BookTalk: Spoilers: Ravished by Ayden Morgen

Hey Everyone! 

I've recently been working on several "BookTalk" posts, and I decided I'll be publishing this one first. If you didn't know, this post will be something like a spoiler filled post. If you'd like a spoiler free post on this book, kindly check my general book review for it here: Book Review: Ravished by Ayden Morgen. I made BookTalk, because I wanted to talk about certain events in the book and share feelings I have for certain events that could spoil the book for other readers. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I received the ARC in part of a book tour, which is my last post, as you can see here: Book Tour: Ravished by Ayden Morgen Excerpt + Giveaway. If you haven't seen it, make sure to check it out first.

As part of the tour - 50% of all sales will be donated to the Love146 charity to end child trafficking and exploitation the first week of the tour. Then 10% to Love146 and 5% to a Woman's Shelter in the US from then on. I think this is a great cause! You wouldn't just get a nice book to read, but you'll also be able to help people out. 

Note: Mature content below. If you are not comfortable looking at such content, kindly check my other posts instead! Thanks!

RAVISHED (The Teplo Trilogy)

By: Ayden K. Morgen

Publication Date: 04/05/15

Genre: Erotic Romance/Suspense

Pages: 432    

Buy it here!

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon CA

Synopsis:

"When Tristan Riley drags Lillian Maddox onto the dance floor at Teplo, he intends only to protect his cover… at least that's what he tells himself. But the lovely Lillian would tempt a saint, and Tristan is far from a gentleman. Beneath the bright lights of the Vetrov family's dangerous club, the weary DEA agent finds himself captivated by the ballerina, coaxing them both into a reckless, erotic encounter.

But Tristan isn't prepared for the intense connection between him and Lillian, or for the fallout of their tryst. In a matter of days, their lives careen wildly off course, catapulting them both into a deadly game of hide and seek with the Vetrov family and one of Mexico's deadliest drug cartels.

Trying to keep his hands to himself while working alongside Lillian to stop Anton Vetrov's deadly new drug proves almost impossible for Tristan, but what choice does he have when being with her might get her killed? He should know: his entire family was murdered by people just like Anton.

When the stakes are raised and innocent lives are lost, will Tristan be able to let go of the guilt, or will he destroy his chance at happiness with Lillian before it ever truly begins?"

Spoilers Below:

"Death, it seemed, didn't care if she regretted her choices or wanted to make amends"

Well, that was quite a prologue wasn't it? I thought it started out great because it already started with quite an action. It already had me asking who exactly is Kalani and Paulo? What will be their relevance in the story? 

I then find out Kalani is one of the many faces who is embedded into Tristan's mind as he tried to take down the ruthless Vetrov family. I felt so sorry for Tristan. The moment 

"Tristan wanted her to be the innocent, out of place woman she portrayed"

She was! I was furious at Tristan for what she did to Lillian. I think the thing that made me hurt for her most was how he implied that she deserved to get her leg broken. How could he say that? Even if she broke the guy's heart, she did not deserve getting her leg broken like that. I can't even imagine how much pain she went through because of it. I did not like Tristan one bit that time. The moment Jason was talking about how she had a file with a red flagged address, I just thought she couldn't be part of it. I thought the worst scenario was that she was a Vetrov herself. Stretched, but I cannot believe she's manipulating him. In the words of Zoe, Tristan, you stupid, stupid man. 

"Duty. Responsibility. Some days, he hated that either mattered much to him."

Yup! Tristan was a man of Duty and Responsibility. I thought it makes him a lot more manlier! It also makes him that much more dangerous [physically and emotionally] for Lillian. I love books where characters struggle so much for each other, and this book wasn't an exception. I loved the whole, 'Tristan didn't know what to do about Lillian' as much as I hated reading about how much pain they were in. If he was just any normal guy, I'd think he was too moody and complicated to be liked and even loved by the heroine, but the author makes him into this hero-like guy who has his priorities in life. Priorities that get in the way of his personal life! Gosh! 

"Zoe opened her mouth to argue and then shook her head and stomped off toward the kitchen muttering under her breath that if they killed each other, she wasn't cleaning it up. She'd just step over their bodies and go stay with her parents."

I just had to put this in here! I thought Zoe was adorable! They were in such a serious situation, but she makes me giggle because of her actions. I would love to read about her and Jason's story after the trilogy.

"But sometimes, the end justifies the means. They did what they had to do to keep people alive, and let the courts sort out the rest."

It does. There is always the exception to the rule. I thought these agents were good men. They try and keep people alive, even when those people are drug addicts. They are to be blamed for the choices they made, for using drugs, but their lives shouldn't be discarded because they made mistakes. 

"This was her life dammit, and she was done rearranging it because he was an ass"

"Tristan eyed the wall-to-wall shelves of books and DVDs, the uncomfortable looking furniture, the photographs spread across the wall, and saw nothing but her determination and persistence, and his own selfishness."

I really like Lillian. She is this strong beautiful woman who knows how to work hard to get what she wants. Unfortunately, she was part of a world that broke her dreams down. It was very true what she said about her world before. The people that surrounded her wanted fame or fortune. She just wanted to dance, but they spoke behind her back, or they talked badly about her. It happens in real life. I doubt it will ever change. People throw rocks at things that shine, as one of Taylor Swift's songs would say. 

"Duty. Responsibility. Lillian"

That done it! He is as some people would say, moody, egotistical, annoying, hot tempered, too secretive and a-pain-in-the-butt, but he is also caring, sensitive, scared man who has this terrible past. I can't even talk about how he might feel/think growing up after learning why his parents died. What I do know is that he loved Lillian. I know it. Jason knows it. Zoe knows it. He knows it. He can be very troublesome, but someone he keeps making up for it. They way he went back and forth with Lillian was annoying as hell, but it is forgotten or at least set aside when he starts describing how he feels about Lillian. 

"You do this shit because you feel like you have to do it. Because you were a thirteen-year-old kid and your parents were murdered. And that isn't your fucking fault, but you punish yourself anyway. You feel guilty because they were coming to get you or because you survived or who the fuck knows why you do this to yourself, but you drive yourself insane with this shit because you think that's what you deserve"

This is probably one of the things that made me feel sad for Tristan. He grew up doing the things he did, choosing the job he has because of what happened in his past. I understood why he's this hard-shell Lillian can't easily break open. He was hurt so much that his whole life revolved around that one tragedy... until he met her that is. 

I felt like the story was really good because they were caught up on exposing the Vetrov family and stopping the drugs they plan on shipping internationally, but like what I said in my general book review, it stalled a lot while they were trying to gain access to the storage room in Teplo. I felt like I just kept reading about Tristan and Lillian's intimate moments. I would have loved to get to read more action now. 

Also, I noticed how I never really got to read about Lillian's friends after she got home. They were so caring about her. They knew how much trouble she got into with Tristan. He broke her door! She was left crying and to top it all off, there was the talk with Jason in the hospital. I just felt like they were suddenly out of the story, even when they were like an important part in Lillian's life. I also thought I wasn't going to be able to read about Lillian's father. At least I feel like something more will go on involving him in the following books, 

Lastly, I got so excited about the sneak peak in the end. I felt like that was very important for me to want to read the next book as soon as possible. I've been waiting for Tristan to finally tell Lillian about his feelings. He was such an *ss when he made her go home and wait for him. I just feel like book 2 is going to be a lot better than the first one. I'm not sure why. Maybe because I feel like I'll get more action there [Vetrov vs Tristan?] or maybe because I'll be reading about Tristan's admission that he loves Lillian, I don't know. What I do know is, I hope the author finishes it soon because I'd like to read it. 

This was a 3.5 Star read!

Thanks for reading 

-J

Publisher: Unknown - 10:27 AM

Book Review: Ravished by Ayden Morgen

Hello!

Like I promised, here is the book review for Ravished by Ayden Morgen. I finished the book faster than I thought, so here it is now. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I received the ARC in part of a book tour, which is my last post, as you can see here: Book Tour: Ravished by Ayden Morgen Excerpt + Giveaway. If you haven't seen it, make sure to check it out first.

As part of the tour - 50% of all sales will be donated to the Love146 charity to end child trafficking and exploitation the first week of the tour. Then 10% to Love146 and 5% to a Woman's Shelter in the US from then on.

Note: Mature content below. If you are not comfortable looking at such content, kindly check my other posts instead! Thanks!

RAVISHED (The Teplo Trilogy)
By: Ayden K. Morgen
Publication Date: 04/05/15
Genre: Erotic Romance/Suspense
Pages: 432    

Buy it here!

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon CA

Synopsis:
"When Tristan Riley drags Lillian Maddox onto the dance floor at Teplo, he intends only to protect his cover… at least that's what he tells himself. But the lovely Lillian would tempt a saint, and Tristan is far from a gentleman. Beneath the bright lights of the Vetrov family's dangerous club, the weary DEA agent finds himself captivated by the ballerina, coaxing them both into a reckless, erotic encounter.

But Tristan isn't prepared for the intense connection between him and Lillian, or for the fallout of their tryst. In a matter of days, their lives careen wildly off course, catapulting them both into a deadly game of hide and seek with the Vetrov family and one of Mexico's deadliest drug cartels.

Trying to keep his hands to himself while working alongside Lillian to stop Anton Vetrov's deadly new drug proves almost impossible for Tristan, but what choice does he have when being with her might get her killed? He should know: his entire family was murdered by people just like Anton.

When the stakes are raised and innocent lives are lost, will Tristan be able to let go of the guilt, or will he destroy his chance at happiness with Lillian before it ever truly begins?"

My Review:
First, the book is written in third person POV. It focused on Tristan and Lillian. I thought it was written beautifully, but it could have been better if it was written in 1st person POV. Don't get me wrong, I thought the story was detailed and strong. In my opinion though, it was written in such a way that a lot of times, you'd read a certain line where it would've been better off read from a character's mind [him/herself thinking out loud to read] than off of a 3rd person as the narrator.

Second, the characters were well written. I thought each character had a solid background that is consistent with all their actions throughout the story. I thought that they were likable and contained a certain personality that compliments one another. I thought Tristan's personality complimented Lillian's because of their similarities when it comes to determination, courage, as well as fear. They somehow also compliment each other because of the differences in background. One was a DEA agent, while one was a disabled ballerina. I thought one had this outward strength while one was strong inside.

Third, I thought the story was quite interesting. I've enjoyed the pace from the start till the middle of the story. I thought around 3/4 of the way it was a little stretched. The events in the story were almost halted because it focused on the two main characters. I keep waiting for the day something happens because they were so caught up in this certain problem in the story, but I keep getting disappointed after having to read another sexual scene after the other. I thought maybe the author wanted to focus on the relationship of the two main characters. It was fine to do so, but the story dragged on without much progress.

Overall, I think the book deserves more credit, because the story really did entertain me. I thought it was a good read, but I would have to wait for the next part of the story in the next book. The main problems in the story were left hanging for the next book to answer it. The author was able to capture my attention because of the story. I was excited for a lot of action to happen, which did not happen yet, though I have much hope for the next book. I am very excited to read about how they'll solve their current problem and how much trouble and worry they'll place in my heart because of Tristan and Lillian.

I would have to give the book 3.5 Stars!

Thanks for reading <3 nbsp="" p="">-J

Publisher: Unknown - 9:08 AM

Movie Review: The Purge

What if one night every year you could commit any and all crimes you wish?

Hi Everyone, today I would like to share a movie I recently watched. I have been looking for horror films and I stumbled upon this one. it was released back in 2013. The movie portrays the future of the United States of America. In the movie, America has flourished economically, but removed the security the law has provided. For 12 hours any and all crime is allowed. Police and Hospitals aren't available to help. Because of this, people either lock themselves inside their house or they go out to hunt or purge. The movie shows how a wealthy family gets targeted and attacked by people from the outside when a stranger was let in by a family member. 

Image Link

When people start to get a bit worried about the coming "Purge" it starts to get on my nerves as well. I was a tad scared about what would happen in the film. The fighting hasn't even started yet and I already see what the people behind the movie intend to fill the minds of the viewers. I only hope they can deliver the thrill and fear I'd like to feel from the whole film. I've noticed a few things about the movie, which are:

1. The importance of self protection. There are a lot of arguments regarding this topic. It tackles the importance of owning weapons to protect themselves versus the importance of not owning weapons to not hurt other people. It also goes into the importance of knowing self defense. In our world today, is it safe not to own weapons or know how to defend yourself? We all have different views in this matter, but I do believe that self defense is important. I'm not necessarily saying you should own a gun. We can protect ourselves in a number of ways. A year ago or so, I've attended Aikido classes. I wanted to be able to protect myself from people who want to harm me. 

2. The importance of morality~The sense of being a human being. Is it still a world worth living in if you can kill people for the sake of releasing anger and frustration? Is this what the essence of being a human being? If that happens, is there still such a thing as morality? It's scary to think people would welcome the idea itself. 

3. The unconditional love of a parent. The movie will remind everyone how far parents will go to protect their children. It's nice to see that despite the circumstances, the film shows some positive aspects in it. 

4. Learn who to trust. Would you trust an educated youth or a homeless man? We need to see behind the outside shell. We must learn to see their true intentions. There are people are good at hiding their themselves behind masks and uncovering the truth isn't easy, but what if it's a matter of life and death? Will you make the right choice? Will you trust the right person? Or will you trust no one? 

I liked how the concept was different from the usual settings we see. Perhaps the scariest thing about it is that it's something that is possible. It is not something that will likely occur right now, but it is possible.

Honestly though, the family made really stupid decisions. It annoyed me a lot because most people wouldn't do most of the things they did. I really don't want to give out spoilers but the way some of the main characters think just really gets on my nerves. I know it is just a movie and not real life. I feel like most movies out there make their characters a bit dense. I've seen it, you've seen it. It sucks.

I have to say though that the first half of the movie was good, but I started to lose interest as it passed the halfway point. I just felt like things could have been made better. I kinda saw the twist in the end, but it was okay nonetheless. In my opinion, the idea had potential, but the people behind the film failed to deliver the thrill it wanted to instill in the mind of the viewers.

I would have to give it 3.5 Stars

Publisher: Unknown - 6:19 PM

Book Review: The Perfect Game by J.Sterling

The Perfect Game [Game Series #1]

~1st Person POV

So I'm sitting in the waiting area of a hospital and I don't have anything to do. I was going to read a nice drama filled book, but I decided to write reviews for previous books I've read. One of the recent books I've finished is called The Perfect Game. 

Actually, the first paragraph was true yesterday, but I didn't have time to put it up. It was made in blogaway and I've only decided to finish this today before I start on my Reviving Izabel Book Review.

Warning: If you do not like reading books that involve cheating, this isn't for you.

Synopsis from Amazon:

"He's a game she never intended to play. 

And she's the game changer he never knew he needed.

The Perfect Game tells the story of college juniors, Cassie Andrews and Jack Carter. When Cassie meets rising baseball hopeful Jack, she is determined to steer clear of him and his typical cocky attitude. But Jack has other things on his mind...like getting Cassie to give him the time of day. 

They are damaged, filled with mistrust and guarded before they find one another (and themselves) in this emotional journey about love and forgiveness. Strap yourselves for a ride that will not only break your heart, but put it back together. 

Sometimes life gets ugly before it gets beautiful... "

I am currently confused about my feelings regarding this book. I was infuriated by Jack's lack of self control and Cassie's weak decisions. It actually started nicely. It reminded me of Beautiful Disaster [I'll be making a book review for it as soon as I can read it again]. Cassie was also resisting Jack, acting all mean and feisty and Jack called Cassie Kitten, while in B.D. it was pigeon. Anyway, Cassie decided to give the campus hot playboy a chance. I would have wanted to seen more of the chasing Jack's done to get Cassie, but it had a lot of ground to cover, so I guess it's okay. 

Around 30 or 40% I closed it and read another book. I didn't like how it went and I was getting annoyed at the characters, so I thought I could read it at another time.

**SPOILER WARNING** skip and continue to next paragraph if you don't want spoilers

I was absolutely annoyed at Jack. I was infuriated at the time when he was telling the story of how drunk he was and was starting to like the girl in the bar. He tells himself he's really drunk, but he didn't leave. No, he continued to drink with his friends, accepting the shots they were giving him. Stupid right? In my mind I was going 'no way, once he cheats, the story ends. I cannot accept the cheating' and I really could not at that point. Oh and get this, little miss one-night-stand got pretend pregnant, Jack marries her, he finds out it was fake and the girl wanted to get pregnant for real, breaks up with her and goes back to Cassie. See what I mean?

***CONTINUE HERE***

The time I decided to read the book again, I decided to play along and tried to imagine and feel what Cassie was feeling. It was absolutely hard and I pretty much forced myself to continue reading. Maybe it's just me. I do cannot tolerate cheating, especially when the story is about that one true love you look for. If you were happy with your one true love, you don't cheat, you don't need any other girl to fill her place at all, but no, in this book I see feelings that resemble it, not embody the idea. 

I have to say though that there were some parts that made me smile or chuckle. Jack definitely had these cute ideas about what to do to or for Cassie. I thought the characters were weak though and I am unsure if their good points surpassed the bad ones though. If the author wanted her readers to feel annoyed with her characters then she did a good job at it.

I have to say though that it was an okay read. If you know how to look over some of the things I've mentioned earlier, then I think you'd give it more stars. I can't deny how I kind of felt their love for one another though. J. Sterling made my heart ache and feel the pain Cassie felt and I hated and liked it. It was pure torture and I enjoyed it. In the end, even though I am having mixed feelings about it, I want to continue to read the series and I don't know if it was because I wanted to torture myself more or if it was because there was something in the story that makes me want to read more even though I was frustrated and infuriated at it before. I don't know what this author's trick is, but it worked on me somehow. 

★★★½ ~~~  3.5 Stars

Publisher: Unknown - 2:15 AM

Book Review: All That He Wants by Olivia Thorne

All That He Wants (The Billionaire's Seduction Part 1)  FREE

~1st Person POV

Short and funny read.This is the first book of "he wants" series. I enjoyed reading the book, but I am disappointed that it's one of those books that looks like an excerpt from a novel. It shouldn't have ended the way it did. This one is free, but the following books aren't really cheap. In my opinion, they are too expensive, especially since they would be as short as the first book. It's like when you want to buy a new outfit, but all you got was a new pair of shoes. Yes, you may have pretty new shoes, but you can't just wear shoes for an outfit, you need clothes and accessories too. Check it out, since it's free and see if it's your cup of tea.

***SPOILER WARNING*** Don't like? continue with the next paragraph

I just hated the end of this book. Basically, Lily met Connor, they had 'fun' in the office, and the time Connor was about to go he ask Lily to come with him. She has her internal debates but goes anyway. The End. It was so short I just got annoyed, even though I did like the book. The book is a part of a full length novel.

**I'll try to be as vague as I can since there isn't much to tell.
The story is about Lily Ross and Connor Brookes. Lily meets Connor when she was still in the office one late night. They talk, there's attraction, you get the idea.

Lily was the usual heroine in stories, she's beautiful, she thinks she's average and a tame or at least normal unimpressive sex life. I liked Lily though, she was smart, had a personality and she was funny too. Connor on the other hand keeps on making me chuckle. He has this playful personality matched with smarts and good looks. The story started and I was hesitating a bit since it started out like a flash back, then it was made to look like it was in the present tense. It was picking up slowly, then I started to enjoy Lily's comments on some things. It does have it 'steamy' moment. 

★★★½ ~~~ 3.5 Stars

It was a nice book, but it was short. It gets funny and hot, but I kept needing more.  Overall, I'm just annoyed it was too short. *sighs* ~xo Publisher: Unknown - 1:28 AM

Book Review: Ivan [Her Russian Protector] by Roxie Rivera

Ivan [Her Russian Protector #1] [Currently FREE]
~1st Person POV & 3rd person POV

Hi Everyone! I just finished this book and unfortunately when I was reading it last night, I put it down and just went to sleep a bit early. I didn't really get into it as much as I wanted to. I decided to write about it now while it's still fresh. It's Free!

Tattooed Russian 'Hottie' who's operating well known mixed-martial arts training centers with a mafia history, how can you resist it? Just look at the cover, it's already tempting enough *winks*. Anyway, this is the first book in the Her Russian Protector Series. The following books focus on different characters. This first one is about Ivan and Erin. Overall a nice short read. It's one of those books you can read in between heavy books.

Erin is desperate to find her 'junkie' sister, which is why he turned to Ivan, a tattooed Russian who's operating mixed martial arts training centers with a shady background. When they first met, they had this spark I keep looking for when reading books.

"The instant we made contact an electric zing arced through me. From the flash in his eyes, he must have felt it too."

I was thinking that "Ooh! she's already got him!" and boy was I right! It turns out Ivan can't bear to see Erin look sad.

I like Erin because she's brave, selfless, patient, and she definitely has some "Oomph" in her. She has this feel where I, as a reader admire her and enjoy the story from her point of view. Ivan was a good guy with a bad past. He got into some shady things, but he isn't the typical bad boy. Maybe I can say he's a reformed bad boy? Anyway he's all soft and caring around Erin and it's cute, but I wish I could have seen him resist it. I just wish the story was longer and that it dwelled in some parts of the story. I would have liked to see him helping her, but trying to stay away from her emotionally for a bit, but then again, he's no bad boy and the story revolved on rescuing Erin's sister Ruby [Conflicting thoughts, conflicting emotions, sorry *sadface*].

"She was ready to go out there and face two gangs on her own rather than put another life in the crosshairs. He couldn't allow it. He wouldn't allow it" 

That part just got me to actually smile. [P.S. I'm trying to keep it as spoiler free as I can] Oh I wish it had Ivan's POV. I don't like reading books that are in a 3rd person POV. I just don't feel it as much as I do with the characters telling the story, with them describing their emotions and practically dragging you in with their experience. Maybe other people experience that with 3rd person POV books, just not me.

The story line and time frame is as you guessed it, short as well. I wish there were other books revolving around Ivan and Erin, so I could continue to read, maybe see a bit more action as well. Oh and in the climax, I was waiting for the big confrontation, how Ivan was going to keep Erin safe, but it didn't really go into it. I was disappointed *sadface*.

★★★½ ~~~~~ 3.5 Stars

Like I said, it's one of those in-between reads. It's nice, it's okay, but I wish there was more. I'm thinking of reading the 2nd Book, which is DMITRI and it's supposed to be longer than Ivan's book. We will see. ~xo Publisher: Unknown - 5:26 PM