A Fool For You (Foolproof Love #3)
   by: Katee Robert

Publication Date: Oct. 3, 2016
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 141 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

It’s been thirteen years since Hope Moore left Devil’s Falls, land of sexy cowboys and bad memories. Back for the weekend, she has no intention of seeing the man she never got over…or the two of them getting down and dirty. It’s just a belated goodbye, right? No harm, no foul.

Until six weeks later, when her pregnancy test comes back positive…

Daniel Rodriguez hasn’t forgiven himself for how things went down with Hope all those years ago. He knows she’s better off without him, but when she shows up on his doorstep, panicking because she’s pregnant with his baby, he can’t help seeing it as a chance to make up for the past.

Too bad Hope has no intention of going along with his plans.  

 

 

I was really looking forward to Hope and Daniel's book after Fool Me Twice. There is so much history between these two and after the death of Hope's brother, things have never been the same. Daniel made some poor decisions and he has to live with those every day of his life along with the guilt he feels over his friend's death.

I would have enjoyed this one more, had it not been so rushed. For this kind of story, I really wanted to see more development and build up between the characters. Hope and Daniel were both frustrating to me. Neither one of them can admit they want the other to stay and start over. They loved one another once and those feelings never went away. Hope is hurt that Daniel left her all those years ago and she can't take his feeling sorry for her. She doesn't want him to be with her out of guilt. She wants his love and he is certainly not making that easy. Daniel doesn't feel worthy of Hope and he does still blame himself for her brother's death and the scars she still bears from that accident. I get that these two are facing a lot, but the execution just wasn't there for me. I was disappointed because of how excited I was for this book, but in the end, I am glad to see they got their HEA.

 

I also don't think one is very memorable. It's been a couple of weeks since I've read it and I really didn't remember much, except that it felt too fast. I'm looking forward to the next book by Robert. I do love her writing and hope the next one will be more to my liking.

Twisted Palace (The Royals #3)
   by: Erin Watt

Publication Date: Oct. 17, 2016
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Mature Young Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Nina Bocci in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 370 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

These Royals will ruin you…

From mortal enemies to unexpected allies, two teenagers try to protect everything that matters most.

Ella Harper has met every challenge that life has thrown her way. She’s tough, resilient, and willing to do whatever it takes to defend the people she loves, but the challenge of a long-lost father and a boyfriend whose life is on the line might be too much for even Ella to overcome.

Reed Royal has a quick temper and even faster fists. But his tendency to meet every obstacle with violence has finally caught up with him. If he wants to save himself and the girl he loves, he’ll need to rise above his tortured past and tarnished reputation.

No one believes Ella can survive the Royals. Everyone is sure Reed will destroy them all.
They may be right.

With everything and everyone conspiring to keep them apart, Ella and Reed must find a way to beat the law, save their families, and unravel all the secrets in their Twisted Palace.

 

 

This series has been the biggest guilty pleasure for me. I am so completely invested in these characters and all the drama that surrounds them. After the mega double cliffhanger of Broken Prince, I was so ready to get my hands on Twisted Palace.

 

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It wasn't my favorite because I didn't really like some of the developments that occurred. However, I was engaged the entire way through, even though I felt it was a bit of a slower paced read. The action and adventure really ramps up at the end and then I felt it just went too fast for me. I didn't feel resolved. I do think they will write more books with these characters (or I'm hoping so!).

I did love Ella and Reed together though. These two have come a long way and we really see that. While the Royals will always be protective of Ella, they have come to realize that she is a force on her own and they definitely respect that.

While I didn't love this one like the others, I am seriously hoping for more. We definitely need an Easton book and I personally would like a Gideon one. We barely saw him in this one and after all the shit with Dinah, I felt he should have played a larger role and gotten some resolution.



The Goal (Off-Campus #4)
  by: Elle Kennedy

Publication Date: Sept. 26, 2016
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Nina Bocci in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 350 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

She’s good at achieving her goals…

College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.

But the game just got a whole lot more complicated

Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.  

 

 

I am such a huge fan of this series. It is definitely one of my all-time favorites in New Adult. After the massive bomb Tucker dropped at the end of The Score, I was psyched to get this book to see how everything had built up to that point.

 

I absolutely LOVED Tucker. He is just such a sweetheart and I loved how he went after Sabrina, even despite how much Dean ranted about her. He really got to know Sabrina and how to treat her. She has been through a lot and has quite a bit of shit to deal with already. Her homelife is a disaster and all she wants to do is be successful, so she can move upwards and onwards with her life. I knew she would be reluctant with Tucker and would be a hard nut to crack, but I actually really liked her. She's resilient and independent and that doesn't just change overnight.

 

I did feel parts of this book dragged a bit for me and I honestly wish we had had more interaction with Tucker's friends. I understand why, as they were keeping their relationship a secret, but I did find myself missing them. The scenes they were in though, completely made my day. I love that crew.

I really hope Dean's sister gets a book with Fitzy. Fingers crossed. 

An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons #3)
   by: Julia Quinn

Publication Date: Oct. 13, 2009
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: Purchased
Page Count: 358 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

Sigh. I can't get enough of this series, you guys. Seriously. I LOVE ALL THINGS BRIDGERTON. And Julia Quinn! I don't know what the deal was on Overdrive, but I was on hold for this book for an eternity. Finally, I gave up and purchased a used copy at my bookstore.

I really liked Benedict's book! It was a Cinderella retelling and it was cute! I loved Sophie too. She was the perfect heroine for Benedict. Having grown up as a servant, one night at a ball changes everything for her as she meets Benedict. However, as the tale goes- she escapes him at midnight with nothing but the memory of a perfect night together. The two are reunited a few years later and it is killing Sophie not to disclose that she was the girl at ball. Benedict had been holding on to the idea of this perfect woman and has finally started to give up on her. He finds himself falling for Sophie herself, but knows society would never allow them to be together.

I am all for a case of forbidden love, so I loved seeing the two battle their attraction to one another.

I am looking forward to starting Colin's book next. Everyone says it's their favorite!

Burn (Scan #2)
   by: Walter Jury and Sarah Fine

Publication Date: May 12, 2015
Publisher: Putnam
Genre: Science Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Borrowed from the Library
Page Count: 352 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

At the cliffhanger ending of Scan, Tate loses the very thing he was fighting to protect, what his father had called the key to human survival. Tate doesn't have much time to worry about it because he needs to get away, to ensure he and Christina are safe. His father left him one last thing that can do just that—a safehouse, which turns out to be a clue to what's really threatening the planet. As Tate follows the clues his father left behind, he starts to uncover the truth, realizing he's up against an enemy he's only beginning to understand.

A riveting, fast-paced "we are not alone" adventure, Burn thrills to the very end.

 

I read Scan last year, I believe, and really enjoyed how fast-paced and action packed it was! It was also refreshing to have a male protagonist in the driver's seat! The synopsis tells it true- that cliffhanger was BRUTAL! I picked up Burn from the library and started it before I moved, but then never got to finish it. I wonder, if that was part of the problem I had with this one. I picked it back up a couple of weeks ago and really struggled through it. It wasn't keeping me engaged like it's predecessor did. I still loved being with Tate and Christina, but I felt it lacked the spark the first book did. Sadly, this one didn't wow me, but it was nice to get some resolution for our characters.

Wicked (A Wicked Saga #1)
   by: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication Date: December 8, 2014
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Age Group: New Adult
Source: Purchased for Kindle
Page Count: 300 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

 

So, I am always up for a JLA book and I'm kicking myself for not starting this one sooner! I loved the New Orleans setting and the fact that it was New Adult Urban Fantasy! I read so many contemporaries, that it was refreshing to jump into the world of the Order and their fight against the fae.

 

Ivy is our fiery, red-haired heroine and I really liked her. She was a lot of fun and I love how much of Jen's personality and loves were incorporated in this one. (Supernatural, Walking Dead, etc.) Ren was sexy as sin and I loved his cocky, honest attitude. He was great and is definitely a new favorite of Jen's heroes.

 

I have to mention my love for Tink because oh my goodness. I was trying so hard not to laugh at his craziness in front of my coworkers the other day. I have a feeling our little Brownie is going to be a major player in this series.

 

On to Torn!

 

 

Stealing Home
      by Nicole Williams

Publication Date: July 10, 2016
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received via ArdentPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 211 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

Being the only woman working for a professional baseball team isn’t easy. As the San Diego Shock’s newest athletic trainer, Allie knows all about long hours, endless travel, and warding off players’ advances. Given she’s already the subject of a handful of rumors about how “lucky” she was to have earned such a coveted position, she can’t so much as flutter an eyelash a player’s way if she wants to be taken seriously.

But number eleven is doing more than fluttering eyelashes Allie’s way. Far more. Luke Archer is at the top of his game and doesn’t let the fear of striking out keep him from swinging. This is a motto he applies both on and off the field, but Allie appears immune, seeming to view Luke as nothing more than caution tape on legs.

He’s a player, and in Allie’s experience, they’re all the same. She won’t risk her job or her heart to another one, no matter how different this one claims to be. But as Allie gets to know him, she discovers the number eleven the public thinks they know is very different from the real Luke Archer. He seems too good to be true.

And maybe he is.

Allie will have to confront the stories attached to a player of Luke Archer’s stature and decide who she’ll put her faith in—The man she’s falling for? Or the rumors?

 

 

I love Nicole's Lost and Found series, as well as her Three Brothers. I was super excited to see she was writing a sports romance, because let's be honest- who can get enough of those? Not this girl! And it's a BASEBALL book. *dreamy sigh*

 

I really did love all things Luke Archer. He was such a wonderful hero and sexy as sin! Allie was sweet too and I liked her dedication to her job and how she refused to let anyone tear her down or tell her she was only there because of her feminine parts. She's damn good at what she does and she won't let arrogant jerks keep her down.

 

My issue with this book was that it felt so clichéd. We have Allie and Luke, who aren't looking for anything serious, decide to pursue a sexual relationship, but end up falling for one another anyway. There is your usual miscommunication conflict that causes problems for our happy couple also. I also felt the story could have used more depth and background on our characters. I feel we just jumped right in to the attraction and sexy times, when I could have used a bit more tension and development.

 

I did still enjoy this one despite my issues though, but I don't know that it will be especially memorable.

A Better Man (Sunshine Creek Vineyard #1)
   by: Candis Terry

Publication Date: March 29, 2016
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 368 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

Meet the Kincade brothers: they’ll do what it takes to protect their legacy—but what happens when love gets in the way?

Hockey star Jordan Kincade wasted no time ditching Sunshine Valley and everyone who mattered for a career in the NHL—a truth Jordan confronts when his parents’ deaths bring him home. Now he’s back to make amends, which begins with keeping his younger sister from flunking out of school. It’s just his luck that the one person who can help is the girl whose heart he broke years ago.

Lucy Diamond has racked up a number of monumental mistakes in her life, the first involving a certain blue-eyed charmer. She has no intention of falling for Jordan Kincade again, but when he shows up asking her to help one of her students, Lucy just can’t say no. Worse, the longer he’s back, the more she sees how much he’s changed. And so when a blistering kiss turns to more, she can’t help but wonder if her heart will be crushed again . . . or if she’ll discover true love with a better man.

 

I adored Candis Terry's Sweet, Texas series, so I was beyond excited for a new one by her! While A Better Man was an enjoyable read, it wasn't my favorite of Terry's books. I am definitely interested in the Kincade brothers, especially Ryan, and I think this series has real potential. However, I felt like something was missing in this one. I was engaged but I wasn't fascinated. The romance was cute, but it wasn't anything to write home about. I liked Lucy and Jordan together and they definitely had some sweet, sexy moments together. It's hard not to compare books, but when I finished reading this one, I just felt I lacked the satisfaction that I felt upon finishing her Sweet books.

 

I did really enjoy the family dynamic in this one. Jordan has been the absent brother for so long due to his career in the NHL. This has definitely caused some rifts between himself and his siblings and after tragedy strikes he wants to make amends and be a better brother. The sacrifices he was willing to make on their part was quite admirable and you couldn't help but feel warm and fuzzy over it. I loved his relationship with his baby sister Nicole. She is a central part of the story because of how angry and withdrawn she is, and Jordan is determined to get her back on track. He enlists the help of her creative writing teacher, Lucy, and the two work together to figure out how to best get through to her.

 

I did like that there was a hint of a second chance romance in this one though. Lucy and Jordan had a missed opportunity in high school after he stood her up before the big dance he invited her to. He genuinely liked the brainy girl, but circumstances prevented him from following through and she has resented him since that day. Lucy has been through a lot in her life and it takes some work on Jordan's part to get her to open again. My heart hurt for her as she is such a good person and never deserved the hurt that was inflicted upon her.

 

Overall, while this wasn't my favorite of Terry's books, I do want to continue the series. I liked meeting Jordan's brothers and look forward to hearing their different voices and stories, as well as watching them fall in love.

 

All Chained Up (Devil's Rock #1)
   by: Sophie Jordan

Publication Date: March 29, 2016
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 384 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

There are bad boys and then there are the men of Devil’s Rock . . .

Some men come with a built-in warning label. Knox Callaghan is one of them. Danger radiates from every lean, muscled inch of him, and his deep blue eyes seem to see right through to Briar Davis’s most secret fantasies. But there’s one major problem: Briar is a nurse volunteering at the local prison, and Knox is an inmate who should be off-limits in every way.

Knox feels it too—a shocking animal magnetism that drives him to risk his own life to protect Briar’s. Paroled at last, he tries to resist her. She’s too innocent, too sweet, and she has no idea what Knox is capable of. But a single touch can lead to a kiss—and a taste . . . until the only crime is denying what feels so right . . .

“When the prison doors are open, the real dragon will fly out.”—Ho Chi Minh

 

 

This is my first adult novel by Sophie Jordan, but having really enjoyed her NAs, I was really looking forward to giving it a try! I definitely enjoyed this one, but I can't say it's a new favorite of mine or if I'll plan to reread it again. I really liked the premise of Briar and Knox falling for one another, after having met in prison (it reminded me a bit of Sarah and Michael from Prison Break!). However, I felt I didn't get to know Knox's character well enough and instead I had trouble buying their emotional connection. It's very physical and while I am all for sexy times, that's kind of all we got from them.

 

I do understand that Knox has served 8 years in prison and obviously that changes a person. However, he was so hard to read and almost too tough. I think seeing him interact with his family a bit more, maybe would have helped, as his loyalty to his family and outrage over what happened to a family member is what landed him behind bars in the first place. He was also super hot and cold with Briar and I had trouble with that. I didn't feel as if he wanted more than sex with Briar. I know that he felt that was all he could offer her, but it still just didn't really work for me. I can see it up to a point, but then it just got a bit old.

 

There was a surprise chapter thrown in that originally jarred me, but after I realized what was happening, I thought it was a cool set up for the next book. I am definitely hoping for more of a connection there between the characters.

 

Briar's sister Laurel wasn't my favorite either and while I get that she was looking out for her kid sister, I do think she should have handled the situation with Knox a bit better. I wasn't a fan of how that went down and how magically she decided at the end that they should be together and that she realized she was wrong.

 

Overall, I felt Briar and Knox's relationship wasn't developed as well as it could have been, as it really made me feel he was just using for her sex and that was the only reason he kept coming back. I get that physical, primal attraction but I just needed more to really buy into it. I also felt certain parts dragged at times and while I was still interested, I did find myself fading a bit while reading.

 

Boiling Point (Crossing the Line #3)
    by: Tessa Bailey

Publication Date: Jan. 25, 2016
Publisher: Entangled: Select
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 352 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

Falling for a con man is the most dangerous game of all…

Con artist Austin Shaw’s been in disguise so long he’s not sure where his fake identities end and he begins. Now that he’s been strong-armed into working for a specialized undercover unit working with the Chicago police—criminals with unique “skills”—the last thing he needs is to risk his iron control. Especially when it comes to a certain stunningly sexy hacker who tempts him with every look of disdain.

Polly Banks will never, ever trust a con man. On the trail of a ruthless crook who destroyed the only family she’s ever known, Polly is unnerved by the shadow who follows her every move. The one who makes her pulse pound and breath short with lust. Austin. He’s infuriating, enigmatic, and pure sex appeal, and she’s determined to resist him.

But an untrustworthy man of disguise can become anyone he wants…including a man that Polly must trust if she’s to escape their dangerous game alive.

Having loved the first book in the Crossing the Line series, I was eager to continue (even though I've gone a bit out of order). It took a bit for me to get into this one though. I also really struggled to connect with Austin and Polly. I think it was mainly because they are both so guarded. Austin is an ex-con and is known for being the less serious one of the squad. He can transform himself into a multitude of different personas, so Polly didn't trust him considering what happened to those dear to her involving a con in the past. Once Austin started to actually open up to Polly and be himself and she stopped resisting the inevitable, I found myself liking their interactions much better.

I LOVED seeing the squad though. We don't get a ton of interactions, but the ones we do are just classic. Bowen is as gruff and grumpy as ever while being overprotective of Sera (which was sweet), Connor was stoic, Erin was quirky and fun, and we get a new addition to the team too! I am really looking forward to knowing more about Henrik, especially after that epilogue!

Tessa Bailey definitely doesn't hold back with the sexy times, which I always enjoy, but I found myself wishing the romance revolved more around the storyline, instead of vice versa. I wasn't a big fan of the first sexy time mainly because I don't like deception or how Austin orchestrated the whole situation.

It was interesting to see Austin take control when it came to Polly's protection, but when it came to their sexual relationship he was completely submissive to her. It hurt my heart to see why he let her have the control- he is afraid that he doesn't have anything else to offer her and he is afraid he'll lose her once he finally gets her.

The book really picked up for me in the second half, and I definitely want to read Henrik's story and go back and read Connor and Erin's!

Compromising Her Position
   by: Samanthe Beck

Publication Date: Nov. 16, 2015
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 197 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

He's not who she expected, but he's exactly the man she needs…

When Chelsea Wayne drags Santa into a supply closet for a little office party nookie, she assumes the man in the suit is her on-again/off-again coworker boyfriend. Instead, it's Rafe St. Sebastian, a man known for his hard-driving ways in business as well as the bedroom--and, kill her now, the brand spanking new owner of Las Ventanas--who grants her naughtiest Christmas wishes.

So much for her reputation, not to mention her career.

Rafe needs to close three acquisitions to prove to his father he's ready to take the helm of St. Sebastian Enterprises. A hot interlude in a supply closet after deal number two seems like the perfect illicit Christmas bonus. Unfortunately, when that "bonus" becomes the key to the final deal, he finds himself back in bed--so to speak--with Chelsea, and after their steamy tryst, he's not interested in keeping things professional…

 

 

Being a fan of Samanthe Beck's books and Brazens in general, I was excited to read this one as I am a fan of office romances. While I enjoyed this one overall, I didn't quite feel the connection between the characters, which I generally require in my romances. Chelsea and Rafe have quite the assortment of sexy times, but I needed to see more of their actually getting to know one another to fully buy into their romance.

 

Chelsea and Rafe start out with quite the bang (in a coat closet at the holiday party), but Chelsea mistakenly believes Rafe, who is playing Santa, is her boss and lover, Paul. Rafe doesn't know this until the end of the encounter where she wishes 'Paul' a Merry Christmas. I was a bit horrified for her at the moment she realized she didn't have sex with Paul, but with some stranger instead. She fears she's slept with an older, married man, and I can understand that being a disturbing feeling to have. While she did notice subtle differences between Rafe and Paul, (Rafe being broader) she still didn't stop the encounter and let the good times roll.

 

Rafe is known for being a playboy and for not having romantic attachments, as he is incredibly dedicated to his work and doesn't want anything to deviate from that. He is in line to take over for his father and has to have three successful acquisitions to do so. While I liked Rafe's character, I am a bit over the whole indecisive act when it comes to committing to anything besides their career. Rafe doesn't want a relationship, but he can't help but want Chelsea because one time wasn't enough. He gets possessive when it comes to her, but he won't actually take the initiative to make her his until it's almost too late. That can be a bit frustrating because when it comes to being in his head we can see where things change for him, but it takes a bit to actually put himself in action. I also liked Chelsea and I understand her being a people pleaser and how hard it is to be unapologetic about some things. After unknowingly sleeping with Rafe, she finds out her boss/boyfriend has been doing some sleeping around on his own and has now gotten their HR lead pregnant and they are now engaged. Even though Chelsea loves working at Las Ventanas, there is no way she can stay and be a part of that mess. She ends up moving to Maui and while she still doesn't have the position she wants, she still someday hopes to be general manager in the luxury hotel business. Her path once again crosses with Rafe's and he is relentless in his pursuit of her. She knows she doesn't want to get involved in that type of boss-employee relationship again, so she is pretty reluctant. Her new hotel is one of the ones he hopes to acquire so he ends up spending time there to learn the ins and outs and Chelsea is his liaison to doing so.

 

Overall, while this was a typical steamy Brazen book, it wasn't one that wowed me like Beck's previous novels have.

 

Surviving Ice (Burying Water #4)
    by: K.A. Tucker

Publication Date: Oct. 27, 2015
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 352 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

The USA TODAY bestselling author of the Ten Tiny Breaths series and Burying Water—which Kirkus Reviews called “a sexy, romantic, gangster-tinged page-turner”—returns with a new novel packed with romance, plot twists, and psychological suspense.

Ivy, a talented tattoo artist who spent the early part of her twenties on the move, is finally looking for a place to call home. She thinks she might have found it in San Francisco, but all that changes when she witnesses a terrible crime. She’s ready to pack up her things yet again, when a random encounter with a stranger keeps her in the city, giving her reason to stay after all.

That is, until Ivy discovers that their encounter wasn’t random. Not at all…

 

 

After Chasing River, I was pretty excited for Ivy's story. I wasn't sure if I would like her because she's definitely a little rougher around the edges, but she ended up being a really great heroine. I liked seeing her tough, don't give a crap attitude, but I also liked seeing her vulnerable. After drifting from place to place for so long, she won't outright tell you she wants to settle down and put down roots, but in reality she does. She gets bored with men easily, never really finding the right one to hold her interest. She is very much a free spirit and I liked that about her.

 

Sebastian was a sexy, tough former SEAL who sweeps into town on a mission that involves getting close to Ivy and finding out if she has knowledge of some very sensitive information. Of course the more he spends time with her, the more he really hopes she's an innocent in everything because he really likes her. He has never really been the settling down type either, but it turns out he just needed to meet his match in Ivy.

 

Like any of K.A.'s books, this one certainly doesn't lack in sexual tension. I love the way Tucker handles it- it's always this slow build up to the point where you are just dying for them to get together already.

 

My main issue with Surviving Ice was its pacing. I felt it read very slowly and I didn't feel as engaged as I did with the other storylines. I did like Ivy and Sebastian together, but just missed that suspense I felt so strongly in the previous books. When all was said and done, I just wasn't wowed by this one.

The Understatement of the Year (The Ivy Years #3)
    by: Sarina Bowen

Publication Date: Oct. 15, 2014
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-copy provided via BocciPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 306 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

What happened in high school stayed in high school. Until now.

Five years ago, Michael Graham betrayed the only person who ever really knew him. Since then, he’s made an art of hiding his sexuality from everyone. Including himself.

So it’s a shock when his past strolls right into the Harkness College locker room, sporting a bag of hockey gear and the same slow smile that had always rendered Graham defenseless. For Graham, there is only one possible reaction: total, debilitating panic. With one loose word, the team’s new left wing could destroy Graham’s life as he knows it.

John Rikker is stuck being the new guy. Again. And it’s worse than usual, because the media has latched onto the story of the only “out” player in Division One hockey. As the satellite trucks line the sidewalk outside the rink, his new teammates are not amused.

And one player in particular looks sick every time he enters the room.

Rikker didn’t exactly expect a warm welcome from Graham. But the guy won’t even meet his eyes. From the looks of it, his former… best friend / boyfriend / whatever isn’t doing so well. He drinks too much and can’t focus during practice.

Either the two loneliest guys on the team will self destruct from all the new pressures in their lives, or they can navigate the pain to find a way back to one another. To say that it won’t be easy is the Understatement of the Year.

 

 

I can't emphasize to you all enough how much I am enjoying this series. Maybe it's because it's been so long since I've read a truly great college new adult romance series, where the characters go to class, they go to sports practices, hang out with friends, attend social functions, etc. It's not all about the romance and sex. Friendships are developed and emphasized and I love seeing these characters find their way.

 

With that being said, I am a bit bummed to say this book has been my least favorite of the series thus far. I say this mainly because I was SO frustrated with Michael. I hated how he treated Rikker for a good portion of the book and while I understand his fears, it was really frustrating at the same time. It took Michael a good long while to come around and admit to himself that he had feelings for Rikker, so there was a lot of avoidance on his part.

 

I really loved Rikker though. It's not easy to be the new guy- but it's even harder to be the new gay guy. He deals with a lot of crap because of his sexual orientation and it really hurt my heart to see people be so cruel. I also hated how lonely he was. While he ends up befriending Bella and Hartley, he still doesn't have that camaraderie that some of the others have. He isn't ashamed of who he is and where Michael clung to his fear, Rikker stared it in the face and came out the better man.

 

One of my favorite new additions to the series is Bella. She has a reputation for being the hockey go-to girl, but she really has deeper feelings for Michael. Naturally, she is deeply hurt when she finds out the truth, but she is still supportive of her friend. I am really looking forward to her story because she really deserves to find her person.

 

Even though I wasn't crazy about Michael, I did enjoy the romance once we got to that point. Michael has always felt more for Rikker, so seeing him finally coming to terms with that and embracing his feelings really endeared him to me. It just took a long time to get to that point. I know it seems sort of unfair for me to be hung up on Michael, because I honestly cannot imagine what it's like to be struggling with your identity and sexual orientation. He has been raised in a very Christian environment, and while his parents were always a bit more lenient than say Rikker's, he is afraid of the repercussions. He sees firsthand what Rikker deals with the slurs and the separation and he isn't ready to step out into that just yet. I really hope we get to see more of Rikker and Michael in Bella's book now that they are together!

The Shameless Hour (The Ivy Years #4)
    by: Sarina Bowen

Publication Date: Apr. 12, 2015
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-copy provided via BocciPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 332 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

The girl who’s had everyone meets the boy who has no one.

For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men’s hockey team, sex is a second language. She’s used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she can’t understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there’s something in those espresso eyes that makes her second guess herself.

Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor—but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright sinister fraternity stunt, it’s Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces.

Bella doesn’t want Rafe's help, and she’s through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can't be extinguished.

 

 

While the previous book in the series was my least favorite, this one just might be my favorite. (It's pretty close with Bridger's book, The Year We Hid Away) I adored Bella with Rafe and I loved how they became friends first, which seems to be the common theme in this series. This book tackles a pretty important topic that I fear is more common in college settings than most realize.

 

We met Bella in the previous book, as the spunky, feisty, hockey manager who doesn't hide the fact that she likes hooking up with the players on the team. She got a little razzed about it by one of the other players (Big-D, who is a total big D....) but no one really did any slut-shaming with her. She doesn't do relationships, as both times she's allowed herself to fall, she's gotten her heart broken. She's confident in herself and I love that she goes through life so brazenly and without shame. Which is why my heart absolutely broke for what happened to her in this book. I hated seeing the light snuffed out of such a vibrant girl because there are so many cruel people in this world. No, it's not what you're probably thinking thank goodness, because I think I would have been destroyed had things gotten worse. However, seeing Bella transform into a girl who hides herself away and shut out the world, was not cool. I am so thankful she had so many amazing people in her corner.

 

Rafe is absolutely one of the best people she could have the privilege of knowing. Sure, things were a little awkward after they slept together one night, but he ended up being such a good friend to her. I loved that he was so dedicated to her and trying to help her through everything, but he still wanted her desperately. However, Bella doesn't do relationships and he refuses to sleep around. (Love the role reversal!) Don't worry though. These two have plenty of sexy times together and I just adored them together.

 

I also really liked Bella's roommate Lianne. In the beginning she isn't a very likeable character because of how she pretends Bella doesn't exist, but she does come around and I ended up loving her. She's a total geek and she's really shy. Oh and she's famous too, so there's that. I'm so glad Sarina decided to write a book for her. She needs to come out of her shell and feel the love too!

 

We do get to see Rikker and Michael like I hoped and they are happier than ever, so I'm glad they were able to get past everything and really work as a couple. While this book isn't centered around hockey as much as some of the others, I did love seeing them rally behind Bella, especially after she completely isolated herself from everyone. It was heartwarming to see how much they cared for her and missed her.

 

You can read all of these books as stand-alones, so I would definitely make sure you get this one, especially if you love a realistic, poignant storyline that has great friendships and romance to round it out.

Get Real (Get Real #1)
   by: Tellulah Darling

Publication Date: Sept. 26, 2015
Publisher: Te Da Media
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 358 pages
Order Links: Amazon | iTunes | Kobo
My Rating: 3/5 stars

Magic and Mayhem in Manhattan

Francesca Bellafiore comes from a nice Jewish family -- one that happens to have magical powers. Underneath her good-girl exterior, though, she’s a wannabe badass with dreams of becoming a paranormal detective.

Party boy Rafael Muñoz does everything possible to publicly disappoint his high profile father. Privately, it's a different story. His carefully crafted bad boy reputation masks the fact he’s a master illusionist, forced into solo covert ops. The role is wearing thin and Rafael longs to be part of a team.

When Francesca and Rafael meet, it’s love at first sight… For about five minutes. Rafael is spectacularly attractive—and, Francesca discovers, fully aware of the fact. Rafael knows from experience that girls like Francesca are more trouble than they’re worth.

So it sucks big time when they’re caught in a web of magic, minions, secrets, and enough sexual tension to power NYC. Their only chance to save the city and survive is to team up, trust each other–and maybe even fall in love.

Provided they don't kill each other first.

Get Real is a romantic comedy, urban fantasy whirlwind with sass, sex, and swoon.

 

 

Having really enjoyed Tellulah's Blooming Goddess trilogy because of its snarky humor, I knew that I would give Get Real a try because I was sure it would provide much of the same. While Frankie wasn't quite as snarky as Sophie, I did enjoy her badass attitude. She could hold her own, especially when it came to Rafa, but she also has a vulnerable side to her too- a side that doesn't want to disappoint the ones she loves.

 

I am always up for urban fantasy, so I liked this idea that there were a group of humans called Cadabras and they were born with certain magical abilities. Frankie was born a Bio, which primarily means she can heal and therefore is expected to follow in her family's footsteps and become a Healer. However, Frankie dreams of being a Boiler, which is one of MAGE's detectives. (MAGE is the organization that all Cads will work for once they come of age.) Frankie is too afraid to talk to her moms and disappointing them, so she decides to be the Healer they want her to be instead, much to her dismay.

 

The book is told from Frankie and Rafael's point of views. Rafael, or Rafa, is the son of the director of MAGE and there is some serious tension there. Rafa resents his father because he has been employing Rafa on missions long before he's actually supposed to, as Rafa's abilities are unique. Rafa hates being under his father's thumb and can't wait to be initiated into MAGE for real and hopefully be given a different job. I liked Rafa, but I didn't like the way he treated Frankie. There is a lot of back and forth on his part and it was hard to fall for him because of that.

 

I am always up for a hate to love relationship because there's something so intense about those kinds of relationships. However, I struggled with Rafa and Frankie's. It almost felt too much at times, but then again Frankie is Italian and Rafa is Venezuelan, so I can't say I'm surprised that they are both hot headed and stubborn.

 

While the story itself was fun, I did find myself getting a bit overwhelmed. There's so much going on and I almost felt there was TOO much so it was hard to keep my head wrapped around everything. I think because of that, the romance didn't feel developed enough to me.

 

This is the first installment of the Get Real series, and while the major conflict is introduced here, it is not resolved. The next book will follow a different couple, but I'm sure we'll still see Frankie and Rafa, as their groups of friends have merged and are working together to help solve the issue at hand. 

 

A special note from author Tellulah Darling:

BOOK PIMP SPECIAL!

 

The first 50 people to:

 

1. Convince a friend to pre-order Get Real.

2. Tell the friend to send their screenshot/photo to td@tellulahdarling.com for their short story and mention your name as their book pimp.

3. Will receive from me (in thanks for book pimpage) one of these limited edition (first 50 people part) truly awesome wristbands, containing a quote by the very swoony Rafael. Look. Here's a photo of one:

 

 

You get the entire quote - half on one side of the bracelet and half on the other.

 

And I’ll autograph it for you.