Tag: Lisa Desrochers

Review: Fifty First Times Anthology

Posted July 22, 2014 by Rowena in Reviews | 0 Comments

Rowena’s review of Fifty First Times Anthology.

You always remember your first time…

Whether it’s the couple who decides not to go through with it, the two boys who finally aren’t ashamed, the newlyweds whose wedding night could very well be their last night together, the deaf pair who have no choice but to take body language to a new level–or, of course, the two young lovers fumbling and laughing, getting everything wrong. These are the memories that will never fade.

Join nineteen fantastic authors as they pull back the curtain and give you a peek inside that one intense moment in their characters’ lives when everything changes and nothing will ever be the same again.

Featuring stories from some of the hottest names in New Adult, Young Adult, and Romance including New York Times Bestselling authors J.Lynn/Jennifer Armentrout, Molly McAdams, Sophie Jordan, and Carrie Ryan.

NOTE: These stories are works of fiction. If you want to know about our first times, you’ll have to buy us a pet monkey first.

When I saw that J. Lynn had a story in this book, I was all about reading it.  I’m a fan of her Wait for You series and the story included in here was Britt and Ollie’s story of their first time.  I’m really hoping that this wasn’t it for them, that they were only a nice fling but after reading that the next book, Stay with Me, is not Britt’s book but Calla’s book, I’m glad.  Anyway, that is why I wanted to read this book but I read all of the stories in this book and there were some good ones and some that just didn’t do anything for me.

There were a lot of short stories in this book and I can’t think which book was my favorite.  I’m going to go through each story and jot down a few of my thoughts for each of them.

The Corner of First & Second by Gennifer Albin.

I liked this one.  It was cute story about two best friends who fell out of touch after a disastrous prom night who meet up after almost a year and reconnect.  I liked both Wes and Jac and thought their first time together was sweet.  This is probably one of my favorite reads in the entire anthology.

Daylight by Julie Cross

I’ve never read anything by Julie Cross but I’ve heard good things about her.  I wasn’t really feeling her addition to this anthology.  This short story is about a newlywed couple named Jack and Audrey. Audrey is the daughter of a preacher man and Jack is the mysterious tenant of the small apartment at the Church that her father preaches at.  They come into contact there and fall in love but I thought their story was too short to really get a feel for it so I didn’t really connect with either of the leads.  Oh, well.  I’m still curious about her other books.

A Little Too Scarred by Lisa Desrochers

This story is about a girl who has returned from Afghanistan, disfigured from a bomb that went off near her and killed her friend.  Before she was injured, she started growing closer to a guy that she went to high school with, named Rick.  Rick is two years older than her and used to date her sister’s friend. She was excited to come back home and meet him but now that she’s scarred up, she’s embarrassed and is pulling away from Rick but Rick isn’t having it.  He’s got no idea why she’s pulling away from him but he doesn’t give up on her and his persistence won me over.  My heart went out to Rene in this story because of what she went through but there were times when I wish she had more faith in Rick.  In the end, I liked it.

Once Bitten by Cole Gibsen

This is a story of a couple who fell out of contact with each other with no word.  The girl was left behind and the guy is back and wants to make things right.  I wasn’t too forgiving of Tanner.  I didn’t think there were enough pages to convince me that he was truly sorry for leaving without a word and I thought that Avery fell into his arms too soon, which is what we get for this being a short story but it still didn’t win me over.

Crash by Sophie Jordan

Hunter’s story! We met Hunter in Foreplay, he’s the guy that Pepper had a huge crush on.  But he’s not the guy that she ends up with.  In this short story, we meet Brooke.  The stripper that Hunter meets on a night out with the boys.  I won’t lie, the entire time that I was reading this book, I was singing, “I’m in love with a stripper” by T-Pain and it did make me laugh but really? This story was cute.  I adored Hunter and I liked Brooke.  They were cute together.

Under the Seryn Moon by Melissa Landers

This is Lyra and Kai’s story.  Their countries are at war with each other and to regain peace in the land, their fathers marry their kids to each other to keep it all in the family.  This short story follows Lyra and Kai after their married.  Lyra is scared and feels all alone and Kai is a mysterious stranger to her.  This story was cute and the only historical in the bunch of stories.  I liked both Kai and Lyra and even though I wished for more page time for these two, the pages we were given were good ones.  I liked this one.

How to be a Heartbreaker by Lauren Layne

Story of Annie and the guy that you don’t think she’s going to end up with at first.  Oh man, this is another story that I really liked.  With each passing chapter, I was thirsty for more and I was surprised at how quickly I switched camps from one guy to the next one.  The guy she ended up with was such a good fit for her that I was grinning like a crazy lady after I finished this one.  So cute!

Two in the Morning by Roni Loren

This is my first gay romance short story.  Besides Jules and Robin’s story from Suz Brockmann’s Troubleshooters series and while I loved their story, gay romances haven’t been anything that I read on the regular.  This story was cute and sweet.  Two best friends.  One gay, and one not…or so we’re led to believe until we find out, he’s not so straight.  When these two finally get together in the end, I smiled because I couldn’t help but think, “FINALLY”  Bates was a good guy and I was thrilled for him that Malcolm was not only gay but returned his feelings. Big happy face!

Believe in Me by J Lynn

Britt and Ollie’s story.  The story of their first time.  Ooh, the feels!  I’ve been wanting Britt and Ollie to end up together since I read Cam and Avery got together in Wait for Me.  If you read Be with Me, then you’ll remember when Britt and Ollie meet up at a party that Tess and Jase are at.  It’s before Jase and Tess get together so at the party, Tess gets pretty drunk and catches Jase with that other girl, Stephanie. Well, this story shows us what’s going on with Britt and Ollie.  And just like I knew I would, I loved it. So freaking cute.  My only complaint is that they don’t get a full novel…or do they? I hope so.

Sharing Firsts by Molly McAdams

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book.  I went into it with very low expectations because I hated the other book that I read by McAdams.  I was not a fan of that book, at all.  But this story was heaps better than Taking Chances…but saying that, I don’t think McAdams is for me.  This book was just okay, I didn’t read the other book featuring Kinlee and Jace so I didn’t understand what was going on but I thought their fight was silly and the way that Jace is portrayed as completely pissed off one minute and then does that quick switcheroo to completely in love again didn’t feel believable.

Strike Out by Myra McIntyre

This was another story that was just okay for me.  I didn’t connect with Liza at all, I wasn’t a fan of the way that she lumped all baseball players together and held “being a baseball player” against Ben for no reason other than past experiences with players that are not Ben.  Ben’s been nothing but a gentleman to her and she treats him like shit.  So when she finally decides to give him a chance, I rolled my eyes because she didn’t grovel nearly enough in apology to suit me.  I thought Ben was too good for Liza and when it ended, I still thought that.

This is My Sign by Hannah Moskowitz

I didn’t understand this story, or poem at all.  It was about two deaf kids who lost their virginity to each other before one of the deaf kids goes away forever.  And that’s it.  Meh.

Going for Broke by Lyla Payne

I think this was my absolute favorite story of the bunch.  I thought what Tressa did was completely adorable and brave.  You could tell that she had grown up from the last time that she saw Noel and I thought it was completely cool that she wanted one last chance to come clean about her true feelings for him, without an agenda of any kind.  She loved him and was still in love with him and she just wanted him to know before he got married.  My heart broke, my heart soared and then sighed all while reading this book.  So cute!

For the Sake of Science by Mark Perini

This was another story that I wasn’t a fan of.  I couldn’t connect with the main character, Luke mostly because I didn’t understand what was going on.  The character development didn’t do a thing to make me connect or even care what was happening with Luke and at the end, I was left thinking, “Alright, next.”  So yeah, this one didn’t work for me.

Love in an Elevator by Carrie Ryan

This is a love story about two strangers who get stuck in an elevator for hours and …fall in love.  Yeah, it was so implausible that it was hard for me to get into the story.  They met in an elevator and she’s completely soaked from being sent for food in the rain, with a broken umbrella.  So in the elevator, she’s soaking wet and the hot stranger sharing the elevator with her offers her his button down, she accepts, takes off ALL of her clothes and sits in the elevator with a complete stranger in nothing but his shirt.  No bra, no skirt, no PANTIES and she finds NOTHING wrong with it.

Yeah, not buying it.  So yep, this wasn’t for me.

Bunga, Bunga by Andrew Shaffer

Another gay hook up story? I’m not sure they were in love by the end of their story but they did end up enjoying each other’s company and it was cool.  Not much to the story but I was happy for the main character since he finally got to nail the guy that he’s always wanted to.  Go him! I feel bad because I forgot his name.

With the Lights On by Alessandra Thomas

This is a story about a girl Anna, who has body issues and her relationship with her boyfriend, Tal.  Tal loves her but because of some stuff that went down in her past, she doesn’t really believe that he loves her.  Well, she does but she doesn’t understand why. She’s not a skinny bitch, she’s got curves and she’s unsure of those curves.  Over the course of this short story, we see Anna come to be okay with her body.  This was cute but too short and I didn’t think that the characters developed completely to make me fall in love with them.  Still, it was okay.

Field Emotions by Melissa West

Oh, this was another cute story.  It features Blake and Summer, who have been really good friends since high school.  Blake is the big football star at their college and Summer is a nerd who is not a fan of watching Blake get hurt on the field.  Summer thinks that Blake is a big player but he’s anything but.  Oh man, I love the whole best friend to lovers bit and I thought West did a great job with these two.  They were adorable and when they finally did the deed, I grinned like a maniac.  So freaking cute!

Grind by Tracy Wolff

This was a short story about two lovers who have been a part for the last three years and are now reunited.  Gage and Dyani.  Their story was short and sweet and even though I wished for more, I still thought this was a cute one.

Overall, there was a shit load of stories but I wasn’t mad that I read them all.  I enjoyed some and I didn’t enjoy others but overall, it was a good mix of stories and I’m glad that I picked this up for review.

Overall grade: 4 out of 5

This book is available from Avon Impulse.  You can purchase it here or here in e-format.  This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


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Cover Reveal: A Little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers

Posted June 12, 2013 by Rowena in Promotions | 2 Comments

Lisa Desrochers wrote a New Adult book and you guys know how I’m glomming the hell out of all things New Adult so I’m excited.   I’m also excited to participate in the cover reveal for A LITTLE TOO FAR.

Jennifer L. Armentrout (J. Lynn), New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You, had this to say about A Little Too Far, “More than a ridiculously sexy, HOT read, Desrochers takes you on a wild ride of self-discovery and bittersweet romance.”

If you haven’t heard of the book, here’s the blurb:

Have you ever gone just a little too far?

Lexie Banks has.

Yep. She just had mind-blowing sex with her stepbrother.In her defense, she was on the rebound, and it’s more of a my-dad-happened-to-marry-a-woman-with-a-super-hot-son situation. But still, he’s been her best friend and confidant for better part of the last few years…and is so off limits. It’s a good thing she’s leaving in two days for a year abroad in Rome.But even thousands of miles away, Lexie can’t seem to escape trouble. Raised Catholic, she goes to Confession in hopes of alleviating some of her guilt…and maybe not burning in hell. Instead, she stumbles out of the confessional right into Alessandro Moretti, a young and very easy on the eyes deacon…only eight months away from becoming a priest. As Lexie and Alessandro grow closer, and when Alessandro’s signals start changing despite his vow of celibacy, she doesn’t know what to think. She’s torn between falling in love with the man she shouldn’t want and the man she can’t have. And she isn’t sure how she can live with herself either way.

And without further adieu, here’s the fabulous cover:

*GIVEAWAY ALERT: The kind folks over at Harper Collins are hosting a giveaway to go along with the cover reveal. They’re offering a giveaway contest that includes a swagpack with a few goodies that pertain to the book! Don’t miss out!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
“I trace a finger along the lines of the tattoo over his heart—the kanji symbol for knowledge—as he grasps my thighs and rolls his hips underneath me.”

Good luck!

PRE-ORDER LINKS: AMAZON|BARNES & NOBLE|iBOOKS

*Please note that this is not a Book Binge sponsored giveaway.


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Book Watch: Original Sin (Personal Demons #2) by Lisa Desrochers.

Posted June 10, 2011 by Rowena in Promotions | 2 Comments

It’s been quite a while since I’ve put one of these up so I thought it was about time I get my butt in gear and start paying more attention to this blog. I’ve had lots of things going on in my real life that were getting in the way of my posting (most of the posts/reviews that I’ve put up lately have been written a while ago) so I guess this post will serve as the kick in the butt that I need to get this blog up and running more smoothly.

Yesterday, I posted my wish list for June but today’s Book Watch will feature a book that I’m super stoked about but doesn’t come out for a while yet and because I’m me, I’m anxious.

Check it out:

Luc Cain was born and raised in Hell, but he isn’t feeling as demonic as usual lately—thanks to Frannie Cavanaugh and the unique power she never realized she had. But you can’t desert Hell without consequences, and suddenly Frannie and Luc find themselves targeted by the same demons who used to be Luc’s allies.

Left with few options, Frannie and Luc accept the protection of Heaven and one of its most powerful angels, Gabe. Unfortunately, Luc isn’t the only one affected by Frannie, and it isn’t long before Gabe realizes that being around her is too…tempting. Rather than risk losing his wings, he leaves Frannie and Luc under the protection of her recently-acquired guardian angel.

Which would be fine, but Gabe is barely out the door before an assortment of demons appears—and they’re not leaving without dragging Luc back to Hell with them. Hell won’t give up and Heaven won’t give in. Frannie’s guardian exercises all the power he has to keep them away, but the demons are willing to hurt anyone close to Frannie in order to get what they want. It will take everything she has and then some to stay out of Hell’s grasp.

And not everyone will get out of it alive.

I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, Personal Demons and I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to read this book so I’m really anxious for it. This book comes out July 5, 2011 so mark your calendars, we’re getting more Luc and Gabe and Frannie, woot!

..and that’s your scoop!

Pre-order the book: B&N|Borders|Amazon|Book Depository
Book cover and blurb credit: http://barnesandnoble.com


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Personal Demons Giveaway Winner Announced!

Posted January 17, 2011 by Rowena in Giveaway Winners | 1 Comment


We’ve got a winner y’all!

Thanks to everyone who entered my little giveaway for their very own copy of Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers. I hope that the winner enjoys the book as much as I did, if not more. =) The winner was chosen over at RANDOM.ORG so without further adieu, the winner of their very own copy of Personal Demons is:


Congratulations Alison! I’ll be sending you an email shortly to get your snail mail addy so that I can get this book sent out. Thanks again to everyone who entered the giveaway and if you want a shot to win another fantastic book then head on over to my Unearthly review, I’m giving away three copies of that book. That’s another book that you won’t want to miss!

..and that’s your scoop!

Buy the book: B&N|Borders|Amazon|Book Depository
Book cover and blurb credit: http://barnesandnoble.com


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Review and Giveaway: Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers.

Posted January 6, 2011 by Rowena in Reviews | 21 Comments


Main Character: Frannie Cavanaugh
Love Interest: Luc Cain
Series: Personal Demons, Book 1
Author: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Goodreads

Frannie Cavanaugh has always been a bit of a loner. She’s spent years keeping everyone at a distance, even her closest friends. That is, until Luc Cain enrolls in her school. He’s hot, sarcastic, and dangerous –and Frannie can’t seem to stay away.

What she doesn’t know is that Luc is on a mission. Because Frannie isn’t exactly ordinary. She possesses a skill so unique that the King of Hell himself has taken notice, and he’s sent Luc to claim Frannie’s soul. It should be easy: All he has to do is get her to sin, and Luc is as tempting as they come.

Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and he’s just started making progress when the angel Gabriel shows up. Gabe will do anything to keep Luc from getting what he came for, and his angelic charm might just be enough to keep Frannie on the right path.

It isn’t long before Luc and Gabe find themselves fighting for more than just Frannie’s soul. But if Luc fails to win her over, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.

On the front cover of this book, it reads:

“If you had to choose between Heaven and Hell, which would it be? …Are you sure about that?”

When I read that, my interest in this book went straight up. I mean, as a Christian, of course I’d choose Heaven but as I got further in this book, Hell was looking pretty dang good…that damn Luc and his sexiness just about did me in.

This book follows Frannie Cavanaugh as she is being pursued by both Heaven and Hell for her soul. She’s a special being and though she has no idea why Heaven and Hell want her, want her they do and they’re willing to do anything at all to attain her…well, Hell is. Hell wants her at any cost so the King of Darkness sends one of his top demons out to tag her soul. How Hell tags its souls is by making them sin and persuading them to fall into all sorts of sinful behavior and when Frannie sees Lucifer Cain, how can she not be tempted with his tall, dark and sexy self?

She’s tempted…a lot.

Luc thinks that he’s got this one in the bag because Frannie wants him bad and he’s surprised with how much he wants her as well. He’s confused because the more that he gets to know Frannie, the more he wants to know about her. In her company, he’s developing feelings and he kinda likes it. To throw a wrench in his plans and hard work, Heaven sends the angel Gabriel over to protect Frannie from Hell a.k.a. Luc and to say that there is no love lost between the two guys is putting it lightly.

This was an interesting book to read. Having to choose between Heaven and Hell literally and being surprised that though you really do like Heaven’s choice, it’s the guy from Hell that you will surprise you. I found myself falling a bit more in love with Luc as the book wore on and that surprised me because if anyone were to walk up to me and ask me to choose between Heaven and Hell, it’d be no question…Heaven for sure but with Luc, he made you want some. Real bad.

What I found interesting is that even though the front cover and the blurb of this book makes you think there really is a choice, when you read the book, there isn’t. Not at any time did I think that Gabriel had a shot with Frannie, not at any time did I feel like he was the right choice for Frannie. It was always Luc for me. A huge part of that was because we were able to see what Luc was feeling for Frannie, his feelings for Frannie were real, front and center whereas Gabe’s feelings were hidden away from us because we weren’t given his POV. If you ask me, Gabe was robbed because Luc was so much more real than Gabe ever had a chance to be and that was a huge reason why I loved Luc more than Gabe.

Even though I felt robbed, I still enjoyed the book. It was a wild ride that was enjoyable but there were times that I wanted to beat some damn sense into Frannie. She sure did act her age and more than once, I wanted to smack her a good one. But the book as a whole was enjoyable and I really want to read the next one. This was a great start to a promising series and I can’t wait for more.

Giveaway alert: I have an extra copy of this book and am going to host a giveaway of this book to a lucky commenter. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, letting me know if you’d choose Heaven or Hell and why. Your name will be entered into a drawing and a random winner will be chosen and announced here on the blog.

The giveaway ends on January 14, 2011 and a winner will be announced on Monday, January 17, 2011. Good luck!

..and that’s your scoop!

Buy the book: B&N|Borders|Amazon|Book Depository
Book cover and blurb credit: http://barnesandnoble.com

For my Mommy’s out there, I’d give this book a rating of:

There’s some cussing and some sexy scenes (and thoughts) so this is your warning.


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