❤️💞REVIEW: "Edge of Chaos" by Molly E. Lee (New Adult, Romance)

EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly E. Lee
	Publisher: Molly E. Lee Genre: New Adult, Romance Publication Date: March 30th 2016 Series: Love on the Edge, #1 Standalone: Yes
Categories:
Friends to Lovers, Heavy Subjects (Domestic Abuse), Nice Guy, Outdoorsy, Road Trip, Adventure Seekers, Second Chances
Other Books in the LOVE ON THE EDGE Series
#1.5 #2 #3 #4
Description from Publisher:
Blake Caster has been in an emotionally abusive relationship with Justin for so long, she can’t tell what is normal anymore, and so she clings to the one thing that is solidly hers—her passion for extreme weather. Three years into her Meteorology degree, Blake meets professional storm chaser, Dash Lexington, who is as gorgeous as he is daring. Instantly recognizing her passion and skills in analyzing weather data, he makes a spot for her on his tight-knit storm chasing team. Dash and Blake form a fast friendship and it forces her to realize just how toxic her relationship with Justin is. She can’t deny the lightning-worthy chemistry she has with Dash or how her heart stalls every time he gets too close to a tornado. With each chase and the cherished moments with Dash, Blake discovers her own self-worth and gains the strength to end things with Justin for good. But he won’t go easily. As Blake tries to sever ties with one man, she fears she’ll lose the other to his dangerous obsession—and she doesn't know if she’ll be enough to save him from the impending storm that could end them all.
My Rating:	Heat Rating:
My Musings:
This seriously gripped me! The chasing of tornadoes was deliciously thrilling and, at times, I felt like I was there watching the rotations and crazy storm clouds. The blossoming of friendship between Blake and Dash was so sweet and then their more romantic feelings so powerful, building up slowly before being a real force to reckon with (not unlike the storms they chase). I'm not normally a fan of romance where one or both main characters are in a relationship with someone else, but this one was perfectly done (there is no cheating, for those who, like me, do not find that at all romantic!). We don't necessarily get a lot about Dash, especially since this is told completely from Blake's POV and she has quite a lot on her plate, but I loved him none-the-less. He was funny, confident, patient and very thoughtful. Also, his smirks. :) Blake's growth from start to finish was bittersweet but wonderful. The way she grew stronger was fantastic to "watch" and had me cheering for her every step of the way. Did she frustrate me at times? Yes, but this was a very realistic portrayal of a victim of domestic abuse, so it went with the territory. I also really liked John and Paul and the overall dynamic of the storm chasing group. And I couldn't stand Justin, but he didn't ever feel like a caricature and was a very realistic jerk. All in all, this was seriously a great read and I'm excited for the continuation of their story in Edge of Bliss!
My Source: Bought this off Amazon. My opinion is unbiased and my 100% own.

About the Author: Molly E. Lee
Molly E. Lee is an author and editor best known for her debut novel EDGE OF CHAOS, and as a fourth year mentor at Pitch Wars - a program which connects promising writers to established authors in the community. Molly writes New Adult Contemporary and Young Adult Urban Fantasy featuring strong female heroines who are unafraid to challenge their male counterparts, yet still vulnerable enough to have love sneak up on them. In addition to being a military spouse and mother of two + one stubborn English Bulldog, Molly loves watching storms from her back porch at her Midwest home, and digging for treasures in antique stores.

Review: "Avenged" by Marnee Blake (Sci-Fi/Paranormal Romance, New Adult)

	Avenged, #2 by Marnee Blake Publisher: Entangled Publishing - Embrace Series: Altered Altered, #1 (affil.) Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal Romance, New Adult Publication Date: (Affiliate links)
Description from Publisher: Three terrifying months. That’s how long Kitty Laughton has been at the mercy of the scientist who experimented on her town, killing over a dozen people and giving the rest of them unique powers. But Kitty doesn’t feel powerful, especially when she learns the crazy man plans to test his research on more unsuspecting people. She refuses to let anyone else die, but trapped with no one to help her she’s out of options…that is until sexy and exasperating Nick Degrassi arrives. Special-ops soldier Nick blames himself for Kitty’s capture, and he’ll do whatever he can to free the quiet beauty, but close quarters and a shared secret bring an attraction that neither of them expected. With the organization that started it all making mercenaries for hire, Nick and Kitty must save themselves and stop a madman…before it’s too late.
My Rating:	Heat Rating:
I received a digital ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.com for an honest, unbiased review. This in no way influenced my review. My opinion is my 100% own. I liked this even more than "Altered", and that is saying a lot! Kitty and Nick are both so GOOD and sweet... And I love how similar, yet different, they are. The action is cool, but I really enjoyed the Telepath and Telekinetic truly getting to shine in this installment. The discovery Kitty makes and her ability to use it adds another layer that is downright fun. The relationship between Kitty and Nick is a nice, slow build, and I loved how they get to know one another. The attraction is basically there from the start, but their emotional connection grows and then blossoms beautifully. The intimate scenes are sexy and very natural. I loved how Kitty could see how Nick saw her in his mind. It was an amusing to consider that aspect of her powers, and how different her perspective and his were. Seeing her opinion of herself grow and change, in part because of how he saw her was a real highlight, as well. Very fitting of a New Adult story. This has a very X-Men First Class vibe to it, complete with a former ally turning on them because they are "superior" and "evolution is the next step". I happen to be a big X-Men fan, so I thought it was awesome. :)

Review: "Altered" by Marnee Blake (Sci-Fi Romance, New Adult)

	Altered (#1) by Marnee Blake Publisher: Entangled Publishing - Embrace Series: Avenged (#2) Genre: Sci-Fi Romance, New Adult Publication Date: December 28, 2015 (Affiliate links)
Description from Publisher: When "normal" ends, survival begins... The sickness came on suddenly and violently. When it was done, waitress Blue Michaels was different in a really strange way. And the entire town of Glory was dead...except for her. Only that's not exactly true. A handful of people made it, including U.S. Army Specialist Seth Campbell, who was caught in the wrong town at the worst time. He's fierce and protective, and way too good-looking. As much as they need a leader—as much as Blue wants to trust him—there are too many questions and not enough time for answers. Now they are hunted. But what their pursuers don't know is each of them has strange new powers. And they'll use their "gifts" to survive...no matter who stands in their way.
My Rating:	Heat Rating:
I won a copy of this book in a giveaway (with no reviews promised or expected), which in no way influenced my review. My opinion is 100% my own. Ah, cliffhanger!! I want more, NOW! ;) I loved this. The superpowers are interesting, the side effects of those powers add an unexpected but great layer... The story has a lot of action and intrigue... Private security firm and military secrets... What's not to love? The characters are all well-formed and you like the likeable characters and dislike the ones that aren't likeable (always a good thing!). This is a series I can't wait to read more of! (I suppose it is worth noting that I haven't read much sci-fi romance, but the premise for this was right up my alley!). I did have a hard time with Seth's trust in the government though. He seemed overly naive, which annoyed me, especially because he had been so strategic up to that point! I sided with Blue most of the time and thought she was basically the definition of a bad-ass! I liked the romance here, but feel like it took a real backseat to the paranormal and action. Which did mean that, as I often love, we see our couple get to know one another and bond before they consider saying those three little words! It's fun watching their initial attraction grow into more over the course of the book!