ARC received for review

This book picks up right where book two ends. You don't have to read the first two, but they will add some background to this one.

Chloe doesn't do relationships, and after a month with a guy he has to hit the road. She almost kisses Brody before her current fling ends. (Can I say Marcus sounds really yummy). I thought I knew what Brody's secret is, and I was almost right. Chloe and Brody were great together until the secret comes out, and boom! tragedy.

Lost of the previous two couples plus Barney and Kenji. Please tell me there's going to be a spin-off series since he's leaving. Also hoping for one more Bad Habit book with Chris and Ethan cause I'm pretty sure they like to share.

How have I not been reading Geissinger all this time? For the third book in a series, this book simply blew me away. Star-crossed doesn't even begin to cover Grace and Brody's relationship. High drama and wild emotions mark this book. Unfortunately, it is the third book in this series and I had not read either of the other books. I highly recommend that books 1 and 2 be read first since there was a very high learning curve and knowledge threshold here. It's clear that neither Brody nor Grace are complete characters without the knowledge of them from previous books - the only major flaw I found in this book.

Grace was in a car accident years ago and now suffers from (most likely) permanent retrograde amnesia. Her life started the day she woke up after the accident. Best friends Chloe and Kat (from the previous 2 books) are highly visible as well as Brody's bandmates A.J. and Nico. But it's the off-the-charts chemistry between Brody and Grace as well as the low grade love triangle that gets the party started.

It's obvious that Brody is too deep into Grace and, at times, he is over the top, especially for his age. Grace too can be melodramatic, despite her contention that Kat is the drama mama of the three girls. Mostly that's because Grace has put her emotions in deep freeze, and that is something I can understand. 

Brody's emotional control seems to be remarkably fragile. As the story unfolds, I wish I had already read Brody and Grace's first meeting (they've known each other for 18 months when the book opens) because I wonder if that is touched on in earlier books. Either way, Brody is a wreck pretty much constantly. That bothers me a bit but I can also understand it.

It seems pretty clear that Brody's issues are somehow tied to Grace's issues - so I don't see that as a spoiler. Precisely how they are tied together is a mystery and it is solved by the end of the book. I'm grateful Geissinger listened to advice on this book (her author's note discusses this) because she gets 5 stars for this amazing book and it is safe to say the most I would have given had she not listened to that advice is 2 stars. 

The emotion in this book ripped my heart out. It's dark and ugly and painful and so indescribably beautiful that I have already read one of her other books and am soon to be reading the rest of her backlist. As I said, how have I not been reading her. Along with the intense emotion is a frank language that at first made me shake my head but then made me laugh a little. It fits the characters.

This book was received via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I absolutely love this series and this book did not disappoint. I don't want to give any spoilers. This book made me sad, made me laugh but also reminded me that things are not always not what you may think at first. I loved the snarky remarks between characters. There is sex (Hey, it's a JT Geissinger book) & its hot!

I really enjoyed this book.  Great characters, great plot!

Intense, emotional, sexy…

This is the third book in the Bad Habit series that can be read as a stand-alone.

Surviving the car accident that killed her parents when she was eighteen, Grace Stanton’s body healed but brain damage left her with no memories of life before that day. The medical prognosis for the future is grim, she could lose her memories again; that possibility has defined all her interactions. Relationships are kept short, no intimacy, no commitments, to protect others more than herself. Her two best friends didn’t know the extent of the damage suffered until she needed them to understand the reality she lives with. Her friends are involved with members of the rock group Bad Habit and there’s one member that she’s been avoiding for a year and a half, this delectably sexy man is a temptation she cannot afford to have, their shared chemistry is electric, undeniable but as nothing real is possible she denies him until only telling him her reality is left in an attempt to push him away which doesn’t work.

Bad habit’s lead guitarist, Brody Scott, has been pursuing the friend of two of his bandmates women for over a year. There‘s chemistry between them that’s more than just lust and he wants to date her to see where things could go but she keeps turning him down, not allowing them a chance, so rough on his ego but he’s patience personified. His pursuit is persistent and their flirtation never ceases. Finally learning what she hides does not deter him and when circumstances place them together for a period of time he’ll use it to get under her skin as she’s done with him. Grace though is not the only one who hid a secret and his could devastate them both. 

Fate plays a shocking factor in these two lives that they will regrettably come to know. Both have serious past issues they are dealing with and nightmares that recur unexpectedly, something each understands. The reason why Brody is tormented he doesn’t share until too late. Can they overcome the pains of the past? The uncertainty of the future? Fate had them cross paths for a reason. Are they destined to be together? Or were they just destined to uncover the truth of the past?

This was an intense, emotional, sexy story with interesting protagonists and supporting characters. Prolific reader that I am, I figured out the twist to the story early on, not the details of it just what had to have occurred and knowing where things had to be headed did not in any way detract from my enjoyment of this story. We were given dual points of view which always enhances a story.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.

4.5 stars

I was looking forward to this book but I couldn't find any interest in it at all, I tried to read it twice, but no, I found my self skipping pages even chapters in the end just to finish. I was a little disappointed.

Review to appear on redhotbooks.com on or around release day. As always with Geissinger's work, I adored this.

a good read

Yet another amazing book by JT Geissinger!   What I love about this book the most was its humor!   Yes we had the crazy chemistry,  attraction and passion but the hilarious banter by kenji and the  rest of the crew had me in stitches!  And did I mention the crazy turn of events at the end?!  Omg!  Well worth the wait!  You have to get this book!

For some reason I was resistant to reading this book.  I mean, I read the synopsis and it sounded good, and I liked the first book of this series, but the second one was not my favorite, so although I was interested, I wasn't sure I would like it.  But it totally ended up being my favorite so far!  I loved Brody, and I loved how Grace and Brody interacted. It was sweet and funny, and really really hot!  And the story was good too. I thought I knew what was happening, but there were still some surprises, and a few twists I didn't see coming.  I am so glad I decided to dive in, and I can't wait for the next in the series.

I have been looking forward to Brody and Grace’s story since Make Me Sin. It just seemed like their lives were somewhat intertwined and boy do we find out in this book.

I’m not going to divulge much about their individual backgrounds. All I can say is that Brody has a good heart. He is burdened by unnecessary guilt and paid for it heavily. Behind his rock star demeanor, talent and good looks, you wouldn't know he is holding on to a tragic secret. While Grace went on to live her life thinking she is on borrowed time, brought on by an accident which she couldn't quite remember.

Brody and Grace are great characters in that they are passionate, successful, and playful. Their chemistry is amazing. The repartee was not only witty but quite funny as well. It became steamy real fast when they eventually got together. I just adore those two squirrels.

Speaking of banter, the dialogue Brody and Grace had with the secondary characters were entertaining and amusing as well. I enjoyed catching up with the main characters from previous stories.

It would be interesting to know if the author is going to continue the series. Nevertheless, there could seem to be a cross over with the author’s other series.

ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wish I had the opportunity to read the first two in this series, because this book is simply AMAZING!!!  Seriously, call it almost a religious experience.  It was THAT good.  Humor was tastefully and cleverly interspersed throughout.  Some of it made me laugh so hard I cried. Parts of this book were so sad the author got the same reaction out of me.  I was a sobbing fool.  Through it all, there was this tremendous love story.  I will definitely be reading this again, and I recommend you do the same.

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Grace and Brody's story is the latest in the Bad Habit series. Grace was in a terrible car accident when she was young losing her parents and her memory. Afraid that her memory loss might happen again, Grace only believes in living for today, especially when it comes to men. Brody is in the band, Bad Habit, and he has had his share of women but Grace is different. Brody also has  a past that he can't forget. These two are a match made by fate and their story is deliciously red hot and sweet at the same time. I love this book!

This has been a difficult review for me to write, my fellow romance book loving friends. Having rated Make Me Sin, book 2 of this series 5 stars, I had high expectations for this book, as well. Though I loved Brody, the sweet, compassionate, guilt ridden, determined, patient, head over heels in love hero, I must confess I had issues with Grace and how this book began. 

You see, I’m completely baffled why the author choose to start their romantic journey with such a crass, crude introduction to Grace, our “has slept with countless men” heroine. It would have been more than sufficient to have been told upfront she had past OTT naughty, bad girl behavior, I just didn’t need or want to experience her doing so firsthand with someone other than the hero. Color me crazy, but my idea of a romantic read centers exclusively around the main couple, not a sub-character, especially after they have met and even kissed. During the first 20%, I had so many “Oh, no, she didn’t just say that...do that...or think that!” moments I’m not sure where to start. I wouldn’t condone Grace’s behavior/words if carried out by Brody, so role reversal is certainly no excuse. It all just felt wrong...so wrong. Too crass, too crude, and trying too hard to come across sexy and funny. For me, it felt sleazy. It just wasn’t my idea of of a good way to set the romantic stage for this main couple. 

Another misstep was Grace’s derogatory comments regarding religion/church (hypocrites, suppressed sexuality, etc.) felt inappropriate. I don’t care what an author’s faith/religion or lack of it is, but this reviewer does not like to see it incorporated in a romantic read. I certainly hope the last paragraph wasn’t a final parting shot at Catholics who do feel “blessed” by attending church in a beautiful cathedral, use holy water, partake in the sacrament of Communion, etc, 

Referring to time spent surfing/on the ocean as a replacement for “church”, well, I’ll leave that for you to decide how you feel about that ideology. Billions of people across the globe will agree reflective, quiet time anywhere (whether as mundane as sitting in your car or at some exceptionally beautiful exotic location) can be restorative to the soul, but they will likely take great exception to making it equivalent, in this case implied far superior to a religious denomination’s traditions/practices. They would argue they are seeking something much more than just a feeling. For me, it felt the author was trying to equate two things that were totally different. 

Religion and politics are slippery slopes for author’s to try to incorporate their personal views into romantic reads. There is a reason it is usually best to avoid such topics, even among family and close acquaintances. Here’s to hoping she meant “in addition to” and wasn’t faith slamming the Catholic Church. I couldn’t help but feel it was the latter. 

When Marcus wants to keep seeing Grace, because, imagine this, after having lots of sex with her he likes her and would actually like to spend a night with her, not have her bolt for the door as soon as the deed is done, well, she’s not wanting any piece of that action. That is simply not part of her monthly catch and release, non-dating ritual. This coincidentally occurs after Brody makes a sweet gesture of his own, basically begging her to give him a chance. For someone not looking for love, she’s got Brody, Marcus, and even another sub-character infatuated with her. Even more amazing is Brody seems to love her enough for the both of them. 

Marcus was proof alone why at first I felt this woman did not seem to deserve the loving of a good man, regardless of her rather unique but bizarre reason for pushing men away. He makes a heart melting, compassionate “I get you and just want a chance to love you” plea that left me thinking, “Brody, who? How could Marcus not be the leading love interest in this story!” Lol I guess it was good news for him he was written as a manho, as he reluctantly but readily did pursue multiple OW soon afterwards. But, guys, he was still making it quite clear she could have him back. 

Though the delivery/initial presentation of this heroine did not sit well with me, a switch was flipped and a softer side revealed when she does start dating Brody. I actually began to like her. We finally get to see why Grace feels destined to be alone. Thankfully, romance finally surfaces as these two lovebirds start spending time together, in and out of the sheets. Btw, better brace yourself for the numerous OTT smexy, dirty talking scenes, which included BDSM and phone sex. I’d rate the steaminess as an “X, not just an “R”, folks.

One aspect I highly enjoyed were all the cameo appearances of characters from previous books. I loved seeing their HEAs/lives continue to unfold and how supportive they were of Grace and Brody. While I felt the beginning crossed too many of my personal book character rules of conduct, I am glad I finished the ARC and am keeping my fingers crossed the next book will feature Barney’s HEA. That handsome, protective, quiet, carries sadness in his eyes hunk of a man definitely has me wanting to know more about him. 

Rating: If I let my frustration at being given such a crass/crude heroine in the very beginning and what felt like obvious knocks at a particular faith, I would rate this book as a 1 star. However, I’m going to be generous here and account for the fact I liked the main couple when they were actually being a couple so will bump up my overall rating to 3.5 stars.

Title: Sin With Me, Series: Bad Habit (Book 3), Author: J. T. Geissinger, Pages: 384, 4/25/17, stand-alone but part of a series best if read in order, crass/crude behavior by the heroine, trying too hard at first to come across sexy/funny, heroine does sexual stuff with OM, VERY steamy scenes with dirty talk, some graphic BDSM/phone sex, good guy hero, relationship angst, predictable big reveal near the end.

Book 1 - Sweet As Sin (Kat and Nico), 7/14/15, Pages: 386 
Book 2 – Make Me Sin (AJ and Chloe), Pages: 400, 1/12/16 - 5 stars
Book 3 - Sin With Me (Grace and Brody), Pages: 384, 4/25/17 Rating - 3 stars

(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair opinion. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, and Barnes and Noble.)

WOW – that was a rollercoaster ride – I felt really emotional during reading Sin With Me by J. T. Geissinger. If you read her previous books of that series you will def. know what I am talking about.

 

I have honestly never experienced reading a book where I have been paying attention to the background characters almost as much as to the leading characters.

And really Dear. Ms. Geissinger – I need to have a word with you about that… (and no – you will not get any spoilers here from me as to why – you will all have to suffer on your own because that is the only way with this series)

 

Gosh – I am not even sure what I should or could tell you about this book. Well for one, If you did not read the previous two books – well YOU NEED TO and do not start with this one. It might be readable as a standalone but the background/secondary characters have too much “voice” to read the books in the wrong order, you would spoil yourself one hell of an experience.

 

And second would be – if you DID read the previous books of that series – you will NOT be disappointed by this one. It was worth the wait but #sigh – why does it always feel like it was to short?

 

I am really not sure what kind of Box this author is keeping her ideas in when it comes to this series, but opening a new book always feels like a book version of Pandora’s box. Just where that would have contained all the evils in the world J.T. Geissingers box contains gut-wrenching and heartbreaking (the good kind – but still they HURT). Well and what can I say ? I love it – every minute of it.

 

Opening her books is similar to opening a book of Colleen Hoover, you never know what will happen you just know for sure you will be surprised and it will hurt along the way but in the end you will love it.

 

I realize I am not telling anything about the story but really I can’t because I won’t yeah … you need to feel her books from beginning to end – no way around it.

 

So please enjoy!

Wow. This book. Firstly, before I start gushing my love for Sin With Me, I just want to say that I was so happy to have an excuse to re-read the first two books in the series, to remind myself of all the characters and the story so far. Because it does matter. While you could probaby get away with reading Sin With Me as a standalone, you'll get so much more out of it if you read the other two first. The way all the characters connect is important to the storyline, and believe me, you really want to get to know all of them... intimately.
Now, on to Sin With Me. What a story. Romantic, tragic, beautiful... and a ton more adjectives, but I don't want to use them all up at once. The book itself refers to Romeo and Juliet, and star-crossed lovers, with good reason. It's not feuding families that mar Grace and Brody's fate though, it's a past that crosses for reasons that should never have happened. It's two people whose past have changed them immesurable, finding a love they never thought they could have; never thought they deserved. They're both terrified of it, but powerless to resist it.
Grace is one of my favourite characters of the series - she's so clinical, such an ice queen, and a lover of men (and their important appendages), but I always knew that inside she was hiding a squishy, soft side. Brody is the perfect guy to bring it out - he wants to give Grace everything, he lives to make her happy, and his devotion and refusal to give up is both sexy and romantic.
As always, Geissinger gets the balance between romance, sex and angst just right, making for a book that you never want to put down, even after it's finished. I'm already looking forward to re-reading the whole series again. I'm a self-confessed lover of rock star romance, and books like this are exactly why. Thank you, Ms Geissinger, for a wonderful read.

When it comes to Grace I'm pretty sure Brody alwaye has one thing on his mind, “God, it’s hot when you call me that in that stern librarian tone. It totally gets my sexy teacher fantasy going.” Brody loves to bust his woman's chops, "he shakes his head slowly, still grinning. “Just out of curiosity, how many men’s fragile egos have you crushed in your life? Because honestly, Slick, you’re the worst at giving compliments. You’re, like, the anticompliment queen.” I really liked this book, Grace and Brody knew how to push each other's buttons and the sexual chemistry was off the charts.

J.T. Geissinger’s third book in her Bad Habit’s series was an amazing read!  I have been curious about Grace and Brody’s relationship and how it would transpire since the very beginning.  I couldn’t have been happier with the results.

Initially, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Grace.  She’s made no bones about the fact that she doesn’t do commitments and doesn’t believe in refraining from sex for any length of time.  However, once Brody determines it’s time to find redemption from past mistakes, he begins to make his intentions known and Grace finds herself falling for the lead guitarist.  As Grace’s personal struggles and fears are revealed I understood the decisions she had made in her life.  Mrs. Geissinger kept her true to character throughout the whole book, a decision I respected and approved of.   

Grace and Brody’s banter was so much fun to read and they just clicked on so many levels.  I loved when Brody’s housekeeper Magda entered the picture and showed another quirky side to him.  It is a hilarious scene and worth the read for that alone.  The chemistry between the hero and heroine was intense, hot and had some serious steam.  I knew that Brody’s original deal was going to be blown to kingdom come.  

Of course they both have things from their past that they are struggling with and those problems strike them at a time when they are both emotionally down.  The result is a nerve-racking journey that I frantically raced through to get to the conclusion.  

Some of the scenes with Grace’s present boyfriend at the beginning of the book and the fact that a third party was the one to help clear the air between the H and h at the end resulted in the loss of one star in my rating.  

I enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous books and getting a look into some of the things going on in their lives.  There is also a great epilogue that leads me to believe we may have another great series on the horizon.

Dual POV
No abuse
Heroine in a temporary relationship prior to being with the hero

ARC provided for an honest review