Corey has a friends with benefits arrangement with her buddy, Matt.  She just does not want him to help her so much that she gets dependent.  Why is she okay to have him help her with orgasms and not other things?

Matt and his buddy Dylan are giving Corey a taste of the forbidden.  As they explore each other maybe all of them can learn what true intimacy is.  Matt is so devoted to all those he cares about.  Dylan has a secret that may rock their world.  

These characters were up to some pretty hot stuff.  I thought the heat was dialing up and up while I was reading.  Is it hot in here?  Anyway, true to form, this author had me hoping for a cool cloth while I enjoyed the escapades of these three.  Start of a great series, cannot wait to read more.  I give this a 3/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Katherine and James purchased lake property in rural western Massachusetts when they were in their mid-twenties. They rented out the various cottages while James worked on his poetry. It was an idyllic setting and life. That is, until James discovered the body of a boy floating by one of the cottage docks. The accident sent devastated James and he slowly sank into madness and depression from a broken mind. Katherine watched as James became more and more recluse and angry until one day he disappeared without a trace. Trying to pick up the pieces of a shattered life, Katherine makes the decision to sell the property in the spring and to try and start a new life. All she has to do is get through the winter. Not an easy task now that she's hearing strange thing that sound like James. Is this all in her mind or is he out there somewhere?

I've read a handful of Gifune's work and most of them are noted for the story being enveloped in shadows and fog, to the point where it's hard to tell what's going on, what's real and what's not. A View from the Lake is no different. But where it is different than my other experiences with Gifune's stories is that there is no pay off. The last 1/3 doesn't ratchet up and have this wonderful revelation that ties everything together. In fact, the ending came out of the blue and left you with more questions than answers. The characters weren't all that interesting and I didn't feel for Katherine or James. I know this is one of Gifune's earlier works and I think it shows. When you read his later works, you'll see that he commands things so much better.

2 Confusing Hallucinations out of 5

You can also follow my reviews at the following links:

https://intothemacabre.com

http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5919799-ken-mckinley

Counting on Love Series

by Erin Nicholas

Average rating of 4.3 stars

(Based on the 6 books rated at KBS!)

Since you will ask here is the deal.

My favorite book?  Whoa.  #4 Going For Four.

My favorite quote?  Like I always tell you, read them.  It is so worth it.

Without further ado, here are the books and reviews in order:

Just Count on Me by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was created by the wonderful author who answered her readers requests. She brought together in this short and sweet book The Bradford's & The Dixon's. This combines the series The Bradford's & Counting On Love.

This quick book is an introduction to where the Dixon family begins telling their tales. We leave off from where The Bradford's were here. If you are reading both series I caution you to read in order so you can give yourself the heat and excitement without spoilers. 

She's the One by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ryan and Amanda have known one another for a while. He works with her brother, making him forbidden. Until one day something happens to change it all ....

Amanda just needed to be rescued. She just mentioned his name as a means to get rid of an unwanted suitor. Not really knowing what it would cause.

This series is so good. The characters are mostly related and the interaction is fun to read. I liked how the humor in the story made it more real. 

It Takes Two by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book #2, in the Counting On Love series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For the readers enjoyment and understanding, I recommend reading this incredible series in order.

Shane & Isabelle are basically broken up as this book begins. With her basically being the love of his life, he is willing to make some concessions. They put this to the test.

Isabelle has been keeping many secrets from Shane. This could make or break their relationship. As it is, they are on the outs. If only they didn't have such a powerful attraction between them.

This book had all the feels and then some. I really could not stop laughing for part of it. Then the sad. The characters just make you feel everything with such power. Very well written. Seriously good series. I cannot wait to read the next book. 

Best of Three by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is book #3, in the Counting On Love series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment and understanding, I recommend reading series in order.

Nate is trying his best to resist the outgoing and sometimes crazy, Emma. It is getting harder as she is his patient now. He knows he must resist but he is nearly forgetting why.

Emma has been attracted to Nate for a while now. She knows she is not his type. With them butting heads at every turn, she is doubtful they will ever get together.

This series just gets hotter! This story had them butting heads & the banter was flowing. I was laughing so hard! I really enjoyed reading about the development between these two. I have rooted for her for several books now.

Going for Four by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cody and Olivia have been best friends for almost 2 years and their friendship is stronger than ever. Except - Cody just walked in Olivia's home and found her naked. She is beautiful and everything Cody has ever wanted. If it weren't for her brother, Conner, they would be together in every way.

Olivia wants Cody and wants to take a risk. She has waited forever it seems for a man to think her worthy of every great stunt her sisters men have given them. She sees three great relationships and wishes for her own. She has a steady friend with Cody but she longs for more.

Cody is scared to upset the apple cart, so to speak, and stays just friends with Olivia even as it hurts like a physical ache. He loves Olivia but knows Conner has been very vocal and would never approve of them being a real couple. Olivia has been hurt in the past and listens to Conner's advice.

The tidal wave takes them away one night and the friends turn to one another for "benefits". Olivia is so grateful Cody noticed her - finally! Cody is hoping this means they can be a couple and work things out. Conner still is not okay with all of this and causes a rift in the 2 people who had such a strong relationship and now can't even speak to each other.

It's time for Olivia to grow up and stop being the baby sister everyone thinks is so fragile, she will shatter at the first sign of trouble. She finally explodes and tells Conner and Cody both to back off. It's all down hill from there. Can Cody and Olivia see that what they already have has been magical and right?

Really good book and a great installment as book # 4 in the Counting on love series. Erin Nicholas is a terrific author and this book had me going with laughter, tears, and tons of emotion! 

Up by Five by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book #5 in the Counting On Love series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader understanding and enjoyment, I recommend reading this series in order.

This amazing series concludes with Gabby and Conner who work together. They end up living together and reviewing how they look at their relationship or non-relationship as it is. Other opinions aside, they really feel the sparks and are having a tough time ignoring one another.

Conner has realized he is starting to feel something more for her. Gabby is someone special in his life. He is actually angry with himself for how long it has taken for him to appreciate it. Now what can he do about it?

This amazing series has been a joy to read! It is HOTTER than I first predicted. I love the character development over time. I also love that the friendships and relationships are solid and proof that everyone can be loved.


***These copies were given in exchange for honest reviews only.

View all my reviews

About the Author Erin Nicholas:

I've been reading romance since my mom first let me into her book cupboard when I was about fourteen. LaVyrle Spencer, Julie Garwood, Debbie Macomber... they took my 'happily ever after' ideas from animated princesses to real people in the real world.

I've been writing romance almost as long. Many a family car trip was spent with my head bent over a spiral notebook in the back seat. I'll confess that my very first attempts at fiction were fantasy and paranormals, influenced by my father's love of the Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and the original Alice in Wonderland. If Harry Potter had been around, I'm sure he would have been on the bedtime story shelf as well.

But it wasn't long until I started writing about true love and that's where I've been ever since.

I'm so thrilled to be able to share these stories with you! I hope that they make you smile, sigh, maybe even choke up a little. Most of all, I hope that they help you believe in magical things like first kisses, the spark of passion, and the power of true love.

Find Erin Nicholas Online:

Website * Mailing List Signup URL * Goodreads Author Page 

* Amazon Author Page * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

Hosted by:

Bend or Break Series

by Amy Jo Cousins

Average rating of 4.1 stars

(Based on the 7 books rated at KBS!)

I know many of you will ask so here is the deal.

My favorite book?  Touch choice.  #3 The Girl Next Door.  

Favorite quote?  You have to read it.  I do not give spoilers and this one is a doozy!

Without further ado, here are the books and reviews in order:

Off Campus by Amy Jo Cousins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tom goes back to college only to find his roommate was promised he would live alone. They do not get along, but Tom could care less what Reese wants since he only needs a place to crash and get the much needed sleep he deprives himself of. Can they find common ground?

Reese talks to Tom finally, and they make a truce of sorts. They live like hermits in just their room, never leaving except for food, classes, and to shower. Tom works himself to the bone to pay tuition on the weekends, but otherwise lives a closed off existence.

Tom starts to notice his feelings for Reese and they end up friends. Reese is kind of a people person, so eventually they come out to the main room to study instead of just hiding away. Will the pasts that have scarred them ruin their future? Can Tom forge a live of his own and move past his fathers mistakes?

I found this book so riveting! I could NOT put it down. I know this will be a book I read again and keep on my shelf. I loved it! 

Nothing Like Paris by Amy Jo Cousins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is book # 2, in the Bend Or Break series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment and understanding, I recommend reading this incredible series in order.

Jack and Mike AKA Miguel have a history. One full of love, pain, and regret. Getting back into town, Jack needs a friend ad maybe more. Can he get Miguel to forgive him?

Miguel wants to stay away from Jack. His heart can take so much pain. Seeing him in person and being able to touch.... how could he resist?

This series definitely tugs on the heartstrings. I did not expect to like Jack, after book 1. This was a seriously unexpected story that gives you the feels. 

The Girl Next Door by Amy Jo Cousins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book # 3, in the Bend Or Break series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. To avoid spoilers, understand characters, and fall in love with the series, I recommend reading these in order.

Charles AKA Cash and Stephany AKA Steph met through their mutual friends. College was a time of fun and sex and laughter. When they get in the real world, why do relationships not last?

Steph has a past full of pain and heartache. Trust does not come easy for her. Cash is fun and sexy as hell, but even he has one foot out the door.

This series just grabs me. I mean like by the throat! This is the best book so far of the series. This book has everything. Strong heat, sexy times, and so much more. 

Level Hands by Amy Jo Cousins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the 4th book in the Bend Or Break series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment and understanding, I recommend reading this series in order.

Rafael and Denny meet through Denny's family. When he gets a chance to go back to school, he feels worlds apart from the other students. The only person he knows there is Denny. Who taught him a sport that gave him back him life.

Denny has felt haunted by his past with Rafael. They have unfinished business, and the only way to solve a problem is to confront it. Or will that just push Rafael away?

This series has so many surprises for the reader! A story this good with characters that have rich stories are always a joy to read. These two were inevitable, and watching them get together and break down walls between them made it a great book. 

Real World by Amy Jo Cousins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is book #5 in the Bend Or Break series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. With the potential for spoilers, and real enjoyment of this amazing series - I recommend you read this series in order intended.

Tom & Reese have already been through the wringer. Now that college is over, they have jobs and life getting in the way. With the holidays looming, Reese wants it to be special.

Reese has planned for Tom to meet his co-workers. Will this be like college all over again? There needs to be common ground before it is too late.

These are such really in depth characters! I love we are back seeing where the series began. Wonderful surprises for the reader, and even some holiday love thrown in. 

Love Me Like a Rock by Amy Jo Cousins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book #6, in the Bend Or Break series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader understanding and enjoyment of the series, I recommend reading these in order.

Austin has lived in the shadow of wanting his best friend. Finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, Sean is there in all his naked glory. Can Austin move on and find real love?

Sean has been trying to chase after Austin for the better part of a year. Now that he has finally seen him, will the differences tear what he was hoping for in a relationship apart? Sean is trying to convince Austin they deserve a fighting chance.

This series just gets better. Every story is full of sincere, and fun characters. I love learning about the rowing also. These guys must be HOT! I cannot wait for the next installment in the series. 

Hard Candy by Amy Jo Cousins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the 7th book in the Bend Or Break series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment and understanding of the series, I recommend reading these in order.

Vincent meets Bryan and his whole view of the world changes. Bryan is everything he is not. Opposites really do attract. Can they make the most of the future?

Bryan has never had to hide who he is or what he does. Why should he have to do that with Vincent? He finds himself drooling over the man, but exasperated a moment later.

This story has so much to it. I was laughing one minute, crying the next. I really felt it all. Cannot wait until the next installment of the series! 

Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Amy Jo Cousins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a combo of books 6 & 7 in the Bend Or Break series. These can be read as standalone novels. For reader enjoyment and understanding of the series, I recommend reading them in order.

These books are a good choice as a set since they both have characters who must overcome being opposites and find common ground.

Really good combo with seriously fun characters.  This series has been a heck of a ride.  I will be looking for the next book this author puts out.

***These copies were given in exchange for honest reviews only.

View all my reviews

About the Author:

Amy Jo Cousins writes contemporary romance and erotica about smart people finding their own best kind of smexy. She lives in Chicago with her son, where she tweets too much, sometimes runs really far, and waits for the Cubs to win the World Series again. Amy Jo is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.

Readers interested in autographed copies of Amy Jo's paperback books can order them from Chicago's fabulous independent bookstore, The Book Cellar. They can ship anywhere, and will email me to let me know there are books to be signed if you care to order them!

I didn't read a romance novel until seventh grade. Mafia dons and samurai warlords? Check. Love stories? Not so much. Then my grandma showed up one summer with a garbage bag full of books. Her friend belonged to all of the Harlequin and Silhouette Book of the Month Clubs and passed on her copies to my grandma when she was done with them.

My grandma never met a Louis L'Amour book she didn't like, but she had no idea what to do with three hundred romance novels in a trash bag. Since it was clear that I was the book black hole, capable of sucking in uncountable numbers of novels while deaf to the world around me, I was the natural beneficiary of this windfall.

It changed my life.

I binge read all those books over the course of a summer where my mom despaired of getting me out of my bedroom. I was still reading science fiction and fantasy, adventure novels like The Count of Monte Cristo, and Agatha Christie books like they might run out of copies at the library. But those romance novels…I read five or six a day until school started. And when I finished that bag, there was another. And another.

Add in a seminal viewing of Romancing the Stone and the electric typewriter my mom managed to scrounge up and situate in the basement (so the clattering of the keys wouldn't keep everyone awake) on a tiny rolling metal table and there's really no escaping the fact that I've wanted to be a romance author for most of my life. As a career, it gives me the perfect excuse for my never-ending need to learn, about museum art restoration or theater stage management, about organic family farms or librarians' reader advisory ethics. I also get to remind myself again and again of the most important lesson I learned all those summers ago, hiding in my closet with a flashlight after midnight so I wouldn't get in trouble for staying up until my eyes burned…

People can make terrible mistakes with the ones they love, the last ones they ever thought they would hurt, and there can be a way back. Or through.

Because we are flawed and so often damaged already.

Because love is the heart of being human.

Love makes you vulnerable and strong in equal amounts and imparts a stretchiness to the soul that lets us bend when we're afraid we might break.

I can't think of any stories I'd rather tell.

Find Amy Jo Cousins Online:

Website * Mailing List Signup URL * Goodreads Author Page 

* Amazon Author Page * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

Hosted by:

She's The One, Counting on Love Series Book 1

by Erin Nicholas

Date of Publication: June 11, 2013

Blurb:

Available From:

She's the One by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ryan and Amanda have known one another for a while. He works with her brother, making him forbidden. Until one day something happens to change it all ....

Amanda just needed to be rescued. She just mentioned his name as a means to get rid of an unwanted suitor. Not really knowing what it would cause.

This series is so good. The characters are mostly related and the interaction is fun to read. I liked how the humor in the story made it more real.


***This copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.

View all my reviews

 

About Erin Nicholas:

Find Erin Nicholas Online:

Hosted by: