Review: "Man Eater" by January James

It's been a while. Life got in the way and family has kept me occupied over the last few years, so I've rarely had time for myself to review anything, let alone actually read anything.

Luckily, over the past few months, I've gotten quite accustomed to listening to audiobooks, and they have become my new favourite past-time. I just wish I didn't go through them so quickly, because those Audible credits get used up quite fast.

I'll hopefully create another post about my "Return to Reading" journey at some point in the near future, but for now, this post was created to review a book that I actually read (and not listened to) recently. I have actually previously published this review last night via Goodreads, so I am simply just copying it to my blog.

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Clicking the image will take you to its Goodreads page.

Quinn

I was a child prodigy.

Graduated two years early. Founded my media company at sixteen. Billionaire at twenty-five.

No-one could stop me. Not even my arch-enemy, who tried everything in his power to bring me down. I was heading for global domination.

Until I met her.

I was mesmerised. I was obsessed. I needed her like I needed the earth beneath my feet. As my life and business fell apart, piece by piece, she held me and made me forget it all. And then she was gone.

I was a child prodigy.

I knew the answer to every question.

Except one.

Who is Jade Bardot?

--

Jade

I had no idea who Quinn Sullivan was. That should have made it easier.

I was supposed to ruin him.

My aim was to uncover his secrets, unveil his weaknesses, unearth his flaws.

My task was to rip his world apart.

My weapon was seduction.

They all see beauty, but the beast is in my heart.

I was supposed to ruin him.

But what I did was so much worse.

~

"Man Eater" by January James

5 out of 5

First off, as a mother of a rambunctious toddler, I was quite surprised at how fast I was able to get through this book! I actually forced myself to stay awake to keep reading because I was so entranced by the storyline and I couldn’t put it down. It was as if I needed to know what happened next, and I needed to know it by yesterday.

January spent a lot of time at the beginning building on character development for both Jade and Quinn, and it was so beneficial to the plot as readers are literally able to witness how both of the characters transform as soon as they meet. Jade is a firecracker of a woman with an enigmatic interior and I love just how strong-minded she is. January James mentioned that this book is the first in the series called “Femme Fèroces” and Jade is truly a representation of a fierce woman. Describing Quinn is a tad more difficult, as he definitely is not the man I assumed him to be. A lot of his character development is a result of meeting Jade and their interactions, but it was refreshing to read a book where both the male and female protagonists have an equal share in the “Alpha” role.

The relationship between Jade and Quinn is an interesting one. As a reader, we are given so much information that neither of them are privy to as characters, and every interaction between the two of them creates a sense of tension that enhances the plot line. As much as I appreciate the physical relationship between Jade and Quinn, I feel like a little more emphasis on emotional intimacy would have given more depth to their relationship. With that being said, it is understandable why the physical connection overpowers the emotional connection, simply because of who both Jade and Quinn are as characters and once you read it you will understand as well.

Without giving away anything, the ending was predictable (as are most romances), however, it was the plot that did me in. I was so intrigued with the way the storyline progressed and appreciated the twists and turns that kept me reworking through my theories up until the very end. I enjoyed the originality of the storyline as it wasn’t your typical “boy meets girl; they fall in love” kind of romance. Also, I definitely did NOT see that coming. I had many theories about how it would come together at the end, and despite working them over and over with all the twists, I am impressed with how none of them fit the bill.

I would definitely recommend reading “Man Eater” if you’re looking for a dramatic romance with a hint of suspense and mystery. January’s writing is so descriptive that it literally inserts you into the book yourself. Her attention to even the tiniest of details is what captured my attention at first, but it was how she riskily, yet confidently, approached those details that kept me reading.

Personally, this is the first book by January James that I have ever read, as she reached out via social media to offer a copy of “Man Eater” in exchange for an honest review, but I can definitely say it will not be the last of hers that I read. Colour me curious.

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If you're interested in reading "Man Eater", you can find out more information about it via January's website, or her Instagram page. You can also purchase it via the following links:

Amazon CAN (Kindle Edition)
Amazon US (Kindle Edition)

Thanks for reading! Let me know if there is anything you'd like me to post, change, talk about, etc!

Much love!

-BB♡

Review: "Hard to Love You" by Megan Smith

Do NOT read this review if you haven't read the first two books in the series: "Trying Not to Love You" and "Easy to Love You" by Megan Smith. This is the third book in the series and needs to be read after you've read the first two. Although there are no spoilers about the other books, this review is based on you reading the first two.

Clicking on the cover will take you to its Goodreads page.

What do you do when the one you’ve always wanted becomes too Hard to Love? 

Hailey Taylor's heart has always belonged to Mason Cahill, but one secret has changed everything.

Things on the baseball field come easy for Mason Cahill. Why can’t the rest of his life be simple? Mason's finally admitted he wants the one girl he can be himself around, but one secret destroyed that.

Their love isn't sweet and simple. It's hot, loud, and messy. But now, when he's finally all in, she’s folded. Sparks fly. Tempers flare. Hearts shatter. One thing is certain… everything has changed.

Who will be too Hard to Love?

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If you've been following along, you'd know that this is the third book in the series and that it focuses on MacKenzie's best friend, Hailey, and MacKenzie's brother, Mason.  In the past two books, we get glimpses of their relationship (their very rocky relationship), so it was great to finally know what is going on between the two of them.

The book is told in alternating points-of-view between Hailey and Mason, except for a few random chapters that are told by others. There are also a lot of flashbacks throughout the book that highlight important moments that have happened in either Hailey's or Mason's past. The storyline of the book does continue from where the previous book, "Easy to Love You", left off, so it does not act as a standalone. Although it focuses on two different people than the other two books, you do need to read those first two in order to understand what in the hell is going on.

First off, I love Hailey and Mason together. I also hate them together. They just have wayyyy too much going on between them and it really is frustrating. From reading the first two books, you understand that they have a very up and down relationship, but nothing compares to what you learn in this book alone.  I value the fact that Megan decided to highlight a relationship that wasn't perfect in any way. We get used to reading romance books where girl meets guy, girl falls in love, guy falls in love and happily ever after. I like the fact that Hailey and Mason have a rocky relationship. That they aren't the perfect "lovey-dovey" couple where everything is perfect.  You truly get to see the behind-the-scenes with these two despite what we might have seen in the previous two books. "Hard to Love You" really had me questioning things and wondering what the hell was going to happen with Hailey and Mason.

I love Hailey because she's your typical blond beauty, but she's stubborn as hell. In the previous two books, she's Kenzie's quirky best friend. She may seem all confident and perfect on the outside, but she's so weak and sensitive on the inside.  Mason. Mason, Mason, Mason. These guys in these books will kill you, honestly. They are smouldering and just perfect.  First Hunter and his undying love for Kenzie, and now Mason. Mason, however, is your typical jock who has girls literally dropping at his feet. The good thing is that he only has eyes for Hailey, but his past is what messes him up.

I truly can't decide whether I like Kenzie and Hunter's story or Hailey and Mason's story better.  I think I may need to stick with Kenzie and Hunter though, only because they were the original two and they had two books (lots more to read, yet not enough) and their story continued on indirectly in "Hard to Love You" too.  Oh, and Hunter. Why are there no guys like this in real life? Or more specifically, where are they?

Now that I've finished "Hard to Love You", I've moved on to the next book in the series, "Let Me Love You", which is Jaylinn and Cooper's story. I honestly can't wait to see how this one goes, because Jaylinn and Cooper were always in the background in the first three books. Sure, there were scenes and moments that made you question their relationship, but there was never enough detail to think about. I should be finished this one in the next few days as well, and then I'm screwed. The next book in the series isn't out yet, and then I'll have to find a new book or series to read. I have sooo many books on my "to-read" list on my Goodreads page, but I don't know where to begin...

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Dare to continue the Love Series with "Hard to Love You" by Megan Smith? Find it at your local bookstore, or online at:

Amazon Canada

Amazon US

Kobo

Thanks for reading!

-BB♡

Review: "Trying Not to Love You" by Megan Smith

Clicking on the book cover will take you to its Goodreads page.

MacKenzie Cahill has dealt with overbearing and overprotective brothers her entire life, making it near impossible to enjoy her teenage years. Having a boyfriend was practically impossible until she met a guy that wasn't afraid to stand up to them - Dominic. He was sweet, thoughtful, and everything MacKenzie ever wanted in a man.

But when they go away to college at Old Dominion University, MacKenzie sees a whole new side of Dominic and begins to wonder if he really is different from every other guy.

Her world is turned upside down after a party, and her brothers' best friend Hunter is the one there to offer her a shoulder to cry on. The chemistry between them is electric, and feelings for each other that have been hidden for years are finally voiced.

Is Hunter willing to be disloyal to his best friends in order to be with the one girl he's always secretly wanted?

New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language, and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

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Alright, so I literally JUST finished "Trying Not to Love You" by Megan Smith, and by literally, I mean I just started reading the sequel. Yes, it was that good that I needed to start the second one.

If I didn't have full-time classes, I'm pretty sure I would have been finished it by last night. I started it yesterday morning and it was just one of those reads that compels you to keep reading on and on and on and neglect the world around you. I may even have read it in class...or not.

I just couldn't get enough of MacKenzie and Hunter...oh boy...Hunter. Hunter is perfection. As the summary says, Hunter is the best friend of Kenzie's very over-protective brothers. You can only imagine how that goes...hint: read the title of the book again. Since it is written in Kenzie's point-of-view, we get to share her every thought and emotion as she deals with the struggle between Hunter and her brothers, and I admire the fact that it is very accurate.

I loved the constant struggles that Kenzie and Hunter had to face together. But the two of them are so adorable together and Hunter is the epitome of "book boyfriend". His love for Kenzie is just...just...melt-worthy and enough for you to fall in love with him. I think it helped that Megan Smith had a little background story in the prologue that gave insight into MacKenzie and her brothers, as well as Hunter too.

It's one of those books where you just want to shove your hands in the pages and literally smush the two people together because you just know it's going to happen but you're thinking to yourself: "Hurry the fuck up already!"

The one thing that bothered me a bit was Kenzie's naïveté. I think it may be because I just finished reading a book where the female was the complete opposite, so the change was just different. However, her naïveté did suit the storyline and added to the character development of other characters, so it's not all that bad.

Now, "Trying Not to Love you" is definitely for older readers as it deals with mature themes and a lot of sexy scenes...a lot. Amazing hot sexy scenes. Amazing hot sexy scenes with Hunter. Need I say more?

Definitely give it a read, and if you love it anywhere as much as I do, you'll definitely forget to eat and sleep because you'll completely immerse yourself into the words. Like I said at the beginning, I literally JUST finished the book before moving on to the second, "Easy to Love You". The ending finished in a cliffhanger that left you craving more and wanting to know absolutely everything.

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Want to give "Trying Not to Love You" by Megan Smith a try? You can find it at your local bookstore, or online on:

Amazon Canada

Amazon US

Kobo

If you've read it already, leave a comment to let myself and others know what you thought!

Much love! 

-BB♡ 

Review: "The Hook Up" by Kristen Callihan

I actually literally just finished this book and decided it would make a wonderful first review on BBBB.

Clicking on the picture will take you to its Goodreads page.

The rules: no kissing on the mouth, no staying the night, no telling anyone, and above all… No falling in love.

Anna Jones just wants to finish college and figure out her life. Falling for star quarterback Drew Baylor is certainly not on her to do list. Confident and charming, he lives in the limelight and is way too gorgeous for his own good. If only she could ignore his heated stares and stop thinking about doing hot and dirty things with him. Easy right?

Too bad he’s committed to making her break every rule…

Football has been good to Drew. It’s given him recognition, two National Championships, and the Heisman. But what he really craves is sexy yet prickly Anna Jones. Her cutting humor and blatant disregard for his fame turns him on like nothing else. But there’s one problem: she's shut him down. Completely.

That is until a chance encounter leads to the hottest sex of their lives, along with the possibility of something great. Unfortunately, Anna wants it to remain a hook up. Now it’s up to Drew to tempt her with more: more sex, more satisfaction, more time with him. Until she’s truly hooked. It's a good thing Drew knows all about winning.

All’s fair in love and football…Game on.

New Adult/Contemporary Romance with a HEA - Recommended for readers 17 and older.

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To start off, I absolutely loved this book. Kristen alternates between Anna's point-of-view and Drew's. This way you gain insight into both of their lives and they are both just incredibly real and very easy to relate to. Anna is not your typical "girl-next-door" and Drew is not your typical "jock". They have emotions that take them on a rollercoaster ride, they have insecurities, they aren't perfect. I believe that having that sense of imperfection is admirable because, in reality, nobody is perfect. I really connected with Anna, and a bit with Drew, because I've lived their lives. I know what it was like to be them and I've been that emotional wreck. What am I talking about? You'll just have to read the book to find out. ;)

Although the title and summary of the book aim for a predictable read, I can guarantee you that there is, in no way, a chance that you will predict what Kristen has in store for Anna and Drew.  These twists and turns are what kept my eyes glued to the pages and rendered it impossible for me to put down the book. I. Just. Couldn't. Stop. Reading.  There was a dire need to know what happened next, and after that, and after that.

Reading "The Hook Up" evoked such a plethora of different emotions that I felt myself constantly crying, grinning like the Cheshire cat, laughing, smiling. cringing, crying again, biting my lip, tearing up with joy, sighing, and staring with my mouth agape (yes, I even caught myself smiling at my Kobo on the commute multiple times...I even began to tear up too, but luckily I had my sunglasses on).

I definitely recommend this to absolutely everyone, of age of course (because there are some very steamy, and incredibly well-written scenes).  The one and only thing that I do not like is the fact that I felt it was so short...there should have been soooo much more of Anna and Drew, then again, I get like that with every book I read because I never want it to end.  There actually is a sequel coming out, tentatively in 2015, "The Friend Zone" which is the story of Drew's best friend, Gray and I can't wait.

Definitely give "The Hook Up" a read. It was my first Kristen Callihan book, but it definitely is not my last. There were just so many memorable scenes that were vividly written, almost as if I was living the scene myself.  There are also a million and one quotes that I want to share with you that just resonated with me. Perhaps, I'll start a monthly quote post with a compilation of my favourite quotes from the books I've read during the month. What do you think?

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If you're interested in reading "The Hook Up", you can find it in your local bookstore, or on:

Amazon CAN (Kindle)
Amazon US (Kindle)
Kobo
iBooks

Thanks for reading! Let me know if there is anything you'd like me to post, change, talk about, etc!

Much love!

-BB♡

The Beginning of BBBB

Welcome to Beneath the Blanket Book Blog!

I decided to start this blog after a little nudge from one of my friends. I read a lot...and I mean a LOT. So, after months of talking and sharing books with a close group of friends, she mentioned that I should start a blog.

Well, here it is!

I'm planning to dedicate this blog to anything book related. Literally, anything.  I'm pretty sure the majority of my posts will be reviews of books that I am, or have read. Now, I have read soooo many books already that I'm going to have to reread them in order to write a review, but don't worry, I read quite fast.

Since this is the beginning of this blog, it will take some time to build. At first, I may introduce you to some of my favourite authors, or some of the books that I absolutely love. As this blog develops, I am hoping to do a lot more.


Now, a little bit about the person behind BBBB:

Ever since I was a child, I had a passion for reading. I would literally read everything in sight. I loved books.  As I grew up into my teens, I started reading a lot more and eventually it became my life.

Now, in my mid-twenties, all I do is read. Don't get me wrong, I have a life. I'm a full-time student in my final year of post-secondary, studying to become an elementary teacher.  When I'm not doing work for school, working, or planning my wedding, I am usually found with my Kobo in my hand. I'd rather read a good book than sit down in front of the television.

Over the summer, I was part of this non-official "book club" with a few friends from work. We started sharing books that we liked, talking about them, and the usual.  I started out at the beginning of the summer with making them a list of all the books I've read at the time that were worth sharing (I honestly think there were at least a hundred books on that list...just imagine how many I have now...).

I mentioned before that I read quite fast, and I do. I usually finish a book a day (well, four hours actually). Out of my little non-official book club, I was always the first one done a book and I would always pressure them into finishing so we could talk about it without me spoiling it. I'm one of those people that can't put a book down once it's been opened, especially if it's an amazing read.  I've also been known to forgo sleep, food, and life while reading a book.  I think the most I've gone without sleeping because of reading is...possibly three days. Who needs sleep?

I typically read anything that sounds interesting, and sometimes I've randomly come across a book that I just read for the sake of it and it ended up becoming a hidden gem.  I usually read a lot of those new contemporary romance books (yes, even the smutty ones). Those I love.

I like to indulge myself in the lives of the characters in the books I read.  Like George R.R. Martin said:

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.

The man who never reads lives only one."   

- George R. R. Martin

Alright, enough about me! I want to know more about you!

What are your favourite books?

What type of books do you like to read?

What do you look for when choosing your next read?

Who do you talk to about books that you like?

Which authors are to die for?

Do you write?

Anything else you'd love to share?

Ideas for the blog?

Feel free to comment below or send me an email at beneaththeblanketbb@gmail.com or using the form to the right.  Also, if you do comment or send an email, just note that I may quote your comment or email in future posts to share with others (with all the crediting, of course!).

Lastly, if you have recently read a book and think that it definitely deserves some spotlight and would love to share a review, feel free to email me your post and I can post it on your behalf (I'll credit you with whatever information you've provided in the message).

Please remember, this is a blog. An opinionated blog. I do have my own thoughts about certain books and authors, whether or not they're the same as others'. No matter if you agree or disagree, please try to be respectful with your comments and posts. Thank you!


Anyways, much love!

~ BB♡

Update - September 19th : Just wanted to let you know that I will try my hardest to keep my reviews SPOILER-FREE. I know how much it sucks to read a review only to have the whole book ruined for you.

If on the rare occasion, I do include a spoiler, I will make sure you know it way before you start reading the post (ex, in the title of the post, and the first line of the post)