the end of this story along with a killer cliffhanger for an ending.

Purchase Branded here:

http://astore.amazon.com/rensget03-20/detail/B00DOPHK56

Read Book Review here:

 http://renesgetaway.blogspot.com/2013/08/branded.html

Abi and Missy's Page:

http://www.abiandmissy.com/branded-99-sale-and-a-reveal-of-two-cole-pictures-from-out-shoot/

Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki!!!!

 

Book Review: The Proposition by Katie Ashley

 The Proposition by Katie Ashley

316 pages
Published December 9th 2012
To purchase this book click HERE



My Description:
Emma’s 30th birthday on the horizon and her biological clock is ticking! Her gay best friend refuses to be a sperm donor, Aidan Fitzgerald, known man-whore and womanizer, offers to jump in with just one condition – the baby must be conceived naturally. 

Aidan is cocky, charming and shy. Definitely a HOT read, but their baby making schedule is quite amusing.

Emma is a sweetheart, completely honest and a little bit heartbroken by losses in her past. She has great friends and loving family.

Embark on a great journey while Emma and Aidan explore their arrangement and their relationship.


Goodreads.com description:

With her thirtieth birthday looming, Emma Harrison finds her biological clock clanging and the elusive knight in shining armor yet to appear. She’s running out of options, especially after her gay best friend backs out from being her sperm donor. Of course, there’s always a sperm bank, but Emma fears a donor mix-up might impregnate her with the spawn of Satan.

Resident company womanizer, Aidan Fitzgerald, is used to always getting what he wants, especially in the bedroom. When Emma spurns his advances at the company Christmas party, he's determined to have her no matter what it takes. After Aidan learns of Emma's predicament, he is quick to offer a proposition that will benefit them both. He will father Emma's child, but she must conceive it with him naturally. Not one for hook-ups or casual sex, Emma is reluctant to take him up on his offer, but his charm, coupled with her intense desire for motherhood, wins out.

Soon their baby-making sessions become more than just physical. Aidan can't seem to walk away from her while Emma begins to wonder if Aidan could be the one. But can Aidan leave his past behind to become the man Emma needs him to be?

Favorite Quotes:

“Is this one of those contracts like in that kinky book where we outline what we're willing to do or not do during sex? Like our hard limits and safe words?”  


“A MWF sex schedule? How efficient," he mused.
"Please be serious."
A wicked grin flashed on his face. "Fine, pencil me in. I'll be ready and erect whenever you need me.”

“Have you ever wanted something so bad you think you’d die if you don’t have it? That the mere thought of it keeps you up at night. You can’t sleep, you can’t eat, you can’t drink. You are so consumed by that desire nothing else matters, and you’re not sure life is worth living if you can’t have it.” 

“Damn, are these Scooby Doo?"
She giggled. "I wasn't expecting company, and I have a slight obsession from growing up with the old cartoon."
"They almost killed my hard on."
She slid her hand between them and then quirked her eyebrows. "Seems fine to me.”

The Proposal By Katie Ashley

408 pages 
Published January 10th 2013

To purchase this book click HERE
 
My Review Coming Soon...



Goodreads.com description:
In the weeks following Aidan’s betrayal, Emma has tried her best to move on. Ignoring his countless texts, voice mails, and flowers, she isn’t sure she wants to be won back by him. But Aidan isn’t going down without a fight—especially not until Emma lets him reveal the secret of his past that caused him to be so commitment phobic.

But fate intervenes when premature labor forces Emma on strict bed rest for two weeks. Aidan steps forward with a shocking proposal. To prove his love and commitment for her and their unborn son, he will take a leave of absence from work to care for her around the clock. Vowing to guard her heart, Emma reluctantly agrees.

While she is touched by Aidan’s attentiveness and tender loving care, Emma is thrown for a loop by the amorous attentions of ER doctor, Alpesh “Pesh” Nadeen. Pesh is everything Emma could ever want—successful, stable, and ready to settle down and be a husband and father. Pesh wants nothing more than to win Emma’s heart, but she is not sure she’s able to give it.

Her heart may still belong to the very man who broke it—the one who is so desperately trying to win her back.

 

Have you read the Proposition Series? What did you think? 

Book Review: Fade to Black (The Black Trilogy) By M.C. Webb

Fade to Black (The Black Trilogy #1) By M.C. Webb

350 pages 
Published November 6th 2012
To purchase this book click HERE
My rating: 5 Stars

My Description:

Fade to Black is an amazing story. It broke my heart many times, is was so riveting and moving. This is a story of 2 people and their struggles in life.

One story starts with an 11 year old girl named Piper who lived with her grandparents and her father. Her father passed away and was left to live with her grandparents. She does have a mother, but she was rarely in the picture. She drank, did drugs and had many men. Once she heard that her ex husband dies she decided it was a good time to be in her daughters life. She took her daughter and left. The moved around a lot so no one would know where they were. Her mother had a boyfriend, Daniel. He was a little slow, but he cared for her. The watched movies together all the time, they became friends. Things started to change. Daniel grew closer to Piper. He somehow, fell in love with her. Things went bad very quickly.

Piper lost her innocence at such a young age, sadly enough her mother held her down and watch it happen......made it happen.  Just when she got up the courage to escape, he treated her like a dog. Chained by a dog collar to her bed just long enough to reach the bathroom. Tired of being used as a sex slave and only 12 years old, she planed her escape. She did it! She got out! Unfortunately the damage has been done. In her mind is diseased, and thinks no one will ever love her the way she is supposed to. She is emotionally and physically scarred. Years pass and she eventually learns that she is worth loving. Tragedy strikes her over and over and over. Will she have the strength to go on?

The other story is about a boy named Ryan. Ryan is a musician and actor who hits it big. Overwhelmed from fame he turns to excessive drug use, loses his best friend to suicide and hits rock bottom. Before he hits his lowest point, he meets a girl named Livia. The instantly click, drive down to the beach to watch the sun come up and make love under the stars. Emergency strikes and they part ways, neither of them knew that they would never see each other again. Many years later their paths cross again, but under different circumstances. Who knew that their lives would lead back to each other. Now is the time that they need each other the most. 

Goodreads.com description:
A tale of unimaginable horror follows Piper Mitchell from adolescence to adulthood as she tries to escape the chains that hold her long after she is free. A chance meeting with one of Hollywood's’ biggest stars, Ryan Knox, will forever change both of their lives. Venture the unknown with beauty and the daring actor as they both are forced to endure the devastating acts of evil, yet continues fight the drowning current that threatens to pull them both under. Full of hair pin turns you will not soon forget.

 My favorite quotes:

"You're going to be all right, Piper. You just have to look beyond all this. It'll be sunny again someday for you. I promise."

"I understood we were both kindred spirits, broken in many different ways yet all were relateable."

"Matthew was such a bright light that he drowned a lot of the dark in me."

"If the music be the food of love, play on."

"In spite of having every reason not to, I dare to have the audacity to love you with all of my heart."

“I was murdered. Even though my heart continued to beat, I was very much deceased. All faded to black.”

Black as Night (The Black Trilogy #2)
 

Paperback, 412 pages

Published May 24th 2013
To purchase this book click HERE

My review coming soon

Goodreads.com description:
Sequel to "Fade to black" Black as Night by M. C. Webb Sex, Lies and Murder - all with good intentions. Book two is exciting with a touch of macabre full of sins of the worst kind yet human in nature. Piper has made a decision that she believes will save everyone, but will ultimately cost those she loves the most. Though the world has been tipped on its axis nothing is what it seems. As Ryan tries desperately to save his wife, death and betrayal show him no mercy as hard lessons of life turn the world black as night.

Have you read this series yet?

What did you think about it?

Do you have any favorite quotes?

Let me know and I will post them!

 

Book Review: Taking Chances

Taking Chances By Molly McAdams

 432 pages
Published October 16th 2012
Available on Amazon.com

My Rating: 5 Stars

This book was a total emotional roller coaster! I cried, I laughed, and I fell in love with two wonderful guys! The kicker is that mid book you are confronted with a HUGE twist and I was heartbroken. I even did the "Ugly Cry". I was yelling at the book.....while sobbing like a child. I was in such shock I had to re-read that page.

It is a long read but it is so worth it. Every page there is something that keeps you so wrapped up that you don't want to put it down. Molly McAdams wrote a perfect book! 

This story is about Harper, a fun loving and adorable raised by her marine father, Chase who is the epitome of Bad Boy and Brandon is so sweet, tender and caring. 

This is such a great read if you are looking for a collage age romance with so many ups and downs!

Goodreads.com Description:

Her first year away is turning out to be nearly perfect, but one weekend of giving in to heated passion will change everything.

Eighteen-year-old Harper has grown up under the thumb of her career marine father. Ready to live life her own way and to experience things she's only ever heard of from the jarheads in her father's unit, she's on her way to college at San Diego State University.

Thanks to her new roommate, Harper is introduced to a world of parties, gorgeous guys, family, and emotions. She finds herself being torn in two as she quickly falls in love with both her new boyfriend, Brandon, and her roommate's brother, Chase. Despite their dangerous looks and histories, both men adore Harper and would do anything for her, including taking a step back if it would mean she'd be happy.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

“That first night, I did realize I would never meet another girl like you. But you deserve someone who has waited for you as long as you have waited for them. And no matter how much I wish I could be that guy, I can't Harper.” 

“People fall in and out of love all the time, and sometimes people have numerous loves throughout their lives. But you have two epic loves and no matter who you were with, I don’t think you’d ever get over or forget the other.”  

“I hate not talking to you, I hate not bickering like we're an old married couple and I hate not spending every day right next to you. - Chase” 

“A part of me will probably always love you too, but I can't take chances with you Chase. You'll leave me one day, and it will kill me when you do.” 

Stealing Harper (Taking Chances #2)

400 pages
Published May 21st 2013
Available on Amazon.com

My review is coming soon..... 

Good Reads Description:
Chase Grayson has never been interested in having a relationship that lasts longer than it takes for him and his date to get dressed again. But then he stumbles into a gray-eyed girl whose innocence pours off her, and everything changes. From the minute Harper opens her mouth to let him know just how much he disgusts her, he's hooked.

But a princess deserves a Prince Charming who can make her dreams come true. Not a guy who can turn her life into a nightmare.

All good intentions go out the window when Harper starts to fall for the guy Chase has come to view as a brother. He wanted to protect her by keeping her away, but he can't stand to see her with anyone else, and he'll do anything to make her his. But when it comes down to Harper choosing between the two, will Chase have the strength to step back from the girl who has become his whole world if it means she's happy?

Lines will be crossed. Friendships will be put to the test. And hearts will be shattered.CAUTION: DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ TAKING CHANCES

Did you read this book? What did you think? 

Did you read Stealing Harper? 

Please send me your reviews and your favorite quotes and I will post them when I write my review for Stealing Harper.

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