A one-night stand, and meeting again 18 years later for a second-chance: this pretty much sums up the story of Naomi and Nathan. But besides our couplA one-night stand, and meeting again 18 years later for a second-chance: this pretty much sums up the story of Naomi and Nathan. But besides our couple getting back together, there is so much more going on in Love in Due Time… I have enjoyed reading this book very much.
When Naomi and Nathan first met, they were young and wild. Nowadays Nathan is still a bit wild (and a responsible dad), but Naomi is living a very quiet, solitary life. Her past has shaped her, making her think a relationship is not for her. In the past, Nathan hasn’t always made the right choices, but now he’s a responsible guy, raising his two girls by himself. Naomi and Nathan both know they have changed a lot over the years, but what hasn’t changed is the chemistry between them.
At first sight, Naomi seems to be a bit odd. A lonely librarian, practicing Wiccan and the center of some town gossip. But as the story progresses, and more about Naomi’s past is revealed, I felt so sorry for her. It also explains so much about her, about her thoughts and actions. Nathan is a single guy, but his main focus are his daughters. I love how Nathan doesn’t give up on Naomi, and that Naomi finally finds the happiness she so much deserves.
Love in Due Time is my first book by this author, and I’ve enjoyed reading it. It has a great leading couple, a whole set of interesting side characters, a bit of suspense, really a bit of everything. It took me a bit to get used to the writing, but once I ‘was in’, I couldn’t put the book down (yes, I finished it in one sitting). This is certainly not my last book by L.D. Dunbar, and I can’t wait for the other books in the series.
I love Naomi and Nathan, and their second-chance at love. I give their story 4 stars.
After that ending of the previous book, I needed Between Now and Heartbreak so badly. I had so many questions and thoughts about what could happen nexAfter that ending of the previous book, I needed Between Now and Heartbreak so badly. I had so many questions and thoughts about what could happen next. Beth and Carter are both trying to move on, but both are hurting. I love this second part of their story, but I really need Beth and Carter to be happy, and together.
To the outside world Beth seems to be a happy woman; rich, good-looking and with a set future. But inside she’s oh so broken. She misses Carter and how he makes her feel, and she can’t make her own choices anymore. Well, she can, but making a different choice has consequences she can’t face. Carter isn’t the happiest either. He thinks a lot about Beth, and he’s trying to find out the truth about his own past. In each other, Beth and Carter find the peace and love they so much need, but sadly it’s not the time for their Happily Ever After yet.
My heart breaks for Carter and Beth. The love between them is so real, but circumstances keep getting between them. And I’m not talking about easily solved issues. Beth and Carter have a lot of personal matters to deal with; hidden pasts, untold truths and evil relatives. Every time you think it can’t get worse; another horrible curve ball is thrown at them. Dylan Allen is so kind to remind us about the Prologue of Between Now and Forever in her Afterword of this book, so you know all will be okay. But still, Beth and Carter have to face a lot before they can be truly together.
I love Between Now and Heartbreak, with all its angst and hurt. I give it 5 stars.
Sometimes upcoming books make me a bit nervous. Not that I don’t trust the author to do her characters justice, but there’s something in the blurb thaSometimes upcoming books make me a bit nervous. Not that I don’t trust the author to do her characters justice, but there’s something in the blurb that tells me it won’t be an easy road to a happily ever after. Between Now and Forever is such a book for me. I love Beth and Carter, but I need the rest of their story asap…
Beth and Carter both come from privilege. But where Carter has a loving, supportive family, Beth has grown up very differently. Love and kindness aren’t things she’s familiar with (besides her brother), but she craves a normal life. Carter has his own demons to fight, but when he meets Beth, he can’t help himself, he needs to know her. Beth and Carter are a sweet couple, but it’s not their moment yet.
I love Beth, and I feel so sorry for her. I want to hug her and tell she will be okay. Carter is a great guy, but he’s having a hard time. But unlike Beth, he has the support of his loved ones. Beth, Carter, and their way to each other are the focus of the book of course, but there is much more going on. Family secrets and hidden truths are a great part of the story, but their meaning is unsure yet.
Between Now and Forever is the first book in the ‘Forever Trilogy’ and gives us the beginning of the story of Carter and his Beth. The story is told from a double POV, giving both leading characters a voice. Like other books by Dylan Allen it’s beautiful written, and at some points very realistic. Do I like all what happens? No… But it’s fitting and necessary for the unfolding story.
I love Between Now and Forever; I give the first part of Beth and Carter’s story 5 stars.
Young love and two teenagers from very different worlds. It sounds romantic, but sadly it’s a love doomed to fail. Once Upon a Bad Boy tells the storyYoung love and two teenagers from very different worlds. It sounds romantic, but sadly it’s a love doomed to fail. Once Upon a Bad Boy tells the story of Sadie and Bo, who spend a lot of childhood summers together, and who haven’t seen each other for more then a decade. I have enjoyed reading their story.
Sadie is an actress who has scored her first leading role in a major movie. Playing a role in a soap opera and several small parts in other movies has been fun, but Sadie is ready for more. And for her role in Fair is Fair, a lot of action is required. Enter Bo, professional stunt coordinator, to help with the action moves and keeping the actors safe. Unknown to the rest of the crew, Sadie and Bo have a history. A sweet, beautiful, sad and painful history. And seeing each other again, brings back all the good and bad feelings.
Sadie is a sweetheart who knows what she wants. And that is the live her life, without taking advantage of her parents’ money. Bo was her first love, first everything, and their breakup has hurt her badly. Well, Bo broke up with her, all Sadie could do was watch him walk away. Bo had his reasons for breaking up with Sadie (his teenage self thought it was the only solution), but he knew getting over her would be hard. Now as adults Sadie and Bo are reconnecting, but they also have to talk about their past. I love this couple, but at the same time I want to shake some sense into them. Sadie for keeping her secrets to herself, Bo for making that stupid decision in the past.
Once Upon a Bad Boy is the third book in the ‘Sometimes in Love Series’, and I really like it. It’s a second-chance story about two people who were together as teenagers, and who meet again as adults. We also see the couples from the previous books and meet the leading ladies for future books to come. Bo and Sadie are a charming leading couple, you just want all their secrets out in the open so they both can heal and be together at last...
Love, happiness, lost dreams and changed futures. A lot happens throughout your life, and your siblings see most of it. The Lemon Sisters tells the stLove, happiness, lost dreams and changed futures. A lot happens throughout your life, and your siblings see most of it. The Lemon Sisters tells the story of total opposites Brooke and Mindy. At times it was very serious story, but it also made me giggle and swoon.
Brooke and Mindy are sisters, but they can’t be more different. Brooke is doesn’t do commitment and stays clear from close relationships, Mindy is married to love-of-her-life and mom of three kids. When disaster strikes in Mindy’s life (or so she thinks), she turns to Brooke for help, and suddenly Brooke finds herself in the one place she avoids at all costs; Wildstone. Add Brooke’s old love Garrett and Mindy’s hubby Linc to the mix, and you get a whole interesting story…
Brooke seems like the cool chick who has it all figured out, but not all is what it seems. She had her reasons to run away from Garrett and Wildstone, and I so wish she told everybody everything so much sooner. Nobody can go through something like that alone. You need your loved ones around you. Mindy is a bit different story, and she reminds me of myself. Busy mom, doing her very best and sometimes forgetting herself a bit. And an over vivid imagination isn’t helping as well…
The Lemon Sisters is about Brooke and Mindy, but also about Linc and Garrett. Mindy, Linc and Garrett have their POV, but most of the story is told through the eyes of Brooke. The story of Garrett and Brooke is serious with some sad moments, the storyline of Mindy and her Linc is much more fun. Yes, it’s also touching, but its much lighter. And their kids do their best to make it fun. I love the book, and the two totally different storylines; one heavy with sorrow and regrets, the other one very familiar to a lot of moms out there.
There are two sides to every story; especially to a story of two young people who love each other, but who are forced apart. Broken Halo tells the stoThere are two sides to every story; especially to a story of two young people who love each other, but who are forced apart. Broken Halo tells the story of Ellie and Trig; a couple that clearly belongs together, but who have deal with the ugly truths of their past. I love this second-chance story.
“History. It can tear you up and put you back together in a way you’ll never look the same.”
Ellie is a single mom and still recovering from the ordeal her death ex-husband has put her through. She’s absolutely not sad about his death and is even regretting the day she met him. Well, that’s not entirely true. She loves their son Griffin; the little boy is her everything. When Ellie sees her ex-boyfriend/love of her life Trig again, her heart hurts. All the memories – good and bad – are coming back full force. The same goes for Trig. Losing Ellie has hurt him in the worst way, and he realizes he needs answers to find some peace.
“What are you doing?” “Shh.” His hush tickles my temple and I tense, waiting for … something. Another touch, his warmth, his lips…”
My heart breaks for Ellie and Trig. They were so in love as youngsters. They made plans, even though they knew their families wouldn’t approve. And boy, how right they were. Fast forward 10 years, and Ellie and Trig are still not over their breakup. Yes, they both have moved on, but they’re still thinking about the other, believing in the ugly stories other people have told them. I was so happy when all was out in the open, and Ellie and Trig finally got their so deserved Happily Ever After.
Broken Halo is the second book in the ‘Montgomery Series’ and is a bit different then the first book. Book one was more fun, but this book is far more serious. And that’s not weird given the history of Ellie and Trig. They have to work through some painful things, so I’m happy with the way Brynne Asher has written their story. But there also a lot of similarities with other books by this author; a sweet leading lady, an Alpha hero, a few bad guys and a whole bunch of friendly, supportive side characters. I love Broken Halo; Ellie and Trig are an amazing couple, and I love their story (even though it made my heart hurt a bit…)
“My angel.” I am. I’ve always been his. I might look different than I ever have, but I’m better. And I’m not broken anymore.”
Falling all over again for The One that got away. Would you give it a chance, or do you believe a past love should remain a past love? The Edge of ForFalling all over again for The One that got away. Would you give it a chance, or do you believe a past love should remain a past love? The Edge of Forever tells the story of Aria and Weston, who have known each other practically their whole lives. I love them as a couple, and I adore their story.
“I fell in love with Aria Davenport on top of her roof, under the stars. I can’t even pretend that I didn’t.”
Growing up, Aria and Weston live next to each other, and since he’s best friends with her brother, they meet a lot. Over the years their friendship starts to change in something different but given their circumstances they try to keep it not-serious. Fast-forward 10 years… Aria and Weston are living their lives; she as a successful artist, he as a surgeon. Both have been with other people, but both still think about The One that got away from time to time. And now, unexpectedly they get a second chance…
“His proximity is too much. I can’t stand it. I have no idea how to react to it.”
I love Aria and Weston. As a couple, but also as individuals. Aria is a young artist who lives for her painting and stays true to herself. She has some very close friends who know her well, also how she truly felt about Weston. Weston himself is a hardworking surgeon. His career choice has cost him a lot, but this is what he has always wanted. Meeting again is an unsuspected surprise, but giving their love a second change is a whole different story. Aria and Weston have a lot to talk about, not just about their current life and future, but also very much about their past. Luckily this is a romantic story, so you have an idea about the ending.
The Edge of Forever is the second book in the ‘Edge Series’, and I was a bit worried I would miss the background information from book 1. Luckily this was not the case, but I’m curious now for the story of Halle and Jonah. The Edge of Forever is written in a pleasant style and reads easily away. The story is told from a double POV; giving Aria and Weston their own voices, letting the reader see their inner thoughts. I love the realness of this couple. Both are not perfect, both have their insecurities and doubts, but both know real love is worth fighting for.
“Painfully exquisitely perfect. That’s us. And it’s just our start.”
Getting over the guy who has broken your heart big time, while everybody wants a piece of you. Would you be able to put on a brave face? Forgetting AiGetting over the guy who has broken your heart big time, while everybody wants a piece of you. Would you be able to put on a brave face? Forgetting Aiden tells the story of Eva, who just got out of long-time relationship. She wants to move on, but can she forget her ex Aiden?
“I can hardly breathe. It’s like a piece of me is missing that I can’t get back.”
Eva is a very successful twenty-two-year-old actress and singer, who just loves her career. Her personal life however is a bit of a mess. Eva has broken things off with her boyfriend of six years. Not that she fell out of love with Aiden, but his antics and stupid decisions became too much to life with. Newly single Eva has all the freedom in the world but getting over Aiden isn’t as easy as she thought it would be.
“I’m just afraid of building space between us. What if he changes his mind about us? What if I do? What does “us” even mean?”
Eva is a strong and proud young woman. Yes, she’s still sad and angry about how it all ended with Aiden, but she’s ready to move on. Not just from him, but also to take the next step in her career. I feel sorry for Eva that she lost her Aiden, but I’m happy she doesn’t dwell on it. She goes on with her life (with a bit of help) and tries to forget him the best she can. Seeing Aiden again however, makes Eva question everything.
Forgetting Aiden is Juliet Picard’s debut book. She isn’t a stranger to writing, but this is her first full length romantic story. It’s told from Eva’s point of view, giving her side of all the events. It leaves me curious for Aiden’s side of the story, because for him it must have been a difficult period as well. I like the characters and the story, it is an entertaining, naughty read. My only ‘problem’ with the book is the ending; there is so much going on. And for me, that took away from Eva and Aiden. I wanted to read more about them finding their happy, more about them being a couple again.
“Juliet died without her Romeo, and I know I would too. Thankfully, in our romance film, both Romeo and Juliet lived to see another day, as did we.”
Painful family secrets, broken dreams and years without each other, can true love overcome these things? The Legend tells the heartbreaking and beautiPainful family secrets, broken dreams and years without each other, can true love overcome these things? The Legend tells the heartbreaking and beautiful story of Kal and Remi. Their love is a given fact, but the road to their Happily Ever After isn’t the easiest one. I adore this book, plain and simple.
“That summer, we found something special with each other. Something, we’d never find with anyone else again. I was just a kid, but I knew it in my bones, then. I still know it, now.”
Young Kal and Remi met and fell hard, but their young love didn’t survive the harsh reality of their very different worlds. Fast forward 14 years later where Kal and Remi are both grownups with adult lives and responsibilities. But what hasn’t changed are the deep, overwhelming feelings they had and still have for each other. A job opportunity from Kal gives the couple the opportunity to spend time together, to reconnect and to find out if they can give their love another chance.
“There’s no space between us, and I could stay right here forever. “We still feel each other. Want each other.”
Remi and Kal, just swoon. They’re cute together as teenagers, and I was hurting with them when everything fell apart. Grown up Kal and Remi are amazing; they’re strong, they’re loveable, but unhappy when it comes to love. They’re ‘the one’ for each other, but life has kept them separately for years. When they reconnect, their love isn’t in question, but they do have a lot to talk about; their past, the future and what happened.
Kal and Remi are an amazing couple, and they deserve that hard-fought, all-consuming love. And luckily, Dylan Allen gives them exactly that. There were moments I wanted to yell at the couple, other times I just wanted to hug them. Remi and Kal are both products of their upbringing, which dictates their actions and reactions to a certain degree. But luckily, they also listen to their heart’s desires, giving their love a second change.
“You’re the love of my life,” I tell him. “You are the love of mine. That deserves at least a million chances, don’t you think?”
The Legend is the second book in the ‘Rivers Wilde Series’, and continues the story the has started in The Legacy. The Legend is a standalone love story, but I highly recommend reading the first book first (due to spoilers, and besides that, it’s an amazing story). The reconnection of Remi and his Kal are the main focus of the story, but the history of Remi’s family is an interesting secondary storyline. I felt deeply for all involved, and I couldn’t help thinking life would have been very different, if there has been less pride, less hurt and less entitlement.
“I’ve always been by myself.” “Not anymore. And as long as I’m alive, you won’t be again.” Be still my beating heart. This magnificent man is mine. He always has been.”
Can a young love broken apart by outside force be repaired? Can they overcome all hurting thoughts? More of You tells the story of Faith and Jace, whoCan a young love broken apart by outside force be repaired? Can they overcome all hurting thoughts? More of You tells the story of Faith and Jace, who fell deeply in love as teenagers. But life isn’t always fair. I love how this couple gets a second change to build their dream future together.
“I’d known the second I met her this girl was more. Forever more, she’d be my everything.”
Faith is hurting. Her husband is gone, and she’s dealing with the aftermath. She wants to be okay, she wants to continue what they started, but she just can’t. It’s all too much, too soon, too painful. Seeing her old love Jace again doesn’t make it any easier. Jace is hurting as well, he wants to help Faith anyway he can, sees it as his duty. Slowly Faith and Jace start to get to know each other again, but it isn’t easy. They have a whole past, and other people have their opinion as well.
“Visions slammed me. What that would be like. Jace over me. Our bodies drenched in sweat. The expression he’d wear on his face. Heat flashed. Too much. Overwhelming.”
Faith is a sweetheart who’s going through a horrible time. She thought she had everything, but now she’s finding out not all is what it seems. I feel so sorry for her, her life is really falling apart. Adding Jace to the mix makes it even harder, but he is her true love. Jace is an honorable man who has overcome a lot. From being the kid from the wrong side of the tracks he’s now a respectable businessman, ready to re-claim the love of his life. Their road to their happily ever after isn’t an easy one, but they get there.
Like other books by A.L. Jackson, More of You is a true love story; filled with emotions, sweet moments and painful truths. It’s also written in true A.L. Jackson style, just the reason why I love her books. More of You is the first book in the ‘Confessions of the Heart Series’, I can’t wait for the other books.
“When I close my eyes, I see you. When I think of you, I see us together. When I look at you, I see where I belong. I see you.”
How is it for a person, to remember everything. Every spoken word, even from years ago. Dr. Strange Beard is the story of Roscoe Winston – one of the How is it for a person, to remember everything. Every spoken word, even from years ago. Dr. Strange Beard is the story of Roscoe Winston – one of the Winston siblings – and Simone Payton, who used to be friends… I love this book; the couple and the story!
“I would not remember how warm she was or how her cheek and lips felt next to the skin of my neck. I will not. Dammit. I was so screwed.”
Teenage Roscoe and Simone are the best of friends, until they aren’t. One day all is mighty fine, the next day Roscoe just vanishes from Simone’s life, completely ghosting her. And the reason? Simone doesn’t have a clue, and after a while she just pretends all is ok (even though it hurts). Fast forward ten years and Roscoe and Simone are both responsible adults with adult jobs; he’s a veterinarian, she works for the FBI. Seeing each other again is awkward, but Simone and Roscoe keep finding excuses to meet up.
“I moaned, or he did. Whatever. And apparently Roscoe did control space and time, and sound, because everything stopped and faded. There was only him and his lips moving against mine.”
Roscoe and Simone are both good people, but their pasts have shaped them. We know all about the dysfunctionality of the Winston household from the previous books, and Roscoe’s experience with daddy-dearest is just as bad. As the youngest of the bunch he hasn’t spend much time with the guy, but Roscoe can’t stand him for what he did to his siblings. Simone has grown up with wonderful, loving parents, but she has been taught to be cautious, to always be careful. Sadly, this is a reality for people with a non-white skin. But that hasn’t stopped her to get where she wanted to be. Roscoe and Simone clearly belong together, they just need to get their heads in the same direction.
Dr. Strange Beard is already the fifth book in the ‘Winston Brother Series’, and like the other books it’s a very entertaining read about a bearded hot – but slightly weird – guy and the woman he falls for. Besides the obvious development of the feelings Simone and Roscoe still have for each other, there’s a lot more going on. Simone is busy with her job, and Daddy Winston and his MC gang friends pop up a few times. I love the whole mix of events; it’s everything from sweet love to mayhem and everything in between.
“You are in my heart. You have shaped my soul. Nothing—nothing—will change that for me.”
Can you fall in love again with the guy that broke your heart? Can you make it work with the girl that had your heart all along? Hold You Close tells Can you fall in love again with the guy that broke your heart? Can you make it work with the girl that had your heart all along? Hold You Close tells the story of London and Ian, who have known each other a long time. There were moments I wanted to punch Ian, but overall, I’ve enjoyed this sweet story.
“Why did he kiss me today? Why is there still this spark between us? How is it possible to hate someone and still want his hands on you? I need answers.”
London is a successful sales analyst working many hours, Ian is the owner of a popular nightclub, who loves to party during his free time. London and Ian go way back; she is the best friend of his sister Sabrina and they were friends themselves as well. They even had a ‘moment’ in their late teens, but Ian made sure it did not go any further. Nowadays Sabrina is the only thing they have in common, otherwise they stay away from each other as much as possible. Until everything changes; Sabrina and her husband die and leave three children behind. For those children, London and Ian call a truce and both want what’s best for them.
“I need your help.” I laugh right in his face. “That took less time than I thought.” Ian runs his hand down his face and mutters under his breath. “Did you think it was easy to say that?” “Do you think I care?”
I really like London; she’s a very loyal friend, she works hard and knows what she wants. Losing her best friend is devastating, but she knows she has to go on for her kids. I understand her struggles when it comes to Ian; he’s the first guy she loved, he hurt her badly, she knows all about his playboy ways… But still, love works in mysterious ways… Ian, what should I say. On one hand he has built a successful business, on the other hand he’s over-the-top when it comes to women (sorry, hookups) and relationships. Some of his immature actions and furnishing of his spare bedrooms really made my eyes role. Sorry Ian, just no…
Hold You Close is a collaboration of Corrine Michaels and Melanie Harlow, and I’ve enjoyed it. I’m a fan of both authors, so I was curious what they would do together. The story has its sad moments of course, but seeing London and Ian fall for each other again was sweet. Add a couple of (very mature) kids in the mix makes the story even more real, it was good to see Ian grow in his new role as a parent. From the get-go it’s obvious London and Ian still have feelings for each other, but their road to a Happily Ever After isn’t the easiest one.
“I don’t think. I don’t move. I don’t even breathe. All I can do is feel. And in my heart I know this is my dream—this man, this family, this life we’re building together.”
Sometimes the past doesn’t stay in the past, and brings back a lost love, hurt feelings and the promise of a second-chance. Pieces of Us tells the stoSometimes the past doesn’t stay in the past, and brings back a lost love, hurt feelings and the promise of a second-chance. Pieces of Us tells the story of Mack and Izzy who fell hard for each other as teenagers, and now as adults get a chance at a do-over. I love this emotional story.
“I knew he was more dangerous than any casual passerby could ever be. Dangerous to me. To my heart and my world and everything that remained the most precious.”
Mack and Izzy go way back. As kids they live next to each other, but their lives are very different. Izzy has loving parents, but Mack’s dad is the complete opposite. Of course, the friendship between Izzy and Mack changes into love during their teenage years, but Mack feels he isn’t good enough for Izzy. She doesn’t believe that, until he proves to be the worst and she leaves town. Fast forward thirteen years… Mack is a police detective who doesn’t do commitment, and Izzy returns home for the first time for some much-needed help. The chemistry between them is still there, but our couple has a lot to talk about.
“She’d been my ending. My collision. The breaking point of who I’d been and who I’d come to be.”
Izzy is an independent woman who can takes care of herself and her two boys, but now she needs the help of her parents. Going back to the town where she got hurt so badly isn’t what she wants, but sometimes the support of family is more important than yourself. As a mom I fully understand Izzy; I understand her hopes and dreams for herself and her sons, but also why she is hesitant about Mack. Mack is a ladies-man, but Izzy has always been different. I get where he is coming from, but at the same time I hate what he did to her. Izzy and Mack still love each other, but the road to their HEA isn’t the easiest.
Pieces of Us is the third book in the ‘Confessions of the Heart Series’ and brings the reader back to Charleston. Mack and Izzy are the main couple of course, but the couples from the previous books are present as well. Pieces of Us is a second-chance story; Izzy and Mack had a true love as teenagers, but forces beyond their control pulled them apart. I was so happy when all was out in the open, and that Izzy and Mack are finally able to have the love of a lifetime.
“Until we were flying. High, high above the trees. Where we’d always belonged. Where he was my forever. Endless.”
Getting back together with the person who broke your heart? A good idea or not? In the case of Chad and Lola it is actually a good idea, because not aGetting back together with the person who broke your heart? A good idea or not? In the case of Chad and Lola it is actually a good idea, because not all is what it seems. Sucker Punch tells their chaotic story, with all its ups and downs.
“First kisses, first dances, first everythings. My mouth goes dry, all the moisture filling up in my eyes. I won’t allow the tears to break free, but they’re there, just below the surface.”
Chad and Lola have been best friends forever, who fell in love at a very young age. They were each other’s everything, until it all blew up in their faces. Fast forward a few years. Chad is finally ready to take another shot at love (or something that looks like love), and Lola is dealing with the mess that has become her life. When Chad and Lola meet again it’s explosive, and it’s very clear they still have feelings for each other. Feelings they don’t want to have but can’t ignore.
“There’s something about her, something inside us that can’t be ignored. We become animals. It’s instinct. I can’t bury it and if I ignore it, it’ll consume me.”
Chad and Lola, what do I say… They are messy, in-your-face and not sure about each other. Chad is your typical guy with a broken heart. He doesn’t talk about it, but under the surface there’s a world of hurt and anger. Boxing is his life, and it keeps him going. Lola is no prissy princess. She might look the part, but she’s a hellion who doesn’t mind throwing in a few punches herself. I love the two of them together.
Sucker Punch is the second collaboration between Eva Logan and Ashleigh Giannoccaro and is about one of my favorite storylines; a second-chance love story. Chad and Lola had something special, but it got ruined badly and both have different ideas about what broke them apart. I hate what happened to this couple, but I love that they find their messy way back to each other. Their story isn’t always pretty, but it’s realistic (love isn’t always a fairytale, right?).
“I love you, Lola. You have been mine since the day I saw you wearing pigtails and pink socks. I knew I loved you even then.”
The ending of Motion has left Mona (and us readers) with a lot of questions. Luckily, the wait for Space hasn’t been that long. It has be4.5 stars
The ending of Motion has left Mona (and us readers) with a lot of questions. Luckily, the wait for Space hasn’t been that long. It has been 2,5 years since the events from Motion took place; Mona and Abram have had a lot of time to think about what happened. And now it’s time for take 2.
“Move. Stay in motion. Keep moving. Move on, Mona.”
For the past two-and-a-half years, Mona has thrown herself into her studies and work. She’s widely known and acknowledged for her sharp mind and groundbreaking thoughts, but there’s also a more girly Mona. A Mona who still thinks about Abram, and what he made her feel. Abram is angry and confused about the events. He’s going on with his life, but Mona is on the back of his mind. When they meet again, Abram and Mona have a lot to talk about…
“I stared at her and I was afraid, because I knew. My whole life, from this point forward, I would be a fool for Mona DaVinci.”
Mona and Abram are both young people passionate about what they do. Mona seems a cold, emotionless genius to the outside world, but people close to her know much better. Abram is a sensitive musician, and he’s angry with Mona, but at the same time he wants to be with her. For the most part of the book its Abram and Mona reconnecting, trying to figure out their feelings.
Space is the second part of the Laws of Physics Trilogy and is set two-and-a-half years after the first book. Mona and Abram are both older and wiser now (well, sort of), and have had a lot of time to think about the other one. Motion was told from just Mona’s POV, but in Space Abram and Mona both have a voice. Mona is still her normal quirky self, but there’s so much more to Abram to meets the eye. I love Mona and Abram for each other, I can’t wait for the rest of their story.
“He was so warm. “I love you,” he said. “Trust me,” he said. What else could I do? I did.”
Can you survive assumptions, can you get past half-trues and lies? Envy tells the heartbreaking and angst-y story of Apollo and Graham, for who a HappCan you survive assumptions, can you get past half-trues and lies? Envy tells the heartbreaking and angst-y story of Apollo and Graham, for who a Happily Ever After doesn’t come easy. While I was sometimes angry, sometimes sad while reading Envy, I simply love this book.
“Once upon a time, he had been my compass. My star. But, I can’t do this anymore. Not for one more day. Loving Graham is killing me. Slowly. Softly. Surely.”
Apollo and Graham meet as young teenagers. They’re from very different backgrounds, but both share a similar devastating loss, and both are dealing with the aftermath. In each other they find a true friend, and over the years they share a lot; hopes and dreams. Slowly, their friendship starts to change into love, but due to Apollo’s age Graham is trying to do the right thing. Before they can finally give into their feelings for each other, everything falls apart. Years later both have moved on (or so it seems), but Apollo and Graham still have feelings for each other.
“He’s mine. And I’m his. I lean forward, rise up on the tips of my toes and press my lips to his. It’s a light kiss. But there’s so much promise and passion in it.”
Graham is a great kid / young man who wants to do what is right. He wants to take care of the people he loves, what changes his life into something he despises, but he can’t get away. Graham comes to terms with his work (kind of), but Apollo is always on his mind. Apollo is a sweet girl, a wise girl beyond her years. She loves Graham with all her heart, until he walks out of her life without a real explanation or anything. The only thing she has left are her assumptions and social media painting a certain picture, so all she can do is moving on. When they meet again it’s angst-y and messy, but this time love conquers all.
My feelings for Envy are all over the place. I went from sad, to angry, to happy, and all the feelings in between. The story of Apollo and Graham is not a fairytale; it hurts, it’s real and it’s messy. So are Graham and Apollo. Especially Graham makes some bad decisions that cost him almost everything. I was so proud of him when he finally had the courage to walk away. Graham and Apollo’s journey was hard, but they have their Happily Ever After.
“I feel like I have known this woman in a thousand lives and will in a thousand more …”
What happens when you go back to the town you came from, and meet your old life and love again? Will old wounds open, will there be anger? On the EdgeWhat happens when you go back to the town you came from, and meet your old life and love again? Will old wounds open, will there be anger? On the Edge of Regret tells the story of Brix, who left her hometown at 15, and now returns after an absence of six years. I’ve enjoyed reading this emotional story very much.
“He flips his hand over and slides his hand toward me so that our palms are touching. His fingers graze my wrist, then he gives my hand a squeeze. I smile at him, and he at me, and I know that all is forgiven…even if there’s more truth to discover.”
Brix is coming back home after six years, years without any contact with her friends and loved ones. She’s nervous, unsure what she’ll find, or how her old friends will react. She didn’t only leave her friends behind, but also a boy she loved with all her teenage heart. Nash was a mess after his Brix left without any explanation, one minute she was there, the next minute she was gone. Seeing each other is inevitable given the circumstances of Brix’s return, and both have to admit there’s still something between them.
“You’re not just some girl, and I’m not hoping it’ll work out, because I know it will. And second, it’s just a town, Brix. Home isn’t where you live, it’s who you live for.”
On the Edge of Regret is a standalone story, and tells the story of Brix and Nash. They have been friends forever, and their friendship turned into something more when they where teens. The first part of the story is told through Brix’s eyes, but in part two we see Nash’s POV as well. There’s a lot going in the book, but the main part is of course Brix and Nash finding their way back to each other.
Keeping secrets normally make me scream (in my head, not out loud), but in the case of Brix, not so much. She – and Nash – were still so very young, I fully understand her mom took over and made the decision to leave town. I love how Brix and Nash don’t fall into each other’s arms right away, that they take the time to rekindle their friendship first, before they take it to the next level. Besides the main couple there’s a set of great side characters, and I hope some of them will get their own story.
“I trace each letter of a 15-year-old boy’s declaration of love to his girlfriend, then I smile, feeling my heart swell with pride, as I remember how much it took to get us here.”
Is it possible, to get a second-chance with to person you left at the altar, with the person that broke your heart without giving a reason? He Loves MIs it possible, to get a second-chance with to person you left at the altar, with the person that broke your heart without giving a reason? He Loves Me … Knot tells the story of Emma Jane and Knox, high school sweethearts who thought they had it all, until they didn’t. I love their beautiful story.
“If you had to do it all over again, would you?”
Emma Jane is a happy woman; she has the job she always wanted and surrounds herself with a few close friends. But underneath it all she’s still hurt. Yes, she left her fiancé at the altar, but she had her reasons. When she meets Knox in a professional setting again, she knows her feelings for him are still there. Knox got over the hurt Emma Jane caused him (well, not really), but seeing her again makes clear he’s not over her.
“I’m going to prove that I’m the one you’re meant to be with.” I take a step toward her. “To prove my love for you.” I advance another step. “To prove that I won’t let anything ever come between us again.”
He Loves Me … Knot is RC Boldt’s latest book, and it’s a bit different from her other books. It feels more grown-up, more emotional, more real. Personally, I love it. The story is told from a dual POV, and switches from present, to past and back. It tells the story of two young teenagers falling for each other, and leads up to the fallout at their wedding day. And of course, it tells the story of two people who were apart for eight years, grew into their own persons and now give their relationship a second-chance. Is it an easy road? No, they really have to work for it, talk about their past and what they want for their future.
Knox and Emma Jane… Sigh… I love these people. Not just a couple, but also as individuals. They are smart, driven people who know what they want and achieve it with their own hard work. But at the same time, I wanted to yell at them a few times. Both made ‘mistakes’ that caused a lot of heartbreak. Knox, how could you do that, what were you thinking dude! And Emma Jane darling, assumption is the worst enemy. Never ever assume, ask! But all in all, I love this beautiful story; it’s well written, realistic and full of feelings.
“This man is my everything and I know without any doubt that I’m his. Our rocky past is firmly behind us, and each day I fall more in love with him.”
I love He Loves Me … Knot, I give the story of Emma Jane and Knox 5 stars.
It’s been a few days since I’ve finished Muscle Memory, and I can’t stop thinking about the story. I know Stylo Fantôme for her wild stories, kick-assIt’s been a few days since I’ve finished Muscle Memory, and I can’t stop thinking about the story. I know Stylo Fantôme for her wild stories, kick-ass heroines (with a little lack of self-preservation) and flawed heroes, but Muscle Memory is something else. It’s beautiful, romantic and full of feelings, I simply love this heartbreaking story.
“Her heart was breaking for a man who didn’t exist anymore. For a love that should have lasted forever.”
Have you ever wondered how it would be to wake up one morning, not knowing who you are, not knowing anything of your past? That’s what happens to Jon; he wakes up in the hospital without any memory of his life until then. Without any clue to who he is, he starts a new life, helped by social workers and Kitty, a volunteer at the half way house. Slowly Jon starts to fall for the beautiful, rich Kitty and he settles into his new life with her. A chance meeting with Delaney however, changes everything. It turns out she knows all about his past, and while he can’t remember her, Jon just knows she’s important to him.
“How do I know you?” he whispered, palming her ass cheek. “How do I know this?” “Because … some things are forever,” she whispered back.”
As I already said, I know Stylo Fantôme for very different stories then Muscle Memory. Muscle Memory is far less ‘in-your-face’, but it still holds your attention at every turn. The story has multiple POV’s, but most is told through Jon’s eyes. We see his life as Jay before the accident that causes his memory loss, and his life afterwards as Jon. They are very different men, but both know there’s only one woman for them.
I’m not sure how to describe my feelings for this story and its characters. I love Jay and Delaney and the love they shared, but they were the poster-children of dysfunctional. Ending in disaster was the only possible outcome, and it did in a way. I love Jon/Jay. I know some of his actions are questionable at best, but I so get them. He wants to know about his past, and he can’t deny the deep-seated feelings he has for Delaney. Delaney, poor sweet girl. My heart broke a few times for her. Yes, she has made mistakes in the past, but she shouldn’t be punished like this. I love the ending of the story, it’s perfect.
“Never, ever,” she repeated, her lips trembling beneath his own. “My brain forgot,” he said. “And my heart wasn’t sure. But my soul … how could I ever forget it belongs to you?”
I adore Muscle Memory, plain and simple. I give this story 5+ stars.
Marieke ~ Marieke's Books
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