So I have been not so patiently waiting for this book. I LOVED Sally Thorne's debut novel, The Hating Game, so very much**ARC provided via Edelweiss**
So I have been not so patiently waiting for this book. I LOVED Sally Thorne's debut novel, The Hating Game, so very much and was thrilled to find out she had another book coming soon. I read this blurb, saw the cover and immediately just had grabby hands. I NEEDED to read this and am so thankful that I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy. Now, I want everyone who has read The Hating Game and expecting this to be exactly the same to listen up for a minute. 99 Percent Mine is its own book. It is not a sequel to The Hating Game. It is a new, fabulous and quirky read from Sally and I loved getting to see this Author's take on one of my favorite tropes.
99 Percent Mine gives us a look into the lives of Darcy and Tom. Darcy is definitely a bit prickly as a character. She isn't warm and fuzzy initially, she's guarded and careful. Now, some of you will disagree with me saying careful but I deliberately chose that word. She's careful of who she lets in her life, careful as to trying not to rely on anyone or be anyone's burden. She is so not perfect and the beautiful thing about her is that she never tries to be. She's just Darcy, trying to figure herself out.
Tom has a chip on his shoulder placed by nobody but himself. He's so smart, sexy and witty but he holds himself back, too, just like Darcy. Seeing him let go was sooo gratifying. Tom is the friend I'd have on speed dial to pick me up, or bail me out, when I hung out with Darcy. I love his reliability...and love that he isn't perfect. Others think he is, but he knows better. Watching him come to grips with accepting himself for who he is, not for who others perceive him to be, made me cheer.
There's a deep connection between Tom and Darcy. They've been friends for years, and Tom is Darcy's twin, Jamie's, best friend. So this is a bit unusual to watch play out. At times it felt like Tom was a toy the twins tried to fight over, but Darcy gave in to Jamie on. So seeing Darcy, and Tom, react when that attitude shifts was fun. I loved the slow burn to their relationship; anything else wouldn't have worked for these characters. Their sexy times were off the charts, too.
The secondary characters here had me grinning. I loved Truly and would love to see a novella for her some day but even saying that she didn't take away from Darcy. Jamie made me shake my head, but at the end of the day? He acted just like one of my siblings would so I have complete understanding of him.
This book was fresh and exciting. It took one of my favorite tropes and explored it in a whole new way. I have a whole new set of book friends from this book and I managed to fall in love with Tom myself. I thought the writing was great and the banter between the characters was simply fantastic. This was a story I could absolutely see happening in real life somewhere.
There's some loss in this book that plays a significant part and Darcy has a recurring health condition which definitely made me choke up a time or two. But again, to me, that made this book even more realistic. It made these characters breathe and I loved it.
I know people are going to want to compare this to The Hating Game. Don't. It's a totally new, wonderful book from the same Author. I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it.
This book was my first read of 2019 and I know this is one that I **ARC Provided Courtesy of the Author**
"Forget regret or life is yours to miss"-RENT
This book was my first read of 2019 and I know this is one that I will come back to over and over again. As soon as I started the prologue I knew I was in for something special (a theme emerged that lines up with a theme from my all time favorite musical) and WOW, did this book deliver. Birthday Suit is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, fun and the romance? Well that's on a whole other level.
Friends to lovers is one of my all time favorite tropes. I love it because the characters already know each other and watching them discover each other in a new light just fascinates me every time. This is definitely a friends to lovers book but with a twist and I enjoyed the hell out of navigating that twist.
Lulu is the kind of woman I would just instantly hug upon meeting. She's warm and sweet and I just understood her right away. Her personality is just magnetic and she lit up the pages. I could feel her smile and genuineness. I applauded her strength and loved, loved, loved her sense of self.
Leo? I'm claiming Leo. Talk about a fantastic book boyfriend! Smart, kind, sweet, funny and sexy as hell. I said I liked Lulu, right? I'd fight her for Leo. He tries to live his life without regret but is still haunted by things in the past that he can't change. He has a different journey to work through in this book and I loved how the Author handled it.
The way these two cross paths is unique and fun as hell to read. I loved seeing them reconnect and wow, could these two ever flirt. They had me on the edge of my seat as I waited for that first kiss (not going to lie, I LOVE the first kiss between characters) and this one was epic and perfect. These two together had me grinning. I loved watching them develop outside the bedroom, though there time there was pretty scorching, too!
I adored the secondary characters and can't wait to see more of them. I felt like I was part of this group. That being said, nobody overpowered or overshadowed Lulu and Leo. They enhanced them.
The plot of this book was so unique and fresh. It had a palpable energy to it and I was just sucked in from the start. The writing here was superb. I'm not kidding when I say I felt like I was there in New York with these characters.
I was fortunate enough to get to read and listen to this book early. If you think you aren't an audio fan I urge you to try this book! If you're an audio fan already? OMG strap in and get ready for the best audio book I've ever heard. The performances here were completely flawless and hearing all of these voices just breathed even more life into these already amazing characters. As a listener I even found some new voices I need to go binge listen to now. This performance was theatre to me and it just elevated the book even more.
This book is about more than love. It's a story of hope, some heartache and the bonds of friendship. It's learning to live in the present happily without what-if's hanging over you. It's sweet, spicy, fun and authentic. This book is more than a 5 star book in my opinion, it's on my list of all time favorites. I absolutely highly recommend this book in print and in audio.
I was SO excited when I saw Emma Chase was writing this book. I absolutely LOVED the entire Royally series so I**ARC provided courtesy of the Author**
I was SO excited when I saw Emma Chase was writing this book. I absolutely LOVED the entire Royally series so I had high hopes for this book and I was absolutely not let down. This book is one that will stay with me, one that I will go back and reread time and time again. I laughed, I cried and I absolutely fell in love with this book.
If you haven't read any of the other books in the Royally series you can absolutely start here. This is the story of Lenora and Edward and it is absolutely a fascinating and beautiful read. Your emotions will be pulled every which way but I know in the end you'll feel as satisfied as I did.
I admire, respect and adore Lenora. She is one hell of a strong character. She's a woman who knows what needs to be done and does it-no matter what. She isn't afraid to speak her mind while still respecting traditions that have been in place for forever. Watching her grow and become the Queen she truly is was so gratifying. I wanted to hug her several times throughout this book, give her a shoulder, a friend to lean on. The grace and poise she has is tremendous and coupled with her passion? She's a force to be reckoned with. She may be my favorite Emma Chase heroine.
Edward. Holy swoon. This man is positively breathtaking. He's smart and strong, which Lenora needs. He also respects her, which is something she demands but isn't given so freely from other men in her life. He's a beacon of support when she needs it. Watching him fall for her was beautiful. Just beautiful.
These two together have chemistry in spades, truly. I love their banter, absolutely love it. I loved watching them grow together as a couple, figuring out their journey and what each of them could offer the other. Their sexy times were off the chart hot-I think my kindle may be permanently melted.
This entire story is just beautiful. It is heartbreaking. It is sweet. It is funny. It touched me and had me bawling at moments. The writing flows and the pacing is just perfect. I felt like I was right there with the characters.
This is absolutely one of my top books of the year. I absolutely loved it and would give it more stars if I could.
Wow. I have a weakness for a good football romance; they're kind of my kryptonite. Combined with the writing **ARC generously provided by the Author**
Wow. I have a weakness for a good football romance; they're kind of my kryptonite. Combined with the writing of Lauren Blakely? I'm toast. Most Likely To Score combines some of my very favorite things in one place football,sexiness, sweetness and humor. If you're looking for a hot, sexy, forbidden romance look no further than Most Likely To Score!
I love when Lauren Blakely writes in dual POV! Yes, she writes hot, funny and swoonworthy men amazingly well (ok, who are we kidding? She's the queen of male POV romances, hands down) but she also writes sharp, smart, sexy women just as well. For me, having Jillian's POV in this book was like the extra point after a touchdown to win the Super Bowl...or the icing on the cake.
Jillian was so much fun to learn about. I loved her focus on her work, her passion for it. She's definitely smart and determined to pave her way in life. Was she attracted to Jones? Absolutely. Was she resolved not to do anything about said attraction? Yes. So I loved getting to see her off kilter just a bit with her feelings when she was with him. All the little things that made Jillian tick-from pomelos to cherry earrings-were interesting to read about. This is a character I'd be friends with...and not just because she has a connection to a football team.
Jones seems like such a stereotypical football player on the surface...for all of two seconds. There's so much more to this man. He's funny, smart, sweet and sexy. Holy hell is he sexy! He has a strong work ethic, is a family oriented man and did I mention he was sexy? He has such determination and heart-you can't help but fall in love with him. He is absolutely one of my favorite Blakely book boyfriends.
The attraction these two have for each other is palpable right from the start of this book. Their banter suits them both to a T and had me grinning. I was biting my lip as the tension rose between them. Their first kiss? Off the charts hot. I was glad to have a backup kindle because the sexy times between these two definitely melted my first one.
That being said, there's so much more than just great sex between these two-it's seeing all the other aspects of their relationship and lives that make this book special. This is something that this author excels at; allowing readers to see more of a couple than just their bedroom compatibility. Seeing what makes these two who they are and who they can help each other be is truly special. I liked that they got to see different sides of each other and that they truly GOT who the other person was. Their views on luck were mentioned more than once and really got me thinking. These two are definitely lucky in the love department :)
The supporting characters here were fun to read about. They add to the story and support Jones and Jillian without overwhelming them. I loved Jones's family (and could relate to them a bit) and I absolutely adored Jillian's backstory. There's little references to characters in other books-which I always love finding-but again, nothing that takes away from Jones and Jillian.
The pacing of this book was spot on. The plot was unique and believable. The writing was fun, sweet and sexy. Lauren Blakely always writes with heart, heat and humor and Most Likely To Score definitely has all of those. This is a book I will go back and read again. I highly recommend it and would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
Every once and a while a book comes along that is so beautiful, so incredible and so real that it just stays with**ARC generously provided by author**
Every once and a while a book comes along that is so beautiful, so incredible and so real that it just stays with you. It's a book you won't forget reading, and one you'll read over and over. Strong Enough is definitely one of those books.
I know some people might see this blurb and check out, thinking it's another M/M story that doesn't have substance. I urge you not to be that person. This book, while yes M/M, is so much more than that. At the very core of the book is love, and love is love is love. You don't want to miss the opportunity to read this book.
I immediately felt for Derek. You sympathize with his internal struggle-even before he knows he's struggling. He's so controlling of his environment because it's something he can control, unlike his feelings. The journey to self acceptance here is incredible. It's not easy. I cried-more than once. But oh Derek was worth every tear.
Maxim. Strong, brave, Maxim. I applauded the acceptance he had of himself, of others. His understanding of Derek was uncanny. The lessons he was able to teach Derek were so perfect. I loved that he stayed strong for himself-it broke my heart that he had to, but I loved that he could. That he was confident in himself to stand on his own instead of hiding.
These two click in such a way that you're invested in them from their very first meeting. I held my breath at so many moments (and I don't want to spoil them) but it's all the little things that added up for me. I spoke out loud and said, "YES, now!" when they had their first kiss. Again, these two hold a special spot in my heart and even when they both broke it, they pieced it back together in a way that only they could.
These authors words blended together seamlessly. Co-writing can be tricky but it worked incredibly well here. The pacing of this story was perfect. Derek needs time-and so doe Maxim, really, and the authors give them that. These characters breathed in this story. I felt I could meet them on the street they were that real for me.
This is a book that will stay with me. It's such a beautiful, REAL, love story. I cried more than once and I know I'll cry again when I reread it. I highly recommend this book.
Holy wow. This book was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. My heart is STILL in my throat after re**ARC provided by Author and InkSlinger PR**
Holy wow. This book was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. My heart is STILL in my throat after reading this. The writing paints such a vivid picture that you feel that you're right there with Easton and Scout-in the locker room, on the diamond-wherever they are, you are. This was a journey I didn't want to end-and certainly didn't want to end with a cliffhanger.
I fell hard for Easton. I adored how REAL he was. I could feel his struggles-from living in the shadow of his father, to taking care of his mom, to finding out who HE really was. I wanted to hold sit with him and just be, just process who he was and what made him tick. Add in the fact that he had some serious swoon factor? Yep, I was toast. I'll gladly add Easton to my list of Book Boyfriends...and he may even qualify as a Book Husband.
Scout was a great match for Easton. Their situations are similar in a sense, so they have something common to bond with even without their shared love of the game. I really, really wanted to give her a hug. She was pulled in many different directions and tried so hard to stay true to what she thought was the best thing for everyone. She had such a sweet heart under a tough exterior-getting to know her was a treat.
These two together were phenomenal. The chemistry is there-even when they both tried to avoid it. You can't help but root for the two of them, to hope that somehow things will work when it seems it would really be for the best if they stayed apart. The sexy times were AMAZING, but the quiet, getting to know you times were just as amazing to me.
The plot and pacing of this book was spot on. The author had me intrigued and invested in what was happening with these characters from the start. The secondary characters added a whole other layer to this already complex book-and they were fantastic in their own way.
Now, this book does have a cliffhanger ending. Normally I hate that. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, of having to wait to see what comes next. This cliffhanger made sense-and also had me on the edge of my seat. I'm still speculating what may or may not happen next...and I probably will be until the end of June when the second book comes out. I highly recommend this book.
I've been a fan of Lauren Layne since I discovered her books last year-and binge read them all in a week. S**ARC provided by Publisher and NetGalley**
I've been a fan of Lauren Layne since I discovered her books last year-and binge read them all in a week. Since then I've patiently (ok, not so patiently) awaited each new release, ready to dive in to the author's unique storytelling ways. I've enjoyed all of her books but this one had a little something extra to me and it is hands down my favorite Lauren Layne book.
Georgianna was such a fun, different character. I could relate to her always finding the bright side, for always believing in happily ever afters (thanks, Disney) and just her bubbly personality overall. Georgie is so much more than the party girl she's initially made out to be. She's smart, kind and funny. I just loved her.
Andrew-oh, Andrew. I fell for him hard and fast. Like Georgie, I wanted to see his smile, hear him laugh. I wanted to peel back his layers until I found out what made him tick. What I found when his layers were exposed was a sweet, shy, somewhat socially awkward man that I just couldn't help loving. He definitely is at the top of my book boyfriend list.
The dialog between these two characters is sharp and witty. Each little subtle dig exposed them more to each other. I loved feeling the chemistry between them, watching them finally figure out what they really wanted from each other and deciding whether or not it was worth it.
Lauren Layne has a way of creating such a community within her books that you can't help but feel you could be a secondary character. I felt like I could be friends with Georgie and her crew, that I could walk down the streets of NYC and find them in a club and they'd just welcome me in. At the same time, I feel I could work with Andrew as well. Theirs is a world I wanted to live in.
I devoured this book in one sitting. It appeared on my kindle and everything else on my TBR list got pushed back a bit-and it was absolutely worth it. This is a book I'll read over and over. It made me laugh, had me swooning and had heat to boot. Lauren Layne has knocked it out of the park with Walk of Shame. I highly recommend this book.
Nicola Rendell was a breakout author for me in 2016. I fell in love with her writing in Professed and that**ARC provided by the Author and Publisher**
Nicola Rendell was a breakout author for me in 2016. I fell in love with her writing in Professed and that carried over through Confessed and Hail Mary. Just Like That continues her streak for me-I absolutely loved every minute of this. If you're looking for a great romantic comedy with scorching heat look no further than Just Like That.
I quite simply adored Penny Darling. I thought she was funny, realistic and honest. What you see with her is what you get-which is incredibly refreshing. She is fiercely loyal to her hometown, to her family and friends. She's the type of woman I would want to sit down and hang out with.
Russ took me by surprise. I knew I'd like him because Nicola wrote him but I didn't think I'd love him as much as I do. He's smart, protective and sexy. Boy, is he sexy. I enjoyed seeing him chase after Penny; it made them coming together even more fun. I have a tendency to claim book boyfriends and I definitely claim Russ for my own.
There's an instant spark between Russ and Penny but it's believable. Sometimes the instant connections in books feel forced but that is definitely not the case here. The two of them together are steamy and sexy and wonderful.
This book had me laughing throughout-from the mayor to the antics of Penny's friends and family I just couldn't help giggling. As someone who has lived in a small town all of her life I could definitely relate to some of these antics. But these characters and their actions only added to Russ and Penny's story. They didn't clutter it as secondary characters sometimes do. I truly enjoyed them all.
This book was an absolute delight to read. There were things that made me laugh, moments that made me sigh and**ARC provided by Author and Publisher**
This book was an absolute delight to read. There were things that made me laugh, moments that made me sigh and most of all a beautifully told romance. Throw an adorable kid into the mix and I'm toast.
From the moment I started this book I was hooked. The characters pulled me right into the story and I felt like I experienced it all with them. I completely believed in Will and Chelle and was totally invested in them.
Chelle was such an awesome character; she's the kind of character I want to be friends with in real life. She's passionate about her work and just wants someplace steady where she can nurture students in the theater world. The academy she is at when we meet her had me laughing out loud-but I have no doubt schools like this exist. I just can't find them here in Michigan. I was laughing with her and rolling my eyes with her over some school policies and I was definitely jealous of her opportunity to be with Will.
Will seriously won me over immediately. I mean, immediately. Hot, strong man who loves his kid and is willing to do just about anything to make sure that child knows she's loved and supported? Sign me up. His dedication to her was obvious from page one, which just made me fall for him instantly. He wasn't some dad conveniently pawning his kid off when she wasn't convenient or when he just wanted some time with Chelle. It was all about balance and priority, and Will excelled at that.
I liked the touch of forbidden between the two of them, what with Chelle being Will's daughter's teacher and all, but more than that I just liked them together. I liked that they didn't try and change each other. They accepted each other, quirks and all. It was truly refreshing. The chemistry between them sizzled and sparked off the page.
This book was a quick read for me only because once I started I just couldn't stop. I laughed hysterically throughout several times and I definitely swooned. This book is a fantastic romantic comedy that definitely raised the bar for other books in this category. I highly recommend this book.
This isn't my first book from Emma Chase and it certainly won't be my last. I've read all of her previous work, falling m**ARC provided by publisher**
This isn't my first book from Emma Chase and it certainly won't be my last. I've read all of her previous work, falling more and more in love with her characters with each book. I'll be honest though, I thought Nicholas and Olivia from Royally Screwed were going to be my ultimate Emma Chase couple. However, Henry and Sarah quickly overtook them and became my favorite couple.
Henry took me completely by surprise. I was expecting some laughs, and I got them, but I wasn't expecting the wealth of emotions I found in him. He won me over so quickly once I saw underneath his humor. Seeing him grow into this amazing man had me in tears. Watching him fall in love? Just beautiful. I swooned and fell madly for Henry, and all the little parts he kept hidden from the public.
Sarah received a brief mention in Royally Screwed but enough of one to make me want to know more about her. I'm so glad to have gotten her story. A quiet, yet fierce, young woman with a past that broke my heart. Around Henry she was a different woman; funny and feisty. The banter between these two had me grinning. Getting to peek into their love was so sweet to me-and I cheered endlessly for her throughout the book. Sarah is the type of woman I would love to know in real life.
The pacing of this book was spot on. The plot was fun and fresh. I loved seeing old characters pop up and getting to catch up with them. There was so much I loved about this book that I could wax on about it for hours-but I truly want you to read this fairytale love for yourself. I highly recommend it and would give it more than five stars if I could....more
I have yet to find a Lauren Blakely book that I haven't wanted to devour in one sitting! The moment The Hot One hit my kindl**ARC Provided by Author**
I have yet to find a Lauren Blakely book that I haven't wanted to devour in one sitting! The moment The Hot One hit my kindle everything else on my TBR list took a backseat and I dove in to Tyler and Delaney's story. This sexy, swoony, second chance romance was definitely worth my red eyes at work the next day.
The Hot One is a sexy standalone giving us the story of Tyler Nichols, hot shot entertainment lawyer to the stars and Delaney Stewart, a massage therapist in NYC. The two cross paths randomly one morning after not seeing each other for years and one facebook message later the spark between them cautiously ignites again.
I can't lie-I have a thing for Lauren Blakely's male characters. They're in another category of book boyfriends for me. So I knew I was going to love Tyler but I didn't know I was going to LOVE Tyler. He's definitely hot, knows how to talk a good game and is determined to not blow this second chance he's been given with Delaney. He's impulsive and at times had me shaking my head and face palming BUT that's who he is. His intentions are good even when he flubs them. Seeing him interact with his niece had me grinning and watching him work his way back into Delaney's life had me swooning.
Delaney took me by surprise. I'm used to the witty, sassy and strong heroines from this author but Delaney had a bit of something else, too. She had a vulnerability that I wasn't expecting but understood and empathized with. I feel like she grew so much personally throughout this book that I wanted to cheer for her. Yes, she had the sassy comebacks and was flirty but once she stopped using that as a cover and a way to deflect we got to see the real Delaney. For the record, I would love to join her pack of friends.
The spark between these two was insanely hot. I don't know how Delaney kept her hands off of him for as long as she did. Part of the fun of this second chance book was that they already knew what the other liked so they had a base to start from-as evidenced by a certain scene by some mailboxes... Then discovering what else they'd learned they liked over the years? Just fun, fun, fun.
While this book is a standalone I have to say that I loved getting to see glimpses into former characters of Ms. Blakely's. If you've read her work (and if you haven't, trust me, you want to start NOW), you'll recognize some other characters such as Clay, Simon, Penny and Gabriel to name a few. There's subtle little nods to other books as well-bars that are frequented, stores that are gone to etc. Those are just little bonuses that make me smile and remember prior characters. But if you haven't read anything else from Lauren Blakely you'll still LOVE The Hot One and not feel like you're coming into a series in the middle of it or anything. It truly is a standalone.
Trust me when I say you're going to want to one click this book. This amazing second chance romance was the perfect blend of sexy and sweet. I highly recommend this book.
Wow. Sometimes a book just grips you and doesn't let you go and this book was one of those books for me. This was inspire**ARC Provided by Publisher**
Wow. Sometimes a book just grips you and doesn't let you go and this book was one of those books for me. This was inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion which was part of the reason I really wanted to read it. I was drawn in immediately to these characters and their story. My heart was broken into a million pieces but then stitched back together in a beautiful way. I'm afraid my review can't possibly do justice to how I felt reading this book but I'm going to try.
I love when characters get a second chance at their one big love. There is something about seeing people who already know each other-the good, the bad, and the ugly-finding it within themselves to love again even when they were completely shattered by that very love before. It's incredibly brave and powerful and it was beautifully written here.
Wade and Elliot are forced into seeing each other again during a family crisis, which increases the already heightened emotions the two of them share. My heart ached for them. Part of me wanted to shake them until they saw reason but they had to come back together in their own time. This quote just gutted me. "I could heal him, but he would ruin me. I would make that sacrifice without question, simply because he needed me,..."
I loved the poetry of this book-both at the beginning of each chapter and in the book in general. The entire book felt like poetry to me with the way it flowed. The pacing of it all was just perfect.
This book had me on such a rollercoaster of emotion and I swear I went through an entire box of tissues while reading it. I would highly recommend this book.
There are some people who can wait until an entire series is out to start it so they don't have to wait in between books...b**ARC provided by author**
There are some people who can wait until an entire series is out to start it so they don't have to wait in between books...but I've never been one of those people. I also should mention that I'm usually one who shies away from angsty type books-but if Jessica Hawkins wrote it? I'm reading it.
From the moment I started reading I was hooked. I will admit that I instantly connected to Lake in a very personal way. I'm the baby in my family, the bookworm with an older sister that I simultaneously adored and couldn't stand. I grew up in the 90's so many things in this book just hit home for me.
The push/pull between all of these characters was amazing. You feel that burst of attraction, that girl finally feeling what it might be like to be a woman-with an older man. A man who doesn't want to want her. Doesn't want to have feelings other than protectiveness-even though he does. I felt like I was on a ferris wheel watching them below (read it, you'll get me) and my heart fell from the car when it was at the very top. I never picked it up again; reading the rest of the book just made my heart feel like it was walked over and crushed a million times.
Don't get me going on the secondary characters. I know they're there for a purpose. I understand their purpose...I think. But I don't like them (I'm looking at you, Tiffany).
When I finished this book I swear my finger kept trying to swipe the pages on my kindle, as if more would magically appear. But it didn't happen. This book was worth the heartache, the tears I shed. If I could give it more than five stars I would. I absolutely recommend this book.
**ARC provided by publisher** I have been eagerly anticipating Separation Games from the moment I finishes Marriage Games. This book had me on the edge**ARC provided by publisher** I have been eagerly anticipating Separation Games from the moment I finishes Marriage Games. This book had me on the edge of my seat with my heart in my throat from almost the first line. If I could rate this more than 5 stars I would do so without hesitation-it’s just that good. Separation Games picks up immediately where Marriage Games ended, which allows us to view inside Diana’s mind as she tries to navigate the side of herself that Adam has awakened. She’s learning about her true self, about what she needs from Adam, and is determined to prove to him that he can love the woman she’s discovering herself to be. I felt her frustration and longing down to my bones. But Adam. My God, Adam. The moment that this book switches POV is perfect. I literally sat up straighter in bed and knew there was no way in hell I was putting my kindle away without finishing-no matter how bloodshot my eyes would be at work. Without seeing whether or not Adam would learn if he could love all the parts and pieces that made Diana, Diana. He was so set in his ways that he was setting himself up to lose the very best of himself and Diana, all because he was stuck in his headspace. But in his mind, he was right. The moment the lightbulb clicks for him had me closing my eyes in satisfaction and relief. The resolution these two characters come to is so immensely satisfying. I found this story to be so unique, the perspective so fresh that I was just hooked. I know this is a book I will read over and over and that each time I do I’ll find a new line/phrase to highlight and ponder. I can’t recommend this series enough.
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**ARC provided by publisher** Sometimes a book comes along that touches you and makes you feel exposed in ways you weren’t ready for. It makes you ackn**ARC provided by publisher** Sometimes a book comes along that touches you and makes you feel exposed in ways you weren’t ready for. It makes you acknowledge things that you thought were long dormant, or things you’d moved on from and brings them right back to the surface. This book, this amazing and incredible book, did just that for me. Yours to Bare is the story of Finn and Halston. If you’ve read Slip of the Tongue by Jessica Hawkins then you’re already familiar with Finn. If you haven’t, it’s ok, you can still follow this story but I loved that book as well so I recommend it along with this book. Getting to see inside Finn, getting to see what made him tick and grow after Slip was so exciting. I fell for him hard in this book. He’s an incredibly REAL character. His flaws and mistakes, and how he’s grown from them, make him relatable. I enjoyed finding what made him tick and watching him with Halston. It made me want his happily ever after to happen so very badly. Halston. There were times that I felt so utterly connected to her that I had to stop reading so I could breathe. She’s lost, she’s found. She’s weak and she’s so incredibly strong. Watching her discover herself through her relationship with Finn was intoxicating.
This story is a rollercoaster ride. There’s ups and downs and twists that made my stomach clench. But I’ll read it again and again so I can spend more time with these incredible characters. This book was captivating from page one. It broke my heart and healed it all at once. I can’t recommend it,or thanks Jessica Hawkins for writing it, enough.
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I have been positively dying to get my hands on this book from the moment I finished American Queen. While I love**ARC generously provided by Author**
I have been positively dying to get my hands on this book from the moment I finished American Queen. While I love ALL of these characters-and Sierra Simone makes it impossible for you not to love and feel for ALL of them-I desperately wanted Embry's story. I NEEDED it. I was frantic to understand more about him, to explore his depths that were merely hinted at in American Queen. This book just blew me away in the best way possible.
Embry broke my heart-multiple times-in this book. I wanted to shake him, hold him, love him and beg him to open his eyes and see what he had. I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. I knew he would wreck me but I just didn't care. I feverishly turned the pages of the book, drinking in his thoughts, his attitudes. Seeing his relationship with Ash was just beautiful and I couldn't get enough. Seeing him with Ash and Greer? Just gutted me. The love and passion there is undeniable.
The sex scenes are positively scorching. I wanted to devour them and savor them at the same time. Sierra Simone has a knack for making me ache just as badly as her characters are aching. Pure perfection. There is one scene in particular that had my heart pounding as I knew there was a shift coming-and I wasn't prepared.
There were times I wanted to throw my kindle against the wall. There are characters I wish I could wipe out of the book BUT I trust Sierra Simone as I trust few other authors. I know she is going to deliver a conclusion to this trilogy that is epic and worthy of Embry, Ash and Greer as only she can. I was left crying at the end of this book, my heart cracking and splintering for our characters. I will read this book over and over again, knowing my heart will break into pieces-but Sierra Simone makes it worth it. I am eagerly awaiting American King...but I know part of me will always, always serve at the pleasure of our American Prince.
Egomanic is not my first Vi Keeland book but it is my favorite so far. Start to finish I was invested in these characters and their journey to each otEgomanic is not my first Vi Keeland book but it is my favorite so far. Start to finish I was invested in these characters and their journey to each other. Everything in this book just clicked for me. The pacing worked, the plot was fresh and did I mention I loved the characters-who thinks to put a marriage counselor and a divorce attorney together and makes it work? Vi Keeland.
I feel Drew is Vi's most developed male character to date. We see him as a young man in flashbacks and the man he is today-a foul mouthed, sexy as hell attorney. I fell hard for him right from the start and the more I learned about him the deeper I fell. He's witty, charming and mostly honest. His banter with Emerie had me chuckling and there were moments that had me swooning so hard I had to just stop and smile.
Emerie was such a little firecracker. Vi usually has strong heroines so that wasn't anything new here, but Emerie's sassiness was tempered with a sweet, romantic and hopefulness that I identified with. I wanted to be Emerie-and not just because I was lusting after Drew, too.
The sex between these two was definitely hot. Again, I expect that but I feel like there was a whole new level explored here. There were definitely some squirm in my seat moments as I read this.
The plot overall was great. A complex story about relationships-both between Emerie and Drew and then additionally with their families-that just worked. The pacing was spot on to me as well. We got time to know Drew and Emerie separately before knowing them together as a couple. I would highly recommend this book....more
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