I’m apologizing right now for the amount of gushing coming your way and the amount of quotes
“If I break your heart, I break mine.”
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I’m apologizing right now for the amount of gushing coming your way and the amount of quotes I’m about to share. But I can’t help it. It’s very rare for me to pick up a book or series with the hype I have seen for this one and for me to actually understand what all the fuss is about. But WOW. Kennedy knocked me off my feet. The romance, the steam, the humor, the issues regarding race she delves into. Kennedy's story telling and prose is off the charts amazing.
Grip picks up 8 years later from where Flow leaves off, with Bristol managing Grip’s musical career. Bristol has kept Grip at a distance, stubbornly ignoring the insane pull they feel toward one another while trying to forget the intense week they spent together and that kiss under the stars. But their infatuation for one another is INTENSE.
“And you watch me.” He dips his head until he traps my eyes. “You watch me all the time. You can’t keep your eyes off me any more than I can keep my eyes off you.”
Try as she may, Bristol isn’t fooling anyone, especially Grip. He knows deep down, behind all that bravado and her well-guarded heart, Bristol wants him just as much as he wants her.
“It makes me want to set the world on fire.” His words come softly, but the truth roars in his eyes. “To think of you with them.” There haven’t been nearly as many men as he probably assumes, but I don’t reveal that. I can’t offer him any relief. “You wanna know what consoles me, though?” He looks up at me, calculation in his eyes. Before I can tell him I don’t want to know, he goes on. “For one, I know when we’re together, it’ll only take once for me to fuck their memory out of you.”
Even though on the surface Grip & Bristol seem so wrong for each other, their connection runs deep. And despite what society and friends and family might tell them, despite the years apart, the other people they saw, they know there is no one else for them.
“A fiery chord bridges the distance between our bodies, and I want to pull her close enough to burn me, to hurt me, to destroy me. Sometimes I don’t think I care as long as she’s close. I just want to feel her, even if it burns me alive.”
O M G just typing these quotes is giving me goosebumps all over again.
Without breaking rhythm, I bend to her ear. “You have nothing to be afraid of.” I press her hand to my chest, over my heart. “This is yours. No one else’s.” I dip my head, slowing to nothing, but keeping her eyes. “I’m yours. No one else’s.” I scatter kisses over her cheeks. “Even when we fight, I feel you. Your anger, your frustration. I feel your pleasure like it’s mine. Your emotions like they’re mine…
Don’t you feel how connected we are?” I ask. “If I break your heart, I break mine.”
I’m not going to lie. This book was tough. It hurt. SO many scenes hurt my heart. But god damn it, it HURT. SO. GOOD. Kennedy Ryan is a goddess and I want to bow at her feet for creating one of the best and most influential romances with such well thought out characters and dynamic relationships I have read.
Her words are poetry, her characters are flawed and real, and the angst and tension leapt off the pages and GRIPPED ME from page one and didn’t let go until the end. You know a book is good when you have to go back and re-read scenes over and over because you can’t get over how beautiful the words are.
“Her tears come even as our bodies resume a ferocious pace. We splinter into a thousand pieces in her kitchen, becoming more together than we were apart. More than we were alone. With whispered promises and words of love, we exchange hearts.”
I was hooked from Flow. My infatuation with her words just grew in Grip. And I am freaking ecstatic this story isn’t done and I get to read one more book about this complex and amazing couple.
I CAN NOT recommend this series enough. READ IT!!!!!!!
“Come to me, and I will try to love you. I will try to love you, if you but come back.”
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Before reading The Queen and The Cure: There is no way this will top The Bird and The Sword
While re-reading The Bird and The Sword: Nope. No way anything will be better.
Begin reading The Queen and The Cure: Ok, ok. Maybe this will be just as good as The Bird and The Sword.
In the middle of reading The Queen and The Cure: WHY CAN'T I STOP SOBBING.
After reading The Queen and The Cure: HOLY JERU, HOW IN THE WORLD DID SHE MANAGE TO TOP THE BIRD AND THE SWORD?!?!? THAT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!
This, my friends, this is slow burning bliss. This is a tale where every word has a purpose. Ever story has a meaning. And it all intricately entwines to become one of the most beautiful stories I have read.
Just like with book one, I find it hard to speak on anything regarding the plot for fear of saying something that might be considered a spoiler. So I am just going to ramble on what I loved and post my favorite quotes. Because really, my words will not do this book justice. So how do you review a book you loved so much it made you feel like your heart would burst? You can't. You just blabber on like a fool. So:
One of my most favorite things to read about is a hard, cold hero whose walls crumble at the hands of someone he can't help but love. His character was absolute perfection. And he is SO much more than what he first seems. He was such a strong yet cold warrior, but underneath that all was a man who loves more fiercely than anyone.
“You said if I came back . . . you would try to love me.” He turned his head, caught in the familiarity of the words. “What?” “Come to me and I will try to love you, I will try to love you, if you but come back,” she chanted softly. “I heard you . . . and I came back.” “I lied,” he said, breathless. He made himself look at her again, so she would believe him. She was covered from head to toe, and yet he could still see her unclothed. “Who were you lying to?” she asked. “To you,” he whispered, lying again. He looked for his anger. Where was his bloody anger? Come to me and I will try to love you. I will try to love you, if you but come back. She made him want to try. She made him want to lie again.
*******
He loved her then. He loved her now. He’d loved her from the moment she’d opened her eyes beneath a moonlit sky in Quondoon and greeted him like she’d been waiting forever.
EVERYTHING in this was magical, poignant, and just exquisite. Amy has created such a romantic, enchanting tale. Such an interesting, unique world. Along with the beautiful romance, there was suspense, action, and an intricate plot that pulled me in from page one and did not let go until the last. I held my breath from the gut-wrenching tension and my heart ached from the all-consuming emotions. This destroyed me in the BEST possible way.
“You are kind,” she whispered. “I’m not kind.” “And you are good,” she said, repeating the lines they’d exchanged once before. “I am not good.” He felt like weeping. He was not good. He was not generous. He was not courageous or compassionate. He simply loved her. And love made him a better man. That was all.
*I have goosebumps as I type these quotes. The emotions from this book are palpable.*
There are so many memorable moments and such engaging characters. So many times I had to go back and re-read a passage because it was just THAT beautiful. I TRULY hope Amy does not stop writing about this world!
This has easily become one of my most favorite fantasy books and a series I will turn to read again and again and again.
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The Queen and The Cure is out May 9th! And I promise you, you want to read it. | http://amzn.to/2pL6eIC
If I thought I loved Lorenzo while reading Menace, nothing, and I MEAN NOTHING, could have prepared me for NOW LIVE!!!!! http://amzn.to/2kvk7IV
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If I thought I loved Lorenzo while reading Menace, nothing, and I MEAN NOTHING, could have prepared me for what I felt for him while reading this.
There really isn't much I can say about Grievous without revealing major plot points from book 1 or spoiling everything from this book. But I can say Grievous picks up right where Menace leaves off.
I can say this book is filled with action, revenge, crazy twists and turns, and some scenes that were so emotional there was no way I wasn't going to wind up sobbing on the floor like a child.
I can say Lorenzo is SO much more than he first appears. He's emotional and thoughtful and passionate and even though he sometimes can't find the right words to say, he's perfect just the way he is.
"Whenever I close my eyes, I see her. Scarlet. I see her smiling. I see her crying. I hear her laughter flowing through me, sending chills down my spine. The sound of her moaning creeps through my bloodstream, the face she makes in the throes of passion, the pulse that spurs it on. Whatever it is I'm feeling, I want it to stop. I want it to go away. I want to stop fucking seeing her every time I blink. I want to stop fucking thinking about her every time I pause to take a deep breath. She's like an infection that's settling into my chest. I would rip out my own organs if I thought it might purge her from my system."
I can say Scarlet is hands down one of my all time favorite heroines.
And I can also say the ending was SO GODDAMN PERFECT I went back and read it 3 times.
For the love of everything good and holy, please tell me there will be more from them. Please JM? I'll even buy you a Buster of your own. I need to read about them for the rest of time. I don't want their story to end!!!!! I absolutely loved this story from start to finish.
"My wicked little belladonna, beautiful, deadly, so tempting to keep tasting but so goddman toxic every touch is just too much."
This was the perfect mix of dark and sexy and surprisingly romantic. JM just has this way of storytelling that grabs you and doesn't let go. She also creates the most unique characters you can't help but love even though you know you shouldn't. This woman never disappoints. I am itching and anxiously waiting for whatever comes next for her! She will forever be one of my top favorite authors.
If I thought I loved Lorenzo while reading Menace, nothing, and I MEAN NOTHING, could have prepared me for NOW LIVE!!!!! http://amzn.to/2kvk7IV
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If I thought I loved Lorenzo while reading Menace, nothing, and I MEAN NOTHING, could have prepared me for what I felt for him while reading this.
There really isn't much I can say about Grievous without revealing major plot points from book 1 or spoiling everything from this book. But I can say Grievous picks up right where Menace leaves off.
I can say this book is filled with action, revenge, crazy twists and turns, and some scenes that were so emotional there was no way I wasn't going to wind up sobbing on the floor like a child.
I can say Lorenzo is SO much more than he first appears. He's emotional and thoughtful and passionate and even though he sometimes can't find the right words to say, he's perfect just the way he is.
"Whenever I close my eyes, I see her. Scarlet. I see her smiling. I see her crying. I hear her laughter flowing through me, sending chills down my spine. The sound of her moaning creeps through my bloodstream, the face she makes in the throes of passion, the pulse that spurs it on. Whatever it is I'm feeling, I want it to stop. I want it to go away. I want to stop fucking seeing her every time I blink. I want to stop fucking thinking about her every time I pause to take a deep breath. She's like an infection that's settling into my chest. I would rip out my own organs if I thought it might purge her from my system."
I can say Scarlet is hands down one of my all time favorite heroines.
And I can also say the ending was SO GODDAMN PERFECT I went back and read it 3 times.
For the love of everything good and holy, please tell me there will be more from them. Please JM? I'll even buy you a Buster of your own. I need to read about them for the rest of time. I don't want their story to end!!!!! I absolutely loved this story from start to finish.
"My wicked little belladonna, beautiful, deadly, so tempting to keep tasting but so goddman toxic every touch is just too much."
This was the perfect mix of dark and sexy and surprisingly romantic. JM just has this way of storytelling that grabs you and doesn't let go. She also creates the most unique characters you can't help but love even though you know you shouldn't. This woman never disappoints. I am itching and anxiously waiting for whatever comes next for her! She will forever be one of my top favorite authors.
There really isn't anything I can say on the plot, because well, anyone who follows me knows I am not a fan of giving too 4.5 stars
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Well, shit.
There really isn't anything I can say on the plot, because well, anyone who follows me knows I am not a fan of giving too much of any book away and it would spoil this book and especially the first, By Any Other Name. And if you haven't read the first.....what the hell is wrong with you? Do you have any idea how much I loved that book? Do you have any idea how many times I had to re-read it just to get my fix of these characters while I not-so-patiently waited for this book to release? DO YOU??? Do you have any idea how many times I had to physically restrain myself from screaming while I read this? No? Well let me tell you.
I LOVE THIS BOOK AND BY ANY OTHER NAME AND THESE CHARACTERS AND JM DARHOWER AND GAVIN NEEDS HIS OWN BOOK AND IF WE DON'T GET IT SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN WELL PROBABLY NOT I'LL JUST WEEP IN A CORNER BUT I LIKE REALLY NEED IT.
So. This is my review. This is all you're getting from me. READ THIS FREAKING SERIES. Not enough yet? Ok, fine fine. Look what you're missing:
Her back arched further, his free arm snaking beneath her, again pinning her hips in place against him as he slammed into her from behind. "This what you wanted?" "Oh God," she gasped. "Yes." "Wrong," he growled, a harsh edge to that word that made Gabriella shiver. "If you can still talk, I'm not fucking you hard enough."
"The world tried to tear us apart in the worst way, but we didn't let it, and I know I'll never let it, because you are my world now. No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you. I'd follow you to the end of the Earth and back again, if I had to, if you needed me to, I wouldn't hesitate. I love you."
"You're practically aligned with the enemy now." "Practically? I was aligned with the enemy the moment I felt what it was like to be inside of you. There was no coming back from that." "What did it feel like? Being inside of me?" He considered that. What did being inside of her feel like? Everything. It was Heaven. It was Hell. It was the most beautiful torture he'd ever felt.
DO YOU SEE?? All joking aside, I am utterly obsessed with these characters and and am IN LOVE with this story. I assume everyone knows of my undying love for JM's writing already. The humor, the romance, the heartache, this book and series had everything and then some.
“I love that she obeys me. I love that she gives herself over to me with perfect, unquestioning abandon. I loLIVE!!!!! http://amzn.to/2b7sCVg
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“I love that she obeys me. I love that she gives herself over to me with perfect, unquestioning abandon. I love that she trusts me. I love that she loves me.”
Is there an alpha out there better than Zeth Mayfair? No, no there is not.
I’ve said it a million times, and I’ll say it again. I will NEVER tire of reading about the world’s best alpha Zeth and his angry girl Sloane. Callie can write about this couple until the end of time and I will continue to obsessively consume whatever she writes.
In the second installment of Chaos & Ruin, Callie takes us on another sexy, emotional, and crazy ride. And what I love most? How Callie can write supporting characters that I lovejust as much as the MCs along with her flawless ability to plan such an intricate web and weave all of their worlds. She writes emotion and brutality So. Freaking. Well.
I loved the direction she took in this book. While the other books revolving around Zeth and Sloane have been ACTION PACKED and just downright crazy, this one took on more of an emotional and vulnerable tone. Zeth is still a force to be reckoned with, but you’ll see a side of Zeth you probably thought you’d NEVER see, and some scenes that will just make you full on sob.
"Vulnerable. It feels dangerous most of the time, but there's nothing I can do about it. I'm fucking addicted to her, and I wouldn't change that for the world."
I don’t want to say much on the plot because it would spoil so much, but I can say the ending opens up SO MANY QUESTIONS I am dying to get answers to. As I said, I think you’ll be shocked by the direction this has been taken and I can only pray Callie decides to continue this with multiple installments and possibly even more series set in this universe (because I am gonna need me some more MASON! God I LOVE THAT BOY!).
Callie left me breathless. Surprised in the best possible way. And as always WANTING MORE!
Note: Savage Things is the second installment in Callie Hart's Chaos & Ruin series, which is a sequel to her Blood & Roses series. While Chaos & Ruin can be read without reading Blood & Roses first, believe me when I say you want to read about these characters from the very beginning! Blood & Roses stands as one of my all-time favorite series and is Callie at her best. I say this with full conviction – there will never be an alpha greater than Zeth Mayfair.
*This review contains minor spoilers from Sustained. If you haven’t read it yet (seriously what the hell are you waiting for?), you may want to[image]
*This review contains minor spoilers from Sustained. If you haven’t read it yet (seriously what the hell are you waiting for?), you may want to avoid the last few paragraphs*
I just want to start this review by saying this novella made me so deliriously, ridiculously happy. That is the only way I can really describe what it was like to be able to read more on Chelsea and Jake. They feel like a couple I know and who I want nothing but the best for. And yes, I am aware how completely crazy I sound but that is how attached I have become to this couple, and to this series.
This has been such a feel good, hysterical, romantic, all around awesome series. And for those who haven’t read about Chelsea and Jake yet (their book, Sustained, can also be read as a standalone) their life can be compared to Cheaper By The Dozen – but with a really hot dad (Jake) who you want to bang and a sweet amazing mom/aunt (Chelsea) you would want as your BFF.
I don’t want to say much on the plot, given the blurb is a little vague, and you’ll want to save the sweet surprise for when you read this. So I’ll just talk more about my favorite couple from this series. Jake is still the strong, sexy, take charge man he was in Sustained. Still just as protective of Chelsea and the kids as ever. But what I like most about Jake? When he gets all Tarzan angry. JEEZUS. I know that sounds odd, and out of all the traits I could have picked, I picked that one. But when this man sees red, I swoon.
My voice is low, deadly. “You fuck with my wife, you fuck with me. And in case you haven’t realized it yet, I’ll spell it out for you: you do NOT want to fuck with ME.”
"I’m not good with flowery, romantic kind of words. But she makes me wish I was. Because she’s more than my wife- more than the owner of the pussy that has me so very whipped. She’s my love, my home, the solace to my soul, the keeper of my heart, the center of my entire fucking world. The only reason I believe in my own goodness is because I see it reflected in her eyes.”
This novella had me cracking up, tearing up, and was just pure perfection. I loved reading more on those hysterical McQuaid kids and seeing what Stanton, Sophia, Brent and Kennedy have been up to. I could read about this couple and the others from this series and never tire of them.
Usually, when a book is recommended to me and a lot of peo[image]
Five words can sum up this book for me…
“Ovaries. Where are my ovaries?” – Vanessa
Usually, when a book is recommended to me and a lot of people seem to love it, 95% of the time I’m like the black sheep of the group, the one who doesn’t understand the hype. So I was a little reluctant to try this one out. But I am so freaking happy to say I loved this and completely get why it has been all over my Instagram and Goodreads feed and recommended multiple times.
I’m usually not a fan of slow burning books. Mainly because I find the ‘in between’ just full of fluff and nonsense. But not this book! As my friend/buddy-reader Cynthia said, this book is sweet torture. Sweet, delicious, slow burning, torture. So slow that I thought I was going to have a damn stroke by the time these two actually kissed. But it worked. It worked because everything is SHOWN to the reader, not told. (And even though there was some repetition and a lot of inner monologue that would usually annoy me, this book sucked me in so much that I just didn’t mind at all.) It worked SO WELL that even the smallest gesture or simplest line from Aiden had me weeping like a child.
I don’t want to say a word on the plot. Mainly because the “twist” in here drives the plot and I loved where it took the story and was glad I didn’t know beforehand.
Vanessa was a hysterical spitfire, and Aiden was like this huge, sometimes (ok – always) grumpy teddy bear you just want to hug. And hump. The character development and the build of the relationship between these two were done perfectly.
It was all just beautiful. Intense and passionate and sensual and hysterical and beautiful.
After Fifty Shades of Grey and the influx of dark brooding alpha- males that followed,THIS BEAUTY IS CURRENTLY ON SALE!!http://amzn.to/2poMwyB
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After Fifty Shades of Grey and the influx of dark brooding alpha- males that followed, I really thought I had my fill of those kinds of heroes.
But reading Dark Notes just reminded me how much I have missed reading about a controlling, sexy, dark man. One, I might add, that didn't make me feel the need to roll my eyes or gag (because I've had my fair share of those as well).
I can't even begin to describe how incredibly poetic, beautiful, and romantic this whole story was. ESPECIALLY Emeric's POV. In the words of Ivory: Sweet merciful fuck. That man. I went back and re-read his passages over and over because I just could not get enough. I highlighted almost every single thought and thing this man said.
Dark Notes tells the story of Ivory - an aspiring musician who is extremely gifted in playing piano. But while she excels at school, her home life is in disarray. She has to resort to some seedy arrangements with her classmates to help support her drug addicted mother and brother. Ivory has a really awful and heart breaking past. One that was really hard to read about. But she holds such a positive attitude in spite of it all and just focuses on reaching her goals.
In her last year at school, she is assigned to a new music teacher, Emeric Marceaux. Emeric FREAKING Marceaux. A unconventional teacher who curses, plots revenge on anyone who crosses him, and has no problem using his own special form of punishment (aka spanking...YES SPANKING) when Ivory messes up and doesn’t shy away from the wicked thoughts he has of her.
“I’m here to teach her, and that doesn’t include instructions on how to properly suck my cock.”
But as he realizes his attraction for her is going nowhere and begins to teach Ivory, he feels an all-encompassing need to protect her, help her, and love her. And what follows is a crazy romantic ride, filled with twists and turns, insanely sexy encounters, and some really dark moments they both need to overcome.
Ok, now that the basic plot is out of the way, let’s get back to talking about Emeric. This aggressive, dominant, romantic, filthy man was pure freaking perfection. There really is no way my words can do him justice. So instead, I’ll just show you his:
“Ivory’s an intoxicating dream, the kind that visits a man at night, veiled by the darkness of dusk and safely pursued in the secret corners of the mind. But in daylight, she’s a dangerous fantasy, tempting a man to do things with his eyes wide open.”
“She’s in my veins, fiery and weightless. She’s in my head, like a whisper of promises. She’s in my heart, softening it, mending it, and making it pump again.”
“It’s as if every fiber of my being is tied to hers, and every movement she makes moves me, pulling me closer, deeper. I never stood a chance.”
“I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want her. Not just her body. I want everything. SHE is the strongest emotion I’ve ever felt.”
Ok, ok. Just one more…….
I grip the tiny straps around her hips and yank. The sound of ripping lace brings her head around.
“I liked those.”
“I’ll buy you a hundred more and rip every fucking one of them off your gorgeous ass.”
DO YOU SEE?!?!?
The love, affection, and overwhelming need he had to take care of Ivory are what made me fall head over heels in love with this story. Add in the poetic writing, the CRAZY SEXY moments they had (*ahem* that PIANO SCENE?..sweet lord), and Ivory's amazing strong willed character, and this was a definite winner. There are some rather dark moments in here, but they were lightened by the sarcastic and humorous dialogue and some crazy romantic scenes.
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I can’t stress enough how much I enjoyed this and how beautiful Pam's writing is. Anyone who is a fan of forbidden romance, well actually just ROMANCE in general, needs to add this to their TBR.
Dark Notes is out NOW!
*Arc was provided in exchange for an honest review*
NAZ IS BACK BABY. And let me tell you, he does NOT disappoint.
In the third installment to the Monster In His Eyes Series by my QUEEN JM Darhowe[image]
NAZ IS BACK BABY. And let me tell you, he does NOT disappoint.
In the third installment to the Monster In His Eyes Series by my QUEEN JM Darhower, we get to see a somewhat, dare I say, softer side to the monster you can’t help but love. Don’t worry, though. For all the sick, twisted, lunatics out there like me (I am not ashamed to admit Naz threatening to slice a man’s throat still gets me all giddy) who can’t help but swoon when Naz goes all “monster” on a man, he still won’t hesitate to take out anyone who crosses him…..
Even though he’s trying. Trying to stay out of that life. Trying to be a better man for Karissa. But people from his past are making it really hard for him to be the ‘good man’ Karissa believes he is.
“…He’s not doing it because he wants to repent for his actions. He’s not doing it to make up for his sins. He’s doing it not because he’s tired of being the man he has been. He’s doing it because he thinks it’s what I need.
He wants to be a better man to ease my guilt for loving someone like him.
A leopard doesn’t change its spots. That’s what Giuseppe said.
You can dress a wolf up in sheep’s clothing, but the son of a bitch will still eat you alive if you let it.”
And that is all I will say on the plot. As always, I think a book like this is best read going in blind. I will talk about Naz, though. And I will mention how he is unbelievably, undeniably, irrefutably one of the sexiest men I have ever read about. And it’s not even his skill, his dirty words, or his dominance (though those don’t hurt my case – see below my fellow pervs), it’s his quiet confidence, it’s the way he loves Karissa, the way he will not let ANYTHING come between them.
“And I was going to love you right, remind you what it feels like to be cherished, to be idolized, to be treated like the queen you are. I was going to make serious love to you, baby.”
I let out a shaky breath, and before I can even inhale again, his hand shifts. It’s a split second, barely a blink. His hand is around my neck, tightly squeezing, as he yanks me toward him, flush against him.
“But now I think I’ll just fuck you instead.”
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HELLOOOOOOOOO, NAZ! Oh, how I have missed you.
This book was absolutely amazing. Incredible. Phenomenal. And every other synonym for the words I just wrote.
Ever since I first read Monster In His Eyes, nothing has come close to being so captivating. Nothing just sucks you in from the get-go quite like her stories. JM Darhower's writing, as usual, is flawless. She can write books on this man until the end of time and I would never tire of them.
AND THAT ENDING?! I WAS NOT PREPARED. MY GOD I was not ready. It should have come with a warning *Fainting May Occur* *Your Heart May Explode*.
A side note – Lorenzo absolutely stole the show for me. I am IN LOVE with that crazy ass man and I would be freaking ecstatic to see him get a book of his own!
In a world of stories with predictable plot twists, characters with haunted pasts, and unnecessary shock value thrown in for good measure, I p[image]
In a world of stories with predictable plot twists, characters with haunted pasts, and unnecessary shock value thrown in for good measure, I personally have found it SO HARD to find a light read that isn’t beyond cheesy or just….well, boring.
So when one comes along with one of the most fantastic heroes I have read about, I want to scream “YES FINALLY!!!!!” from the top of my lungs.
Basic plot - Drew is Mr. Popular Star Quarterback of his college, and Anna catches his eye on their first day of class. While Drew is sweet, charismatic, and confident, Anna has some insecurities and can’t seem to understand why Drew would want her. They hook up, but Anna tries to keep Drew at a distance for fear of being consumed by her attraction to him and getting her heart broken.
I must admit, the beginning of The Hook Up had me feeling a tad iffy. I am not a fan of insta-love, and can count on one hand the amount of times I have read it and felt it was actually believable or didn't make me want to roll my eyes. When Anna and Drew meet that ‘insta-connection’ was there, but I was able to look past it because I found Drew’s opening lines humorous and his endearing charm just reeled me in.
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Without a doubt, Drew is what undeniably made this book. He is absolute PERFECTION. I cannot stress enough how much I adored his character. He was everything you could ask for in a hero. Sweet, SEXY AS ALL FREAKING HELL, patient, understanding….I can go on and on. With his amazing character and Kristen Callihan’s FANTASTIC writing, I was definitely hooked. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and was pleasantly surprised with how smooth, witty, and touching her writing was. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Dialogue is what makes or breaks a book for me. The conversations, texts, and ESPECIALLY the romantic lines in here were GOLD. I must have highlighted every word that came out of Drew’s delicious mouth.
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I would also like to point out, while I am a fan of the dirty talk, I found it so refreshing to have a male character who didn’t spew one liners the whole time they were having sex. Nope, not Drew *le sighhhh*. Their chemistry was so off the freaking charts HOT words weren’t really needed. Instead, Drew would dish out one sexy ass command and BOOM, there went Anna’s panties. And mine. I honestly feel like writing a good sex scene takes talent and I LOVEEEDDD how Kristen handled and wrote them. They were so steamy but at the same time so emotionally charged.
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I Should Note…. Though I tried to understand Anna’s feelings, I kept going back and forth between being annoyed and sympathizing with her. By the time we got a deeper look into her insecurities, though, the annoyance waned. I’ve never understood or been a fan of the whole “you can fuck me but we can’t try anything more” and “even though we’re fucking and you shower me with love and attention, I’m still going to be a snot because I think you’ll hurt me” bit. And because Drew made it SO obviously clear he adored Anna and was nothing short of amazing it made it hard for me to understand her reluctance. It would have been easier to sympathize with her more if he was a known jerk or player with a seedy past, but Drew was someone anyone and everyone would pine for. He’s THAT amazing. BUT (and this is a pretty big BUT) Anna most definitely earned back points towards the end of the book. I grew to like her so much more as the book progressed. I also really would have loved more chapters in Drew's POV. But mainly because I just couldn’t get enough of him.
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All in all, I enjoyed this read SO MUCH and have found a new book BF in Drew. I am utterly obsessed with this boy. I would highly recommend this to others, especially if you’ve been having a hard time finding entertaining books that aren’t predictable and cheesy. The story got better and better with each page. I really loved Drew and Gray’s friendship so I will definitely be continuing with this series and am excited to get to know Gray in the next book!
That’s it. It’s official. Kristen Callihan has now joined the ranks among Christina Lauren for one of my favorite authors of NA/Contemporary r[image]
That’s it. It’s official. Kristen Callihan has now joined the ranks among Christina Lauren for one of my favorite authors of NA/Contemporary reads.
I LOVE THIS WOMAN’S WRITING.
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If you know me, you know one of my favorite things to read is friends to lovers, and this book has joined Beautiful Player as one of my all-time favorite friends to lovers reads. I mentioned this in my review for The Hook Up, but as of late, 'light' reads have held zero interest from me. I was beginning to give up hope on finding a series that was light, funny, sexy, but also contained some emotional aspects. Where the quotes I highlight aren’t just silly banter and sexy lines, but quotes that get you right in the feels. AND THIS IS IT!
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It was fantastic. Amazing. Hysterical. Romantic. Not only did Kristen have me ga ga over the story telling but enamored with the characters, too.
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I can’t even tell you how many times I squealed like a child from the sweet and sexy things Gray said. He is a hero that melted my heart and had me wrapped around his large delicious finger.
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Ivy Mackenzie is a fabulous leading lady who was just too sweet for words. This whole book was PERFECTION. I’m not even going to go into plot details. JUST.READ. IT.
I am just so overwhelmed with the emotions and angst and gut wrenching love this book portrayed.
Krista & Becca Ritchie depict a forbidden and t[image]
I am just so overwhelmed with the emotions and angst and gut wrenching love this book portrayed.
Krista & Becca Ritchie depict a forbidden and tragic love story that is interwoven with their signature ensemble casts and touching family dynamics.
For those who haven't read Amour Amour - Luka is part of the Kotova family, who all perform in various circus acts in Vegas run by the same corporate company. He's a kleptomaniac among many other issues, but is the sweetest, most caring, and empathetic loving person to those he cares about.
Literally just take me now I can't be on earth anymore.
"All I know is what I feel. And I'm in love with you, Bay. Right now. Not just five years ago - but here, today. Yesterday. Tomorrow. It's forever kind of love, and I'm not letting go. I can't let go."
I can't feel my heart anymore. Do I even have one? NOPE - don't think so. These two have stolen it.
2. The ANGST. HOLY SHIT. THE ANGST. It's like Krista & Becca sat down and pondered "How can we torture the shit out of our readers in the best way? Oh we know!" and *poof* Infini was born.
3. Camila and Katya talking about Ryke Meadows, the talk about vampire dick, Dimitri's small wiener, and Connor Cobalt's love for BDSM.
4. Any mention of Timo and John. Can we just acknowledge the low key argumentative flirting they do that's reminiscent of Connor and Rose? John calling Timo babe ?
*inhale. exhale. Don't fangirl. Don't fangirl*......AHK-EI€!Ag$7aHAAA@!! They're so fucking cute!
5. The love between this family. So many scenes in here had me sniffling and tearing up. What a talent Krista & Becca possess - to have the reader quite literally feel the love and loyalty between the characters just from their words alone. I feared my heart would actually burst each time Nik or Timo or Luka or Katya shared a loving scene. The raw emotions in this book will grip you and not let go.
6. Camila and Dimitri are everything I never knew I needed. If they get a book (please let them get a book), I will be ECSTATIC. (And John and Timo. PLEASE!)
This book. This book will make you believe in soulmates. This was nothing like I was expecting and even more than I had hoped. For those who've read Amour Amour, this definitely takes on a different tone. The angst and emotion leap from the pages. A must read for Krista & Becca's fans and anyone who enjoys a gut wrenching romance. I can't wait for more from this universe and am anxiously waiting for even the slightest detail on the next book!
*Though Infini is set in the same world as Amour Amour, it can be read as a standalone and is out January 31st! | http://amzn.to/2kHTpcq*
The most perfect ending to the most perfect series there ever was.
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As Daisy would say, on a scale of one to chocolate, this was like chocolate cake, smothered in icing, and covered with sprinkles in the shape of unicorns.
I could not have asked for a better conclusion for these amazing characters. Krista & Becca created an incredibly thought out, emotional, captivating world with the most charismatic, complex, unique characters. And to see it all come to an end – this is what parents must feel like when they look at their children and realize they’re all grown up. How bittersweet this all is!
The growth and love and maturity all these characters have attained have been so amazing to read. I can’t even count the number of times I have cried from this series, and from this book alone!
I could read about Lo & Lily, Ryke & Daisy, and Connor & Rose forever and I would never tire of them. I love them that much. The love they all have for each other, the love they have for their siblings, the love they have for their significant others….Is. Out. Of. This. World. Amazing.
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Even though this is technically the last book of the series, I think the only thing holding me back from more tears is knowing we get an epilogue book Some Kind of Perfect, and then the spin off series Damaged Like Us. I am counting down the days until we get more information and release days on those.
And I leave with this…if you haven’t read this series yet, give it a chance. I know it’s long. I know there are a lot of books. But you will NOT regret one minute of it. I found myself completely immersed in the world they've built and wishing that I could spend an eternity with these characters. Just absolute perfection & I simply cannot recommend this series enough!
Anyone who knows me knows of my all consuming obsession with Will Sumner. So there really is no way I will be able to form complete sentences [image]
Anyone who knows me knows of my all consuming obsession with Will Sumner. So there really is no way I will be able to form complete sentences or even form coherent thoughts while trying to write a review for this amazing novella. Because...Will. Will getting married. Will AS A HUSBAND.
So I'll just try and demonstrate the reactions that occurred while reading below:
"There is no way to mess this up," I said, right against her mouth. "Even if we didn't get married tomorrow, you're the love of my life. I'm with you until we both die, at the same time, when I am one hundred and you are ninety three."
"She was going to be my wife. I would get to introduce her that way. This is my wife. I couldn't stop rolling the word around in my head. Wife. It felt good. It felt substantial. It made me want to climb over her, say it over and over again into her ear, tattooing it in her thoughts. You're my wife, Plum."
Needless to say, I enjoyed this SO MUCH and wish this series would never come to an end. Will and Hanna will forever be one of my favorite book couples. I don't even know how many times I have re-read Beautiful Player at this point, and just loved getting more of these two. Well mostly more of Will. Sorry Hanna.
I have died and been brought back to life thanks to Christina Lauren. Yes, I now know what it ON CRAZY SALE!!!!!!! --> http://amzn.to/2oOhuTy
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I have died and been brought back to life thanks to Christina Lauren. Yes, I now know what it is like to die and come back because of the perfection that was this book. I want to weep at the feet of these two fabulous women for creating the perfect specimen that is Luke Sutter.
Too much? I'd advise you to stop reading this review now then, because a whole lot of gushing is about to come your way.
Anyone who knows me knows the love I have for these authors, and specifically for Beautiful Player. That book was and will always be one of my all-time favorites ever, and I think anyone who has read it would agree. But I can say with complete confidence Wicked Sexy Liar is just as brilliant. Just as sexy, just as thrilling and emotional and humorous and amazing and something about Luke and London just clicks, and everything that happens just works, and the writing is just phenomenal and there wasn't a thing I would change, not a thing I didn't like.
For those who aren't familiar with London & Luke - a little backstory: Luke, Mia's ex, is a sort of manwhore with a heart of gold. London, roommates with Lola and also friends with Mia, is oblivious to who Luke is when they meet at the bar where she currently works. After they meet and flirt, a sort of 'we're not friends but we have benefits - sometimes' arrangement is non-verbally made.
At first, London is reluctant to give Luke the time of day, but after some charming persuasion on his part, she gives in to the initial attraction she has towards him.
Following me with his eyes, he asks "So is this no-dating-guys-you-meet-at-work thing, like, an actual rule?" "Sort of." "What if I promised I was absolutely worth it?" Why do I think he is absolutely telling the truth? He smiles shyly, but behind his honey brown eyes, I can see he's still hunting. "I'm sure you're amazing, but I don't even remember your name." "Yes, you do." He leans forward, crossing his arms on the glossy wood. I bite back a smile.
London really has no desire to have any kind of relationship with anyone, and while Luke isn't against having one, once they get together, he is totally and completely hooked. These two have a crazy connection, get along so well, and their chemistry is u-n-b-e-l-i-e-v-a-b-l-e. But after learning who Luke really is and feeling like she is breaking some sort of girl code with Mia, along with the fact she doesn't really trust him because of his past hook ups, London feels like the "relationship" they do have must come to an end. Luke, though, isn't having it. He is determined to win her over. These scenes were probably some of my favorites. You get to really see his endearing charm and can't help but route for the guy. And I LOVED how his reasoning to continue to push London to see him again wasn't just for the sex; he has a genuine interest in wanting to get to know and spend time with her.
"I think you don't like how much you like me," I say, unable to keep from smiling. "You can't fit me into your Barfly Box of Shame. You want to dismiss me as a dickhead player, but then you think I'm hot and fun and you like watching me eat nachos." London turns her face back up to me, smirking. "Nailed it." "Apt phrase." I pause, tossing another chip into my mouth before saying, "You sort of want to kiss me right now."
Let's take a moment here to discuss Luke. Luke - who took me completely by surprise. Luke- who is just a freaking overall amazing guy, with his flirty lines, his sweet intentions, and his romantic thoughts. I immediately pegged him as a pig, but BOY WAS I WRONG. You know that 'giddy, clutch the book to your chest, OMG WHY ISN'T HE REAL, CAN I HAVE HIM, I can't stop squealing' feeling you get when you're reading a really good book? Yea, every time he spoke or basically any thought he had caused that reaction. Just a few lines so you see what I mean:
We're no longer headed toward a fun fuck, the rutting, confident sex I've been enjoying for years. I suddenly can't muster the out-of-focus tenderness I give so easily. This isn't like the other night with her - two people experiencing something completely different together. Here, I'm peeled bare. I want to make love to this sweet, distrustful girl.
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The most fucked up thought hijacks my brain: I don't want to have sex right now. I want to kiss her. Just kiss. Just feel. I want to focus on the way she touches me, the sounds she makes when I touch her. We've charged through everything so far, and I want to go back and feel all the Firsts with her.
CAN YOU EVEN DEAL? Needless to say, once their relationship progressed, these two easily became one of my favorite book couples. There was just the right amount of sexy and sweet, humor and angst, and reluctance on London's part to give in to this incredible guy who has somehow dug his way into her heart.
...Whatever it is, it makes me drunk on her. Being near her, making her smile, makes me feel incredible. She can see it and I let her. I'm fucking drunk on this girl. Finally, exhaling a shaky breath, she smacks my chest, "You're hopeless." I grab her hand before she can pull it away, resting it on my chest. I know she can feel my heart pounding, and if what I'm watching happen with her pulse in her throat is any indication, her heart is beating just as hard. I smile, and watch as it softens something in her expression. "I think you're right," I tell her.
I can't feel my heart anymore. Do I even have one? NOPE - don't think so. These two have stolen it.
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I really think Christina Lauren wield some magic ink or power or something. I don't know how they can make each of their books so refreshing, romantic, and sexy as all hell. Or how they can take something as simple as hand holding and make it one of the most romantic scenes, or a line about pop-tarts so funny I couldn't control the laugh that bubbled out of my throat (and you'll see what I mean when you read this baby). Their writing continues to be smart, their dialogue witty, their characters enticing, and it all just draws you in from the get-go. Nobody does contemporary romance quite like them.
This is just another book that cements them as two of my favorite authors. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I had to stop to squeal from giddiness, or stop to highlight an amazing line. I absolutely LOVED it and highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!
I mean can Christina Lauren really ever write a bad book?
Is there ever going to be a time they don’t create these characters and scenes that are the most perfect combination of sweet and sexy?
Nah…didn’t think so either.
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I loved how this book seemed to touch on so much more than the sexual relationship of Oliver and Lola. While all their other books always feature the build and realization of amazing relationships, this one -to me- seemed to be the most romantic out of the bunch. Maybe because they started as friend first, maybe because Oliver’s feelings were so deep rooted and he wasn’t at all scared to share them with the world and most importantly, with Lola. Maybe because their back stories and fears seemed so real. Whatever the case may be, their relationship was so insanely romantic and adorable I think my cheeks were about ready to burst from smiling so much.
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I absolutely adored Oliver’s understanding, protective nature, and Lola’s fierce, determined attitude. And being reacquainted with the rest of the gang, Ansel + Mia and Finn + Harlow, was such a treat for fans of the series.
As always, the story was filled with some INSANELY HOT HOT HOT scenes...*ahem*
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...and some of the most ROMANTIC (I know I’ve said romantic like 4 times but..did I mention Oliver is SO EFFIN ROMANTIC?) lines CL has written.
“I don’t think I’ve ever loved anyone quite like this. In this sort of giddy, obliterating game-changing way. Where I can see myself with her for the rest of my life...”
“Is this what it means to become infatuated with someone? A heart becomes a hybrid, half yours, half theirs. Mine beats like this because it wants out. My chest aches to let his heart in.”
SEE??! SEE?! What did I say…SO ROMANTIC!
The only only only thing I would have liked was a longer, more extended ending. It seemed just a tad abrupt to me. (Probably because I just adored these two so much and my greedy little hands just didn’t want it to end.)
When I started this series, I knew it would be a commitment and take some time to get through all 8 books. I knew each book was quite long, and the topics discussed were very different than what I have read in the past. What I didn’t know was how insanely IN LOVE I would fall with these characters and their stories and with these authors.
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I also wasn’t sure if reading 8 books in a row revolving around the same people would get tiresome or redundant. But I say this with such certainty— Krista & Becca kept setting the bar higher and higher with each book, with the next one even better than the last. There is no way I can pick a favorite character or a favorite book in this series, they each were just that good.
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I cannot stress enough how unique and amazing their writing is, and how they made me feel these fictional characters were real life people who have buried themselves in my heart and who I would die to be friends with. With their writing, you feel all of the characters’ pain, the joy, the love; their highest of highs and their lowest of lows.
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So I leave with this…give this series a chance. I know it’s long. I know there’s a lot of books. But you will not regret one minute of it. I found myself completely immersed in the world they've built and wishing that I could spend an eternity with these characters. Just absolute perfection & I simply cannot recommend this series enough!
TheCrazyWorldOfABookLover
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