Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer

Take a moment to appreciate this cover. Isn't it just perfect? That is what originally caught my eye about this book. It wasn't recommended to me in any way, I've never heard of it or its author. Just this cover is what made me curious. After reading the description I was further intrigued, so I decided to pick this book up and I was pleasantly surprised. This story is about two teens who end up smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation. Our male protagonist is the main suspect in the murder of his newlywed mom. Thomas was far from a murder and loved his mother dearly. That being said I got the impression he was the more positive character. Which...well, when everyone thinks you killed your own mom it should probably be the other way around...no? Would that NOT put a damper on things? I mean, the sadness was there but not very outwardly. To me Charlotte needed a happy pill sometimes. She didn't even have a valid excuse for her grumpy ways! Her character, although slightly annoying and ornery at times, was charming to me. She is from a family of cops so that makes things a little difficult for her and Thomas along the way. I feel her pain. Having cops in the family just means that if you get arrested you're parents know about it so much faster than normal....

Thomas is obviously my favorite character here. His sarcasm is on point, he doesn't take anyone's shit, and I feel like we would be good friends. He is pretty charming too! All while he's still grieving for his mothers death and the fact that everyone thinks he did it. And he's the cheery character! So here's the thing. There is no evidence against Thomas. Not a single thing. But hey! There hasn't been a murder in Garretts Mill in 20 years so...IT HAS TO BE THE NEW GUY!!!



Oh you just have to love small towns. Ms. Kemmerer nailed the small town atmosphere. The last murder that took place was Charlotte's friend Lilly, and that's what gets her asking questions. The two characters can't stay away from eachother, even though I'm pretty sure they annoy eachother endlessly. The point of views switching was executed perfectly, and I love when I can read what each charater is thinking. Then my favorite part...PLOT TWIST!!! I love me a good plot twist.



Thicker Than Water has all the mystery, thrill, and a side of romance anyone could ever ask for. With a dash of paranormal. A good book tastes like sweet, sweet victory. This book gets 4 Stars from me. A great YA. Fans of author Megan Miranda would devour this book in one sitting. I certainly did.

An advanced readers copy was provided to me by the publishers in exchange for a honest review. This has in no was effected my rating on this book or the overall review.

Atone by Beth Yarnall

There are not words for how captivating this book is. It's emotional and gripping. The story truly stays with you after you finish this book. Vera is one of the strongest, bravest, and most courageous characters I have read about to date and the more you find out about what she went through as this book goes on, the more respect you have for her. Beth Yarnall has not only written a romance that leaves you breathless, but she's called attention to a very real, very serious issue. Human sex trafficking is something that happens here in America as well as many other places in this world and as heartbreaking and blood-chilling as it is there are people that aren't even aware it's happening. This book may be a work of fiction, but the awareness it draws is real. Not only does it draw attention to that but Beau, the main male character, has also gone through the unthinkable. Wrongfully imprisoned for six years of his life, for a crime he never committed is a scar that will never fully heal. It happens people. Our justice system might work sufficiently but it is not without flaw. These two people find eachother, find safety and warmth with eachother, and be the best they can be for eachother. All while trying to find and save Vera's sister to save her from the same man that ruined the girl Vera once was, the same life that took her spirit and broke her. I felt sick on their behalf. I cried for this couple. I angered for them. The emotional roller-coaster was a rough ride.

This book is a beautiful thing. Truly a work of art. I can tell the author put thought and heart into every word, that it matters to her that the message of how Beau and Vera were effected by their mistreatments comes across as real so that maybe people think about it. My rating for this book is 5 Stars. The message of this book alone deserves that. The story was wonderful, the writing flawless, and the characters felt real. Fans of Law and Order: SVU this is a book for you.

An advanced readers copy was provided to me by the publishers in exchange for a honest review. This has in no was effected my rating on this book or the overall review.

Wicked Lust by Sawyer Bennett

Sawyer Bennett is an author very new to me, I had never even heard of the name but now I feel like I sure as hell should have. This author is very talented and I feel like I could easily become a big fan of hers! This book was sexy, fast paced, and addictive. I'm actually sad it's over. I'm even more saddened at the fact that I haven't read anything else by Sawyer Bennett, but I plan to rectify that. Wicked Lust is the second book in The Wicked Horse series. This book is Cain's story which involves him unknowingly entering a relationship with an undercover reporter. Sloane was first attracted to Cain while she was out with her friends at The Wicked Horse bar where they all go to dance, have fun, and where she goes to investigate a possible sex club. At first she was solely attracted to Cain and then she found out that he could have connections that she could use to further implicate a governor in a sex scandal involving this secret sex club that her publication office received a tip on from a former member. Little did Sloane know that once she explored a world with this particular man, she wouldn't want to leave. Her heart battles with her conscience as she furthers her relationship with Cain knowing very well that this may hurt her and him. I loved it! The storyline was great.



I could talk about how much I liked this book or all the things I liked about it all day but I'm going to list only three things and leave the rest to your imagination. I don't want to give the whole book away then you won't even read it!
Things I Liked:
1. The kink. I liked the kink but it's not just that I liked it but more the fact that I liked that the kink was done in a tasteful manner. It wasn't like Her Web Master (review here: http://pageturnerone.blogspot.com/2015/12/her-web-master-by-normandie-alleman.html) in which I felt the main female character was degraded and insulted. I felt she was more...empowered by her sexuality.
2. It really did remind me a lot of the Boundless Hearts series by Lora Leigh or the Sweet series by Maya Banks. I love both authors and both series.
3. I liked the characters and can't wait to read their stories. Mostly Bridger's.

The only complaint I really have of this book is the use of "Like", "Really", and "Totally" sometimes made me feel like the author was younger or newer to writing than what she is. In the end I would recommend this book to erotica readers, readers that like the kink and won't take offense to it. There is also some minor male on male action so if that would bother you...
My score is 4.5 Stars. I think Sawyer Bennett did a wonderful job on this book and I can't wait to read more.



An advanced readers copy was provided to me by the publishers in exchange for a honest review. This has in no was effected my rating on this book or the overall review.