Tag: book 1

Book Blitz: Need by Brenna Darby

~ Jolie ~ 2 Comments

Need 
by Brenna Darby 
(Cravings, #1) 
Publication date: August 15th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Reverse Harem, Romance

Synopsis:

Some fantasies should never end…

Kate has a burning need for a man to turn her inside out, possessing, dominating, and wanting her as a hero would in an erotic romance. Since the perfect lover isn’t readily available in reality, she contacts Cravings, a private club that creates her fantasy on a secluded Caribbean island. There, lusty males will rule and satisfy. 

Color her ready for a good, hard time until Noah, Wyatt, and Sean show up. These bad boys are tall, muscular, and pure alpha. They’re also on her company board and have been eager to command her between the sheets for some time.

Not so fast. She may ache for them, but doesn’t trust their motives so she’ll never submit for real or for long. 

Oh no? Once they take over her fantasy, there’s no going back… for her or them.

Publisher’s Note: This steamy reverse harem, contemporary romance is intended for adults only. It contains adult language, sensual scenes, power exchange, and elements of ménage. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase. 

Goodreads

Giveaway

Excerpt

Exploring her mouth lazily, he used ample time to sweep his tongue over her inner cheeks, tasting her.

His faint peppermint flavor mingled with an essence belonging to him alone, fresh and inviting. Musk enhanced his subtly spicy fragrance, each scent potently masculine.

She slumped against him even though she shouldn’t cave this soon or ever. This fantasy was on her terms, not his. She was no man’s plaything or afterthought and had better remember as much.

With as much will as she could muster, she pushed his tongue from her mouth and turned her face away.

His rough breaths skimmed her temple. He cupped her breast.

Her blood thickened. Rarely had anything thrilled her as much as his confident and assured caress…perfected during his countless other conquests.

That brought her back to reality fast. She twisted to break his hold on her.
“Hmm.” The sound vibrated in his chest. “Still being defiant, are we?”

She gave him a look. “What do you think?”

He stroked her chin. Even her teeth tingled. Lightly, he brushed his lips over hers. “Not enjoying yourself?”

For too long, she’d wished for this moment.

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Nocturne in Ashes (Riley Forte: Book 1) by Joslyn Chase

~ Jolie ~ 5 Comments
Nocturne In Ashes: A Riley Forte Suspense Thriller, Book One by [Chase, Joslyn]

4 Stars

Publisher:

Date of publication: July 20th, 2017

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

Series: Riley Forte

Nocturne in Ashes—Book 1

Where you can find Nocturne in Ashes: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookBub

Book synopsis:

Now she’s playing for her life!

With the death of her husband and son, concert pianist Riley Forte’s life and career shattered. Her comeback performance bombs, her sponsor pulls out, and she faces the tattered ruins of a once-happy life.

When Mt. Rainier erupts, isolating her in a small community stalked by a serial killer, it seems like the end of everything, but it brings a new chance for Riley.

If she can evade the clutches of a dedicated killer.

In a riveting action story filled with breathtaking suspense, Riley fights to hang on to the one thing she has left—her life, and the one thing she needs to turn it around—redemption.

First Line

The summer he turned thirteen, he took his first life.

Nocturne in Ashes by Joslyn Chase

My Review:

When I read the blurb for Nocturne in Ashes, my interest was caught. I haven’t read a lot of books that take place in Washington state. I also haven’t read a lot of books that deal with catastrophic eruptions of volcanoes. Add in that there is a serial killer loose in a community isolated by the eruptions and I had to read it. I am glad that I did because this book was a fantastic read.

Nocturne in Ashes starts with Riley Forte having a breakdown during her come back tour. Once a promising concert pianist, Riley’s world was torn apart when her husband and young son were killed. That concert was supposed to usher back into the spotlight. Instead, she is left with no sponsor and her career in shambles. She is at home when Mt. Rainier erupts. She discovers that there is a serial killer in the gated community. As the body count rises, suspicion is cast at everyone in the community. Will the killer be caught? Who will it be?

Nocturne in Ashes was one of those books that started with a bang and kept its momentum for the entire book. I couldn’t believe how fast-paced the book was. Usually, when a book is fast-paced, there is lag at some point in the book. There wasn’t any, and I loved it.

I felt awful for Riley during the book. She was struggling to overcome and understand why her husband and son had to die. She was struggling to get her career back on track. She had so much on her plate. Then to get involved in an investigation that involves a serial killer? Which is why I didn’t blame her for taking off when she did. Was it a stupid move? Yes, but she needed to do it. She would have never figured out who the killer was if she didn’t.

I did figure out who the serial killer was early in the book. But, there was a twist in that plotline that I didn’t see coming. It blindsided me. I had to put down my Kindle to process what I read. I was that shocked.

Nate’s investigation was another plotline that I loved. I liked that his investigation went on even though he was cut off from the rest of the state. I found it fascinating how he handled different situations.

I found Rick’s journey to get to Nate fascinating. He knew who the killer was and he wasn’t going to leave Nate stranded. He had some creative ways of getting to Nate. There were specific points in the book where I doubted if he would get there.

The end of Nocturne in Ashes was intense. Like I mentioned above, there was a twist in the plot that took me by surprise. What I liked the most is that the author didn’t end the book after the twist. She kept it going. She showed what happened to the characters afterward. Loved it!!

I would give Nocturne in Ashes an Adult rating. There is no sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Nocturne in Ashes. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Blog Tour: A Highlander Walks into a Bar (Highland, Georgia: Book 1) by Laura Trentham

~ Jolie ~ 5 Comments
A Highlander Walks into a Bar: A Highland, Georgia Novel by [Trentham, Laura]

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Date of publication: July 30th, 2019

Genre: Romance

Series: Highland, Georgia

A Highlander Walks into a Bar—Book 1

A Highlander in a Pickup—Book 2 (expected publication date: February 25th, 2020)

Where you can find A Highlander Walks into a Bar: Barnes and Noble | Amazon | BookBub

Book synopsis:

The timeless romance, soaring passion—and gorgeous men—of Scotland comes to modern-day America. And the rules of love will never be the same… 

Isabel Buchanan is fiery, funny, and never at a loss for words. But she is struck speechless when her mother returns from a trip to Scotland with a six-foot-tall, very handsome souvenir. Izzy’s mother is so infatuated by the fellow that Izzy has to plan their annual Highland Games all by herself. Well, not completely by herself. The Highlander’s strapping young nephew has come looking for his uncle…

Alasdair Blackmoor has never seen a place as friendly as this small Georgia town—or a girl as brilliant and beguiling as Izzy. Instead of saving his uncle, who seems to be having a lovely time, Alasdair decides he’d rather help Izzy with the Highland Games. Show her how to dance like a Highlander. Drink like a Highlander. And maybe, just maybe, fall in love with a Highlander. But when the games are over, where do they go from here?

First Line:

“I brought home a surprise!”

A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham

What got me interested in this book was the title. It sounded like the beginning of a bad joke. Of course, I needed to read it. I am glad I did because this was a sweet romance.

Isabel is thrown for a loop when her mother comes home from a trip to Scotland with a large Highlander. With Highland’s annual Highland Games fast approaching, Isabel doesn’t need any distractions. Then Alasdair shows up. Isabel starts to fall for Alasdair, but she doesn’t know that he has secrets. The secrets that he has could end their relationship before it takes off.

I didn’t like Isabel when she was first introduced in the book. I thought that she was immature. Then I started thinking about how she was acting. If my mother came home with a strange guy and started acting flighty, then I would have acted the same way. So, my dislike of her lessened within the first few chapters. By the middle of the book, I started to like her. Mainly after her talk with Anna and the whole girl bud conversation. I did think she overacted a little when she found out about Alasdair and Gareth. But, at the same time, I felt that her reaction was justified.

I liked Alasdair. I liked that he cared enough about Gareth to track him down. I liked that he agreed to keep Gareth’s title and wealth a secret. I liked that he was willing to apologize for things he said when he was eighteen. I liked that he was going to fight his boss when his research into Rose and Isabel’s property became public. But there were things that I didn’t like. I didn’t like that he told Isabel half-truths’ right from the beginning. He lied to Isabel about something silly. He lied about his relationship with Gareth. I understood why, but still.

Rose and Gareth were adorable. I saw hearts every time they interacted. I wouldn’t quite classify Alasdair and Isabel’s romance as cute. It was more on the steamy, sultry side.

Speaking of sex scenes, I can’t say that I even remotely giggled at one sex scene ever. But Isabel brought out the giggler in me. Stealing Alasdair’s clothing, getting bit by fire ants and then getting her band-aids stuck on his junk. I was dying.

The end of the book was terrific. I loved the confrontation that Alasdair had with George. I loved the town coming to helps Alasdair win Isabel back. But more importantly, I liked that Isabel came up with a kick-ass solution to a big problem. And the epilogue!! I loved it!! I also liked seeing who the next book was going to be about. I can’t wait to read it!!

I would give A Highlander Walks into a Bar an Adult rating. There is sex. There is mild language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread A Highlander Walks into a Bar.  I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Kingdom of Exiles (The Beast Charmer: Book 1) by Maxym M. Martineau

~ Jolie ~ 2 Comments
Kingdom of Exiles (The Beast Charmer Book 1) by [Martineau, Maxym M.]

4 Stars

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Date of publication: June 25th, 2019

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Series: The Beast Charmer

Kingdom of Exiles—book 1

Where you can find Kingdom of Exiles: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookBub

Book Synopsis:

Fantastic Beasts meets Assassin’s Creed in this epic, gripping fantasy romance from debut author Maxym M. Martineau.

Exiled beast charmer Leena Edenfrell is in deep trouble. Empty pockets forced her to sell her beloved magical beasts on the black market—an offense punishable by death—and now there’s a price on her head. With the realm’s most talented murderer-for-hire nipping at her heels, Leena makes him an offer he can’t refuse: powerful mythical creatures in exchange for her life.

If only it were that simple. Unbeknownst to Leena, the undying ones are bound by magic to complete their contracts, and Noc cannot risk his brotherhood of assassins…not even to save the woman he can no longer live without.

My Review:

Leena was exiled from her Charmer home. Leena needed to make ends meet and to do so; she started selling off her animals on the black market. That is an offense punishable by death. So she wasn’t surprised when an assassin showed up. After beating the assassin, Leena forces him to take her to the guildhouse. It is there, Leena makes a deal with the guild master of the Cruor, Noc. 4 magical beasts in exchange for her life. What Leena doesn’t know is that there is no way for a Cruor assassin to back out of a contract. While Noc says yes, he knows that in the end, he will have to kill Leena and collect the bounty. But, it soon becomes hard for Noc to consider killing Leena. Enough doubt has been raised about the contract and if it is justified. Will Noc be able to do the unthinkable and break the contract? Or will everything end with Leena being killed?

What drew me to Kingdom of Exiles was the blurb. As soon as I caught sight of the words Fantastic Beasts and Assassin’s Creed. I knew that I needed to read this book. I am a huge Harry Potter and Assassin’s Creed fan, and I was interested in seeing how the author was going to combine those them together. I wasn’t let down. I do want to add in that I also caught glimpses of Pokemon in this novel too. Not in how the beasts were caught but in the battle scenes.

There are three major and several secondary plotlines in Kingdom of Exiles. The first plotline focuses on Leena, her beasts and the reason why she was exiled from the Charmers. The second plot line focuses on Noc, the Cruors, and Leena’s contract. The third plotline focuses on Leena, Noc, and their relationship.

I liked all the main storylines. They were all well written. When the author did chose to bring them together, she was able to do it without interrupting any of the storylines. There were also no dropped storylines.

The secondary storylines were well written. I did think that there was a dropped storyline towards the end of the book. It made me a little aggravated because I wanted to know what happened to a particular character. But, it was brought back up at the end of the book. Which makes me wonder if that is going to be the main storyline for the next book.

Like the plotlines, I thought that the main characters were well written. Now, I will say that both characters a little off put me at the beginning of the book. They both came off as cold people. But as the book went on and I got to know both characters, my opinion of them changed. Their character development featured in my change of opinion.

Like I mentioned above, I didn’t like Leena when I started reading Kingdom of Exiles. She came across as aloof and uncaring. The scene with the buyer of the Gyss is an excellent example. But, then something remarkable happened. That first impression got turned around. My disinterest and disdain for her got turned around into me being invested and admiring her. I can count on one hand how many times that has happened.

Leena was also one of the strongest female characters that I have read to date. She went through a lot in the book, and she didn’t let it beat her down. She learned from those experiences. I loved it!!

Again, as I mentioned above, I didn’t like Noc when I started reading the book. He was cold and aloof. Take any of his scenes at the beginning of the book. Then, as the book went on, the explanations began. By the middle of the book, I understood why Noc had those walls up. He was afraid of his curse. He couldn’t show emotion or his curse would start up. But, like Leena, my first impression got turned around. By the end of the book, I loved him.

Speaking of Noc’s curse, I would have loved to know why the high priestess cursed him. Also, I would have loved to have known who he was before he was resurrected. There were hints but nothing confirmed. Drove me nuts because I have a few ideas of who he was, but nothing confirmed it.

The secondary characters were as well written as the main characters. I loved it. I felt that I got to know Kost, Ozias, and Calem as well as Noc and Leena. I can’t wait to see what book two holds for the secondary characters. I am hoping that the book focuses on either Calem or Oz. They were my two favorites in the book.

The bad guys in the book had my attention from the get-go. Wynn gave me chills. He believed what he was doing was the right, and that was frightening to me. What he subjected Leena to when he held her captive was heartbreaking. Ravenwas an enigma. I had questions that weren’t answered in this book. The most important issue was why? Why did she set those events in motion? I was frustrated by the lack of answers, but I have a feeling that they will be answered in the next book.

Kingdom of Exiles was a great fit in the fantasy genre. Leena’s Charmer abilities alone could have fueled a book. As well as Noc’s curse and his powers. I did find it creepy that he could make daggers out of the shadows.

Kingdom of Exiles was also a great fit in the romance genre. Noc and Leena’s instant attraction had my pulse racing. The back and forth dance that they did was hot. By the time they had sex, it was earth-shattering. I had to put my Kindle down and fan myself; it was that hot. My only complaint about the sex scenes was the use of crease of Leena’s vagina. Once, yes. But every single time, no. It got to the point where I started laughing when Noc was fingerbanging/eating her out, and crease was used.

There was also the point of the Kost/Noc/Leena semi-love triangle. I use semi because Noc didn’t reciprocate Kost’s feelings. But it was set up that way. I loved that the author had an LGBT representation in the book. I do wish that Kost’s sexual preference was made more clear towards the beginning. Because up until that scene with Leena, he came across as kind of a douche canoe. I also loved how Noc handled finding out about Kost’s feelings for him. It was done in such a classy way that I couldn’t help but say to myself “This is how it should be done in real life!!!” I am also eager to see Kost find love. There was a hint of something at the end of the book. Something that I can’t wait to see if the author explores or not.

The end of Kingdom of Exiles was excellent. I also had so many questions about what was going to happen and no answers. The epilogue held the most questions for me. Because of what happened to Noc at the end. What will that mean for him and Leena? I can’t wait to find out.

I would give Kingdom of Exiles an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is violence. There is language. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Kingdom of Exiles. I would also reccomend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read and review Kingdom of Exiles.

Book Disclaimer

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Have you read Kingdom of Exiles?

What are your thoughts?

Let me know!!

Jackson (Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas Trilogy: Book 1) by Emily March

~ Jolie ~ 4 Comments
Jackson: Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas by [March, Emily]

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Date of publication: June 25th, 2019

Series: Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas

Jackson—Book 1

Where you can find Jackson: Barnes and Noble | Amazon | BookBub

Book synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author Emily March comes Jackson, the newest novel in the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. 

Sometimes it takes a new beginning 
Caroline Carruthers thinks she buried her dreams along with the love of her life…until a stranger named Celeste dares her to chase a dream all on her own. Moving to Redemption, Texas, is chapter one in Caroline’s new life story. Opening a bookstore is the next. Finding love is the last thing on her mind as she settles into this new place called home. But when she meets a handsome, soulful man who’s also starting over, all bets are off.

to reach a happily-ever-after 
Jackson McBride came to Redemption looking only to find himself, not someone to love. Ever since his marriage ended, he’s been bitter. Sure, he used to believe in love—he even has the old song lyrics to prove it—but the Jackson of today is all business. That is, until a beautiful young widow who’s moved to town inspires a change of heart. Could it be that the myth of Redemption’s healing magic is true…and Jackson and Caroline can find a second chance at a happy ending after all?

My Review:

First Line:

Bang.

Jackson by Emily March

When I saw that Emily March was coming out with a trilogy that was based on the Eternity Springs series, I was happy. I was upset when that series seemed to end with The Christmas Wishing Tree.

Jackson isn’t a story about two people falling in love. It is a story of two people overcoming great hurt to find themselves.

I did feel bad for Caroline. Her situation was heartbreaking. She was so sad at the beginning of the book that I wanted to reach through and hug her. After her husband died, she became a changed person. She wasn’t afraid to open a new chapter in her life. I loved it!!

I felt awful for Jackson. He was shattered at the beginning of the book. He had lost his music (he was a songwriter). Not being able to see his daughter for five months was devastating. Again, I wanted to reach through the book and hug him. I did like him. I liked that he realized that he wasn’t perfect. I liked that he was forgiving. The latter half of the book showcased that perfectly.

I wish that Redemption, Texas, was a real place to visit. That would be somewhere I would be interested in visiting. I loved the idea of a B&B that is set in a former bordello. Again, I would be interested in staying there.

I was thrilled when Celeste Blessing made her appearance in Jackson. I loved how the author introduced another Blessing, Angelica. Celeste and Angelica were hilarious. Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to be a Blessing. I died laughing in every episode that they appeared in.

The main storyline, Jackson and Caroline’s romance, was well written. I liked that the author chose to wait until several months after Caroline’s husband died to have them kindle their romance.

I didn’t care for the sex scenes. They could have been a little more graphic. The first time they had sex, I couldn’t tell. I thought he was writing a song!! I had to reread that passage a few times before it dawned on me what they were doing.

I wasn’t a fan of the storyline that involved Jackson and his ex-wife. What she did to him at the beginning of the book was unforgivable. All the jerking around she did with Jackson’s visitation was Haley was unforgivable. The way she acted after the plane crash was normal. I would have been the same way. But when she tried to manipulate him into staying with her, no thank you. Even the way she acted towards the end of the book made me mad. But, it was a great story of forgiveness. Something I wouldn’t have been able to do.

I loved the storyline with the B&B and everything around it. I thought that it was amazing that they were going to make the former bordello into a B&B that offered guided tours to Enchanted Canyon and the ghost town of Ruin. But the book didn’t go much into the ghost town or Enchanted Canyon, which disappointed me.

The end of Jackson was heartwarming. I have a feeling the next book will be about Tucker and Gillian. The way they acted at the end of the book made me raise my eyebrows. The epilogue was perfect. I love it when everything comes together!!

I would give Jackson an Adult rating. There is sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Jackson. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Unsuitable (Forbidden Cove: Book 1) by Lavinia Kent

~ Jolie ~ 4 Comments
Unsuitable: A Forbidden Cove Novel by [Kent, Lavinia]

2 Stars

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept, Loveswept

Date of publication: May 28th, 2019

Genre: Romance

Series: Forbidden Cove

Unsuitable—Book 1

Where you can find Unsuitable: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookBub

Book synopsis:

Cougar . . . MILF . . . Mrs. Robinson.

Jordan Robinson knows firsthand that when a woman marries a rich older man, people are going to talk. But now, with her husband gone, Jordan lives a quiet life of seclusion, managing her charities and staying away from the limelight. Then everything changes after an unexpected kiss leads to the best sex of her life—and a secret affair Jordan never wants to end.

A sexy young mogul who’s used to getting what he wants, Clay has wanted Jordan Robinson ever since he was seventeen and saw her emerge dripping from a swimming pool in a white bikini. But now he’s all grown up . . . and now she’s his. But when their relationship is exposed, the fallout is devastating. Yet Clay’s a man in his prime—and Jordan’s a woman worth fighting for. They may have started as a fling, but Jordan Robinson belongs in his bed, in his life . . . and forever in his heart.

My Review:

I have read books by Lavinia Kent before, and I have enjoyed them. So, when I saw that Unsuitable was available for review on NetGalley, I decided to request it. The blurb had caught my attention. A cougar romance? I’ll read it. To say I was disappointed was an understatement.

Unsuitable’s plot was almost non-existent. But it had promise. If the plot had been built up more than I would have liked the book more.

I did like the main characters. They started as one dimensional and did flesh out. But, they still felt flat and I had a hard time connecting with them.

The characters had insane chemistry and sexual tension. The sex scene were hot. Loved it. I also loved that Jordan was a cougar who was coming into her own in this book. She was rediscovering her sexuality after her husband had passed. Clay was on fire has someone who was going to have her no matter what.

The end of the book was confusing. I couldn’t tell if they ended up together in a relationship or if they were going to continue having a sex only relationship.

I would give Unsuitable an Adult rating. There is sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would not reread Unsuitable.  I would not recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Blog Tour: Cruel Intentions (Rydeville High Elite: Book 1) by Siobhan Davis

~ Jolie ~ 4 Comments
Cruel Intentions: A Dark High School Bully Romance (Rydeville High Elite Book 1) by [Davis, Siobhan]

4 Stars

Publisher:

Date of publication: June 10th, 2019

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Where you can find Cruel Intentions: Amazon | BookBub

Series: Rydeville High Elite

Cruel Intentions—Book 1

Twisted Betrayal—Book 2 (expected publication date: August 15th, 2019)

Sweet Retribution—Book 3 (expected publication date: October 1st, 2019)

Book synopsis:

In the power struggle between two elite groups, one feisty girl will bring them to their knees…

Life is a cruel game where only the most ruthless survive. It’s a truth my mother rebelled against, and she paid for it with her life. Now, I play their game. Publicly accepting the destiny that lies in wait for me when I turn eighteen.

But, behind closed doors, I plot my escape. 

Trent, Charlie, and my twin, Drew, rule the hallways of Rydeville High with arrogance and an iron fist. I execute my role perfectly, hating every second, but they never let me forget my place in this world. 

Everyone obeys the rules. They have for generations. Because our families have always been in control.

Until Cam, Sawyer, and Jackson show up. Throwing their new money around. Challenging the status quo. Setting hearts racing with their gorgeous faces, hot bodies, and bad boy attitudes.

Battle lines are drawn. Sides are taken. And I’m trapped in the middle, because I made a mistake one fateful night when I gave my V-card to a stranger in a blatant F you to my fiancé. 

I thought it was the one thing I owned. A precious memory to carry me through each dark day.

I couldn’t have been more wrong. 

Because the stranger was Camden Marshall, leader of the new elite and my perpetual tormenter. He hates me with a passion unrivaled, and he won’t be the only one. Fire will rain down if the truth is revealed, threatening alliances, and the power struggle will turn vicious.

My life will hang in the balance.

But I’ll be ready, and I’m not going down without a fight.

My review:

I had to take a minute to reflect on this book before I sat down and wrote the review. With everything that happened in the book, I needed to make sure my head was on straight enough to review Cruel Intentions. Now that it is, I was blown away by this book. I wasn’t expecting to devour it within a couple of hours. The book is that good!!

The plotline of Cruel Intentions was fantastic. Abigail is part of the “elite” squad that runs the school with an iron fist. While people think she has everything, she doesn’t. Abby wants to escape her life, which has become unbearable. Which is why she gave away her virginity to a stranger who helped her in a time of need. She is shocked when the stranger turns out to be none other than Camden Marshall, and he hates her. Cam thinks he can use Abby to get secrets on her father. What Cam doesn’t know is that Abby would do anything to escape her father and bring him down. But, Cam is hiding secrets. What happens when those secrets are revealed? Can Abby survive the backlash?

I loved Abby. If I didn’t know that she was 17, I would have thought she was older. She was loyal to her friends (except Trent). She knew what buttons to push on Cam to get a reaction out of him. She was tough and ruthless. What she did to Rochelle and the other kids cemented that. She handled Cam’s meanness (for lack of a better word) with grace and attitude. I do think that she should have confronted all 3 of the boys (Cam, Sawyer, and Jackson) sooner.

I thought Cam was a colossal jerk until the middle of the book. He was so mean to Abby. The things he did to her made me cringe. Seriously, making her kneel like that and then egging Rochelle on? Uggh. He was also secretive. There is secretive, and then there is secretive. He kept things so under wraps, it wasn’t funny. I don’t know if I believe what he said at the end of the book. If he knew what was being set up. He seemed genuinely shocked about what was revealed.

The secondary characters made the books. Charlie, Drew, Sawyer, Jackson, and Xavier added to the plot. They fleshed out the plotline and added some much needed comic relief at times. Charlie and Sawyer were the hardest to read. Charlie remained an enigma until the end of the book, as did Sawyer. I also had my suspicions about Xavier too. I can’t wait to see what these characters will do in book 2!!

I couldn’t stand Abby’s father or Trent’s father. They both left a bad taste in my mouth. The things that Trent’s father did to her at the beginning of the book. Holy crap!! I did feel bad for Trent, though. I don’t think that he was inherently a bad person. Abby’s memories of him from when he was younger showed that. I do believe that he was molded into what he was in the book. I know, feeling bad for a bad guy, right. But when someone is over the top (sexually, behaviorally, etc.), they are trying to compensate or hide something. So, we’ll see what happens to him in book 2.

I did like the main plotline of Cruel Intentions. I thought that Cam and Abby’s relationship (or lack of one) was perfectly showcased. As was his hatred of her. I did wish that the reason why Cam hated Abby came out soon in the book.

I am going to include a trigger warning in my review. Abby goes through a lot of abuse at the hands of Cam and his friends. She is kidnapped and blackmailed into doing what they wanted. Cam humiliates her every chance he gets. He verbally abuses her and there was one instance of physical abuse. The one scene that got me was when Cam and Jackson groped her after being kidnapped by them. This all happens at the beginning of the book, and it was tough to read. But, after they all talk (which should have happened earlier), everything stops. So, I suggest not to read this book if any of what I wrote triggers you.

From the middle of the book on was wild. There were times that I had to stop reading and say, “Is this happening?” It was also lightning fast. I had to reread passages because I missed stuff. Not because I had to. Because the book was so dang fast.

The end of Cruel Intentions was cruel, and it ended on a cliffhanger. I do not like cliffhangers. But, this one did its job, and I need to read book 2!!! I need to find out what happens to Abby.

I would give Cruel Intentions an Adult rating. There is sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Cruel Intentions I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**