ARC REVIEW: Stoned by Mandi Beck

Title: Stoned

Author: Mandi Beck

Series: Wrecked #1

Blurb

“A rock star with no rhythm is a man with no soul.” – Stone Lockhart 

As the lead singer of one of the hottest bands to hit the rock scene, fucks are free, drugs come easy, and music is life. 

For as long as Stone can remember, Willow has been his music – the notes that weave his soul together. 

His rhythm. 

Until he threw her away. 

All he has left is a handful of pills and a few lines of powder to make him forget her.

And he tries, over and over. 

Clean and ready to make things right, he’s faced with the fact that Willow’s moved on. She’s not the same girl he cast aside. Willow’s a woman sure about her purpose in life. Sure about who she’s meant to love. 

Stone may be lost without his rhythm, but Willow has found so much more.

****STANDALONE****

________________________________________________

My Review

5 exploding stars!! 

(One of my top reads this year!)

FLOORED. Absolutely floored. I expected this book to be really good but I definitely did not expect it to throw me down and floor me. Mandi Beck gets better and better and this one right here will give you a glimpse of the future book hangovers you will experience on the base of her magical (and quite possibly sadistic) hands. 

Rock star without rhythm . . . is a man with no soul.

Stone Lockhart was relishing the good life brought to him by the success of his band. For a broken man like him who started with nothing, it was a fucking nirvana to be given the opportunity to revel on the perks of the spotlight. Little did he know that while he was experiencing faux paradise, he was losing touch with his priorities. The contradiction Stone presented in this book also caused me contradicting feelings towards him. I’d want to club him in the head and then heal him after he bleeds. There was so much rawness in this man that could claw every woman’s heart out. He did everything with a determined passion that reeks the contents of his good heart. 

“Not one pill or bump was worth losing you. Not my highest high made me feel the way you do.

Willow was never comfortable with being in the spotlight. She was fine in the shadows, functioned well behind the famous face of the love of her life. Until one day when she realized that her true self was swallowed by the darkness brought by someone who should be giving her light. The development of Willow’s character was really something that gripped me throughout this book. The journey from her past with Stone to her struggles and sacrifices alone was such an empowering experience. Her character needed that and Miss Mandi made her bask in her own spotlight. 

Not loving you isn't an option for me. You're always going to be the only one I want to make music with.

From the first few words of this book, I knew I was screwed. There was a unique pull in it that just had me wanting more. Every piece of this book was perfectly woven. Pick out any character and you’ll get a unique streak of their own story. Stoned was so charged, so raw, so utterly passionate that each scene radiates with emotions so strong I might as well have been part of the book. The chemistry of the main characters was so defined, so carefully placed that there was no doubt Willow belonged to Stone and Stone belonged to Willow. Plot wise, this one was flawless. The story flowed so effortlessly, just drowning me into the chaos and heartbreaks, carrying me into the streaks of hope, and lulling me with their passion in music. So far, Mandi Beck’s best! And definitely one of my Top 10 reads this year!

BOOK REVIEW: Stand by T. Gephart

Title: Stand

Author: T. Gephart

Series: Black Addiction #3

Release Date: June 27, 2016

Blurb

Good times didn’t last forever. While Beth Hart had enjoyed being the sometimes girlfriend of Max Reynolds—the hot bass player for Black Addiction—she knew it would never be more than a casual fling. He was destined for greatness, and she cared too much to hold him back. So, before she lost her heart and her sanity, she said goodbye to the Bronx, moved to Manhattan and left her party-girl days in the past—along with Max.

Nothing made Max happier than being a success in his own right. And in the last few years, he and his band had well and truly earned it. Moving to the city and enjoying the spoils of his new lifestyle made perfect sense, and he loved his new address. It wasn’t his new huge penthouse apartment that got him excited; it was his new neighbor. The one girl he regretted letting go—Beth.

He wanted her back and would do anything to make it happen. Hopefully it wasn’t too late. 

My Review

4.5/5 STARS

Miss T. Gephart really knows how to make her readers have fun! Stand was an overall stimulating read, perfectly capturing fun, love, and the sexiness brought by loving a rockstar. An exhilarating mix of music, romance, and one-sided emotions. 

He had this uncanny ability to make you feel like you were the only woman in the room, like nothing else mattered, and even if I knew it was temporary, I loved it.

Being surrounded by love-struck band members, Max Reynolds finds himself wondering if he was meant for the same thing. And the only thing that could convince him was the right girl. I have to admit, since I started the Black Addiction series, Max held a special place in my heart. And Miss T has definitely kept the interest through every book in the series. I have to tell you, Max Reynolds never disappoints. The surprising yet utterly sexy mix of cocky and sweet of his character was an addictive streak in the book! 

Beth Hart was not the kind of girl you could meet and go on with your life like she didn’t exist.

Beth already knew how consuming it was to be with Max Reynolds. That was the main reason why she avoided him years ago. But it seemed fate wanted to prove to her that once you’ve had a taste of Max, you’ll never have enough. I loved it that Beth’s character was not a shadow to Max’. She was a heroine who contemplated on things that are usually taken for granted in most romance books. The delicious mix of sexy and serious in her generally fiery personality was downright badass! 

“You’re my past, present and future, Beth. So if you’re out, then I don’t have anything left.”

The chemistry between Max and Beth was absolutely page-turning! I loved the banters and the cat and mouse between these two. Having shared a history, there was a lingering sizzle every time they’re around each other and the palpable heat kept me up on my toes! I loved how Beth shared common stereotypes as most readers have towards Max and how wonderfully Max proved me wrong. Miss T has a way of capturing a reader in a very entertaining way. She can always make me laugh and feel and break all at the same time. Her uniquely hilarious scenes are always my favorites! Plus! Her secondary characters are always soo much fun! Stand was a sexy, fun, and page-turning read!

BOOK REVIEW: Sticks by T. Gephart

Title: Sticks

Author: T. Gephart

Series: Black Addiction #2

Release Date: February 29, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb

Kenzie Clark had made plenty of mistakes. Who cared? Life was all about the journey, and if you couldn’t enjoy the ride then what was the point. The tough-talking guitarist from Brooklyn, NY worked hard so she could play even harder. But some mistakes weren’t so easy to walk away from. Joey Shaw, drummer for Black Addiction, was exactly that kind of a mistake.

How could one night of fun turn into a life long commitment? That’s exactly what Joey was asking himself when Kenzie showed up a few weeks later—the soon-to-be baby bump with his name written all over it. He could barely tie his shoes; how in the hell was he going to raise a kid?

With neither of them ready to become parents, it was always going to be a difficult, but there was no way either of them were walking away. Come hell or high water, they were having this baby—together.

Hopefully they would both be still standing by the birth.

My Review

4.5/5 stars

It's impossible to pick a favorite among T. Gephart's always-entertaining bunch but I gotta say, Joey had me bad when I met him in book one of the Black Addiction series. He was a hot, cocky drummer who says the most outrageous things. Sticks was definitely a refreshingly fun read that I couldn't put down even if I tried. 

Kenzie. The girl who’d knocked me on my ass and completely claimed my heart. 

Kenzie simply didn't do the clingy one-night-stand thing most girls do. So when she found out that she was carrying Little Shaw inside her, she wanted to keep it cool. But keeping it cool with a man as hot as Joey Shaw was definitely going to be a challenge. Kenzie is the epitome of the kind of women I love to read about. She was fierce, confident, and independent. I loved how tough she could get but how sweet and vulnerable she allows herself to be when she was with Joey. 

“I would have given up jerking off just to kiss you tonight.” 

Joey Shaw might not always know the right things to say but he sure as hell knew being a part of his baby's life was the right thing to do. It felt right, too. Joey was a constant source of entertainment in this series. His ridiculous thoughts and ideas kept me up and laughing (sometimes at inappropriate places), forgetting the time and place where I was reading. But other than being the not-so-bright drummer of Black Addiction and the renowned manwhore that he is, Joey was genuine and sweet. And damn, nothing is sexier than a man who knows responsibility.

"I know there aren’t enough miles in the world to change the way I feel.” 

Joey and Kenzie's tandem lit a thousand kinds of sparks in this book. Yes, they were hot together, but what I really looked forward to were the times when they just talked and did parent stuffs together. I loved the easy and light spark of their chemistry, and reveled on the simmering heat they shared. Overall, this book was a light, entertaining read. The plot showed a lot of potential but the depth of the conflict, for me, was a little less than I expected. Nevertheless, this book just constantly had me hooked and satisfied. 

BOOK REVIEW: Slide by T. Gephart

SYNOPSIS

Touring with a huge rock band and landing a record contract means you’ve hit the big time, right? Sadly neither of those things gave Rusty Crawford, lead guitarist of the band Black Addiction, worldwide fame and fortune. Which was a shame because he had the lifestyle down to a fine art—without the clichéd stint in rehab. Even being back in the Bronx, paying his dues didn’t rattle the charismatic axe man, ladies loved him and men wanted to be him. Fate would just have to catch up. Seemed like fate had more than just a platinum album planned for his future.

Alison Williams had the perfect life. Or at least she did until her world came crashing down around her, in the most epic way. With her future no longer a certainty she finds herself out of her comfort zone and into unchartered territory—a place where Rusty Crawford likes to spend most of his time.

Would the charming and ridiculously hot rock god help her find her feet, or send her further down the rabbit hole? One thing was for sure; both of them were in for the ride of their lives. 

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MY REVIEW

4.5/5 STARS

Another keeper from T. Gephart! She really writes one of my favourite kinds of rock stars ever! I was heartbroken when the Power Station series ended but I’m definitely ready to go crazy addicted for Black Addiction ! 

After experiencing a life of confusion and uncertainties, Alison strived to establish a life of control and assurances. Ali’s character development was really one of the driving forces of this book. She caught me off guard a lot of times and that rarely happens when I read a book! My, that sweet, loving, and serious woman definitely hid something beneath her soft exterior...

Now Rusty, is definitely a one-of-a-kind hero. You know that kind of hot, possessive, male we all fantasize about? Now sprinkle some sweet, understanding, and loyal in there. Yup. Rusty is definitely made of the most exquisite book boyfriend quality. More than the evident steam he exudes on this book, what really made me love him more was his confidence, passion, and unwavering love for Ali.

This book was really hard to put down! It was fun, over-the-top hot, and continuously entertaining! Plus, it surprised me with a tinge of kink!! You. Will. LOVE. It. This book pretty much has every vital thing I need in a perfect book! I can’t wait for more of Black Addiction! I have a sweet spot for Joey...

RELEASE BLITZ: The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance by L.B. Dunbar

Title: The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance

Series: Legendary Rock Stars #5

Author: L.B. Dunbar

Genre: Rock Star Romance

 Release Date: September 14, 2015

Blurb

Don’t judge me. I know you want to, but let’s get some facts straight in my defense.

1. I love Arturo King

2. Arturo left me behind.

3. I was lonely.

4. Lansing was an old friend.

5. I love Arturo King.

Did you burn the fictional damsel in distress that cuddled and kissed her best friend when her fantastical boyfriend disappeared for months? No, you didn’t. You sympathized with her loneliness before you read ahead to make sure the boyfriend was coming back to her. Loneliness is not a crime. It’s cruel to be alone, but not a crime, the last I knew. If it is a crime, I’ll light the match to ignite myself for what I’ve done. Goodness knows, I’m burning up with guilt as it is. In my defense, I want my story to be told before I’m judged too harshly. Arturo King might be a rock legend, but he and I are human. We make mistakes. We made mistakes. Do we need to suffer for all of eternity because of them? I hope not. The jury still seems to be out, though. The greater question is: Is it possible to rekindle our love, when the past could burn us all?

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Excerpt

Prologue

Guinevere

If I ever wondered what the pits of hell felt like, I sensed my current position was similar to being in the fiery depths. The orange-yellow glow danced before me; blinding me to the man I knew was on the other side of the flames. His face was melting, fading in the fumes that surrounded and flowed from the heat. I sensed the wooden walls of the barn structure were crackling and eventually would crumble, but I continued to stand as if frozen. There would be no chance to freeze under the circumstances. If anything, I should be melting slowly to form a puddle on the floor. My skin felt as if it would peel off of me, one droplet of sweat at a time.

The blaze started in an attempt to gain Arturo’s attention. The boy wanted to impress his father: a rock god who stubbornly ignored his son, as he had done over a year ago in this same barn. The Barn. The place of inspiration for Arturo King and his band, The Nights. The place where they performed their magic through music. The place that marked where history was made.

I continued to stare through the flames that separated us. I could see that his lips were moving; calling or shouting out to me, but I couldn’t hear over the roar of the fire. His face was warped in my vision, drifting with the bright light that framed his head filled with dark waves and a jaw covered thicker than before. His brown eyes looked black as they stared back at me. I was trapped. The flames formed a wall between me and my beloved; a man I loved more than anyone. A man who I hurt more than I ever intended. A man who hurt me with his mysterious disappearance and lack of communication.

I didn’t move. Allowing the heat to consume me, I decided this might be my fate. Death by fire was how the adulteress was punished in ancient times. Of course, in romance novels a hero comes to the aid of the persecuted. My mind flashed to another man. He had been a hero to a little girl trapped within a burning building. He had been my hero, as well, when I was kidnapped in a drugged induced haze. He was someone I should not have been thinking of.

I continued to watch the movement of Arturo’s mouth. The roar of the flames was all that I heard. It made music to my ears, drowning out the accusations.

How could I do it? How could I be with another man?

The world seemed to stop as I struggled to give my answers. In contrast, it came alive in an orange glow that spread rapidly along the old wooden floor. My back was now against the warmth of the stones behind me. It was almost like I imagined a brick oven would feel. The ancient fieldstones were absorbing the heat and reflecting it back within the cramped space. Wood crackled above my head. The ripping sound only assured me that my end was eminent. The walls were catching and the barn was doomed to collapse.

Suddenly, I heard my name. The voice that screamed to me was clear, familiar, and not the voice that should have called for me.

“Guinie, turn around and reach up your hand,” he shouted down to me. It was like an angel spoke to me from the heavens. I couldn’t break my gaze on Arturo, but he was gesturing above me. His expression showed he clearly recognized who was over me, who was calling me. His eyes found mine through the flames and he nodded once. Then he looked away and I quickly spun reaching upward blindly. My eyes were dry, boiled orbs within their sockets. The smoke so thick, I confused it for fog. Stretching, my fingers connected with those reaching down for me. One hand was clasped, the opposite wrist encircled, and up I went into the freshness of the cool summer afternoon air. The scent of pine and lake water burned my smoke encrusted nose and I gasped for more oxygen. It was like I’d been drowning. A brief sensation I’d had a year ago in the water of that lake below.

My mind was clouded, but a passing image flashed of Arturo and me spinning in the blue water. He’d kissed me for the first time on that day then rolled us off the boat into the water in distraction. We were playful then. Not today. I heard his voice ringing in my head; his words enflamed with his bitterness.

How could I do it? Didn’t I love him? 

I balanced on hands and knees in the dry earth near the burning barn. My throat was hoarse from gassy fumes and screams. I called out his name one more time, and then the inevitable happened. The wooden structure collapsed.

Author Bio

L.B. Dunbar loves the original legend of King Arthur. Inspired by this classic tale, she pulled over to the side of the road to take notes when it hit her that if King Arthur lived today, he'd be a rock star. A lover of fairy tales, myths, legends, and anything with happily ever after, she loves to read and write contemporary romance. Her Legendary Rock Stars series is complete with the final tale: The Trials fo Guinevere DeGrance, but the story began with The Legend of Arturo King. She also wrote The Sensations Collection, which includes five stand alones based on the five senses in a small town setting near Lake Michigan. Raised on one side of that lake, she grew up in Michigan, but now lives on the other side, in Chicago. Mother to four, wife to the one and only, and teacher to hundreds of former students, she looks forward to sharing more stories in the future.

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