I thought this book started out really well. I was hooked from the start. I thought it was sweet how Kes and Aimee met as ten year olds. Ke*3.5 stars*
I thought this book started out really well. I was hooked from the start. I thought it was sweet how Kes and Aimee met as ten year olds. Kes as a young performer in the carnival and Aimee as a wide-eyed fan of the carnival.
They both looked forward to seeing each other those two weeks every summer. But by the time they're both sixteen and feeling more for each other, circumstances and grown ups intervene. Fast forward eight years and fate brings them together again.
They have a lot of anger and hurt feelings to work out but they eventually find their way back to the easy friendship they once knew. And more.
I'm conflicted. I liked the storyline and I really liked Aimee. I admire the fact that she's not willing to give up all of her hard work and goals and a job she loves to follow Kes. I hate to say that I really didn't like adult Kes very much. He was selfish. He wanted Aimee to stay with him but he couldn't express it properly and he didn't care about what she'd be giving up. He couldn't say I love you and it seemed like he more loved what Aimee could do for him - sex, cooking, and bookkeeping - rather than loved her as a person.
I'm not sure if I care to read book two if I'm being honest. I'll have to think on it. ...more
It's really hard for authors to give us details of the H's life with another woman, make us like her, and then make us believe he's really meant to beIt's really hard for authors to give us details of the H's life with another woman, make us like her, and then make us believe he's really meant to be with the heroine while at the same time not disrespecting the H's previous relationship. Martinez pulled it off beautifully.
I loved Quarry and Liv's friendship. A friendship that may have become more serious if Quarry didn't massively mess up. But I like to think it wasn't their time yet. I loved Mia. She bulldozed her way in to Quarry's life and she did the same with Liv. They were the three musketeers. Until there was two.
I liked that Liv and Quarry maintained their friendship and gave themselves enough time to heal. I also liked that when it came time to admit there was more between them it was Liv that had to work through her feelings of betrayal. Men can do it regardless but women struggle with breaking girl code.
There was a twist in the end that got me. I was completely surprised. And the epilogue was great. It was satisfying seeing all the Page brothers successful and happy. Fighting Silence is still my favorite but this was a worthy end to the series. Well done! ...more
This book was in no way perfect but I couldn't help but love it.
Kenna has always been a huge fan of NOLA's Junk, a local metal band in New Orleans. AnThis book was in no way perfect but I couldn't help but love it.
Kenna has always been a huge fan of NOLA's Junk, a local metal band in New Orleans. And she's had just a teensy crush on the lead singer, Phil. Her dreams come true when she and her friends meet the band after a show and she and Phil feel an instant connection. They share a kiss that's more of a promise. But NOLA's Junk just got a record deal which will have them touring and Kenna is about to attend medical school so it's not yet their time.
For years Kenna waits for Phil. Even with no contact she knows he'll be coming home to her. Phil may be waiting for Kenna in mind and heart but not in body.
When they can finally be together it made me happy but it's not an easy road. Phil is insecure and emotionally needy, he's ashamed of the things he's done. Kenna is strong and independent and nurturing and she tries hard to curb her jealousy.
I think book two is going to be about Phil forgiving himself and trying to feel worthy of Kenna's love. I'll be jumping in. Well done! ...more
My favorite of the series. Cash's decision in Until Trevor left me dying to get in Lilly's head. I usually hate when heroines keep the knowledge of a My favorite of the series. Cash's decision in Until Trevor left me dying to get in Lilly's head. I usually hate when heroines keep the knowledge of a baby from their father but in Lilly's case I completely understand. With what she knew at the time, she made the best decision for her and Ashlyn.
This book had everything I love - surprise pregnancy, misunderstandings, psycho ex, etc. I also liked the progression of their relationship. Yes, it was super fast but somehow it seemed to make sense for this couple, I guess because they already took their time and fell in love once already. The kids were adorable. Well done. ...more
This is Begley's best book yet. Hands down. I just felt it. It really got to me.
Sutton has come home. She comes from one of the more wealthy families This is Begley's best book yet. Hands down. I just felt it. It really got to me.
Sutton has come home. She comes from one of the more wealthy families in Treepoint but she spent her summers at her Pap's house in the mountains. Where she met and fell in love with Tate. But an ultimatum puts her between a rock and a hard place and by eighteen she was gone. Eighteen years later she's back to decide what to do with Pap's house and to make amends with Rachel, the little sister she never had, and to tell Tate the truth.
Tate has always been a simple man. He loves his home and his family and he's not ashamed of what he has to do to support them. He's never had any ambition to leave the mountains. But he's also a proud man, will he be willing to listen to the only girl who broke his heart?
Begley did an amazing job. The subject matter she touched on was handled delicately and delivered beautifully. I was wrapped up in the story and I cried buckets I was so moved. The timing was flawless. The way all of the secrets unraveled was perfect. But it wasn't all tears, I also laughed a lot. The Porters' hillbilly antics were priceless. There were also just enough cameos with previous characters, we weren't overrun. It truly felt like the Porters' story.
One of my top reads of the year. Bravo, Ms. Begley. Just beautiful. ...more
Set in the 1950s, Swelter is the story of Lilly and brothers Rory and Bobby. One is her husband and one is the love of her life. They all grew up togeSet in the 1950s, Swelter is the story of Lilly and brothers Rory and Bobby. One is her husband and one is the love of her life. They all grew up together. Rory was always the sensible one and Bobby the playboy. Lilly was all set to marry Rory but the night before the wedding Lilly and Bobby make their feelings known. But it wasn't enough to change anything. After the wedding Bobby disappears.
Seven years later, Rory and Lilly are unhappy but their world is turned upside down when Bobby returns.
From here things take a turn that I didn't see coming. And then Jones just kept them coming. I was quietly crying but then I got to the epilogue and I was a full blown mess. Such a sad, touching story of what could never be. I was impressed. Well done. ...more
Spectacular once again. I'm in awe of the Ritchies' writing skills. Their creativity and character development are incomparable. They are the best at Spectacular once again. I'm in awe of the Ritchies' writing skills. Their creativity and character development are incomparable. They are the best at writing the complexities of family. They even took could be stale ideas (friends to lovers, second chance romance, outside forces separating the couple) and made them their own. I thought it was clever.
I just loved this book. It was definitely emotional. The secondary characters equally made this story great. I was right there submerged in the circus along for the ride. I loved all of the backstage drama. I really hope the Ritchies are inspired to continue giving us stories in this world. Bravo. ...more
Savannah grew up on a ranch but when she was twelve she and her mother moved to New York to further her mother's career. At seventeen, Sava*2.5 stars*
Savannah grew up on a ranch but when she was twelve she and her mother moved to New York to further her mother's career. At seventeen, Savannah gets into a bit of trouble and her mother sends her back to Texas to her uncle's ranch. Savannah is now "city-fied" and her childhood best friend, Tyler, doesn't recognize her when she gets off the bus. (Why her lawyer mother couldn't put her on an airplane I don't know).
Cue the montage of Savannah doing farm chores in inappropriate clothes while Tyler laughs at her and lusts after her. Savannah is just serving her time so she can go to Paris but feelings get in the way. One thing I didn't like about this book is how McLaughlin has this seventeen now eighteen year old girl drop her plans for the future to be with Tyler...and every adult is encouraging this decision. Also, I thought the dialogue was kind of stale. But mostly I thought the book was fine. In my opinion, I'd pass on this one. ...more
Millie Cross met Logan "High" Judd when she was eighteen years old. It was love at first sight. They were gone for each other in a way the rest of us Millie Cross met Logan "High" Judd when she was eighteen years old. It was love at first sight. They were gone for each other in a way the rest of us can only dream to be. They had three years of that before Millie broke it off out of the blue.
Twenty years later, Millie has an awesome job, house, and wardrobe trying to find that perfection elsewhere because she'll never find it in another man. Hasn't even tried.
From previous Chaos books we know High was the hardest brother to convince to go legit. After he lost Millie he liked living dangerously. And even though he later married, had two daughters, and got divorced he never filled that hole that Millie carved out in his heart.
After a chance run-in, Millie is determined to get closure and explain to High what happened all those years ago and apologize once and for all. Here is where I was angry with High and disappointed in Chaos. I didn't understand all the hostility. The only thing Millie was guilty of was breaking up with her boyfriend...twenty years ago. High is still extremely bitter and his treatment of Millie was despicable. I also understand High's brothers having his back but they were one step away from offing the poor girl and that didn't feel like Chaos to me.
BUT...I'm still giving five stars. KA put me through the ringer with this book. So many feels. Every other page had me crying. Especially when we found out the truth about the break up. And if a book can touch me in that way that's some excellent writing. Whether you like what the characters are doing or not.
It's usually hard for me to buy when characters are still hung up on each other five, ten, twenty years later. I just can't wrap my head around how you couldn't move on. But KA did a great job making me feel High and Millie's once-in-a-lifetime connection and I was happy when they finally started to work it out. I also liked that KA didn't make it easy. Just because they were reunited didn't mean all the wounds were automatically healed.
I liked getting more of the story of the early days of Chaos. And things are getting more and more heated with Valenzuela. I hope Hound gets his own book, lots of good stuff there I think. And as usual I love the inclusion of the previous couples and Elvira is a hoot. Loved it!
I thought Jewel did a great job with Rainer's story. We got to know a lot about him in Desolation. He had a shared traumatic experience with Pippa andI thought Jewel did a great job with Rainer's story. We got to know a lot about him in Desolation. He had a shared traumatic experience with Pippa and the two formed a life-long bond.
In Flawed Love we get into how Rainer was taken in the first place and the friendship turned romance he had with his best friend, Emy. The story alternates between then and now.
In Flawed Heart we met Emy when she went to see Rainer at his bar and was devastated that he didn't recognize her. But Emy isn't one to give up.
I loved how Emy demanded to not come in second to Pippa but at the same time she respected Rainer and Pippa's friendship. I also loved how Rainer didn't just fall out of love with Pippa the second he recognized Emy. It was an issue he and Emy had to work through and if felt real.
"You owned my heart first, Emalie. She came in, she held onto it, but in the end she gave it back to you because it was always yours to begin with. She was just taking care of it until you could come back."
There were a couple of curious moments that didn't make sense but for the most part I really enjoyed this story. Well done!...more
I mostly liked this book. I devoured it in a couple of hours. I liked Max and Belle's early story of how they met. Although, I was confused about Max'I mostly liked this book. I devoured it in a couple of hours. I liked Max and Belle's early story of how they met. Although, I was confused about Max's fear of getting kicked off the football team if he broke up with the popular girl. It was very odd. Does that really happen? But I was desperate to learn why Max and Belle split up so I kept reading.
It was a head scratcher. I didn't blame Belle for leaving but I thought the reason for Max's descent wasn't good enough. It would have been a traumatizing thing to witness, for sure, but it wasn't something to ruin his marriage over. I thought it showed how little he thought of his wife that he felt he couldn't lean on her. He thought of her as this delicate flower that he could easily crush and not as his partner.
What I really hated was, after Belle found out the truth, she took one hundred percent responsibility for the marriage failing. Say what? And he pretty much let her. No way! I'm not a fan of a woman hiding the existence of a child from her father but Max was kind of asking for it with his behavior. I wouldn't want my kid around that either.
I also never really felt a connection between Max and Imogen. I wish Jewel would have written more scenes with Max forming a relationship with her. But, as with all Jewel's books, she has that knack for sucking me in and not letting go until The End. I'll keep reading. ...more
After an unsavory beginning I wasn't sure if I could continue reading. But I powered through and I'm so glad I did. This book floored me by how much IAfter an unsavory beginning I wasn't sure if I could continue reading. But I powered through and I'm so glad I did. This book floored me by how much I enjoyed it.
Conner Reed and Nina "Meebs" Matthews have known each other since they were kids. Nina comes from a wealthy family, Conner comes from a struggling broken home. They grew up as friends and as teenagers became young lovers. Everything changed on New Years Eve. They planned to run away together but events beyond their control and family conniving to keep them apart successfully separate the pair.
Fifteen years later, Conner is a guitarist and songwriter for the popular band, Shift. Ever since Nina, Conner can't handle intimacy. He's only had a string of random, nameless, and slightly deviant hookups.
Nina became a hairstylist and now owns a chain of salons. She's married to a complete douche. At first he was charming, she was in no danger of having her heart broken. But she eventually comes to her senses regarding her loveless marriage.
A tragedy in the band and a charity concert bring Conner and Nina together again. The circumstances of that night long ago come out and they work on healing that hurt. I like that they didn't waste a lot of time getting back together. I liked the ending. It was quite the revelation and very intense. A great read. I highly recommend!...more
DNF @ 36%. I just can't continue. You'd think this was Sterling's first attempt at writing. It was so bad. I mean she gave us Jack effing Carter. WhatDNF @ 36%. I just can't continue. You'd think this was Sterling's first attempt at writing. It was so bad. I mean she gave us Jack effing Carter. What happened? ...more
We were introduced to Oliver King in Hearts of Fire. He was a drunk. He followed the circus with his sister and depended on her kindness.**4.5 stars**
We were introduced to Oliver King in Hearts of Fire. He was a drunk. He followed the circus with his sister and depended on her kindness. He had such an obviously sad story and you couldn't help but feel for him and wonder what brought him so low.
This story is split into two parts - before and after. It was great getting to know King when he was on top of the world as a shit-hot Investor. But the story is told from Alexis's pov. It begins when Alexis was hired as King's PA. Their banter was adorable and a misunderstanding had the two in a friends-only relationship in addition to boss/employee. Alexis was amazing. She was such a great character. She was funny and quick-witted and smart. Her chemistry with King was off the charts and Cosway tortured us with sexual tension. I loved it.
The only thing I'm a little critical of is the reason King took off. I didn't think he should have jumped the gun so fast. But he more than paid for it and his reunion with Alexis had me teary-eyed.. It really was a beautiful story. I wish the next book would have stayed in the circus family but it should still be very interesting. I'll be reading. Bravo!
So I haven't had any interest in the stepbrother invasion but I knew I wanted to read Jewel's book. Unfortunately, it was a miss.
Okay I'm just going tSo I haven't had any interest in the stepbrother invasion but I knew I wanted to read Jewel's book. Unfortunately, it was a miss.
Okay I'm just going to say it - Blade was a fucktard and Aria was a doormat.
I'm so disappointed because it started out so good. Jewel had me in tears with Aria's back story and I liked the few glimpses into Blade and Aria's shared past. Plus, Jewel has a natural gift of keeping you hooked on every word start to finish even if you don't like what you're reading. I just couldn't put it down.
Aria's mom, Nancy, married a good man named Jack. Jack has three grown sons who live with or near their mother so they have never met Nancy or Aria. So they decided everyone should spend a month at Jack's lake house so everyone can get to know each other. Turns out Jack's oldest son is none other than Blade and he's already well-acquainted with Aria. They had a no-names, cherry-popping weekend of fun a year ago. Aria never got over it.
Instead of fessing up that they know each other and having a laugh about it they keep it a secret and try to convince themselves it wasn't meant to be. Let the games begin.
Blade is a confusing mess. He's hot and cold and Aria was happy to take him any time he was hot. But then she was in tears every time he was cold. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. I never warmed up to Blade, I wanted Aria to grow a pair and tell him to get lost.
I think my biggest issue with this book was Jewel was trying to force the shame between Aria and Blade when there's no shame to be had. This book is not taboo. The characters are grown, they are not blood-related, and they were not raised together.
There was an ewww moment and a that-so-would-not-happen-in-real-life moment (both involving Peyton). Seriously eye-roll inducing. The ending made me want to smack Blade and Aria upside the head for wasting so much time.
Even though I wasn't a fan of this book I will probably read Brody's book. He was an interesting character. Melanie has her work cut out for her.
If it wasn't for the tears I would have given this two stars but the beginning saved it. ...more
Best of the series so far! The reunion was EVERYTHING. It was absolutely perfect. I have a feeling I'll be coming back to that chapter when I need somBest of the series so far! The reunion was EVERYTHING. It was absolutely perfect. I have a feeling I'll be coming back to that chapter when I need something sigh-worthy.
I loved that we got some Jamie povs. He's such a good man and he was so miserable without Claire. I was a bit angry with him for withholding some rather important information from Claire but after his explanation I couldn't help but forgive him.
I thought Claire said it best when she explained that she had time to tidy up her loose ends before finding Jamie, however, he did not. And I have no doubt that he would have if he'd known Claire was coming back to him.
I was on the edge of my seat during those last couple of chapters. I can't wait to dive into book four. Romance, action, humor, this book had everything. Loved, loved, loved it!...more
The sequel we've all been waiting for! Did Asher pull it off? Yes she did. Was it perfect? No, but who cares.
Blaire and Ronan are back in full force hThe sequel we've all been waiting for! Did Asher pull it off? Yes she did. Was it perfect? No, but who cares.
Blaire and Ronan are back in full force hating each other, denying their love, hurting each other, and making mistakes. It was the 'pull up a chair with your bucket o' popcorn' kind of drama. But Asher knew when enough was enough. She kept this story concise. Which I appreciated. It was a pleasure to read. It just had this ease.
I liked the lesson Ronan learned. He found out for himself how easy it is to fall down that rabbit hole. It made him less judgmental and helped him let go of the bitterness.
Blaire had a decision to make. Her growth felt organic. She finally started to feel the ramifications of her actions and she didn't like it.
I thought the ending left a lot to be desired but, overall, the story was nicely done and worth the wait. I liked it a lot. ...more
Kyland and Tenleigh are struggling day to day to live in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. Their town is full of poverty and hunger and grief.
ButKyland and Tenleigh are struggling day to day to live in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. Their town is full of poverty and hunger and grief.
But Kyland and Tenleigh have one chance to get out. They're both competing for the same scholarship. Kyland insists he doesn't want any attachments so he'll have nothing holding him back from leaving. But they accidentally fall in love anyway. And only one can win.
I loved this book. It wrapped up quickly but I was so emotionally drained that I was begging for a quick HEA so it didn't bother me that it was somewhat rushed. It was beautiful. Kyland's selflessness was unreal. I'm still choking up over it. Just amazing!...more
I can honestly say this is the first time where in book one I was left loving the heroine and fully on **Warning: My review contains major spoilers!**
I can honestly say this is the first time where in book one I was left loving the heroine and fully on her side to hating her within the first ten percent of book two.
This book begins two years after Katia left Marcus. She took her mother, cut herself off from Marcus, and disappeared with only her friends Josh and Candy knowing her whereabouts. Normally I wouldn't have a problem with this but it's not just Katia and her mom stubbornly living in poverty. Marcus and Katia have a daughter. Penny. Just because Katia doesn't want to see Marcus again she's selfishly keeping Penny from knowing Marcus (like her mother did with her and Pierre) and she's denying Penny the safety and comforts that Marcus's money would provide. Or Pierre's for that matter. She's refusing ALL help. Grr...
When Katia is finally convinced to return and face Marcus the story gets even more ridiculous. She's incredulous when she sees Marcus with another woman, even though he claims there hasn't been anyone else since she left. In two years? I call bullshit. There's a very predictable nightclub scene and a very OTT scene involving Katia's mother, which I'll admit made me tear up a bit because it reminded me of my own regrets.
Now here's the kicker. Katia is so outraged over her mother and she blames Marcus that she actually hires a hitman to take care of him. Get this - she approaches Marcus's friend, Mack, to direct her to a hitman! And then she's surprised that Marcus found out about it! For real?!
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Katia has thoroughly destroyed Marcus at this point and not in the fun way that he deserves. And he still doesn't know about Penny yet!
Jewel did a complete one-eighty with this book. I loved part one and I was expecting Katia's resistance/Marcus's groveling but I didn't expect to hate the characters and the plotline so much. Very disappointing....more
Meh. This book did nothing for me. I haven't read the rest of the series so I can honestly say I didn't feel like this book should have been labeled aMeh. This book did nothing for me. I haven't read the rest of the series so I can honestly say I didn't feel like this book should have been labeled as a stand alone. Throughout the book I felt like I was missing something. That scene where all of the cars pull in and the previous characters step out felt like one of those movie scenes where the secondary characters show up to help with the heist and one by one the narrator lists their stats. Only I didn't get any stats. I had no clue who these couples were and how important they were in the hierarchy. I'm thinking Bang Bang might have been more enjoyable if I knew them already.
Now to Ax and Amy's story. Being a novella, everything had to happen at the speed of light and I don't think it did them justice. The reconnection seemed so unbelievable. If I were Amy I probably would have nursed my snit a little longer. But no, she's ready to marry Ax within the week. Huh?!
What I was most disappointed with though was we saw no action regarding Amy's father and brother. All these guys talked about was how they were in the mafia and their body count. So why can't we see them in action. We don't even know if they showed to the wedding. Also, I'm curious, I didn't think Made Men ever admitted to being in the mafia so it was surprising to read these guys say it out loud so much.
And the two-star clencher...there's NO SEX!! Lame....more
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