For the first time in a very long time, I felt wanted. This felt like home. What home was supposed to feel like.
I love Grahame Claire’s Paths to Love series so much and I honestly thought it couldn’t get any better than Murella and Stone’s book. I was wrong. I loved this just as much (maybe even a tad bit more) than ‘Three Dates’ and that’s really saying something. Carlos and Holly’s story was everything I wanted and more!
We’ve met Holly and Carlos in pervious books in this series, and I wanted so badly for both of them to find their happy. Carlos is Murella’s brother and has done a lot of really terrible things for good reasons. He’s not a good man, not in his mind at least, but he tries to do the right thing and he loves his sister something fierce. When he loves, he loves hard. When he starts to fall for Holly and her son, it’s over for him.
Holly is a single mom and works for Mullaney Jacobs. She has the best little boy ever and does her best by him. It’s apparent she’s hiding something, but it’s hard to say what it is. Dating is something she hasn’t done in years. Gabriel comes first always. Then Carlos shows up. Carlos, the most attractive man she’s ever met. Carlos, who treats her son like his own. Carlos… she tries to stay away from him, but it’s impossible. He’s the best kind of trouble.
Carlos and Holly’s romance was beautiful. There was a lot going on in the background of this book, but their love story was first and foremost and I was so happy about that. I loved watching both of them fall in love and heal one another. Both were a bit broken, but they found each other and were exactly what each other needed.
Fairy tales weren’t carriages and castles and fairy godmothers. They were two paths of battle scars and mistakes and imperfection that led to each other and became one.
I love books with kids and Gabriel was the highlight of this story. Holly is the most amazing mom, and don’t even get me started on Carlos. He and Gabriel’s relationship was one of the very best things about this story. Another thing I love so much about these books is the ‘found family’ troupe. I mean, the family bonds are strong between the Jacobs etc, but that found family, the one you chose and those who aren’t connected by blood but by heart and would do anything for you- that’s special.
Romance, friendship, suspense, steam, and emotion- this book had it all. Carlos and Holly’s story is unforgettable and I adored it. I was sad thinking this series was over, but I see there is another book coming next year. Now, I have no clue who it’s about but I know for sure I’m going to be reading it because I can’t get enough of these books!!
“You’ve freed me,” I said with quiet gratitude. He kissed the center of my palm. “You saved my soul.”
Coming back here has given me something I never thought I’d get . . . a second chance.
I can always count on Corinne Michales to give me all the feels, and she did just that with Come Back for Me. This story captivated me from the start and was such a emotional and beautiful read.
This book is a stand alone, but it’s also the start of a series of standalones featuring four brothers. Connor Arrowood is the youngest of the four. Connor is back in his hometown of Sugarloaf, PA for the first time in 8 years. He vowed to never come back, but now that his father is dead, he has to take care of the farm before he and his brothers can sell it.
Ellie has been married for 8 years to an awful man and has the sweetest daughter. She loves her daughter more than anything, but her life isn’t easy. Connor and Ellie met one time 8 years ago before he left town. They had one incredible night together, and that was all. No names, no promises, just one night. Even though it was only one night, Connor never forgot Ellie. And when he sees her again, it’s a huge shock to him. But he wants Ellie. He doesn’t care that she has drama in her life and baggage, he wants her no matter what. Just her.
“I don’t care if there are pieces of you that are damaged. I don’t care if every inch of you is scarred. Believe me, there are parts of me that are so fucking mangled it would take a miracle to straighten them. It’s not about perfection or being whole—it’s you being you.”
This wasn’t an easy read. There were some parts that truly broke my heart and were so difficult for me to get through. I can’t even imagine going through some of the things Ellie and her daughter went through, and I’m so glad she had Connor to be there for her. I loved that he was there for her as a friend first and don’t even get me started with his relationship with her daughter. It was the sweetest thing ever. When that little girl called him her best friend, I melted.
Connor and Ellie have had a connection since the first time they met, but their romance isn’t easy. It has a rough start, but Connor is everything Ellie needs in a man and nothing she’s ever had. He was truly the most amazing guy. I admired Ellie’s strength and love she had for her girl. I can’t imagine being in her shoes. Overall, I just adored this book and these characters so much!
Come Back for Me is an amazing start to the Arrowood brother’s books. After the way it ended, I’m dying for the next brother to get his story! If you’re looking for a story that’s gripping, emotional, well written, steamy, and sweet, pick this one up. I loved everything about it.
If you’re ever given the chance to choose between being afraid or being brave, be brave.
After reading Landon and Shay’s journey in book one, I was more than ready to see where their story would go in the conclusion. Friends, this one hurt so good, but it was just as fantastic as the first for me!
Shay and Landon are in two different places doing two different things, but they make each other a priority. Landon is in California living the dream, getting into modeling and acting while Shay is still back home going to college. Things seem to be okay for the most part, until something rocks Landon and he slowly starts to withdraw more, starts to change…
This book seriously had me so up in my feels. It made me cry more than once. My heart hurt for both of these characters, and I wanted nothing more than for them to find their happy together. It wasn’t an easy path to get there.
“You are my poison,” I whispered, pain in my breaths as my body pressed against his. His lips rolled against my collar bone as he unbuckled my jeans. “You’re my remedy,” he swore, as his mouth pressed against mine.
Landon and Shay’s love story is beautiful, but it’s also complex, broken, and completely messy at times. Landon, bless his broken self, was a mess at times. I loved that Shay didn’t constantly let him walk all over her, though. It was so important to me that she stood up for herself, and I truly believe that was the trigger that got Landon to get the help he needed for real.
I love these two together. They didn’t have the most traditional love story, but gosh. I loved it so much. Books like this speak to my heart. Love, forgiveness, angst, and alllll the feels. It was so so good. Also, this story ties in with ‘Eleanor & Grey’ much more than the first, and I loved that. I especially loved that Karla was in it so much. Her relationship with both Landon and Shay was so special. I also loved that we got more of Shay’s grandma because she’s amazing!
This is an epic duet. What starts as an enemies to lovers story turns into so much more. This is a story of healing and a book that depicts mental illness in such a real way. It’s not your typical romance, but it’s still so beautifully romantic. Landon & Shay’s duet is one I’ll never forget. It was magnificent.
“There’s never going to be anything or anyone else for you. You’re my story. You’re my final page. You’re my final word.”
After reading The Kingmaker, I couldn't wait to read the conclusion of Nix and Maxim's story in The Rebel King. I always worry when a duet starts off so strong, that the second part may not live up to the first... That was not the case here. This second book was just as wonderful as the first. It was beautifully written, and went in directions I never saw coming.
The ending of book one left us in a killer cliffhanger. I was so happy the wait wasn't long. I was so ready to get back into this world. Maxim proved that he would do anything for Lennix, and after being tested time and time again, he proved that to be true. This story had a good bit of suspense and action, but it was romance heavy in the best way.
Lennix is strong, brave, and a force to be reckoned with. There were times she was a bit stubborn, but I loved that Maxim took her and accepted her just the way she was. He encouraged her strength and they truly brought out the best in one another.
“You signed up for me..And I signed up for you, whatever that means, wherever that takes us.”
The passion between Lennix and Maxim is out of this world. They are so connected, so different, yet so alike in so many ways. They are each others true match. I love couples that fit like this. They challenge each other, and most importantly, they love and support one another above all else.
Kennedy Ryan's books are always powerful, important, real, and raw. They also always give me the feels, which is my favorite thing while reading. This duet, especially, tackles harder topics that I think are so significant in this day and age. And they're talked about and handled so well. These books will definitely be going on my favorites list of 2019 and I highly recommend them!!
“We weren’t unlikely, Nix,” I say, no levity in the words. “We were inevitable.”
THIS is my favorite Meghan Quinn book to date. There was nothing I didn’t love about The Dugout. It made me laugh, made me cry, made me swoon, and made me smile so big. I never wanted to put it down, I had such a great time reading this book!
Milly Potter is the queen of baseball. She grew up with three brothers and she knows her stuff. Her biggest goal is to eventually be a coach. She and her two best friends, Shane and Jerry, never miss a baseball game at their college and she’s knowledgeable and a bit obsessed about the sport.
She’s now a senior and has her first big run in with a ball player. In the panini line of all places. It’s a bit of an awkward run in, and the next one isn’t much better. It doesn’t help that it’s with Carson Stone. Carson is one of the hottest players in school, but he’s had some trouble with his swing lately, due to an injury. Milly knows she can help, but she doesn’t know how to offer. Eventually, she becomes his personal coach and it changes his game and life forever.
This book made me laugh so hard. It was seriously one of the funniest books I’ve read this year. Carson and Milly were both hilarious, and I loved the banter she had with her two best friends.
Shane: She’s totally crushing. Jerry: *Clasps hands together* Carson Stone is so dreamy. Shane: *Fans self* All those muscles. Jerry: *Wipes drool* And the way he grips his . . . bat. Milly: Are you two morons done? Jerry: Yes. Shane: No. Shane: *Tweaks nipples* Ohhhhh, Carson . . . Shane: Okay, now I’m done.
It was so much more than just a hilarious rom-com. It was sweet, endearing, and punched me right in the gut more than once. I would say the first 75% is really light and fun, but that last 25% really got to me. I wasn’t expecting it to be that heavy, but it was. It got real fast and I was so emotional reading. It was a hard time for both of the main characters, but I could understand why it happened the way it happened and by the end I was happy with how everything turned out.
As much as I loved both Carson and Milly, one of my favorite characters of this book was Cory Potter. Cory… that sweet man needs his own book asap. I’m dying to read more about Milly’s older brother who just happens to be a single MLB player and the worlds best brother. He and Milly’s relationship was sibling goals and he was honestly the best!!
If you’re looking for a hilarious sports romance that packs a punch, pick this up. The best sports romance I’ve read all year, for sure. I adored Milly and Carson and this book is a 5 star favorite!
“I mean that, you were the greatest thing to ever happen to me.”
When I read 'The Guy on the Right' earlier this year, I fell in love. That book was all kinds of epic and I was instantly intrigued with Tr
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When I read 'The Guy on the Right' earlier this year, I fell in love. That book was all kinds of epic and I was instantly intrigued with Troy, who was Theo's roommate. Then we found out the connection between Troy and Dante and I knew I had to have his book. I loved TGotR so much, I didn't know if this would be quite as good for me. Well... it was. In fact, I think it was a tiny bit better. Because along with being hilarious and a blast to read, it gave me all the feels. And Troy Jenner... Troy is Kate's best hero to date. I was obsessed with this book!
Troy Jenner told a lie one night to a pretty girl, and his life was forever changed. Troy and Clarissa meet at a bar and really hit it off. Clarissa is a new teacher, and she believes Troy is one too. A few months later, she finds out she's pregnant. And then she finds Troy. And then... she finds out Troy is not a teacher. No, he's not a teacher at all. He's an 18 year old high school student. Clarissa is devastated and more than a little upset, which is understandable. This puts her entire career, her entire life in jeopardy. She shuts Troy out and never wants to see him again.
Fast forward 5-6 years later. Even though Troy has never met his son, he's always done the best he can for him. He's been on the sidelines, watching out for them and helping when Clarissa will let him. But now that he has his life together, he's a senior in college and headed to the NFL, he feels like he can approach. Things are about to get hella complicated for all parties involved...
He’s so smart, my son. My son. He wasn’t a mistake. I refuse to believe it. I will be whatever he needs. For my son. It’s time to be a father.
My absolute favorite thing about this book was Troy and Dante's relationship. Troy really stepped up for him, and not only became a constant present in his life, but also his best friend. It was truly the sweetest, most heartwarming thing to witness. There were so many scenes between these two that made me laugh hysterically. I adored them together. I have to admit, it took a little while for me to warm to Clarissa. But I do understand why she made the choices she did.
Not only was the familial aspect of this story fantastic, but the romance was great as well. It was steamy, sweet, and messy at times, but it was still beautiful. Kate Stewart does the best job of writing love story's that are a bit of a mess, but still perfectly imperfect. I know I've said it once, but it bears repeating. Troy Jenner is the best hero Kate has ever written. That's hard for me to say because I love her Jack and Reid, but Troy truly takes the cake for me.
“I’m lucky you’re mine.” He turns to me, his eyes filling with emotion as I tell him my truth. “You’ve surprised me, Troy. In the best way.”
I loved that The Guy on the Left wasn't a carbon copy of TGotR. They are totally different books in a lot of ways, but both of them are equally wonderful. If you're looking for a heartwarming story that has a little angst, a lot of laughs, and a ton of heart, pick this book up! It's definitely one of my top top favorites of the year!!
“You and Dante, you redefined my dreams. My everything is yours.”
Toni Aleo is one of my favorite sports romance authors. My all time favorite hockey series is her Assassin's series. I always enjoy her books, but it's been a while since she's had a 5 star hit for me. Wild Tendy is the book I've been waiting for. I did not expect Nico's book to hit me this hard, but man... it really did. I loved it so much!
Nico Merryweather is the goalie for the IceCats and a notorious ladies man. We first meet him in Chandler's book, then in Shelley's we see him again. I didn't know how I felt about Nico in those books. I mean, I liked him, but I wasn't sure how he would be as the hero of the story. He's a bit extra and a lot to handle at times, but the more you get to know him, the more you love him. He just needs to find the right girl.
"You need the kind of woman that is strong and can handle your extra-ness."
When he meets Aviva he knows he found that girl. The only problem? Aviva wants nothing to do with him. It's not Nico, it's men in general. She doesn't have time for them. She's barely breaking even after all her bills running her family business and raising her teenage sister. Her life is crazy busy and she's doesn't have time for any extra complications. But Nico is a hard man to say no to. Especially when he becomes chummy with Aviva's sister. It makes him even harder to resist.
With time, Aviva sees that Nico really does care for her and wants to make her life easier. She has not had an easy life and finds it hard to accept help, though. Nico has such a beautiful and giving soul, he just wants to make things better for her. It causes a bit of tension. Both Nico and Aviva have been through a lot. Hearing about both of their backstories and seeing where they are now was inspiring and beautiful.
This story was wonderful. I smiled, I laughed, and I cried like a baby through this book. A lot of the tears were happy, but some parts just hit me so hard. Nico is a one of a kind character who I adored. He's funny, sweet, and amazing just the way he is. Toni wrote him perfectly. And Aviva is one of the strongest heroines ever. She was stubborn and tough but she had to be. I loved watching Nico wear her down. When she finally let him in, she let him all in. I loved this couple together so much, and the family dynamic was everything. I think my favorite part was their relationship with Aviva's sister, Callie. I especially loved her and Nico together. Partners in crime.
This book was so special to me. I truly loved everything about it. If you're a fan of strong heroines, swoony heroes and sports romances, pick this one up! It was fantastic. I can't wait to read more from the IceCat's series and I'm hoping one day we get a Callie book because I love that girl!!...more
This was the sweetest and most delightful romance! I'm a sucker for a good enemies to lovers story. Add in the fact that this takes place at a Renaissance Faire and I was sold. Just seeing the cover and reading the blurb, I knew I would love this book, and I was 100% right.
Emily isn't much of a small town girl, but when her sister gets in an accident and needs help with her teenage niece, Emily moves to Willow Creek to be there for them. When her niece wants to join the Renn Faire for the summer, Emily is fine with being her ride. What she's not anticipating is having to volunteer herself. But she does it. For her niece. She commits to being a tavern wench for every weekend in the summer. It wouldn't be so bad, except that the guy running the show seems to have it out for her.
“Ugh.” I turned to Stacey. “Is he always that unpleasant?” “No, you seem to bring it out in him. Good going.” She watched him walk away. “The thing about Simon is that Faire’s just … it’s his thing. He’s very protective of it. Everything has to go right.”
Simon's brother used to run Faire, but now it's left to him. Everything has to go perfectly. He's rather particular about the details. As soon as the Faire starts, Simon- the uptight English teacher becomes Captain Blackthorne, the fun loving pirate who Emily- or Emma the tavern wench, loves to banter with. I loved the back and forth these two had. Their sexual tension was off the charts.
As Emily gets to know Simon, she understand why he is the way he is. And she starts to fall for him. Not only Captain Blackthorne, but Simon the person. No one is more surprised about this than her.
I’d known Simon for months now, and I’d seen different sides of him. Uptight rule-follower. Easygoing pirate. Both of those personas were stripped away now and I’d found a new Simon underneath. The real Simon. I liked him. A lot.
As Emily decides what to do with her life, whether she'll stay in Willow Creek once her sister gets better, or move on, Simon factors into that choice. I adored both Simon and Emily. Simon is my favorite kind of character. He was a bit high strung and Type A, but he has his reasons. I loved that Emily got to the root of who he truly was and loved him for it.
Well Met is a fantastic debut novel. I seriously will be reading anything and everything else this author writes. I hope we get some more from this world... maybe a Mitch book? The writing was great, the banter between the two characters- perfect, and the ending was swoony. This charming read was a gem of a book and I highly recommend it to all lovers of romance!...more
Mariana Zapata is the queen of slow burn romances and as soon as she releases a book, I read it. I was so excited to read The Best Thing. I fell in love with Lenny and Grandpa Gus when I read Luna and the Lie so I was sure I would love this story. I did. I loved it so much. It hit me more in the feels than any other book by this author. I swear, that epilogue... I sobbed. There was some intense ugly crying going on.
As much as I loved this book, this review is going to be rather short because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I will say, Zapata took one of my least favorite troupes and made me not hate it so much. I completely understood Lenny and why she did everything and I thought Jonah was the sweetest. Their romance is one of the slowest slow burns from this author, but I was perfectly fine with that.
It’s easy for people to love you when you’re doing things for them, when they get something out of it. But it isn’t so easy to find people who will still love you when you’re down and need help getting up. That’s when you really find out who’s with you for the right reasons.
One of my favorite things about this author's books is the secondary characters and how big of a focus they get in the stories she writes. Grandpa Gus may be my favorite secondary character in all of Zapata's books. My grandma was my bestie and a second mother to me. I was closer to her than anyone else in my life while she was alive and I think seeing Grandpa Gus and Lenny's relationship gave more feels than I would normally have because of that connection I had. I loved it so much. By far my favorite part of the book.
If you're in the mood for a slow burn romance and an epic book about family, friendship, and love- pick this one asap! It was on the long side, but I flew through it....more
This was perfect. I am so in love with these two! Nick and Charlie are the best and I can't wait to continue on with their story- I'm only sad5 stars
This was perfect. I am so in love with these two! Nick and Charlie are the best and I can't wait to continue on with their story- I'm only sad I have to wait 6 months for the next one to come out. I can't recommend the 'Heartstopper' graphic novels enough!...more
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Neat is the second Becker brother’s book, and as much as I enjoyed the first one, I loved this one so much more. And let me tell yo5 stars
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Neat is the second Becker brother’s book, and as much as I enjoyed the first one, I loved this one so much more. And let me tell you why… Logan freaking Becker! Logan is the Becker brother to beat. And good luck to the other two left because it will be a hard feat. I loved this boy so much!
The Becker family and the Scooter family have been feuding for decades over the whiskey distillery in town that their families founded together. Only the Scotters’ took all the credit for it, leaving the Beckers high and dry. Logan Becker is one of the middle Becker brothers and doesn’t date seriously. No one in town can hold his attention long enough. Then Mallory Scooter comes back to town. Mallory has always fascinated him, but he can’t ever go there.
We were the son and daughter of a bitter rival sparked to life decades ago and still burning hot today. There was no option for me to entertain my infatuation with her…
But now, he’s stuck training her. Mallory is a bit of a rebel, especially when it comes to her family. She’s never wanted to be a part of them or the distillery but when her dad offers her an art studio that she’s desperate for in exchange for working at the distillery for a few years, she begrudgingly decides to take him up on it. She doesn’t expect to like it there, but then again, she never expected someone like Logan Becker to be training her.
You know that bad boy/good girl troupe? Take that and reverse it. I loved that twist! Logan was definitely the good guy and Mallory had that bad girl attitude. Towards the start Mallory acted immature and unprofessional, and I wasn’t sure if I would like her. There was one scene in particular where she came to work acting all kinds of crazy and I was like nooooo, but she did end up winning me over as I got to know her better. She had a huge heart and I completely understood why she was a rebellious type of person.
Then there was Logan. Logan is particular, organized, and for lack of a better word, a neat freak. He loves to read and learn in his spare time and always gives 100% to his job and his family. I found everything about him so endearing. I adored him. When they say opposites attract, well, these two prove that to be true. Even though both of them know it’s a bad idea, there is this pull between them, this chemistry they can’t deny. And they both get tired of fighting it. But where could things possibly go between them? Only time can tell…
“Mallory?” “Yes?” “Do you think there’s a universe that exists where you could be mine?” “Let’s make one.”
Neat had so many things I love in a romance. Small town setting, enemies to lovers, Romeo/Juliet style forbidden love. It was sweet, fun, sexy, and emotional. And it had the perfect hero. Kandi’s writing always blows me away and this is one of my favorite books she’s written. I can’t recommend this book highly enough and I’m so looking forward to reading more of the Becker brother’s books!
We were inevitable, me and him. And maybe we knew it from the start.
“You’re the best thing to ever happen to me twice.”
Here to Stay is the conclusion of The Fish Tales series and one of the most beautiful and epic second-chance romances of two soul mates finding their way back to one another.
Daisy and Erik’s story is not always an easy one to read. It’s full of painful moments, soul-shattering things happen, but when two people are truly meant to be together, nothing can truly keep them apart.
“You broke and left, but then you came back. Because you were meant to be mine.”
If you’re like me you went into this one thinking, we’ve already gone through so much, surely this book will be an easy read. It will be a lovely HEA and all that. Well, it was the loveliest of HEA’s but it was not an easy read. For me personally, it was the hardest to read of the three books. I cried more in this one than I did reading the first two combined.
BUT my goodness it really showed how much growth Daisy and Erik had and the way they leaned on each other, loved each other, and showed each other their good, bad, and ugly through this tragedy was inspiring. They showed up for each other and nothing could diminish their love. Not even the worst thing imaginable. I also really loved watching Erik and Will heal their relationship.
"I love nobody and nothing. The way I love you.”
“You’re still the one I can tell anything. You’re still the one, when my sentences run out of words, you finish them by looking at me. But at the same time, you’re surprising me. I still get to discover you. I love who you’ve become. And I love that who I’ve become still works with you.”
This will forever be one of my favorite series of all time. These books are so special to me. It’s a story of love, forgiveness, healing, family, friendship, and survival. Daisy and Erik are true soul mates and this book was a masterpiece! If you’re looking for a series that’s real, raw, spectacularly written, and unputdownable, pick up The Fish Tales. You won’t regret it!!
“I love you so much,” he said. But his voice was hoarse and the first two words got lost. You so much. It settled into his heart like a creed. He said it again. “You so much.” She turned her head up to him. “So much you,” she said.”
I almost can’t believe that The Flatshare is a debut novel. Beth O’Leary delivered an original and fun to read romance that I adored.
Tiffy is looking for a place to live in London after another break up with her on again, off again ex-boyfriend Justin. The problem is, she can’t afford much. When she sees an ad for a Flatshare with a guy who works nights and is away on weekends, she jumps at it. Even if it does seem a bit odd at first.
Leon is a hospice nurse who works nights and is looking for some extra cash to help his brother. Renting out his flat is a quick and easy way to make it. He and Tiffy share the flat and the bed and even though they haven’t met in person, they quickly get to know each other.
The notes they write back and forth are adorable. It was one of my favorite things about this story. I loved the build up and the anticipation of when they would finally meet. And let me tell you... their first meeting didn’t disappoint.
Both Tiffy and Leon were exceptional characters. There were also some great secondary characters (Leon’s brother being my favorite). This book is a lovely romance, but it’s more than that. It’s a story of finding yourself and coming into your own. It’s beautiful, unique and complex.
I listened to the audio version of this story and the narrators were great. It was easy to listen to, well Tiffy’s chapters anyways. Leon’s chapters were hard to get used to. They’re written differently and are very choppy. It was difficult to get past that at first, but by the end I hardly noticed.
The Flatshare is a sweet and charming romance, but it also has a good bit of emotion and deals with some heavier topics (view spoiler)[ an emotionally abusive/manipulative/stalker ex-boyfriend (hide spoiler)]. Overall, I truly loved it. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
“It took us fifteen years to find each other, but we still did! And sometimes, family hurts each other. But after that's done you bandage each other up, and you move on. Together. You've got us now, like it or not, and we've got you.”
This book couldn’t have been more perfect for me. It had the absolute best family dynamic and gave me all the feels. This story moved me. It was inspirational and so so good.
Far from the Tree starts out with sixteen year old Grace who just gave birth to her own little girl. It was an impossible decision to make, but Grace decided to give her baby up to a loving family who could take care of her and give her the life she deserved. This made Grace start questioning who she is and where she comes from. She talked to her parents and decided it was time. Time for her to look for her own birth mother.
Grace was adopted as a baby and has grown up as an only child, but soon she finds out she has an older brother, Joaquin, who is seventeen, and a younger sister, Maya, who is fifteen. Maya, like Grace, was adopted as a baby, but Joaquin never was. I loved getting the perspective of all three siblings. All of their lives and stories were so different and the way it came together was so beautiful.
All the siblings stories were great and had something real and raw, but Joaquin’s story, especially broke my heart. By the end, I was crying buckets but they were mostly happy tears. I just loved this family. I listened to this book in audio format and it was narrated by Julia Whelan who does an incredible job voicing all of these characters.
Far from the Tree is very much a family focused book. It’s about adoption, birth families, and how family is family and it’s all the same because it’s all love. This was such an amazing book for me. It’s a contemporary YA with little to no romance, and that was perfectly fine with me. It was flawless just the way it was. I can’t recommend this book enough, I’m sure it will be making my top favorites read in 2019!...more
“People aren’t perfect. It’s not about loving them when it’s easy and convenient; it’s about loving them even more when it’s hard.”
I've read every book of Kim Holden's and what I love about her stories is they're always different and special. Her writing is truly a gift and the way she can tell a story is like no other. The Other Side is an important read. It's heart-wrenching, focuses on difficult topics, and is a book that needs to be read.
This book focuses on 17 year old Toby. It's written in the present day, but we also get a lot of scenes from 2 years back when Toby's life changed drastically. Toby's pain was real and raw and I felt it deep down. I ached for this boy. I don't want to go too far into his story because I think it will be much more impactful if you read it without knowing much.
I feel like this book tackled the deep depression/mental health topic very well. It's a hard thing to read about and I'm certain it's hard to write about, but it's something that needs to be talked about more and you could tell Kim knew how this felt and conveyed it in Toby's words and feelings.
Sadness is melancholy. Depression is a black hole of despair. I always imagine it’s like drowning. There are short bursts of fresh air, like Alice, but the past, the hopelessness, the guilt, and self-loathing is a pair of lead shoes that always pull me back under.
I loved seeing the other side of Toby. I wasn't sure what direction that was going in, but it was so well done. My heart was so happy and I shed a few happy tears. Honestly, that last 25% was just a sob fest for me. Some tears were happy, some were sad, but it felt cathartic.
This story is profound. It's emotional, heavy, and breathtaking. It's not an easy read, but I hope people pick it up and get something out of it like I did. I loved the connections the characters had, the way they held each other up and the love that was there. Thank you Kim Holden for this book, and for sharing this story with the world. You are loved and you are important. Hugs....more
Kennedy Ryan never ceases to amaze me with her words. She has raw talent and her stories always have important messages, make me think, and make me feel. The Kingmaker is different than her previous books in many ways, but it’s still got that epic feel that all her stories have.
Lennix and Maxim meet at a pipeline protest. They are both there for different reasons, but they connect. Lennix is 17 and Maxim is in his early twenties, so it’s not the right time for them. Not yet. Fast-forward a few years, and they meet again in Amsterdam. The timing still isn’t right for them, but this time, they can’t stay away from one another. They spend time together that changes them forever, but they both have to get back to changing the world.
“Do what you need to do. Change your world,” he says softly, his eyes connected to mine so intensely there’s no hope of looking away. “I have to go make my world, but when the time is right, I’ll be back for you.”
Lennix is Native American and her heritage means so much to her. Maxim is born to a rich father who has completely different ideas than he does. They are truly from different worlds, but they fit. They are separated again by many years, but that connection they’ve shared has never wavered. If anything, it’s only grown stronger with time.
There is a secret, something Maxim has left out of telling Lennix and one that puts a divide between them. But now they’re back in each others lives, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get her back.
She was a candle lit and extinguished too quickly, but the smoke of what we had has endured, lingering in the air all these years.
Lennix and Maxim both want to change the world. They both have that drive and determination and I admired both of them so much. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you which one I loved more. It would be impossible to choose. There is no damsel in distress in this story. Lennix is one of the strongest, most courageous heroines. And Maxium. Sigh. He was strong in his own right, but also 100% supportive and not intimidated by this strong woman. He only wanted her at his side.
While reading, I was obsessed with this book. Obsessed with Lennix and Maxim. Seriously, the second book can’t come soon enough. There is a bit of a cliffhanger, but don’t let that deter you from reading. Book 2 is out in just a few weeks!
The Kingmaker is a story of passion. It has an incredible prose, is thought provoking, and has so much heart. It’s an important story that needs to be read, and I can’t recommend it enough!!
We make a universe of our own. It’s just us, and this is where I want to be. She is where I want to be.
I’m not sure if I’ve EVER had this much fun reading a book. Or laughed as hard while reading. Or had such a HUGE BOOK HANGOVER. I am obsessed with this story. Days after reading and my mind was still on Theo and Laney. I love a lot of books, but rarely do they stay with me like this or have such an impact. Especially the rom-com types, but this book was truly exceptional!
Have you ever heard the term ‘Nice guys finish last’? Theo certainly has. He’s always been the nice guy, the band geek, the sweetheart, and he’s never got the girl. He’s roommates with Troy, who is is opposite. Star of the football team and all around ladies man. Then Theo meets Laney. Way out of his league, but they click.
“We can hang out,” she smiles back at me as she rolls away, “ and live our realest life.”
Laney and Theo become the best of friends. Laney usually goes for the hot guys, the Troys of the world. It’s not that Theo is unattractive, he’s just overlooked. The closer these two become as friends, the more Laney begins to really see Theo.
We’re polar opposites. I’m way too country and he’s a whole lot of everything else. We shouldn’t fit, but we do, and our fit is nothing short of spectacular.
Friends to lovers is one of my absolute favorite troupes and this was done perfectly. You saw the build up right before your eyes. It’s funny how people become so much more beautiful to you when you truly get to know them. The friendship, the anticipation, the sexual tension, and the explosiveness when it finally comes to fruition… gah! I love it!
The Guy on the Right is by far the funniest book I’ve read all year and one of the funniest books I’ve read ever. There was one scene I laughed so hard I was crying. (view spoiler)[ “Listen to me, Housman, we weren’t supposed to eat that much. We are Snoop Dog at the Chronic Olympics high. We have an Uber coming in five minutes. I need you to find your feet.” “I dunno that’s plauisbble.” OMG I WAS DYING!!!!!!!! (hide spoiler)] It was hilarious, had a ton of heart, and just the right amount of angst. I don’t say this lightly, but it was seriously the perfect book. There wasn’t one thing I didn’t absolutely love about it. Watching Theo and Laney fall for one another was everything.
I might’ve fallen slowly but I just landed impossibly deep.
Fellow readers, you need this book in your life. I read the entire thing from cover to cover in one night. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t recommend it enough. I love new adult romances and books that make me laugh, smile, and feel. This book had all that in spades. And as always, Kate Stewart’s writing was impeccable. The humor was spot on and it was just so great. I could go on and on about how much I loved it, but I think you get it by now! A top top favorite of the year and one I highly recommend!
Written with You is the epic conclusion of Aly Martinez's newest duet. I don't know how she continues to shock me with all these twists and turns, but reading an Aly Martinez book is so refreshing because I never know what I'm getting. There was a huge twist in book 1 that I never saw coming and then, just when I thought I had everything figured out- bam. Another one hit and it hit hard.
This story is so hard to review without spoilers for the first book, so it may be a little vague. It's really best to go into these books blind and enjoy the ride. This couple has a lot in their pasts to work through. Their relationship isn't easy, it's insanely complicated, but it's apparent that they belong together.
This is a book you won't be able to put down. I read it in one evening. Once I started it, there was no way I was doing anything else. It was a story of forgiveness, love, and acceptance. These characters had been through so much and had to dig deep to heal and move past their past.
If you're looking for an epic story that's completely unputdownable, look no further. The Regret Duet is just that. Intense, sexy, angsty, emotional, and full of twists and turns, this is a series you don't want to miss out on.
Our relationship was born in a tragedy, but I had faith we could flourish in the fortune of the seconds on the other side.
“You’ll always be my first love, Ava. Everything else is insignificant.”
After reading Heartache & Hope I was super anxious to read this book. I mean, I loved the first book so much. What are the odds that this one would be just as good? I don’t know, but I shouldn’t have been surprised that this book was just as good as the first. It was seriously the perfect conclusion of Ava and Connor’s story. Perfection. Jay McLean blew me away once again with her magical words and epic storytelling.
The first book in this series left us in a bit of a rocky place. Ava and Connor both love each other but sometime there are other obstacles. Sometimes family comes first and sometimes things aren’t easy. But love always conquers all. Jay will make you believe in love. Love isn’t always easy, but it’s always always worth it.
This book is the perfect combination of fun, angst, humor, emotion, and romance. It left me breathless. It was truly a stunning conclusion. I was captivated from the first page until the last. This is the very best duet I’ve ever read and both of these books will be on my favorites list for 2019.
This is a magical story of first love and forever love. It’s a book that will make you feel, make you laugh, make you cry, and leave you with the biggest smile on your face. It is a must read and I 100% recommend this to all!!
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