The Breathless Trilogy

Well, if you haven't had enough of Fifty Shades of Grey, then I suggest you check out Maya Banks' The Breathless Trilogy. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit annoyed at the beginning because it is so much like the story of Ana and Christian. Younger girl, contract, wealthy and attractive man, etc. 

But, I ended up finishing the book in 4 days. There is something about a man who has his stuff together, knows what he wants, and can take care of a lady. Aside from the explicit sexual content of the book, I'm always drawn to the love story. 

Gabe Hamilton, Jace Crestwell, and Ash McIntyre are three wealthy, attractive men. Best friends since college and business partners too. They are used to getting anything and everything they desire. They are into dominant/submissive sexual relationships. That is until each one is faced with a game-changer. 

Rush.

Mia Crestwell is Jace Crestwell's little sister. Their parents were killed by a drunk driver when they were little and Jace has taken care of Mia ever since. He paid her way through college, grad school, and has supported her in every way he can. Mia is highly over qualified for her job at a local pastery and coffee shop until Gabe Hamilton makes his way into her life. Gabe Hamilton changes from her brother's best friend to her dominant lover. They keep their relationship a secret… But not for long! Mia surprises herself by enjoying every bit of her submission to Gabe. He does not let her go untaken care of. 

What I loved about this trilogy was that each book focused on one of the three best friends and how one women changed each of their lives. It wasn't boring or repetitive because each man had his own personality, yet all were faced with a life changing moment and everything that went with it. 

I finished the entire trilogy in a week and a half! I guess it's just the hopeless romantic in me. I've already picked up her next trilogy… Surrender. You could definitely say I'm going through withdrawals from this series. 

Again, if you liked 50 Shades of Grey, you MUST check out Maya Banks' The Breathless Trilogy. 

Rush. Fever. Burn.

Dark Places

I've been slacking on my reading, but this past week I finally finished Gillian Flynn's Dark Places. I love her books, but I have to say this one was hard to finish. I struggled through the middle and crawled to the last page.

Anyway. It wouldn't be a Gillian Flynn novel without something dark and twisted happening to the main character before you even start the first page. Libby Day is the sole survivor from the murder of her family. Her brother, Ben murdered her two sisters and her mother. Their dad really isn't existent in their lives and only came around when he wanted money… still to this day.

Now 20 some years later, Libby is on the verge of going broke since her savings is dwindling. She isn't the most motivated and has never held a steady job. With her financial crisis, a group called the Kill Club reaches out to her. This club studies murders, kidnappings, and other freak accidents that have happened in the past. The Kill Club is interested in Libby's family and what actually happened the day the Day family was murdered. They ask Libby to help them uncover the truth and pay her for her services.

Did Ben Day really kill his family? Can Libby figure out what actually happened that night? Can she remember the past? You will find out in Dark Places. 

Although I was not as happy with this book as Gillian Flynn's other two, it's worth the read. It took me a while to finish, but I was glad that I did. 

And…ah, when is her next book coming out?

St. Pete's

I went to St. Petersburg, FL over the weekend, for the first time. It was a short trip, but much needed. The beach, weather, and ocean were beautiful. I couldn't have had a better vacation. I will let the pictures do the talking...

Morning walk on the beach.

I stayed at the Post Card Inn.

 It wasn't the most luxurious place, but it was super cute! This is the lobby with bookshelves adorning the wall. The other side had a giant chalk board, where they posted the weather for the day. Everything was super modern, with a studio/loft feel.

Since the Tampa Bay Rays' Tropicana Field is located in St. Pete's and 10-15 minutes away from where I stayed, I had to get tickets.

 Of course, I wanted to see the actual rays that they have to touch before the game.

After the game, I went to a place called Snapper's. This was my meal. To die for. Lobster risotto, pan-seared scallops, grilled shrimp, and fried leeks for garnish. It was the perfect portion and delicious.

The beach was so beautiful. Our hotel and room was right on the ocean, so it was easy to walk out in our pjs to the beach in the morning. This particular morning I ran the beach. What a work out.

 Beach/pool day!

I loved the set up of the Post Card Inn.

After dinner I took a detour through the Tradewinds resort.

We were just in time to catch this beautiful scene after the sun had set. 

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm glad I got to relax under the sun this weekend. Needed that vitamin D.