Lie To You (Forbidden Trilogy #2) by J.C. Valentine (Book Review)

Identical twin brothers, check. Lustful encounters that will make you blush and then some, check. Beautiful girl caught in the middle of a Bermuda Triangle of secrets, check. A few months ago I reviewed Dance for Me by author J.C. Valentine, the first book in the Fobidden Trilogy and I loved it. Many readers are opposed to cliffhangers but some of the ones I’ve come across have been the icing on the cake that makes the book that much more memorable (e.g. RAW by Belle Aurora and Amber to Ashes by Gail McHugh). The revelation at the conclusion of Dance for Me had me longing for the next book. Luckily, I was provided with an ARC of Lie to You in exchange for an honest review. Check out the blurb and my thoughts below.

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BLURB 

I thought he was the one. I thought we were headed someplace great. I didn’t know anything.

My mystery man is no longer such a mystery. He’s still commanding and headstrong, playing my body and mind like an instrument, but I’m finding there are layers to him I never could have dreamed. What I’ve learned since that fateful night in his apartment has me reeling. Now, though, the truth has taken a backstage to other, more pressing matters.

While I struggle to make a choice that will determine the direction of my future, lies that I thought had been carefully hidden away are coming to light. My head is such a mess I don’t know what’s up or down anymore. Will I be able to sort it all out, or will the life I’ve worked so hard to build come crashing down in a pile of secrets and lies?

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MY REVIEW

*ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

Lie to You picks up where Dance for Me left off, with Josephine in both emotional and mental turmoil. Faced with the uncertainty of what her next move should be, she decides to steer clear of double trouble until the dust settles. However, Ransom and Rebel, two unyielding alpha males will stop at nothing to claim Joe.

Is it possible to dislike the male lead, or in this case both? What originally drew me in to both men was no longer alluring. Given Joe’s circumstances and choices between judgmental jerk and arrogant bastard, I would have seen myself right into Brody’s welcoming arms. The heart wants what it wants, and sadly Brody isn’t it. This is not a typical love triangle by any means and every bit the antithesis. Unhappy with our heroine’s choices I reluctantly followed Joe down her self-imposed rabbit hole. What ensues is a roller coaster ride that will give you whiplash and leave your head spinning.

Having lost the order in her carefully balanced life, secrets are revealed that serve to further complicate Joe’s existence. Her friendships are in peril and her heart’s in a perpetual state of vulnerability. Choosing her lover Goldilocks style, trying out one bed and then the other for the right fit, Joe finally picks one Mr. Scott. How can you truly be certain if you’ve chosen correctly when you hardly know a person? Slowly but surely the reader is given glimpses into a man who has more to offer than a great body and fantastic sexual ministrations. When things seem to start looking up, a not so past flame threatens to destroy their kindling trust.

As much as I enjoy J.C. Valentine’s writing, this installment of the Forbidden series fell a bit short for me. I couldn’t sympathize with Joe and found it hard to connect with either Mr. Scott. There were scenes that almost set my phone on fire and I learned to never sit at the dinner table flanked by two hot men. I want to explore more about both men and learn what makes them who they are. Are either really worthy of Joe? And more importantly, will she ever reach a point where she’s happily fulfilled in life. Caught in the eye of the storm, I am curious to know how this turbulent tale will end.

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CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR 

To purchase your copy of Lie to You from Amazon, click here. To connect with J.C. Valentine and stalk her upcoming projects or browse her other titles, visit her website or author page on Amazon and Goodreads.

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Media Source [J.C. Valentine’s Facebook Page]

Chasing River by K.A. Tucker (Book Review)

I love Atria. Being a newbie to NetGalley, I’ve been fortunate enough to have access to some great titles by amazing authors. Discovering authors is always fun and thanks to Atria approving my request to read/review Chasing River I am now a fan of K.A. Tucker. Now I’m kicking myself for not having met her this past May at BookCon in NYC. This extremely talented lady who keeps company of the likes of Abbi Glines and Colleen Hoover, was two feet away from me and I sadly had no book for her to scribble on for me. At the time I hadn’t experienced any of her works but I hope to one day get her autograph on the book that made me join her fandom. Check out the blurb and my review below. To purchase your copy of this author’s most recent release (out today) from Amazon, click here.

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BLURB

Armed with two years’ worth of savings and the need to experience life outside the bubble of her Oregon small town, twenty-five-year old Amber Welles is prepared for anything. Except dying in Dublin. Had it not been for the bravery of a stranger, she might have. But he takes off before she has the chance to offer her gratitude.

Twenty-four-year-old River Delaney is rattled. No one was supposed to get hurt. But then that American tourist showed up. He couldn’t let her die, but he also couldn’t risk being identified at the scene—so, he ran. Back to his everyday life of running his family’s pub. Only, everyday life is getting more and more complicated, thanks to his brother, Aengus, and his criminal associations. When the American girl tracks River down, he quickly realizes how much he likes her, how wrong she is for him. And how dangerous it is to have her around. Chasing her off would be the smart move.

Maybe it’s because he saved her life, or maybe it’s because he’s completely different from everything she’s left behind, but Amber finds herself chasing after River Delaney. Amber isn’t the kind of girl to chase after anyone.

And River isn’t the kind of guy she’d want to catch.

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MY REVIEW

ARC provided by Atria Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Charmingly Torrid Stars!

Chasing River is an enchantingly refreshing change of pace from the usual sexed up reads. While I enjoy my fair share of angst and lust, there comes a time when you need something butterflies-in-your-stomach inducing that will leave you smiling long after you’ve reluctantly finished all of its words. K.A. Tucker delivers a riveting tale of self discovery and the revelation that love can come about from close encounters of the unexpected and life-altering kind.

Amber Welles is a 25 year old nurse looking to escape her secure bubble of Sisters, Oregon if only for a few months to fulfill her coveted dream of traveling the world (or as much as her savings will allow). Armed with a carefully concocted itinerary and a bucket list of sorts, she finds herself thrust into a wild and dangerous adventure in picturesque Ireland.

Having endured less than thrilling relationships, she not only finds love but it literally knocks her off her feet and unconscious. What better way to come to your senses than under a dashing Irish fella with green beguiling eyes? chasing him. River Delaney is one of three brothers, running the family pub with younger brother Rowen and maintaining its legacy is no easy task but one they wholeheartedly enjoy. Aengus Delaney, the eldest and self appointed black sheep is loyal to a fault but constantly mixed-up in shady IRA activities. As fate would have it, these four lives would be forever changed as a result of an event that set off a pivotal chain reaction.

Is it possible to find your soul mate in someone you just met? How far would you go to keep them safe? Secrets will be revealed and familial bonds tested all for a shot at love.

Picture Eat Pray Love meets Leap Year with a healthy dose of Irish history and folklore and you can begin to loosely form a picture of the adventure you embark on in this beautifully written tale.

To check out more of K.A. Tucker’s works and upcoming projects feel free to connect with her via her author page.

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Media Source: [K.A. Tucker (Author) Facebook and Atria Indie Authors]