BOOK REVIEW: Trainwreck by T. Gephart

Title: Trainwreck
Author: T. Gephart
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 10, 2017

       
“No passion, no emotion, no originality—a train wreck of epic portions.”

Those were the words to describe Eve Thorton’s exhibition. Not even a fine arts degree from Yale or her daddy’s bank account could save her from the scathing reviews. And failure was a word Eve would never be comfortable with. Not even close.

Plotting the demise of every critic who’d written her off was her first instinct. But that would come later. Instead, she would show them that she wasn’t a bored socialite with more money than talent.

She would prove everyone wrong, and she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. But when her journey for redemption crashed headfirst into Josh Logan, the sexy, talented tattooist from Queens, getting her hands dirty took on a whole new meaning.

Josh was everything Eve wasn’t, translating on skin what she couldn’t onto her canvas. All she had to do was convince him to share his jaw-dropping brilliance, and help her—seeing him naked—a bonus. Then she could go back to her regular life, vindicated.

It should have been easy. Pity her plans had a habit of derailing

            

NO ONE could perfectly mix romance, sass, and laughter the way Miss T. Gephart does. I am completely obsessed with her words! Trainwreck is a masterpiece itself! 

"I get the real you, and you get the real me. Even if we argue."

Eve Thorton found out that her passion for art wasn’t really transferring into her canvases as extraordinarily as she would’ve wanted. So when her eyes caught a stunning piece of art inked on skin, she knew she had to meet the genius behind it and draw inspiration from him. Little did she know, his artistic abilities won’t be the only thing she’d be drawn to. Eve was such a great character to explore! This badass woman driven by her need to prove people that she wasn’t just money and degree surprised and delighted me in many ways. I loved that Eve wasn’t a damsel-in-distress but I also loved that she opened herself for some changes. Her journey was such a vital part of this book. 

"It's how much of yourself you give. What you sacrifice for someone else. I'm concerned you are too busy worrying about other people, and no one is worrying about you."

Josh Logan had a tough life but he’s getting through it quite well. His escape? Art. He’s a genius with an ink gun and a man armed with knowledge and life lessons that he vividly transfers into ink. Known for magnificently translating classic paintings into the human skin, Josh’s gift knows no limits. But Eve Thorton might just be the only art form he would not be able to replicate. Oh, Josh. Where to begin? There’s a certain charming poignancy in this man that drew me to his character. Sure, he was hot, no doubt about that. But Josh’s major charm was his mind and the insightful, artistic way he views the world. I loved that his looks felt like a secondary (but definitely not a lesser) trait in this book. He was just an absolutely great mystery I loved unraveling. 

What I love in Miss T’s books are the streaks of unexpected details in every one of her works. Trainwreck has tons of those. Even just the little quirks or the slight twists on scenes give me such happiness. Josh and Eve may seem more different than alike but they wonderfully complement each other. I really, really love how they mesh! There was also a perfect amount of emotion in this book. Not overplayed nor unnecessary, just the right feels for Josh and Eve. And of course, I couldn't get through with this review without mentioning Dallas. He is a character every reader would absolutely love! He’s this unfiltered friend whom you can’t help but keep. I really loved the flavor he added to the book! 

The thing I really loved about this book is this grin I couldn’t get off of my face. A totally riveting read; sexy, hilarious, romantic, and refreshing. It’s a definite happy pill!

BOOK REVIEW: A Girl Like Me by Ginger Scott

Title: A Girl Like Me

Author: Ginger Scott

Series: Like Us Series, #2

N O T   A   S T A N D A L O N E

I’m not supposed to be here.

Death has come for me more than once, and each time it’s been a boy who’s stood between me and my final breath.

I called him Christopher when he saved me as a child. When he came into my life again, only months ago, I knew him as Wes. Just as he did the time before, he disappeared the moment he made sure I was out of harm’s way; as if I didn’t need any more saving.

This time, though, death left me with a reminder of how powerful it is. I know it meant to strip me of my spirit again, but it failed.

Even so, I know I need Wes to survive. Our souls are woven together somehow, our every breath in sync. I feel it, even though everyone says I shouldn’t.

The world thinks he’s missing.

His loved ones don’t want to believe he’s dead.

Only I know just how special he is.

I’m going to find him and bring him home, where he belongs. Together, we’ll face impossible—we’ll rewrite our ending.

And when the bad guys come calling, we will always win. 

*An early copy of the book was graciously given by the author* 

There has never been a Ginger Scott book that disappointed me. Every book she writes just slays and I can’t help but be obsessed with them. A Girl Like Me contained a unique pull, a palpable plot that will leave every reader either breathless from the suspense, or panting for more.

He’s breaking me just by being, and it isn’t fair.

It’s not everyday that a reader like me encounter characters like Wes and Jos. There’s a unique streak in them that just woke up a whole new kind of curiosity in me and surprised me with emotions that aren’t always inherent in a love story. A love story. Is it, really? I guess it is because of the unconditional love the characters had for each other. But in true Ginger Scott fashion, romance worked like a secondary tone in this story. And yet it went through my heart like a bullet filled with lessons and love.

“I don’t need a hero, Wes,” I say again, pressing our foreheads tight again, my thumbs both drawing soft lines along his jaw. “I just need you.”

The depth, the plot, the twists, the characters, the suspense…all I know is I almost forgot to breathe while reading this book. I loved how unpredictable the plot was, how I didn’t know what will happen, how I wanted to read faster but wanted to absorb every word. Joselyn’s strength was such as beautiful streak in this book. She took badass to a different level. And Wes...this unique, out-of-this-world, compassionate, and hero of a man, was a mystery I loved seeing unraveled. Even the whole gang, the secondary characters, added to the depth and impact of this book. I just loved every bit of their moments.

Maybe that’s the moral of our story—we suffer and overcome, then risk again.

A Girl Like Me is the kind of book that stays in your head even after you’ve read it. It’s the kind that will chase your thoughts and provoke your mind to think. For me, it was an experience. An experience filled with pain and mistakes with their corresponding lessons. A compelling read that I’d want to read over and over. Another top read for me!

ARC REVIEW: Say I'm Yours by Corinne Michaels

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

Title: Say I'm Yours

Author: Corinne Michaels

Release Date: March 27, 2017

From New York Times Bestseller, Corinne Michaels, comes a new second chance standalone romance.

I spent twenty years waiting for Trent Hennington to open his eyes and see me. But it was all for nothing. He chose to keep himself guarded and let me walk away, proving that my time and efforts were wasted.

I’m done being invisible.

It’s time to move on.

A single dance sets my new reality into motion, and I welcome it. After all, Cooper Townsend is perfect. He’s kind, sexy, and attentive—everything a girl could want.

I thought I got it right this time.

That my heart could mend, and I would be happy.

Apparently, some things really are just too hard to walk away from.

I've said this in every Hennington book but... TRENT IS MY FAVORITE HENNINGTON. Dammit, Corinne Michaels. You're supposed make it easy to pick a Hennington but here you are, inspiring us to be fictionally polygamous. Say I'm Yours is LIFE, people. One of my top reads this year!! 

I loved her the minute I kissed her. 

Grace saw my demons and never looked away.

If Grace Rooney had a super power, it was her patience. Loving the same man and spending years patiently waiting for him to love her back wasn't easy. But this time, she's was done. Oh Gracie, dear Gracie. I adore this woman so much. Her heart and patience are both her strength and weakness and I just loved her to the core. Grace had an inner strength and faith so strong that it could change a person. Man, could this woman love. 

Trent is the one thing I can't quit. 

My heart has always belonged to him.

It took losing Grace for Trent Hennington to know he couldn't live without her. Now it was his turn to prove he was always hers as she was his. I loved Trent but I did want to shake the logic out of him a couple of times while reading. Still, that man touched my heart and made me swoon in ways I want to experience over and over again. He often said the right words but when he paired those with actions...Yep. Death by swooning seems like a good way to go.

Cooper. Now this man is rare. I loved his selflessness. He was a man of honor and compassion, and an unstirred passion I can't wait to see happen. 

He's not perfect, but he's perfect for me.

Say I'm Yours is just a book of unlimited feels. There was a holistic warmth that enveloped this book and I just couldn't help but live and breathe in the same air as the characters. The chemistry, the emotions, the words, the characters, the events, everything was just perfect for me. The pace of the book was soothing but had a weight that never stops tugging at my heartstrings. I'm a sucker for second-chance romances and this one just aced it so brilliantly. I also reveled on the fact that I got to have a sneak on the lives of the other Henningtons. 

Miss Corinne brilliantly played every emotion my heart could possibly feel. The Henningtons got me good. First, I was entranced. Then I was obsessed. Now I'm just absolutely addicted. <3 font="" nbsp="">

#SaveAHorseRideAHennington

REVIEW BLITZ: What I Need by J. Daniels

WHAT I NEED

BY J.Daniels

Alabama Summer Book 5

Release Day: March 5, 2017

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK 

iBOOKS | KOBO | B&N

From New York Times bestselling author, J. Daniels, comes a sexy new STANDALONE novel.

Riley Tennyson has made a huge mistake.

At least, that’s what she keeps telling herself.

Showing up to her brother’s wedding pissed off and newly single, Riley seeks comfort in solitude and an open bar, until the gorgeous and irresistibly charming CJ Tully makes her a better offer―a wild night with the master of smooth-talking where nothing is off limits.

Riley does what any single woman would do, and a connection is made. One neither one of them can ignore. But when she comes home to the boyfriend she no longer thought she had, Riley buries her secret and begs CJ to do the same.

Forget about each other. It was a mistake. That’s all it was… right?

Desires are hidden. Distance is kept. Until one night CJ makes the ultimate sacrifice, and Riley can no longer avoid the man she can’t stop thinking about.

Not with him sleeping down the hall…

MY FAVORITE BAMA BOY EVER!! I think I’ve said that when I read Reed but hot damn, CJ changed my mind. What I Need was a brilliant play of flirting, romance, a tinge of drama, and a whole lot of fun! 

"I got a taste of something I want more of and a taste like that, babe, there’s no forgetting.”

Riley just wanted to be enough, and she would do anything to be just that. This sweet, sweet girl was an absolute treat in this story. Riley was definitely a sunshine momentarily covered by clouds but once she was able to shine, you just can’t help but love her. She was selfless and thoughtful but contained a passion that only CJ Tully could unleash. 

Between the rough and the dirty he gives me sweet as if he really cares and this really matters, and my little naive heart believes it.

CJ Tully was surrounded with love birds. But he never quite craved falling as much as he did when he saw Riley Tennyson… at her own brother’s wedding. Oh my gah! CJ IS SOMETHING ELSE!!! I'm sure Tully is his own category of hero. Sweet, hot, naughty, perceptive, and persistent. AND a cop! What more can you ask for? He is THE ultimate book boyfriend material. I loved how he was hot but was quirky, too. How he was courageous but was sweet as hell. How dirty and consideate he could get. He was a confident man who knew what he wanted and deserved and he wasn’t shy on showing and saying how he feels about it. And man, does this man have a way with words. Seriously, I dare you not to fall for the #TullyCharm

Do you have any idea how good you look being mine?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the push and pull between CJ and Riley. The moment they surrendered to each other was off-the-charts hot but also so sensual and romantic. Miss J. Daniels definitely knows how to answer every Bama loving reader’s whims. Every possible fantasy, wish, emotion, and desire was met so brilliantly. It was funny yet also sentimental. It was sexy but oh-so sweet. It was bone-deep romantic but fell within reason. The plot was just continually engaging and interesting. What I loved, too, was how the other characters of the series were so intact, present and felt; feeding my Bama obsession so well. Clearly, Miss J knows what the readers wants and she gives it to us only to make us want more. 

What I Need was just jampacked with every single thing you want and need in a romance. Maybe even more. It certainly surpassed my expectations! J. Daniels continue to outdo herself. I can't wait for more Bama!!

ARC REVIEW (TOP READS!!): FLOW and GRIP by Kennedy Ryan

S Y N O P S E S

FLOW

(the GRIP prequel)

In 8 years, Marlon James will be one of the brightest rising stars in the music industry. 

Bristol Gray will be his tough, no-nonsense manager. 

But when they first meet, she's a college student finding her way in the world, and he's an artist determined to make his way in it. 

From completely different worlds, all the things that should separate them only draw them closer. 

It's a beautiful beginning, but where will the story end?

FLOW is the prequel chronicling the week of magical days and nights that will haunt Grip & Bristol for years to come.

GRIP is the full-length conclusion of their story.

 * * * * * * * * * 

GRIP

Resisting an irresistible force wears you down and turns you out.

I know.

I’ve been doing it for years.

I may not have a musical gift of my own, 

but I’ve got a nose for talent and an eye for the extraordinary.

And Marlon James – Grip to his fans – is nothing short of extraordinary.

Years ago, we strung together a few magical nights, but I keep those memories in a locked drawer and I’ve thrown away the key.

All that’s left is friendship and work.

He’s on the verge of unimaginable fame, all his dreams poised to come true.

I manage his career, but I can’t seem to manage my heart.

It’s wild, reckless, disobedient.

And it remembers all the things I want to forget. 

______________________________________

(I read Flow and Grip consecutively so I'll just review them as one!)

"My heart broke loose on the wind." – Pablo Neruda

I. AM. SO. OBSESSED. Good Lord Almighty. Kennedy Ryan outdid herself a hundred times with FLOW and GRIP. THIS STORY IS PHENOMENAL!!! 

The threat of Grip breaking me weighs less than the possibility of never having him.

Grip never knew he’d reach a height quite like what he was in right now. It came quite close to the high he experienced eight years ago, and it was a peak he will keep trying to reach. I've never read about a hero like Marlon (Grip). His depth, his passion, his story...Grip is his own kind of art and he loves like a masterpiece. This man is a living, breathing fire of passion that is sure to set flames on every reader’s feelings. Heart, Soul, Time, Panties, this man will steal it all from you and you'll voluntarily give it to him. 

My love is Pandora’s Box. Grip snapped my hinges, pried me open. He let this love out. My love has a wild streak. Good luck trying to tame it.

If there was something Bristol knew well, it was the feeling of inadequacy. She wasn’t as talented as her brother, wasn’t as fancy as her mother, always wasn’t brilliant enough. All her life, she was trying to fill that gaping hole with determination and strong will. Until she met a man who did not only fill her emptiness but allowed her to overflow. I DID NOT expect to love Bristol this much. Granted, I knew I will be taken by the badass goddess that she was but I never expected this depth from her. Beneath her cold, sure, and confident aura was a seat of immense love and compassion. She is definitely one of my favorite heroines ever! 

If she’s running from me, I’ll have to disappoint her.

I CAN’T EVEN WITH THIS STORY. Grip just totally owned me. There’s such a unique soul in Flow and Grip that I’ve never ever felt before. I’ve been craving to know how Grip and Bristol will finally give in to each other since My Soul to Keep but I did not expect their story to blow me away this much. Most of the characters I’ve read had a ‘chemistry’ or a ‘spark’ but Marlon and Bristol had a magma of emotions brewing, waiting to explode. And man, did they set my book world on fire. There’s just a rare kind of connection between them that had me trying to hold my heart in place. Like it’s so strong that the emotions jump right out of the pages each time there’s a scene where they’re breathing the same air. It’s absolutely addicting and I can read it again and again. 

What I love about a Kennedy Ryan book is that it’s a vessel for a deeper message. Beneath the soul-stirring romance in Grip lies significant issues that sparked and continue to spark controversies. For me, though, it was thought-provoking, moving, and inspirational. The stories, situations, and people embedded in this story were real and inspired empathy in so many ways. I think that’s the reason why my obsession with Grip reached new heights. It did not just give me goosebumps or tripling-heartbeats. Not just a depth that singed my heart nor a bone-deep romance that made me dream. It challenged my mind, altered my perspective, and inspired me to become a better person. 

For me, Kennedy Ryan’s prose is perfection. Her words flow like perfectly versed poems and you’d just want to highlight every line and have it tattooed on your body. I loved ALL of the books she’s ever written but in FLOW and GRIP, she was at her best..so far. The depths in these books were insurmountable, each page reeking with a story that will compel you to read non-stop. If there’s a story that I will highly recommend to people, this would be it. There are not enough stars in the sky I could borrow to help me rate this experience. Because Grip can’t be rated with stars. It’s worth at least two galaxies. 

BOOK REVIEW: Switch by Adriana Locke

Title: Switch
Author: Adriana Locke
Series: Landry Family #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 20, 2017

Mallory Sims is late for her first day of work.

After spilling her tea, she discovers she has no gas in her car. Add that her arm keeps sticking to her dress from syrup left on the console of her car, flustered feels like an understatement.

Then she sees her new boss.

Graham Landry is the epitome of NSFW in his custom-fit suit, black-rimmed glasses, and a look so stern her libido doesn’t stand a chance. Being flustered is just the start of her problems.

Her punctuality is only the start of his. With a pink slip in hand, he’s been waiting on his new secretary to show up only to let her go. Then she rushes in with her doe eyes and rambling excuses, smelling like bacon and lavender. The termination paper falls to the side as she falls in his arms. 

This is a disaster in the making. Not because of his pinpoint exactness or her free spirit, but because when they’re together, the sparks that fly threaten to burn the whole place down.

Just when I thought I have found my favorite Landry, another Landry comes along. Switch is probably the hottest, most sensual book that Adriana Locke has ever written. Another sexy and tantalizing read that shifts my life goals. I’m ditching my job and aiming for a Mrs. Landry position. 

"Careful. Purposeful. Confident."

Graham Landry thrived in order and preferably the one providing it. He had back-up plans for back up plans and anticipated solutions for every outcome. But he was definitely blindsided when he met a raven-haired goddess with a quick wit and killer curves. Gosh, I love Graham so much. In the past books, he was the rational voice in his brothers’ lives. He was smart, confident, logical, and so sure of himself. But damn, did I love him more when he started to dismantle(and not just from his goddamn, hotdamn suit). 

I'm aware I'm an addict and I measure drugs in Grahams.

Mallory Sims knew how hard it was to be a pawn of other people’s decisions so she was striving to stand on her own two feet. She will stand for herself, pave her life the way she wanted, and learn to say no…well, except when it comes to Graham Landry. Mal was such a beautiful character. This woman was smart and passionate. I loved how she was confident but also showed a tinge of vulnerability. Like her life goal, she was a perfect balance. A strong-willed, vocal, and independent woman but also a woman who needed understanding and acceptance. 

"What do you want, Mallory?""I want to do all the things you ask of me and do them better than you've expected they could be done."

I initially expected this book to be just panty-melting hot and romantic. And don’t get me wrong, it definitely definitely was. Graham and Mallory together could create miles and miles of forest fires. What I didn’t expect, though, was how raw they got with each other. And hot damn,that was, in my opinion, the hottest thing about this book. Not just Graham in a suit (which is hot) or Graham out of the suit (which is also hot)or Graham outside the suit doing sexy times with Mallory (which is extra extra hot). But it was the little things they did for and say to each other. They filled each other’s gap and inspired new sets of routine and a brand of happiness that was exclusively their own. 

Adriana Locke brilliantly drove this sexy book from a fiery, sexy attraction to an all-out true romance. Everything was perfectly-paced and contained a subtle intensity that was absolutely addicting! I want more Landry!

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!

ARC REVIEW: A Boy Like You by Ginger Scott

Title: A Boy Like You

Author: Ginger Scott

Series: Like You Series #1

Release Date: March 3rd, 2017

They say everyone’s a superhero to someone. I’m not sure who I’m supposed to save, but I know who saved me. 

We were kids. His name was Christopher. And up until the day he pulled me from death’s grip, he was nothing more than a boy I felt sorry for. In a blink of an eye, he became the only person who made me feel safe.

And then he disappeared. 

Now I’m seventeen. I’m not a kid anymore. I haven’t been for years. While death didn’t take me that day, the things that happened left me with scars—the kind that robbed me of everything I once loved and drove me into darkness. But more than anything else, that day—and every day since—has taken away my desire to dream. 

I wasn’t going to have hope. I wouldn’t let myself wish. Those things—they weren’t for girls like me. That’s what I believed…until the new boy. 

He’s nothing like the old boy. He’s taller and older. His hair is longer, and his body is lean—strong and ready for anything. I don’t feel sorry for him. And sometimes, I hate him. He challenges me. From the moment I first saw him standing there on the baseball field, he pushed me—his eyes constantly questioning, doubting…daring. Still, something about him—it feels…familiar. 

He says his name is Wes. But I can’t help but feel like he’s someone else. Someone from my past. Someone who’s come back to save me.

This time, though, he’s too late. Josselyn Winters, the girl he once knew, is gone. I am the threat; I am my worst enemy. And he can’t save me from myself.

That was the last time I ever felt safe, and it was the day I almost died.

Ginger Scott’s books are an altogether separate genre for me. I’m obsessed with how she captures depths. Her words seep right into a readers skin and you just become the character. A Boy Like You is no different; quite possibly more intense. With a group of interesting and poignant characters, it’s hard not to drown in this book. 

I’m my own mess, and something about Wes makes me feel better.

Since that unfaithful day of Josselyn Winters’s life, she always had to wake up with a renewed strength to face the repetitive routine of fuck-ups that is her life. There were an equal amount of strength and cracks in Jos’ character and I loved both sides. She would self-destruct and then rebuild herself. She was real and different and it was an experience to see life in her eyes. 

“I love how you look at me. I love how you see me, Joss. I love that you think I’m invincible.”

It was at an early age when Wes learned how to fight through life unscathed. He was both blessed and cursed but he was strengthened by that contradiction. I LOVED how Wes’ character played with my head. This man (because even with his age, he was already a man) was a seat of fight and determination. He had calculated but equally unexpected actions; and oh, how I crave for what he’s planning next. 

We’re two kids who found each other when each needed someone to believe in them the most.

The brilliance of Ginger Scott’s writing isn’t in the magical way of hyping up a reader’s fantasy. It’s how she rouses depth in the mundane. In A Boy Like You, the romance was more secondary but oh, how I fell and felt. She drove this story with a palpable tone that kept me up my toes and my heartbeat trippling with every chapter. Every word was sure and deliberate, her message clear and on-point. But most of all, what I loved about this book was the characters. Each of them brought a pulse in the story that will surely relate to a lot of readers. 

This is definitely one of my top reads this year (the sequel might make it my TOP read!)

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.

ARC REVIEW: Possession by A.M. Johnson

*ARC given in exchange for an honest review

Title: Possession
Author: A.M. Johnson
Series: Avenues Ink Series #1
Release Date: February 16, 2017

S Y N O P S I S: 

Paige Simon was the only girl Declan ever loved. The only one capable of silencing his voices, the only person to ever have faith in who he was, until the day her faith turned to doubt and destroyed everything they’d made together.

Declan O ’Connell was the only person Paige could be herself with. The only one she could rely on, until the day she was forced to make a choice that would condemn them both.

They’ve had years apart, and second chances don’t belong to the damned. But when you come face to face with your savior, it’s almost impossible to walk away. In order to move beyond the sins of their past, and forever silence the demons in his head, they’ll have to risk it all.  

But with love, there are real reasons to be afraid and, sometimes… your salvation is your damnation.   

Other than a riveting plot and an engaging prose, I always look for depth each time I read a book. And wow, did Miss Amanda ace all those. In a book world filled with swoony billionaires and perfect prince charmings, here comes Declan O’Connell, a warrior of his own, slaying his demons even in his sleep.

I belonged to the abyss, and no chemical on Earth would drag me from its depths.

I’ve never quite read something as poignant and beautiful as Declan. He was an artist through and through. The depth of his character was so deep, he might as well be a living, breathing abstract. His loyalty, his heart, and his love were perfect components of his troubled mind and soul. A character cut from human imperfections and still, I fell for him perfectly. 

She’ll bleed you dry. Maybe… But, at least the poison would at last be free from my system and maybe then the death she’d give me would be sweet, because I’d have tasted what it felt like to live again one last time.

Paige had a depth of her own. A woman who loved fiercely but was persuaded by guilt and honor. Oh, how Paige will test a reader’s heart. She was a woman of her own strength and she fought battles at her own pace. A woman who made wrong choices but was never defined by them. 

“I love you. It’s my affliction, and I’ll never be cured of it, never be rid of how I feel about you.”

I wish I was articulate enough to form the perfect words for what this book made me feel. AM Johnson’s evocative prose was most stunning in this book. The story was so complex and yet every detail of the story was clear, palpable, and equally important. Every tinge of emotion was utterly felt. The characters were so moving, bearing unique depths that I’ve never ever felt from a book before. 

Paige’s inner light basked in Declan’s darkness. A couple from different worlds but were bound by each other’s soul. 

This book is a masterpiece.

BOOK REVIEW: Ever Over After (The Over #2) by J.A. DeRouen

Title: Ever Over After

Author: J.A. DeRouen

Series: The Over Duet #2

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Marlo … wild-eyed, untamed, and every single thing I’ve ever wanted from this life. I wasn’t ready for her back then. I was a stupid boy with adult feelings and no idea what to do with them. I squandered away every chance she gave me.

Yes, love like ours either burns white hot or crumbles under the pressure.

And now I’m back to sift through the rubble.

Questions and excuses are two things I have in spades. What I need now are answers. 

Answers and Low.

Always Low.

My name is Ever Montgomery, and this is my story of love resurrected.

*ARC given in exchange for an honest review* 

After meeting Marlo and Ever in Low Over High, I never got over the high. And that poignant pull continued with Ever Over After. This book brilliantly stirs the emotions and just goes straight through the heart. 

With one glance, I morph into that broken girl he threw away. I guess part of her will always live in me.

Marlo craved change. She needed a new place and some new people to deter her from the painful memories of her past. But then one part of her past never actually left and he has no plans of leaving. I loved the contradicting mix of resilience and vulnerability in Marlo’s character. She was not portrayed as a damsel-in-distress but a woman of strength who fought battles every day. She was fun and kind and sophisticated. But she also carries a streak of issues that added up to the weight of the story. 

I’m a better man when I’m loving you.

Ever needed a fix. A fix of his life, a fix of his family, and a fix of himself. He knew he was too broken to deserve and protect Marlo so he opted to leave. Only to find out that the fix he needed was the person he left. Ever was a refreshing break from perfect heroes. He was broken and yet equally swoony. I loved every crack of brokenness this man had. Because even with his bad life and bad decisions, he had the sincerest, loveliest intentions. He loved hard and fierce and I loved him back the same way. 

“Time passes, memories fade, but feelings are forever.”

This duet really pulled strong for me. Two characters fighting their own demons, trying to deserve each other. In Ever Over After, the emotional pull and attraction escalated beautifully. The pent-up heat and sexual tension that built up on the first book was poignantly fulfilled on this second one. The way JA DeRouen captures emotion is utterly addicting. I loved the words and the way it was fluidly written. The plot was not forced and scenes were timed perfectly. The story wasn’t all tears and brokenness. It has fun and cute streaks of smiles and laughter from adorable side characters. Whether it’s the pain or the fulfillment or the rage, this book just makes you feel, feel, and feel.