I haven't read YA in a while and definitely not from Rebecca Jenshak so Stealing for Keeps was a really refreshing read. What I loved most is the authI haven't read YA in a while and definitely not from Rebecca Jenshak so Stealing for Keeps was a really refreshing read. What I loved most is the author's focus on the different facets of teenage love. There isn't a lot of drama related to usual mean girls or boys who sounds far mature than their age. You get a set of very real characters. Young romantic hearts with the complications and the angst and the swoon. The students trying to find a place and a direction. The thrill and intricacies of a successful high school sports team. Claire and Austin are so perfect together..they made me laugh and swoon and smile. Since it's YA, don't expect spice but the author still managed to portray their chemistry beautifully.
Austin transferred to the new school across the country to play under the most successful soccer coach in the country. His family had to made a lot of adjustments for it. Soccer is his everything. And he jeopardized it in the first school party by kissing his team captain's ex girlfriend on a dare because the captain is definitely still hung up. But Claire is pretty clear about it. They try to stay away but they have art projects together and they slowly start falling for each other. Will Austin's future with the team be at danger when the truth comes out? Will Claire find a new dream after shattering her figure skating one after an injury?
Austin is just brilliant. There is nothing about him that I didn't love. He is hard working and kind and charming and witty. He didn't back down just because Vaughn ( the ex and the team captain) tried to ice him out. He carved a place for himself in the team with his dedication and talent. But that doesn't mean he put Claire at the second. Claire is at a very vulnerable state. She is lost and depressed after her ankle injury because she doesn't know what she is without her figure skating career. Claire so strong and sweet and a bit sassy. Austin in the one who slowly pulled her out of her funk. He constantly encouraged her and supported her and did sweet and important things to make her feel special. They had to keep it secret because none of them wanted to upset Vaughn and the forbidden part added to the beauty of their connection. We get to see their struggles with their family..Austin's disgruntled sister, his parents being overworked due to the move, Claire's almost toxic mother, her sh1t head of an ex ( who is trying to redeem himself by the end) etc. But through it all, their friendship and later, relationship stayed strong and became stronger. There were moments of heartache and angst when the truth came out and they broke each other's heart but it all worked out at the end. I love the secondary characters and would love to see their stories too.
Raya has escaped her hometown after her conman father was arrested by FBI and she wants a fresh start at her college and sterling shore. But her neighRaya has escaped her hometown after her conman father was arrested by FBI and she wants a fresh start at her college and sterling shore. But her neighbor playboy rich boy Kade's party goes out of hand and her house get bulldozed. Kade's father makes an offer. She can stay with Kade and her expenses will be paid and at the end of semester she will get a house. Kade doesn't like it but slowly they find a rhythm. She is falling for Kade but he has big plans for his business career and her reputation as conman's daughter will be disastrous. Will Kade understand?
- College romance - contemporary - New adult romance - bad boy - good girl - forced proximity ( roommate to lovers) - opposites attract - enemies to lovers
I just loved Raya and Kade! Raya is running from the bad reputation of her family but she still loves her father. ( Honestly her father is really cool and he reinvented himself with his skills, using them with FBI). it's a sore subject and she couldn’t trust anyone. Specially not someone privileged and c0cky like Kade who didn't want her in his space. Raya is a complete bada&& with moments of vulnerability. As the story progresses, you get to see the other side of Kade. Who is actually very serious about his business career and is kind and compassionate. He didn't really look down upon Raya. Their chemistry is amazing but their emotional connection was more unique. There were misunderstanding. There were doubts and secrets and heartache. There was a very dramatic ending where Raya was the white knight. I absolutely loved the whole vibe....more
Chase Lovett Wants Me is absolutely adorable! A quirky but awesome heroine. A famous college hockey player. An accidental one bed in hotel was just beChase Lovett Wants Me is absolutely adorable! A quirky but awesome heroine. A famous college hockey player. An accidental one bed in hotel was just beginning of their swoony and spicy romance. Cammie and Chase are so cute together and their chemistry is insane! They come from two different kind of worlds but their connection is so strong. It has an incredible cast of secondary characters including new boys from Tilton University hockey team and old faces from Toronto Terror world.
You have to give it to Sam Mariano..she can write some mean antiheroes! Killian is no way her darkest hero but he is still so edgy and dark and twisteYou have to give it to Sam Mariano..she can write some mean antiheroes! Killian is no way her darkest hero but he is still so edgy and dark and twisted! Brynn got caught in middle of the mess of secret society, chasing, kidnapping, danger and so many things. Many times, you wouldn't know if Killian is the savior or the hunter. Brynn is innocent and sweet but she has this depraved side that is brought to life by our antihero. Sexy. Thrilling. Dirty. Action packed. Brutal Ambition has it all.
- College romance - dark romance - read the triggers ( SA/ stalker/ kidnapping) - Phantom of the Opera as a theme because Brynn is obsessed with it - good girl/ bad boy - romantic suspense - secret society...more
Shane Delacroix lost everything to VenomX..The cam girl. He fell for her and he drained all his money and all his family's money for her because she wShane Delacroix lost everything to VenomX..The cam girl. He fell for her and he drained all his money and all his family's money for her because she was his escape. But then she disappeared. Only to reappear as his step sister trying to be a master cello artist and with a typical jock boyfriend. He won't stop till he can ruin her but Montana really didn't know how she hurt Shane. And she has an ulterior motive for joining the orchestra. It's a depraved tale of revenge and redemption with two equally twisted and broken soul.
This book is very dark. Set in college but characters are beyond mature. Please read with caution as there are multiple triggers like mental health issues, addiction, non con, dub con, SA and gore. Shane is pitch dark. Scars all over his heart and body and many of them came from Montana. He was already deep in despair due to his abusive father and losing VenomX took away last bit of his humanity. He wanted to ruin Montana's good girl identity to the world. Though she is no good girl. She is equally depraved and broken and lost. The story can get really suffocating and morbid so keep that in mind. It's downright filthy. Like no holds barred sinful and taboo and kinky. It's so sexy like one of the sexiest book I read this year!...more
Well, dear Meagan Brandy, why don't you just go ahead and crush my heart under the tip of your proverbial pain so that I will never get the pieces togWell, dear Meagan Brandy, why don't you just go ahead and crush my heart under the tip of your proverbial pain so that I will never get the pieces together? Even that would be less torture than reading Promise Me Not! This is criminal level of angst. It should come with a warning in big bold letters : " Enter with caution. Your heart will never be the same on the other side. Mason and Payton's journey made me swoon, made me laugh, made me cry, made me throw my kindle, made me want to wrap them with a protective cover, made me want to shake them violently for being so perfect for each other yet not getting there before a thousand angsty moments passed....
Max Monroe captured the angst, emotional turmoil and heartache of young love perfectly in Learning Curve. Scottie and Finn both had their own emotionaMax Monroe captured the angst, emotional turmoil and heartache of young love perfectly in Learning Curve. Scottie and Finn both had their own emotional baggage and demons. They hide from everyone but they found love in unexpected places. They broke each other's hearts so many times but their souls were connected and they found their way back to each other. This new adult college sports romance had some amazing banter and hilarious moments those balanced the deep feels. The secondary characters were pretty epic!
Finn Hayes has one motive to come to Dickson university. He wants to give back the pain he had suffered from his abusive father to the family his father abandoned years ago. His half brother is a professor here who has no clue about Finn and his siblings. Here he meets Scottie. The sweet cheerleader who came with her d bag boyfriend but soon her heart is broken by him. Finn knows he should stay away from sweet and innocent and loving Scottie but they are attracted to each other like magnets. So begins a tale of heartbreak and resilience and happily ever after.
This story has an extensive secondary characters' cast and you may be lost a bit but Finn's roommate Ace is my favorite and the story wouldn't be the same without him. Finn has a big chip on his shoulder due to his background. Basically he is poor and he is constantly trying to protect his siblings and his mother from his abusive father. That's why he is so angry with his father's other family. He sees them living a happy and comfortable life while he suffers. The anger and hatred put a darkness over his heart. But he isn't a bad guy. He is a loyal friend. He is protective and caring and will stand up to anyone to save the people he loves. Scottie being the most important. Now superficially she is this innocent cute cheerleader but her life has issues too. After she got rid of her nasty boyfriend, she was bullied and harassed and ridiculed. She went into a dark depression and Finn silently supported her from distance. He wanted to push her away but he was helpless as he just couldn't let her fade away. The twists at the end were brutal. It tested their relationship big time. This time Scottie wanted to push him due to her pain but Finn stood by her side through everything painful. Finn found unconditional love in this college. In form of some amazing friends and their amazing families. Or in form of the family he hated but turned out to be completely opposite. His darkness went away to be filled by love and that's why he could pull Scottie through her pain. My only complain is this book is a bit too long. Many parts, while entertaining, were taking away from the main story.
I am not exaggerating a single bit when I say Kingmakes Year One stopped my heart. I don't think I breathed while reading last few chapters. My heart I am not exaggerating a single bit when I say Kingmakes Year One stopped my heart. I don't think I breathed while reading last few chapters. My heart was already battered and bruised. The adrenaline rush was there. But the way Sophie Lark brought this heartaching and action filled tale to an explosive ending..it's pure genius. Who knew an infamous school of training mafia kids can be so exciting and exhilarating and heartbreaking? Leo and Anna easily own my heart but I am sure Dean is there somewhere...
✔️ friends to lovers/ cousins ( not blood related) to lovers ✔️ dark mafia ✔️ next generation book but you don't need to read the original ones to understand this..but the question is why would you miss a massive series like that ✔️ love triangle in a twisted way ✔️ angsty and suspenseful ✔️ New adult romance ✔️ set in The Kingmakers..a special school for kids of organized crime families all over the world
Leo Gallo is heir to the Chicago Italian mafia and Anna Wilk is heir to the Polish mafia. They are the best friend and their family dynamics make them like cousin. They are not sure how to handle their changing feelings about each other. They are both ready to attend Kingmakers where they will learn all the skills necessary for their future reign. But Leo's biggest enemy will be going there too. His cousin and Russian Bratva's heir Dean Yenin. The whole setting of Kingmakers is such a mood. The isolated island surrounded by dangerous sea. The gothic architecture. The numerous members of different organized families with their own agenda. I got goosebumps in every chapter. The author has such a hypnotic way of picturing things. Here friendships cannot be trusted. But for survival, one has to get the power. And that's through Quartum Bellum..war of the four Years. Dean wants revenge and he won't stop at anything. And he also wants Anna and he will go to any extent to get her. It was an rollercoaster and my heart is still racing as I write this review. The twists , the manipulation, the power plays, the mind games..this book was unputdownable.
But the real reason to call this book a must read is the emotional depth. Anna fell first for Leo and she was torn between her need to keep her best friend and to express her love. Anna is the center of his universe but Leo was confused too. The pressure of the school added to the mess. And then there was Dean. Shrewd, cold, bitter, angry, hurt...but the author built his character's background in such a way that you will feel a part of empathy with your hatred. I hate him for making the evil plays to create the divide between Anna and Leo. I hate him for hurting Anna and Leo. But I cannot deny his pain. Leo is full of sunshine and charm. Everyone loves him. Everyone wants to be him. He carries such intense and overwhelming confidence. And this same Leo was devastated and became a shell of a man when Anna went away from him. Anna is a balance of sweet, sassy and powerful. But her heart was twisted by Dean until she found her way back to Leo. They are soulmate. The division sucked away the joy from their soul. But they wouldn't have realised just how much they need each other without that angsty interval. The author created some magical and powerful emotional moments for them and my heart is still aching. I cannot wait to go back to the Kingmakers because the game has just started.
This is the very definition of addictive romance! 7th Circle was absolutely crazy mind blowing jaw dropping ride. The action. The suspense. The fast pThis is the very definition of addictive romance! 7th Circle was absolutely crazy mind blowing jaw dropping ride. The action. The suspense. The fast paced plot with massive twists and turns. The scorching hot chemistry. And the biggest bada&& FMC I have ever read. Well Hades is the hero and the heroine at the same time. She rules with an iron fist and her reign is ruthless. The why choose part is shaping up deliciously with some epic antiheroes and a surprisingly sweet alpha hero. I am not sure they can handle Hades though..rather she is the queen reigning supreme. But there are enemies and it ends with a heart stopping cliffhanger.
Hades has wiped out her tyrant father and his followers and taken control of Tri-state Timberwolves. She has set up an empire of exclusive night clubs like 7th Circle and Anaechy those work as a cover up of her less than legitimate business. Her best friend Zed has been her most trusted man all these years. Shadow Grove has many other gangs but they all bow to Hades. She has a complex dynamics with Cass, leader of the Reapers. They are in a lust-hate-care mess. But the guy who really messed up her head is Lucas. The newest young hire in 7th Circle to work as male stripper. She gave in to their scorching hot passion but she cannot let it distract her because the enemies she eliminated years ago are coming back from shadow.
Hades is one of the strongest lead I have ever read. She has taken down the evil nexus of her father but that doesn't mean she has gone straight. She has turned their organisation into a profitable one with unlimited powers with a legitimate business front. All other organized crime gangs are under her control. They are afraid of her merciless rule. But she has a vulnerable side too. Her sister is her biggest weakness. Before she took control of her destiny, she was hurt and abused and that has left scars. The recent sabotaging incidents and attacks are giving her nightmares because the old enemy looks to be gaining power again. She is stretched thin. The business. The violence. The relentless struggle to keep it all together. The last thing she need is the emotional whiplash from the men in her life. Cass, the leader of the Reapers, behaves hot and cold. Once he pushes her away because she is much younger..but on the other side, he acts all possessive protective alpha. Zed is her second in command and her best friend. They built the empire together and they went through a lot of horror. He is a bit of womaniser but in this changing situation, where Hades is in danger, his actions say something more than friendship. And then there is Lucas. Younger than Hades. Apparently innocent background. Open and relentless about his feelings. Hades doesn't want to drag him in her volatile world but he refuses to back down. The story is full of action packed adrenaline filled moments those will keep you on your toes. And that ending was devastating! I cannot wait to read next book.
I was divided between 3 star and 4 star and finally decided to give it 4 because at the end of it..I still wanted to know what happens. I am writing tI was divided between 3 star and 4 star and finally decided to give it 4 because at the end of it..I still wanted to know what happens. I am writing this review after finishing the whole series so I am aware how it all plays out.
18 year old Shiloh Pierce moves to a small town to start fresh from her WITSEC programme. She was witness to her parents and her twin sister's brutal murder and she was held captive by the killer who is also her stalker but managed to escape. She has many issues and her neighbors are going to make it exciting. Four brothers with varying personality. She thought she needs to stay away from forming bonds but...
Creed. Colt. Knox. Keelan. Colt is the sweetheart golden Retriever and he is the one who befriended Shiloh. I love his energy so much. Creed doesn't trust anyone and Shiloh is hardly in his trusted list but I love his dark energy. Keelan is older and he is a playful one but can be real intense. Knox is the one I had a hard time reading. But now that I have read the full series..he will be my favorite.
Shiloh is a bit too cool for her age and her experience. This story is all about building up the characters and setting up the plot. Your heart will ache for her pain. She acts like a smarta&& but her trauma has made her fragile. The guys give her something to hold onto..specially Colt and Keelan. Honestly not a lot is happening here but Iwas excited to read what happens next!...more
Becca Steele brings the beautiful angst of a forbidden age gap love story along with the scorching hot passion in Ignited. JJ and Killian will take yoBecca Steele brings the beautiful angst of a forbidden age gap love story along with the scorching hot passion in Ignited. JJ and Killian will take you on a rollercoaster ride where the emotions go ups and downs in every turn but the ending is the sweetest.
Becca Steele is one of the best MM romance author I have ever read. In this heartaching and sinful college romance, she delivers the taboo student- Professor romance. JJ and Killian are completely opposite. JJ is studying dance and he is full of sunshine, life and sassy sweetness. On the other hand, Killian is teaching Business management and he is completely closed off. He has a reputation of being grumpy and hard on his students. He didn't have a loving upbringing like JJ and that has left him scared of forming emotional attachment to anyone. Specially someone so off limits..so damaging for his carefully crafted career plan. But JJ makes him feel alive from inside.
The push and pull was amazing here. JJ may be the easy going loving colourful one but he also has the softest heart that can be bruised easily. Killian's indecisiveness and guarded heart did hurt him. Killian was torn between falling hard and fast for someone forbidden and his old dreams but slowly he realises that his priority has changed. Killian is definitely the dominating possessive one and I love Daddy Killian! But his emotional vulnerability makes JJ look more mature sometimes. It definitely took some wrong turns and heartbreak for the puzzle pieces to fall together. I loved meeting my old favorite LSU couples too!
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Merged review:
Becca Steele brings the beautiful angst of a forbidden age gap love story along with the scorching hot passion in Ignited. JJ and Killian will take you on a rollercoaster ride where the emotions go ups and downs in every turn but the ending is the sweetest.
Becca Steele is one of the best MM romance author I have ever read. In this heartaching and sinful college romance, she delivers the taboo student- Professor romance. JJ and Killian are completely opposite. JJ is studying dance and he is full of sunshine, life and sassy sweetness. On the other hand, Killian is teaching Business management and he is completely closed off. He has a reputation of being grumpy and hard on his students. He didn't have a loving upbringing like JJ and that has left him scared of forming emotional attachment to anyone. Specially someone so off limits..so damaging for his carefully crafted career plan. But JJ makes him feel alive from inside.
The push and pull was amazing here. JJ may be the easy going loving colourful one but he also has the softest heart that can be bruised easily. Killian's indecisiveness and guarded heart did hurt him. Killian was torn between falling hard and fast for someone forbidden and his old dreams but slowly he realises that his priority has changed. Killian is definitely the dominating possessive one and I love Daddy Killian! But his emotional vulnerability makes JJ look more mature sometimes. It definitely took some wrong turns and heartbreak for the puzzle pieces to fall together. I loved meeting my old favorite LSU couples too!
For the love of all romance gods and goddesses..why is this book so perfect? Elle Kennedy's writing is so smart and sassy and flawless that I am left For the love of all romance gods and goddesses..why is this book so perfect? Elle Kennedy's writing is so smart and sassy and flawless that I am left completely mesmerized and speechless. So much warm gooey swoony feels in every page yet so many well timed heartaching moments too. The book has a ridiculously large cast besides Diana and Shane and I wasn't bored for even a single second. This is some serious skill to make such a complex dynamics so entertaining. Diana is my new girl crush. She is undoubtedly bada&& with unlimited fierceness and the perfect match for our hockey hero. Shane has so many facets to his personality. From the playboy reputation to the underlying golden Retriever energy to the sexy beast side in bed..just wow!
The main trope being cheerleader and hockey player, it could have been a cliche but it has the forced proximity/ neighbors to lovers twists and throw some fake dating shenanigans...you are in for a real treat. I laughed so much and I was having a blast with everything. From the colorful residents of the quirky apartment complex where Shane has just become neighbors to Diana..to the hockey bromance..to the dance competition...to some derailing exes and one of them particularly nasty..to the family love and complexity. The author had so many balls to juggle. The well placed sobering moments hit so hard in contrast to their witty hate to love banter and slow burn chemistry. I love to read jocks who aren't deliberate a&&holes but has just the right kind of sexy arrogance and Shane hit the mark. He is my golden boy. He needed someone like Diana to challenge him and unsettle his perspectives before she made everything right. Diana never thought she can fall for someone like Shane but he surprised her. He can be so naughty and teasing yet thoughtful and so protective when required. Even a queen deserves and needs a King!
Unlike the blurb, As Rich As The King by Abigail Assor was less of a sexy beach romance.. more of a culturally enriched & emotionally complex journey Unlike the blurb, As Rich As The King by Abigail Assor was less of a sexy beach romance.. more of a culturally enriched & emotionally complex journey to me. Set in the city of Casablanca in Morocco in 90's and told through a teenager's eyes, the author paints a vivid and colorful picture of the nature, of the diverse groups living there with the class struggles, of the distinct culture and obviously...of an uneven love story.
Sarah lives in the poorest part of Casablanca. She is part French and that's why she is allowed to attend the school of rich kids. She is just 16. She has only one dream. To get out of this poor life. And for that she has to find a rich guy. Driss comes from the richest family. Not only rich..The most aristocratic, powerful and influential family. He may not be good looking but Sarah doesn't care. But she has to reach him by crossing the huge divide. So starts a reckless, heartaching and sexy quest that may or may not have a happy ending.
I haven't read any story set in Morocco so it was an exhilarating experience. Though this is a translation from original prize winning French one, you can still feel the author's powerful ability to transport you to another place. It's amazing that it's her debut book. Sarah knows her beauty is her power and she was not reluctant to use it. The society she lived in is a very conservative one but survival is most important. It was fascinating to see someone so young like Sarah doing so many daredevil things for her ultimate desire...to become rich. To leave behind this dreadful life of a poor girl. She pretended. She manipulated. She learnt tricks. She is observant and smart and persistent. She is coveted by rich boys and she used them as stepping stone. She used their money to make her life a bit bearable. A society that discriminates hard isn't for faint hearted. Driss is rich but he is also not arrogant and cruel like other rich boys. He is almost awkward and shy and Sarah had to work hard to get close to her heart. You have this little adventure with her. With her vivacious much older friends, the parties, the beach days, the feast, the sadness, the happiness, the pain, the loss...it's something beautiful. But at the end..you will wonder if Sarah's adventure was worth it. Was it just a foolish dream? Is there a way out of the division? I loved Sarah as much as I loved spending time with her friends. Casablanca came alive through the author's words. Even though I haven't ever visited Morocco, I feel like I know the beach, the streets, the shops, the people..so well. And isn't that the ultimate destination of a book?
Looking for an entertaining light hearted college sports romance? End Game by Monica Murphy can be your next read. Nico and Everleigh's love story wasLooking for an entertaining light hearted college sports romance? End Game by Monica Murphy can be your next read. Nico and Everleigh's love story was full of college life shenanigans, some amazing secondary characters, the slowest slow burn and over all, swoon and fun.
Catching Feelings has claimed my heart completely. It couldn't be any more perfect. Vivienne and Reese filled my heart with every kind of warm cozy heCatching Feelings has claimed my heart completely. It couldn't be any more perfect. Vivienne and Reese filled my heart with every kind of warm cozy heartaching feels. The chemistry was sizzling hot. Reese is the definition of book boyfriend. A bit c0cky, a lot of sweetness and charm, just the right amount of hot and dirty, with a big heart. Vivienne is our grumpy and sassy heroine and I have a massive girl crush on her. I just love when the guy falls first and Reese did his absolute best to show Vivienne that he is not the rich ah0l3 jock she thinks him to be.
⚾️ college sports romance ⚾️ athlete hero & supernatural geek heroine ⚾️ forced proximity ( roommates to lovers) ⚾️ enemies to lovers ⚾️ sunshine hero and somehow grumpy heroine
Vivienne cannot deny her attraction for Reese, the all star baseball player who is also part of her friend circle. Reese didn't keep his attraction for Vivienne a secret either. But Viv resisted his constant flirting and charming attempts, always replying with sassy words. Except that scorching hot one night stand.It All gets complicated when due to her family issues, she gets in financial trouble & Reese offers her a place to live.
I loved how the author built up the whole beautiful dynamics between Reese and Vivienne. Reese is a complete sweetheart. He is so popular as an athlete, has a bright career ahead, comes from a very affluent family but he is so down to earth. He is kind and dedicated and loyal and has a loving caring soul. It's always so nice to read about a jock who isn't an ah0le. He wants Vivienne. It's not just lust. He is obsessed with her bright fierce personality, her fighting spirit, her beauty..and he is not hesitating to show that. Vivienne has experienced loss and grief and she is afraid of opening her heart and loving someone. She is very stubborn and she doesn't want to be vulnerable. Trying to carry the burden all on her own can be difficult a lot of times and her first instinct is to push everyone away. But Reese showed up for her every single time and he kept on showing up and finally he broke down the walls around her heart. Their banter was so entertaining. The secondary characters were epic. This book weaves a breathtaking tapestry of heartwarming feels, sinful passion, entertaining moments and beautifully balanced angst.
I rarely find sports romance where both the hero and heroine are in sports. The Tomboy and The Captain by Ginger Scott was a refreshing take. Laney anI rarely find sports romance where both the hero and heroine are in sports. The Tomboy and The Captain by Ginger Scott was a refreshing take. Laney and Cutter's slow burn, forced proximity, enemies to lovers story was full of swoon, heartache and chemistry! Cutter is an unexpectedly charming hockey hero and I love when he fell first. Laney is a bada&& and she had her walls high but Cutter brought them down.
Tiff University's volleyball star Laney Price got injured and now trying her best to get back to team. After breaking up with her casual boyfriend, she has to shift to the spare room at her best friend Ivy's house. But there is a miscommunication and her enemy aka the university hockey team's captain Cutter McCreary has moved in the same room. They wager a bet. Whoever falls for the other one..has to leave the room. But as Laney gets to know Cutter, it appears she has him all wrong before. Cutter isn't playing fair at all.
Sports play a main character here, not a side kick. Both Laney and Cutter are top of their games and the struggle of college athletes is an important bonding point. They have other issues too. Cutter's mother is sick but he has a very loving and supportive family. I love a mama's boy specially when the mama has taught her son well and he knows how to treat the girls right. Laney's issue is more complex. Her injury is making her anxious and frustrated. She is very competitive and ambitious and she has to fight against her mother's hope that she will choose something traditional and also her absent father who used to be a star player too. She channels part of her rage and disappointment to Cutter. Male athletes and teams obviously get more attention and that made her angry. But soon she realised Cutter isn't the enemy. He is actually very nice. Attentive. Funny. Sexy as hell. Warm. He insisted to be with her at some real dark times. Their chemistry was shimmering and sizzling and no matter how they tried, it was irresistible. Laney tried to keep her under lock and key but Cutter knows how to unlock it. It was heartwarming journey with so many sweet and aching moments. It was touch and go for some time because Laney was a mess with everything going on in and off field and she pushed Cutter back but she realised her mistake soon. It was slow build up of their emotional connection and I enjoyed the process so much. Reverse grumpy sunshine is such an underrated trope. A strong and vulnerable heroine who doesn't handle emotions well. A golden retriever hero who can be the right kind of spicy when needed. All the tension and swoon and heartache.
If you are looking for an absolute emotional rollercoaster, Say Its Forever by Siobhan Davis is perfect for you. Garrick, Stevie and Beck is all aboutIf you are looking for an absolute emotional rollercoaster, Say Its Forever by Siobhan Davis is perfect for you. Garrick, Stevie and Beck is all about complexity of love. Can one fall in love multiple times in life? What happens when life brings you to a crossroad where both choices are equally hard? . ✔️ Friends to lovers ✔️ tragedy/ angst ✔️ New adult to adult ✔️book 2 of a duet ✔️ second chance ✔️ he falls first ✔️ Love triangle
Book one was all about how Garrick and Stevie fell in love. Garrick was all in but Stevie was holding back..due to so many factors. At end of book one, a fateful accident put Garrick in coma and Stevie is devastated...Enter Beck, whom she meets in the hospital. It was supposed to be friendship only but love doesn't really listen to rules. So we are taken to a heartbreaking tale for the next half.
Stevie was in a dark place of guilt and grief. Beck had his emotional scars too. My heart was torn between Garrick and Beck, just like Stevie. Beck is gorgeous, kind, protective and the best part..completely dedicated to Stevie's happiness even when it means breaking his own heart. It was an impossible decision for the hearts. The author did a brilliant job of handling this very difficult story line. It needed a lot of balancing and finesse so that none of the character looks like villain. And she did such a good job! I know you will probably pick your side as the story moves. Garrick was lost and angry and bitter and he wanted to hold onto Stevie even when he was hurting her. He used her as an outlet of all his negative emotions. I am glad he realised his mistakes and found his own happily ever after. Love triangles are always soul wrecking if done in the right way. And Siobhan Davis delivers a beautiful one!
Hate by Tate James is all about the spice, suspense and adrenaline rush. This college why choose stepbrother romance will certainly take you on a rideHate by Tate James is all about the spice, suspense and adrenaline rush. This college why choose stepbrother romance will certainly take you on a ride.
I started writing the Synopsis and then realised it's all too long and convoluted. In short it's a revenge romance set in college where Madison Kate wants to take revenge on the three mysterious guys who framed her for the crime she never committed and effectively ruined her life. But she had to live with them now. They are her stepbrothers now. Her tormentor..And they have electrifying chemistry.
It started with a bang. Straight into an action packed night with introduction to some dynamic characters. Madison Kate, Archer, Steele and Kody. Last three being part of a ruthless gang before. It's a story of mind games and power plays. But after first few chapters...it just flattened out. It was like a cycle. MK acting sassy and impulsive and b1tchy while the men try to tame her. Steele is the softest of them. Kody is a mix of funny and ah0le and Archer is straight out ah0le alpha. It was never ending parties and college drama ( that sounded like high school) and tug of war between MK and the guys. She is supposed to despise and hate the guys but her libido was directing a lot of her actions. The guys were more consistent ones, at least Kody and Steele. They didn't hide their desires and adoration as much as Archer did..He straight up antagonized MK at every step. He is also the most jealous possessive of the bunch. I was waiting for things to happen but it didn't until last few chapters. There wasn't much build up of emotional connection either..something that's a must for me in a Why choose romance. I probably should feel empathy and anger on behalf for MK but mostly I was annoyed.
This is first book of a series and ends in a cliffy.
PS DID ANYBODY FIND IT WEIRD THAT THEY CALL HER MADISON KATE ALL THE TIME? FULL NAME?
All Siobhan Davis books should come wrapped in caution tape saying "Beware of angsty words coming to destroy your heart." Forever Love was no exceptioAll Siobhan Davis books should come wrapped in caution tape saying "Beware of angsty words coming to destroy your heart." Forever Love was no exception. This duet was full of heart wrecking, gut wrenching and soul shaking feels. Intense characters. Raw emotions. Unforgettable chemistry. Everything that makes every Siobhan Davis book an epic experience.
The first book is When Forever Changes that tells story of Gabby,Dylan and Slater. Gabby and Dylan have been together since childhood but in college, drama and tragedies strike leaving Gabby brokenhearted. Her brother's best friend Slater gives her courage to fall in love again. But just when she thinks she can be happy leaving behind darkness, the epic twist forces her to change everything. . This love triangle was a hard hitting one. Gabby is sweet, kind, compassionate and unbelievably strong. Life tested her so much and she kept on fighting. Two men who love her in their own possessive, caring and all consuming ways. And the path was not easy. She was incredibly lucky to find two great loves but the cost was too high sometimes. This story was hard hitting with deep feels, angsty beauty and soulful ending.
The second story is No Feelings Involved. This is story of Gabby's brother Ryan and his best Friend's sister Summer. We are going into angsty age gap territory now. Ryan has sworn off relationship after his college sweetheart Myndi left him devastated. His world comes to a stop when his best friend aka business partner aka roommate Austin introduces him to Austin's sister Summer who is the one night stand he has not been able to forget. Summer is off limits but she wants more. . I absolutely loved Summer. She is mature beyond her age. She has an optimistic wise level headed attitude that is admirable. She is sassy but sweet. Ryan is a mess emotionally. He has this jaded feeling about love and commitment but Summer makes him feel everything he has been hiding from. But it is evident that he is obsessed with Summer. It just took a while to make him admit it. Their chemistry is on fire and it was super hot. It was another heartaching read from Siobhan Davis.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Merged review:
All Siobhan Davis books should come wrapped in caution tape saying "Beware of angsty words coming to destroy your heart." Forever Love was no exception. This duet was full of heart wrecking, gut wrenching and soul shaking feels. Intense characters. Raw emotions. Unforgettable chemistry. Everything that makes every Siobhan Davis book an epic experience.
The first book is When Forever Changes that tells story of Gabby,Dylan and Slater. Gabby and Dylan have been together since childhood but in college, drama and tragedies strike leaving Gabby brokenhearted. Her brother's best friend Slater gives her courage to fall in love again. But just when she thinks she can be happy leaving behind darkness, the epic twist forces her to change everything. . This love triangle was a hard hitting one. Gabby is sweet, kind, compassionate and unbelievably strong. Life tested her so much and she kept on fighting. Two men who love her in their own possessive, caring and all consuming ways. And the path was not easy. She was incredibly lucky to find two great loves but the cost was too high sometimes. This story was hard hitting with deep feels, angsty beauty and soulful ending.
The second story is No Feelings Involved. This is story of Gabby's brother Ryan and his best Friend's sister Summer. We are going into angsty age gap territory now. Ryan has sworn off relationship after his college sweetheart Myndi left him devastated. His world comes to a stop when his best friend aka business partner aka roommate Austin introduces him to Austin's sister Summer who is the one night stand he has not been able to forget. Summer is off limits but she wants more. . I absolutely loved Summer. She is mature beyond her age. She has an optimistic wise level headed attitude that is admirable. She is sassy but sweet. Ryan is a mess emotionally. He has this jaded feeling about love and commitment but Summer makes him feel everything he has been hiding from. But it is evident that he is obsessed with Summer. It just took a while to make him admit it. Their chemistry is on fire and it was super hot. It was another heartaching read from Siobhan Davis.
Your Fault takes us to next turbulent phase of Noah and Nick's explosive relationship. They are forbidden. They are volatile. They feel a lov3.5 stars
Your Fault takes us to next turbulent phase of Noah and Nick's explosive relationship. They are forbidden. They are volatile. They feel a love that's all consuming, larger than life and sometimes, too hard. This new adult romance takes us through the treacherous alleys of young love. Full of dangerous twists, secrets and heartbreak.
This is book two of a trilogy with book one ending with happy for now. But this one comes with a massive hangover. Noah and Nick has fallen in love though they are stepsiblings. Noah is just graduating from school and has a whole life ahead while Nick has already started his career. The long distance. The sea of changes. the constant interference of outside world. Noah's trauma. Nick's past. Can they really stay together?
The main conflict of this book is Noah and Nick's separate stand on how to proceed in life. Nick is ready to take the next step. To live with Noah while she goes to school, to be there with her at every moment, to finally be free of their parents' judgement. I will say he is behaving pretty mature and stable here. A far cry from the reckless playboy in first book. But Noah is somehow stuck. She has been through some life changing trauma and it has irrevocably changed her soul. She isn't ready to let anyone in that dark part of her soul. Not even Nick. That boy tried so hard. I love him for that. Nick was trying to help her at every step. But I felt Noah was very indecisive and torn and impulsive. She was giving me whiplash. At one point, she wants independence even from Nick but on next page, she becomes unnecessarily jealous and enraged if Nick cannot give her time for real reasons. Sometimes, like Nick, I doubted if she even loves Nick. She is going back and forth. Making mistakes. Making bad assumptions. And finally she did something that probably has broken them forever. I love Nick so much. He is ready to crawl over glass and burn the world down for Noah. I wish Noah was willing to give her all too. I cannot wait to see how the destruction can be overcome..
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily through Sourcebooks Bloom Books and Netgalley...more