Bad Neighbor by Molly O'Keefe | Rating: ★★★☆☆

"You're soft, Charlotte. You're part real, part dream. You're half here and half... someplace else." 

Oh, boy. I have a lot to say about this novel that will be very conflicting in terms of my review. First of all... the biggest thing you need to know about Bad Neighbor is that, despite its flaws, it's hot. We are talking the lovely Molly O'Keefe may as well set the entire novel on fire once we've finished it. Phew. Phew. Phew. Is that steam I see rising from my Kindle? I swear, it's caught fire from the damned novel.

At its very core, Bad Neighbor is a stereotypical bad-boy fueled love interest. In fact, it's chop full of cliches and a series of vague details about the characters. Despite the fact that it is told in dual narration, I feel like I know so little of the characters. A lot of the times, the backstories felt like an afterthought. We're told, and we are maybe even shown on occasion, but I didn't feel some sort of intimate connection to the characters or their families.

Bad Neighbor has the perfect formula for a sexually tense read. When I got past the otherwise lacking plot lines, I found myself enjoying it deeply. It's just so sexy and steamy that I couldn't put it down. I can't say many novels accomplish that in the overcrowded genre but this is one that will keep you pulled in when it comes to the chemistry between Jesse and Charlotte.

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Mead | Rating: ★★★★★

“Don’t worry, little dhampir. You might be surrounded by clouds, but you’ll always be like sunshine to me.”

One thing is certain: Shadow Kiss proves that things just keep getting better in the beloved Vampire Academy series. Or more heartbreaking. First things first: I love that this series toys with my emotions and that Richelle Mead flips me on my ass multiple times. She is a pro at this. I am never quite sure if she is going to make me swoon or cry or a mixture of the boy.

That’s what makes this such a good series to me. It keeps me guessing, it gets me attached, it makes me question a lot in their world. Also, it’s a plus that the characters act like actual teenagers. Rose and Lissa are both highly flawed and in their world it’s almost as if they have to act more grown-up than they should–but their sarcasm, Rose’s recklessness and all their flaws are what make them seem real and it also gives us a promise of development in the future, which is solid.

I repeat, I repeat, I repeat: this is what makes Rose real. Her immaturity can be frustrating. Her sassiness can be obnoxious. But hello? She’s a teenager, guys. Use your heads.

Revealed by A.C. Arthur | Rating: ★★★★★

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

The time for answers has arrived in the town of Tanner; at last, we will come face to face with Landy’s killer. But just who is he? Just a bit over a decade has passed since Landy’s murder, the marks still heavily visible to everyone who’s life touched hers, and it’s well past the time for some closure for this once-close group of friends. There are some things we can never truly get over, but having the answers spelled out for us can offer peace of mind.

And what we’ve learned thus far is that while it’s too late for Landy to be saved, obviously, the others are skating on thin ice. That’s not an exaggeration, no matter what this group of friends is in massive danger. One foot out of line and they could very well be next on the mysterious killers list–either to be harmed or to be framed.

When Nicole is taken captive–we can’t help but wonder who is next. It seems to me that someone out there really has it in for these guys and that’s heartbreaking as hell. But is the killer the man who took Nicole? Or is these just another twisted player in a delectably evil game?

Even more gets thrown up in the air with the arrival of an old friend, Matt, and a glimpse into his story.

Entwined with You by Sylvia Day | Rating: ★★★★☆

If souls could be mated with wishes, ours would be inextricably entwined.

I’ll admit it: the Crossfire series has become something of a guilty pleasure for myself. An absolutely perfect sultry and dramatic beachy read. Oh, who am I kidding–I’m not one to believe in guilty pleasures, but if I were, Sylvia Day’s worldwide bestselling erotic series would be #1 on said list.

Let me just admit it now: I am total Eva and Gideon trash. Together, apart, whatever–I love these two beautiful survivors and lovers. They’re realistic and flawed and while I’d never want a relationship quite as unhealthy as theirs, it’s fun to read and neither let each other get away with bullshit

It’s steamy, it’s fun, it’s full of heartbreaking emotion and rich characters that can captivate just about any reader. Sylvia takes what we’ve learned about the characters and builds onto it, flipping us back and forth in our own conflicting emotions. As usual, she makes the emotion behind each character and their relationships jump out of the pages and hit your heart right where it hurts.

Entwined with You emphasizes the usual sexiness and obstacles our couple is faced with, it barely makes mention of certain tings but still continues on with a lot.

Reflected in You by Sylvia Day | Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)

Sylvia Day’s bestselling Crossfire series continues in the second installment, Reflected in You, picking up right where the first book left off. Where Bared to You explores the physical attraction and obsession our leading couple have with one another, this one explores the emotional aspects of it all and leaves us begging the questions: are these two meant for each other? Or not?

And is it all too much?

We know one thing right away: Eva and Gideon are as hot for one another as ever, so the sex is mind blowing and the chemistry reaches an all time high. These two are wild, pure passion and it’s so indulgent to read. If anything, if one is looking for a spark filled erotic story, Sylvia Day’s steamy series should be at the top of your list due to its delicious chapters and encounters.

But beyond all of that, the novel itself promises to explore their dynamic on an even deeper level; toying with our emotions, bringing us the knowledge of past trauma (trigger warning: sexual abuse and such) as well as the reappearance of people from their past and an event that threatens to tear the two apart for good.

We’ll see just how far one will go to keep the other safe. After all, if the one you loved was in danger – how far would you go?

Converge (The Rental #1) by Rebecca Berto | Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

[This review contains adult content. 18+] Converge is my first experience with a book penned by the phenomenal Rebecca Berto and I’m so glad it was. I simply cannot wait to dive into her impressive list of published work. I typically stray from erotic fiction at the risk of cliches swallowing me and the probability of boring, repetitive sexual encounters.

There’s only so much I can deal with when it comes to reading the same stories over and over again. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that Converge had some of the hottest, most intriguing and mind blowing sex scenes I’ve seen written in a very, very long time. I am blown away by the quality of it all.

Berto is THE author to read from in this genre, I’m discovering, and I simply could not get enough of this steamy and erotic love story she’s provided us. New Adult fiction as a genre has never looked so appealing to me and it’s all thanks to Rebecca Berto, ladies and gentlemen. I’m seriously applauding her right now.

Beautiful Surrender by Priscilla West | Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

After a killer cliffhanger and a relationship in turmoil, to say that Kristen and Vincent’s romance is intense and thrilling would be an understatement. When I picked up this series, I was positive I wouldn’t find myself enjoying it and shocked when I fell in love with it. And now, in the conclusion, I hate to say goodbye to these two.

Final installments can border on overly cheesy and melodramatic and at times Beautiful Surrender does the same. Much like the previous installments, it’s steamy and has its soap opera moments, but it only leads to the charm of it all. Beautiful Surrender is sexy and mysterious and action packed. This series depends greatly on all types of emotions but it doesn't always cloud our opinions on it: it just makes reading it all the more intense. Priscilla continues to hit all the right marks with this piece of erotic romance and I’ve got to say, she’s made a fan out of me in the process.

Seriously. Shout out to Priscilla West. Can I get a high five?

Secret Surrender by Priscilla West | Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Just as steamy as the previous installment, Secret Surrender dishes out the sex and the drama in a way that is very soapy and entertaining. If ever you’re looking for what one may call a “guilty pleasure”, I promise you: this series is it. I can’t tell you how much I want to put on my best silks and lace and just relax while reading this series. There’s something about it that just screams me-time followed by a glass of wine and something sweet.

Priscilla West truly outdoes herself as we follow the romance of Kristen and Vincent; leaving us in a hazy and intriguing twist of love that readers are quite familiar with. But what else would you expect? Secret Surrender picks up right where we left off in Forbidden Surrender, barely giving us a chance to breathe before picking up with the flirtation and chemistry that follows our lead pairing and Kristen’s day-to-day life.

I enjoyed the more vulnerable side to this one. While it retains something dramatic and smoking hot, it also has a sweet edge to it.

Forbidden Surrender by Priscilla West | Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Forbidden Surrender is yet another take on a stereotypical erotic romance (instalust!) and is quick, steamy and to the point. It’s the perfect little guilty pleasure to read between breaks in your day and lose yourself in the fantasy of flames. While it isn’t anything new or unique, it is perhaps one of the best pieces of erotic fiction that I’ve read in recent years and by the last chapter, it left me swooning for Vincent Sorenson.

Which in all honesty, is rare for someone like myself.

We open with the knowledge that our leading lady probably has her job on the line if they don’t score the delicious and dangerously sexy Vincent Sorenson’s account. After the introduction of an insufferable boss and a disastrous first meeting, it doesn’t seem likely that they’ll be working together. Even so, there’s a spark of chemistry that borders on adorably awkward and painfully hot that leaves us with an idea of the steamy story we’re about to be told. And where it goes from then on out isn't disappointing and proves to be one of the steamiest romances in recent times.

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins | Rating: ★★★★★

“I’m…getting there. I’m beginning to think that maybe it’s okay to be a blank canvas. Maybe it’s okay that my future is unknown. And maybe,” I say with another smile, “it’s okay to be inspired by the people who do know their future.”

Isla's story is the final installment in the Anna and the French Kiss series and I'm so sad to see it go. I've really grown attached to these couples and I'm still in the process of a major book hangover. That being said, Isla has all the charm of Anna and Lola, but feels a bit more sexy and angsty -- in all the right ways. Once again, we're back in Paris for the ending to this series. It's the perfect place to end it all because it's where it began for other characters.

We've glimpsed Isla in the first book but this story is her chance to shine through. Isla is a very different voice than Anna and Lola, but for me she is the one I see myself in most. She's very lost, she's very in love, she's very fun. There's a lack of self esteem in her that makes her easy to connect to. Although Anna's my favorite of the series, reading from Isla -- about her -- is a true gift; she certainly gives Anna a run or her money.

Seriously, she's just an interesting narrator. And there's something about her that makes me wan to wrap her up in a blanket, snuggle her and protect her from harm.

Bared to You (Crossfire #1) by Sylvia Day | Rating: ★★★★☆

“Sex that’s planned like a business transaction is a turnoff for me….. Listen to yourself. Why even call it a fuck? Why not be clear and call it a seminal emission in a pre-approved orifice?”

With the popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey, which is admittedly n o t my cup of tea, there has been a fortunate rise in women embracing their sexuality and shamelessly devouring the romance/erotic novels that often were reserved for reading in secret. While in some cases these novels aren’t spectacular, Bared to You feels quite different and is all in good fun.

But let me stress this to you right here and now: Eva and Gideon’s relationship isn’t healthy nor is it real. Ship it all you want, obsess over it, read it repeatedly and fan yourself but please do not go looking for a relationship like theirs. Or anyone else.

My ex-girlfriend introduced me to Sylvia Day’s books a few years back and I’ve just gotten around to finishing the beginning of the Crossfire series. Before I dive into my review, it’s important you know that I am shameless about it all. Sexual content doesn’t bother me in the least. It’s all fictional to me. It’s all an escape. It’s all clearly just a reason for me to start my sentences with it’s.

Let’s try this again.

Mad Love by Colet Abedi | Rating: ★★★☆☆

"When I was growing up my parents always told me never to talk to strangers, and here I am, about to sleep with one."

I received this novel during a Goodreads giveaway and was firstly quite surprised to see just how short it actually was. Based on the description as well as various reviews I’ve seen, it sparked my interest and promised to show me a juicy romance with a perfect (and stunning) setting. And how cute is its cover? I mean, really?! Totally cute and oh, what I wouldn’t give to be in such a paradise. I mean really, who doesn’t want an escape?

As you probably could guess this is a romance/new adult novel and if that isn’t your cup of tea (or if you’re still a little nugget!) this isn’t recommended for you. Mad Love’s plot starts off right away with our virginal narrator and her two best friends (who are happily together) spending a large chunk of change on a vacation that promises relaxation, fun and a ton of beautiful scenery. This comes after the lead quits law school, dumps her boring fiance and needs an escape.

Enter exotic getaway, potential (hot) mysterious male lead and endless possibilities.