#THURSDAY13: Almost Mine #REVIEW

Almost Mine by Lea Darragh is an emotional novel about not seeing what's right in front of you -and not knowing what you've got- until it's gone.

Cate has always taken Nick for granted. Through a wild youth of mistakes, bad choices, and self-destructive behaviour, Nick has been the one thing that Cate could count on. She knows he loves her, but she can't love him back. He's too perfect, too strong, too caring. She has darkness in her that can't handle that much light. 

When an unexpected pregnancy forces them into a marriage of convenience, Cate hopes that Nick can love her enough for the both of them. But as time passes, Nick grows frustrated and finally decides to cut himself loose. Will his absence prove to Cate just how much she needs him?

My REVIEW comes to you in the form of a THURSDAY13 List. Here are 13 thoughts on the book...

(1) Almost Mine is a debut novel.
(2) Almost Mine takes place in Australia. Either I missed this in the beginning or readers aren't told up front. It fell into place for me eventually but if you want to read the book, it's best to know up front.
(3) As an American, there were a few words I had to google but the use of them in the story lent to the authentic Australian feel.
(4) A family winery serves as the setting and the descriptions add to the feel of the story.
(5) Almost Mine takes a whole different perspective on the story of love. It was a bit sad at times actually, as it was told from the POV of Cate who didn't love Nick as he loved her. He knew but believed he could take care of her and she'd eventually come to love him for what he could provide.
(6) Cate and Nick had been friends since childhood and he'd loved her all those years. There is a lot of background information but it was provided without interrupting the flow of the story.
(7) Cate grows during the story -thank God!- because in the beginning, she's self-absorbed and reckless. Once she allows herself to open to the possibility that love is not what she first thought, she's able to open herself up. Her growth made the book for me and had that not happened, my ereader mightn't have made it through the experience.
(8) Nick is an incredible man. That bears saying again. Nick is an incredible man.
(9) I disliked their other childhood friend but wished there had been more depth to her character. I know she was secondary but I wanted to understand her motivations more.
(10) The book opens in the present with a tense scene. Then it drops back to the future. That was a great hook - I ripped through the pages hoping that it didn't end the way it began.
(11) The intimacy was useful in depicting the growth in their relationship from a friendship love to a romantic love. While the sex scenes were hot, the best part was how they moved the story forward.
(12) RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
(13) This book was provided to us by NetGalley. Many thanks.

Pick Your Pleasure for #Thursday13

Ever read a book and wish the heroine hadn’t done that, gone there, or slept with that guy? Well, now you’re in charge. The reader decides what happens here. Tailor your perfect short story or be adventurous and read through all the different paths to see where life can take you…if you choose. Go ahead, pick your pleasure.

Pick Your Pleasure by Jayne Rylon is a book about adventure.

BLURB
Linley Lane, CEO of Lane Technologies, has had enough of blah dates. When she decides to shake things up with a visit to an underground sex club she’s heard rumors about, she realizes she’s way out of her league. This is no usual hookup spot.

Presented with two potential guides for the night—men who turn her on more in a matter of minutes than a year of lame dating in her high-class circles did—she’s got some tough decisions to make about how she wants to spend the rest of her evening and just how dirty she intends to get.

Will she choose to be romanced by a sexy gentleman? Or will she indulge the rare anonymity Underground affords to revel in wild excess with a like-minded rebel? And where will they go from there?
Everything is up to you.

REVIEW
The concept of Pick Your Own Pleasure is a fun one. It reminded me of the books I read as a young girl when I could choose my adventure. The problem is that I don't want to do that anymore. As an adult, I have to make decisions every day, all day. Reading is an escape from that for me so having to make decisions while reading didn't thrill me as much as I thought it would.

Still, the book was true to Rylon's style. It was a sexy story with attractive and bold characters. No matter which way you choose, you get a delicious evening of exploration and the HEA at the end. Linley was a lucky girl no matter which way you chose!

RATING
3 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

EXCERPT
** 13 Sentences for Thursday13! **

“You’ll require a guide for your adventure tonight.” her greeter said as if he could sense the uncertainty swirling around her brain. “New members are always paired with a veteran on their first go around to ensure their enjoyment.”

“I thought that was your job?”  She tipped her head as she examined his expression.

“I wish I were so lucky.”  He gave her a tiny bow.  “Chase and Ryder have both offered their company this evening.  We’ll leave the choice to you.  Play nice, boys.”

The greeter winked at her before retreating, perhaps to collect another very willing guest from the garage.

“So long as I don’t have to fight fair.” The bump on scruffy guy’s nose attested to his experience with brawling.  She felt bad for prince charming across the table if things came to blows.

“Wouldn’t expect you to, Ryder.”  The burnished blond shook his head though he smiled as he said it.

13 Reasons to love Entwined With You

Happy July 4th! I picked a book that set off some fireworks for me while I read it - I bet it will for you too! Entwined with You (Crossfire #3) by Sylvia Day was everything I hoped it would be and more. For today's Thursday13, I present my favorite 13 quotes from the book. They are swoon-worthy!

1. “If souls could be mated with wishes, ours would be inextricably entwined.” -Eva
2. “Day One of my life was the day I met you.” -Gideon to Eva (sigh)
3. “Angel, a crowd of millions couldn’t hide you from me. I found you once. I’ll always find you.” -Gideon
4. “There wasn't a second that passed when you weren't on my mind. You own me, Eva. Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, I belong to you.” -Gideon
5. “I hate to freak you out,” I murmured between desperate kisses, “but you’ve got it real bad for me.” -Eva
6. “From the moment I first saw him— saw through his stunning and impossibly gorgeous exterior to the dark and dangerous man inside— I’d felt the pull that came from finding the other half of myself. I needed him like I needed my heart to beat..." -Eva
7. “The only way for a women to get my attention is to be you” -Gideon
8. “What the hell was I supposed to do, Eva? I didn’t know you existed.” Gideon’s voice deepened, roughened. “If I’d known you were out there, I would’ve hunted you down. I wouldn’t have waited a second to find you..." -Gideon
9. “Gideon was an untamed animal behind closed doors, a lover who bared me to the soul every time he made love to me.” -Eva
10. “More like Cross blew your circuits during one of his sexathons. Still can’t get over that man’s stamina. Wish he’d swing my way and wear me out.” -Cary
12. “I look at you, angel and I want you so badly. I want to be with you, listen to you, talk to you. I want to hear you 
13. laugh and hold you when you cry. I want to sit next to you, breathe the same air, share the same life. I want to 
14. wake up to you like this every day forever. I want you.” -Gideon
15. “Goddamn it. Wait for me, Eva. I waited my whole life for you.” -Gideon

I'm a total sucker for romantic lines (ask my husband - he was a master at them when we dated!) so this little exchange hooked me completely.

13. “I’d stop the world from spinning for you.”

That silly line oddly touched me. “I love you.”

“Liked that one, did you?”

BLURB
The worldwide phenomenon continues as Eva and Gideon face the demons of their pasts, and accept the consequences of their obsessive desires…

From the moment I first met Gideon Cross, I recognized something in him that I needed. Something I couldn’t resist. I saw the dangerous and damaged soul inside–so much like my own. I was drawn to it. I needed him as surely as I needed my heart to beat.

No one knows how much he risked for me. How much I’d been threatened, or just how dark and desperate the shadow of our pasts would become.

Entwined by our secrets, we tried to defy the odds. We made our own rules and surrendered completely to the exquisite power of possession…

REVIEW
I loved the book and (thank God) it's not the end of Eva and Gideon. There's so much going on, so much more to know about these two and their friends that I'm biting my nails as I wait for the next book. Write, Sylvia, write!

Eva and Gideon have captured me with their imperfections and their ability to make each other complete despite so many odds against them. These aren't two perfect people. They have real issues and we get to watch them deal and cope with them like regular people. I can't get enough of them because they give off such a sense of hope that in the end, despite all the BS life throws at us, its being with the one we love that makes life worth the struggles.

RATING
5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

See the Light #HAHAT #Thursday13

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

See the Light, Cassandra Carr
Hockey player Jason Monroe lives a double life—star defenseman and soon-to-be Olympian on the ice and closeted gay man outside the rink. A serious relationship is out of the question, and Jason makes do with anonymous sex in barroom bathrooms, not willing to take the chance on coming out as gay in a decidedly macho sport.

Advisor to the US Olympic hockey team Patrick Parker knows a thing or two about being a professional hockey player who’s not out. He’s fifteen years older than Jason, and when he senses the sexy younger man is interested, he knows he shouldn’t give in to the attraction.

The two men can’t keep their hands off each other, though, and with each heated encounter it gets harder to hide their relationship. When their world blows up around them, forcing them into the limelight, though, will their love survive or be put on ice?

See the Light is a good read that I’d recommend to all romance readers, especially those who enjoy m/m but I would even go so far as to say this might be a good first m/m romance. It certainly wasn’t my first but it did conjure up some emotions about the stigma attached to homosexuality in the sports world.

Here are my 13 KEY POINTS about this book:

1. I’ve read this author before but never m/m so I was skeptical but then pleased. Carr proves she can write romance and love regardless of gender.

2. The Kiss. (When you read it, you’ll understand.) This deserves a bullet point unto itself. The kiss that starts it all is intense. It was an emotional moment... sigh.

3. I could smell the ice. That’s how descriptive Carr’s scenes were. In my humble opinion, there is no smell sexier than that smell of ice on a hockey player and in this book, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

4. The author faced off with an all too prevailing issue in sports… don’t ask/ don’t tell. The men live in fear that the discovery of their relationship could end their careers. It shouldn’t be that way and we need to continue talking about it until the stigma changes. This book takes a step in the right direction.

5. The evolution of their relationship was gradual and follows a realistic ebb and flow. While I wish I knew more –I wish the book was longer- the author provides a satisfying glimpse at their developing relationship.

6. The lengths the men go to just to be with one another speaks volumes for how they feel. It also made me angry that they had to go through such lengths. Readers will feel the men’s’ fear and worry over the simple act of just being themselves.

7. The sex scenes will melt an ice rink. The testosterone is tense and hot and its release is this incredible converging of energy. Good Lord, it made me consider the possibility of voyeurism!

8. Patrick is older and more experienced than Jason. Readers will learn this early on but then we are reminded over and over and over again. Here’s one of the book’s weaknesses (there aren’t many to choose from) but this did get on my nerves some. We got it – he’s older – now move on.

9. The men’s loneliness hurt to read about. Carr gives such fleshed-out characterization of the men that readers see their inner struggles. As a mother, I wanted to hug their hurt away. The shadow hanging over them meant their love story couldn’t be one of simple happiness.

10. I missed seeing how Jason’s family would react… that would be a great outtake for the author to write on her blog (Hint! Hint! Cassandra, please!) as a free read. While his family is mentioned, an actual visit during the holidays could’ve added depth to the story.

11. A tragic incident pushes Jason to admit his feelings for Patrick, regardless of consequences. It was a surprise just how they “came out” – I won’t give it away but I also don’t think you’ll guess without reading it.

12. Shoot and score! The ending was fabulous, albeit a bit abrupt, and conveyed a message more people need to hear. The acceptance of the teammates might still be far-reaching in reality but is a place I’d like to see our world come to.

13. I put this last only because I didn’t want to appear a cover whore but OMH! The cover is beautiful.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
MARK AS TO READ on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17366214-see-the-light?ac=1. READ IT. Then tell me what you think. Did you think it was a winning book? Worthy of the Stanley Cup? Or an Olympic Gold Medal??


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#Thursday13 Books by Maya Banks

Maya Banks writes in several sub-genres of romance. You can check out all her books on Goodreads. I've just read her most recent highlander book but it made me wonder if there's not any genre she couldn't write well. In my head, I began listing my favorites and that led me to this week's Thursday 13. At the end is my review for Highlander Most Wanted, an Ultimate Indulgence.

My Favorite 13 Books by Maya Banks

1. Sweet Surrender, Sweet, #1
2. Rush, Breathless, #1
3. Stay With Me
4. The Darkest Hour, KGI #1
5. Hidden Away, KGI, #3
6. Whispers in the Dark, KGI, #4
7. Four Play, Anthology
8. Colters' Woman, Colters' Legacy, #1
9. Colters' Daughter, Colters' Legacy, #3
10. In Bed with a Highlander, McCabe Trilogy, #1
11. Never Love a Highlander, McCabe Trilogy, #3
12. Never Seduce a Scot, The Montgomerys and Armstrongs, #1

My most recent read is...
13. Highlander Most Wanted, The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2

In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.
 
Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

Highlander Most Wanted has a powerful message about inner-strength and personal integrity. The struggles of the heroine solidify the idea that no one can take your soul -your inner self- away from you despite any abuse they might perform. You can give it to them but they can't take that one thing from you.

Banks, in her traditional ways, created two amazingly strong individuals. Bowen is loyal to his family/ clan and has an intense sense of honor - perfect for Genevieve. She finds hope in Bowen despite accepting her fate to be less than she wanted for her life. Still, they are characters of their time. Banks does well in keeping to the period culture in creating characters who hold the passion of the Highlands in their essence. But then she exposes their souls which are no different than the souls of those living in this time current time period. Banks shows through the love stories that romance and love -people at their very cores- are equal regardless of the time period. As usual, Banks provides an evocative love story that in the end makes the reader smile.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

#Thursday13 Outlander Quotes @Writer_DG

Thanks to my son's English teacher, I've just began reading the Outlander series. When I finished the first book -Outlander- I was so grateful for book two because as cliffhangers go, that was a big one! There are thousands of reviews on the book on-line and I guess you either love it or hate it (I loved it) so it seemed redundant to review it yet again. Now I'm knee deep in book two but since I couldn't let the first book go without a salute, I present to you 13 memorable quotes from the Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Try not to swoon...

1 “When I asked my da how ye knew which was the right woman, he told me when the time came, I'd have no doubt. And I didn't. When I woke in the dark under that tree on the road to Leoch, with you sitting on my chest, cursing me for bleeding to death, I said to myself 'Jamie Fraser, for all ye canna see what she looks like, and for all she weights as much as a good draft horse, this is the woman.”

2 “Ye werena the first lass I kissed," he said softly. "But I swear you'll be the last.”

3 “There are things that I canna tell you, at least not yet. And I'll ask nothing of ye that ye canna give me. But what I would ask of ye---when you do tell me something, let it be the truth. And I'll promise ye the same. We have nothing now between us, save---respect, perhaps. And I think that respect has maybe room for secrets, but not for lies. Do ye agree?”

4 “I dinna know what's a sadist. And if I forgive you for this afternoon, I reckon you'll forgive me, too, as soon as ye can sit down again. As for my pleasure..." His lip twitched. "I said I would have to punish you. I did not say I wasna going to enjoy it." He crooked a finger at me. "Come here.”

5 “I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have.” 

6 “Because I wanted you." He turned from the window to face me. "More than I ever wanted anything in my life," he added softly.
I continued staring at him, dumbstruck. Whatever I had been expecting, it wasn't this. I started toward him, and he backed away, talking rapidly. "I said to myself, 'She's mended ye twice in as many hours, me lad; life amongst the MacKenzies being what it is, it might be as well to wed a woman as can stanch a wound and set broken bones.' And I said to myself, 'Jamie, lad, if her touch feels so bonny on your collarbone, imagine what it might feel like lower down...'"
He dodged around a chair. "Of course, I thought it might ha' just been the effects of spending four months in a monastery, without benefit of female companionship, but then that ride through the dark together"--he paused to sigh theatrically, neatly evading my grab at his sleeve--"with that lovely broad arse wedged between my thighs"--he ducked a blow aimed at his left ear and sidestepped, getting a low table between us--"and that rock-solid head thumping me in the chest"--a small metal ornament bounced off his own head and went clanging to the floor--"I said to myself..."
He was laughing so hard at this point that he had to gasp for breath between phrases. "Jamie...I said...for all she's a Sassenach bitch...with a tongue like an adder's ...with a bum like that...what does it matter if she's a f-face like a sh-sh-eep?"
I tripped him neatly and landed on his stomach with both knees as he hit the floor with a crash that shook the house.
"You mean to tell me that you married me out of love?" I demanded. He raised his eyebrows, struggling to draw in breath.
"Have I not...just been...saying so?” 

7 “Oh, aye, Sassenach. I am your master . . . and you're mine. Seems I canna possess your soul without losing my own.”

8 “And I mean to hear ye groan like that again. And to moan and sob, even though you dinna wish to, for ye canna help it. I mean to make you sigh as though your heart would break, and scream with the wanting, and at last to cry out in my arms, and I shall know that I've served ye well.” 

9 “I prayed all the way up that hill yesterday, he said softly. Not for you to stay; I didna think that would be right. I prayed I'd be strong enough to send ye away. He shook his head, still gazing up the hill, a faraway look in his eyes.
I said 'Lord, if I've never had courage in my life before, let me have it now. Let me be brave enough not to fall on my knees and beg her to stay.' He pulled his eyes away from the cottage and smiled briefly at me. Hardest thing I ever did, Sassenach.”

10 “Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone,
I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One.
I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done.” 

11 “I swore an oath before the altar of God to protect this woman. And if you're tellin' me that ye consider your own authority to be greater than that of the Almighty, then I must inform ye that I'm not of that opinion, myself.” 

12 “Don't be afraid. There's the two of us now.”

13 “When the day shall come that we do part," he said softly, and turned to look at me, "if my last words are not 'I love you'-ye'll ken it was because I didna have time.”