REVIEW - Lost to You (The Regret Series Book 0.5) by A.L. Jackson

People come into our lives. Some stay, and many go. Some build us up, while most tear us down. They become our friends, our enemies, our lovers, our tormentors.

Christian Davison came into mine, and I knew I’d never be the same.

To Elizabeth Ayers, New York City had always been a dream. She’s worked her entire young life to make it here.


Groomed to one day take over his father’s law firm, attending Columbia University was Christian Davison’s only option.


Neither wanted anything more until they sat across from each other at a café table after being paired as study partners.


Christian wants her, but Elizabeth knows better than to give into their intense attraction. Yet there is little she can do to stay away.


Lost to You, the prequel to the bestselling romance, Take This Regret. A New Adult novella, recommended for readers 17+. It’s unnecessary to have read Take This Regret to enjoy Lost to You.

Lost to You will have you living and breathing the emotions of Christian and Elizabeth. Be prepared share in the happiness, sadness, passion and love, but most of all the shattering heartbreak. When I got to the heartbreaking part, I can honestly say I felt every ounce of the devastating, gut wrenching agony that both Christian and Elizabeth were going through. A.L. Jackson has an amazing ability to make the reader feel all the highs and lows that the characters experience. It is a truly wonderful gift.

Lost to You is the prequel to Take This Regret. It was released AFTER Take This Regret, to give the reader an insight to how their relationship began and developed. However, (in my opinion) it doesn't matter which order you choose to read them. Regardless of which one you read first, the enjoyment will be the same and it will either lay the groundwork for Take This Regret if read first, or it'll provide a deeper understanding into some of the situations in Take This Regret. Either way, both books will have you begging to find out more about Christian and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's strength of character is evident throughout. You also see the innocent and gentle side to her nature. In order to protect her grades, and the scholarships, that make attending University possible, Elizabeth refuses to allow herself to be tempted by Christian. She knew early on her feelings ran much deeper than just friendship, but she would not give in to them.

Christian shows a vulnerable side to his character, which gives a greater understanding to some of his decisions and choices later on. I loved how protective he was of their friendship and how he had become to rely on it.

Throughout the book, the descriptive is so clear, you can visualise every part of the story and also feel every single emotion. A.L. Jackson does not put the emphasis on dialogue to get the story across. It is the descriptive writing that makes her books stand out for me. I am a huge fan of A.L. Jackson's style of writing and I've read everything she has written so far and I can honestly say, she never fails to hit the mark. If you have not read any of her books, I would highly recommend giving them a try.

My Rating

Amazon UK | Amazon

REVIEW - Lost For You (Lost Series Book 2) by B.J. Harvey

TITLE: Lost for You

AUTHOR: B.J. Harvey

SERIES: The Lost Series

GENRE: Romantic Suspense

What would you do if you were told that everything you had ever believed in and everything you had ever known, was a lie?

Elle’s life is altered forever after an unexpected phone call and an unwelcome visitor. Trying to put her life back together, Brax’s last words continue to echo through her mind. Why she is being followed and why is she suddenly in danger? The fact that Brax knew about it all and still left her alone, breaks her fragile heart all over again.

Brax will never forgive himself for leaving Elle at a time when she needed him the most, even if he believed it was the only way to protect her. As he makes his way back to her life, he is determined to win her back, regain her trust and help rebuild her for the second time. His return proves he is the same man, yet Elle sees in his eyes a haunted look she knows all too well.

When a confession leaves Elle reeling, her entire life unravels around her. She begins to understand that the people she trusts the most have put her in grave danger and the people who have been protecting her actually want to cause her harm.Elle soon discovers that the old adage is true, you have to become lost before you can be found.

OMG where to start? From beginning to end the book is an emotional roller coaster.

Picking straight up from the cliffhanger in Lost In Distraction the story of Elle and Brax is continued. I won't give anything away as I think this book should be enjoyed by the reader and not spoilt by the reviewer.

However, as you can guess from the book description, Elle survives the traumatic event at the end of Lost In Distraction (otherwise it would be just Brax's story).

From page 1 be prepared to shut out the world, have enough caffeine, food/snacks and all other essentials (tissues included) close to hand because I swear you will not want to put it down.

There are more highs and lows than on an ECG and more twists and turns than a roller coaster.

Brax and Shay continue to try and provide protection to Elle from the danger she is in. However this is not made easy for them and when all is finally unearthed, you will no doubt be shocked at all the revelations! Brax and Elle still have a strong attraction and connection to each other in more ways than one!

This book is well worth the read and in my opinion a reread! It is not often that I keep a book to reread but this one (along with Lost In Distraction) are permanent fixtures on my tablet!

When I finished the book I couldn't read another book as the story is so vibrant, the characters were brought to life and every emotion could be felt like you were witnessing every scenario first hand. Not something I experience very often, but when I do I know I have read something exceptional. That particular 'book hangover' lasted several days.

If you like romantic suspense novels I highly recommend this author and this series.

My Rating

Amazon UK | Amazon

REVIEW - Temporary Bliss (Bliss Series Book 1) by B.J. Harvey

TITLE: Temporary Bliss

AUTHOR: B.J. Harvey

SERIES: Bliss Series (Book #1)

Makenna Lewis cringes at any mention of the word commitment. She doesn’t want or need a relationship, but she does like sex (who doesn't). 

That explains Noah, Sean, and Zander, her three 'friends with benefits'. 

They know the score, they know they're not the only one, and each of them provide her with a different physical need that she craves and enjoys.

Until a late night encounter with the delicious Daniel Winters turns her preconceived notion of no-commitment completely on its head.

Soon she finds herself feeling things she vowed never to feel again, and when Daniel pushes for more than she’s willing to give, she falters.

What do you do when something that you’ve known to be so wrong in the past feels so damn right?
If you’re Mac, you run and hide.  But is Daniel the type of man who takes no for an answer?"

After reading the first two books from this author, I couldn't wait for Temporary Bliss to be released. Whilst the storyline could not have been any more different from her previous books, I found myself anxiously waiting to get my hands on a lighter storyline from B.J. Harvey.

I wasn't disappointed.

I was hooked from page one. The first chapter is gritty and lays the foundation for the reason's behind Mac's lifestyle choice.

In the beginning Mac (Makenna) is in a relationship with her high school sweetheart. When he gets a job offer in Ohio, they move there together. Unfortunately, after a few short months, this relationship turns abusive and Mac heads home to Chicago to heal. Dealing with her broken heart and spirit, Mac vows to herself that she will not allow herself to be consumed by a man again. She doesn't swear off men altogether. On the contrary, she embarks on 3 'friends with benefits' relationships with Noah (the Walking Dildo), Sean and Zander. They all know about each other and they are all happy to keep things as they are without any ties. They each fulfil a different need, but more than that they are friends first, with benefits a close second.

One night, she meets the handsome (read super H.O.T.!!) Daniel Winters (Superman!) on the way home from work. Right from the minute she lays eyes on him, there is a spark of something and as the relationship progresses, she has to decide if she wants to remain true to the vow she made to herself, or should she take a chance on Daniel. The relationship is not without it's ups and downs (no pun intended, but there is plenty of that too ;)) and in the end choices have to be made, by Mac, about which path she should choose, but will Daniel wait around on her to get herself together?

Throughout, Mac has the support of her best friend Kate and the dialogue between them will have you laughing out loud, as will the internal dialogue that Mac has with herself.

Altogether this book ticks all the boxes for a good, light hearted story with just the right amount of drama and angst to keep you hooked.

My advice? Prepare to read this in one sitting, because it will leave you panting for the next page/chapter until you read the words 'The End'.

B.J. Harvey, is fast becoming my 'Go To' author. Her first two books, Lost in Distraction and the sequel Lost for You were fantastic. If you haven't read them yet, check them out.

My Rating

AMAZON UK | AMAZON

REVIEW - Documentary by AJ Sand

TITLE: Documentary

AUTHOR: A.J. Sand

Dylan Carroll, an ambitious college student filmmaker still reeling from the death of her brother, may have just stumbled onto the opportunity of a lifetime.

Musician Kai White is in the middle of a public relations nightmare, and he may be keeping a secret that could turn things around. His manager/publicist wants to create a web series aimed at cleaning up his image. There’s also a promising offer at stake if Dylan can abide by the rule of staying strictly professional, and if she can figure out what Kai is hiding.

But Kai and Dylan already have an undeniable connection, and when they are together, they discover that rules are pretty easy to break. It's battling your own demons that's much, much harder.

As Dylan gets deeper into Kai's world, capturing his life on film, she'll learn that some secrets are so big, they are kept even at the expense of a career.

And that a person's story is often nothing like it appears from the outside.

If I could give this book more stars I would, without any hesitation. I read this book in less than 24 hours, and as much as I wanted to get to the end to see how the story panned out, I also found myself not wanting it to end.

I loved this book so much, I had a book hangover for DAYS! As soon as I finished it, I felt compelled to email the author right away and give her my opinion on the storyline.

Documentary had been on my to be read list for a while, however as soon as I read the blurb, I knew I was going to enjoy the story. The only thing I could not anticipate, was how much! Nothing and I repeat NOTHING prepared me for how much it totally blew me away! The emotions between Kai & Dylan were believable, so much so, I found myself feeling happy and sad along with them. I also felt anger and hatred towards Jeremy and Chase and seriously wanted to see them get their comeuppance big time.

I knew the emotions in the book were going to get to me the minute Kai was worried about what he may have done to Jeremy on the first page! I instantly felt happy when I realised he hadn't killed him (only to wish later on he had done significantly more damage).

I thought this was a well written book, with believable characters and a roller coaster of emotions. I felt as though, I as the reader, was in tune with the characters and could easily picture how they felt at any given time. I could feel the highs, lows, joy, sadness and anger.

The storyline is a hard one to carry off (I won't include any spoilers as I believe books should be experienced by the reader, not spoilt by the reviewer) but I felt AJ Sand did it justice.

It's not a light read by any stretch of the imagination. It's gritty and controversial but a worthy addition to anyone's 'To Be Read' list, if you have not already added it.

My Rating

AMAZON UK | AMAZON

REVIEW - TouchStone for Play by Sydney Jamesson

TITLE: TouchStone for Play

AUTHOR: Sydney Jamesson

SERIES: The Story of Us (Book #1)

"Twenty seven year old English teacher Elizabeth Parker is waiting to be found. Like the secrets of her past, her beauty is hidden, concealed behind modest clothes and a gentle nature. Into her secluded world enter two powerful men.
Handsome playboy, Ayden Stone is flawless and as skilled in the bedroom as he is in the boardroom. He has a taste for rare and beautiful things and he wants to taste her. He’ll do anything to make it happen. Uninitiated in the art of seduction, Beth embarks upon a voyage of sexual awakening, allowing Ayden to steer her towards deep and dangerous waters, unaware of their fateful connection.
From a distance, former boxer Dan Rizler, bides his time but never loses sight of the object of his desire: precious Miss Parker. His tormented soul reaches out to her with merciless hands. He must have her.
This is a modern fairy tale full of romantic moments, music and monstrous encounters. Elizabeth Parker is about to be found but will she be bound by her destiny or by her demon …"

After putting off reading this for sometime now, (because I wanted to wait for the rest of the series and enjoy them all in one sitting) I finally succumbed!

What can I say, but WOW! Ayden Stone is seriously H.O.T. stuff. Taking him to bed was definitely NOT a chore! Elizabeth Parker is one hellavu lucky lady.

It starts off with Beth Parker, a quiet and unassuming English teacher preparing for careers day. The speaker is none other than the exceptionally handsome Mr. Ayden Stone, media mogul and ruler of his empire. Ayden is very focused and work driven. Nothing stands in his way, when he wants something, he goes all out to get it, and he wants Beth. He is quick to realise his usual tactics of seduction will not work with Beth, so he switches things up a bit.

Beth Parker on the other hand is very quiet, withdrawn and prefers to hide behind her glasses.  Her preferred company is her music and her best friend Charlie. It's clear early on, something traumatic happened in Beth's past, but what's not clear is exactly what that was. The sheer extent of this is slowly unravelled as the story progresses.

As the relationship between Beth and Ayden progresses, Beth comes out of her shell more. She develops a whole new level of confidence and sensuality. However her past is lurking in the shadows in the form of a very, very creepy character called Dan Rizler.

The story is told in the first person, from Beth's point of view, however when it comes to creepy Dan, the author tells it in the third person. This gives you the impression you are keeping him at arms length, because you know there is something seriously disturbing about him. It's almost like you are in the same room as Beth and living it with her, but when it comes to Dan, it's like watching it on the television. This is a really good ploy by the author and I have to say it gave a whole different dimension to the story. During Beth's parts you could feel the gentleness of her character but during Dan's parts, you were aware of the danger he presented. He literally gave me the creeps and certainly had my skin crawling at some parts.

As I said earlier, I wanted to read all the books back to back, however I just could not stay away and had to break my cardinal rule of not reading a series until all the books are released. You see I have no patience and hate (and I mean HATE) cliffhangers and this one has a beauty of a cliffhanger (bad Sydney Jamesson for luring me in earlier!) So I guess I will just have to read them again when the next ones come out! That I can assure you will not be a hardship, in fact I'm quite looking forward to that as much as I'm looking forward to seeing how this story develops.

All in all a very good read, thank you Sydney Jamesson!

My Rating

AMAZON UK | AMAZON

And thank you to the lovely Sydney Jamesson for Tweeting my review to her followers!

Have you read #TOUCHSTONEforplay yet? Di has, and this is what she had to say about it ... http://t.co/RQFXAPi5sC
— Sydney Jamesson (@SydneyJamesson) September 7, 2013