The Silent Waters by Brittainy Cherry review

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books, Brittainy Cherry, Elements series, review, The Silent Waters

The Silent Waters by Brittainy Cherry

5 stars

Synopsis

Moments.

Our lives are a collection of moments. Some utterly painful and full of yesterday’s hurts. Some beautifully hopeful and full of tomorrow’s promises.

I’ve had many moments in my lifetime, moments that changed me, challenged me. Moments that scared me and engulfed me. However, the biggest ones—the most heartbreaking and breathtaking ones—all included him.

I was ten years old when I lost my voice. A piece of me was stolen away, and the only person who could truly hear my silence was Brooks Griffin. He was the light during my dark days, the promise of tomorrow, until tragedy found him. Tragedy that eventually drowned him in a sea of memories.

This is the story of a boy and girl who loved each other, but didn’t love themselves. A story of life and death. Of love and broken promises.

Of moments.

(Book Three in the Elements Series. Complete Standalone.)

My thoughts

Let’s start off with, yes, I know I plunged into this series with the third book. I’m aware, but don’t worry, I did it knowing each book could be read as a standalone.

Then. Where do I start? I feel like I’ve known these characters for a whole lifetime. Just wow. In a way this book was not what I expected, yet it another way it totally was. It’s a moving story of a girl who lost her voice at an early age, and fights half a lifetime to find it back. It’s a story of bravery, haunting demons and a love that’s worth fighting for. It’s a story of friendship, the bonds between family members and chasing dreams. It’s a story of moments. Moments that change who we are. Moments that heal us and break us. Yet in the end, will we let them define us?

There was so much to this story that I can say something about. It’s not just the deeply emotional story of the two main characters. Their family and friends have their own journeys of life that get their chance to tell pieces every now and then. I loved how loud the voice was that they got.

Having finished, I’d say that the book is NA, but a big part of it is also YA, even though the characters deal with mature problems. Oh lord, I’m making so much sense. Not. Anyway, that’s kind of what this book made me feel though.

Through the book I kind of had mixed feelings. Where some of the events and amount of events realistic?
No, probably not, but let’s not forget it’s called fiction for a reason. 😉

Was it the most well written book I have ever read?
No. It wasn’t close to the descriptionness (is that a word?) like The Problem With Forever for example, but because of that, the story had a good pace to it and it wasn’t dragging at all.

Will it give you feels all over?
OH my God yes!

Will it leave you falling and feeling for these two beautiful and strong people?
Yes, yes, yes!! And not only the two main characters either. Their close and loved ones have their own struggles and lessons in life and they’re an important part of the whole story.

Now that I finished, I can say with certainty that this is truly a beautiful and deeply moving story and I definitely recommend reading it. Brooks will make you swoon and want to cry and throw a book at him and hug him. Maggie will leave you breathless and motivated to never stop fighting until you find your voice, because you will. And the note from the author in the back? CHILLS. SERIOUSLY. That was beautiful and so so moving.

Also, I’m really curious about the other books in de series now.

* I used the cover from Goodreads

The Problem With Forever by Jennifer Armentrout review

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book, books, Jennifer Armentrout, Mallory Dodge, review, Rider Stark, The Problem With Forever

The Problem With Forever by Jennifer Armentrout

5.5 stars 

Synopsis

For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.

Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard. 

 

My thoughts

I don’t know where to even start! Okay wow. This is why I fell in love with young adult in the first place a few years back. Holy hell, this book is amazing! I’ve been reading  more new adult lately as I’ve grown into that age myself and I felt more connection to characters of my own age, but The Problem With Forever had me falling in love with young adult all over again. The blurb definitely caught my attention, but I could not have foreseen what this book would do to me. Oh. My god, the feels!!

The first thing that stood out to me  was how descriptive this book is, especially in the beginning. I loved how Mallory is so aware of everything that is going on around her. The way she describes her feelings makes you feel like you’re her. Mallory has so many thoughts and feelings crammed inside her head. She may not speak a lot but she’s not lost on words. They just remain inside her head mostly.

The Problem With Forever slipped into the deep contours of my heart in no time and I know it will stay there. I recognized myself in Mallory at that age to a point where it was unnerving. It was like I’d stepped back a few years in my life and lived there again. And near the end it was like she had grown and evolved further than the point I am now. It’s such a strange experience but at the same time it motivated me to continue the road I’ve been on.

This is a story about self development, the strength of bonds made at a young age, facing the demons that threaten to take you down and rise above them. It’s a story finding out who you are, bravery, young love and SO much more. The way the tale of the beauty and innocence of a first love is described is done magnificently and at the same time it’s such a deeply moving story. Good lord, my heart was in pieces more times than I can count. These two young people have seen and been through more at seventeen that some people get in their entire life. To be a part of hoe they dealt with what was thrown at them was beautiful and sad at the same time. Beautiful because they’re so strong and sad because they deserve so much better.

Goodness these two though!! If you’re looking for me, I’m in a puddle on the floor somewhere. These two are beyond adorable! Rider had me swooning like crazy by far most of the time and Mallory had me proud of standing up against her demons with a fight and willpower a lot of people can take as an example. These two made me fall in love with falling in love. If that makes any sense at all.

Rider, oh Rider. It took about half a page for me to fall in love with him. Seriously. That young man has more decency in his pinky than some people I know have in their entire being. He made me swoon and he made my stomach hurt for him, but it was more than worth it. He has everything I would love to see in a guy and more. Loyal, protective, tender, kind. I could go on and on.

I know I said it before but Mallory made me so proud. The progress she made during this story was admirable. She’s such a strong young woman even if she has trouble seeing that sometimes. There were several times I wished that this book had been written when I was younger, because I think it would have helped me so much to read this back then. Yet at the same time I’m glad to read it now and see that I’m not the same person that I was back then in many ways.

I could go on about this book for hours, but I won’t do that to you. All there’s left for me to say is that I absolutely loved this book and this one is one more addition to the stories that hit me right in the chest and will remain there forever. I love reading books with a deeper meaning and that make me think and this is definitely one of those. Jennifer did a magnificent job of bringing these people to live, and it’s not just the main characters I’m talking about here. They have quite a few of strong and supportive people around them who are just as important to this story.
Gosh, I just want everyone to read this. If you ever doubt yourself or you feel like you’re stuck in life or alone, just read this book. I know it’s a big one but I promise you, you will thank me once you finish.

 

* I used the cover from Goodreads

Transfer by Aly Martinez review (The Retrieval Duet #2)

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Aly Martinez, books, Duet, review, The Retrieval Duet, Transfer

Transfer by Aly Martinez

5 stars

Synopsis

I fell in love with a man who didn’t exist.

What started out as romance ended in hell.
His words turned to razor blades.
His kisses converted to fists.
His embrace became my cage.
His body transformed into a weapon, stealing parts of me until ultimately….
I broke.

I hated him.
My sole job in life became to protect our daughter.

I wasn’t sure I’d ever escape the prison he’d skillfully crafted from my fears.
Until the day our savior arrived.

This is the story of how I escaped the man who thought he owned me.
The transfer of my life and my family.

My thoughts

Pay attention, people! This book continues the story that started in Retrieval, so you have to read them in order. If you haven’t read Retrieval yet; get outtha here and pick Retrieval up! You don’t want to miss this epic duet!

Now that were only left with Retrieval-readers… Okay, wow! What an ending!! I so did not see that coming! I was so happy to have Transfer waiting nearby, because the second I read that revelation in Retrieval, I dove straight into this one. And I didn’t really want to come back out.

Since the blurb doesn’t give much away about the persons in story and the cliff-hanger in Retrieval will have your jaw hitting the floor and make you go grabby hands on Transfer anyway, I’m not gonna give anything away on how this book is going to play out. It’s for your own good, because you really want the full experience with this one. 😉 I also honestly think no one will have the patience to actually read a review on the second book after that cliff-hanger, but okay. 😂

Let me just tell you that I honestly loved this book. This was the perfect follow-up to Retrieval. It has angst, love, fear, suspense, hurt, bravery and fight all just as perfectly balanced out as in Retrieval. I loved how the story was again told in more than two perspectives. It fitted this story exquisitely. Even though Transfer is Clare’s story, Roman and Elisabeth get plenty of opportunity to speak as well and that does glorious things to the layers of depth to the whole storyline. All of them are beautifully intertwined and that is displayed in this book in this masterly way that only Aly can come up with.

I loved to see the growth Clare went through. We all saw how she lived and the daily torture she went through, that no one in this world should ever have to go through, in Retrieval. Seeing more of her in Transfer and seeing her change and grow was beautiful to see. The unconditional love she has for Tessa is captivating. The amount of selflessness and bravery that woman has is unbelievable.

I’m having a hard time turning this into a long review without giving anything away and omg it doesn’t help at all that I’m so excited about it. I think it’s best to just tell you that this was the perfect conclusion to this series. I fell for all of these people and I feel privileged to have been a part of their lives for a little while. I wish there was more, but at the same time, they have all been through enough drama for an entire lifetime as it is, and another book would definitely mean more drama.

As my very last tiny-piny squeeze of fangirlity(I know that’s not a word, but it is now 😉 ) I thought I loved all there was to Roman Leblanc already, but during Transfer, my love for him exploded. I. Am. Serious. Holy hell that man!! Elisabeth proved to be just as stunning as her man and I fell just as hard for Clare’s story. It is adorable, heartbreaking and swoony as hell. That woman is stronger than she knows and I can only have a ton of respect for her and the life she’s survived.

Now all of you, go and be happy ❤

Retrieval by Aly Martinez review

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Aly Martinez, book, books, Retrieval, review

Retrieval by Aly Martinez

5.5 stars

Synopsis

One story. Two couples.

I proposed on our first date.
She laughed and told me I was insane. Less than a day later, she said yes.
It was a whirlwind, but we were happy…
Until we got greedy and wanted a family.

It was a life I couldn’t give her, not for lack of trying. Fertility just wasn’t on our side. We sought out doctors and treatments. Spent money we didn’t have. Lied to our families. Smiled for our friends. Put on a brave face for a world that didn’t understand.
Finally, we were successful…
Until we were forced to bury our son.

We were left broken, battered, and destroyed.
They say love is in the details, but it was the details that ruined us.

This is the story of how I took back what had always been mine.
The retrieval of my wife and our family.

 

My thoughts

Oh. My. God. I LOVE THIS BOOK!! The blurb grabbed my full attention from the second I read it and knowing it was written by Aly Martinez, I just HAD to read it. And holy hell this book!! It had everything in perfect balance. It’s deeply moving. It’s angsty. It’s hot. It’s as heartwarming as it is heart breaking. It has humour. It has sarcasm. It will make your heart race and will have you on the edge of your seat. It has so many feels it’s insane. It has everything! And I’m still so excited about it even though I finished more than a day ago.

Okay, deep breath. Yes, okay. I’m back.

God, I don’t even know where to start. I won’t be saying much about the storyline itself, because honestly, you just have to read this book and I wouldn’t forgive myself for giving anything away and not letting you have the full experience. Now, that brings me to the main characters…  (Where is that seductively looking emoji when you need it?)

Roman is this flustering combination of arrogant, cocky businessman and protective, good hearted ex-military who would walk through all the fires in hell for the woman he loves. He can be harsh and cold one moment and warm and gentle the next. He’ll put fire in your veins to the point when you’re either seconds away from strangling him or attaching yourself to him like a monkey.

I’ll be honest. I’ve never been a businessman kind of girl, I don’t go weak in the knees for men in suits at all, so there was a splash of tiny miny disappointment when I saw the mention of suits, but Roman made it more than okay. He made me see beyond the clothes and look right into his soul and I loved what I found there. He made me laugh so hard, he made me swoon just as much – trust me, he’s charming as hell – he made me cry and me infuriated me, but oh wow I love that man. I can see why Elisabeth fell head over heels for him as fast as she did, because I did too. Some men have you under their spell before you even had the chance to blink and Roman is one of those. I could talk about him for hours. He’s the perfectly flawed kind of man I hope to find one day. My god, I want this man for me. I’m sorry Elisabeth, but isn’t there a possibility that we share him? Please? (A)

Elisabeth is beyond awesome. I loved her attitude. She stands tall about her opinion and she won’t be pushed around with – not even by Roman – yet at the same time she’s such a wonderful, gentle, caring, sweet woman. I grew to love her so easily. Her soul is just as golden as Roman’s is, yet she has enough flaws to be a realistic human. (if that makes any sense at all.)

I love how Retrieval is written. There were additions to this book that were totally unexpected, yet made the whole story that much more powerful. It ensured this extra layer of depth and Aly did a magnificent job of bringing it all together. It wouldn’t have been the same story without it. And the twist!! O.M.G. There will be a twist that you will not see coming! It mind-fucked the hell out of me in such a way that I actually read back through the previous chapters of the book to see if I could somehow have seen that coming if I’d paid enough attention. And for the record, no. There was no way I could have been prepared for that. Holy moly.

And the theme. Retrieval has such a unique theme! It’s not a subject I’ve ever read about before and it’s done in such an amazing way. Honestly, I think it’s something a lot of people don’t even really think about because it’s a natural thing for most. Seeing it like this, though, made me look at the whole thing in a total different light and it was so heartbreaking. (You must love how vague I am, speaking about ‘things’ lol. Sorry, I ain’t spoiling shit!! 😉 )

I don’t know what it is about Aly’s books, but I always find myself wanting to highlight the largest part of the book. She has this way of forming certain sentences that makes me want to memorise her every line into my brain. I love how her books make me feel everything and suck me in right from the start, not letting me get back up for air until the end, because that is definitely what I felt like while reading Retrieval. Her books have me thinking about these characters all day, speculating what’s gonna happen next and how the characters will respond, leaving me nearly unable to wait before I can continue reading. This is such a page turner; I definitely missed out on some of sleep since I started, but it was more than worth it.

Honestly, I cannot think of one tiny reason as to not read this book. Everything is perfectly balanced out and you will fall for these characters and their story in no time. I loved everything about this story. If I have to give you one bit of advice though, it’s to keep your account of whatever store you buy your books from close, because once you finish, you’re gonna want to dive head first into the sequel. I know, because I made sure to do the same. 😉

 

* I used the cover from Goodreads

Long Way Home by Katie McGarry review

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book, books, Katie McGarry, Long Way Home, Reign Of Terror, review, series, Thunder Road series, Thunderroadseries

Long Way Home by Katie McGarry

5 stars 

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Violet has always been expected to sit back and let the boys do all the saving.

It’s the code her father, a member of the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, raised her to live by. Yet when her dad is killed carrying out Terror business, Violet knows it’s up to her to do the saving. To protect herself, and her vulnerable younger brother, she needs to cut all ties with the club—including Chevy, the boy she’s known and loved her whole life.

But when a rival club comes after Violet, exposing old secrets and making new threats, she’s forced to question what she thought she knew about her father, the Reign of Terror, and what she thinks she wants. Which means re-evaluating everything: love, family, friends . . . and forgiveness.

Caught in the crosshairs between loyalty and freedom, Violet must decide whether old friends can be trusted—and if she’s strong enough to be the one person to save them all.

 

My thoughts

We’re back! Back into Snowflake, back into the suspenseful life of the Reign Of Terror, back to motorcycles, the family of black cuts and back into the never-ending war between two rival motorcycle clubs.

All Violet wants is out. She wants peace and freedom. She wants space to grieve the loss of her father who passed away while working for the Terror. She knows it’s her time to step up to take care of her family now that her father is gone. Feeling like her only option to keep her loved ones safe is to cut ties with the club, she must also say goodbye to the only boy she has ever loved.

No matter how hard Violet pushes, the Reign Of Terror takes care of their family, and even though her father is no longer around, Violet, her brother and her mom are considered just that. They want to take care of them, and Violet’s brother Brandon and her mom want to be taken care of. It’s Violet who was raised to be a strong, independent young woman and can’t stand to be treated differently or not taken seriously just because she’s a girl. Yet when her world is turned upside down by a rival club, she starts question all the things she always thought she knew.

I love Violet and that’s kind of ironic since I didn’t like her all that much during the first two books. Being inside her head and seeing the things she went through and meeting the true Violet, I can honestly say that she and I have a lot in comment, though she is WAAYYY tougher than me – she’s a biker-girl, after all. 😉 She’s brave as hell, fights for what she wants and she’s stronger than most men. I love how she won’t let herself get pushed around. She ain’t anyone’s property and she won’t let you doubt it for a second.

Chevy feels like he’s sitting on the side line, feeling like crap as he sees the girl he loved his whole life pull away from his family more and more. Already feeling like being in the middle of a tug-and-war between his mom and the club, he’s also getting in the middle between the Coach of his football team and the club, and Violet and the club. Not wanting to hurt anyone he loves, he’s stuck in the middle and has no idea what path to take.

 

“’Two roads. One path. Can’t take both.’ The guy who wrote it acts like the choice should be easy. It’s not.” – Katie McGarry, Long Way Home

 

Chevy is a good guy. Out of the three, Oz, Razor and him, I’d say Chevy is the most normal one. He’s loyal and a caretaker, he’s protective over the ones he loves and he’s a huge teddybear. Just don’t get on his bad side, because he’s got McKinley’s blood running through his veins, and once you have him on your tail, he’ll thunder over you in no time.

I loved to see these two people grow. Katie has a way of creating characters that grow magnificently throughout a story in a way that make you want to meet them in person. She makes them come to live in a way like they’re real people and it gives her stories so much depth. I love all of Katie’s books and Long Way Home is no different. What came as a very welcoming surprize, too, was how her other series, Pushing The Limits, is intertwined into this book is this absolute perfect way. I love seeing glimpses of the other characters in newer books and we not only got glimpses from the characters in this series, but also from Pushing The Limits! Doesn’t get much better than that.

Long Way Home is the third and, as far as I can see now, last instalment of the Thunder Road series and that makes me a bit sad. I so don’t want to say goodbye to Snowflake and all the members from The Reign Of Terror! Though I guess I would never want to say goodbye, even if another ten books were to be written. That’s just what Katie does to me. I don’t want to get out of their world again.

This book has suspension that had me on the edge of my seat, loyalty that had my heart warming, love that made me feel fuzzy and angst that had me biting my nails. Long Way Home has it all and I can’t think of one reason not to recommend this book. So, what are you waiting for? 😉

 

* I used the cover from Goodreads

Ten Below Zero by Whitney Barbetti review

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books, review, Ten Below Zero, Whitney Barbetti

Ten Below Zero by Whitney Barbetti

5 stars

Synopsis

“In here,” he said, pushing on the skin above my heart, “you’re ten below zero. And you’re closer to death than I am.”

My name is Parker. My body is marked with scars from an attack I don’t remember. I don’t want to remember. I choose to live my life by observation, not through experience. While people are laughing and kissing and connecting, I’m in the corner. Watching them live. I’m indifferent to everything, everyone. The only emotion I feel with any kind of depth is annoyance, and I feel it often.

A text message sent to the wrong number proves to be my undoing.

His name is Everett, but I call him rude. He’s pushy, he’s arrogant, he crowds my personal space, and worst of all: he makes me feel.

He chooses to wear all black, all the time, as if he’s waiting to attend a funeral. Probably because he is.

Everett is dying. And he’s spending his final days living, truly living. In doing so, he’s forcing me to feel, to heal. To come face to face with the demons I suppressed in my memory.

He hurts me, he fulfills me, he completes me. And still, he’s dying. 

 

My thoughts

It happened to all of us once or twice. You get a text message from an unknown person and you know it wasn’t meant for you. Either you ignore the text or you reply, telling the stranger they have the wrong number. Yet have you ever wondered what would happen if you pretended to be oblivious to their mistake and answer like it was meant for you to begin with?

You’re about to find out.

This is the story of Parker and Everett and how a simple text message to the wrong number can alter the course of two persons’ entire lifetime. They both have their own demons. They both are broken, but what happens when two broken souls come together?

Parker wears the unmistakable reminder of an attack she can’t remember. After being attacked, Parker grabbed a hold of indifference in order to survive. As long as she didn’t feel anything, for anyone, nothing could tear her down again. She lives her life observing that of others and she likes it that way. When she receives a text message that was never meant for her to begin with, she decides to humour fate for once and goes to meet the guy who send it.

Everett is honest to a fault. He’s honest to the point of rudeness and he annoys Parker to the point of making her skin itch. He’s arrogant and pushy and he embraced that about himself, a firm believer that hiding behind words that aren’t truthful is never without consequences. Even though Everett constantly gets on her nerves, Parker can’t help but feel something for the first time in a very long time. Yet Everett’s demons are chasing him faster than he could ever run. And he accepted it. Knowing his time is limited, he is set on making the rest of his days count.

“Everyone is going to die, Parker. You’re going to die, I’m going to die, we’re all going to die. And I want to leave this world with a little dignity. I want to spend the rest of my life, no matter how much is left of it, doing what I want.”

He’s also set on making Parker feel again. On making her live again. Yet for Parker, feeling comes with a price.

“I felt something throb painfully in my chest. In causing me to feel, Everett was healing me. He was showing me how to live. But the healing, the living, hurt. They hurt with the knowledge that Everett was still dying.”

I’ll be honest with you. This blurb grabbed my interest the moment I read it, and I’ve been itching to read this book ever since. There was one thing holding me back though; the last two words. Was I up for a tear breaker? Was the beauty and meaning behind this story worth the hurt I was bound to subject myself to? It wasn’t until a bookblogger I often listen to when it comes to recommending books reassured me in her review that I finally started. And I can tell you now that yes, everything was worth it. Ten Below Zero is as moving and beautiful as it is heartbreaking. It will make you love. It will make you laugh. It will make you hurt. But above all it will make you feel. And we should never forget that that is a beautiful thing.

Parker spoke to me on a deeper level. I recognised parts of myself in her, even though we’re vastly different. Being a part of Parker and Everett’s story, Everett taught me as much as he taught Parker, and those are the kind of books I love the most. Books that make you think. Books that make you feel. Books that change you in the positive way, even if it’s just a small part of you. I do my best to never stop improving who I am, and I’ll admit that some days that’s easier than others, but I love reading books that give me renewed energy to keep working to becoming a better version of myself. That’s exactly what Ten Below Zero was to me and I’m grateful for the lessons Everett taught me.

Yet Ten Below Zero is not just that. I had fun reading it and Everett made me laugh. He was funny and sweet and I loved the view he had on life. This was also a page turner. I just needed to read more, read faster, because I needed to know how it finished. I needed to know what would happen.

I would definitely recommend Ten Below Zero. I liked the way it was written, I loved to see the characters grow and chance because of the other and it’s only a little over 200 pages long, so it’s a relatively quick read too. It’s meaningful and beautiful and I have to say that the acknowledgements hit me hard. It doesn’t happen often that I’m moved by acknowledgements like that.

 

* I used the cover from Goodreads

Fire In You by J. Lynn review

Tags

book, books, Brock Mitchell, Fire In You, J Lynn, Jillian Lima, review

Fire In You by J. Lynn

5 stars

Synopsis

From the # 1 New York Times and International bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout writing as J.Lynn, comes a richly moving story about heartbreak and guilt, second chances and hope. Full of familiar, fan-favorite characters and no two people more deserving of a happy ending, Fire In You will burn bright beyond the last page…

Jillian Lima’s whole world was destroyed in a span of a few hours. The same night her childhood love, Brock ‘the Beast’ Mitchell, broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by the hand of a stranger with a gun. It takes six years to slowly glue together the shattered pieces of her life, but Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret. She takes a job at her father’s martial arts Academy and she’s going out on her first date since a failed relationship that was more yuck than yum. Jillian is determined to start living.

She just never expected Brock to be a part of her life again. But he’s firmly back in her life before she knows it, and not only is he older, he’s impossibly more handsome, more teasing and more everything. And when he sees Jillian, he’s no longer capable of thinking of her as the little girl who was his shadow growing up or the daughter of the man who gave him a second chance at life. He sees the woman who’d always been there for him, the one person who believed in him no matter what.

Brock knows she’s the one he should’ve made his, and what begins as a tentative friendship quickly turns to red-hot chemistry that sparks a flame that burns brighter than lust. Falling for Brock again risks more than her heart, because when the past sorrow-filled and guilt-ridden past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they’ve fought to build together, and destroy the dreams of those they care most about.

My thoughts

Okay, let me start off with saying that the synopsis above is absolutely accurate when it comes to giving you an idea of what Fire In You will be about. I’m not even going to try to explain it in other words, because everything you need to know is right above here. I also loved to see so many glimpses of old characters. It wasn’t too much either, so there’s no way it gets boring. It all fitted perfectly into the storyline.

Then. Oh. My. God!! This is Jillian and Brock’s story!! *SQUEEELL!* How long have we been waiting for this, people? Long, I know, but let me tell you it was totally worth it. And it’s big! After the immensely cute paperbacks of Fall With Me and Forever With You I expected to find another cutie in the mail when I saw Fire In You was nearly 400 pages, but it is a regularly sized novel with that many pages!! And let me tell you, you’re gonna love that it’s this big once you start.

Fire In You is a story about lovers, friends, loyalty and regret. It’s a story about needing to let go of a past that’s tearing you down, cutting the chains that keep you from living. It’s about bravery and finding the fire that burns within you. There are so many sides to this story and I loved each and every one of them. I loved to see these characters grow throughout the book and fight for what they stand for. They rose above themselves because they never stopped believing and they never stopped fighting. Jillian was easy to love for me. I saw a lot of her in myself and I love it so much when I click really well with the main character of a book, because those are the stories that stick with me and makes me think deeper about how I would react in certain situations.

And Brock, well… what do you want me to say? I mean, we’ve been drooling over that fine piece of ass ever since he made his first appearance! The wicked smiles, his charms that will have you melted on the floor in no time, the oozing sexiness that has your breath faltering just being around the man. Yet there are so many sides to him that we’ve only seen glimpses of before. That man can be one giant teddy bear when he wants to. Just a really sexy one? Okay, I’ll stop now. xD

That tension building was something else, though. Holy cow!! I’d expected Brock to be a passionate man when it came to the bedroom but my god, was I glad to find myself alone during those scenes! My ears would’ve turned pink had I been in company xD.

All I can say is that I really love what Jennifer has done with these two characters and their story. I loved every page and the smart-ass comments from both of them very hilarious. There is sass, love, regret, passion and so much more. Their story is moving and beautiful. Like what’s said in the blurb, if two characters deserve their happy ending, it’s these two.

* I used the cover from Goodreads

Dream Of You from J. Lynn review

Tags

Colton Anders, Dream Of You, J Lynn, Jennifer Armentrout, novella

Dream Of You from J. Lynn

4.5 stars

Synopsis

Abby Erickson isn’t looking for a one-night stand, a relationship, or anything that involves any one-on-one time, but when she witnesses a shocking crime, she’s thrust into the hands of the sexiest man she’s ever seen – Colton Anders. His job is to protect her, but with every look, every touch, and every simmering kiss, she’s in danger of not only losing her life but her heart also. 

~ Wait For You series #4.5

My thoughts

If I had to describe this book in three words it would be suspenseful, sexy and adorable; making a perfectly balanced-out whole. It is a feel-good novella with a dark twist and some I-need-a-fan heat. It had my heart racing and my mouth turning into a goofy smile equally divided amounts of time.

Abby is unlucky enough to be the witness of a crime. Shocked and thrown off guard, her world turns upside down when the hottest cop in town makes it his personal job to keep her safe. Sparks fly, yet insecurities of the past have a way of screwing with your head at the most inconvenient times and Abby might lose him before she even had him at all. Meanwhile, the danger is far from being extinguished.

Though Dream Of You is a novella, I didn’t get the rushed feeling I normally often feel during novella’s and I loved that. The characters got exactly the right pace for the story to unfold and it wasn’t at all too dwelling or too fast, which made this novella very enjoyable to read.

And I loved the characters themselves. Abby is strong and brave, even though she might not be aware of that herself at all times. She’s known loss, but instead of being scared to open herself up again for the right person, she knows how short life can be and makes sure she lives. And can I just say she has the most holy-mother-of-earth perfect job in the world? Oh my, I don’t like admitting I’m a tiny bit envious, but in a totally positive way of course. Yet her life is everything but rose petals and moonlight. The past left its scars on her and at times it’s impossible to ignore that evil voice in the back of your head.

Then there is Colton Anders and yes, we know this fine piece of ass and the big brother of Reece. Oh. Yes. The droolworthiness of this guy is just… oh my! His charming ways, the chivalry, the mystery of a cop… I could talk about him all day. He made me feel very alive and had my heart melting into a big puddle several times. He swiped me right off my feet with half of both the words that came out of his mouth and his actions. I wish I had cops like that in my town. This man is good to the core and blessed in all the right ways. And with that I mean his personality. Mostly. 😉

I really loved Dream of You. It’s cute, hot and dark and I can’t think of one reason why someone could not enjoy this story. J. Lynn knows how to write stories that flow perfectly with growing, engaging characters and with it being a novella, it’s a perfect in between read.

 * I used the cover from Goodreads

Barrett & Ivan by A.D. Ellis review

Tags

ADEllis, BarrettAndIvan, books, LGBT, m/m, review

Barrett & Ivan by A.D. Ellis

4.5 stars

Synopsis

Despite the curve balls thrown at him throughout his childhood, Barrett Kenner is now a successful musician. The only thing missing is romance.

Ivan Romanov killed a man to save his sister’s life. Although he has served his time, Ivan’s past left him with baggage far heavier than the meager belongings he carries out of prison.

Barrett clings to the memory of a fervent kiss, a kiss that Ivan tries to pretend meant nothing. When the two men finally accept their feelings for each other, life should be smooth sailing, but the past still lurks in the shadows.

Can Barrett and Ivan protect their love and their lives, or will dangers from long ago be more than they can withstand?

**This is a male/male romance meant for ages 18+ due to adult language and adult situations.**

 

My thoughts

I’ll admit that I’ve jumped into this series halfway. It’s something I’ve never done before, but after a little investigation showed me that every book was about totally different characters, I figured I was safe. And boy did in enjoy this book.

Barrett and Ivan are the main characters of this book, big surprise there 😉 , and I loved getting to know these men better. We dive right into the scene where the boys share a heated, yet desperate kiss that haunts Barrett for a long time. It makes him question things he never even considered, but with Ivan stuck in prison and him waving it off as nothing, there isn’t much Barrett can do.

Yet what happens when Ivan served his time and comes face to face with Barrett again? Both boys grew into men during their time apart and the tension spikes with their reunion. Both men know life ain’t easy, they’re used to the bumps in the road, yet the the biggest bump might still be yet to come.

Both of these characters had me smiling often. They were sweet, caring and funny, but Ivan also has undeniable demons haunting him, always luring close by. I loved to see both of them grow throughout the story and turn into wonderful souls. I saw Ivan battle against the demons from his past and I saw how Barrett stands tall for what he wants won’t let anyone deter him from his path. They’re both stronger and braver than they realize and I loved being a part of their adventure.

* I used the cover from Goodreads

Overview 2016

Tags

Aly Martinez, BN Toler, books, Colleen Hoover, Grayson's Vow, It Ends With Us, Katie McGarry, Mia Sheridan, The Fall Up, Too Late, Walk The Edge, Where One Goes

Overview 2016

2016 has been a wonderful book year. I’ve read many beautiful books with stories that touched me deeply and now that the year has ended, I liked the idea of giving some extra attention to the books I loved the most last year. I meant to write this at the actual end of 2016 but life’s been hectic, so why not start the new year off reminiscing the best books of the previous year. 😉

There are six books I rated at 5.5 stars or higher that I want to praise a little more. Please keep in mind that it’s been quite a few months since I read most of these books and that my brain isn’t as good at remembering as I wish it would be, so I won’t get into much detail. Just know that these stories found a way into my heart a little deeper than the rest of them. If you want to read my full review on them, they will be at the links I’ll insert under the book titles.

Too Late by Colleen Hoover was such a fun and unique experience. The story was uploaded chapter by chapter on Wattpad and it had me almost jumping in my seat at every ending, knowing I’d had to wait for the next one. It was different, dark, a little over the top and funny, but the subject matter was oh so important. It’s something that should be taken way more seriously. I truly loved this story and let’s not forget to mention that it’s free 😉

Grayson’s Vow by Mia Sheridan was a deeply moving and heart breaking story of two amazing souls who were fighting hard not to drown. They’re desperate and hopeless, but an unusual business agreement may change the future of two beautiful people forever. Both of these characters spoke to me in a way that touched me deeply, recognizing their fears and the way they acted in situations in myself. Mia has a way of making me fall in love with the
heroin just as much as with the hero, and I felt that way in Grayson’s Vow even stronger than in her other books.

Walk The Edge by Katie McGarry is a Young Adult book and is the second book in the Thunderroad series. I gotta say, when the hero was introduced in the first book, I was immediately intrigued by him and to say I was excited when I heard the second book would be about him was an understatement. And did it deliver. Oh. Yes. Being a part of a motorcycle club and all of its assets and angles is incredibly exciting. It had my heartrate up high a lot and the story between the two main characters was beautifully written.

The Fall Up was the first book I read from Aly Martinez and she had me
addicted to her style of writing in no time. I loved the characters, loved the plot, loved the writing style. I laughed so hard I could barely breathe and at the same time my heart broke for the ache these two went through. This is such a beautiful story.

There is no doubt in my mind that the best book I’ve read this year is It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. It’s gripping, moving, absolutely heartbreaking and stunningly beautiful. It’s a book I truly believe everyone should read and it contains a subject that needs much more attention. The characters are amazingly displayed and I still think back on them on a regular basis five months after I finished the book. It’s a one of a kind read. If there’s only one book I can recommend for the rest of my life, it would be It Ends With Us.

When I read the blurb from Where One Goes by BN Toler, I knew I was bound to get my heart broken into a million pieces during this book. I was right. My heart was torn to pieces, but I wouldn’t have wanted to miss the beautifulness of this story for the world. Grief, heartache and loss are very important themes in this book, but so are loyalty, love and bravery. These characters will take you on an emotional road that will leave you drained, but in the best way possible.