It's hard to believe that it's June already! How does the saying go? Time flies when you're reading good books? I definitely read some amazing stories during the month of May. Check out my reviews here:
For Lucy by Jewel E. Ann
I'm not sure how I'm going to write this review when I can barely see through my swollen red eyes. The tears were flowing throughout this book. I'm not talking a few sniffles or a muffled cry...nope, this was a full on sob-fest! This book HURT. It broke my heart over and over again, but in the end, it was worth every single teardrop.
I went into this book blind other than what I read in the blurb and you should do the same. Emmett and Tatum's tale goes back and forth from the beginning of their relationship (when he "stole" her from her blind date) and the present, and as their story unfolds, you will feel it all.
For Lucy is a story that reminds us that just 30 seconds can change everything. It's real life and it's tragic. It's heartbreaking and it's ugly, but it's also a story of true love. It's not just the love of a husband and wife, but the love of a child. It's about loving someone else more than yourself and more than an "us." For Lucy is about hope and second chances, and it's one of the most beautifully heartbreaking stories that I've ever read.
Jewel E. Ann has given us a novel that is just so real that you can't help but to grieve and love and fall apart right along with these characters, and then amid the heartbreak, a smile or a laugh will break through. There are not enough words to describe the feelings that I had while reading and that I'm sure to have for a long time to come. You don't just read this story, you live it. Incredible. Just absolutely incredible storytelling.
Lotus by Jennifer Hartmann
"The Lotus will bloom into the most magnificent flower, even when its roots are in the murkiest of waters."
I'm having a difficult time writing this review, because I want you to understand my feelings on this book without giving too much away. I'll just start by saying that this is a 5-star read for me, but it almost wasn't. For most of this story, it was a solid 4-stars. I liked it. I really liked it, but I didn't love it. But just wait...
Through much of this book, I found myself getting frustrated with the characters and with all of the unanswered questions surrounding Oliver Lynch. Oliver is unlike any hero that I've ever read about. I'm used to reading about the strong Alpha males and Oliver is nothing like that, and I admit that it took me awhile to embrace him. Yes, I felt for him from the beginning. Oliver was abducted as a child and held captive for 22 years before he was able to escape. My heart broke for what he'd endured, yet his childlike qualities took some getting used to. I found myself getting even more frustrated with Sydney, and although I understood her grief and her uncertainty...her determination to never lose Oliver again...I just wanted to scream at her a few times!
And then there is the mystery surrounding Oliver's abduction. There were so many unanswered questions that I felt were going to remain untold, and although my thoughts were heading in the right direction, I still totally missed the mark.
So again, this book was going along at a steady 4-star pace for me...BUT THEN...then, about three-fourths of the way through this book...WOW! It all started coming together as everything fell apart. And there was that one moment where everything just fell into place and it was GENIUS! Questions answered, mysteries solved, and that one moment that I always love where the title of the book finally makes total sense. Perfection!
Another thing to love about Lotus, if you've read Still Beating (and if you haven't, go do that now!), is that you'll see Tabitha (and a glimpse of Cora & Dean) which I just absolutely loved. Lotus is a well written and intricately woven tale and it is one that I won't easily forget.
These Vile Secrets by C.E. Ricci
After reading River and Rain's duet by C.E. Ricci, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Roman's story. It definitely does not disappoint.
This story picks up two years after Roman last left Rain, after everything changed. After Roman learned that the organization that he's dedicated his life to, the Enclave, may all be a lie. As Roman sets out to discover the truth while learning his place within the brotherhood, he meets Hale. The attraction is undeniable and the tension is unbearable. They both have their walls built high and neither really knows who they can trust. Any relationship between them would be forbidden, but will that stop them?
If you love a good M/M romance, then this book is definitely for you. There is plenty (and by plenty, I mean A LOT) of hot scenes between these two, along with some mystery and suspense and angst. This is a great beginning to this new series focusing on the Enclave and the brotherhood of the men who are next in line to take over this secret organization. I can't wait to see where this story goes next.
Victor: Her Ruthless Crush
by Theodora Taylor
Let me just start by saying that although this book is a mature new adult/Mafia romance, it is quite diverse and unique. I do believe that this is the first romance that I've read set in Japan, and it also features a mute Chinese hero and a curvy African American/Korean heroine from New Jersey. That alone caught my attention!
Dawn is innocent to her father's business dealings until she's brought in to teach ASL to one of his associate's sons, Victor. Victor is unlike any "boy" that Dawn has ever met. Not only is he strong and intimidating, he doesn't speak. Victor finds himself obsessed with Dawn and wants to be a part of her life, but he's keeping secrets that he needs to protect her from. Their friendship could change both of their lives forever.
Our main characters here are both still in high school, and while it's easy to remember that Dawn is a teenager, you tend to forget that Victor is not older at times. For a good part of this story, it is a "young love" romance, but then there is a major twist and this story takes a turn for the darker side. Since this is the beginning of a trilogy, it does end in a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more, and I look forward to seeing how this story will play out.
Finding You by Lena Hendrix
I love it when an author can take a trope (or two) that I've read a dozen times before and can make them original and fresh, and that it exactly what Lena Hendrix has done with Finding You. This isn't just another ex-military, brother's girl romance.
Lincoln spent eight years in the Military before an injury ended his career. One of the things that kept him going during his roughest days were letters that he'd received from home, from a woman that he'd never even met named Joanna. When he gets home, he tries to find his Joanna with no luck. Finally, after searching endlessly, he finds her only to realize that his Joanna is actually his little brother's best friend and possible love interest. Lincoln has been raised and trained to be a man of honor. Can he dishonor his brother in the worst way and take his girl?
There were so many things that I liked about this story. Again, in spite of this being a common trope, this story felt new and original. Joanna isn't your typical heroine at all and I loved that about her. The story itself flowed well, and although I found myself getting frustrated that everyone's problems could have been solved with just a few honest conversations, I think that the secrets and misunderstandings just made the story seem a little more realistic.
I found myself smiling a lot during this story. Joanna and Lincoln really are adorable together. There is also plenty of heat and a bit of angst, and I may have gotten a little teary eyed over a scene or two. I found this book to be a page turner, and I find it hard to believe that this is this Author's debut novel. I can't wait to read what she writes next.
The Fling by M. Robinson
The Fling is the second book in the Playboy Pact series and this is Ashton's story. Ashton and his buddies made a pact when they were just teens that they'd always remain single and that they'd never fall in love. That same night, Ashton meets a girl who will haunt his memories until he sees her again years later. Sage isn't exactly the same sweet, awkward girl that Ashton first met though. Now, she's the single mom of seven year old twins, and she's about to turn Ashton's life upside down and make him question the pact.
It took me a little while to really get into this story, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. I love how the relationship between Ashton and Sage develops over time, and although these characters fell for each other the moment that they first met, this isn't just your typical insta-love story. Ashton is swoon-worthy especially when it comes to Sage's children, and I couldn't get enough of them together. The Fling is a rom-com, but there is a bit of angst thrown in for good measure, and I found myself tearing up a time or two toward the end of the book. Those were some of my favorite moments!
As with the first book in this series, there is plenty of dirty talk and some pretty crude humor with Ashton and his friends. We get to see a bit more into each of the guys' lives and I can't wait to see how their stories unfold next.
Forever Ago by J Rose
I almost didn't read this book. I knew going in that Forever Ago deals with drug addiction and mental illness, and although I don't really have any triggers, I usually feel like I NEED a HEA and I was afraid that this would not be one. That's life though. It's a journey and it doesn't always end happily ever after. So, I braced myself and turned the page.
Hallie and Zeke's love story is heartbreaking. It's dark and often toxic, and it's filled with unimaginable grief. Although I almost always want a couple to fight for their love, I found myself (more than once) wanting Hallie to just walk away. To save herself. I was so angry with Zeke at times throughout this story, yet in the next chapter, I'd find my heart breaking for him and wanting Hallie just to make everything alright. As the saying goes though, you can't save someone who doesn't want to be saved.
This is an emotional read, and again, there are triggers for some readers. This story is raw and it's real, and just as in real life, it offers no guarantees. I can promise you though that it is worth the ride.
Malice by Coralee June
I rarely edit a review, but this book is an exception. I originally rated this book 3-stars. I thought that I liked it but that I didn't like it A LOT. But now, several days later, I find myself still thinking about this book and I think that means that I liked it more than I thought I did! So, I'm changing my mind and giving this one 4-stars.
Malice by Coralee June is a dark mafia RH romance which drew me in from the very first page. This story is one twisted tale and not for the faint of heart.
Juliet has been friends with a Mafia Princess for three years but has managed to be kept a secret and safely away from the Mafia life until that all changes with one false move. Now, she finds herself in over her head with her best friend's three brothers and there may be no way out. Soon enough, she's not really sure that she wants out.
This is a RH romance so Juliet finds herself getting cozy with all three of our anti-heroes here...Nick aka Malice, William, and Anthony. Although I did enjoy their unique relationships, I found myself struggling to really care for these characters. Usually in an RH book, I find myself preferring one guy over the others. I always have a favorite. With Malice, I actually liked all three guys in the beginning, but I found that the longer the story went on, the less that I actually liked all of them. William was definitely my #1, and I guess that he still is, but just barely. I wasn't really that fond of the girls in this story either, and my favorite character actually turned out to be Grams!
There were definitely some scenes in this book that will forever stand out in my mind. There is a particularly gruesome murder that I'll never forget and a few visuals that I'm going to keep with me for awhile. There are some definite triggers in this one if you're a sensitive reader. This book definitely filled my need for a dark read, and if you like 'em dark, then this is a must-read!
Trust Me by Cindi Page
If you're looking for a well told, (at times) heartbreaking Military romance, then this is the book for you. This is Adam and Evie's story and it's not always a pretty one. Together for 13 years, their relationship is falling apart as Adam gets ready to leave on another deployment while Evie is ready to settle down and start a family. Can Adam step away from the Army if it's the only way to save his relationship with the one woman that he's loved? I became so engrossed in this story that I read it in nearly one sitting. My heart was invested in these characters, and although I felt for both of them, I really was rooting for Adam all the way. Ok, ok...so I get that Evie has been waiting around for this guy for 13 years, but can we just give him a break here? He has his reasons for sticking with the Army and geez...he's going through some things! I really found myself aggravated with Evie for like 2/3 of this book, but that just made me want to turn the pages even faster. There are some anxiety-inducing moments thrown into this story along with a bit of angst. The story flows very well and I really liked how the Author gave us peeks into these characters' past while not devoting entire chapters to it. You could truly feel how much these characters love and care for each other, a true and forever kind of love that doesn't just go away no matter how much you want it to. Trust Me is the first book that I've read by this author and I will definitely check out more of her work. 5-stars for this military romance!
A Gorgeous Villain by Saffron A. Kent
Let me just start by saying that this book is ADDICTIVE. I didn't want to put it down, and when I couldn't read (because, you know, life happens), I'd find myself just aimlessly thinking about Reed and Callie until I could get back to their story again.
We first meet Callie and Reed in My Darling Arrow, book one of St. Mary's Rebels, and we learn the true beginnings of their story in The Wild Mustang & The Dancing Fairy which is a free prequel that is also included at the start of this book. Callie has found herself at St. Mary's School after she drove Reed's beloved Mustang into a lake. She didn't want to do it, but she was suffering from a broken heart and just couldn't help herself. Now, after two years, the boy her broke her heart - her gorgeous villain - Reed Jackson is back. Callie wants to hate him, she wants to move on from him, but she finds herself pregnant with this baby instead.
Now, let me tell you -- if you love a broody, dirty talking (and I do mean DIRTY talking) villain who will melt your heart, then Reed Jackson is your man. He is such an adorable jerk and you can't help but love him, and Callie is his perfect little fairy ballerina. I just love these two together, whether they're fighting each other or loving each other. They'll break your heart one minute and melt your Kindle in the next.
Callie and Reed's story will keep you turning the pages and will leave you wanting more. I've always loved Saffron A. Kent's writing style and her quirky characters, and she's really outdone herself with this one. I never thought that any of her heroes could take the place of my favorite Abel (from Gods & Monsters...if you haven't read that book, go do it!), but I must say that Reed is now sharing Abel's throne. Reed and Callie's story is one of my new favorites, and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
In Lies We Trust by E.R. Whyte
In Lies We Trust tackles some pretty serious content, but it isn't an especially heavy read.
Emery aka “Cotton” has left the Army due to circumstances beyond her control and she's run back to her home town in the hope of healing and leaving her past behind. Brody came to Jessup Falls to help Emery's best friend, but now he finds himself in one big mess. As a member of the Irish Mafia, he's been contracted to kill Emery. Not only is Brodie attracted to Emery and wants to find the reason behind the haunted look in her eyes, Brodie also doesn't kill women unless they are truly guilty of something unredeemable. In Emery's case, he can't find anything that she's guilty of at all. So, instead of doing his job, he makes her disappear, opening up a whole new slew of problems for them both.
E.R. Whyte does an amazing job of presenting this story in a way that it throws a punch without knocking you out, and I found myself smiling or laughing at parts of this book in spite of the nature of it's content. There is a trigger warning for rape and abduction, so read with caution; but again, I didn't find any scenes to be overly graphic. Emery is a strong female lead and Brody is a pretty loveable Irishman, and I really enjoyed their chemistry.
This is the third book in the Reclaiming Heaven series, but although I haven't yet read the first two books, I had no problem keeping up with this story. It could definitely be read as a stand alone novel, but I'd definitely like to go back and read the other character's stories.
Fair Play by Cathryn Fox
Fair Play is the first book in the End Zone series. It's also the first book that I've read by Cathryn Fox and it is nothing like what I was expecting.
Landon Brooks is a popular jock and Ella is the quiet twin who suddenly gets his attention. I will say that this college-based story had quite a few common tropes that I've read a dozen times over, yet they were all put together in a way that was original. Sometimes, when it comes to college sports romances, I feel like I'm reading the same story again and again, but definitely not this time.
Landon and Ella's story has some twists and turns and takes off in a direction that I didn't see coming going into this one, and although the story was well written and kept my interest, I'm not sure that I would have chosen to read this one if I'd known where the storyline was headed.
With all of that said, I did like this book. It made me feel. It frustrated me and made me angry, and it kept me up way too late. I couldn't put it down and needed to know how it was going to end.
Lucas by Jay McLean
Jay McLean has done it again. She's written a story that is so heartbreakingly real that you will feel every single emotion while reading it. Lucas is the first book in the Preston Brothers series, and I somehow started this series at the end with Leo. So, when I picked up Lucas, I already knew much of what was going to happen. This book is so well-written though that knowing how it would end did not take away one single bit from the impact of this story.
Lucas and Lois (aka Laney) meet when they are just 11 years old and it may just be love at first sight, but what 11 year old understands true love? As they grow up together, they become best friends. They could become more than best friends, but true feelings are hidden and mistakes are made, and life happens. And life can be so cruel.
This is an emotional story that reminds you that seconds, just seconds, can totally change a life. Decisions made in those seconds can destroy everything. It's also a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It's a story of true love and fate. Parts of this story are difficult to read and there could definitely be triggers for some sensitive readers. The subject matter is handled so well though and this is a story that needs to be told; and it's told beautifully.
The Darkness Within by Taylor K. Scott
This story drew me in from the very beginning and I knew right away that this wasn't going to be just your typical high school bully romance.
Amelia's life is torn apart after one horrible event changes everything. She's always had her brother and her best friend Matt to stand by her side, but that all changes and she feels very alone. To make matters worse, Matt's other best friend Bowie has always hated Amelia, and now his hatred for her is worse than ever.
This story starts off strong, but then I felt that it lagged just a bit. There is a lot of back and forth in the beginning, between the past and the present although it's only a couple of years. Even though I'm usually a sucker for the broody bad boy, it took me awhile to warm up to Bowie, but eventually he did win me over. There is a major twist, and although I suspected it, it still ended up surprising me with the way that it played out.
The Darkness Within is a mature high school romance, and Taylor K. Scott does a good job of dealing with some very heavy subject matter realistically and with sensitivity. The author takes her time to let this story unfold so it isn't rushed to give us a HEA. There is some suspense and a bit of angst, and overall, I found this one to be a page turner.
The Heartbreaker by Claire Contreras
The Heartbreaker by Claire Contreras is an addictive second chance romance. From the very first page, I wanted more of the chemistry between Josephine and Jagger, and I couldn't wait to see how their story would unfold.
Jagger Cruz was Josephine's family friend, but he was also the popular, gorgeous football player with whom she had one unforgettable night. She's avoided him for years, but she can no longer stay away when they're assigned as college roommates. They can both pretend to hate each other, but neither one can deny their attraction to one another. Should they even consider a casual relationship when there is the risk that either of them could want more?
This story was a well written page-turner. I loved the relationship between Josephine and Jagger and the side characters as well, especially Jagger's brothers. (I really hope to get their stories next!) There is plenty of steam in this one along with a bit of angst and a touch of heartbreak, and I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a quick, sexy read.
If you haven't yet read these great books, I hope that you'll add them to your TBR. Have a great June and Happy Reading!!