I loved the first book in this series, Vain. The vain thing seemed to be the point for a lot of the book, or I think it did--its been a while since I read it. This one, the greed thing, not so much. Or at least not in Spencer's case. At the start sure, he wanted whatever money he could get, whether he liked the means in which he earned it or not. But by the quarter point that wasn't the case anymore. He'd changed.

I don't know if I find either book particularly true to life, at least here in England, but they managed to capture my attention. Vain more so than this one, anyway. It just didn't quite go as I expected. I was expecting greed to be the main focus of the book and it wasn't. Spencer went from being a bit of an arse to this really nice, always thinking of others (mainly Cricket) guy, which was a total 180 to how he was before and I was surprised.

I've also just seen the advert for Fury and Ethan from this is him/it. Should be interesting.

Hello to all my new followers! Thank you for following.

 

I'm now going to ask for your help with choosing my next read. I can't decide between the above 7 books. I know it's a lot to choose from but I'd love to know if you've read them and what you thought and then leave me a comment with your choice.

 

Thanks, Leanne x

 

Consequences

 

Waking in an unfamiliar bedroom in a luxurious mansion, Claire Nichols is terrified to discover that a chance encounter led her into the cruel hands of her abductor, Anthony Rawlings. Claire has no understanding of why she's there, but it's been made abundantly clear--she is now his acquisition and every action has consequences.

Learn the rules to survive.

Facing incomprehensible circumstances, Claire must learn to survive her new reality--every aspect of her livelihood depends upon the tall, dark-eyed tycoon who is a true master of deception. Driven by unknown demons, he has no tolerance for imperfection, in any aspect of his life, including his recent acquisition. Anthony may appear to the world as a handsome, benevolent businessman, but in reality Claire knows firsthand that he's a menacing, controlling captor with very strict rules: do as you're told, public failure is not an option, and appearances are of the utmost importance.

Captivate the captor.

To fit together the pieces of the puzzle, Claire must follow his rules. Will her plan work, or will Anthony become enthralled by Claire's beauty, resilience, and determination, changing the game forever? If that happens, will either of them survive the consequences?

 

Fading

 

Can a guilty conscience keep wounds from healing?

Fine arts major, Candace Parker, grew up with a mother who thinks image is everything, and her daughter’s perfection will never be good enough. About to graduate college and pursue her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, Candace decides it’s time to let go and have a little fun. But fun is short-lived when a brutal attack leaves her completely shattered.

The memories that consume and torment Candace are starting to destroy her when she meets Ryan Campbell, a successful bar owner. He feels instantly connected and tries to show her that hope is worth fighting for. But is Ryan harboring his own demons? As walls slowly begin to chip away, the secrets that are held within start to become painful burdens.

At what point do secrets become lies?

 

Greed

 

Gather ‘round, love, because I want you. I want what you have, I want what you don’t have, I want more of what I already have. I want. But if you so much as ask for something in return, go ahead and walk away. Know if you want to play in my world, it’s every man for themselves and the weak become mine. Leeches will be obliterated because I make it my job to destroy them. I protect what’s mine and I take what’s yours…because that’s what I do. I want.

My story will not endear me to you and, frankly, I could care less if it does because I’m in this for the money and nothing else. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a corrupt, money hungry, immoral asshole from Los Angeles. I’m every man’s worst nightmare and every girl’s fantasy.

I’m Spencer Blackwell... And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most coveted guy to the guy no one wanted around and why I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

 

Lick

 

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride

 

Poughkeepsie

 

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.

 

Sins and Needles

 

Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents' latest scam. Now she's much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for - Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie's counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she's not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie's plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn't dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it's one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.

 

Going Under

 

Brooke Wright has only two goals her senior year at Charity Run High School: stay out of trouble and learn to forgive herself for the past. Forgiveness proves elusive, and trouble finds her anyway when she discovers a secret club at school connected to the death of her best friend. She learns that swim team members participate in a “Fantasy Slut League,” scoring points for their sexual acts with unsuspecting girls.

Brooke, wracked with guilt over her friend’s death, decides to infiltrate the league by becoming one of the “unsuspecting girls,” and exact revenge on the boys who stole away her best friend. An unexpected romance complicates her plans, and her dogged pursuit of justice turns her reckless as she underestimates just how far the boys will go to keep their sex club a secret.

"Damn. He looks like an old man rotting away from the inside out who just suffered through a barroom brawl. His wrinkled skin is checked with gray stubble. His sunken eyes are black, and scratches color his skin. His split lip is yellow and nicotine stained as is the hand wrapped around the generic-looking beer can."

 

 

Another great instalment! And another one that ends with a cliffy. Though I did see that one coming from a mile. I just new thats how Only for Us will end.
But does that ease my need to get my hands on the next serial? Nope, not at all.
So the plot was not very surprising. But I enjoyed every single minute spent reading this one. It's a pleasure to absorb Harber's writing. Seriously. I utterly enjoyed this instalment, due to how well it was written.

The above quote kinda outlines for me why I like reading Harber's books. And it struck me while I was reading the quote, that I kinda knew there wouldn't be loads of surprises, and while loads of the character building had been done in the previous instalment, I adore this instalment, because I simply enjoy Harber's unfolding of the story, the entire ride of it. Just love how talented Harber is in her craft.
Oh and don't get me wrong, there are so many epic moments in this.The MCs to grow and overcome small and big hurdles. And again, I was awestruck with Harber's talent. She does push the emotions, gets real, tugs on your heart strings but not too much, not too little just enough. Just the right amount.
For me this instalment proved page after page, why Harber is one of my favorite authors in her genre.

Just one more instalment and I can't wait to get my HEA!

Oh wow!
I was simply blown away by Fury.
Really I was.
I mean I expected this to be well written. But... well I didn't expect....this... Me totally overwhelmed, me totally flabbergast, me totally simply and utterly shocked.

Okay. Let me explain this from the beginning:

I can't quite remember how and why I actually read the first book in the series. But while I loved the writing, I had some issues with the story line. I couldn't relate to the arrogance of the MCs and then there is the minor detail that I know the locations it is set in extremely well. Well, Mr. O is from South Africa you see... And I have worked in refugee camps and for aid organisations, in fact I still work for a charity org part-time... Somehow Amelie didn't get that part right for me. I guess this is quite unfair, considering, that I might be her only reader who actually lived through her setting. Still as I said, I adore her writing. AND I did adore Spencer, who was to be one of the MCs in Greed. Hence no questions asked, I was so reading Fury. Despite the fact that I had no love lost for Ethan. I thought, I would just enjoy the exceptional writing. Which I did. Very much. In fact I love the way Amelie wrote the fight scenes from Ethan's POV. Though I wasn't sure I would right at the beginning. But as I read on, I saw the pattern, the clever use of Amelie of it and it made so much sense and well, I love it. As I said in my review for Greed, I am totally and utterly taken by her extraordinary talent. Fury just cements this view of mine. This is an exceptionally well crafted novel.

The story line of this book is my favorite in the series. Now, there aren't many surprises here. I saw all the twists coming from a mile. But frankly this isn't about being surprised, it's about the journey there. I enjoyed the slow burn romance between Ethan and Finley. I loved how they became friends and how they slowly fell for one another. I adore their journey. It's simply beautiful and it felt real.

Which is due to the superb character building. And this is definitely one of the reasons I loved this book so much. In fact while I had my issues with Vain's story line, I was a bit put off by Greed's character building. Well Fury has not only the most engaging story line but also superb character building.
As I said, I didn't like Ethan. Well, actually I couldn't stand him. The two reasons I was going to read Fury, well the cover for one (sorry it's shallow I know... but I mean I can't help it, that I am a coverslut) the other reason Amelie's fabulous writing. Now about 10% into Fury, I couldn't recall why I disliked Ethan. Because suddenly everything fell into place. He was to a degree a total douche, but I got him. I got his anger, I got why he did act the way he did in Greed. AND more importantly I just adore him. I totally fell for Ethan. Finley was really cool and quirky and kind- so well, she had me from page 1.
The amazing thing about Fury though is not only did I like the MCs, the support cast is really well written as well. We talking well rounded characters. We talking layers of different sides revealed as you go on reading. Right until the last page, I feel like I get and understand this group of people. I saw where the villains were coming from. There is not a single black and white character in here. Simply and utterly fabulous character building.

When I was pondering on this, really great novel, I realised a few things:
FIRST: I suddenly understood the previous novels better. Which kinda surprised me. Cause, well, each novel could be read as a standalone. But I saw where the titles came from. I understood, why Greed was called Greed. It's like something fell into place. Which is kinda amazing. I actually realised, that neither Vain nor Greed are really my vices- but Fury. Well, I am well acquainted with that vice, not that I am much proud of it. But I got why Ethan did what he did. Because at times I wish I could have just done the same. The helplessness that drove him there, is well know to me. He's desire for vengeance, well, thankfully I am older and wiser, but something I have felt personally when I was his age... All of this left me amazed. I am totally awed by Amelie's clever use of the vices and how she has looked at them in a different, way less obvious way and used them in her stories. Really it's brilliant.

SECOND: Fury tackles a rather heavy subject. And it left me pondering over the injustice of the world we currently live in. The cruelty and devastation the greed of people can bring over the innocent. But more so, the fact that there are people that are willing to pay for those things, and that in fact their prosecution not harsh enough in my opinion. I mean if no one buys the goods, their would be no sellers left. I am not justifying the sellers exist, and I am absolutely for their persecution ( in fact I wish there were loads of Ethans in this world, it might make the Khanhs of this world think twice?), but I am saying that the consumers should be forced to take responsibility and be punished for it.
There is so much to say about this subject. The sad truth is Amelie has not exaggerate the situation. And ok, while I said there should be more Ethans, I do not suggest we all go vigilante, the truth is, this is still a novel. And in real life the outcome would have been very different for Ethan.
But frankly I needed that ending, I need to think that there a people like Finley, who end up the way she did. Which is why Fury struck so close to my heart. Though I know sadly, that this subject is based on the horrific truth, I also know that there are people out there who do their best to help and prevent- and I need to believe that they make a difference.

THIRD: I need the next book! When is coming out? And who is it about?

A surprisingly deep and touching action packed novel. Oh and let me warn you- no smut. Absolutely no smut in here. Which surprised me considering that Greed was quite sizzling... it's quite bloody and though provoking instead. In my opinion the best of Amelie's books so far! An absolute must read of 2015!!

 

Oh wow!
I was simply blown away by Fury.
Really I was.
I mean I expected this to be well written. But... well I didn't expect....this... Me totally overwhelmed, me totally flabbergast, me totally simply and utterly shocked.

Okay. Let me explain this from the beginning:

I can't quite remember how and why I actually read the first book in the series. But while I loved the writing, I had some issues with the story line. I couldn't relate to the arrogance of the MCs and then there is the minor detail that I know the locations it is set in extremely well. Well, Mr. O is from South Africa you see... And I have worked in refugee camps and for aid organisations, in fact I still work for a charity org part-time... Somehow Amelie didn't get that part right for me. I guess this is quite unfair, considering, that I might be her only reader who actually lived through her setting. Still as I said, I adore her writing. AND I did adore Spencer, who was to be one of the MCs in Greed. Hence no questions asked, I was so reading Fury. Despite the fact that I had no love lost for Ethan. I thought, I would just enjoy the exceptional writing. Which I did. Very much. In fact I love the way Amelie wrote the fight scenes from Ethan's POV. Though I wasn't sure I would right at the beginning. But as I read on, I saw the pattern, the clever use of Amelie of it and it made so much sense and well, I love it. As I said in my review for Greed, I am totally and utterly taken by her extraordinary talent. Fury just cements this view of mine. This is an exceptionally well crafted novel.

The story line of this book is my favorite in the series. Now, there aren't many surprises here. I saw all the twists coming from a mile. But frankly this isn't about being surprised, it's about the journey there. I enjoyed the slow burn romance between Ethan and Finley. I loved how they became friends and how they slowly fell for one another. I adore their journey. It's simply beautiful and it felt real.

Which is due to the superb character building. And this is definitely one of the reasons I loved this book so much. In fact while I had my issues with Vain's story line, I was a bit put off by Greed's character building. Well Fury has not only the most engaging story line but also superb character building.
As I said, I didn't like Ethan. Well, actually I couldn't stand him. The two reasons I was going to read Fury, well the cover for one (sorry it's shallow I know... but I mean I can't help it, that I am a coverslut) the other reason Amelie's fabulous writing. Now about 10% into Fury, I couldn't recall why I disliked Ethan. Because suddenly everything fell into place. He was to a degree a total douche, but I got him. I got his anger, I got why he did act the way he did in Greed. AND more importantly I just adore him. I totally fell for Ethan. Finley was really cool and quirky and kind- so well, she had me from page 1.
The amazing thing about Fury though is not only did I like the MCs, the support cast is really well written as well. We talking well rounded characters. We talking layers of different sides revealed as you go on reading. Right until the last page, I feel like I get and understand this group of people. I saw where the villains were coming from. There is not a single black and white character in here. Simply and utterly fabulous character building.

When I was pondering on this, really great novel, I realised a few things:
FIRST: I suddenly understood the previous novels better. Which kinda surprised me. Cause, well, each novel could be read as a standalone. But I saw where the titles came from. I understood, why Greed was called Greed. It's like something fell into place. Which is kinda amazing. I actually realised, that neither Vain nor Greed are really my vices- but Fury. Well, I am well acquainted with that vice, not that I am much proud of it. But I got why Ethan did what he did. Because at times I wish I could have just done the same. The helplessness that drove him there, is well know to me. He's desire for vengeance, well, thankfully I am older and wiser, but something I have felt personally when I was his age... All of this left me amazed. I am totally awed by Amelie's clever use of the vices and how she has looked at them in a different, way less obvious way and used them in her stories. Really it's brilliant.

SECOND: Fury tackles a rather heavy subject. And it left me pondering over the injustice of the world we currently live in. The cruelty and devastation the greed of people can bring over the innocent. But more so, the fact that there are people that are willing to pay for those things, and that in fact their prosecution not harsh enough in my opinion. I mean if no one buys the goods, their would be no sellers left. I am not justifying the sellers exist, and I am absolutely for their persecution ( in fact I wish there were loads of Ethans in this world, it might make the Khanhs of this world think twice?), but I am saying that the consumers should be forced to take responsibility and be punished for it.
There is so much to say about this subject. The sad truth is Amelie has not exaggerate the situation. And ok, while I said there should be more Ethans, I do not suggest we all go vigilante, the truth is, this is still a novel. And in real life the outcome would have been very different for Ethan.
But frankly I needed that ending, I need to think that there a people like Finley, who end up the way she did. Which is why Fury struck so close to my heart. Though I know sadly, that this subject is based on the horrific truth, I also know that there are people out there who do their best to help and prevent- and I need to believe that they make a difference.

THIRD: I need the next book! When is coming out? And who is it about?


A surprisingly deep and touching action packed novel. Oh and let me warn you- no smut. Absolutely no smut in here. Which surprised me considering that Greed was quite sizzling... it's quite bloody and though provoking instead. In my opinion the best of Amelie's books so far! An absolute must read of 2015!!

4.5 Stars!