If you read Neon Gods, you鈥檒l remember that Persephone鈥檚 choice to escape to the Underworld and marry Hades turned Olympus upside down. The death of tIf you read Neon Gods, you鈥檒l remember that Persephone鈥檚 choice to escape to the Underworld and marry Hades turned Olympus upside down. The death of the former Zeus and the reemergence of Hades created a new order among the city鈥檚 elite, leaving members of the Thirteen scheming for more power. At the center of a high-stakes game of politics and deceit are Eros, son of Aphrodite, and Psyche, daughter of Demeter, who become unwilling chess pieces in the notorious feud between their mothers. From their first interaction, there鈥檚 an undeniable draw between them - a forbidden spark of attraction that leaves a lasting impression. So when Aphrodite enlists her son to exact revenge on Demeter鈥檚 daughter, Eros proposes a marriage of convenience to Psyche, for both of their benefits.
Navigating through a complex network of dangerous foes and allies that rule Olympus, Eros and Psyche are tasked with selling a lie, ensuring that everyone believes theirs to be a love match. They鈥檙e attempting to prevent an all-out war against a formidable adversary, but the threat of danger looms over their carefully constructed facade.
With its storyline filled with intrigue and suspense, Electric Idol captured my unwavering attention, but it鈥檚 the complex relationship between Eros and Psyche that had me gradually speeding up the speed on the audiobook, impatient to hear what happened next. I started out slower than normal because a) British accents are much harder to understand at 2x speed and, b) I wanted to sit back and savor the story. But with their every primal, lust-filled interaction, the connection between zeros and Psyche became more intense, and more profound, and I was beyond curious how a seemingly impossible situation would end happily for two star crossed lovers.
Whether you love forbidden romances, whether you enjoy modern mythology retellings, or whether you鈥檙e in the mood for a steamy, angsty, riveting love story, Electric Idol is another must-read in Katee Robert鈥檚 Dark Olympus Series. It鈥檚 an alluring world inhabited by enrapturing, unforgettable characters, and I can鈥檛 wait to discover what happens next. 猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍
Special thanks to the publisher for the complimentary paperback and audiobook review copy!!! 鈥...more
While science terminology is a bit over my head, nothing sucks me in to a romance quite like a good trope. And a fake relationship with a meet cute thWhile science terminology is a bit over my head, nothing sucks me in to a romance quite like a good trope. And a fake relationship with a meet cute that鈥檚 equal parts awkward and hilarious is the perfect setup for a rom-com, as Ali Hazelwood proves in The Love Hypothesis. 鈥 鈥 As one of the few women in the male-dominated STEM industry, graduate student, Olive Smith, has exactly one close female friend. Like any good friend, Olive will go out of her way to ensure her friend, Anh鈥檚, happiness, even if it means kissing a random guy in the science lab in the hopes of convincing Anh that she鈥檚 moved on from her ex-boyfriend (who Anh happens to like, but won鈥檛 date out of loyalty to her friend). Only the stranger she kisses happens to be Adam Carlsen, the hotshot professor infamous for terrorizing Stanford graduate students with his harsh critiques and no-nonsense attitude. Adam not only plays along with Olive鈥檚 ruse, but inexplicably agrees to be her fake boyfriend to continue the charade. Suddenly Olive is sitting in Adam鈥檚 lap in a lecture hall, rubbing sunscreen on him at a faculty picnic, and having coffee dates filled with sugary beverages and teasing banter.
If you (1) love opposites attract romances, (2) fake relationship romances, and/or (3)鈥 slow-burning romances that build from simmering to scorching hot, you NEED to add The Love Hypothesis to your TBR list! It鈥檚 such a sweet, endearing love story with two characters who couldn鈥檛 be more different, yet are perfectly complementary to each other. Olive and Adam鈥檚 initial interactions are stilted and unsure, yet as Olive delves beneath Adam鈥檚 taciturn, moody persona, she reveals his secretly soft interior. In turn, Adam鈥檚 deadpan humor and steady, supportive presence are a balm to Olive, who often gets stuck in her own head, fixating on her shortcomings rather than her strengths. Their tentative friendship sparks a growing attraction, which stokes the tension between them until it鈥檚 impossible to ignore. Their budding romance is a long, complicated journey, riddled with obstacles and unexpected twists, yet I laughed, sighed, and swooned every step of the way. The narrative builds into an epically steamy and perfectly satisfying payoff that left me begging for another hundred pages of story between Olive and Adam. 鈥 鈥 I鈥檝e read a lot of amazing books this year already, but The Love Hypothesis is hands down one of my favorites. It鈥檚 perfect if you鈥檙e in the mood for something fun and entertaining, but also heartfelt and emotional. I look forward to seeing what the author comes out with next. 鈥...more
I LOVE the Wrecked Series by Catherine Cowles, but I have to say that Wrecked Palace is my new favorite book by this author! The whole time I was readI LOVE the Wrecked Series by Catherine Cowles, but I have to say that Wrecked Palace is my new favorite book by this author! The whole time I was reading, I kept pausing to inwardly gush about how about the story and the characters were. Everything from the drama-filled storyline to the swoon-worthy romance to the fun-loving, fiercely loyal supporting characters came together into one heartwarming, achingly sweet, emotional love story. 鉅赌 鉅赌 If you鈥檝e read previous books in the series, you鈥檒l know that Caelyn assumed guardianship for her three younger siblings when she was in college. Despite her young age, she shoulders a great deal of responsibility and longs for the type of love and stability that鈥檚 never been within her reach. Perhaps it鈥檚 their shared anguish that draws Caelyn to Griffin, the brooding, mysterious loner, whose parents and sister infamously drowned at sea. 鉅赌 鉅赌 After years of closing himself off from everyone and everything, Griffin comes to Caelyn鈥檚 rescue when she needs it the most, and finds himself completely and inexorably tied to her and her family. Caelyn and her siblings steadily break down Griffin鈥檚 defenses, eliciting laughter, warmth, and companionship. But an unknown assailant arrives with a harsh reminder of the past, and threatens to disrupt their newfound happiness. 鉅赌 鉅赌 Hopelessly romantic, gut-wrenchingly emotional, and utterly satisfying, Wrecked Palace will have you grinning widely one minute, then tearing up the next. There鈥檚 enough drama and suspense to keep you mesmerized, and just enough steam to heat your cheeks. Wrecked Palace is my idea of the perfect book and I can鈥檛 imagine it not being on my favorites list for 2021!
After meeting Aria Saint-James in Quarter Miles, I was eager for her story, which would be the next stop on a road trip that follows a group of old frAfter meeting Aria Saint-James in Quarter Miles, I was eager for her story, which would be the next stop on a road trip that follows a group of old friends who reconnect on a journey to return a restored Cadillac to its rightful owner. Forsaken Trail finds Aria visiting her twin sister, Clara, at her home in Arizona, where a fake date with her archenemy, Brody Carmichael, leads to an unforgettable night together...along with an unexpected pregnancy. 鉅赌 鉅赌 Brody and Aria鈥檚 relationship is fraught with friction and tension, thanks to their many differences and numerous disagreements. Theirs is a passionate, inexorable physical connection, yet their emotional intimacy isn鈥檛 as easily established. As we come to know through their backstories, these characters are strapped with a considerable amount of baggage, yet they鈥檙e all the more compelling because of their flaws. I couldn鈥檛 help but race through each chapter, hoping that Brody and Aria would get their well-deserved happy ending...which is perhaps why I finished the book in record time. 鉅赌 鉅赌 With Forsaken Trail, Devney Perry has written yet another engrossing, hopelessly romantic, beautifully written love story. I can鈥檛 get enough of this series and I鈥檓 already looking forward to Karson and Clara鈥檚 book, which can鈥檛 come soon enough!...more
I鈥檓 glad I did a skim-read of The Burning Shadow before I started The Brightest Night because there鈥檚 a LOT of important info I forgot. If you *didn鈥檛I鈥檓 glad I did a skim-read of The Burning Shadow before I started The Brightest Night because there鈥檚 a LOT of important info I forgot. If you *didn鈥檛* have time for a reread, there are three major things to remember: 1) Jason Dasher is alive, 2) the Daedalus wants to wipe out the Luxen, hybrids, and Origin, using a genetically-modified, controllable species known as the Trojan, and 3) Evie is a Trojan. 鉅赌 鉅赌 The Brightest Night picks up seconds after the mind-blowing information is dropped that Jason Dasher isn鈥檛 dead like everyone thought. Between that bombshell and the uncontrollable nature of Evie鈥檚 newly-discovered abilities, Luc and Evie鈥檚 arrival in Zone 3 is riddled with tension and uncertainty. With an inevitable confrontation looming, Evie needs to gain control over the unknown power growing inside of her before the Daedalus can use it against her. 鉅赌 鉅赌 While the previous book was action-packed, and elicited more questions than answers, The Brightest Night provides a number of revelations that any reader of this series has surely long been eager to learn. Evie鈥檚 journey to self-discovery finds her making recollections about her past, even as she forges new memories with Luc. But even with the new information that emerges, and the new and familiar faces that stir up drama, it feels as though we鈥檙e in the calm before the storm. There鈥檚 this ominous feeling that something or someone is lying in wait around every corner. Needless to say, I was a nervous wreck leading up to the final chapters, which did nothing to alleviate my stress. ...more
Sarah Smith鈥檚 latest romance pits two food truck owners against each other in one epic, no-holds-barred rivalry. There鈥檚 angst, there鈥檚 drama, there鈥檚Sarah Smith鈥檚 latest romance pits two food truck owners against each other in one epic, no-holds-barred rivalry. There鈥檚 angst, there鈥檚 drama, there鈥檚 heartache, and there鈥檚 a whole lot of heat...and I don鈥檛 just mean in the kitchen. ...more
I got to read an early copy of The Bribe, the first book in the Calamity Montana Series, and it reminded me of why I fell in love with Devney Perry鈥檚 I got to read an early copy of The Bribe, the first book in the Calamity Montana Series, and it reminded me of why I fell in love with Devney Perry鈥檚 books. Reminiscent of The Coppersmith Farmhouse, The Bribe has romance, suspense, and a protective Alpha hero intent on saving the damsel in distress. 鉅赌 鉅赌 After fleeing Nashville, Lucy Ross relocates to a small town in Montana, where no one would suspect she鈥檚 a famous country singer. With a new look and a new identity, Lucy might鈥檝e remained under the radar if it wasn鈥檛 for a certain handsome sheriff with whom she keeps crossing paths. Duke Evans isn鈥檛 the type to let a mystery go unsolved, and Lucy isn鈥檛 upfront about revealing why she鈥檚 sought haven in Calamity. There鈥檚 an attraction between them from the moment they meet, yet their budding romance is unexpectedly complicated - first, because Lucy tries to bribe Duke into keeping her secret, and second, because he鈥檚 the only one in town who knows her real identity. But just when Lucy starts to make a new life for herself, it seems she can鈥檛 escape from her past quite so easily... 鉅赌 鉅赌 With a fast-paced, suspense-filled narrative, a swoon-worthy, whirlwind romance, and characters you can鈥檛 help but fall in love with, The Bribe is a riveting page-turner. The small-town charm gives the story a feel-good vibe, the effortless, all-consuming chemistry between Lucy and Duke turns up the heat, and the element of danger keeps you on your toes. The Bribe is impossible to put down once you get started, and I highly recommend adding it to your TBR list!...more
After finishing Reckless Memories by Catherine Cowles and feeling like my heart went through a blender, I was (justifiably) preparing myself for anothAfter finishing Reckless Memories by Catherine Cowles and feeling like my heart went through a blender, I was (justifiably) preparing myself for another gut-wrenchingly emotional read with Kenna and Crosby鈥檚 story, Perfect Wreckage. And that鈥檚 exactly what I got. ...more
After reading A Guy Walks Into My Bat and noting that Fitz and his sister joked about a possible pair-up between her and his good friend, Ransom, I鈥檒lAfter reading A Guy Walks Into My Bat and noting that Fitz and his sister joked about a possible pair-up between her and his good friend, Ransom, I鈥檒l admit I did a double-take when reading the blurb for Thanks for Last Night. His love interest was none other than his close friend, Teagan. Now, I love a brother鈥檚 best friend romance as much as the next person, but I have to say that I love a friends-to-lovers romance even more, especially when it鈥檚 written by Lauren Blakely.
As members of the same close group of friends, Teagan King and Ransom North have an effortless rapport, teasing and joking with each other with a familiarity that speaks of inside jokes, shared interests, and a genuine enjoyment of each other鈥檚 company. After watching their friends find love, Teagan and Ransom find themselves being nudged together by those same well-meaning friends. But Ransom and Teagan are gun-shy when it comes to both relationships and rocking the boat of their tight-knit group. They have to decide if it鈥檚 worth it to risk their hearts and their friendship for a chance at a happily ever after.
Much like any other Lauren Blakely rom-com, Thanks For Last Night is the perfect balance between both sweet and sensual, and lighthearted and emotional. Ransom and Teagan鈥檚 explosive chemistry, easygoing camaraderie, and fiery connection is a potent combination that makes you want to race through each page, eager to see what they say and do next. Each chapter reveals a different layer of each character, allowing the reader to experience not just their fun-loving personas, but their vulnerabilities as well. Because of everything mentioned, and a dozen other reasons, it鈥檚 impossible not to read this book and root for Ransom and Teagan to earn their well-deserved happy ending.
What makes Thanks For Last Night so much fun to read is the minute details: his and hers prologues, incorporating previous characters into the storyline while introducing new faces, and providing updates for all of the former couples we鈥檝e met in The Guys Who Got Away Series. With characters that are multifaceted, a storyline that鈥檚 riveting and entertaining, and a love story that鈥檚 steamy and romantic, Ransom and Teagan鈥檚 story is an instant favorite and another must-read rom-com from Lauren Blakely.
*complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review
If you finished From Blood and Ash and thought, what the bleep just happened...you鈥檙e not the only one. After devouring the first book the Blood and AIf you finished From Blood and Ash and thought, what the bleep just happened...you鈥檙e not the only one. After devouring the first book the Blood and Ash Series, my mind was spinning, mulling over the shocking twists, turns, and revelations, and needing answers. And I have to say, after finishing the follow-up novel, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire...I feel the exact same way! I don鈥檛 know how Jennifer L. Armentrout does it, but that鈥檚 twice now in this series that I鈥檝e been left reeling after the last page of a book. Once again, I鈥檓 in desperate need of answers, and I need them yesterday.
After her jaw-dropping discovered that Hawke - the man she believed was a Royal Guard - was actually Casteel aka the Dark One aka the Prince of Atlantia, Poppy is left feeling betrayed and uncertain of her feelings toward Casteel. Their budding romance has been marred by deceit, and every mystery Casteel unravels casts doubt on everything Poppy believed to be true, including her identity as the Maiden. But there are more still more discoveries to be made, more danger to be encountered, more feelings to be exposed, and more secrets to be revealed. Poppy鈥檚 journey is only just getting started.
There is so much that happens over the course of the narrative, that it鈥檚 impossible to summarize the plot of A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire into a few short sentences. Every page is filled to bursting with action and adventure, and every chapter brings something new and unexpected. Jennifer L. Armentrout continues to do a masterful job with her world-building, creating a fantastical land inhabited by mythical creatures, but with her own refreshing twist. At the heart of the narrative, around which everything else is centered, is the relationship between Poppy and Casteel.
Unlike the previous book, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire shows a very different aspect to Poppy and Casteel鈥檚 relationship - one that鈥檚 rife with verbal clashes, physical skirmishes, and tinged with anger and bitterness and tension. Their rapport is more antagonistic, albeit with a flirtatious undertone. Poppy comes into her own as a bold, fierce warrior, fearlessly going head to head with a man who teases, taunts, and provokes her simply because he enjoys her combative spirit. There鈥檚 passion and desire and attraction between Poppy and Casteel, yet Poppy鈥檚 heart and conscience being at war with each other is a complication that鈥檚 seemingly impossible to overcome.
After being blown away by From Blood and Ash, I didn鈥檛 think it was possible to have my expectations surpassed even more by A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, but Jennifer L. Armentrout delivers a sequel that鈥檚 just as riveting, just as imaginative, and just as un-put-down-able as its predecessor. But the continuation of Poppy鈥檚 story brings the drama, the action, and the mystery of the narrative to a whole new level. This series is one that should be on everyone鈥檚 TBR list.
complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review
It鈥檚 always a pleasure returning to Cunningham Falls, Montana, the location of Kristen Proby鈥檚 Big Sky Series. After reading several books in this serIt鈥檚 always a pleasure returning to Cunningham Falls, Montana, the location of Kristen Proby鈥檚 Big Sky Series. After reading several books in this series, it鈥檚 a place I鈥檝e come to know and love. The Big Sky Royal trilogy follows a trio of royal siblings who visit the small town and fall for its many charms, which include some of its residents. In Taunting Callum, the third installment in trilogy, a handsome prince meets his match with the headstrong owner of the local cafe. 鉅赌 鉅赌 After one passion-filled, seemingly unforgettable tryst leads to Callum, well, forgetting about said tryst with his sister鈥檚 close friend, Aspen, any would-be romance between them comes to a screeching halt. As the youngest son of the King of England, Callum isn鈥檛 accustomed to having to work for a woman鈥檚 attention, yet his inexplicable connection to Aspen has him determined to earn back her trust. While Aspen isn鈥檛 quick to forgive and forget, Callum鈥檚 painstaking and persistent efforts to woo her slowly chip away at the stronghold she鈥檚 constructed around her heart. 鉅赌 鉅赌 If you're in the mood for a romance that鈥檚 fun and flirty, yet heartfelt and emotional, Taunting Callum is a must-read. Taunting Callum is a slow-burning, steamy, and oh-so-swoon-worthy modern fairytale that鈥檚 sure to sweep you off your feet and deliver a well-deserved happy ending. I鈥檝e come to expect nothing less from a Kristen Proby novel. ...more
Having been blown away by Runaway Road, I was particularly excited to read Wild Highway, the second ebook in Devney Perry鈥檚 Runaway Series. My eagerneHaving been blown away by Runaway Road, I was particularly excited to read Wild Highway, the second ebook in Devney Perry鈥檚 Runaway Series. My eagerness was partly due to the fact that I will gladly devour anything Devney Perry writes, and partly because I鈥檓 more than a little obsessed with second chance romances. I don鈥檛 know what it is about them, but they鈥檙e often hopelessly romantic and gut-wrenchingly emotional, thanks to the already-established history between the main characters. In Wild Highway, former lovers are reunited and given another chance at happiness, but the journey to get there is riddled with roadblocks and potential heartache.
After selling her successful company and leaving behind her fast-paced, superficial life in Boston, Gemma Lane sets off to complete her friend, Londyn鈥檚, mission to make a special delivery to an old friend in California. Much like Londyn, though, her road trip doesn鈥檛 go quite as planned. A whim finds Gemma stopping in Montana to visit Katherine, a friend that she left behind in search of a better life. Her effort to make amends also includes a meeting with her old flame, Easton Greer. Both the man and the ranch he runs hold memories that are dredged up upon her return, bringing their unfinished business and lingering feelings to the forefront of their tension-filled reunion.
For Gemma, the narrative is a journey of self-discovery and reconnecting with the wild, carefree person she used to be. Despite the initial resentment and animosity stewing between them, Easton is largely responsible for Gemma鈥檚 transformation from the polished workaholic of her adulthood to the happy, adventurous person she was when she first meet him. As Gemma chips away at the anger and bitterness that Easton held onto after she left, he鈥檚 busy stripping away the armor she鈥檚 built around herself as a result of her reluctance to trust others and display vulnerability. The process is painstaking, overwhelmingly emotional, and intensely poignant. The pain and anguish that鈥檚 evoked not just from dredging up Gemma鈥檚 past, but from the complicated relationship she has with Easton, wreaked havoc with my emotions, but I loved every single minute.
I could probably count on one hand the amount of authors whose books have made me cry, but something about Devney Perry鈥檚 writing resonates with me in a way that鈥檚 incredibly profound. The complexities of her characters and the intimate and passionate love stories she crafts have kept me captivated by her books, but she鈥檚 truly outdone herself with the Runaway Series. I gave Runaway Road 6 Stars because there wasn鈥檛 a single thing that could鈥檝e made me love the book more. Wild Highway is just as amazing, if not more so, and I鈥檇 be remiss if I didn鈥檛 give it 6 Stars as well.
*complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review
If you thought a relationship between a vampire and a human was forbidden, I鈥檝e got two words: vampire slayer (think the badassessedness and snark of If you thought a relationship between a vampire and a human was forbidden, I鈥檝e got two words: vampire slayer (think the badassessedness and snark of Buffy, but with a Russian accent). In Reborn Yesterday, Tessa Bailey teased us with the possibility of a romance between a certain brooding vampire and the tough-as-nails slayer he was oh-so-clearly pining over. In This Time Tomorrow, Elias and Roksana get their own story, and it鈥檚 everything you could want in a forbidden romance, with drama, conflict, and plenty of delicious sexual tension. If you thought Reborn Yesterday was sexy, swoon-worthy, and heartfelt, prepare yourself, because Tessa Bailey doesn鈥檛 pull any punches with This Time Tomorrow.
What I didn鈥檛 expect, but was pleasantly surprised to discover, was that there was so much more history between Roksana and Elias than I could鈥檝e imagined just from reading Reborn Yesterday. Turns out there鈥檚 a reason not just for Roksana鈥檚 seemingly unprovoked hostility towards the hulking, growly vampire, but for Elias鈥檚 silent, yet palpable longing for the temperamental slayer. I won鈥檛 spoil anything by elaborating, but to say that they have unfinished business is a serious understatement. It鈥檚 this unfinished business that keeps drawing them together over the course of This Time Tomorrow, strengthening their already-intense connection.
What makes this pairing so interesting is that Roksana and Elias couldn鈥檛 be more different. Roksana is wild and impulsive, allowing every thought to pass from her brain to her mouth unfiltered, whereas Elias is gruff and more reserved, keeping his emotions closely guarded. Elias holds himself back, but Roksana slowly chips away at his restraint until his passion is unleashed with a single-minded determination (of course, a mysterious potion might have speeded things up in that regard). Stark differences aside, these two have a raw, primal chemistry that becomes this pure, unadulterated need for each other. Roksana drives Elias to become this possessive, obsessive otherworldly creature. The transformation is indescribably sexy and exemplifies why I love paranormal romance so much. Their romance is quite simply transcendent.
A forbidden romance between a vampire and a slayer is undoubtedly a captivating premise, but it鈥檚 the emotional intimacy between Elias and Roksana as well as their scorching hot, downright dirty sexual connection that makes This Time Around such a memorable read. With the introduction of new conflicts and new characters, This Time Around delves further into the world of the supernatural, adding new elements of danger and suspense. The narrative also sets the stage for what鈥檚 coming next, and I for one, can鈥檛 wait for Tucker鈥檚 story.
*complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review...more
If you happened to read Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey, aka one of my favorite rom-coms from last year, you *might* remember Annie's best frieIf you happened to read Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey, aka one of my favorite rom-coms from last year, you *might* remember Annie's best friend, Chloe, whose flirty/argumentative banter with her grumpy boss, was the inspiration for her rom-com screenplay. Chloe鈥檚 book, Not Like the Movies, deals with the impending release of the romanticized story of her complicated real-life flirtation with Nick. Only the press surrounding the movie has everyone dissecting their relationship, making things all the more awkward between them. 鉅赌 鉅赌 With her quirky wardrobe, bubbly personality, and preference for "yacht rock" music, Chloe is the polar opposite of her boss Nick. He's gruff, not particularly talkative, and can't stand Chloe's taste in music. Differences aside, the two have been dancing around each other for years, their verbal sparring matches akin to foreplay. But Chloe鈥檚 preoccupation with taking care of her father and shouldering the weight of the world on her own means she has no time for distractions.鉅赌 鉅赌 Despite her perennially sunny disposition, Chloe is one misstep away from an emotional breakdown. Her independence and relentless positivity is admirable, if sometimes frustrating, yet her stubbornness and refusal to accept help is understandable, considering her backstory. When it comes to romance, Chloe is like a rom-com antiheroine, scoffing at the concept of soul mates and dismissing the possibility of a happy ending for herself. But as hard as she tries, she can鈥檛 ignore the growing tension between her and Nick. 鉅赌 鉅赌 If you鈥檙e in the mood for a slow-building romance packed with sexual tension, humor, and heart, Not Like the Movies is a fast-paced, entertaining read. This is the perfect book for rom-com lovers and hopeless romantics alike.鉅赌 鉅赌 Huge thanks to the publisher for my review copy!鉅赌...more
Told through the POVs of four narrators, Kissing Lessons is part romance and part coming of age story. First we have Hayden, a teenager with a bad girTold through the POVs of four narrators, Kissing Lessons is part romance and part coming of age story. First we have Hayden, a teenager with a bad girl reputation and a no-nonsense persona. Her home life is less than ideal, leaving her to fend for herself and forcing her to act mature beyond her years. It鈥檚 her reputation that gives good girl, Emmaline, the idea to hire Hayden for lessons on seducing her crush. I should mention that her crush is Beau, her older brother Nolan鈥檚 best friend. I should also mention that Nolan doesn鈥檛 approve of them spending time together. But when Nolan gets to know Hayden, he realizes that his judgment of her character may have been misguided. 鉅赌 鉅赌 Rife with both teenage angst and adult issues, Kissing Lessons is a blend of starry-eyed hopefulness and jaded realism. With Beau and Emmaline鈥檚 storyline, we get the swoon-worthy, butterflies-in-the-stomach feelings of a first crush. As Nolan鈥檚 sister, Emmaline is off limits, but you can鈥檛 help but root for the playboy to fall for the nerdy girl. In contrast, Hayden and Nolan have a more intense emotional connection, bonding over their similarities even as their stark differences threaten to rip them apart. The real world is a constant test to their budding romance and they both have to decide whether or not to fight for what they want. 鉅赌 鉅赌 Overall, Kissing Lessons is an enjoyable, thought-provoking read. The narrative doesn鈥檛 shy away from tough topics, which is refreshing, if sometimes uncomfortable. I think that鈥檚 the point, though. The story is raw and real, and kept me riveted until the very end. 鉅赌 Huge thanks to the publisher for my review copy. 鉅赌...more
Following the story of a writer who discovers her father had a second life she never knew about, Beach Read is part romance and part journey of self-dFollowing the story of a writer who discovers her father had a second life she never knew about, Beach Read is part romance and part journey of self-discovery. After her father鈥檚 death and her breakup with her longtime boyfriend, January Andrews is stuck in a rut, having lost faith in the happy endings she loves to write about. With a deadline fast approaching, she鈥檚 scrambling to come up with a story, until inspiration strikes from an unlikely source: her new neighbor and college rival, Augustus Everett. A friendly competition and a crash course into their respective genres leads to a spark of attraction that grows the more they unravel each other鈥檚 innermost thoughts and desires. 鉅赌 鉅赌 What I love about Beach Read is the writing. It鈥檚 engaging and evocative and drew me in from the first page. As a heroine, January is relatable, but complex, and I enjoyed peeling back all the layers of her character. The romance lover in me swooned and sighed over the slow-burning, yet intense connection between January and Gus. The combination of their banter, their chemistry, and their quick wit made it impossible for me to put the book down. Beach Read is hilarious, heartfelt, steamy, and just plain amazing. I can鈥檛 recommend it enough!...more
Told in alternating perspectives, Don鈥檛 Go Stealing My Heart follows Clementine, a thief with a heart of gold, whose childhood in the foster system maTold in alternating perspectives, Don鈥檛 Go Stealing My Heart follows Clementine, a thief with a heart of gold, whose childhood in the foster system made her build an emotionally barrier around herself that kept everyone around her at arm鈥檚 length. A chance meeting with a handsome stranger throws an upcoming heist into disarray, and leaves Clementine questioning everything she thought she knew.
What I love about this book is that it鈥檚 both character-driven, with characters whose backstories are thoroughly fleshed out, and plot-driven, with a storyline that鈥檚 packed with action, suspense, and even a few twists and turns. It鈥檚 the romance between Clementine and Jack that truly stole my heart (see what I did there). The reptile savior, Elvis impersonator, and head of his family鈥檚 company is sweet, adorable dorky, and genuinely kind and generous. He鈥檚 the lighthearted balance to Clementine鈥檚 prickly nature. While he鈥檚 initially suspicious of her story and presence in town, their palpable chemistry has those niggling doubts dissipating faster than he can say herpetoculturist.
Awkward, charming, quirky, endearing, heartfelt, and entertaining are just a few words I鈥檇 use to describe this book. It鈥檚 such a fun read, yet also incredibly emotional. This might be my first book by this author but I鈥檓 fully prepared to dive into her backlist, especially if they鈥檙e as unforgettable as Don鈥檛 Go Stealing My Heart....more
After the action-packed, revelatory final chapters of Storm and Fury, I was both excited and nervous to discover what would come next in the second inAfter the action-packed, revelatory final chapters of Storm and Fury, I was both excited and nervous to discover what would come next in the second installment in Jennifer L. Armentrout鈥檚 Harbinger Series. Rage and Ruin picks up where Storm and Fury left off, leaving Trinity to deal with the fallout of her Protector, Misha鈥檚, betrayal, as well as her newfound connection to Zayne. The threat of their previously unknown assailant, the Harbinger, is at the forefront of their daily lives and looming ever closer, but there鈥檚 still much Zayne and Trinity don鈥檛 know about who or what they could potentially come up against.
As Trinity鈥檚 new Protector, Zayne鈥檚 life is inextricably tied to hers. Armed with the knowledge that a mysterious enemy plans to bring forth the end of days, Zayne and Trinity are not only training for an imminent battle, but are busy attempting to piece together the missing puzzle pieces that would reveal the Harbinger鈥檚 plan. Throw in the unwelcome knowledge that the prospect of a romance between them is suddenly forbidden, and you have one seriously complicated situation.
After finishing Storm and Fury, I had so many questions. While Rage and Ruin answers some of those questions, even more questions took their place! To avoid spoilers, I won鈥檛 say more about the plot, but if, like me, you were hoping for progress on the romance front, Rage and Ruin doesn鈥檛 disappoint. Zayne and Trinity continue communicating via snarky, argumentative banter that鈥檚 rife with sarcasm and sexual tension. Sooo much sexual tension. As much as they try to fight their growing attraction, their budding romance is a constant source of angst and frustration. Their feelings for each other are like a roller coaster, with enough twists and turns and highs and lows to have my emotions spiraling out of control.
With a plot jam-packed with action, danger, and suspense, characters that make a lasting impression, no matter their level of importance, and a forbidden romance that鈥檚 a level of epic that only Jennifer L. Armentrout can deliver, Rage and Ruin is an unforgettable sequel to Storm and Fury. It might even be...dare I say it...better than its predecessor. And with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger ending that will leave you with the mother of all book hangovers, the author ensured Rage and Ruin is a book I鈥檓 not likely to stop thinking about any time soon.
*complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review...more
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