Forbidden Love that is from the Heart !!!
346548
This book was gifted to me by another devoted reader.  I can't begin to thank her enough for giving me the opportunity to read this fantastic book by Ms. Frank.
Don't want to give away any spoilers, but the premise of the book is about a high school history teacher that falls in love with one of his students.  Grayson McKendrick returns to his father's home town to be with him in his final days due to illness.  He begins teaching at the local high school and immediately notices Addison Lancaster, who is late for the first day of class.  Forbidden love, absolutely ...... Addison clearly indicates to Grayson that she is after him.  However, Grayson realizes and soon learns that Addison has demons that she fights everyday due to the untimely death of her brother, Daniel, and the effect his death has had on the family. However, as their relationship continues, neither of them are prepared for the consequences of this forbidden love.  After all, it is just not acceptable for a teacher to have a love affair with a student.  The one constant and friend that Addison has thru out this entire story is her therapist, "Doc", as she calls him.  He has his own secrets regarding Addison as he tries to help her deal with her suicide attempt.  It's those secrets that bring Addison and Grayson back to embracing their love.
Oh, I can't say anymore since I don't want to give the story away.  The story is well written, nail biting at times, tender to the heart for Grayson & Addison, and heartbreaking when consequences try to keep them apart.  Grayson & Addison will melt your heart and leave you believing in true love.
416070
Lovers of forbidden love romance will not want to miss Unteachable!  In addition, to the tantalizing, passion-filled, steamy scenes, the writing is truly a treasure.  So raw and not afraid to be politically incorrect, I completely fell in love with Leah Raeder's way of calling it like it is.  It really adds a whole other level of intensity and gritty feel to this clandestine affair, not to mention enhance the effect of the unexpected twists and turns that make this plot so captivating.

Maise OMalley has not had an easy life.  Although just eighteen, she has been taking care of herself for years.  Learning to survive in a household with a single, drug dealer mother, who also struggles with her own addictions, hasn't been easy; but it has shaped her in ways that while she is fully aware of, she is unable to change.

Although not a drug addict, like her mother, Maise's drug of choice is men, especially older men (some as much as twice, and one even three times, her age).  She never sticks with one for long though, just long enough to dull the pain and feed her "daddy issues" that stem from never having known hers.  Her goal is to put this terrible life behind her, once and for all, by starting over at film school when she graduates.

Then one night, shortly before commencing her senior year, she meets Evan, who turns her world upside down.  At the beginning of the book we don't know much about Evan.  His character, and past, is slowly revealed as Maise gets to know him adding to the suspense.

After sharing one night together, including some down and dirty time in Evan's car, true to her past mode with men, Maise disappears.  That doesn't last very long though, because, to her surprise, Evan turns out to be her new film class teacher.

Of course they try to ignore each other, but the intense chemistry they share is impossible to deny and soon they are hiding a passionate affair.  Worried over Evan potentially losing his job, they try their best to hide it, but inevitably the heightened sense of their forbidden attraction leads to riskier and riskier behavior.  Can their possibly be any sort of future in store for this couple that is separated by more than a decade age difference?

Adding further complexity to this precarious love story, is Maise's best friend, Wesley, who also is in love with her.  Trying to keep her relationship with Evan a secret from Wesley is difficult at best, but he also fulfills certain of her needs and she can't let him go.  Is Maise's HEA perhaps with Wesley instead of Evan?

What a fascinating story, which borders on dark romance, and also fits the new adult self-discovery trope.  The element of danger just drips from Ms. Raeder's writing, coloring the entire experience and causing you to question the true motivations of the characters.  Intrigue is also omnipresent, and just as secrets become revealed, you start to question your initial impressions.

The entire story, up to the last 10% for me, rated a 5, but the last set of events made me question the conclusion, both what I had read and what it meant.  All that said, I've always found that the best writers are able to elicit the strongest emotions, both of intense like of a story and also, less clear emotions.  In this case, I was left pondering for a few days before being able to put my thoughts to paper on this review.  In the end, I concluded that while this story may not have ended the way I would have preferred, I found Ms. Raeder's writing extremely provocative, and I look forward to discovering and perplexing over her future works.

Source:  Review provided by Atria via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
1276851
"To be a man who felt everything. I wanted to hold her, but
still have her move freely in my arms. I wanted to taste her lips and breathe in a part of her soul as I gave her a glimpse of mine. I didn't want to be her friend-no. I wanted to be so much more."

"We weren't supposed to fall for one another, she and I.
Yet it seemed gravity had a way of pulling us closer."

  Brittainy C. Cherry has a way of wrapping a story around my heart with her words. To feel a story well up in your body and the tears start running down my cheeks, I gasped a breath of air from the heartbreak.  Yes, that  happened to me many times throughout my read.

  In this story we have Lucy and there is no way to not fall in love with her. She is the youngest of three sisters her free spirit ways will fill your heart with light, she is beautiful, forgiving and always there for others. Being around Lucy takes the darkness out of a room, I only wish someone she loved could see that.  Lucy's love and heartbreak will have you wanting to dive into the story to protect and comfort her, but I felt the solace in her strength.

  Graham Russell, has protected himself by hiding his emotions. He is broody, distant and a man of few words. When you look into his eyes you'll get the answers you want. His past broke me into many pieces, I began thinking it would be impossible for him to accept love. Graham will also slowly but surely put all those broken pieces together. I fell in love with him and I more than needed the HEA for this character.

  The Gravity of Us may be a slow tease at romance and I kept waiting for the connection of two bodies. The more I read- I didn't miss it, because the connection of these two characters is being felt in every other way possible- heart and soul. I wish I could put into words all the emotions that went through me while reading, it's something that must be experienced. I have read The Air he Breathes and I loved it!  After reading this story, I can't wait to lose myself into the two other books in the series. Brittainy C. Cherry, you amaze me with your writing and the way you pull at the heart strings. 5 have your box of tissues Stars must read!!!
4547422
OMGGGG!!!! SHOW ME HOW was beautifully written and AMAZING!!!!! This is the second book of Anna Brooks's IT'S KINDA PERSONAL series and although it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book to get an appreciation for the characters and their relationships. I absolutely LOVE this series and I can't get enough!!

This story was about undying love and second chances. The soul deep love between Brandon and Mary began when they were kids and blossomed into an all consuming, passionate love. A love that didn't waver despite their time apart. A love that only grew stronger. When I first met Mary in MAKE ME FORGET, I wanted to know more about what had made this girl so scared and broken. I ached for her childhood and for having such irresponsible parents but she ALWAYS had Brandon, then and NOW! And despite the years apart, Brandon never gave up. He knew his heart and soul belonged only to Mary. I am SOO in love with Brandon - he's protective, possessive, loyal, and OMGG oozing with sexiness!!!

OHH! my heart was bursting with so much emotions as I read this book!! I was choking back tears and my heart was jumping with joy! Ms. Brooks's writing is full of FEELS and absolutely addictive!! I literally devoured this book and am already craving more!! I loved how she has tied the next book (Meara and Liam) into the final chapters of this book! 5+ lovesick stars!!
2591952
My first time reading of this writer's work and she did not disappoint. Oh my goodness, please read this love story that will rip your heart, cause you too bend over laughing and cry tears you didn't know were falling. Oh my goodness, this is a love story that can only leave you weak and wanting. The love was magical and the love was intense, hot and searing!! An absolute read. It will leave took you evaluating where you are in your life at the moment.  Please read this love story and know it would be a honor and blessing to love like this.
3650408
Wow!!! I didn't really know what expect when I started this book. I was instantly drawn in and didn't want to put my kindle down! It is the ultimate forbidden work fantasy! Trey and Kate have chemistry that is smoldering!!!! Love In Lingerie is a must read and definitely 5 stars!!
2888884
This was a beautifully written book detailing the love between two teens that seem to be destined for each other. Of course it isn't that simple... in fact there are many reasons they should not be together!! Once you learn about Claire and Alec's love they have for each other, you simply can't put the book down. This book leaves you yearning for more! I enjoyed it and can't wait for the next book... which is a MUST! You will not be able to get this forbidden love out of your mind!!
341163
I ove this book! Wowwwwww!!!!
I often find the more I enjoy a book the harder it is to articulate my review. Anything I say about Let Love Live will not prepare you for it. It is an experience. This book effected me tremendously.  Melissa Collins did an exquisite job in telling a story with so many facets. A breathtakingly beautiful and tremulous journey from childhood to adulthood.... Discovering who you are, coming out, dealing with shame and ridicule, finding love and losing it. Although an emotional read,  there are many fun moments that make you smile and sarcasm that will make you laugh out loud. It's flirty and dirty too!!

 It is a special kind of book. One that buries itself into your heart and calls to your soul. Ever wish a book could swallow you whole, just so it could be your reality? Well, that's how I felt as I read this one. I loved the characters so much, I wanted to know them!  This is my first book from Melissa and certainly not my last. It's evident, she writes from her heart and the stories come from her soul. While other authors write with logic and are analytical. Melissa pours her being into the pages. That is what makes this book so magical. It's tragically beautiful. The overwhelming love in this story encompasses you and takes you hostage. While the disparity and helplessness cripples you. I was completely over run with emotions. On quite a few occasions,  I actually had to take a break and breathe.

The first part of the book is a coming of age story that nearly killed me! Two best friends Dylan and Shane realize they have feelings for each other... Dylan has a wonderful home life, while Shane's is a nightmare. His story will devastate you. Most of it was excruciating to read. The stuff he had to endure, no one should ever have to go through. Many times, I wanted to jump into the book and protect him. Between the pain and turmoil, an infinate love bloomed. During their intimately tender moments, I forgot, I was reading about two boys... It was just a story about two young people falling in love. You will fall head over heels right along with them!

The last half of the book takes a different turn into adulthood. That's where we meet Conner. I swoon just thinking about him. He is beyond amazing... I adored what he brought to the story! I have never fallen in love with so many boys in one book!! All of them very different but just as extraordinary.

I have read a few M/M books now. I honestly believe my heart and mind has growth exponentially since I started reading them. I see things so differently now. If you allow yourself to let go while reading,  the rewards are confounding. I commend anyone who puts a voice to not only their plight but to their love!

Thank you Melissa Collins for writing this wonderful book, it will stay with me forever. Even if you aren't an M/M reader, you should take a chance with this one. It may change your mind and open your heart.
2608405
All Thats Left to Hold onto by Ella Fox



There have been a hand full of times where an author not only blows my mind with their words but hits home on a level that is so intimate. That was this book for me.

Ronan and Keely are given a chance to not only love each other but love a child that is not there own by blood but but by what matters. I loved Keely, as her heart was broken for her loss she did not hesitate to step up and make room in her heart for a child who asked for nothing by love. Ronan was amazing even when he was scared out of his mind and fighting what he wanted. His heart was so big you couldn't help but love him. These two together was perfection. You have to read this book. I got to the end and kept praying there was more!!!!

Ella conveys the importance of opening your heart in a way that is what the world needs more of. I was not raised by my parents. But by people who treated me as their own and did so by giving me more love than I thought possible. That is what this story reminded me off. How easy it is to only think of ourselves when there could be someone out there who just needs a little love.

Do yourself a favor and pick this one up today. It will be worth it

French Press Bookworm review
3595399
I laughed, I held my breath in anticipation and was left hot and wanting at times. This book although is about supernaturals, it is also about a forbidden love. My heart can't wait for the next one so I know what happens next. I am sitting here on pins and needles NEEDING to know what happens next!!!
2812766
This is a forbidden love with a twist and I loved reading it. Nicola and Vaughan go through many personal hurdles before they come together. Then have to go through difficult decisions to find happiness. I am new to this author and so far her books have won me over.
I received this book for an honest review by the Author.
3904406
Its not easy to open your heart to love when you feel that you're broken in some way. Those that aren't generally don't understand how crippling it can be, especially if for all outward appearances you seem to have it together. That Joey W Hill could have such insights to what that struggle is like speaks of her gift of understanding not only the human heart but what lies deep within the human soul as well.
Celestes insecurities and her feelings of unworthiness are so truthfully expressed, I found myself crying as she struggled to break free of the past that had held her a prisoner for so long. When we learn just what that past involves, its easy to see why Celeste cant allow herself to depend on anyone but herself. Convinced that shes too broken to have any kind of meaningful relationship with Leland, Celeste resorts to trying to control her feelings by acting out and bratting when he gets too close. She refuses to believe that hes really in it for the long haul, and keeps waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop.
Leland Keller can rightly be called one of the Knights weve come to love so much. Honorable and grounded, hes tired of the fishing games we all call dating. Hes more than willing to bide his time and wait for the one wholl fulfill his desire for the submissive hes always wanted. A chance meeting at a convenience store late one night brings Celeste into his path. Rather than being put off by her sass and quick wit, he finds himself drawn to the vulnerability he sees in her eyes. Determined to get to know the real Celeste, he patiently breaks through her barriers, and helps her as she struggles to accept what hes offering and deal with her fears. He recognizes that although the bite of pain can silence those voices in her head when needed, its through pleasure and praise that Celeste is able to finally feel loved, wanted and needed.
Their sexual relationship is erotically charged (read HOT) from the start. Lelands Dominance is intense yet theres a quiet quality to it as well. A deeply private man, he prefers to play with Celeste outside of a club setting. Fully in control, he takes the reins and shows her just how good it can be when she lets go. During one night of play, Leland uses rope to bind Celeste to him, and its through that bondage we see the first cracks in that hard fought suit of armor she wears to protect her heart. Constant and sure, over time Celeste comes to believe shes finally found her Master.

Soul Rest is such a beautifully written final story for the Knights of the Boardroom. Whether new to the series or one of those whove pestered Joey for more, this story will satisfy you all. When Leland and Celeste attend the wedding of the last of the original Knights, it brings all the Men of the KOTB and the women they love back together for one final event.  Were there when Ben and Marcie take their Vows, and we finally get the additional glimpse into Matt and Savannahs D/s relationship weve all wondered about when, along with Lucas, Cass, Peter, Dana, Jon, Rachel and a few surprise guests, theres an afterparty at Bens loft Dungeon you won't want to miss.
For me, Joey W Hill is the author I will ALWAYS go to when I want an erotic tale full of steamy sex, believable characters, well thought out plot and above all else a story that speaks directly to the Heart.
5 out of 5 stars!!
1181278
Forbidden love, temptations, braking old habits...
Oh...My...Goodness!!
Jules had to leave her life as she knew it because of her own guilt about her indiscretions.
Will moving to another state, another job, another home change her patterns?
Oh Jules...she's woven a twisted web and I was hooked!
Well paced, well developed and likable characters, this read was so well written and so intriguing I read this book in one sitting
1954740
Taken by Storm is a heart wrenching, beautifully written story of forbidden love. It is written from dual points of view- Micheal's dive book written journal style and Leesie's in the form of poems. I devoured this book and am left craving more.
Micheal is a diver and he is the survivor of a hurricane that killed his parents, and understandably he is broken and depressed. He has flashbacks and yearning to get back into the water. He moves in with his Grandma in the winter in Teacup and ...more Taken by Storm is a heart wrenching, beautifully written story of forbidden love. It is written from dual points of view- Micheal's dive book written journal style and Leesie's in the form of poems. I devoured this book and am left craving more.
Micheal is a diver and he is the survivor of a hurricane that killed his parents, and understandably he is broken and depressed. He has flashbacks and yearning to get back into the water. He moves in with his Grandma in the winter in Teacup and is numb. The Mormon "Ice Queen" of the school breaks through his walls and they fall in love. Leesie feels for him and wants to help him, and Micheal comes to need her, and begins to want to feel, want to heal.
They are both wonderful characters with voices that come through strong in their writing. I felt emotionally invested in the characters, and wanted the best for them. But it is hard to discern what really is the best. Can love conquer all? Loving one another and staying together means that one of them will have to cave- Micheal is used to showing his love through sex, and Leesie strong religious convicts her that she is to stay pure (no tongue, both feet on the floor among other rules.)
Though religion is important to Leesie, she does not come off as preachy to me. I think that she does well to show that God is important to her, she does not want to cave in her beliefs and convictions, but she doesn't want to force it on Michael. She invites him to events and she talks to him about it, but she truly hopes that it might be the thing to help.
Spoiler!!!!

The ending to me is hard to process- but I also really appreciate it. They do what is best for them personally- pursuing college and his diving- their dreams, and hold off on their love because it would hold them back. It is hard though because I want it to work out for them to stay together and still fulfill their dreams, but I do know that there is a second book out, and I am eager to read it and see how it all comes together.

All in all I loved this story and would recommend it. It is a story of romance, staying true to self, healing, and friendship.
940310
Heartwrenching love story!! Loved this addition to the series!!
764092
A forbidden romance can present itself at the most inopportune times. For Brigs, life wasn't exactly perfect but he was certainly content being a father and a husband. By all outward appearances, nothing was off in his life. When Natasha walked into his life, there was something special about her. As a student (not his), they shared a love of films. Brigs asked Natasha to be his research assistant, and the two began spending more time together.

Their interests drew them together. Brigs and Natasha both felt the excitement and attraction that goes along with finding a romance. Yet things were not as easy as finding love. After all, Brigs was married and had a family. Whatever they chose to do would affect those around them. That spark between the two just wouldnt go away.

Then the unexpected occurs. An event that would drive the two apart. A spiral down effect that would bring the end of their relationship. A loss so profound that it would still be there for years. Brigs has finally decided he needs to move on and stop punishing himself. Nothing could have prepared him to run into the one person who could break the ice surrounding his heart..Natasha.

Oh my.these McGregor men know how to hold me captive!! If you are a fan of the series then I know you have patiently waited to peel back the layers that surround Brigs. Let me tell you - Karina Halle certainly delivers a captivating romance that exudes all of the pain and happiness that has held Brigs captive for so long. This second chance romance will leave you hoping that Brigs will find his happily ever after. Does he? Well - I will never tell!! You will have to check out The Lie to discover all of the struggles that Brigs and Natasha have faced. It will be a journey of pain, heartbreak, and a truly undeniable bond!!
2171146
This is a very good forbidden romance read (student/teacher) with a slightly different take than usual, that being the woman (teacher) is older than the man (student), which was really refreshing and different, and quite personal to me being as I am 8yrs older than my hubby, so an interesting read for me!!

6 months ago, Beth was in Ibiza for a hen night with her friends when she very nearly succumbs to a one night stand with a hot local, something that she doesn't normally do, until he suddenly gets called away leaving Beth in a bit of a tizz - she still thinks about her near tryst daily.  Its not until a new student joins her class from Ibiza that she suddenly realises that Ryan was the near one night stand she thought she would never see again - now he's in her class, and the sparks are flying!!

Ryan moved back to Wales with his family from Ibiza after a nasty family incident on the island in attempt to get away and start afresh.  He's passionate about Rugby and has no time for girls with his exams just around the corner.  But he's always fancied the older women, like back on Ibiza, he cannot get that woman out of his head, and finds her to be his new teacher.  Spanish lessons are about to get very interesting!!

A good read full of angst, forbidden love, passion, temptation, mystery, suspense and a dark secret.  There are some red hot sexy scenes between Beth and Ryan!!  A good story with some great plot twists along the way make for a really good read, that's not overly long - I read this in one afternoon.  Highly recommended reading.