Review: Tycoon by Katy Evans (Goodreads Author)

Tycoon by Katy Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

2,5 stars

I decided to read Tycoon by Katy Evans, because (a) I really liked the only book I've read before by this author, Mr President, (see my review here.... https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... ) (b) I love Greek heroes!!!! and (c) yes, I liked the cover!!!

This was like an okay read for me. There were just too many things that didn't work for me.

The plot has been done so many times before.....friends to lovers, second chance at love, cold and unfeeling billionaire hero who melts when he falls in love....and so on....I don't have a problem with this kind of plot, but somehow there was something that didn't get me engaged with the story.

The hero -Aaric Christos (hell, his name totally "disturbed" me.....I know millions of Greeks but have never met an Aaric...okay, maybe his parents just loved that name...however, what the hell is the man called...Aaric or Christos...........the heroine and the other characters call him Aaric and in the next paragraph....it's Christos!!!). Not letting that little name peeve get to me, I actually liked the guy. He wasn't this uber alpha a@#$%%^e.....he had a heart. I also liked honesty and the way he dealt with the people in his life.

The heroine - Bryn aka Bit Kelly.....former rich girl who lost her parents and her money now needs the help of her former school friend...who had been poor and beneath her social standards then and is now rich and has the money she needs to start up her company. There were some parts I liked with Bryn...like when she walks the dogs to make money...hell, things are bad in NYC....for a girl without money. The part when she promises to take the homeless woman for dinner if she gets the finance for her company...........But on the whole???? I'm not sure I liked her........the interaction with her best friend and roommate was so juvenile and immature...in fact both of them were beyond immature!!!
I wasn't too bothered by her chasing Aaric aka Christos, even though he had a girlfriend........hell, girlfriends...all is fair in love and war!!!!

The plot -The first 50% of the story was a bit slow...dragged on and on.....

The characters -Couldn't really connect with any of them....okay, maybe Aaric aka Christos (you see what I mean about his name!!!!)There was something about him that pulled me in!!!

So, in conclusion..........cute, sweet.........just missed the 3 star rating....because of the totally "weird" ending....or cliff-hanger...whatever you call it!!! Really!!!

I suppose I will have to wait for the follow-up to check out what happens with THE CLIFFHANGER!!!!

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Review: Bombshell (Hollywood A-List, #1) by C.D. Reiss (Goodreads Author)

Bombshell by C.D. Reiss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Hollywood love stories!!! I know....GROUPIE!!! Which girl hasn't dreamt about meeting a famous and gorgeous movie star who falls in love with her and they live HEA.....oh hell....I'm one of those girls!!!! So, it goes without saying that the story of a famous movie star falling in love with his daughter's nanny was just up my "alley"!!!!

I enjoyed the plot and the writing.]

The characters are likeable and engaging....especially the movie star's little daughter......she's totally adorable.

Some might say that it's a bit unbelievable....Hollywood stars are mostly not so nice....etc etc...but, hey, this is fiction where anything is possible!!!

This was such a sweet and enjoyable read - if you like Hollywood HEA.....then this book is for you!
I noticed that this is the 1st book in the Hollywood A-List Series............so, some more Hollywood HEA.............

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Review: Dirty Souls (Sins Duet, #2) by Karina Halle (Goodreads Author)

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Review: Crown of Lies (Truth and Lies Duet, #1) by Pepper Winters (Goodreads Author)

Crown of Lies by Pepper Winters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Some minor spoilers ahead....

I have seen a few books by this author, Pepper Winters reviewed by some of my GR friends and after reading such glowing ones about this book, Crown of Lies which is the 1st in her Truth And Lies Duet, I so wanted to read it..............and I am beyond "stoked"...... happy ........elated that I did!!! IT WAS A WILD RIDE.................

WOW..........just WOW!!!

Was I blown away? More than!!
"How can one wrap the truth in lies or is it that this big lie is wrapped in the truth? "

By now you should have read all the synopsis and cover blurbs out there..so let me just get to the point/s on why this book made such an impression on me.

→The CoverAbsolutely stunning! It was one of the things that drew me in. Beautifully photographed, moody with a sense of mystery.

→The Story LineA great cover blurb/synopsis, which delivers on all levels. Original. Dark. Twisted. Sensual. Gripping. Suspenseful. Mysterious. Sweet. Erotic. Tender. Unpredictable............ You just never see what's coming next....The more pages you turn, the more questions you are left with!!!

→The Main CharactersComplex. Well-developed. Tortured. Flawed. Angst-ridden.
Elle (Noelle) Charlston I liked her character. Wise and innocent.....protected and protective. How one night changed her life forever..............
Penn Everett
Okay, so I kind of guessed who he actually was!!!! Hell, this guy has a lot of issues!! I loved how the author managed to write a character like him - angst-ridden, secretive, uber controlling, devious.....and despite wanting to hate him...I somehow didn't. There was some kind of inner goodness, for a better word, in him that kept shining out of him.

Penn's whole attitude and behaviour should have sent Elle running.......okay, so she did try!!!!

Just that there was that "combustible chemistry between the two.................totally irresistible...........

→The Secondary CharactersAmazing. There are a lot of them that are slowly developed but they never seem to take over each other..........and........... How cool are the characters names!!!!! Penn Everett!!! Arnie Twigg!!! Stewie & Gio Steele!! Fleur!!! And OMG....my favourite character in this book...........SAGE (Elle's cat)......Elle taking a walk through her store with Sage..........Visualize something like this

→The WritingBeautiful prose. Great flow of words.

"He stole my heart with his lies. He'll destroy it with his truth."

→The Setting NYC........

→Favorite Quote“Thieves can become saints. Saints can become thieves. Most of us deserve a second chance.”

→Would I recommend this book?Yes, definitely.

→Would I read it again?Oh most certainly.

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Review: Love, Chloe by Alessandra Torre (Goodreads Author)

Love, Chloe by Alessandra Torre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

wasn't sure what to expect from this book but I liked the synopsis and also the good reviews I read by some of my GR friends....and of course, not forgetting that I love this author....

Love, Chloe is totally different from the other two books that I loved, Hollywood Dirt and Sex, Love, Repeat.

This was such a fun read. It had some great characters, fabulous setting...I mean...NYC...my all time favourite place to visit....and we get a peep into the world and lives of the rich and famous...what more could I ask for!!!

So, this is the story of Chloe Madison, a totally engaging character that kind of grew on me.......

In a nutshell - Chloe is having a terrible time in her life.......her parents are crooks, their assets and money frozen....leaving poor Chloe homeless and moneyless

"…the easy wealth I’d enjoyed my whole, pampered life ended faster than a Taylor Swift relationship. Our accounts were frozen, cars taken, assets seized. Including my NYC apartment."

..but wait, not all is lost...she still gets to keep her designer clothes and her JImmy Choo's!!!

No money to pay for her college tuition, to rent an apartment...she's left to take a job as a administrative assistant/dog walker and sleeping in her friend's couch.

What I admired about Chloe was her resilience....she didn't wallow in self-pity or feeling sorry for herself....she dusts herself down and moves on with getting her life...well, her new life together.

"…Maybe the cultured, confident woman I was before was just a product of my parents’ money. Maybe now, with my new life a train wreck, I would discover the real Chloe Madison. And maybe, I wouldn’t like her. "

It's a story about friendship....

"…And I really expected, in the dark parts of my soul, for them to leave me over this. For our friendship to wither away into nothing, our common ground lost. Instead, they rallied—feeding me, housing me, and distracting me in times of struggle.

They had been better friends than I deserved, our friendship turning a corner, becoming deeper through all this. I hoped, one day, I would be able to return the favour. At the very least, to become a better friend.

.. I loved the way the author used copies of instagram on top of some of the chapters...

Romance........hell, Chloe has some problems in this area....her ex...who just happens to be a zillionaire is determined to get her back...she gave him the kick when she found him canoodling some women...but old Vic is persistent!!! He goes out on all stops...delivers a Maserati to her new apartment (more about that later!), gives her a $20,000 Birkin bag, Tiffany diamond earrings......and you would think...she's going to go right back to him...after all, she can have her life of luxury back..right!!!

Wrong............she wants nothing to do with him..well, she kind of gives in once or twice...but then, she finds Carter, her apartment super...a beyond hot and sexy male...filling her head with some hot thoughts!!! Seriously, men........

It takes a while for Chloe to make a decision....of course, the right one!!!

There are some brilliant secondary characters that are well-blended into the story......like Chloe's bff's Cammie and Benta (how are these names!!!)Joey, the movie star, Nicole, her boss........and the most brilliant of them all..............

Chanel is Nicole's "baby" and Chloe's main function is to be her nanny. The scenes with this pooch as hysterical........from the first moment we're introduced...Chanel has her own bedroom and her own bed and Chloe's first job is to wait for her to wake up from her nap and then make sure precious Chanel is kept happy at all times......
Chloe has a wardrobe to die for....she's a catwalk model in demand for fashion shows....My best scene with Chanel has to be her birthday party.............I was shrieking with laughter, tears in my eyes...........

It's worth reading this book just for that scene!!!

Great dialogue...and I loved Chloe's inner monologues!!! Brilliant!!

Humorous, entertaining, witty, funny, sweet, sexy and actually quite refreshing.

Hey, did I mention that I think this story would make a fab movie!!!!

If you want to...you can see my reviews on my favourite books of AT............
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

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Review: Managed (VIP, #2) by Kristen Callihan (Goodreads Author)

Managed by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My heart and head...........are DANCING!!!!!!!

If you liked Idol, book #1 in Kristen Callihan's Rockstar Series...you're are going to LOVE LOVE the 2nd book, MANAGED. I AM OVER THE MOON........it's Gabriel Scott, the band's manager, who gets his very own book!!! I was absolutely ...hell, let me think what I felt meeting him from the 1st moment...

I flipping LOVED Gabriel Scott & Sophie Darling - is that a fabulicious name or not!!!! The perfect pair! The total opposites! That was made their chemistry off the charts!!! Right from the very beginning when they meet on the plane that is taking Sophie for a job interview and him to sort out some band matter in London.

Sophie's life is about to change - firstly by being upgraded to first class - does she feel lucky...but her elation soon fizzles..just a tiny bit...when she overhears some guy complaining about her being in his seat..but wait his seat is next to hers...but he maintains he paid for two seats..what the hell does he need 2 seats for!! He certainly does have a body of two!!! Who does he think he is??? And then her vision is filled with the most amazing male specimen.......WOW....this guy is hot!!!

I found Sophie to be endearing and blimy.....engaging!!! Sassy. Spunky. Her wit and zest for life is bloody infections....

The first chapters which are set on the flight to London are an FRICKING treat! The dialogue is out of this world....

“ “Oh, I bet you’d find that marvellous; all of us helpless women just smiling and nodding. Though I’m afraid it would never work on me.” “Of course not,” he deadpans. “I’m stuck next to the one afflicted with an apparently incurable case of verbal diarrhoea.” “Says the man who is socially constipated.”

“ “Oh, I bet you’d find that marvelous; all of us helpless women just smiling and nodding. Though I’m afraid it would never work on me.” “Of course not,” he deadpans. “I’m stuck next to the one afflicted with an apparently incurable case of verbal diarrhoea.” “Says the man who is socially constipated.”

Sunshine aka Gabriel and Chatty Girl aka Sophie are on a roll and neither is prepared to give in inch, when it's discovered that a) Sophie's interview is for a job with Kill John and b) Gabriel is the band's manager!!! What a pickle!!!

Sophie gets the job...ooh I want her job!!! Taking care of the band's media profile!!! My kind of job and I get to see Gabriel every day! Hell, Sophie...you are a lucky girl!!

The attraction is total mutual....Gabriel suggests that they become friends "with benefits"......

“You’ve told me repeatedly now that you find me blindingly attractive.” “That doesn’t mean I like you. Besides, your brand of pretty is like a weapon. You reel victims in with it, just like a vampire does. I wouldn’t be surprised if you sparkle in the sun.” “I cannot believe I’m arguing with a woman who references Twilight.” “The fact that you know I’m referencing Twilight betrays you as a secret Edward-loving fanboy.” His snort is loud and scathing. “Team Jacob all the way.” I can’t help it, my eyes fly open, and I lift a corner of my mask to glare at him. “That’s it. We can never be friends.”

Don't u just love the Twilight connection??? Sophie Darling unique and beyond refreshing!!

But, really would anyone be able to resist this kind of man wanting to do things to and with you???

Not me and certainly not Sophie!! Giving in....of course she does!!! And that is not a spoiler...really!!! It's a given that these two will definitely get together......despite their back and forward denials...

“Jesus,” I blurt out, lifting my hand as if to shield my eyes. “It’s like looking into the sun.” “What?” he snaps, those laser-bright eyes narrowing. Oh, this will be fun. “Just stop, will you?” I squint at him. “You’re too hot. It’s too much to take.” This is true, though I’d never have the guts to say so in normal circumstances. “Are you quite well?” he intones, as if he thinks the opposite. “No, you’ve nearly rendered me blind.” I flap a hand. “Do you have an off switch? Maybe put it on low?”

These two bring out the best in each other. But before they can continue, both will have to deal with the secrets they both are keeping from each other.........

I loved meeting up with the band members from Idol.....their banter - witty and so much fun - and connection between each other is pretty awesome:

“What did I say about speculating?” I warn. “One more word and I’ll have you all doing a music video with synchronized dancing faster than you can say Backstreet Boys.” Whip lifts up a hand. “Okay, geesh. Got it. You two are an impenetrable wall that no one shall gaze upon. No need to go all Simon Cowell on us.”
“Is he drunk?” Whip asks with some concern. “Naw,” Killian drawls. “All I see are empty water bottles.” “Drowning his sorrows in bottled water. At least he’s not cliché,” Rye murmurs before sitting next to me.”

This was an incredible and fabulous reading experience.

Loved the epilogue!!! And can't wait for the next book in this series.
If you love a love story filled with romance, with unforgettable characters and following the lives of rockstars...this is a series for you!!

I can't recommend reading the series enough!!

And yes....when I turned over to the page.....THE END...........I was still dancing!!!

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Review: Idol #1 VIP Series by Kristen Callihan

Idol by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4,5 stars

OOh!!!!! VIP Series by Kristen Callihan has just become another hot favourite rock star series of mine!!!

Idol is the 1st book in the series.....and I'm totally hooked on the story, the characters and especially KILLIAN JAMES, lead singer/guitarist of Kill John, the hottest rock band in the world!!!!

NO, NO, NO......Kanye West...........you are so not the no one rock star in the world.........KILLIAN JAMES IS...........

Killian James must be one of the most genuine rock star characters ever.

The story's opening scene is an absolute laugh a minute!! This is when Killian first "meets" Liberty Bell, his next door neighbour - see, he's taking a break away from the hectic rock star world to find peace and quiet and write some new songs!!! His life is never going to be the same after his encounter with said neighbour!!

Liberty Bell.....love her name....aka Libby. What a fabulous character. I absolutely adored her. Talented, sassy, independent, caring...........and what blew me away....underneath she's this amazingly talented, singer, guitarist and songwriter!!! What is there not to love about her!!!

The chemistry between the two is incredible...right from the very beginning. I loved their banter, their connection and how much the two did for each other. Making them see that there is more to each of them then they ever thought possible.

“A person can get…stuck, for lack a better word, in a life. It’s surprisingly easy, really. Hours bleed into days; days fade into months. Before you know it, years have passed, and you’re just this person, someone your younger self wouldn’t even recognize.”

Not only were the two mc's endearing and engaging but wow...the secondary characters were just as amazing and dare I say, intriguing (check the band's manager, GABRIEL SCOTT...his book's next...OMG...I cannot wait!!!), fantastic (check JAX, the other member of the band!!!)...and what about...okay, enough....wait for the next book!!!Now, let me add why this book ROCKED for me!!!

You feel the love of music that the author has in every word she has written.

Music can be your friend when you have none, your lover when you’re needy. Your rage, your sorrow, your joy, your pain. Your voice when you’ve lost your own. To be a part of that, to be the soundtrack of someone’s life, is a beautiful thing.”

The references to real life musicians...Bowie, Corbain, Prince....extraordinary and so amazing.....

“Nirvana had “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Kill John has “Apathy”- our generations battle cry. “Apathy” drives just as hard and fast as “Teen Spirit” but there’s more pain in it, less rage. A question of why we’re here. A song of loneliness and feeling useless.”

If you love a really like a story that leaves you feeling giddy, happy.....smiling...then this is a book for you.
I can't wait for the next book.......GABRIEL SCOTT, here I come!!!!

One of my favorite quotes:

“That’s the thing with endings in real life. You never really know when they’re going to happen.”

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Review: Connected (Connections, #1) by Kim Karr (Goodreads Author)

Connected by Kim Karr
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Connected by Kim Karr is the 1st book in her Connections Series and the 1st that I have read by this author.

Okay, so I love rockstar stories so I was really looking forward to this one...also there were a lot of good reviews.

I didn't exactly hate this story...just didn't love it like I thought I would. It was like a case of I like it and that's that.

The story just dragged on a bit and the heroine was a bit annoying.....her whole thing with her dead fiancee drove me up the wall..........

I am going to read the next part and hopefully it will be a "love it" one story

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Review: Lovers & Sinners (The Dreams #1) by Hunter S. Jones (Goodreads Author)

Lovers & Sinners by Hunter S. Jones
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

So I love rock star stories so when I saw this one.....Lovers and Sinners by an author I have not familiar with, Hunter S Jones, and having read the blurb...I knew it was my kind of book.

Sadly, it didn't prove to be my kind of book.

By Chapter 2, I felt totally disconnected......

Turned a few more pages......I had lost the plot!!!

Who are all these characters? Who is James van Lee...really, rockstar!!! And where the hell does Maggie and Rhett...really....Rhett...fit into all this...and Russia's cursed royal family, Anne Boleyn!!!
No, I don't think I will turn another page!! I'm giving up..I know there are still some pages but I cannot put myself through this torture!!!

This one..........it's not for me!!!

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