Book Review: Never Been Kissed by Molly O'Keefe

 

 

 

 

Never Been Kissed by Molly O'Keefe

Expected publication: July 1st 2014 by Bantam

 

Ever been go on a NetGalley frenzy and click a bunch of random books. They look good, but you've not really sure about them. And then suddenly you are overwhelmed with new books (not necessarily a bad thing) and your ratio is shot to crap. And...the book that you were ify about slips to the back burner.

Well... that's what happened with Never Been Kissed. But now that I have picked it up two things come to mind: don't doubt the powers of the NetGalley request frenzy and Why did it take me so long to read this?

Want some x-military, commando, broody hotness? Give this book a go!




Quick Recap

Ashley Montgomery wanting to escape her family hold and name, ventures off to use her money and resources in Africa. And just to be plain Ashley. But when she and her friend are captured by Somali pirates, it's not her name that saves her. But someone from her past.

When Ashely's brother reaches out to Brody, he drops everything and flies to Africa. It has been ten years since he was the Montgomery bodyguard and he didn't leave on the best terms. Still he knows that he has to save this woman from his past.

Returning her to the states and seeing her condition, he doesn't think twice about hiding her away from her overbearing, political oriented family when she asks. Taking her to his small home town in Bishop, AK he helps her fight the demons of her abduction while she helps him face the threads of his home life




My Thoughts

One reason I loved this book so much was because I related a lot to Ashley. Loved seeing her strength and honesty shine through after all she had suffered. On top of that, her ability to hold on to some of her snark and all around stubbornness made for some laugh out loud moments. She's a great character, not only for these qualities, but because she doesn't bounce right back. Still feeling flawed and scared from the capture, she holes up in the small apartment to recover. Only with the man that broke her heart ten years ago and who doesn't take the hint to leave her alone.

Brody was a complex character. I loved his badass exterior, but even more loved moments when he showed his tender side to Ashley. It was sweet to see him care for her and try to coax her out of her funk. Badass with a dash of sweet = perfect hero. The more he opened up, the more I loved his character. Him being back home, opened a whole other emotion filled door -- having to face his brother and dad again. Loved learning about his past and family and what made him act the way he did.

Sean (Brody's brother) was a lot of fun and added some great humor to book. And I appreciated that we got Sean's story in this book. I thought for sure that I was going to have wait and grab a copy of his book to see what happens. Instead, it was a nice surprise to see the author write chapters from his POV and to see his own conclusion. Though I loved staying with Brody and Ashley, it added some layers to see Sean's side of the story.

The beginning especially was quick paced. Enjoyed every single minute of seeing macho Brody care for Ashley. The romance and sexual tension was sizzling between them. The writing flowed well and the characters voices were perfect. I will definitely be trying another Molly O'Keefe book soon.

Great plot line, characters, and romance. 5 Stars

Highly Recommend.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Review: Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley

Motorcycle Man (Dream Man #4) by Kristen Ashley

5- Loved - It - Stars


Love a good biker and MC book. And I couldn't wait to get my hands on KA's version and the wonderful Tack. Starting from Mystery Man (and hot Hawk), I've slowly worked my way through this series. As a still KA newbie, it has been an awesome, hot-alpha male, adventurous ride. Each guy won me over individual, but Tack has stuck out in my head since book one. And Tyra and his story, did not disappoint.




Quick Summary

Tyra needs out of her drama filled life. So when she quits her job, she searches for a fast job turnaround. That lands her as the office secretary at the MC Chaos and Ride Body Shop compound. Only a few days before she starts, she attends a Chaos party with her best friend. And she meets Tack -- the president of the club -- and her heart, hormones, and tequila carry her to his bed. Tack is charming, fun, and gorgeous, and Tyra thinks she may have found her dream man. Until the next morning, he quickly kicks her out of bed.

When she faces her hurt feelings and anger, and bravely shows up to her job, Tack flips out when he discovers she is the same girl from the party. Not only does he tell her that he doesn't mix his business and pleasure, but he declares she's fired. Annoyed, beyond angry, and in desperate need of a job, Tyra throws Tack some classic KA attitude and says she's staying. And since Tack is not used to women standing up to him, he becomes intrigued. And so begins a delicious game of cat and mouse, as the two fight through their feelings, lives, and drama that seems to always be brewing at a motorcycle club.




My Thoughts

Like I said earlier, loved Tack. He was alpha badass to the core. Not afraid to speak his mind to his boys, Tyra, or even Tyra's family. Add some hot tattoos, leather jacket, and a harley and we've the perfect bad boy. But I loved that we got to peel back some of the layers, and see Tack for a kind hearted person. And meet his kids, Rush and Tabby, while seeing him in parent mode was golden. He lost his temper a lot, but he was passionate about his club, family, and Tyra. Loved him!

Tyra was a strong character. She annoyed me at points and wasn't my favorite KA heroine, but only because she was so strong willed. I respected the heck out of her for sticking to her guns on some things. Even if this is what caused my frustration. I like a character with backbone. And Tyra definitely had that and stubbornness in spades. But she really won me over in one scene (spoiler -->) When she maced that punk for hurting Tab, and bitch slapped him around(<---end spoiler), I was grinning like crazy, calling her a maniac, and screaming go Tyra go.

There was good dose of action, that started off pretty quick, and I was beyond absorbed into those chapters. The romance, the tension, the wooing, the back-and-forth, between Tyra and Tack was equally as good. Motorcycle Man ended abruptly in my opinion without a lot of instant closure. It felt choppy, especially after all the emotion and action. All I can say is I'm so thankful for the epilogue. And MM was a great wrap up to the series. Especially jumping to the previous MC POVs (something that I usually hate, but it worked for this book) for a few pages and getting a last glimpse into their lives



This series is a huge recommend -- if excessive pet names don't bother you -- and you want a good taste of action with your adult romances. Loved every guy, heroine, and book. Tack is definitely up there, but my favorite (but just barely, I do believe) is still Mitch. *sigh* If you've not tried the Dream Man series, you gotta meet these four and their feisty women.




*Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Review: Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott

Fire & Flood (Fire & Flood, #1) by Victoria Scott

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4-4.5 Stars

Quick Summary
Tella has been given a chance to compete in a race called the Brimstone Bleed. If she wins, she'll win a "cure" for her sick brother. Only everybody in the race -- across the jungle, desert, ocean, & mountains -- are contending for someone ill in their family.

Willing to do anything to help her older brother, Tella instantly knows she has to try and win the race. Not knowing anything about the background, reason behind it, or if the promised cure is even real, she sets off towards the starting point.

To help in the race, each of the members receive a pandora. Most of the members see the pandora as a tool, Tella can't help but name/connect with hers.

As she journey throughs the race, Tella quickly forms a group of friends and allies. But soon the race becomes more dangerous than she could ever imagine.

My thoughts
Even though the survival aspect of this book is similar to some other books, two things set this book a part. First, the pandoras give the story a whole fresh outlook. And I really enjoyed meeting each pandora and seeing what their different "talent" included. More than that, it was nice to see that it wasn't the two main love interest against the world. It was a group of people traveling though the race. Each of them competing for a different family member. Additionally, the setting is one that I've yet to read. In my opinion, this book was fast paced, interesting, and very original.

Speaking of the main love interest, Guy brought some clarity about the race to Tella and yet added another layer. He was a survivor with an awesome skill set, and like any good hero had his secrets. The other characters were just as likable, especially Harper, Jaxon, and Olivia.

Tella grows a lot through the book. At times she can be annoying, but I appreciate how she doesn't come with some crazy skill, power, or bravery. She is just an average teenager trying to save her brother. And adapts and learns.

If you like your books with lots of action and adventure, you gotta give Fire & Flood a try. Warning though, even though I felt satisfied with the ending, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. Book II is looking to be fantastic though! Can't wait.

Thanks to Scholastic Press and NetGalley for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.

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