REVIEW; Easy (Contours of the Heart #1), by Tammara Webber

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

Book 1

NO SPOILERS!!! 

Summary:

Jacqueline's passion was music, but she foolishly followed her high school boyfriend to his state university, only to be dumped soon later. When one of his friends attacks her, mysterious Lucas saves her. He sits at the back of her classes, always with his head down and busy doodling.
After falling behind in class following her break-up, Jacqueline has to receive help from a tutor by email, Landon, who appears to be crossing the lines of tutor/student boundaries. Jacqueline has to work around her new stalker, Lucas' secrets and Landon's identity. 

My Thoughts:

I've had this on my wishlist since 2014... so three years later I finally got to read it and I was not disappointed. I always worry that books I marked years ago will no longer be relevant or I'd find too young for me now, especially as the characters in this were younger than me.

Jacqueline: Immediately we meet her at the party before she gets attacked. She is quite a strong character, persevering to get a second chance at making up her grade for one. I think she will stand as being quite an empowering character for younger women. When she gets attacked, she tries to just bury it all. But her friend enlists her in self defense classes so she can feel safe. Following another assault, Jacqueline pairs up to report the rapist and Webber highlights how society tend to react when it's a person with status or money behind them. I feel one of the most important scenes was the Sorority taking charge to build a case against him and stand up for the targeted girls, disregarding reputation. 

Story: This was a fantastic story. Never once did it come across as a damsel in distress story; with a good few twists involving characters and their history.  The pacing was brilliant, there was always something of suspense to keep me reading and guessing as to what would be the outcome. 

I don't think much more should be said as it would give more of the plot away, and I believe it should be enjoyed with little known. 

Overall:

This did not disappoint after waiting 3 years to read. A fantastic, heart-wrenching tale of love and heart-break, and the social status game that permeates society.   

Goodreads

REVIEW; Frosh: First Blush (Frosh #1), by Monica B Wagner

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Genre: New-Adult, Contemporary, Young Adult

Recommend: Yes

Book 1

NO SPOILERS!!! 

Summary:

At Hillson University the drama is like no other; Ellie, an aspiring journalist, will learn just what it means to "do what you need to do to get the story". Grant is a star football player trying to live up to everyone's expectations. Devon is Queen Bee, and will stop at nothing to get Grant and parade him around on her arm. And then Charlie is about to change his nerdy, shy attitude in order to catch Devon's attention. What could go wrong? 

My Thoughts:

I quite enjoy books that move between a lot of POV's. In this case the story revolves around the four main characters - Ellie, Grant, Devon and Charlie. It reminds me of reading series like The It Girl about 7-8 years ago. 

I think a main thing to note from the start, is that this is rather predictable. Nothing really happened that was a huge shock or was a twist, so if that's what you're looking for, keep looking. But it does serve for a good light summer read that I read in one day. 

Ellie: She is a typical innocent and fresh heroine, starting university with high hopes and dating not on her agenda. I feel she was a little weak though. It all felt too convenient, with how Tanner instantly took a shine to her (although there were other reasons) before he even knew who she was and simultaneously Grant also noted her as a woman of interest quite early on. But why do these heroines always have to be so naive and dis-trusting. I'm so tired of a heroine seeing/hearing something and totally jumping to conclusions. I understand there is need to keep a plot turning, but can authors not think of other ways? Like, I really felt sorry for Grant because she was pretty cruel to him, even if it was out of defense, she still didn't even allow him a chance to explain his side of anything, and that to me is such a frustrating trait. 

Characters: There were a lot of characters in this, with their own agendas, and at times I did get confused with the secondary characters and how they were all inter-related with different main characters. But they all had a substantial difference to them, so every character felt like they served purpose and were distinct. I enjoyed the suspense and secrets surrounding Devon's drama and uncovering her family secrets. I really liked Charlie though. He was such an adorable character and I always loved reading about his nerdy t-shirts. I think he was the one I felt for most and was really rooting for, being the underdog and letting Devon treat him like shit but then he'd stand up for himself and it would be amazing! 

I don't really like when there is cheating in books, and there wasn't really in this, but the love triangles gave me a headache. Ellie liked Grant, but also Tanner liked Ellie. Charlie liked Devon who was after Grant. Then Grant went out with Devon and Ellie with Tanner and it was just a bit messy for my liking. Appeared more like high school drama than university... 

I read a similar review that actually mentioned legal drinking age and I feel that's a really good point. At this point, all the characters are underage as per American law. Whereas in Ireland (where I grew up) and the UK (where I now go to Uni) the legal age is 18. So by the time I got to uni I was already 18, and one of the youngest in my year, and most people had those rebellious alcoholic years behind them (save a few dodgy nights!) but on a whole, most people drink responsibly so the drama levels are not the same. 

Overall:

I'm sure a lot of NA readers would enjoy this, but personally feel it's more suited at YA due to the maturity levels and drama. I can't really relate to the characters and the scheming as being that of 18+. 

Goodreads

REVIEW; Pushing The Limits, by Brooke Cumberland

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: New-Adult, Contemporary 

Recommend: Yes

Standalone

NO SPOILERS!!! 

Summary:

Aspen's life changed when her twin committed suicide. Surviving with immense guilt, she turns to art classes as a form of therapy. Morgan moved state to escape heartbreak, and teaches art in the college. Both hurting, the two form a sensitive bond involving a mutual appreciation of art. 
Neither want to cross the lines of student and teacher, but when Aspen has to pose naked, Morgan wonders where the boundaries truly are of their relationship.

My Thoughts:

Firstly, this is a lot more than just a student/teacher romance. 

Aspen is of age and an adult, taking art classes as a form of therapy in dealing with her sister's death, which her parents have forever blamed her for. At a young age, she has suffered and lived well beyond her years, and has now built walls around her heart and emotions to prevent anyone getting close to her again. Through her art, she expresses her grief over Ariel. Most of the time, Aspen is a bright and happy girl, able to joke with her friends and have fun. But in seconds, she can be triggered and have panic attacks.

Morgan has returned to California after he left a few years ago following a heartbreak and a family bereavement. He finds himself as guardian for his 12 year-old niece. Seeing Aspen's portfolio, he is instantly drawn to her work and how evocative her pieces are. He can't imagine how much more Aspen will affect his life in person, far beyond the powers of her art. Throw in his feisty, zestful niece, Morgan realises he has a lot to learn about women.

Immediately Morgan had inappropriate thoughts about Aspen, and I guess this could be taken two ways. Either he was unprofessional from the get go and only had one thing on his mind, or it just portrays how much Aspen affected him from day one. He remained respectful for a considerable length of time, and his compassion and care for Aspen was alluring. 

Forced to acknowledge their limits, they can't help but fall for each other as they spend more time together; bonding over grief and art. Both have their insecurities and concern about allowing anything to develop and their pain about that is palpable. Both have heartbreaking pasts, and they're each other's salvation.  Morgan forces Aspen to acknowledge her pain and trauma, properly mourn her sister's death and let go of her guilt. While Aspen shows Morgan that he can love again. 

We get an insight into their story from both POV's and I really enjoyed that. We got to learn a little about Morgan's past and his struggles following the heart-wrenching start of Ariel's funeral from Aspen's POV. Reading their love unfold from both sides built a complete picture of forgiveness and love.

Overall:

This is an amazing story, pushing far beyond the limits of student & teacher, as two broken souls fight all odds to save each other and give the hope of life again. 

Goodreads

REVIEW; Fair Game, by Monica Murphy

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Genre: New-Adult, Contemporary 

Recommend: Yes

Book 1

NO SPOILERS!!! 

Summary:

Jade's boyfriend bets her at a poker game, in the hopes he can win $50,000. He loses. Jade now owes the arrogant infamous Shepard Prescott. 
He loves watching her squirm and chasing after the one girl who keeps saying 'No'. But as Shep starts to fall for the feisty girl, he has to convince Jade he is no longer playing games and may actually be falling in love with her. 

My Thoughts:

I don't know if I am in a lull in regards to NA Romance novels, as a lot I've read lately I've just been skipping paragraphs and eye-rolling. But then Tijan, Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher can still write words that get inside my heart and my head and keep me awake at night and think. 

First 50% of this book: It was really good and I actually read it in one sitting as I was so hooked. I feel the start was extremely strong; it begins with the poker game and Jade being part of the bet. The chemistry between Jade and Shep is amazing, their banter hilarious. But honestly, the book fell from there. 

Second 50%: Predictable, boring. Ok, it wasn't bad. But as soon as everything starts up with the two, it just follows the same pattern in 95% of other YA/NA books. There were no twists or aspects that make the book stand out. Once they got together, everything was hunky dory and wonderful together - which, yes, can happen in real life obviously. But it was just boring :( sorry!

All the intimate scenes just felt like repeats, and I ended up skipping a lot of the last few as they added nothing to the overall story and the whole plot of the book felt like a massive shift. Meanwhile, slut shaming galore! So, Jade talks about how her roommate just goes from guy to guy but isn't 'a slut or anything'. Why does that statement have to be added? Just state how Jade and Kelli treat guys differently but stop with the slut shaming in every goddamn NA book! 

Shep: I didn't like him. I liked him for the first chapter, but for the intimate scenes, or when he was trying to charm Jade early on, I just cringed so much at his lines and arrogance. As he fell for Jade, granted, he did improve in respecting her and behaviour and there was a struggle between his old "player" self and trying to be a good boyfriend to Jade. I didn't find his arrogant nature swoon-worthy in the slightest anyway. 

Both main characters, of course, had parental issues!! What NA book would have a main character with a nice family?! But anyway, neither actually acknowledged the issues they had with their parents until it was imperative for the story and keep the plot turning. 

Overall:

I nearly DNF'd, but persevered. Not the best book I've read and a very flat and predictable story line. 

Goodreads

REVIEW; The Opportunist (Love Me With Lies #1), by Tarryn Fisher

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Suspense, New-Adult

Recommend: Yes!

Book 1

SPOILERS

Summary:

Three years ago, Olivia broke Caleb’s heart and he vowed to leave her life and never see her again. Olivia believes he is in her past, until she sees him in a music shop. What she doesn’t expect is Caleb not to even recognise her – he has amnesia and has no idea who she is. Olivia sees this a second chance at love, but every attempt to confess who she really is, is interrupted. She learns of Caleb’s near engagement and soon is in a battle to win Caleb. But threats and blackmail ensue, with a world of secrets ready to burst open. Can true love really win if the chance has already gone?  

My Thoughts:

WELL HOLY SHIT! I love Tarryn Fisher’s work and this is the third novel of hers I’ve got to read. What I really loved in this, is that while there was a happy ending, there wasn’t THE happy ending. It was REALISTIC! I spent the whole book rooting for the pair to just stop messing about and be honest and live their life together. But, that isn’t really how life always works out and this was a refreshing read that depicted that. It shows how two people can always find their way back together, and give each other their heart… but for once a book showed that love does not always trump everything else.

Words cannot describe how much I loved this for those reasons. I’m becoming tired of the whole love/romance genre at the moment as am fed up of the forever happy endings with “The One” that’s all just crap. Life isn’t that perfect that allows the hiccups to occur and two people still get their happy ending. Life happens. Actions done in anger or remorse have effect. People change. People can have an unbelievably strong connection and chemistry – but it still be unhealthy. Anyway… moving on…

Olivia: I think she is one of my favourite protagonists. She is far from perfect but it makes her human. She believes she is a horrible person because of her lies and deceit, but it wasn’t THAT bad. It was done out of love for Caleb and although some actions are rather extreme, she wasn’t the one that broke into someone’s apartment to trash everything and then blackmail a girl… But I really felt for her. She loved Caleb so much and seeing him with Leah broke her, as she knew Leah was a scheming bitch and Caleb was unaware. And yet in the end, she let him go. She was able to put his happiness before her own and this was the ultimate mark of character development.

Caleb: Yeah, I have some issues with this guy! So, we are led to believe that Olivia has done something horrible and betrayed Caleb and that she hurt him… BUT WHAT DO WE FIND OUT?! Well Caleb here was about to cheat on her but she caught him in the act. And somehow, he manages to turn it around onto Olivia because she goes and has meaningless sex with a stranger. If he were any way half decent he would have realised how hurt she must’ve been to have resorted to that… so from that moment I wasn’t a Caleb fan. Also… he comes back and calls Olivia out on lying – HYPOCRITE! But, I still like the guy… I guess that’s the magic of Fisher’s writing. I can pick out all these aspects of Caleb that make me dislike him, but I was still rooting for the pair to get together.

Story/Writing: It’s amazing. I’ve discussed Fisher’s writing style before and it’s astounding. The descriptions are brilliant without boring the reader with paragraphs of scene setting. So much can be evoked in one sentence. I enjoyed the jumping from past to present – especially as it was clearly marked “The Past”/ “The Present” at the beginning of the chapters! I read this in less than 24 hours (the first 68% when I went to bed and sadly at to stop to try get some sleep) as I just couldn’t predict where the story was heading.

 “You can only give your heart away once; after that, everything else will chase your first love”

Please don’t be true or else I am fudged! lol

Overall:

I’d recommend this to anyone my age (22) to read to just be aware of some of the ugliness that comes with loving someone. I could relate to more than I’d like, but also learned a lot from it too. It really shows how sometimes, two people loving each other isn't always enough. 

Goodreads

REVIEW; Ruin (Ruin #1), by Rachel Van Dyken

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

Book 1 of 3

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Kiersten is from a small town and a sheltered life when she moves to college. She suffers from nightmares and depression and tries her best to hide all this. On her first day of college she literally bumps into Wes Michals - who happens to be her RA. 
She soon realises he is a true friend she can rely on and in no time things become more as she spends Thanksgiving with him and his father. Little could prepare Kiersten for the secrets Wes harbors though, as she realises everyone has a past, but not all have a future. 

My Thoughts:

To start with I found the writing and first meeting of the two main characters to be awkward and cringe. Ruin had received such positive and high-rated reviews but I can't help but feel a little bit disappointed. I don't see what the huge fuss was... I never really warmed to Wes. I really didn't find the banter back and forth believable or charming in the slightest.

POV: There is dual POV in this and it didn't work. The only way I could distinguish between if it were Wes or Kiersten was just from who was being addressed. The writing style didn't change depending on who it was and it often changed mid scene, just making the exchanges harder to follow. 

Insta-Love: Deduct a star immediately. Kiersten slams right into Wes and he instantly falls for her. So bored of it. Absolute no reason for even a sparked interest in an attempt to make it develop naturally or anything- just two characters inseparable from first sight. It all just makes it more difficult to believe their feelings are real and genuine and not clouded by lust. 

Wes: I didn't really like him much. I guessed his secret from the beginning, or near enough. I didn't really like his cocky attitude at the start and saw nothing to see why Kiersten warmed to him. 

"I'm going to make it so hard for you to forget this first kiss that you don't want anyone else kissing you ever again. When the guy you fall in love with kisses you - it better put this kiss to shame - if it doesn't, then he isn't the right guy. Because I'm going to do a damn good job, and I want the guy that earns you, that takes that heart of yours and holds it in the palm of his hands... I want that guy to be able to make you feel things I'll just be tapping into. Do you understand, Kiersten?" 

Maybe that sort of romantic declaration is what a lot of girls want to hear, but for me... major cringe when you hardly even know the guy! By the end, I felt like he was a totally different character beyond what had been already depicted and much preferred that side of him. 

Overall:

I've read other books by the author and loved them so presumed I'd enjoy this. For some reason the characters just didn't work this time for me. The writing style didn't flow like I expected and it was awkward at times.

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Rebel (Rebel Wheels #1), by Elle Casey

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

Book 1 of 3

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

Teagan Cross discovers her father has died and left everything to his new wife. She needs a job - fast. Following rejection after rejection Teagan forces herself into the local garage, Rebel Wheels, on a trial to tidy up the place and restore some order. She forces herself into Rebel's life, and he reluctantly accepts her as he soon realises he needs her just as much as she him. But as information surrounding Teagan's father's death comes to light, she realises she is not as safe as she thought. 

My Thoughts:

Teagan: She really made me laugh so many times. Her brutal honesty and constant running mouth were hilarious, especially in contrast to Rebel. She had bursts of confidence that led her down dangerous and exciting paths, but yet the vulnerable aspect to her character was evident at times. She really felt like a great rounded character - terrified of life ahead but putting on a brave face to attack the world. Her whole world pretty much falls apart and yet she's too proud to accept hand outs from her friend and is hellbent on earning her keep. I love her fighting attitude. 

Rebel: It's rare to read a male character and not see the feminine writer shine through. Rebel said very little - like a usual guy, and won my heart over. The banter between the pair was hilarious, especially as he often responded by not replying at all. Also, 1 star for being a mechanic who knows muscle cars. Have to say as a car girl, it's refreshing to find a story based in a garage with a good depth of info. 

Drama: There was a good underlying mystery to all of this surrounding the death of Teagan's father which added a serious and dangerous element alongside the blossoming relationship. Probably was a little bit over the top but I can't say I minded. It was a good climax to make Rebel cop on and actually make a move on Teagan. 

Overall:

This was a free book when I got it and I always expect them to be sub-par but this definitely surprised me. Like finding a gem among a bunch of rubble stones. It was hilarious and exciting and such a great story. 

Goodreads 

BOOKTOUR REVIEW; Anti-Stepbrother, by Tijan

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes yes yesyesyes yes

Standalone

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

Summer has gone to university in the hopes of finally being with her stepbrother. After they spent one night together she is sure he is the one. But running after him got her heart broken... She meets Caden Banks, her stepbrother's enemy who seems to have taken a shine to helping her more than once.
Soon Summer begins to see Caden in a different light, and wonders if she has been pining over the wrong man.

My Thoughts:

***Thank you to TRSOR for an arc to review***

I am such a huge fan of Tijan and being able to receive an arc of this made me so excited! This book though stole my heart and left me utterly winded and paralysed. 

Summer: God, my heart nearly broke for her. She thought she loved Kevin and that he had feelings for her after they had a night together when in reality he was a giant ass. And yet she still defended him or looked out for him as she placed him on a pedestal as being the perfect man. 

Caden: Sweet Lord book boyfriend alert!!! He is hard ass and scary but yet so wonderfully sweet. Typical tall alpha adorned with gorgeous tattoos with the cocky demeanor to top him all off. Their relationship is a torturous slow burner building from a great reliant friendship and the chemistry between the pair is agonizing! 

What's fantastic is the different stories of love that is spread across the pages. Their is heartbreak and undeniably brilliant terrifying love and the emotions and fears that comes with it all. It's not a simple romance story line but complicated with the intensity of all the memories and feelings of the characters. I was sucked into their world and their pain and felt their fears as much as their happiness. 

Kevin: He is Summer's stepbrother who she thinks she loves. We don't get too much of an insight into his real persona but what's interesting is how he is depicted to the reader. I found myself constantly trying to defend his actions until ultimately I realised - he really is a nasty piece of work! 

Overall:

Best work from Tijan so far. An absolute whirlwind of emotion and drama with a romance that will leave you haunted and desperate for a love like it. A soul destroying story of poignancy and life altering moments.

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Across The Hall, by N.M. Facile

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Recommend: Not really

Standalone

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Sylvia had her heart broken when Quinn ended their relationship together before heading to college. 4 years later, Sylvia is still hurting but trying to move on with her life. But when Quinn moves to the same university, and is living across the hall, Sylvia has to struggle with battling her old feelings. Meanwhile, she is trying to move on with bad boy Beau, but she soon realises she got more than she bargained for by dating him. 

My Thoughts:

Sylvia: I tried really hard to like her as the main character, but I failed. I found her to be insecure, dramatic and rather boring. Her relationship ended four years ago and she's still suffering like it was 4 weeks. Yes, he may have been the love of her life, but I doubt she has reason to still be so wrapped up in Quinn, especially as there was no contact between them to keep her hopes up. She is also extremely shallow; introduces the reader to her friends by describing them physically and on their looks alone, as if their personalities were irrelevant. I really don't understand why she stays with Beau for so long either, when dating him was such a chore for her to begin with. She needed to grow a damn backbone. 

Quinn: the chapters in this changed POV between Quinn and Sylvia. I usually like this in this a novel as it allows the author to both give snippets away to the reader, and also deliver the story from two different personalities. But in this it didn't work. Quinn was to female minded. None of his inner dialogue was from a realistic male perspective. He was so cringe and yet meant to be a gorgeous hot guy with great confidence but yet came across as unsure and insecure. 

Friends: The secondary characters in a story are always important for me. But in this, they were all insufferable. To be blunt, they were shit and cliché. They were all coupled off in serious relationships and everything was just too perfect. Kai is the typical quirky little Asian and Kerrington is a tall perfect blonde. They also believe being a good friend is acting like Quinn was a murder when he showed up. Give the guy a break!? Alright he broke her heart so take her side, but there's no reason to treat him so horribly before even getting to know him! 

Writing: This was way too descriptive in showing but then also telling, there was nothing left for the reader to put together. In the end, there was so much internal monologue that I had to skip loads to just get on with the actual story. It opens with an info dump load of who Sylvia is, her past, her friends, what she does, her friends' boyfriends etc. Slow. It. Down. 

Ending: it's nicely delivered so we slowly discover they're grandparents and all that they achieved in their life together. But again - huge information overload to which child belongs to who. We didn't need to know about Kai and Kerrie's children and grandchildren - it wasn't their story. I felt it was all too cliché in the end - especially with the accidental pregnancy drama. 

Overall:

I wouldn't really recommend this. It's an ok story but both main characters are highly unlikeable. Everything was too immature and there was nothing left for the reader to piece together. 

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Broken and Screwed 2, by Tijan

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

Book 2/2

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Alex's parents have left her to fend for herself and she is angry. She has questions about her brother and his death and is demanding Jesse gives her the answers. But when she goes off to college she realises Jesse is considering a celebrity almost and being associated with him would put her right in the limelight. Also, once reunited the pair can't deny their chemistry, and soon fall back into old habits of finding strength in each other. But now Alex doesn't want a public relationship, and the secrets Jesse knows about the death of Ethan, may tear them apart for good. 

My Thoughts:

Alex: She is still hard as nails but opens up so much more. She is able so slowly let her guard down. She remains so strong solely to protect Jesse from knowing the truth about her parents- she doesn't tell him they upped and left her and don't care for her, so she doesn't shatter his illusion of the perfect parents. She's still happy with whatever she can get from Jesse, even if it means her own heartbreak. Alex also got money from her grandfather, enabling her to go to college and pay for anything. I liked for once a character didn't take the high road and turn down money just on principle of where it came from. 

"I hadn't known my grandfather was wealthy, but I capitalized on it. I had the money so I was going to use it"

Jesse: he is still as strong and powerful as ever, but we also get a rare glimpse of his caring side. He really wants to be with Alex, properly and not in secret but yet she's the one adamant to keep things quiet. Somewhere along the lines he found his closure, I think some of this coming from the truth concerning Ethan's death being finally exposed while he was keeping his promise to Ethan at the same time. 

Cord: It was really good being able to see more about him and see his character develop on the sidelines and see another side to him. Maybe he will get his own story? He was like an epic big brother figure and I loved his banter with Alex but yet his automatic protective nature as he know she is important to Jesse. 

Story: her parents in this really were horrendous and so awful, but it all makes sense to how they had acted, even if there was an attempt of justification and remorse. There's the added drama of the secrets surrounding the death of Alex's brother and her quest to really find out the truth. There isn't a huge epic romance, but yet there's still an exciting and realistic relationship built between the pair.

Overall:

This definitely lived up to the expectations set from the first book. It has everything and more, a story of jealousy, hurt and betrayal. And finally, all the answers we've been wanting from the beginning. 

Goodreads 

REVIEW; The Last Boyfriend, by J.S. Cooper

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance,

Recommend: No

SPOILERS 

Summary:

After being messed around, Lucky makes a promise to herself- the next guy she dates will be the one she marries. 
Zane Beaumont brings a different date each Friday to the diner where Lucky works. And  he is the last person Lucky would consider as her future beau. But when he rescues her after her car breaks down, Lucky begins to see a different side to him and wonders if she can break the rules for him. After accepting an offer to help him on a project, she gets to know him on another level and she wants more, but he can't give her "Forever". Lucky also catches the eye of Zane's nemesis Braydon, who she feels may be a better option for her boyfriend plan.

My Thoughts:

I tried to read another J.S. Cooper novel a while back and hated it... I don't know why I thought this would be better...

Writing: The writing in this doesn't flow at all. Time changes too suddenly, jumping 2 weeks at a time etc. The conversations are awkward and dull and even the mood within the conversations take constant 180's that I just got lost all the time with what was happening.

Lucky: We are introduced to a strong, independent woman who doesn't need anyone. She keeps telling Zane she doesn't need a man to look out for her. But yet she turns into a jealous, ditsy, clingy girl from the get go. She's obsessed with Zane before ever speaking to him... that doesn't really shout independent to me. She had no depth, instantly giving up her life to go and work for Zane because she thinks he is hot. When she declines, he just accepts her no and then she gets annoyed he didn't try to convince her... that lack of caring about her answer should have been all the indication she needed that he was not worth throwing her life away for.

Zane: BOR-ING. At first I liked how he was anti-commitment and kept that clear and firm with Lucky. He wasn't looking for a relationship and he gave her a lot of warnings to end things before she got hurt. I was glad that finally a male character wasn't won over after the first kiss to change his mind. BUT OH NO...As soon as he thinks Lucky spent the night with Braydon and then left him, he realises he wants to be with her forever and LOVES her... *sigh* There was no build up or anticipation to this and Lucky, being the walkover she is, just accepted him back etc. I hate characters who just do a 180 for no apparent reason or good character development.

"My head gasket is gone," I sighed as I climbed out of the car.
"How do you know?" He looked surprised to hear me using a mechanical term.

I REALLY hate it when a girl character makes a very basic car remark and the guy instantly is shocked. Knowing about head gaskets is no huge chest of knowledge so if you want a female character to know about engines, possibly learn a bit about them first yourself. Also pretty ironic she's worried about the cost of fixing her head gasket and yet she still drives her car to the point it blows, instantly adding a few zeros onto the end of whatever cost it was going to be initially...

Overall: 

I think Lucky needs to step out of the dating game and her head together. This was a mess, sorry. 

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Fallen Crest University (Fallen Crest High #5), by Tijan

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance, Suspense, Dark

Recommend: Yes

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

Samantha is reunited with Mason and Logan at university. They all share one enemy, Park Sebastian. 

After Mason set  fire to their fraternity house, if he steps out of line his future is over. Sebastian knows this and has set his eyes on targeting Sam, to provoke Mason. 

Sam wants to take him on herself and protect Mason. But when she realises she can't even trust her friends to be who they claim to be, Sam discovers the real danger she is in, and also some cruel truths about her own life come to light. Can the trio survive this, or is this finally what breaks them?

My Thoughts:

Fallen Crest High was my favourite series. When I read book 1 I was hooked like never before. But, somehow, I feel like the stories are weakening and I'm not sure why. I think maybe 5 books is just too many and the characters are becoming weaker or more transparent... or at least the relationship between Sam and Mason is.

Sam: I feel in this she went a little backwards. She has gone through so much and I expected more fight in her. I also found her boring... Her character just seemed so flat and feeble at times. I also ended up skipping any romantic scenes between her and Mason. Not sure why, but I just lost interest in them two this time round. There were many of secrets/lies in this but I found the over-reacting of Sam and Mason just annoying. After everything, I just would have expected them to be more mature with each other and actually understand the reasoning behind any secrets.

Mason: Mason was still himself in this book. He is hellbent on protecting Sam but also focusing on not being caught stepping out of line so to not threaten his career. But I want the scary, ruthless, intimidating Mason back. Not sure if it is because being with Sam has softened him up, but I want him and Logan back as being the threatening presence they once were.

Logan: Thank God Logan is in this story. This would not be a 4 star review without him. He really kept the story solid in my opinion, with his typical "charm", humour and antics. He seems to be the only character still true to the initial one we met back in book one.

Writing: I love Tijan's writing but I found it difficult to follow this one a little. Possibly due to not being able to sit down and get a good amount of reading time in, but the constant changing of POV per chapter and the lack of name use when people spoke, made it difficult to remember who was who. e.g. using I, he, she, we instead of naming people. As I said, this could be my fault though.

Overall: 

Fifth book in the series, it was good, had the drama and everything we expect from Fallen Crest and Tijan. But perhaps time to wrap it all up? 

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REVIEW; Entice (Evolve #3), by S.E. Hall

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

SPOILERS

Summary:

Sawyer Beckett has never done love, but watching his best friends all couple off together, he wonders if he's missing something. 

Setting eyes on Emmett Young, Sawyer gets hit with love like a brick wall, and suddenly understands what it means to be in love and be so protective. 

But Emmett has her own issues and past, and isn't an easy conquest to the infamous Sawyer. Can he win her heart and prove this is the real deal? 

My Thoughts:

*** Emerge (Evolve #1) Review*** 
*** Entice (Evolve #2) Review*** 
*** Entangled (Evolve #2.5) Review*** 

This is definitely the installment that could challenge Emerge in every way. I loved reading this story from Sawyer' eyes and really getting an insight into his mind and thoughts. 

The love battle between Sawyer and Emmett was captivating, as the two stubborn minds were constantly put head to head. We also got more of Dane and Laney and their story marginally progressed in the background which was good support to the overall series. 

The usual Caveman attributes were adopted by Sawyer and it got a little tiresome. All the men in this series have it and it runs a bit thin after a while as they may as well all be the one character... But it was still adorable in what ways Sawyer performed his caveman act. 

Insta-love: Hrm, the one downside in this - I HATE insta-love so much. It's in so many novels and I can't believe it most of the time and just roll my eyes at it. Especially in a Sawyer situation where he sleeps around and doesn't have feelings so it seems more unrealistic and "novelistic" (e.g. something only ever happens in romance novels). Sawyer fell so hard for Emmett just on sight and knew NOTHING about her and it just so happened she lived up to all of his expectations and dreams? One thing we all get from The Great Gatsby is the real thing will never match the perfect movie-reel dream played on repeat in your mind so it was a tad annoying that he remained a love-sick puppy from the get go... 

Sawyer as a character is amazing - I prefer him to Dane any day. He has great wit and such a carefree attitude, you can't help but smirk and laugh at his one-liners and comebacks. So seeing him fall so much for Emmett and her baby and be willing to go above and beyond to be there for her, it was so endearing and exciting. 

Emmett... okay it took me a while to warm to her although I thought her character was brilliantly constructed and depicted. She encapsulated the helpless damsel in distress but yet trying to prove to everyone she was okay. I got a little fed up of her juvenile "running away" drama - Sawyer had gone ABOVE AND BEYOND to prove to her and I felt so sorry for him that she kept pushing him away and jumping to conclusions when it didn't feel like she really had as much reason to as she thought. Give the guy a break! It was clear in so many scenarios that his heart was in the right place and guys and girls definitely differ on what decisions/situations are considered important or note-worthy. 

Overall: 

As already said, this really challenged Emerge for being my favourite in the series... but Emerge has definitely clinched the title! I think if there was a little more depth to this book it would've come out on top, but I think nothing can compare to the initial punch from Emerge... 

Goodreads 
Amazon UK
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REVIEW; A Perfect Mess (Hope Parish #1), by Zoe Dawson

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance, Suspense

Recommend: Yes

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

Aubree Walker left Hope Parish following a Summer of secrets, leaving her aunt behind and focusing on college in Tulane. But a phonecall brings her back to the town, following her aunt being in an accident. 

Booker Outlaw knows Aubree's secret and everything that happened last summer. And he has secrets of his own that he dreads telling Aubree. 

But when Aubree starts getting anonymous threats and messages, Booker assumes protector role and vows to keep her safe. As the two grow closer and remember the events of last summer, their secrets threaten to tear the two apart and ruin them as she may be more dangerous for him, than the bad boy is for the good girl. 

My Thoughts:

This story will suck you in, send you on a wild rollercoaster and spit you out at the end not knowing what just happened! 

Aubree: She has an obsession with being perfect and runs away from a dark past and from Booker, to follow a busy, studious life at college. She cuts herself off from her aunt, her only relative, so she does not have to return to the town that haunts her. Pursuing a relationship with Booker Outlaw, is the last thing on her list, especially when she is forced to return and their paths become forever entwined. Booker helps her see flaws are what make people perfect, and to let go of what restrictions she has set herself. 

Booker: He doesn't do "forever" and he tells himself to leave Aubree alone- Miss Perfect is the last thing he needs. But when she returns into his life, it's like a second chance for him at love.  Aubree was always different, and when she is in danger he can't help but step up and protect her any way he can. She stirs emotions in him that he's worked years to mask as he is sent on a journey of inner turmoil and despair. 

Aubree & Booker: I loved their banter and flirting between them. It flowed so naturally end effortlessly with the right amount of awkward exchanges between them here and there. There was a great chemistry evident from the start, and it probably helped they both had a huge shared secret which brought them closer. What was so endearing was how slow their romance built to one of substance and depth and felt real - none of that instant love nonsense. I liked that Booker called her "Sugar" instead of "baby" that's used in every other romance book!

Suspense: I would've liked a little more suspense in this, although there was a very good mystery element woven in to the story to make it more than just a romance. Admittedly, I guessed from the beginning what had happened last summer so a lot of it was fairly predictable, but the simplicity of it all made it seem more plausible and realistic I suppose. I think there needed to be an increase in threats leading up to the climax, as at times I forgot she was meant to be in danger. I like how there were hints to the secrets surrounding Verity and Boone, which will be the focus of the second novel, so rather than a cliffhanger, it was a nice way to gauge interest in those characters early on. 

Overall: 

This is a whirlwind of emotion; there is laughter, fear, tears, death, love, despair, jealousy, everything. Booker is actually the more fragile of them both, and this sets for such a captivating read as we get to read from both POV's. Definitely recommend!

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