To Stache or Not to Stache…That is the question

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moustache

Lately, it seems like mustache and beard are the new rage in romance novels.  The last four books that I have read, the guy has either had a mustache,  goatee, or full on beard.  As a matter of fact, the book I am reading at this very moment has a man who has the full mustache described as vintage porn mustache.  And we have to read about this mustache at least twice during the course of the chapter.

Now before Smexy Books comes unglued on me for this post, let me at least point out that my husband rocks the goatee/beard and mustache combo.  He keeps it trimmed and under control.  This is fine.

BUT….

When I go into reading a romance book, I have certain standards I subconsciously want met.  Yes there are many advantages to the hero having a mustache.  But when I am reading, that hero either has to have one like my husband or have a smooth baby face free of hair.  Just a plain old mustache reminds me of the 70’s or an old man from Sherlock Holmes mysteries.  I want to grab a razor and shave that sucker from the pages of my romance scenes.  Don’t even get me started on a mustache that goes past the definition of handlebar.

While we are on the subject of hair, I will also admit that my hero needs a smooth chest.  Seriously, who wants to kiss and lick all over a man’s chest that has hair on it? When I read about hairy chests it makes me gag thinking the girl is going to pull away with tiny hairs on her tongue. Gag!

So tell me everyone.  What are your opinions on the facial and body hair for men in your romance novels? Am I alone in this way of thinking or do I have people on my side of the hair line? 

Review: Secrets & Lies by Kody Keplinger

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Secrets and Lies
Author: Kody Keplinger

SUMMARY
(From Amazon)

Kody Keplinger both returns to the halls of Hamilton High and explores new territory in her collection of two e-book exclusive novellas. In these short stories, the author revisits a familiar cast of characters from THE DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) and A Midsummer’s Nightmare. Explore the uniquely teen world of high school drama, secrets, and romantic entanglements from completely fresh perspectives that will intrigue fans of Kody Keplinger and new readers alike.

MY THOUGHTS

Secrets & Lies features two short novella’s by author Kody Keplinger.  If you are not familiar with this author in the young adult world, then I highly recommend that you start with The D.U.F.F.  I will also warn you that this authors writing is highly addictive.  Once you read one book by Ms. Keplinger, you will not want to stop at one.

Novella One: Abbreviations & Alliterations
The main characters featured in novella one are Casey Blithe and Toby Tucker.  If you have read The DUFF then you know that Casey is one of Bianca’s best friends.  Toby was a guy that Bianca briefly dated in The DUFF.  With this short story we get to see both of these characters slowly fall in love with each other.  Casey is also having a hard time admitting that she is falling for Toby and doesn’t want to let anyone know they are dating.  She is afraid that Bianca will find out since there is the unspoken girl rule of not dating your friends ex.  Toby goes along with it being a secret for a little while, but eventually he wants to know when they can tell everyone.  Toby doesn’t understand why it has to be a secret since Bianca is happy now with Wesley and they only dated briefly.  Eventually, this story plays out with Bianca finding out.  There is drama, but not as big as it would be if it would have been a full length novel.  I felt that this novella was beautifully done and Toby was sweet.

Novella Two: People Worth Knowing
In this novella we get to go back to Hamilton High that was featured in A Midsummer’s Nightmare. The main characters of this novella are Bailey and Brody.  Bailey is the little sister from A Midsummer’s Nightmare and I am glad we got to see a little of her life in this one.  Again, characters from the previously mentioned book are present and we get to reconnect with them as well.  Bailey has had a crush on Brody Frasier for some time.  He is smart, athletic and popular.  When his sister Justine notices the crush, she lures Bailey into her circle of popular friends.  Justine is not a nice person and she proves this on several occasions.  Serious bullying is done and the author handled the touchy subject really well.  I am glad that we got to see how strong Bailey can be for her age emotionally and mentally in this novella.

While I enjoyed both short stories in this book, I think the first novella was my favorite.  Toby and Casey were fun to read about and I think it is mainly because I loved The DUFF so much.  Revisiting those characters were wonderful.  I still enjoyed the second novella but it had a feel of being for the younger group of teens.  I personally can’t wait to see who the author writes about next!

MY RATING
[sc:rate4 ]

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

*I received this digital ARC free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Review: Own the Wind by Kristen Ashley

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Own the Wind
Series: A Chaos Novel #1
Author: Kristen Ashley

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Tabitha Allen grew up in the thick of Chaos–the Chaos Motorcycle Club, that is. Her father is Chaos’ leader, and the club has always had her back. But one rider was different from the start. When Tabby was running wild, Shy Cage was there. When tragedy tore her life apart, he helped her piece it back together. And now, Tabby’s thinking about much more than friendship…

Tabby is everything Shy’s ever wanted, but everything he thinks he can’t have. She’s beautiful, smart, and as his friend’s daughter, untouchable. Shy never expected more than friendship, so when Tabby indicates she wants more–much more–he feels like the luckiest man alive. But even lucky men can crash and burn…

MY THOUGHTS

Own the Wind is the first book in the Chaos Novels by author Kristen Ashley. It is a spin off from the Dream Man series with the main characters being Parker “Shy” Cage and Tabitha “Tabby” Allen.

After reading Motorcycle Man and getting the “Tack” tingles, I was excited to hear about a spin off series featuring the other Chaos MC members.  I really didn’t think another character could measure up to the pedestal that I had Tack on, but the author came pretty close with Shy Cage.  Like the book mentions, he is like a younger version of Tack. Which makes it more Kristen Ashley crack with no sleep until the book is finished. Yes there are run-on sentences,  over used words, and plenty of dialogue that needs deciphering, but it is still addictive.  I swear there must be hidden messages in the wording because once you start one, you can’t put it down.

Tabby Allen is the Tack’s daughter. Tack is the head of the Chaos Motorcycle Club. So this makes Tabby the princess for lack of better words.  She has been sheltered and protected ever since she started living with her father.  She has also had a secret crush on Shy Cage.  Shy is a trusted member of Chaos.  He is also a player and enjoys his random hookups as much as possible.  When Tabby needs to be brought in from a bad situation, Shy decides to teach her a hard lesson.  What happens ends up breaking Tabby’s heart and she moves on from her crush with Shy.  Fast forward and she is getting married to Jason who is just a regular guy and not part of the MC world.  When he unexpectedly dies in a car wreck 3 weeks prior to them getting married, Tabby is crushed.  This sets up the status of “single” for Tabby.

I for one didn’t like Tabby in this book.  To me she is too compliant even though she is suppose to have a backbone being Tack’s daughter.  I felt she just went along with things and never really stood out as her own character in Own the Wind.

Shy was hot. There is no other way to describe him. He is definitely letting off the Tack vibe and I could actually picture him being a younger version of Tack.  This made for sexy scenes and hotness whenever he spoke or sauntered into a room.

The ending felt rushed and it was kind of let down in the action scene being off the page.  I would have liked to have read about the big bad meeting that they went to in order to find Natalie (Tabby’s drugged up best friend).  The epilogue was classic Kristen Ashley with the reader getting a sneak peek into the future for this couple.

While I loved revisiting the Chaos Motorcycle Club — plus other characters in the Dream Man series — it didn’t have quite the impact that Motorcycle Man had to me.  While fans of this author don’t want to miss out in this new spin off series, new readers might want to at least read the last book in the series that it originated from.  Not necessary but it might set up the club members for you a little better.

“May feel like you’re falling’, Tabby, but remember, I’m at the bottom ready to catch you.” — Shy

MY RATING
[sc:rate4 ]

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

The Weekly Wrap (12)

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It’s time for the Weekly Wrap Up!
What did you miss this week on My Overstuffed Bookshelf?  Find out below!
(inspired by Smexy Books)
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I can’t believe it has been so long since I have done a Wrap Up post!  As you can see,  My Overstuffed Bookshelf has received an overhaul.  I have switched to a new server along with a new domain.  If you are reading this right now, you have successfully found the blog! YAY!
While it took a bit longer than expected, I am thrilled with the new site.  I have fallen in love with it and I hope you will continue to enjoy it with me.  On with the Wrap Up!

REVIEWS

Fall of Night by Rachel Caine (4 Martini)
The Boogie Man Is My Friend by Kathryn Loving (4 Martini)
Wreck Me by J.L. Mac (2 Martini)
Restore Me by J.L. Mac (2 Martini)
Not Quite Dating by Catherine Bybee (4 Martini)
Not Quite Mine by Catherine Bybee (3 Martini)
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey (4 Martini)
With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent (5 Martini) TOD!!!!
Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter (4 Martini)
Unbeautifully by Madeline Sheehan (5 Martini)

BLOG UPDATE 

Until next week!
Happy Reading!