New Adult

Thursday, June 8, 2017

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!


Thursday, February 9, 2017

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.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

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. 

Thursday, October 6, 2016

BOOK REVIEW: Make Me Believe by Karen Ferry




Title: Make Me Believe
Author: Karen Ferry
Series: Believe #1
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 6th, 2016

Amazon ● iBooks ● Nook



Sometimes, a chance meeting is just the push you need in order to break free from the darkness within…

My name is Emma, I’m 23, and I’ve never been kissed. I’m no virgin…But kissing is too intimate, too intense, and I don’t want that – not ever. I like sex, though, and most of my hook-ups don’t seem to mind the no-kissing part.

But then I meet Daniel, who’s such a geek, and definitely not the kind of guy I’d normally take an interest to. He’s the shy, quiet type, but with such a charming smile, and he makes my heart race – something I’ve never experienced before.

Daniel has his own issues to work through, and I know my hardened heart shouldn’t melt when he looks at me. I really shouldn’t be falling for him, either, but somehow, he manages to tear down my walls, and I’m scared…because once he learns my secrets, he’ll want nothing to do with me.

All I know is that Daniel makes me feel things that I have never felt before – but do I dare let down my walls and confide in him?

Will I let him be my first kiss?

This is my story, and I’ll reveal everything in my own sweet time…

Just don’t expect all the hearts-and-flowers stuff.
Life is messy, and mine is no different…

INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS

***Due to possible ‘triggers’ and adult situations (yes, there is lots of sex in this book) it is not recommended to persons under the age of 18.



"You consume me every time you’re near… My main focus is on you and I don’t care where we are. You bring out a side of me I never knew existed, and I just want to…claim you in some way.”


Miss Karen Ferry is a new author for me and newness did she totally bring. Make Me Believe has inspired a unique streak of feeling in me that had me completely captivated. Nostalgic, sweet, fun, and really, something that would make you want to pack things and fly to Denmark. 

A time off was what Emma needed. Studying in Denmark gave her that. But while she was hoping to take a time off of her life in England, something definitely turned on, turned hot, and turned more. Emma’s character was quite interesting. Sure, it’s no longer new to meet a strong-willed woman in a book. But her spunk and sweetness was an exciting mix. There was something about her that a man would want to fill and every woman would want to have. 

Now Daniel is something that spiced up my interest in this book. In a world full of alphas, I found unique solace and admiration in the marvelous mix of nerdy and naughty in his character. There’s just something so sexy about a man who knows his books and is sure about his woman.

This book was absolutely captivating! There was a nostalgic, fuzzy feeling that recurs while I was reading it. The plot was generally light but Miss Karen’s fun and indulging prose made it so hard to put down! Emma and Daniel were easy-to-love characters; relatable, real, and interesting. The heat level between them was deliciously flexible. Their relationship’s progress from strangers to friends to lovers was steamily adorable. Make Me Believe was a sweet, sexy, smutty read that will keep readers on their toes and ensure your library-inspired fantasies. ;)

Thursday, June 23, 2016

BOOK REVIEW: Into the Tomorrows by Whitney Barbetti


Title: Into the Tomorrows
Author: Whitney Barbetti
Series: The Bleeding Hearts Series # 1
Release Date: June 16th, 2016

Synopsis 

I was born in sadness, which was just the beginning of a solemn and desolate life. I'm no stranger to pain—none of us are. The night I held my best friend's hand as she died, I understood true agony. And I never thought I'd feel happiness again.

But that was so long ago...

Moving to Colorado to be with Colin, my high school sweetheart, was the perfect way to start over and rekindle what had begun to fizzle. I wanted that spark to ignite, to burn in passion and desire. Instead, I found myself falling for Jude, my boyfriend's roommate. He’s the only person who understands my soul, who can breach the walls I’ve built. But I can't have him.

Because I'm Trista Kohl, and my destiny is sorrow.

My Review
5/5 Lost Stars!

There is no doubt that Whitney Barbetti is really one of my literary goddesses. This woman knows how to capture simple emotions and draw depth from them. Into the Tomorrows was a consuming read; something that will keep you thinking, feeling, and anticipating. So addictive and hard to put down! 

“You’re not Trista the sad; you’re Trista the unknown.”

Trista never had a clear picture of the kind of woman she was. She was always attached to someone, always part of another. So when she was in the process of losing both of her other halves, she felt lost. Now on the quest of standing independently on both feet, Trista finds herself, yet again, dangerously attached to a man whose ability of making her feel special consumed her. Trista’s depth was addicting. Being able to feel and experience with her felt like a number of first times. It was like the first breath after a flight or the first heartbeat after a first kiss; all too exhilarating and palpable. 

I’d had this feeling about Jude, like he could upend my life without really trying to. That I could fall in love with him without meaning to.

Jude always needed to feel alive. And he sought that life atop mountains, bordering the trees. He always seems like he needed to go extreme; to prove something, feel something, and discover something. Jude’s adventurous soul was such an inspiring feat in this book. He represented trust and security, the beauty of success in taking risks. But meeting and feeling with Trista was the most intense adventure he’s ever been in, and losing her might be the only adventure that could endanger his heart.

“You’re hungry—you’re starving. And I wish you didn’t make me want to feed you.”

The slow, seeping emotions in this book was absolutely addicting. Whitney Barbetti did a wonderful job in establishing an unpredictably gripping plot with this one. The main focus was not the romance but the characters’ search for something deeper, the hunger for something more. I loved the courage and risk Jude’s character inspired, contrasting Trista’s safe and lost one. And unexpectedly, these two souls combined was a poignant mess of hope, brokenness, scars, and love. Into the Tomorrows is an immensely satisfying read and I can’t wait for more!
© The Reading Ruth. Made with love by The Dutch Lady Designs.