BOOK REVIEW: Rise by Dylan Allen

*ARC graciously given in exchange for an honest review*

Title: Rise

Author: Dylan Allen

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 15, 2017

As a little girl, I saw my father destroy the family he claimed to love. I watched my mother waste her life dreaming of a man who left her without a second glance. 

As a woman, I don’t dream, I work. I don’t fall in love, I focus. I would never let anything as frivolous as love distract me. 

Until I meet Simon. A gorgeous, brilliant young architect with dark eyes, a sweet smile, and a dirty, dirty mouth. He sets me on fire, and suddenly all I can do is dream…of his hands, his lips, his body. Of a heart good enough and a love strong enough to make me believe in happily ever after.

But Simon has secrets that are even deeper than mine. Will our pasts destroy everything we’ve worked for? Or will we find the courage to rise to the challenge and fight for the love we share?

I’d like to say that I’m Indie thirsty. I always look forward to reading the first work of new indie authors and be there as they progress in their next books. Dylan Allen, though, sounds nothing at all like a newbie. In Rise, her prose was sharp, smart, and sexy; the story compelling, deep, and fun all at the same time. 

I want to mark this woman and make sure she can’t forget me for a while.

Addie has worked hard to get to where she was now but only one mention of her past could make her crumble into pieces. Addie was as real as a heroine could be. She was smart, fierce, and wore confidence like a second skin. But beneath her intimidating aura was a woman of passion and compassion. I loved how unpretentious her character was. You would love her, you would hate her and then in the end, love her altogether. 

Even when I hate him, I want him. I ache for him.

Simon currently has a lot on his plate but he definitely has time for dessert. I loved Simon’s character so much! His past was a ghost of bad dreams but he was slowly carving their life into a fairytale. He was responsible, caring, and smart. I reveled on the fact that his allure as a hero didn’t come with status, looks (though he doesn’t lack it *wink*), and power. He earned it through his decisions, intentions, and the pureness of his heart. 

Dreams aren’t made of fairytales and romance, they are made of hard work and grit.

I loved the solidity of the plot of this book! I found some scenes mind boggling at first but I loved how Miss Dylan answered everything in the process of the story. The main characters’ chemistry simmered in every page; their differences drawing more passion than conflict. There was really so much in this book that I loved! All the characters were equally intriguing (Kyle is my favorite!) and unique in their own way and I found myself wanting to explore them.

Miss Dylan’s writing was consistently riveting and I can’t wait for what more she has in store for us!

BOOK REVIEW: Fake Fiancee by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Title: Fake Fiancee
Author: Ilsa Madden-Mills
Genre: Sports, Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 6, 2017

A new standalone romance from Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Ilsa Madden-Mills...

They say nothing compares to your first kiss,

But our first kiss was orchestrated for an audience.

Our second kiss…that one was REAL.

He cradled my face like he was terrified he’d f*ck it up.

He stared into my eyes until the air buzzed.

Soft and slow, full of sighs and little laughs,

He inhaled me like I was the finest Belgian chocolate,

And he'd never get another piece.

A nip of his teeth, his hand at my waist...

And I was lost.

I forgot he was paying me to be his fake fiancée.

I forgot we weren’t REAL.

Our kiss was pure magic, and before you laugh and say those kinds of kisses don’t exist…

Then you’ve never touched lips with Max Kent, the hottest quarterback in college history.

Get ready for breathtaking kisses, dreamy football players, a heroine who yearns for the guy she can't have, and a hero who will do anything for the girl he loves...

Fun, sweet, hot, romantic and written by Ilsa Madden-Mills. Need I say more? 

I sighed. God had been using his A game when he’d created my hero.

Max had one goal this season--own that highly coveted Heisman trophy. In order to do that, he had to have a clean slate. And his past records definitely weren’t. There’s just something about how Max carries cocky and sweet so attractively. He was confident but genuine, naughty but sweet, and he’s a complete swoony book boyfriend I’ll never tire of reading. This quarterback could barge through men in the field but it seems he was defenseless when it comes to a certain ray of sunshine with blond hair. 

“We could be the best damn Hallmark movie ever made, Sunny.”

Sunny was a perfect representation of her own name. She was a ray of light and a source of smiles in this book. That woman had spunk and guts that I really loved reading about. She was her own woman and she knew what she wanted. She knew when to say no until she found herself in a situation with a man she can’t seem to refuse. 

Boom. “Once I lick you, you’re mine.”

I love, love Sunny and Max' chemistry. The story was fast-paced but it wasn’t hurried. There was a brilliant play of emotions between the two characters that escalated the effect of every scene. They had a connection but it was built up wonderfully. So so fun and addictive! I couldn't put it down! Fake Fianceé is the kind of book that will light fires in your heart and body. Steamy, sweet, fun, with a spice of drama. Ilsa Madden-Mills never disappoints.

BOOK REVIEW: Say You Want Me by Corinne Michaels

   Title: Say You Want Me
   Author: Corinne Michaels
   Series: *Can be read as a Standalone but I highly suggest you read Say You'll Stay first*
   Genre: Contemporary Romance
   Release Date: October 31, 2016

Add to Goodreads

There’s no way I’ll fall for Wyatt Hennington.

He can keep his Southern drawl, irresistible smile, and those pick-up lines all to himself. I made the mistake of sleeping with him not once, but twice. I’m not stupid enough to give him round three, especially after he left me in the middle of the night so I could see myself out. I vow to return to Philadelphia and forget him.

It proves easier said than done.

When the doctor informs me I’m the winner of door prize number two, I put my life on hold and head back to Bell Buckle. Three months and if we can’t make this work, I’m gone.

The problem is—when the cards are stacked against us, and I can’t bring myself to leave him, I’ll finally know if he truly loves me or if all my fears were real . . . 

Ruined. Wyatt Hennington just ruined me for all men. After reading this book, my standard in men just reached a higher level and it can, apparently, only be reached by this Hennington. Get ready to swoon, sigh, cry, and have a good time. 

I need to possess her in the same way she possesses me.

Angie’s old flame with Wyatt Hennington was obviously still burning since no other man can put his fire off. And now that she's coming back to Tennesse, his flame might just combust her altogether. Angie might be the most vibrantly poignant heroine I’ve met. She’s a beautiful contradiction. The independence and determination built up by her strained and tragic experiences with her family empowered her feisty personality but it was also what made her vulnerable. Her realness and her spirit put an interesting touch in this book. 

My heart has only ever been one man’s—his.

Wyatt Hennington’s heart encompassed a fierce love for his family and eventually for a feisty blonde named Angie. This man’s heart was so pure and so compassionate. He puts everybody else first and sometimes everybody didn’t include himself. Wyatt’s character went straight to my heart and owned it. He was so responsible and so sincere, so honest, and man, does he know how to persuade a woman.But what really sold me to his character was his imperfections, his mistakes, and the strength he had to own them. He was raw and real and dreamy at the same time and I could not have enough of him. 

This isn’t a cease fire. This is a surrender.

There’s really something about how Corinne Michaels write that can get through every reader. Her books are easy to read and that enables a fluid, perfect transfer of emotions. The genuine way of how she drives her story always aims and scores the heart. Say You Want Me was a perfect example of it. No grandeur and faux fantasy, just straight-up heart-stealing emotions that every reader can relate to. The main characters’ chemistry was hot and titillating and all the other characters have sustained my interest to look forward to the next books. Plot-wise it was light with the right amount of drama; just enough to keep your heart pounding and your tears streaming. But you’ll definitely end it with a long sigh of satisfaction…and maybe a box of Kleenex. 

Or two.

BOOK REVIEW: The Fall by T. Gephart

Title: The Fall

Author: T. Gephart

Genre: Dark, Suspense, Romance

Salvation doesn’t exist.

It’s a lie people tell themselves in the dark, alone so their conscience might be eased. To give them hope that, in the end, we can all be forgiven.

Except we can’t.

And no amount of praying will change that.

For me there will be no redemption, and I will leave this world with the same black heart I entered it with.

The comfort in knowing who I am and what I am capable of keeps me warmer than any lie of having my soul saved.

Because I know the truth.

Because I know there is no Heaven.

And there is no Hell.

There is only the fall.

Michael has no one. No family. No Friends. And not a soul in the world cares about him, only a system that tried to break him.

With a strong dislike for establishments and conformity, he has lived his life as a rogue. A hired thug with no allegiances except to his own word.

Sofia has grown up in the shadow of her father—one of the most powerful drug lords in the city. She has vowed to bring him to justice, moving through the ranks of the Chicago PD in an effort to be as far removed from her father’s lifestyle as possible.

Two worlds collide when Michael shows up at her door, a gun in his hand and a look in his eyes that terrifies her. Suddenly, Sofia has a price on her head and Michael is the only one who can keep her out of the crossfire.

‘When I looked into his eyes, I saw him. I saw who he was, not who he thought he’d become, and I saw kindness.’

Miss T has kept up my interest with her sizzling hot humor on the Power Station series. But after reading The Fall, I am so, so interested on what more this author can give us. Angsty, emotional, suspenseful. I’m not quite sure how to get over this book. 

A man without a concrete identity is the hardest target. No family to pawn on, no feelings to play with. Michael lived his life killing people. Devoid of empathy and a stranger to love, he had no problem slitting someone’s throat and rinsing their blood off of his hands. Michael is the main attraction of this book! The angst and the depths of this man was riveting and poignant, the weaving of his past from start to end was brilliantly played. 

Enter Sofia. A daughter of a drug lord who devoted her life seeking justice for her father’s deeds. When she was forced to go under Michael’s wings, she will soon realize that the man she once doubted might be the only man she can trust. This character broke me. It’s up to you to find out why. 

There was a different form of grit in this book that I really loved. The relentless teasing and tension between Michael and Sofia spiced up this story. The suspense and the drama of this book’s plot gave me a unique experience. I just know this book will create an uproar of emotions in every reader that finishes this book. That is all. I am not spoiling. I am fine. Really.

BOOK REVIEW: Back to Yesteday by Whitney Barbetti

Title: Back to Yesterday
Author: Whitney Barbetti
Series: Bleeding Hearts #2
Release Date: October 20, 2016

ADD TO GOODREADS

The distance from Colorado to Maine is not far enough to escape the memories.

The time I've been away is not long enough to heal the pain.

I left Colorado, determined to discover who I am outside of my grief, but I fell apart along the way.

I'm lost again.

When Jude follows me, I can't turn him away. But I can't let him in, either.

Not all the way.

I know when he finds out my secret, the one I keep hidden in the darkest part of my heart, he’ll leave me.

Alone.

Like I was before.

Whitney Barbetti is one of my literary goddesses and she continues to tell me why with Back to Yesterday. This woman doesn't just write, she invests. There's something so raw and real and personal in every book that she writes. Prepare your hearts for the raw emotions and the biting bits of heartbreaking twists this book will bring you. 

“If you can’t love yourself,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, “let me love you enough for the both of us.”

Trista was beginning to believe the universe hated her. She was a lost soul once. But when she finally felt she found the other piece of her soul in the arms of Jude, untold lies ripped her apart again. Now she was more lost than she was before. Trista slowly built her own backbone in this book and it was a heartbreaking yet empowering process. In an ideal world, her character wouldn’t be easily liked. But if you’re a woman who’s felt the sting of insecurities, then brace your heart, this character will scrape your heart out. 

Jude was a forever kind of guy. He wasn’t the guy you hooked up with on your quest for the last guy. He was the last guy. And in many ways, he was the first guy for me.

Jude dedicated his life reaching the world’s highest points. He reveled on the power and freedom brought by breathing at the peak. But he was introduced to his life’s lowest point when Trista left. And since then, he felt so low that even climbing felt like falling. I cannot even express how much I loved Jude. He was a consistent and patient man but he was tested in this book and I loved him more. 

“I want to keep growing with you. Let me love you, Trista, through all of our tomorrows.”

Back to Yesterday was emotionally-charged. There wasn’t a page in this book that didn’t pierced my heart. The writing was so real, focusing more on soul searching than pushing the romance. It played on raw emotions and rubbed on the shallow wounds created by the first book but God, I kept reading. The anticipation kept me up and reigniting Trista and Jude’s spark was an exhilarating experience. Whitney Barbetti certainly knows how to break a reader and building strength on being broken. She doesn’t sugarcoat, she is blunt and real. In this book, she shared a part of herself that made the emotions more in-sync with a reader’s heart. 

I do wish there was more romantic Jude x Trista moments, though. 

BOOK REVIEW: Professed by Nicola Rendell

Title: Professed

Author: Nicola Rendell

Release Date: August 1, 2016

B L U R B

At a secret masked ball at Yale, Naomi Costa is literally swept off her stiletto-blistered feet by a man with a killer jawline, a perfect body, and an even-better kiss. They bust out of an emergency exit and have axis-shaking sex. He pours whiskey in her belly button and after they run out of condoms, they have to get creative. That kind of sex.                                                                                     

The next day, she learns that he is none other than Dr. Benjamin Beck, a brand new member of the Yale faculty and the hottest thing to happen to academia since… well, ever. She has to take his damned junior seminar to graduate, but it gets worse. He’s also her College Master: her boss, her advisor, her everything. And he’s just moved in, right downstairs.                                                                 

They can’t stay away from each other. They're either fusion or fission or both. They’re making out in libraries, hiding notes between stones, and sneaking off to nautically themed AirBnbs. Hear that sound? It’s the academic code of ethics going up in flames.                                                                                                                                                                                                           

If they're found out, he’ll lose his job and his reputation. She'll lose her scholarship and be forced to return to the life of lobster fishing that she thought she’d escaped.

And they will be found out, yes they will.

So what the hell are they going to do? 

M Y   R E V I E W 

4 of 5 stars

I have to be honest, this plot isn’t one of my favorites. But Nicola Rendell’s tempting prose kept me engrossed while reading this book. I found myself enjoying the forbidden dance between Master Ben and Naomi. 

“…she’s making me wild. She’s making me want in a way that I’d forgotten I could or ever did.”

Naomi had one important goal as of the moment—graduate without losing her scholarship. She was doing pretty well on that level. Well, not until she lost her heart to her college’s new Master. The story surrounding Naomi was heart-warming. She’s a relatable character and her moments of normalcy was made fun by her witty and naturally bubbly personality. 

“Ruthless and considerate. My kind of guy exactly.”

Benjamin Beck’s life is about to reach a turning point. As the incoming Master of a prestigious college, he had to behave the way a scholar behaves. If only a particular raven-haired goddess didn’t inspire his inner beast. There was a mysterious, carnal mix in Ben’s character that upped the fire in this book. That mixed with his sharp wit and tongue, makes Master Beck one dangerous creature. 

“There is no logic in wanting. Only feelings that ache and ache.”

The forbidden attraction between these two was absolutely exhilarating. I loved the stolen moments and how every delay made every meeting hotter and steamier. The delicious progress of the deeper emotion they possessed for each other was also something that made the book inviting. Although I expected a more scandalous conflict, I can definitely say that this book is worth the try. Professed was a steamy and exciting book made more tempting by the author’s smart prose and fun characters. 

BOOK REVIEW: Stand by T. Gephart

Title: Stand

Author: T. Gephart

Series: Black Addiction #3

Release Date: June 27, 2016

Blurb

Good times didn’t last forever. While Beth Hart had enjoyed being the sometimes girlfriend of Max Reynolds—the hot bass player for Black Addiction—she knew it would never be more than a casual fling. He was destined for greatness, and she cared too much to hold him back. So, before she lost her heart and her sanity, she said goodbye to the Bronx, moved to Manhattan and left her party-girl days in the past—along with Max.

Nothing made Max happier than being a success in his own right. And in the last few years, he and his band had well and truly earned it. Moving to the city and enjoying the spoils of his new lifestyle made perfect sense, and he loved his new address. It wasn’t his new huge penthouse apartment that got him excited; it was his new neighbor. The one girl he regretted letting go—Beth.

He wanted her back and would do anything to make it happen. Hopefully it wasn’t too late. 

My Review

4.5/5 STARS

Miss T. Gephart really knows how to make her readers have fun! Stand was an overall stimulating read, perfectly capturing fun, love, and the sexiness brought by loving a rockstar. An exhilarating mix of music, romance, and one-sided emotions. 

He had this uncanny ability to make you feel like you were the only woman in the room, like nothing else mattered, and even if I knew it was temporary, I loved it.

Being surrounded by love-struck band members, Max Reynolds finds himself wondering if he was meant for the same thing. And the only thing that could convince him was the right girl. I have to admit, since I started the Black Addiction series, Max held a special place in my heart. And Miss T has definitely kept the interest through every book in the series. I have to tell you, Max Reynolds never disappoints. The surprising yet utterly sexy mix of cocky and sweet of his character was an addictive streak in the book! 

Beth Hart was not the kind of girl you could meet and go on with your life like she didn’t exist.

Beth already knew how consuming it was to be with Max Reynolds. That was the main reason why she avoided him years ago. But it seemed fate wanted to prove to her that once you’ve had a taste of Max, you’ll never have enough. I loved it that Beth’s character was not a shadow to Max’. She was a heroine who contemplated on things that are usually taken for granted in most romance books. The delicious mix of sexy and serious in her generally fiery personality was downright badass! 

“You’re my past, present and future, Beth. So if you’re out, then I don’t have anything left.”

The chemistry between Max and Beth was absolutely page-turning! I loved the banters and the cat and mouse between these two. Having shared a history, there was a lingering sizzle every time they’re around each other and the palpable heat kept me up on my toes! I loved how Beth shared common stereotypes as most readers have towards Max and how wonderfully Max proved me wrong. Miss T has a way of capturing a reader in a very entertaining way. She can always make me laugh and feel and break all at the same time. Her uniquely hilarious scenes are always my favorites! Plus! Her secondary characters are always soo much fun! Stand was a sexy, fun, and page-turning read!

BOOK REVIEW: Questionable Love by Danielle Rocco

Title: Questionable Love

Author: Danielle Rocco

Series: Labeled Love #2

Release Date: June 1, 2016

BLURB

Questionable Love starts off right where Labeled Love ended

While my boy’s world stopped,
My girl’s kept going.

Promises would be made,
And some would be broken.

There was only one question that he ever needed answered.
There was only one answer that she ever needed to say.

I’ve clung to his question.
I’ve clung to her answer.

He’ll have to prove himself.
She’ll have to let me.

When you have a love as deep as ours, you fight to keep it together. 
We will have to fight for those three words if we want our love to be unending.

Mature Language, Sexual Content 

MY REVIEW

4/5 heart-shaped love!

Danielle Rocco magnificently captures the tingly, dreamy feelings of falling in love. And seriously, with the way this woman swept me up in heart-shaped clouds with Labeled Love, I really didn’t know she could take me higher. Questionable Love was, with no question, a powerhouse of swoon, sexy cuteness, and a sparkle of drama. 

“I’m always going to be your boy, and you are always going to be my sun-kissed baby under the California sun.”

Jace James loved fiercely and it was the same reason why he’s serving time in jail. But it will also be the very same reason that he will get through it. I really, really loved the loyalty and integrity of this man. Even when he was helpless, he sought light and love in his memories of Shay. He was so sweet, thoughtful, and equally sexy. 

“...my life was always going to be with her from the moment I met her.”

Shay Stark lived in a dark place after her boy was put into jail. She was helpless and sad, but she never gave up hope. Instead, she poured her heart out on the one thing they dreamed of sharing--music. Sassy Shay was a sight to behold but when in love and driven by hope, she is magic. I loved the passion in this woman. She genuinely invests her heart in everything she does. 

“I’ve made some mistakes, but the one thing I’ve always done with everything I am is love you with my entire heart.”

There were times when I thought this book was predictable but Miss Danielle proved me wrong every time. In the bits of moment I thought she will make doubt prevail, she made love overpower everything. Although I would say that this book was generally light, there were little sparks of heartbreak and tears in between that kept the story interesting. This book is definitely oozing with a lot of heart-shaped love. Entertaining, swoony, and addictive. 

BOOK REVIEW: The Hurricane by Nicole Hart

Title: The Hurricane

Author: Nicole Hart

Release Date: June 1, 2016

BLURB

I'm Natalie Taylor.

First and foremost, I'm a mother. My job is to protect her. That's what a mom does. For so long, it's only been the two of us. But then he walked back into my life and turned it upside down. I let him in. I let my guard down. I didn't just let it down, I let him shatter it. Hoping every second he didn't shatter me.

I'm Ryker Hamilton.

I spent years of my life fighting. Fighting for fun. Fighting for pride. Fighting for domination. But those days are over. I'm not proud of my past, that's why I've done everything to leave it behind. But my roots run deep. Whether I like it or not, it's who I am. I'm The Hurricane.

The following story contains strong language and sexual situations. It is intended for an adult audience and is not suitable for children. 

MY REVIEW

4 of 5 stars

This is the first Nicole Hart book that I read and I really enjoyed it! The characters were equally stimulating and the story had a pull that had me reading this book in one sitting. The Hurricane was a hot, fast-paced, and exhilarating read! 

Meeting twelve years ago on spring break, Ryker and Natalie shared a passionate encounter that left the two of them hanging when it had to end. Now twelve years later, the pent-up fire between them was finally ignited and this time, there was no turning back. But what is passion without trust? What is love without sacrifices? Ryker and Natalie will both find out that the real strength of love is not when you fight for the other but when you fight together. 

This one started a bit too fast-paced for me, but it simmered out in the middle. The plot was concise and the characters were developed which made the book easy to read and enjoy. It was a fun and steamy read, highly stimulating and there was even a bonus of cuteness in it. The Hurricane is a total package for me, given how short it is. There’s steam, romance, fun, cuteness, and a tinge of drama that I think sums up everything a romance reader seeks! 

BOOK REVIEW: The Sound of Serendipity by Cynthia A. Rodriguez

BLURB

So many things can happen to a person on a Central Park bench.

For Emerson Kingsley, falling in love happened, despite her broken monster of a heart.

Emerson knows more about listening than she does about love, whether it’s listening to artists as a music producer or listening to stories as she people watches.

Months of watching Maddox Bailey from a park bench are to blame for her infatuation. In her mind, the moment they meet will be spectacular if she ever finds the nerve to speak to him.

But when the two share an awkward cab ride, she realizes that maybe fantasies are meant to stay that way.

The only problem is, now that they’ve met, he keeps popping up in her life. Each time he does, Emerson finds the real-life Maddox to be better than anything she could’ve dreamed—sexy, passionate, and sweeter than his chocolate brown eyes.

A woman in love with possibilities meets a man determined to make them happen.

MY REVIEW

4.5/5 stars

You know that feeling of sipping hot chocolate on a rainy day? Yup. That’s the aura this book established. Miss Cynthia’s calming and soothing voice in this genre is a keeper. The Sound of Serendipity smoothly differentiates the dreamy kind of love the real complications of true love. 

“Because I think you’re too beautiful to pretend to be invisible.”

Em was an observer. She was the silent eye on parks, coffee shops, and bookstores; the storymaker of every passerby’s daily life. But beneath her serious, uptight exterior, she was a screaming powerhouse of talent, passion, and sensuality. I found her character real and relatable. She’s a cut-out from every girl’s feelings which made it easy for me to get into her shoes and feel with her. 

My heart is not beating to keep me alive. With every jolt outwards, it’s looking for its counterpart; its true master.

Maddox was a man driven by passion. He was a handsome, hardworking dream, charming women one day at a time. He was what Emerson’s fantasies were made of, the prince to her damsel-in-distress. Em viewed him with a fanciful eye that made me feel all the tingles and the smoothness of his character. But what was amazing was how Maddox’ character progressed. Once he was the perfect, most-awaited prince in the story and then he slowly became just a mere man with flaws. I think his character progress was relevant as a way to make Em realize that even the dreamiest prince has flaws, too. Eitherway, Maddox still maintained the swoon in the whole book. 

We don’t fantasize about the bad things. But as he sits here silently beside me, I realize that these moments—the real ones—are the ones worth fantasizing about.

I loved the soothing tone of this book. It was easy-going but calming. It has the right amount of quirks and drama, not too heavy, not too light. Just the right amount of depth to stir thought and emotion. The plot carried a familiar message about love being imperfect, and that sometimes it’s more than just the fantasy. The way Miss Cynthia developed this story and her characters was addicting. 

ARC REVIEW: In Your Dreams by Ginger Scott

Title: In Your Dreams

Author: Ginger Scott

Series: Falling #4

Release Date: March 29, 2016

BLURB:

Casey Coffield has a growing list of personal flaws he keeps locked away in his head:

He’s never on time.

His list of IOUs to his best friend is endless.

Money is always short.

Goals are never in reach.

Oh, and he’s decided to add college drop-out to that list, too. He doesn’t really think that last one’s such a bad thing, but his family insists it is, so it stays on the list.

On paper, he’s a zero. But in person, when he’s mixing tracks for a sea of bodies at the hottest clubs and parties, he’s downright irresistible. Just-right stubble on his chin, body of a boxer and a smirk that stimulates all the right nerves—women have never been a problem. They flock to his swagger and fall for his charm…fast.

All except for this one.

Purple hair, gray eyes, a raspy voice and sass, Murphy Sullivan is a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll. And her and Casey? They have history. He can’t remember it, but she wrote a song about him—and it’s not exactly a love song. But it is good. Damn good. And uncovering her inspiration just might be the key to solving a few of his shortcomings—not to mention open doors to his own big break in the music industry.

But sometimes dreams get messy when they collide. Sometimes life changes patterns. A past paints the wrong picture and futures get cloudy. The only question that remains is who will you choose when the dust settles—you? Or the girl of your dreams?

MY REVIEW:

4/5 STARS

Ginger Scott is probably one of my favourite voices in the Young Adult genre. She proves it again with the captivating, passionate, and entertaining feels in In Your Dreams . I have to side with Murphy, Casey Coffield is really quite hard to forget. 

She’s an enigma. She’s beautiful. If my music had a physical form, I think it might just be her.

Murphy Sullivan just wanted to share her music, the only passion she can lose herself into. But when one of her particular song reached the man her song was named after, she’s set to find out that she might be passionate into something—someone—other than her music. Murphy was a refreshing character. She was soulful, funny, and down-to-earth. She possessed a fiery kind of passion within her shy exterior and I loved the little moments of uncovering it. 

I wasn’t less Casey—I was this Casey, the better man she makes me.

Casey Coffield knew he had a fair share of girls in his life. But he didn’t quite know who he pissed enough to make him sound like a pompous ass—literally…with music and lyrics. I loved Casey the moment I read about him on the third book. On the outside, he was funny, naughty, and happy-go-lucky. But knowing his tender spots in this book clasped my heart. His passion was intense, his sincerity uplifts, and he loved with the kind of love so rare. There was definitely more of a man in Casey Coffield than the boy everyone else sees. 

My dreams, however, and Casey Coffield, seem to have collided.

I really loved the easy, soulful aura of this book. It was fun but affective at the same time. Ginger Scott transported me into how a young heart should feel—passionate, honest, and selfless. Her writing prowess is like a ballad with beautiful lyrics and a soothing tune a reader can never tire of re-reading. In Your Dreams has the right amount of drama, fun, and romance with passionate characters and witty dialogues.

ARC REVIEW: An Unforgivable Love Story by B.L. Berry

Title: An Unforgivable Love Story

Author: B.L. Berry

Release Date: March 22, 2016

BLURB:

Love is patient.
Love is kind.
Love is UNFORGIVABLE. 

She wanted to forget her past.
He wanted to change the course of his future.
She was everything he never knew he needed.
He became her unexpected.
Everything was perfect.
Until ...

MY REVIEW: 

4/5 STARS

Love is an illness that deteriorates your heart, and right now I am suffering through my unequivocal love for the one man I shouldn’t. The man who was never truly mine.

This book was a total unexpected whirlwind of emotions! It’s definitely more than a romance. An Unforgivable Love Story was a perfectly plotted and sequenced book that kept me on my toes from the very first page. 

The thing between Simon and Elyse was supposed to be just a one-night-stand; a release from pent-up emotions that both of them were shackled in. But when the hype of lust subsided, both found something in each other that went deeper than just a couple of nights sharing a bed. Simon and Elyse were both stimulating characters. Simon, though a bit dominant at arrogant at times, still had a streak of fun and romance. Elyse was a hardworking, sophisticated woman with a dreamer’s heart. The romance between this two was fast, consuming, and fiery. And it was too good to be true. 

Within the first few pages, I thought it was a standard lustful attraction between two broken souls that would end up into a whirlwind romance. But as the story progresses, the author magnificently established an uneasy aura that added a suspenseful streak in the plot. I just couldn’t let it go without knowing what happens next! The general aura of this book might be hard for most readers to get into at first; especially if you’re after the clichéd, romantic feels a contemporary romance usually possesses. But if a reader could see the depth of this story along with the underlying poignancy in each character, it’s a really an eye-opening, heart-quenching read. 

An Unforgivable Love Story was a sexy, complex read full of unexpected twists. Continuously intriguing and oh-so hard to put down. 

BOOK REVIEW: Sticks by T. Gephart

Title: Sticks

Author: T. Gephart

Series: Black Addiction #2

Release Date: February 29, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb

Kenzie Clark had made plenty of mistakes. Who cared? Life was all about the journey, and if you couldn’t enjoy the ride then what was the point. The tough-talking guitarist from Brooklyn, NY worked hard so she could play even harder. But some mistakes weren’t so easy to walk away from. Joey Shaw, drummer for Black Addiction, was exactly that kind of a mistake.

How could one night of fun turn into a life long commitment? That’s exactly what Joey was asking himself when Kenzie showed up a few weeks later—the soon-to-be baby bump with his name written all over it. He could barely tie his shoes; how in the hell was he going to raise a kid?

With neither of them ready to become parents, it was always going to be a difficult, but there was no way either of them were walking away. Come hell or high water, they were having this baby—together.

Hopefully they would both be still standing by the birth.

My Review

4.5/5 stars

It's impossible to pick a favorite among T. Gephart's always-entertaining bunch but I gotta say, Joey had me bad when I met him in book one of the Black Addiction series. He was a hot, cocky drummer who says the most outrageous things. Sticks was definitely a refreshingly fun read that I couldn't put down even if I tried. 

Kenzie. The girl who’d knocked me on my ass and completely claimed my heart. 

Kenzie simply didn't do the clingy one-night-stand thing most girls do. So when she found out that she was carrying Little Shaw inside her, she wanted to keep it cool. But keeping it cool with a man as hot as Joey Shaw was definitely going to be a challenge. Kenzie is the epitome of the kind of women I love to read about. She was fierce, confident, and independent. I loved how tough she could get but how sweet and vulnerable she allows herself to be when she was with Joey. 

“I would have given up jerking off just to kiss you tonight.” 

Joey Shaw might not always know the right things to say but he sure as hell knew being a part of his baby's life was the right thing to do. It felt right, too. Joey was a constant source of entertainment in this series. His ridiculous thoughts and ideas kept me up and laughing (sometimes at inappropriate places), forgetting the time and place where I was reading. But other than being the not-so-bright drummer of Black Addiction and the renowned manwhore that he is, Joey was genuine and sweet. And damn, nothing is sexier than a man who knows responsibility.

"I know there aren’t enough miles in the world to change the way I feel.” 

Joey and Kenzie's tandem lit a thousand kinds of sparks in this book. Yes, they were hot together, but what I really looked forward to were the times when they just talked and did parent stuffs together. I loved the easy and light spark of their chemistry, and reveled on the simmering heat they shared. Overall, this book was a light, entertaining read. The plot showed a lot of potential but the depth of the conflict, for me, was a little less than I expected. Nevertheless, this book just constantly had me hooked and satisfied.