Four Seconds to Lose by K.A. Tucker

Title: Four Seconds To Lose (Ten Tiny Breaths #3)

Author: K.A. Tucker

Publisher: Atria Books

Release Date: April 1, 2014

Source: Borrowed from fellow blogger

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository / Indigo

When a gorgeous young dancer walks through his door, a strip club owner must decide whether to follow his rules or his heart in the third novel by the author of One Tiny Lie and Ten Tiny Breaths.

Owning a strip club isn't the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine-year-old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict "no sleeping with the staff" rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain's self-control…and it's been a long time since any woman has done that.

Twenty-two-year-old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it's too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she's putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she's not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn't really exist--and the girl pretending to be her can't get distracted by romance.

Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, and that those feelings may not be unrequited--but losing him when he finds out what she's involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

If you've been following my reviews for a while, you'll know that I have been absolutely LOVING K.A. Tucker's New Adult novels. I devoured Ten Tiny Breaths and One Tiny Lie, and when I picked up Four Seconds to Lose, the same thing happened. The story completely sucked me in, and once again, I just fell in love with the characters. To say I wasn't disappointed is a major understatement.

Everyone always makes assumptions about the type of person Cain Ford is. Owning a strip club will do that. But Cain refuses to be like all the other strip clubs out there. At Penny's women are safe and Cain will do whatever he can to help them get their life on track. And the one thing he will absolutely not do is sleep with any of his employees. And so far, Cain has been able to stick to that rule. But everything changes when Charlie walks into his club looking for work. Charlie is looking to escape from her past, not get involved with her new boss. But the more they try to deny their attraction to each other, the more Cain and Charlie find themselves being drawn to one another. But Charlie knows that getting involved with Cain could be the one thing to end her. Because if Cain finds out about her past, she could lose the one person she truly cares for.

If nothing else, K.A. Tucker's books always seem to give me ALL THE FEELS. I just can't seem to get through any of her stories without my heart being put through the wringer and me lying on my bed hugging the book. This happened with Ten Tiny Breaths and One Tiny Lie, and it happened once again with Four Seconds to Lose. The story this time around was different and darker than the previous two. But this darkness and intensity is what kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me turning the pages. There were so many unknowns in this story and I wanted to know them all, being the curious person that I am. Due to the subject matter, though, I can't really say that I connected as much with this story than I did with the other two, but that didn't stop me from loving it. And the characters, more than anything are what drew me in. Unlike in the two previous books, Four Seconds to Lose is told from alternating points of view and I loved what this brought to the story. It allowed me to get to know both Cain and Charlie that much better and made me realize just how intertwined their stories were, whether they knew it or not. 

I don't think I can even begin to explain how much I loved Charlie and Cain. They were both so broken but tried so hard to put themselves back together. As you may know by now, I love it when characters are broken because they just feel that much more real. That's exactly what I got with Cain and Charlie, and I loved them for it. Though she never wanted for anything, Charlie's life was pretty horrible all things considered. The more I found out about her stepfather and his "business," the more I wanted her to find a way out and to be able to do so without having to sacrifice everything and everyone, especially Cain. And I don't really think I can put Cain into words. Whatever image you have of a strip club owner in your mind, think the complete opposite end of the spectrum and you might be getting close to Cain. He's had a rough past, that's for sure, but he's trying his best to atone for it in any way that he can and sees fit. Sure, sometimes I questioned whether the decisions he made were the best ones, but there was never any doubt in my mind that he was a good guy. And at the end of the day, Cain and Charlie were just perfect for each other, even if they weren't always willing to admit it themselves.

I absolutely LOVED K.A. Tucker's Four Seconds to Lose. This is the kind of story that reminds me why I love broken characters so much and why they often make for the best stories. If you haven't picked up any of K.A. Tucker's New Adult titles, believe me when I say that you are seriously missing out.

Waiting on Wednesday (84)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine where book bloggers devote a post to an upcoming book release they are particularly looking forward to reading.

THIS WEEK'S PICK:
KISS KILL VANISH BY JESSICA MARTINEZ

Valentina Cruz no longer exists.

One moment, she was wrapped in Emilio's arms, melting into his kiss. The next, she was witnessing the unthinkable: a murder in cold blood, ordered by her father and carried out by her boyfriend. When Emilio pulled the trigger, Valentina disappeared. She made a split second decision to shed her identity and flee her life of privilege, leaving the glittering parties and sultry nightlife of Miami far behind. 

She doesn't know how to explain to herself what she saw. All she knows now is that nothing she believed about her family, her heart, or Emilio's love was real.

She can change her name and deny her past, but Valentina can't run from the truth. The lines between right and wrong, and trust and betrayal, will be blurred beyond recognition as she untangles the deceptions of the two men she once loved and races to find her own truth.

I've read some of Jessica Martinez's other books and really enjoyed them, so I was really excited when I first heard about Kiss Kill Vanish. It's definitely different from her other books, but it sounds really awesome all the same. I can't wait to see how this will all play out and it definitely sounds like a story that will be filled with action and mystery. I can't wait!

Kiss Kill Vanish by Jessica Martinez will be published October 7, 2014 by Katherine Tegen Books.

Blog Tour - Starling by Fiona Paul & Giveaway

Today I have the pleasure of being part of the blog post for Fiona Paul's Starling, hosted by Book Nerd Tours. This is the third and final book in her Venom series, and if you haven't already checked it out, you really should. And as part of today's blog tour, I have the pleasure of having Luca, one of the lovely boys from the story, here to answer a few questions. So without further ado, here is was Luca had to say.

What has it been like being away in France for your studies?

France! That seems so long ago when I think of everything that's happened in the past few weeks. It was…placid, you might say. I went to the university and quietly listened while lecturers and learned men spoke of courts and legalities. I spent most nights studying or writing letters to Cassandra. Returning to Venice, saving her from that wretched madman, it's helped me realize what's truly important. I don't crave excitement quite like Cassandra does, but I feel more alive, more passionate about everything, in her presence.

Did you come back to Venice only to protect Cassandra or were there other forces drawing you back to the city?

I was planning to return to Venice with the opes of setting a date for our wedding, but when I learned of my half-brother's depraved activities, I knew Cassandra might be in danger.

What has it been like reconnecting with Cassandra now that you are both older? Is she still the same Cass you knew before you went to France?

I have enjoyed reconnecting with Cassandra. I only wish it were under better circumstances. She is and she isn't the same girl, if that makes sense. The Cassandra I remember was this impulsive colt-like child. She was all arms and legs and thick wavy hair. Her handmaid was forever shrieking about her mussing her braids or getting her dresses dirty. Now Cassandra is more refined and elegant, but she still has that wild, impetuous streak in her where I never know exactly what she's going to do next.

Why do you think people are trying to hurt you and Cass? Does it have anything to do with the Order of the Eternal Rose and with why you were imprisoned?

It has everything to do with the Order of the Eternal Rose. I will not rest until I see the Order destroyed and its members punished. In the meantime, I will do whatever I must to keep Cassandra safe.

What do you think is going to happen now that you and Cass can't return to Venice? 

Cassandra and I must go in search of the Book of the Eternal Rose. Within its pages lies the evidence we need to destroy the Order. The books was in Florence at one time. Now we are unsure of its location, but we will find it if it is the last thing we do. 

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Book:

The dark, seductive conclusion to the thrilling Secrets of the Eternal Rose trilogy!

In the final book in the trilogy, Cass and Luca are back in Venice trying to find the Book of the Eternal Rose to clear Luca's name and keep them both out of prison. But the hunters become the hunted when the Order of the Eternal Rose figures out their plan. Filled with twists and turns, danger and torrid romances, this novel brings the Secrets of the Eternal Rose novels to a thrilling, heart-pounding, sexy conclusion. 

Buy the Book:

    

About the Author:

Fiona Paul lives in the midwest but travels a lot since she can't breathe if she spends too much time away from the ocean. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a major in psychology and spent a year teaching English in Seoul, Korea while she was deciding what she wanted to be when she grew up. Answer: everything. In addition to being a teacher and writer, she's also worked as a sauté cook, sporting goods manager, veterinary assistant, and registered nurse. When she's not working, you can usually find her kayaking, reading, or helping turtles cross the road. Her future goals include diving with great white sharks and writing more books, not necessarily in that order. Venom is her first novel.

Connect with Fiona Paul:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Waiting on Wednesday (83)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine where book bloggers devote a post to an upcoming book release they are particularly looking forward to reading.

THIS WEEK'S PICK:
TAKE ME ON BY KATIE MCGARRY

Acclaimed author Katie McGarry returns with the knockout new story of two high school seniors who are about to learn what winning really means.

Champion kick boxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from. Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help.

West is keeping a big secret from Haley. About who he really is. But helping her--fighting for her--is a shot at redemption. Especially since it's his fault his family is falling apart. He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future.

Hayley and West have agreed to keep their relationship strictly in the ring. But as an unexpected bond forms between them and attraction mocks their best intentions, they'll face their darkest fears and discover love is worth fighting for.

At some point in the last two years, you've probably seen me fangirling over Katie McGarry and her books at some point or another. So really it shouldn't be that much of a surprise that I am BEYOND excited at the prospect of being able to read her next book, Take Me On. I've loved everything I've read of her's so far, and I can't wait for me. Katie McGarry also has this ability to write characters that feel like real people and every time, without fail, I fall completely in love with them (don't even get me started on Isaiah). I can't wait to have that feeling again.


Take Me On by Katie McGarry will be published May 27, 2014 by HarlequinTEEN.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Title: My Life Next Door

Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Release Date: June 14, 2012

Source: Purchased

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository / Indigo

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them…until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha--even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

With this winter feeling like it's never going to end, I needed a little pick me up and decided to start binge reading some summery contemporary books. I have so many on my shelves that just called out to me and I just needed something to make me forget about the cold and piles of snow sitting outside. And so I finally picked up Huntley Fitzpatrick's My Life Next Door. And the first thing that went through my mind as I was reading: Why didn't I read this before?! So yeah, I loved it.

Samantha Reed has spent more time than she should have sitting on her roof, looking over the fence and watching the Garrett family. The Garretts couldn't be more different from Samantha's own family: they're loud, they're messy and they're caring. Samantha always thought she would only get to observe the Garretts from afar, that is until Jase Garrett climbs up the rose trellis and joins her on her roof. Before long, Samantha can't remember what life was like before Jase and the Garretts, but she knows her mother would never approve. But when the worse happens, Samantha doesn't know who she should be loyal to anymore. Should she protect her own family, or should she help the family that's embraced her?

Um, why did I not read My Life Next Door until now? WHY?! To say I couldn't put this book down would be a major understatement. Every spare second I had was spent reading this book. I just couldn't bring my self to stop. There was just so much to love about this story that nothing I ever say about it can possibly do it justice. But I'll try. This story completely sucked me in. Right from the start I was drawn in, wanting to know all that I possibly could about the Garretts, wanting to see what would happen between Samantha and Jase. It was just everything I love in a good contemporary story. The whole time I was reading, I just had this big smile on my face. That is until Huntley Fitzpatrick threw in a twist and all of a sudden I was cursing at the book (while still loving it of course). But even through the cursing and worrying about how the story could possibly recover from this, I couldn't stop reading and loving the story. And a lot of it had to do with the characters themselves. If I'm being honest, I couldn't not fall in love with them. Not falling in love with them just wasn't a possibility.

So, the characters. I can't even begin to explain how much I loved them. Right from the start I loved Samantha. I could see just how much she longed to have a life like the one she saw next door. It wasn't so much that she was missing out on anything when it came to material things. But as much as she had everything she could possibly need, she didn't have what she wanted it. And Jase was able to give her that. And I'm not going to lie, within two pages, I was completely in love with Jase. And what did it for me was the way he treated Samantha and seeing just how much he cared about his family. I really can't put him into words. All I can say that is that he was perfect in all the ways that matter. As much as I loved Samantha and Jase, there were so many characters to love in this story, some of them even going so far as stealing the show in some moments. George, Jase's little brother, completely melted my heart any time he opened his mouth. He was just so adorable. And then there was Tim, who completely took me by surprise. I had completely written him off at first, but then he sort of came out of nowhere and, I'll admit, I may have been a little bit in love with him by the end. 

I absolutely ADORED Huntley Fitzpatrick's My Life Next Door. This book was so much more than I hoped and thought it would be. It's also made me that much more excited to read Huntley Fitzpatrick's next book, What I Thought Was True. And of course, if you haven't already, don't make the same mistake I did and pick up My Life Next Door as soon as you can. It will be totally worth it.