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. 

Addicted (Outlaws #2)
   by: Elle Kennedy

Publication Date: June 28, 2016
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Dystopian Erotic Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: ARC provided via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 368 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

From the New York Times bestselling author of Claimed comes the second enticingly erotic novel set in a world on the brink of chaos.

Lennox used to live in a paradise on earth with his best friend Jamie, in a place where visitors came and went, allowing their desires to run free. But everything changes when a deadly attack forces them to take up with Connor Mackenzie’s band of Outlaws. Lennox knows Jamie is hung up on someone else, but he’s always believed he’s the man for her—and won’t let her go without a fight.

Even though Jamie is well aware that Lennox is one hot specimen of a man, she refuses to let sex ruin the most important relationship in her life. But when the object of her interest spurns her, she indulges in a little pleasure-filled revenge with her very magnetic, very willing best friend. One thrilling night with Lennox is enough to awaken Jamie’s unexpected desires for him. And now that she’s had a taste, she’s not sure she can ever give him up...

 

 

I can't even begin to tell you guys how much I love this series. I love the fact that it's also dystopian. A very, very SEXY dystopian at that. At first, I was a little unsure of how I would handle the non-traditional sex scenes, but Kennedy handles it so well. They completely work and feel natural in this type of environment. We have a group of Outlaws living on the fringe of 'society' and they make their own rules. They aren't ashamed of how they live their lives and they aren't afraid to be themselves. I quite admire that mindset.

 

This book picks up where Claimed left off, with Connor sending assistance to Reese's camp. Lennox, Pike, Rylan, Jamie, and Kade all head to Foxworth to help get Reese's people more battle ready. At the start, Jamie is lusting over Rylan (and who wouldn't?!) but you can tell the tension is simmering under the surface between her and Lennox. I absolutely love that they have been together and best friends for so long. There is already so much history there, so seeing them make that transition from friends to lovers was quite sexy and fun. However, they do have to learn how to navigate this new relationship. As much as they both want to maintain their friendship and keep things the same, it's an impossible feat, especially now that intimacy is involved.

 

Jamie was such an awesome character. She is tough as nails, but she hasn't lost all hope at a future. I loved that balance. A heroine who longs for things like love and a family, but isn't afraid to call out her best friend on his crap. In a very alpha male dominated setting, she is a fiery one that demands they be partners and equals. I loved every second of that. Kennedy has written some seriously strong females in this series amidst these alpha males and it's awesome to see them bring those males to their knees.

 

Lennox was a great character too. He is a tough guy, but he has a soft spot for his best friend. They have been together for so long and he feels it's his responsibility to take care of her and protect her. (Which gets him in trouble several times) He is tired of pretending he doesn't want his best friend like he does, but he is also terrified of losing her. I love that Kennedy has him feel this way, but doesn't create a story filled with that frustrating push and pull effect.

 

Reese and her people at Foxworth are living in a precarious situation with their unstable alliance with the Enforcers. We really see this firsthand and are reminded of how gritty and dangerous this world really is. You'll experience a myriad of emotions with the one folks- humor, love, heartache, happiness, and sadness.... but the fierceness and loyalty of these characters will penetrate your soul and leave you desperate for more! I am SO excited for the next book in the series, Ruled. It's going to be a game changer, I can already tell.

 

Us (Him #2)
   by: Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

Publication Date: March 8, 2016
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via BocciPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 255 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Can your favorite hockey players finish their first season together undefeated?

Five months in, NHL forward Ryan Wesley is having a record-breaking rookie season. He's living his dream of playing pro hockey and coming home every night to the man he loves–Jamie Canning, his longtime best friend turned boyfriend. There's just one problem: the most important relationship of his life is one he needs to keep hidden, or else face a media storm that will eclipse his success on the ice.

Jamie loves Wes. He really, truly does. But hiding sucks. It's not the life Jamie envisioned for himself, and the strain of keeping their secret is taking its toll. It doesn't help that his new job isn't going as smoothly as he'd hoped, but he knows he can power through it as long as he has Wes. At least apartment 10B is their retreat, where they can always be themselves.

Or can they? When Wes's nosiest teammate moves in upstairs, the threads of their carefully woven lie begin to unravel. With the outside world determined to take its best shot at them, can Wes and Jamie develop major-league relationship skills on the fly?

Warning: contains sexual situations, a vibrating chair, long-distance sexytimes, and proof that hockey players look hot in any shade of green.

 

 

When I saw there was going to be a sequel to Him, I was equal parts nervous and equal parts giddy with excitement. Typically sequels equal more drama and unrest for our couples and I didn't want that for Jamie and Wes. However, I am so glad Bowen and Kennedy gave them this sequel. We definitely got to see their happy ending in Him, but I knew they had more trials to face, especially with Wes's status as the hot, new rookie hockey player. Wes has not come out to his teammates or the world and that is something that plays a huge role in this book. I really love that they explored this, as well as how Jamie is dealing with these new changes in his life.

 

This book definitely hurt my heart at times and I just wanted to hug both of these guys and tell them everything would be ok. It's not an angst-filled book, but there were moments where I felt the sadness and longing just jumping off the pages. Wes and Jamie are great together but they did need to be more open with their feelings instead of wondering about the other's. They do get to that point, but it definitely took some work on both of their parts. There were also some moments that felt awkward between them even when they weren't having issues and I wasn't sure why. The two have plenty of sexy times and it's obvious they have hella chemistry, but there were times in this book I had trouble feeling their connection with one another.

 

One of my favorite parts of this book comes in the form of a new character, Blake Ryan. Oh my goodness, Blake was HILARIOUS. He was so obnoxious that you couldn't help but love the guy. He really ended up surprising me with his loyalty and genuineness. Jamie and Wes might have felt a little suffocated by the guy in the beginning, but he really became a true friend and one of the best people to ever have in their corner. I would love a book for him (and Jess!) That would be a fun one to read!

 

Again, I couldn't be happier to get this sequel. Jamie and Wes's story was not over and I loved getting to see the what comes next now that they are together.

 

The Score (Off-Campus #3)
   by: Elle Kennedy

Publication Date: Jan. 11, 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: 249 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

He knows how to score, on and off the ice

Allie Hayes is in crisis mode. With graduation looming, she still doesn’t have the first clue about what she's going to do after college. To make matters worse, she’s nursing a broken heart thanks to the end of her longtime relationship. Wild rebound sex is definitely not the solution to her problems, but gorgeous hockey star Dean Di-Laurentis is impossible to resist. Just once, though, because even if her future is uncertain, it sure as heck won’t include the king of one-night stands.

It’ll take more than flashy moves to win her over

Dean always gets what he wants. Girls, grades, girls, recognition, girls…he’s a ladies man, all right, and he’s yet to meet a woman who’s immune to his charms. Until Allie. For one night, the feisty blonde rocked his entire world—and now she wants to be friends? Nope. It’s not over until he says it’s over. Dean is in full-on pursuit, but when life-rocking changes strike, he starts to wonder if maybe it’s time to stop focusing on scoring…and shoot for love.

 

 

This series! Ah! I cannot get enough of these books! I seriously wish Elle would write a book for every hockey player and every side character we meet! I never thought I'd love Dean with Allie so much, but man did those two rock my world! They are so much fun together and damn do they have chemistry!

 

I have to give Allie props- she held out way longer than I probably would have! It was good to see her make Dean work for it though. Dean is one of the biggest players at Briar, so to see him become transfixed on Allie was something else. Once with her wasn't enough and he is determined to get her to see his side of things. However, Allie has just gotten out of a long term relationship and isn't the casual sex kind of girl. It doesn't help that Sean is harassing her either and her resolve is already shaky. However, maybe casual is just what she needs to get out of her funk.

 

Dean's nickname for Allie is SO fitting. He calls her Alliecat, which was cute but so true. She's definitely an adventurous one, which ends up working for Dean's playboy ways. While Dean exudes confidence, he's actually not the arrogant ass he portrays himself to be. He is a sweetheart and when it comes to the people he cares about, he's incredibly loyal. I loved seeing that play out with Allie, as she needs someone that lets her be herself and doesn't try to dictate or change who she is. Dean is that for her and it killed me to see their relationship tested after a heartwrenching incident that shakes these characters' worlds.

 

I loved seeing all our old friends again and I am beyond excited for Tucker's story next! Kennedy didn't hold back in dropping quite the bomb on us in this one! She does not disappoint in this third Off-Campus installment- we get plenty of laughs and sexy times all wrapped up in this college new adult romance!

 

 

Claimed (Outlaws #1)
    by: Elle Kennedy

Publication Date: Oct. 6, 2015
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Dystopian Erotic Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 368 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

The bestselling author of the Killer Instincts novels “knows how to write scorching sexual tension” (USA Today). Now she really sets it on fire in a new series about men and women living on the edge of violence, sex, and life and death.

After a devastating war decimated most of the world, Hudson Lane has only known the oppressive life under her own father’s tyranny. She finally escapes, branding herself an outlaw and hunted by the Enforcers. Her best chance at survival is Connor Mackenzie, an aggressively sensual fugitive who opens her eyes to the wicked possibilities of a world without rules.

As the leader of a band of outlaw fighters, Connor can’t resist the beautiful stranger who asks for his protection. Despite his reservations, he agrees to introduce her to a whole new way of life. But when Connor discovers Hudson’s connection to the enemies of liberty, he wonders how far he can trust the woman who has abandoned all inhibitions to challenge every forbidden desire.

 

 

I don't even know where to start with my review. This book was scorching hot and I honestly could have kept reading about these characters for hours on end. Not to mention, I LOVED that it was dystopian! I am so excited about this new series.

 

I was really interested in the set up. People are grouped into Enforcers, Citizens, Outlaws, and Bandits. Citizens are those who live in the cities and Enforcers are the ones who keep control in cities (and even have bases of operation outside to keep Outlaws and Bandits in check). Outlaws are those who have decided to live their lives completely separate from the laws of the Global Council. Many of them such as Connor and his band of men don't agree with how GC runs things and would rather do things their own way. Bandits are wilder than Outlaws, more desperate and can be quite dangerous. Connor, Rylan, Pike, Xander, and Kade are our sexy Outlaws and I have to say I fell for all of them. Connor is the leader of the group, even though he never asked to be. He is good at being in control and the others recognized that inherent leadership in him. Rylan is probably the closest to Connor and I ended up really liking their friendship. Rylan is more fun-loving and easy going, where Connor is serious and gruff. I will say Kennedy definitely created a rather.... interesting dynamic to their friendship, especially where our heroine Hudson was involved. Pike was the most stoic one and definitely didn't warm up to Hudson like the others did. I wasn't sure if I would like him, but sure enough Kennedy had him win me over. Xander and Kade were also good guys, though we didn't get as much of them as the others.

 

I really liked Hudson. She may be from the City and on the run, but she is not weak. She can hold her own, but she isn't immune to fear. She's realistic and I liked that because she was a heroine we could actually buy into. Having run into Connor and his group at a bar, she isn't too proud to admit she needs help. Connor is pretty against the idea, even though he's seriously attracted to her. He doesn't let outsiders in because they are liabilities. Once you find out his past, you can't really blame the guy for being the way he is. Connor and Hudson have sexy as hell chemistry and their scenes are five degree burn hot. Kennedy knows her way around a good sex scene and she isn't afraid to push the boundaries either. Sex is very open and freeing among the Outlaws. They aren't ashamed of it and they certainly aren't afraid of a little voyeurism.

 

Seeing Hudson and Connor progress to more definitely made me happy though. Their feelings ran too deep to be blasé about their sexual experiences so I definitely enjoyed seeing them become more intimate together. Hudson is keeping a pretty big secret from Connor though and you know that it's not going to end well, considering Con's nature. I really hope we get more about Hudson's brother in the future. I don't think his story is finished yet. We met so many other intriguing secondary characters and out of all of them I hope we meet Reese in future books. She is the leader of a nearby community and she is one of the very few that can resist Rylan's charms, so naturally I would love for the next book to feature those two. 

 

I really can't wait for the next book in the series. I am definitely hooked and I am already excited to see the group again. We still have some incredibly sexy Outlaws to learn more about....

 

Him
   by: Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

Publication Date: July 28, 2015
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received via BocciPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 276 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

They don’t play for the same team. Or do they?

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.

Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.

Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend...and a big one to learn about himself.

Warning: contains sexual situations, skinnydipping, shenanigans in an SUV and proof that coming out to your family on social media is a dicey proposition.

 

 

When I saw Elle Kennedy was pairing up to write a M/M romance, naturally I HAD to have it. This was my first experience with Sarina Bowen and I can safely say I NEED her other books. This book... you guys. It was BEYOND hot. Seriously. I felt like I needed to go jump in my pool to cool myself down. These ladies do not hold back and man are the scenes STEAMY. All sexiness aside, this was just a GREAT read. I loved the storyline, the romance, the banter... it all came together SO WELL and I just enjoyed every minute of this one.

 

I loved both Wes and Jamie. They were such a great pair and I liked being inside both of their minds to see what they were thinking and feeling. Jamie hasn't heard from Wes in years and now the two are brought face to face as their teams play in the Frozen Four championship with their respective schools. They had been best friends for years until all of a sudden they weren't. That separation hurt both of them, and now Wes is determined to make things right. He misses his friend, but it's more than that too. He has deep feelings for him... but Jamie doesn't reciprocate those feelings.... or so he thinks. I can't imagine what it was like for Wes at 18 to feel the way he did and then fear he ruined the best friendship he ever had.

 

Jamie never understood why his friend cut and run. He never made a big deal out of that night and now that he knows Wes is openly gay, he doesn't think any less of his friend or is weirded out by this revelation. If anything, Wes's return to his life really opens his eyes to some things he may have never considered before. He doesn't understand the jealousy that courses through him at seeing his best friend chat it up with another guy, but he knows he doesn't like seeing it. Spending time with Wes again really changes a lot of things for Jamie and I liked how naturally that happened. Sure, Jamie has questions and is a bit confused by his feelings, but he doesn't freak and jump ship. He's pretty open about exploring these newfound feelings and soon he finds himself falling for his best friend as well.

 

I like that Bowen and Kennedy explored some deeper rooted issues in this book as well, as Wes and Jamie have some prejudices to overcome and not everyone is ok with two men being with one another. Wes is going into the major leagues and his plan is to fly under the radar for at least his first year, as he doesn't want complications with his new team. Wes doesn't think he and Jamie have a chance beyond their summer together, which made me sad because he was too afraid to talk to Jamie and find out what he thought and felt about the whole thing. The summer has completely changed everything for Jamie. He not only realizes he's in love with his best friend, but he is also starting to question his career choice. I found myself desperate for these two to communicate with one another and I was ready to smack Wes for being so bull headed!

 

Overall, this was a fantastic story and I really liked how their romance developed. It was sexy, steamy, and sweet all at the same time and I was rooting for them from the get-go! They are two great guys and they deserve happiness and to be together, damn what anyone else thinks. The ending with Jamie's family is perfection and definitely filled my heart with joy. I really hope these two ladies pair up again to write another novel because HOT DAMN they rocked it.

 

The Mistake (Off-Campus #2)
   by: Elle Kennedy

Publication Date: Apr. 28, 2015
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via Nina Bocci and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 297 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

He’s a player in more ways than one…

College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he’ll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he’s worth a second chance.

Now he’s going to need to up his game…

After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She’s not a charity case, and she’s not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He’ll have to work for it. This time around, she’ll be the one in the driver’s seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

 

 

If you have not picked up this series yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! OMG. Without a doubt, this series will be one of my favorites of 2015. Hands down, it is everything I want in a college new adult story. After LOVING The Deal, I am so happy to say I loved The Mistake just as much. I was a little nervous going in because you always wonder if the next book in a series will be as amazing as the first one. The answer is yes. I loved Logan and Grace's story and I am already beyond ready for the next book to be in my hands!

 

I won't lie. I didn't immediately fall for John Logan like I did Garrett. I didn't like how he left his first encounter with Grace and after he messes up again?  He not only had to win Grace back, but he had to win ME back as well! He succeeds naturally, and I really liked the lengths he went to in order to make things right. Logan is extremely loyal to the people he cares for, even to the point of sacrificing his future to do what's right by his family. I admired him for that, which made me hurt for him all the more. His parents are divorced, but he and his brother feel obligated to take care of their alcoholic father who was previously injured due to an accident. While Logan may resent his father, he can't completely write him off. He remembers the days when his dad was a great dad to him, so even though he's suffocating under the weight of addition, Logan can't seem to let him drown in it. Even though it took a bit for him to win me over, I did fall pretty hard for him. He's a good guy, who made a few stupid guy mistakes, but he really likes Grace and wants her to see that he's the guy for her and he's going to succeed in winning her heart.

 

I liked Grace. She was really sweet and I love that she doesn't put up with crap. Her best friend takes her for granted and I was really happy with Grace put her foot down and said no more. She does the same with Logan- she won't let him use her and after he messes up, she really makes him work to get her back again. I love female leads who don't let themselves fall all over a guy just because he's hot and knows how to turn on the charm.

 

Logan and Grace have some seriously hot chemistry and I loved their scenes together. Even though Grace is a virgin, Logan is patient with her and doesn't push her before she's ready. They have such an easygoing way about them. Grace is definitely low drama, but she does have a few brief moments of jealousy when it comes to all of Logan's past conquests, which I can't really blame her for.

 

I'm glad we got to see Garrett and Hannah again, as well as the other occupants of the house- Dean and Tucker. These guys crack me up so much and I love witnessing their hilarious banter. The way they would poke fun at one another was so great and I really hope we get their stories.

 

All in all, this was another win for me. It's steamy, sexy, filled with humor and fun, and I didn't want to put it down!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Deal (Off-Campus #1)
   by: Elle Kennedy

Publication Date: Feb. 24, 2015
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided by Nina Bocci in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 358 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy...

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice…even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

...and it’s going to be oh so good.

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn’t take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn’t going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

 

 

Oh my people. Where do I even start? I absolutely ADORED this book! It made me laugh, made me swoon, made me hurt for my main characters and what they've gone through.... sigh. So many feels. I adore college romances and Kennedy does a brilliant job of making me feel as if I were back on campus. The setting plays an integral part in this book and that made me really happy. We get to see our MC's go to class, interact at parties, and go to sporting events! All while developing a really fun relationship! This book was everything I love about New Adult.

 

I really admire how realistic it was too. Garrett is a bit of a player and just because he meets Hannah, that doesn't stop him from being one! Sure, we don't SEE him macking as much, but he doesn't just all of a sudden transform into this unbelievable guy who is on the straight and narrow because he met 'the one'. Sure, Garrett finds Hannah attractive, but he would have never paid the girl any attention, had he not desperately need tutoring in his ethics class. Hannah doesn't fall for his charm either. In fact, she does a pretty good job of resisting him until he offers her the one thing she wants: to gain another guy's attention.

 

I loved watching Hannah and Garrett spend time together and actually become friends first. They have the exact kind of friendship that I would want with a significant other- filled with banter and humor. It's a slower burn kind of relationship and I enjoyed that a lot. I love their confusion over their feelings because falling for the other is definitely not on their agenda. They have some seriously hot chemistry and that first kiss? WHEW. Not only do they have so many hawt moments, but they have some really poignant ones that really play a huge role in their transitioning relationship. My heart melted so much because of the progress they made together. Both Hannah and Garrett have been victims in their young lives, so watching them open up and fight their battles together is awe-inspiring.

 

I loved both Hannah and Garrett's friends. They all cracked me up so much, especially the guys. I loved their interactions and I am eager to see who the next book will revolve around!

 

This was such a fun read for me. I loved Hannah and Garrett, watching them banter and fall for one another, and see them tackle some very hard topics together also. Garrett's persistence will make you laugh, as will so many other scenes and I applaud Kennedy for infusing humor into her novel. If you loved Scoring Wilder by R.S. Grey, I really think you'll love this one too.