“If you make someone your world, do not complain when the ground crumbles beneath your feet.”
From the moment I read the synopsis to[image]
“If you make someone your world, do not complain when the ground crumbles beneath your feet.”
From the moment I read the synopsis to Pretty Venom, I knew this was one book I had to get my hands on and let me tell you… it did not disappoint. Ella Fields delivered everything I hoped she would and so much more. Pretty Venom held my attention with a vice like grip from the start and didn’t let go. It was an intense, consuming story that was fierce, raw and at times downright brutal. I was taken on such a wild ride of powerful emotions; this story had the ability to make me feel absolutely everything right up until the very end.
I love reading a book that takes me completely out of my comfort zone, has my head spinning from one scene to the next and is absolutely unapologetic for all the feels it evokes from me. I am so thankful that Ella’s beautifully crafted words were able to make me experience all of those things. This is the reason why I love to read so much; the emotion and deep seated fear of having your heart ripped to shreds.
“The problem with not liking someone was that it could consume you. Eat at your mind like a parasite that wouldn’t die, no matter how many different ways you tried to crush it.”
Callum and Renee first encountered each other at the impressionable age of fourteen, when Renee’s father uprooted their lives and moved the family to the small town of Trellara, near Gray Springs. To say that Callum and Renee had a mutual dislike for each other from the very beginning is putting it lightly. They loved nothing more than to swap insults just to get a rise out of each other. Callum loved pushing Renee’s buttons to the nth degree, but Renee didn’t take it lying down, she gave back as good as she got.
Things were soon to change between these two sworn enemies, when their passionate hatred for each other soon turned into a passionate love, and it all started with a secret stolen kiss. While their relationship soars to new heights they decide to get married in a private ceremony just for them.
“Renee wasn’t all sweet; she was pretty venom wrapped in a sugary bow. Deceptive yet honest at the same time. Underneath, her layers multiplied in ways she didn’t often let show on the outside.”
Things had never looked better for these two enemies-to-lovers as they lived a life filled with wedded bliss. Until one life altering mistake changed the course of their relationship forever and things crashed and burnt around them; it was an unstoppable force filled with hatred and the desire to hurt each other in the worst possible way.
Callum and Renee were both incredibly flawed and nothing about them or their turbulent relationship was perfect. As things progressed from bad to worse I was unsure as to how my heart was going to cope with much more. Some parts had me positively enraged (the thought of throwing my kindle across the room did enter my mind on more than one occasion), but I was undoubtedly addicted to the pain and thrived on how each word I read broke my heart just that little bit more. I couldn’t for the life of me see how things could possibly improve between these two, but when you’ve hit rock bottom the only way is up, right?
"As we stood there, the impossibility of the moment washed over me. That even after they'd torn your heart to shreds and used it as a weapon against you, you could still love that same person with a ferocity that bordered on magic. And maybe that was the crux of it. Love was magic. Capable of making you believe the impossible was always possible."
If I could rate Pretty Venom more than five stars, trust me I would. I loved it that much. Ella Fields has skillfully crafted an addictive, enticing and profound story about love, hate and betrayal. She is a true wordsmith and I felt every beautifully articulated scene right down to my very core. Pretty Venom was positively epic and is going down as one of the most unforgettable stories I have read to date.
“Warning: contains cheating and an anti-hero who might make you want to throw your kindle.”
There are some authors out there that whenever they release a new story, I can’t wait to get my hands on it and I’m usually always guara[image]
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There are some authors out there that whenever they release a new story, I can’t wait to get my hands on it and I’m usually always guaranteed to love it. Vi Keeland is one of those authors for me, whether it’s one of her own or one of her collaborations, I always wait with real anticipation for the release.
Beautiful Mistake was just pure awesomeness; it was full of humor and a lot of scorching hot and steamy scenes that had me fanning myself incessantly. For anyone out there who is a Vi Keeland fan, I urge you to read this book ASAP as you are sure to love it as much as I did.
Rachel works at a local bar to help pay for her college tuition. One night she is at the bar with her best friend Ava, to help her begin to mend her broken heart by drowning her sorrows. Ava, in her inebriated state, is sure she sees her ex. Her ex who was MARRIED to someone else the whole time they were together. Rachel takes it upon herself to tell this two timing loser what she thinks of his cheating ways.
Rachel soon discovers that the guy she verbally attacked was not Ava’s cheating ex. It was a case of mistaken identity which was not surprising given Ava’s physical state. She couldn’t tell the difference between a blue shirt and a brown. Rachel leaves the bar feeling completely mortified about telling off this hot stranger.
“The music blared. The only thing I could see was blackness. But God, could I feel.”
Aside from working at the bar, Rachel is also studying her masters in musical therapy and has taken on a TA position for a professor she has heard a lot of rumours about, not all were favourable either. One thing she has learnt is that the professor has no tolerance for tardiness. When she turns up to the first lecture (late of course), she soon discovers that fate has one hell of a wicked sense of humor. No prizes for guessing who the professor was. Yep, that’s right, the hot stranger, she unleashed her tirade on at the bar the other night. She knows she definitely has some explaining and apologizing to do.
Caine West is the music professor at Brooklyn College and has lived the rock star lifestyle. He was previously a drummer in a band. Now he is possibly the most feared and loathed professor at the institution. Not all rumours Rachel had heard about him turned out to be true and sometimes you just have to make up your own opinion about people. Sometimes events can warrant acting harshly towards other people. When Rachel and Caine first start working together she calls him out on the rumours she had heard about the professor. After he explains himself, I believe his actions were more than warranted.
The sexual attraction and chemistry between Rachel and Caine literally jumped right off the pages and was absolutely electrifying. I just knew this couple lusted after each other something fierce and I read eagerly until they finally gave in to their attraction. They were so hot and intense and everything about them together just worked for me.
I loved this story from the first word read until the very last, it hooked me right in and I just fell in love with this plot and these characters. This book just ticked all the boxes for me and I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who wants to read a hot, sexy, humorous story with a sexy as sin academic and his fiery assistant with attitude to boot. I love Vi Keeland and can’t wait to read what she brings out next.
“The most common form of despair is not being who you are.” – Soren Kierkegaard
From the moment I heard about Trust I just c[image]
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“The most common form of despair is not being who you are.” – Soren Kierkegaard
From the moment I heard about Trust I just could not wait to read it and I absolutely loved it. It was just one of those books that reeled me in from the start and kept me enthralled until the very end. I literally could not put this book down, it was one of those books where you know you have to go to bed because you have to wake up early the next day but keep thinking “I’ll just read one more chapter” and before you know it you’ve finished the book. Of course you have had next to no sleep by morning, so you have to use tooth picks to keep your eyes open all day. But it was well and truly worth it, because I just loved it that much. It was raw, emotional, and gritty. It was a real coming of age story about friendship, love, self-consciousness relating to body image and overcoming traumatic events that results in a bond that is so strong nothing can break.
Edie and John meet during a robbery at a local convenience store where they were held hostage at gunpoint. Edie was both shaken and frightened and had no idea how she was going to get out of the traumatic situation alive. Thanks to John, they were both able to survive the ordeal when he risked his life to save hers.
They were both able to leave the robbery relatively unscathed; injuries heal quicker than the mental scarring. And as we know though, terrifying and traumatic events are hard to get over and Edie was fearful of sleeping, such were the vivid and horrifying nightmares she had as a result of that incident.
“Death was a stone, dragging me deep. Life had been so much simpler and easier before all of this. I’d been immortal, but tomorrow didn’t exist.”
After the robbery, Edie has a new outlook on life; she no longer puts up with the bullying at her private school she once did. After convincing her Mom, she decides to leave the snobbery and bullying behind and enrol at the local public school. There she stumbles upon someone she never thought she’d see again, the person responsible for saving her life. Together they help to heal each other from the traumas of their past and a beautiful bond and friendship is formed.
I loved Edie, she is probably one of the best heroines I have read to date. Bold statement I know. I loved her quick wit and sense of humor for a start, but it’s so much more than that; she was a very relatable and real seventeen year old girl. Like a lot of teenage girls she has body image issues and for her, it was her stomach and thighs which she attempts to hide. It was so beautiful to read as the friendship with John progressed into something more, her perception of herself started to shift and she became a lot more comfortable in her own skin.
“He was beautiful and I . . . I was nothing. An out-of-her-depth girl who wore too much black and feared the bulk of society.”
John, wow! What can I possibly say about this beautiful young man. Not only did he risk his life to save someone he’s never even met before, but he’s shown immense courage and bravery to reform and turn his life around for the better. As the friendship between himself and Edie unfolds, his protective nature towards Edie is nothing short of inspiring. He would do absolutely anything to ensure she is kept safe and out of harm’s way. There was nothing I did not love about John Cole.
I loved this all-consuming story with its intense emotions and feelings associated with falling in love for the first time. How when you meet someone for the first time they have the ability to change your life, through a bond so strong nothing or no one is likely to tear them apart. This story has been classified as YA, but I would classify it as more NA, even though the story is centred on high school students the themes, I believe, are too mature for YA, but that’s just me.
Trust was such a moving, emotionally driven story and the humor thrown into the mix fit perfectly with the story. To anyone who loves stellar writing, inspiring characters and a compelling plot that draws you in from the very first word until the very last, this book is for you. Trust me, you’ll want to read this one. It was simply unforgettable.
“I loved him before I knew the true meaning of the word.”
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“Something in the Way” is part of the three-book epic forbidden lov****4 Stars****
“I loved him before I knew the true meaning of the word.”
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“Something in the Way” is part of the three-book epic forbidden love saga by Jessica Hawkins. This is actually the first book I have read by this author, so I dove right into it with no expectations. Once I had read the blurb I couldn’t wait to get started. I love a great forbidden love story and boy did this deliver. It was a well written, compelling, forbidden romance story with amazing characters you can’t help but fall madly in love with. If you are looking for your next read to be both heart racing and heart stopping all at the same time, definitely give this one a go.
“Something in the Way” is told in dual POV and I felt this added to the intensity of the story. The reader was given an insight into how each of these characters thought and felt. The story unfolds on a hot summer’s day in 1993; being a teenager myself then, I really felt the story bought me back to that era, especially the music.
Lake is a 16 year old straight A student who is always compelled to do the right thing; study hard and get accepted into USC. Everything Lake has been able to achieve has been thanks to her hard work, discipline and to please her father. Lake was incredibly sweet, innocent and somewhat naïve. She is not like regular 16 year olds in the sense that she doesn’t sneak around behind her parent’s backs, she doesn’t party and get drunk and she’s never been kissed or had a boyfriend. The more I read of her, the more I wanted to protect her innocence from the ways of the world.
“Some invisible tether existed between us. Nobody could see it, not even us, but I felt it. I was sure Manning did, too. As long as we both knew it, that was enough for me. For now, at least.”
One thing I didn’t really like about this story was Lake’s sister Tiffany. I found her to be a selfish spoilt brat who has absolutely no concept of other people’s feelings and who thinks it is perfectly acceptable to use people for your own self-gratification. Having said that, I believe it’s the skilful writing of Jessica Hawkins that has made me dislike Tiffany so much.
Next door to where Lake lives with her family, there is a construction site full of men. Lake and her sister, Tiffany have been warned by their father to stay away from the site. One hot summer’s day, Tiffany forgot to pick Lake up from summer school and Lake had to walk home. Once she reached home, she took the opportunity to look for her bracelet she had lost the day before. One of the construction workers, Manning, found the bracelet for her. The resultant first encounter between the two was the day that would forever change Lake and Manning’s lives.
“In one afternoon, everything about my small, easy world had changed.”
Manning is a 23 year old construction worker who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Lake. Manning is a hardworking man who likes to keep to himself and is in no way looking for trouble. I absolutely fell hard for Manning, I loved everything about him from his infinite heart of gold, his protective nature and his ability to always see the good in people. He has had a tragic past and has witnessed things no one should have to in their life. What he has been through literally broke my heart and I really felt for him. Though he has experienced those tragedies, the silver lining was that it helped make him the beautiful man he is today.
“Something in the Way” is definitely a slow burn romance which I really enjoyed. I loved the compelling plot line, the heart break and the way this story made me feel. It had me fully engaged from start to finish and I can’t wait to find out how this three-book epic love story concludes....more
“I was told that dreams were our heart’s desires. My nightmares, however, became my obsession.”
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Wow! This book was intense, *****5 Stars*****
“I was told that dreams were our heart’s desires. My nightmares, however, became my obsession.”
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Wow! This book was intense, and I don’t say that lightly. “Corrupt” is so different from anything else I have read from Penelope Douglas to date. It was dark, disturbing, really messed up and at times distressing, but having said that Penelope Douglas does write love-hate-love relationships like nobody else. “Corrupt” was so well written that I felt absolutely everything these characters did and I loved every screwed-up minute of it.
All Rika seeks for in her life is to be set free; free from her hometown, free from her “boyfriend” and his family. She wants to live her life as she sees fit and not worry about living up to their expectations and to not have her every move dictated. They clearly love her, but she feels suffocated. Rika finally gets her chance at freedom when she moves to the big city to attend college, but she has no idea the object of her life long infatuation is living in the same building.
“Curious little Erica Fane wanted to play with the boys, so we indulged her, and she betrayed us.”
Rika is a character I absolutely loved. She is a complete badass and has absolutely no hesitation in standing up to the boys and playing their sick and twisted games. Rika has been watching Michael her whole life. She sees him and is completed fascinated by him, even though she finds him absolutely terrifying, but what Rika isn’t aware of, is he has been watching her too.
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Michael, along with his friends, Kai, Will and Damon, make up The Four Horsemen. They don masks and have a yearly tradition during Devils Night of pulling pranks within their small town. These pranks that they pull are certainly not child’s play; toilet papering houses is too tame for this group. A lot happens during this night resulting in three of them going to jail. Michael is then left on his own, moves to college and becomes a pro basketballer.
Three years later, Michael and his friends seek revenge on Rika. They will stop at nothing to make her pay, but she won’t go down without a fight. The Four Horsemen are absolutely terrifying; their masks, their revenge and the lengths they will go to terrorise Rika literally had me on the edge of my seat.
“Run all you want, Little Monster,” he said sounding like a threat. “We’re faster.”
“Corrupt” was an absolutely crazy ride for me. It was a terrifying, suspenseful and erotic thriller. It was so wrong, but I found it almost impossible to put down. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves their dark and twisted suspenseful thrillers. If you do enjoy these kinds of stories then you definitely need to read “Corrupt”, because I can assure you that you will be enthralled by each and every page. ...more
“Twisted Palace” is the highly anticipated conclusion to Erin Watts’ “The Royals” series. Afte ****4 Stars****
“These Royals will ruin you…”
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“Twisted Palace” is the highly anticipated conclusion to Erin Watts’ “The Royals” series. After Broken Prince finished with such a massive cliffy, I couldn’t wait to get my hand on this one to find out how this addictive series was going to conclude. I was eagerly awaiting to be ruined by these Royals once again.
Ella has only been living with the Royals for a short time, but she has really become part of the family and loves them all fiercely. Ella has had a really brutal up bringing prior to moving in with the Royals. Her natural instinct is to flee when things get tough as she is accustomed to living and surviving on her own. She has to decide yet again whether to run as she has always done, or stay and fight and protect the only family she has ever really known (since the death of her Mother) and loved.
What can I say about Reed? Wow! He is by far my favourite character in the whole series. He has really struggled since the death of his mother and is unsure of how to deal with his feelings; so much so, that he usually ends up solving conflicts with his fists. In “Twisted Palace” he gets himself in a whole heap of trouble and needs to figure out how to get himself out of the mess he’s in. This is further complicated as he also needs to protect Ella and his family.
The love that Ella and Reed had for each other was powerful and intense; they had to fight to help protect each other and their family. “Twisted Palace” is the instalment where everything comes to a head. It makes everyone take a good hard look at themselves and their actions in the past and how they have contributed to all the events that follow.
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I found Twisted Palace not to be as fast paced and action packed as the first two books in the series, but the story-line and the characters still had me hooked. I have to stay this is one of the most addictive series I have read this year. If you haven’t read them yet or if you were waiting until all books have been released, then you definitely need to drop everything and binge read all three books.
At the conclusion of the story, I found myself wanting more as there were still unanswered questions for me; so I’m wondering if there may be more Royal books in the future, perhaps involving Gideon, Easton, the twins or Callum. Having said that, Erin Watt concluded Reed and Ella’s story perfectly and I couldn’t ask for a better finish. I would most definitely recommend this book and this whole series on their love story alone. Anyone who loves well written stories with intriguing, suspenseful story lines and with great characters you can’t help but fall in love with will thoroughly enjoy this series. Hats off to both Elle Kennedy and Jen Frederick (Erin Watt), for creating and writing such an addictive and thrilling series and here’s hoping for more Royals in our future. ...more
“In our twisted world, a boy from West End is the only shining light.”
I absolutely loved everything about “The Hard Count. *****5 Stars*****
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“In our twisted world, a boy from West End is the only shining light.”
I absolutely loved everything about “The Hard Count.” Ginger Scott is a magician with the written word. I was reminded whilst reading this book why I love YA books so much. It was filled with love, loss, friendship and family. I’ve struggled to find a great book that really speaks to me and has the ability to stay with me forever. This book has it in spades and then some! This is a story of what happens when two, completely different worlds, collide…..BOOM.
“I’m willing to go the distance…..No matter how far that is.”
Reagan Prescott appears to have the perfect life. A ‘straight A’ student, her dad is the head coach of her private school football team, her mum is head socialite of the boosters and twin brother Noah, is the starting quarterback. Things aren’t always as they appear; appearances are just facades to hide the truth from the outside world that everything is not so perfect in this ‘perfect family’.
If I were to define what I want from a YA hero, then Nico is just that. He’s smart, sexy, athletic and has just the right amount of confidence (or is that arrogance) and spunkiness. Nico is from West End. West End is on the wrong side of the tracks, or eleven miles on the “wrong side” of the highway. Nico attends the same prestigious school as Reagan due to his intellect. He’s known as a ‘scholarship kid’.
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Reagan and Nico’s relationship is somewhat of a star-crossed lovers’ story: the good girl from the privileged family and the bad boy from the rough area of town. Their love was absolutely awe-inspiring and beautiful. This story captured all the purity of what YA books should entail. I loved how Nico and Reagan were so competitive with each other, especially their very articulate verbal sparring.
I can’t say a bad thing about this story. I would recommend this to anyone who loves reading books that epitomise YA romances. Anyone who loves reading beautifully written stories with lovable characters will also find this a great read. If you haven’t already read this story, then I urge you to give it a go. Hands down, this is one of my favourite books for this year. ...more
I absolutely loved “Punk 57,” but having said that I found it an incredibly hard*****5 Stars*****
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“We were perfect together. Until we met.”
I absolutely loved “Punk 57,” but having said that I found it an incredibly hard story to read. This story really draws attention to the raw and ugly side of high school; the importance of fitting in and being popular even if that means being someone you’re not. This is not the first book I have read by Penelope Douglas and I absolutely love her story telling. She sure knows how to deliver teen angst that packs a punch.
Misha and Ryen have been pen pals since fifth grade. They were paired up due to a misunderstanding. Misha’s teacher thought Ryen was a boy and Ryen’s teacher thought Misha was a girl. They continued to write to each other, even after the school year had finished. Over the years they developed a really close friendship sharing their hopes, dreams, loves, hates and song lyrics.
This close friendship continued on for seven years. They had rules though. No sussing each other out, which includes no facebook searches and no exchanging phone numbers. They didn’t want to ruin the relationship they had.
“They don’t get you and me. I know that’s what you’re afraid of. You’re perfect. I’m never in line. You’re beautiful, and I’m bad, right?”
When Ryen meets Misha, she has no idea who he is and the anticipation of her finding out almost ruined me. How do you forgive your best friend for hiding their true identity from you and for playing you like a fool? It’s a really hard question for me to answer. Clearly I’ve never been in that situation, but I should imagine it would take a great deal of time for love to triumph over hurt, deceit and lies.
If you have not read this story as yet, be warned, Ryen is not a likeable character. She is two completely different people. She is one person (who I would like to believe is the real her) in her letters to Misha and a completely different person in the real world. She appears weak, unable to stand up to her so-called friends. She belittles and picks on the “weaker” kids in order to keep on top of the popularity hierarchy and is a bit nasty. She clearly makes mistakes and is not perfect, but she is real.
“We’re all ugly, Ryen. The only difference is, some hide it and some wear it.”
This story is such an honest telling of the horrendous high school and teenage years, where they’ll do absolutely anything to be accepted and to belong, even if that means being someone they’re not and someone they don’t particularly like very much. My advice with respect to Ryen is to hold off any judgement on her and to power through, because there are reasons for her being the way she is and why it is so important to be on top; to keep the humiliation and embarrassment deflected away from her.
"That was the day I became this. When I started to believe that a hundred people's fickle adoration was worth more than one person's love."
“Punk 57” was unlike anything I have read to date. I went into this story completely blind, not knowing much except what the synopsis divulged and I’m so pleased I did. This story had so many twists and turns; I was surprised by certain events. This is a very poignant, raw, honest, heartbreaking story of love, hate, loss and betrayal. If you love powerful stories full of angst then you should definitely give it a go. It sure was one wild ride.
“It gets better, you are important, and you can't be replaced. Hang on. You'll find you’re tribe.”...more
Wow! Stunning, intense, angst-filled and thrilling. Erin Watt has done it again with their s *****5 Stars*****
“These Royals will ruin you….”
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Wow! Stunning, intense, angst-filled and thrilling. Erin Watt has done it again with their second instalment of “The Royals” series “Broken Prince.” After reading “Paper Princess” I wasn’t sure how I was going to survive having to wait after that massive cliffy for the second one. It felt like years. My advice to anyone who has not delved into this series as of yet, is to perhaps wait until October when they’re all released and then binge read them.
“Broken Prince” starts off where “Paper Princess” finished and thankfully it is written in Reed’s point of view also, so we were given an opportunity to go inside his head and know what makes him tick. Reed has a lot of making up to do with both Ella and his brothers, especially Easton. I am not going to go into too much detail about the story as I want readers to be as thrilled and shocked by all the twists and turns as I was.
“I’m done playing games, Ella. No other girls exist in the world for me. If you see me talking to one, know that I’m talking about you. If you see me walking next to someone, I’m wishing it was you … You’re the only one for me.”
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I have developed a massive girl crush on Ella. She is such an inspirational heroine. She’s headstrong, self-sufficient and feisty, but also loyal, compassionate and will do anything for those she cares for. I loved how she didn’t automatically forgive Reed even though her feelings for him were so intense. It kept me glued to each and every page with anticipation on what would become of these two characters.
“He told me to stay away. He told me I didn’t belong. If only I’d listened to him”
I have to say this series has by far, produced the most addictive books I have read to date this year. They contain everything I look for in a great story; intrigue, intensity, angst, humour and stellar writing with amazing characters. I thought the cliff-hanger in the first book was intense, the ending to “Broken Prince” was even worse…….. if that’s even possible. I would most definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves a thrilling ride on the emotional roller coaster. As I said before, you may want to wait until they are all released as the cliffys are a killer! I’m counting down the days until “Twisted Palace” is released in October. 77 days to go……. ;-) ...more
“This right here—every single piece of you—is very precious cargo to me. If anyone mistreated it, I’d lose my shit. You’re *****5 Stars*****
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“This right here—every single piece of you—is very precious cargo to me. If anyone mistreated it, I’d lose my shit. You’re not just my best friend, you’re my sanity. You’re priceless, Sarah.”
Wow, wow and WOW! What a beautiful, heartfelt story. Priceless (Forbidden Men #8) literally pulled at all of my heartstrings. For anyone who has read the whole Forbidden Men series, this story can make you feel a bit nostalgic and emotional. I absolutely fell in love with Linda’s writing in her first book “Price of A Kiss” and it continued through to “Priceless.”
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Sarah and Brandt have been the best of friends since they were thirteen and this means “Priceless” is a friends-to-lovers story; which are some of my absolute favourite romances to read and this one was no exception. Just to witness their relationship develop from childhood best friends to a love that was so profound and captivating was absolutely beautiful.
“I think I was in love with Brandt. Like love-love, the gooey, kissy, get married, make babies and live happily ever after kind of love.”
I found Sarah and Brandt’s relationship to be somewhat extraordinarily intense and deep. For anyone who has read “Price of A Kiss” (Forbidden Men #1), they would know that Sarah has Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy is a debilitating disorder which affects one’s muscle control and is caused by damage to the brain, so she was confined to a wheelchair. Sarah was an extraordinary human being. She wasn’t miserable or having her own pity party, she was living with the hand she was dealt, with so much strength, grace and dignity.
“I shuddered from the love and peace his words wrought, and commanded myself to feel no depression whatsoever just because he only saw me as a friend. He was the best friend I’d ever had or ever could have, and I was honoured to be just that.”
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I loved Brandt instantly. He was a typical trailer park kid from the wrong side of the tracks, who had a really disturbing childhood and as a result had the most creepy and distressing memories that followed him. He loved Sarah. He was the perfect best friend for her, he was protective, possessive and there was nothing in the world he would not do for her. They’re whole relationship was beautiful from the first moment they met when they were thirteen and I was so anxious for the beautiful love to unfold within each page.
“I could lose everyone I know and everything I had, and I would still be able to handle it as long as I still had you. You’re the only person who does matter to me.”
Priceless was such an enthralling read and I was captivated from the first page. It was the most ideal friends-to-lovers read. Linda Kage was able to capture all the elements perfectly. I loved absolutely everything about this book and it is not one which I will easily forget. Once I finished reading, my heart was so full with love I felt for this story and these characters. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves the ultimate friends-to-lovers romance stories and wants to read something that pulls at all your heartstrings. I’m jealous of anyone who has the pleasure of reading this story for the first time (as I would love to do it again) and I will continue to gush over it for a long time.
Before I had even started this book I knew it would be an unforgettable story. I h****4 Stars****
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“Some secrets go too deep for words.”
Before I had even started this book I knew it would be an unforgettable story. I had a preconceived idea that this was going to be heartbreaking, but it was a story of perseverance through adversity and the ability to rise up and succeed with the challenges that life throws at you. Jennifer L Armentrout seriously bought her A game with a story that deals with some tough emotional issues.
Mallory (Mouse) and Rider grew up together in a foster home and were no strangers to abuse and neglect. All they had was each other. Rider became Mallory’s protector and therefore defended her whenever she was in danger to the point of putting himself in harms-way. He endured a lot of abuse in order to prevent Mallory from being the target. They shared a really special connection.
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“We've been separated. But we had never really been apart.”
All the suffering and abuse finally came to a horrific climax where ultimately Mallory and Rider were separated. Mallory was in hospital for a period of time and was then adopted by two doctors Carlos and Rosa, who soon became the kind of parents Mallory longed for. Rider was moved to yet another group home until he was fostered again.
After years of home-schooling, Mallory decides to spend her senior year at a public high school. On her first day she notices a student enter the class room, who then approaches and sits in the spare chair next to her. It’s none other than Rider. They haven’t seen each other in four years and this gave them a second chance to reconnect.
“I just never thought I'd get to see how beautiful you'd become”
Their first meeting at school, even though expected, was still enthralling. I’m so impressed Jennifer L Armentrout avoided insta-love. I expected it to be honest, but was so thrilled it didn’t turn out like that and I loved the anticipation that it teased.
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“Forever was something we all took for granted, but the problem with forever was that it really didn't exist.”
I was really pleased with this story and it was a solid 4 stars. I would recommend this to anyone who loves YA romances, with a background story of abuse, but it is by no means graphic. It is a really sweet story which deals with abuse and their lasting long term effects. ...more
“I knew it. She’s a nerd on the streets and a freak in the sheets.”
Smut is the first book I have read from Karina Halle, and****4 Stars****
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“I knew it. She’s a nerd on the streets and a freak in the sheets.”
Smut is the first book I have read from Karina Halle, and I really enjoyed it. One of my favourite themes in romance genres is the “enemies-to-lovers.” I love being part of the journey and seeing their relationship develop from absolutely loathing each other, to slowly growing closer, to eventually loving each other. The anticipation and angst really draws me in.
I loved Amanda instantly. I loved her inner-nerd, her quick wit, passion and her drive and determination. She comes across to many people as taking everything way too seriously and perhaps a bit standoffish. Blake on the other hand is the complete opposite. What you see is what you get. He is a typical hot, sexy man-whore with a panty melting smile and a British accent.
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“Unfortunately all of his beauty is spoiled by his shit-eating grin, which, as I said earlier, is probably his best and worst feature. Best because he flashes it all over the place and women spontaneously combust like matches are struck on their ovaries. Worst because I know what that grin represents: cockiness, arrogance, and one hell of an ego.”
Both Amanda and Blake were paired together for their final writing assignment much to their dismay. The two of them are constantly at odds with each other and their continual banter was brilliant writing. Their sexual tension and chemistry was absolutely captivating. We soon discover that Amanda and Blake may not be so different after all.
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“Regardless of who rubbed who first,” I tell her, trying not to smirk at my innuendo, “we need to at least try and get along if this is going to work.” I pause. “Or if anything, at least not to kill each other until the novella is done.”
This was such a fun read which was delivered with quick wit, lovable characters and smart and sexy writing filled with SMUT. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys “enemies-to-lovers” stories and wants to read something fun and hilarious which captures you from the first page. Certainly won’t be my last Karina Halle novel.
WOW! Words cannot express how much I loved “How To Save A Life” by Emma Scott. It was everything I was looking for and more. I’m a bit behind [image]
WOW! Words cannot express how much I loved “How To Save A Life” by Emma Scott. It was everything I was looking for and more. I’m a bit behind the times when it comes to Emma Scott apparently. All I’ve been hearing are how amazing her books are and this is my first one; what a cracker to start with. She is such a beautiful story teller, which can at times be emotional and make you feel so much from the very first page.
I became completely captivated by the hero and heroines story, their emotions were depicted so realistically, from their harrowing memories and back stories, to their powerful magnetism towards each other. The story touches on some real heartbreaking themes, sexual abuse, physical violence, bullying and feeling unloved.
The heroine depicted was Josephine (Jo) and she was such a fascinating and intriguing character. She has had to overcome the most disturbing situations at the hands of a monster. A family member, who should have loved and protected her, did not. The outcome of these actions ultimately had tragic consequences.
"I don’t know how or why I could possibly know this at first glance, but to me Evan looked like he’d spill the deepest secrets of his heart to the first person to show him any kindness.
He’s sort of beautiful, I thought."
Jo has moved to a new town with her truck driving uncle. He travels a lot for work so she is left to her own devises most of the time. She is the true epitome of a survivor. Jo never allows herself to woe in self-pity or become the victim. She has created her own identity and is living her life on her terms and is such a strong and inspirational character.
"Evan Salinger had infiltrated my brain. I was trying to keep him out and he kept seeping in."
On Jo’s first day at her new high school she hears a lot of gossip and rumours about someone named Evan. He is not at all like she expected him to be. She expected an emo looking guy, but he was so beautifully captivating. He is the freak and loner of the school and portrayed by everyone as a “mental case”. Despite all the idle gossip about Evan, Jo felt unbelievably drawn towards him and he occupied all of her thoughts. The more Jo gets to know Evan, the more she falls in love with him.
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I was so invested in this story that I wanted to do anything to protect Evan. He absolutely stole my heart and I was so captivated by his characterization. He made me feel emotions I haven’t felt while reading a book for a long time. Everything from his noble and thoughtful heart, to his struggles and the life he has been forced to live. Evan is unquestionably the most beautiful, captivating and alluring character and his relationship with Jo had me so enthralled from page to page. Their love for each other had me convinced they were soul mates. They had such a deep understanding and profound connection towards each other that it gave me goose bumps.
“Moment by moment, inhale by exhale, every heartbeat of hers against mine erased our separation. The lust consuming me all night revealed for what it truly was: my need to be with Josephine for the rest of my life. Not only her body but everything that she was: her scribbled words, her lonely heart and her victorious happiness.”
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I could not recommend this book highly enough. It was really unique and I can honestly say it was a breath of fresh air. Just be prepared for some heartbreaking and emotional parts where Emma Scott touches on sexual abuse and violence, but by no means is it graphic. For those who don’t like paranormal stories, don’t let the hint put you off because I wouldn’t even categorise this as paranormal. Both main characters are in fact human but there are premonitions of events which suggest paranormal.
This book in my opinion had it all, friendship, love, excitement, angst, heartbreak, intensity and passion. Just be prepared to feel all the emotions under the sun! ...more
“Seriously, just find yourself a rebound.” Dean whips up his arm. “I volunteer as tribute.”
"The Score" by Elle Ke*****5 Stars*****
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“Seriously, just find yourself a rebound.” Dean whips up his arm. “I volunteer as tribute.”
"The Score" by Elle Kennedy is the third instalment of the "Off-Campus" series and it did not disappoint. In my opinion, this series is up there with some of the best college romances I’ve read. The book starts with Allie breaking up with her on-again off-again boyfriend Sean. She needs to go into hiding so she is not tempted to give in and reconcile their relationship. Her best friend and roommate, Hannah, (who we know from "The Deal") offered up Garrett’s place for her to crash for the weekend. She arrives just as Dean was getting set for his threesome with two willing women. I don’t really want to go into too much detail about Allie and Dean’s relationship, because I definitely believe this is well worth reading; but I will say they made a perfect couple and I fell in love with them.
“Dean Di Laurentis is in my blood now. I didn’t expect the intense sexual chemistry between us, but it’s here, and it’s addictive, and I don’t know how I can ever give it up.”
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When being introduced to Dean with the first two books I couldn’t wait to read his story. He was just as egotistical and narcissistic as I anticipated he would be. He loves sex and his man-whoring ways. What I especially loved about him is he makes no apologies for the way he is. One major thing which I loved about the Off Campus series is the relationship between the guys. They are all laugh-out-loud hilarious. One major plus for me was their commitment and loyalty to each other. Anyone should be lucky to have friends like these.
“I do what I want, when I want. And I don’t give a shit what people think about me.”
I loved Allie from the moment I started reading. She was absolutely hilarious. She was very easy going and a very believable character for me. I loved how initially she was so unimpressed by Dean. She was a strong independent heroine who was capable of standing up for herself. I especially liked the fact she didn’t come across as weak and needy.
“All my senses are filled with her—her sounds, her smell, her touch. Her.”
I loved the dual first person POV which allows me to connect with both characters on a personal level and have more understanding of what is going on in their heads. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves their new adult romances and some steamy sex scenes. Elle Kennedy has quickly become a favourite for me and I can’t wait to read her 4th instalment "The Goal."
I read The Deal a long time ago and I have no idea why it’s taken me so long to read the second instalment The Mistake, because I loved [image]
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I read The Deal a long time ago and I have no idea why it’s taken me so long to read the second instalment The Mistake, because I loved Logan in The Deal . I think my reasons for holding off are due to the fact that I have not had the best luck with spin off series as of late, so therefore I can be a bit hesitant. I am kicking myself now for not reading this book earlier because I do love Elle Kennedy writing and her sense of humour. There were scenes in the book where I was laughing so hard I was crying. I absolutely loved both Grace and Logan. Grace was awesome. She was such a headstrong heroine, who I really admired. I could really relate to her babbling in nervous situations as I think a lot of people would agree that they tend to do that, and the fact that Logan kept bringing it to her attention. I absolutely loved their sense of humour, and found them hilarious.
“Good. Because I’m never breaking up with you.” “Actually, I think I’m going to marry you one day.”
The chemistry between Grace and Logan was profound. At times their love for each other gave me goosies, which is a big plus for me as I enjoy reading stories that make me feel all warm and fuzzy. In order to feel the emotion, the story needs to capture me and be believable with amazing writing and a character development that keeps me wanting more. This book portrayed all of these traits for me. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a great story and great characters you love who you want to fight for.
“Logan sucks in a breath. He’s seen my breasts before. He’s seen me naked, actually. But the hunger in his eyes, the glittering admiration….it’s like he’s looking at me for the first time.”
I am really looking forward to reading the third instalment The Score as I have read a lot of great reviews and therefore have high expectations.
WOW!!!! What an amazing, addictive and thrilling story. It has certainly left me wanting mor*****5 Stars*****
“These Royals will ruin you.”
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WOW!!!! What an amazing, addictive and thrilling story. It has certainly left me wanting more, a lot more! Definitely my top read of 2016 so far. “Paper Princess” written by Erin Watt (Elle Kennedy and Jen Frederick) had me absolutely captivated from start to finish. As I read from page to page, it was filled with everything I look for in a YA and a NA romance. There was angst, humour, emotion, sexual tension and fascinating characters with a gripping story. To me this book was absolutely perfect with just enough angst and sexual tension to keep you captivated without it becoming annoying.
“Somewhere along the line, I started thinking that if I just got through this bad experience, this bad day, that tomorrow I’d have something better, brighter, newer. I still believe that. I still believe that there’s something good out there for me. I just have to keep going until my time comes.”
Ella was such an exhilarating and inspirational character. She’s had a really tough upbringing and has had to grow up well beyond her years. She’s tough, feisty, head-strong woman, but she also has a deep heart with much compassion. She has had to take care of herself for so long that she does it a way no seventeen year old should ever have to. Enter Callum Royal. He takes Ella from this sleazy and seedy world (as her legal guardian) to his home where his five sons await.
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“You should know whatever game you're playing, you can't win. Not against all of us. If you leave now, you won't be hurt. If you stay, we'll break you so bad that you'll be crawling away."
The Royal boys certainly are a force to be reckoned with, to the point of being brutal, especially the brooding pack leader Reed Royal. I was so thrilled with how Ella handled them; she took it all in her stride with such sass and dignity. The Royal boys already had a preconceived idea on who Ella Harper is before they had even met her and they were determined to make her life hell. She was able to prove she was not the trashy whore they had labelled her to be.
“I’m only seventeen. Sometimes that feels too young to have lived the life I have. Sometimes I look around at my surroundings and think, I don’t belong here”
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The sexual tension between Reed and Ella was intense, which was one of my favourite things about this book. The anticipation was thrilling and kept me captivated from page to page. They started with such a dislike for each other, but as the story progresses they both get to know each other better and start to understand what each other are about and the hardships they have all had to endure.
“Reed Royal has broken me. I’ve fallen from the sky and I’m not sure I can get up. Not this time.”
I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who asks me. It kept me glued to each page with all the thrills and intensity in which it provided. And wow what a cliff-hanger! That is one ending that will have me guessing until I can get my hands on the second instalment: “Broken Prince.” My advice would be if you are an inpatient person like me, you may want to wait until they are all released, because I am seriously dying here waiting.
"Like time has stopped, ground to a stubborn halt, as your soul starts singing. I fall, melt, burn and fly all at once. I kiss him back, opening my "Like time has stopped, ground to a stubborn halt, as your soul starts singing. I fall, melt, burn and fly all at once. I kiss him back, opening my mouth to him, staggered by the intensity of emotion I feel for him as he cups my face with one hand."
I really loved this story Calico by Callie Hart. A beautiful story of Callan and Coralie. It was quite heartbreaking at times, but what an amazing journey to be a part of. A Huge fan of this book and can't wait to read more amazing titles by this author.
Megan✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦
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