The Life By Bethany-Kris

I am conflicted after reading this novel because not only did I assume the story was done but that last scene has me sweating and unsure if I wanna read book 3. Seems Bethany and myself has confrontation issues.

I love the Avdonin's and I don't like the possibility of meeting a grown Demyan under those circumstances. Plus, I always like to give this series a break before I dive in to the next, as It allows me time to process and decide on what I just read.

Those who follow my reviews will notice that I was down for a while but I'm back and writing this review required me to read my review on the first book in the series. Turns out it's much of the same but with a few developments, more loss and a more familiar vibe. Some of the characters loss their personalities too. I don't know why!

I lost the Anton that I loved from book 1 and I am not surprise as to his upcoming problems. He got sloppy. As a matter of fact, this novel was more baby centric with Bratva business in the back seat. Romance and family took the forefront and the major conflict and scenes weren't given the delivery they needed to make an impact. They passed liked another chapter or point in the story.

I figured out the culprit; chapters away from the reveal but I have no clue as to the point behind their "master" plan and I hope the next novel might fill in those blanks.

Vine's character also died within all the chaos. As a matter of fact, all the characters got lost in the preparation for the baby and I am not sure why because not only did it not affect them all directly, but where story line is concerned, this book barely had one. It was still addressing things of the past, whilst preparing for the birth of a Russian mafia prince; but that was it.

The sex scenes did nothing for me either and I wished those parts were used to make lasting impacts like the final scene.

It sporadically held my interest, mostly in the end and left me interested in the future of the Avdonin clan. Still, this novel served more as a buffer to the initial arrangement and Anton paying for his sins. It was monotone and weak with noticeable grammatical errors. Still, I will be reading book 3 as soon as I can get over my fear of controversy.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22092769-the-life

Pretty Instinct by S.E. Hall

Without meaning to, this novel clarified for me why Hollywood marriages rarely last long. Tight quarters; uninterrupted time spent exclusively and in secluded spaces for work will make strangers think they know each other for years. Enough to get the three letter phrase and walk down the aisle.

If you follow my reviews you know I am not a fan of insta love stories, especially ones of this caliber. Still, I enjoyed the story for the most part. Liz's humour and Connor's lack of a filter and love of fish, yes, I am weird like that, my favourite pet are fish, made it easier to relax and get to know the other characters.

Contrary to what you might expect, the music brings them together but that's where it ends. This story focuses more on the insta love story line and Liz's past than it does C.U.N.T (name of the band) and their musical journey. I think they should get the award for "Most pointless tour in history". So if your looking for a full on rockstar romance, then this can only fill half of that need, but it does have a good playlist :)

Liz is spunky and does a great job of narrating the majority of this story. She is fierce, fiery and did I mention funny? "You don't eat my pussy or pay my bills so you don't get a say" will remain my favourite line in a novel until it gets a worthy successor. Meeting Cannon made her a cheesy romantic but occasionally, the Liz I love broke through.

Cannon, with the exception of his name, is too good to be true. He is the epitome of price charming so I never really got into his character. I like my guys with a little edge! He had his moments in the bedroom but outside he was too much of a pacifist. I'm sorry, but no new girlfriend should have to face off with an ex-fiance while the guy sits in the car. It's not cute, it's cowardly!

As story line goes, this one had too much, but only one interested me and when I finally got the answers, I was sorely disappointed. Vaughn sums it up best with his appearance. This story was longer than it needed to be, especially with the fact that the interesting things didn't happen until the end and by then, we were staring at the chapter long acknowledgement. Hope she got everybody o.O

Vaughn I believe, is the one character that got the summary of this story right, to the point where I would read a novel about the little sociopath. Yeah, I apparently like 'em dark ;)

If not for a select few characters, prolly three, I would probably not like this story at all. I actually thought about discontinuing at 10% but I stuck through it! This was too much teenage angst, for the age group, mixed with a fairy tale romance. I kept waiting for Taylor Swift to burst out in song!

It wasn't perfect, realistic or relateable but it was good enough for me to get to the end and when it was good, it was great! I am actually curious as to who is next in the series cause it surely can't be Cannon and Elizabeth and no one else is as interesting so that's saying something o.O

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22094096-pretty-instinct

The Arrangement by Bethany-Kris

I have read about the Russian mafia and arranged marriages before but not within the same story line. There is something to be said about characters who embrace and live in the dark. The ones who don't try to seek out the light.The fact that Vine was already acclimated to the mafia life, cut a lot of red tape and dropped us right into the meat of the matter.

Where we went from there though balanced the line between cheesy and good. There were good and boring moments but by the end, I was fully invested, especially after that cliffhanger, soap opera-esque ending.

There were a few stagnant areas that were filled with mindless, detailed sex scenes that did nothing for me or the story line and I found that I preferred their conversations and banters to the sex. They aren't your usual couple, pairing or individuals and that made for an interesting story.

The Anton we meet is barely Russian, despite being 100% born and bred Russian. There were times when I had to be reminded that he is a Russian mob boss. He came off as an American hitman, as oppose to Russian royalty, but I didn't mind. He was honest and sure in what he wanted and the Russian came out when he got angry enough or business needed to be conducted.

Vine's personality changes with the different stages of her life but one thing remains the same and that is her knowledge and acceptance of the life. She acts accordingly without being a boss herself or inserting herself into Bratva and Cosa Nostra business. She is the perfect mob wife.

Some would say that this story lacks a good dose of Russian and Italian culture but I think it was dispersed in just the right amount for an introduction. It was focused and didn't stray with mindless explanations to cover space, even when the transitions became messy, as you tried to decipher Anton's from Vine's POV.

Still, I found myself confused and unsure in the middle, as I tried to decipher the big secret and ascertain the main underlying point of the novel. The climax didn't help much in the way of excitement, as it was rather mellow, much like the rest of the novel and didn't appear until the last 20%.

Even in my confusion, I was hanging on to every page of this novel. It was straight forward, clean and balanced in it's delivery. There wasn't an excess of cheesy mafia or romantic moments. There was a lot more history than present and the future looks filled with possibilities but this installment got me grounded in the idea of Vine and Anton and believe me when I say that I am already ready to get my hands on book 2.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21483114-the-arrangement

The Understatement of the Year By Sarina Bowen

This was the perfect balance that left me incomplete. Usually, I either get stories of characters wide open and out of the closet and others where characters accept that they are gay and try to find ways to get out of said closet. This go, we had an open gay who wasn't ready and one who can't say the word. No. He isn't mute.

Graham is so deep in the closet that you might need a 100ft rope to get him out. His theories were half sad and half hilarious because of the details placed in every day things like the colour of his sheets o.O

I can't imagine anyone putting in the time and logic that Graham used to keep that closet door close but it made for an interesting story to get the views of a self-loathing gay. It also gave the story another mystery because you leave not knowing if it was the traumatic event as a teen or society's views that made him a paranoid alcoholic for the most part of this story.

Then we have Rikker, who should be the paranoid drunk, but instead is the poster boy for 'gay but manly all the same'. He isn't shopping, sipping cosmos and  gossiping. You just don't need glaringly obvious reminders that he's gay. It's who he is. He was funny, scratch that, he was hilarious! He took everything in stride and flipped Big-D's comments when necessary.

I hate spoilers and I hope this isn't one for someone, but you really do wait until the very end for any revealing scenes. Then, I was left with so much unsaid and unresolved that I wonder if I got the complete novel and if perchance, book 4 will answer some of the questions I now have.

M/M romance novels normally carry the hot and angry sex scenes but this is 'The Ivy Years' series, so blow by blow sex scenes were bypassed for a steamy build up and a little cuddling after.

This novel was the most hockey based novel in the series, but I still didn't feel overwhelmed, so that's a plus. Unfortunately, due to Graham's phobia of his sexual orientation and all the time spent on the ice, we hardly spent any personal time with Rikker and Graham as a couple.

Sometimes, the story even dragged because we were stuck in the back and forth that is Graham's mind. Then came the really fast crescendo that began and ended before we could blink. I am now anxious to know what happens next and it's not even me being greedy, it's just that a whole new world now awaits.

Sarina Bowen has never been afraid to tackle major issues and this was no different. There is more to this novel than "coming out" and I think that's why the end left me feeling incomplete. There were also a few more grammatical errors than I am used to from a Sarina Bowen novel but I'll just chalk that up to it being an ARC. A purchased copy should have less grammatical errors. I hope.

Still, it wasn't enough to deter me and my interest was captured and held until the end. There is drama, lessons, fun, friendship, first love and acceptance all wrapped in two Harkness Hockey jackets.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22701480-the-understatement-of-the-year

Ruthless People By J.J. McAvoy

I expected this novel to be a good one and I wasn't disappointed. Liam and Melody had rocky starts in the personality department and while Melody didn't redeem herself, I got to understand and acclimate to her character as the story progressed.

I think everyone in this story with the exception of Olivia and Coraline are ruthless. They can act with the best of them but this family loves blood, chaos and drama. They thrive on it! While Liam eventually broke his mold to accommodate Melody, she stayed true to her character until the end. There is no clear cut reception to this story because their are different stages to their madness. In the beginning, I was a little skeptic, because Melody is not easy to like, as she was the only character that came out guns blazing and stayed that way. Even when she disconnects from the world, she's remains cocky, self-righteous and nonchalant about everything and everyone with the exception of Liam and Evelyn.

Liam's character is like an oxymoron. He shocks me with his decisions and he baffles me even more when he clicks the switch that turns him into a sociopath. I just can't see him as one. He at times seem almost preppy but then in an instant he's killing six year old girls so they don't grow up into "La femme Nikita" and retaliate against his family.  I expected a struggle for dominance but really, one of them gave up before the struggle even began.

If not for Liam's need to love, I could see this story having zero romantic tones. The romance actually takes a back seat to all the criminal affairs. Still, you can't discount that they make a really good team and somewhere along the line, I found myself riding their power wave. They actually make you feel like they are untouchable.

Half way through this novel, we started to get other characters POVs but I am on the fence as to their significance. Yes, it's a different view and thoughts from the family but importance was lacking. I didn't mind getting in their heads but their issues had no bearing on the current story line.

There is sex, love, family, power, drugs and murder. Everything you were promised on the cover. What stood out most though was the title. You can't sleep on these two because they are forever scheming and manipulating everyone, including each other. Every time I think they are redeemed and becoming less power hungry, I realize that they are just planning their next scheme.

The sex isn't as explosive or passionate as I thought it would be but it's not very detailed either so you are quick to get back to the wave of crimes they have planned. In retrospect, not even the criminal acts were given much light either, unless Liam are Melody were suiting up. We weren't always apart of the plan and found ourselves watching the mayhem with the rest of the family.

I found that their banters with their family and men were what made this story interesting and gave us those funny moments.

There is a noticeable amount of grammatical errors and normally when a book captures me enough, I can probably dismiss it but this story is from a publishing house with a professional editor, so I don't think they should be so glaringly obvious.

I had expected more Italian and Irish culture but it was more All-American. I've never read about the Irish or their mobs before so I would have loved to seen more Irish culture and dialect.

Novels with language barriers normally leave me running to Google translate, so I was glad for the key at the end and the ease in navigating between the translation page and the rest of the story.

'Ruthless People' isn't one of those stories that come with a lot for you to gush about. It is precise, to the point and grabs your attention from beginning to end. If you blink, you might miss something and everything and everybody are chess pieces.

They are murders, thieves and liars with no intention of ever slowing down. They love what they do and NOTHING will change that. It's gruesome and leaves you questioning their sanity and the subject of ethics and moral, because they have none.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22237407-ruthless-people

Hudson By Laurelin Paige

Is it possible that a companion novel can hold more feelings than the original body of work? Yes, it can and 'Hudson' is the perfect example. If not for me reading another companion novel late last month, I would probably say it's because I read this story before and I loved it. However, this was like a fresh tale to me and I completely suppressed Alayna's side of the story, as I focused on Hudson and what made him into the man we saw in the trilogy.

The quote at the beginning of this novel was apt for the focus and I find that I loved going between the before and after to piece together the puzzle that is Hudson Pierce. I felt like I was revisiting all the characters and seeing them through new eyes.

Sorry to disappoint, but I think we spent more time on the Hudson/Celia dynamic, than we did the Alayna/Hudson aspects, but we had already explored those from the 'Fixed' trilogy so it was good to see a different side in the mix.

There were new twist and scenes that were never exposed before, that made this story whole; while shining a light on Alayna in Hudson's eyes. All her flaws were lauded and I forgot she was battling her own issues.

Hudson laid himself bare in this novel and I had a great time dissecting. He was cold, calculated and an addict in his own right but I always had a soft spot for the crazies and Hudson is the King of that hill! I have never thought much about people with disassociation of emotions but this novel has made me take a stop and look. Though it was entertaining to see him do his "experiments", it also showed how lost he was and the underlying issues that eventually made way to the perfect Hudson. He held some of his old qualities while he finalized the biggest experiment of his life ... himself.

Playing a big part in his past and eventually his future, Celia is a character that sways you. You want to hate her but she is so well taught that you don't know what to do or feel. She makes me wanna threaten her with death too but then I remember the Celia in the beginning chapters and remind myself that she too is a product of Hudson's illness.

This story is a twisted tale that held all the right notes and moves. It was more than the characters themselves and gave us a more in depth look at the Pierce/Werner clan and what was ahead for this insane group of friends and families.

Jack continues to amuse me as a character and Chandler was just as absent. I am selfish enough to admit that this story answered all my questions but I still want more; I wanna see Hudson handle temptation and Alayna off the wagon because there is something about this couple and how they strive within drama.

The story line doesn't only visit the past and present but the future as well. We got some answers as to what happened after their wedding day and I for one was grateful for the update. As I said before, I can't get enough of these two.

Naturally, there are elements from this story that reviews previous scenes from the trilogy but the best thing about this book is that coming from a different POV makes everything seem like a new story. It never got repetitive and I was never bored. If anything, I wanted to read the trilogy again and I assume that's the aim of a companion.

I will admit that you might get a different opinion if you start reading this exactly after the 'Fixed' trilogy but I can assure you that you will get variety and a fresh story line for you to invest in. I loved this story and I am extremely happy that two of my favourite characters were brought back to life with the right balance of past, present and future. I shouldn't but I still wanna ask for more :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21417430-hudson

How We Deal with Gravity By Ginger Scott

I love novels that aren't afraid to tackle controversial issues and I love them even more when they succeed. This novel is a balance between complete success and falling short. It needed one more push to either make it a failure or an epic success but it stayed on the line.

It's fast but is's slow and their isn't much in the way of conflict or character development but it held it's own and had it's heart warming moments. The problem I have is that I can't make a concrete assessment of anyone in this novel, except for Max and I think that's due to his schedule and illness. I would have loved to spend more time with him because my favourite parts, is getting to know the insanely intelligent 5 year old with autism.

There wasn't much development in the relationship between Avery and Mason and I assume that is because they already spent their formative years together. However, we weren't there, so I would have liked a little more than walks down memory lane. I wanted to see their relationship start and develop as oppose to the insta-awakening in Mason and the easy acceptance of Avery.

Speaking of Avery, I would give anything for her to cry less. That chick cries a lot and it doesn't take much to jerk her to tears. The Avery at the beginning of this novel was strong, confident and had no problem showing Mason who was in charge while she handled being the mother of a child with autism. In the end, she became a blubbering mess who confused me to no end. I still don't understand her feelings or decisions after that night of unpleasant star gazing.

I wish that we focused more on Max and autism, as I felt like we only scratched the surface by focusing on their need for a routine and Max's talent in science and music. I wanted more interaction with Max because those times were the most memorable and humorous scenes.

For a character, that barely spoke a chapter worth of words, Max took the cake! I understand that it is his autism that makes him react to situations different than others but I loved his intuitive moments and his snarky responses and actions. The kid doesn't care and I love it!

Mason is the prefect man a woman could have and I never once saw him as a womanizing bad boy, even though he has an edge. I loved his honesty and reservations, even his reactions to simple things like a stripper rubbing up on his junk. He's a man after all, so no use lying to ourselves. He remained true to himself and everyone around him. He was the anchor to this story and I love that even though he could have been, he wasn't an angry, washed up musician, sulking and blaming the world for his problems. He didn't have much but what he had he made it work.

For the first time, I couldn't relate to the music in a novel but I think that's more because it was a secondary notion and was only highlighted to give emotions to situations.

There are a few missing elements to this story but I think the overall body of work makes it inconsequential. I was intrigued, interested and if not for my days being crazy, I could see myself reading this book in a day. You don't need to have or know anyone with autism to understand this story, as it touches you on more than one level and though I would have preferred a different ending for Ray, it was a catalyst that gave us a balanced end.

This novel is a delicate balance because while it held steady and keeps you interested, by the end, you realize that it didn't accomplish much as it relates to character development and proper conflict. Still, it was good enough to leave the possibility of me reading another Ginger Scott novel or an update on the Street/Abbott gang.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22701323-how-we-deal-with-gravity

Being Kalli By Rebecca Berto

It's very rare that I read books that I don't like because if I read the blurb and it doesn't interest me then I move along. I don't go out of my way to give bad reviews and bash authors because I can't imagine ever writing a full length novel so I won't hate on someone who tries. With that being said though, I still didn't like this novel and I am kicking myself and my OCD tendencies because it took me one full week to read a book that is 257 pages. I have read 500 page novels in a day.

I couldn't connect to the story, characters or their issues. I have even struggled with a few of these issues myself but I felt nothing! I got the gist and the aim but I was unable to relate and unwilling to make an attempt. Their issues didn't move or inspire and I blame that on the delivery. I felt nothing for any one and that made it hard to develop connections with the characters or their stories.

Nate is a sweetheart but that does nothing for me. I find that I preferred him when he's hurt and hurting Kalli, as oppose to his insecure, sensitive and shy side. I have never read about old friends becoming lovers but I hope they aren't all like this.

There is an influx of different issues but only a few make sense. Every single character has a heavy issue to resolve but none resonated with me; They were too fleeting for their importance and I spent most of the time trying to remember what I read 6 pages before. After fighting my way through this story, I came out with nothing but fatigue from staying up to complete it before Wednesday and I could really use some sleep now.

Kalli is talkative but it eludes you because you are bored and I would never want to spend that much time in her head. We hardly have the courtesy of being apart of important conversations about the past and the different elements to her personality weren't cohesive. I felt like there were gaps, when in fact, it was the presentation.

We have a public sex fiend who only has "sex" in public twice and they were more appetizers than main course, not to say that the main course was better.

This story had an overwhelming amount of controversial issues that could have made for a really good story but the delivery was weak and didn't help me to understand or empathize. I was over it from I made it to 5% and if not for willpower and 3 hours in the early morning, I'd have my first DNF.

I have never read a book from this author before and I am now skeptic about reading another. I was bored, uninterested and had to claw my way to the end. The fact that the end was abrupt, unrealistic and unimaginative didn't help either. I just didn't like or understand this story at all.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22061681-being-kalli

Otherwise Unharmed By Shay Savage

I am having a dilemma here, because while I am mad at myself that I had this novel from December and didn't read it until now, I am also glad that I didn't because I would have been missing Evan more than I am now. I don't know how the world of book boyfriends/mafia hitmen are going to survive without Mr. Arden.

I've loved Evan Arden since the first time I met him in the Arizona desert on his porch with Odin. Eventually, I got to like the whole series, even 'Uncockblockable', that wasn't told from his POV. He is one of those characters that remain true to themselves and reel you in with their personality, wit and charm if he ever displays it. He is rough, not just around the edges, but he's also fiercely loyal and his paranoia is what helped to drive the action and suspense of this story.

This series is taken from Evan's POV, so we spend most of the time in his crazy brain and Lia didn't show herself again until the end of 'Otherwise Occupied', so it's safe to say that this novel was the most time we ever spent with her character, including the time in the desert, and even though her appearances were few, I can truly say I like them as a couple. To some, it might look like insta-love but there's more to them than that and I believe they have the perfect balance. I can honestly see her centering him when he starts to go crazy.

She is the complete opposite of every thing in this world but I like that. It's different and a much more realistic approach as oppose to the usual of love pushing them to the dark side. She hated it there and that was fine.

This novel was more action than romance and even the romance at times felt like low key action. Still, I believe it because Evan is intense and crazy so it tied in perfectly with the PTSD riddled hitman who is fresh from spraying his neighbourhood park with bullets.

We got some more on his time spent in the marines and as a POW but the present action was just as intense and nail biting. I was hanging on to every word, especially in the end and I could actually feel myself getting warm from being nervous of the outcome.

There is a death in this novel that might rock a few. He will be missed and Freyja won't ever take his place. There is something about him that even though he couldn't speak, he added a necessary element that bonded both Lia and Evan.

I got to see a different side to Rinaldo, as well as, his relationship with Evan. I like the respect Evan had for him and how no matter his problems and beefs, he never once forgot his military training. We also got some more on him before, during and after his tenure in the Marine's.

Yes, the sex isn't sweet. It's rough, raw and raunchy. He doesn't mince his words and Lia seems to love that line between punishing and loving. I have to admit though, Evan makes you want to thread the line :)

There are so many points, that I would love to highlight, as I have no problem ripping this book page by page to discuss every single move. It's rough, action filled and kept a balance through all the different emotions and situations. I could watch this man hunt and catch his prey all day without ever getting bored. I will miss this story something fierce but I am glad I got to experience Evan Arden and I am really hoping for a future novella update. *hint**hint* ;)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19193057-otherwise-unharmed

The Prince's Ex By Nadene Seiters

I am not one of those people who like trilogies but some stories need more than one installment and 'The Prince's Ex' is one of them. Was it rushed? Not until we got to the end but I think that has more to do with my love for the characters and not being ready to let them go.

I will admit that I was a little apprehensive when this story began because it didn't hit the ground running. It took some time to build and I judged the book by it's title and expected fluff and pageantry. I was in for a rude awakening because it was not what I expected and became more realistic as it progressed.

Some will see Amelia (pretty name btw) as a gold digger and I would have to say she's on the line but she's also honest. She knows what she wants and seems obsessed with the moving of money that I am actually surprised she wasn't a Trader. I like that she didn't move from the Prince's ex to the commoner's wife and it was good to see her date and have different relationships before she found the one that worked for her. I also like that the man was the one with more on the line and how they navigated those issues when they arrived.

Amelia is one of those character that has to grow on you because she makes no apologies for her faults and wants and while her back story is a sad one, you'd never know. This story is narrated more like a third party account but all I could hear was Amelia's voice; despite her shortcomings and blatant need for financial stability, you want to see this story through her eyes. I will admit that at times I thought he deserved better but Amelia proved that, given the chance, she can be that better thing he needs in his life.

The dynamic duo of Tina and Amelia made this book quirky, fun and full of good times. It's a hoot whenever those two are together and their time spent in that coffee shop made for quite the comedic relief. If I could, I would rename this book 'Coffee Shop Chronicles' but I don't know how i'd tie in that cover because it is too hot to not stay!

I hate when reviews give away too much information because then a novel loses some of it's mystic so I pride myself on keeping as much a secret as is possible and because Amelia had to go through a few frogs to her real prince, i'll refrain from using a name so as to not give away who the winner of her heart was, so from here on, his name shall be "Him" :)

"Him" was everything you could ever want in a man and though I picked up on a  few of his secrets early, I will admit that some threw me for a loop. Still, he remained intelligent, sweet, understanding and quite frankly one of the best book boyfriends I've seen in a while, without having to negotiate for her life or visiting each other in a hospital or jail cell. They didn't even break up and that's gotta be worth a nod in contemporary romance these days!

They are friends first then lovers and though we spent more time with her suitors than we did with her choice, I felt like I knew him well enough and am actually appalled at myself that I too overlooked him in the beginning.

For all those sex fiends, you can forget it. There is no graphic, detailed sex scenes and no one is being slapped or tied. It's clean fun with a few sexy undertones.

If you're unable to connect with the story, that's fine but I find that most women, especially of the single variety, can relate to this novel because it's a more real account of life in the single lane with a few unrealistic elements to give the novel dynamics. On the surface, it's remains an every day story with an every day couple in a small town with too many ears, nosy yoga classes and a little coffee shop that holds all their secrets :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22041511-the-prince-s-ex

Tug By K.J. Bel

Disclaimer: I'm normally more thorough in my research when I want to begin reading a new novel but for some reason I added this novel to my TBR list without checking to see if this was a new standalone or a spin off. Turns out, it's a spin off and I didn't find this out until I read and finished my draft for this review. So it's safe to say that this is my introduction to Tug, Tori and Brady. While I now know that they have a past, that was given in details, I still can't change my review because below is my true thoughts from what I read without this new knowledge.

There is a range of emotions involved in reading 'Tug', from hate to indifference and just plain 'ol frustration. There is too many crazy, unbalanced people in this story and the story line contain more drama than a script of the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta'. Yes, Tug is a douche but I never expected to leave this novel unsure of Maria and tired of the drama with the other characters.

Brady is a little too convenient for my liking, as he lives life on the line of right and wrong and seems to always come out the good guy, while Tug can't seem to get anything right and always end up losing and sacrificing the most in the end. It's all a continuous cycle with Tori in the middle and she being crazy doesn't excuse her. As for Liv and Harrison, Liv is an idiot and Harrison is a pig.

Maria threads the line of naive and eventually untrustworthy, to the point where I just decide to give up on them all. They are confused, which in turn makes you unable to build solid relationships with the characters while keeping a certain level of empathy. I especially hate the fact that I read an entire novel just to have an avoidable upset at the end that makes me question everything I spent my time reading. Also, not that I excuse his behavior but Maria is sort of a bitch with that final decision. An ungrateful one at that. Though it's not clear, it doesn't look good either.

Tug's character is possibly bi-polar but neither him nor the author knows it yet. It's either that or he's just a douche. I'll like to think it's an illness. You will hate him and eventually tolerate him but I never loved him.

I think this story keeps itself interesting occasionally, more so than not, but there is so much drama towards the end that I am pissed I even bother. I'd prefer to just read book 2 and get the updates and solutions.

I believe that all the characters in this novel are doom to be miserable and never fully able to live in the light because there is too many dark and gray areas. While I don't know anything about the US/Mexico border, I doubt it is used as frequently as they do without raising suspicion and this crew uses it like a bus route.

The sex in this novel isn't inspirational but then the focus was on the unrequited love, new love and new relationships being built. It's surely not your usual romance and there is no HEA. These friends also don't mind stepping on you to get to your man if it's convenient.

Their back story is strange, common and different all in one. There are no loving parents and while they all have mommy issues, they don't rely heavily on it. If not for their sporadic reminders of their mom and dad crimes, I'd forget that they had a Lifetime movie upbringing.

There is a certain level of confusion for me in reading this novel and it might show in my review, because even though I understand the story, had no problem with the progression and was entertained for the most part, I felt like the ending killed it all for me and made me want to go over the novel to see what the reader's hustle might be.

Even with a few glitches, it's a good read but you have to be willing to put your emotions aside to garner anything from it. I was unable to do that so I feel duped like I read all that for nothing. Honestly, I didn't see nor understand the change in the wind that lined us up for a book 2 but I guess we are trying to get as close to reality as possible and splitting novels seem to be all the rage these days.

Also, after finding out that this triangle stretched across two other books, I'd like to think that the author might have gotten a little more creative in her efforts to tee us up for a book 2.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22594706-tug

Coming In From the Cold By Sarina Bowen

If your in a book stump or just looking for a nice transition read, then look no further! This is my second novel by Sarina Bowen and I was just as satisfied with this attempt. It has an air of old school Mills and Boon romance novels but with a realistic and modern touch for it's characters and their issues.

You can know when an author has done her research and the fact that Sarina has a ski-crazy husband, lives in Vermont and raises chickens only strengthened the main character of Willow. It's not hard to see both Sarina and Willow in love with love. I don't know if this character was emulated from the author but it was a strong character that highlighted her personality and I had no problems developing empathy or concern for her, even when she was wrong and way too forgiving.

I did get annoyed with her occasionally, but for the most part, I liked the character of Willow and her friendship with Callie was endearing even though it only touched the surface. You can't help but to be comfortable with all the characters and their relationships because they really do try to stay away from drama.

Dane is an interesting one for me because while I liked him, I still don't understand him a 100%. I love his honesty and the fact that he was blunt and steadfast in his decisions. I even like that he went ape when he heard his diagnosis and that he remained genuine to his emotions throughout the novel.

I'll be the first to admit that on the surface this story doesn't bring much depth and is flying in fairy tale land but I loved the development and progression. I also like that a serious illness was highlighted without it being the big "C", cheesy or boring. I only wish we got to highlight it more but the amount we got was satisfactory and tastefully done.

The sex was basic without much of a steam factor but Sarina isn't known for her hot and heavy scenes. With her, it's more mellow and to the point. There is a time and place for everything and I think the sex in this novel is good enough for this novel.

The story line hits the ground running and doesn't stop until the end. I assume there will be a part two because so much is unresolved and while I was content with this novel, I am a little apprehensive as to if more drama will be thrown their way, even though they barely sweat their last hurdle.

There's not much to say about this novel because in the grand design of it all there isn't much conflict or moments that need to be picked apart. It's structured well and progressed seamlessly even when it became flat and stuck in a loop at the end.. It's all about love, understanding and hitting the slopes. Some will find it soft in the romance department but I find that if I need centering I can pick up a novel by Sarina Bowen to get the job done and this was no different.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20767664-coming-in-from-the-cold

The Year We Fell Down By Sarina Bowen

If your looking for a nice, sweet read with a few bumps along the way then look no further. This was a steady, friendly, comforting novel about friendship, love, acceptance and disability. Don't expect any miracles but it's an inspiring story that engages and gets it's point across in creative and cliched ways.

For it's genre, this novel is perfect. Yes, it's fluff but the cover and blurb should have told you that. Hartley has little to no self esteem but at the same time he is so confident in who he is and what he represents. He has no inhibitions and is quite frankly one of the better book boyfriends, especially when he grows a pair! I don't know about you but I love the kid!

I think all the characters of this novel are endearing and I root for them all, even Stacia. The usual dilemma's and cliques weren't present and we focused on building a solid relationship between Hartley and Corey that made the transition that much simpler. I believed there friendship and actually hated the one sappy moment because it wasn't like them. Time was spent to build the important relationships, so even when they became bed mates, I could share in their awkward interpretation. Yes, within all the fluff, there was some sex. Raw? Not so much but it was a special brand and blend of Corey and Hartley.

Corey/Callahan/Corinne are whatever her name is today was the most spectacular of them all. She was brave, witty, depressed, funny, adorable and strong. I felt her worries and inhibitions and spent the entire novel waiting for her to take a step. I still think she can!

I like how her back story was revealed and staged, as it showed the effort and time placed in the progression and delivery. It was certainly not what I expected but I love that it wasn't one of the cliches. The end might have been a little jumbled but I like that we got that out of the way before it fell apart. I also think it's a testament to the quality of the novel that I didn't crave an explanation every step of the way.

The supporting characters were also good in their own rights where their roles were concerned. There was genuine emotions and reactions and I like that Hartley wasn't a douche to Stacia, even when she deserved it. He was a too good example of what can happen between exes without one ending up in jail and he treated both of them so well that I found it hard to hate him for his indecision. He even brought out the good in Stacia.

I was a little worried initially because I am not a fan of love triangles but this wasn't even a problem. You got the time to know and love them as a couple without interruptions and when the time came every one stepped up to the plate.

I hardly ever enjoy the events, around freshmen in college, novels but I love the history within this institution and the camaraderie between Hartley, Bridger, Dana, Corey and eventually Daniel. I will admit this story is rainbows and unicorns with an underside of sadness due to the disability of the main character but I liked it. It was leveled and fair in the release of the different elements. I didn't even mind the hockey elements and it was my first hockey novel. I like that it took the time to get us warm towards the game without diving too far in.

This story is a quick, fun read for you to pass time while getting acquainted with a troubled but strong group of youngsters as they try to get through college and life's problems with all the right decisions,  experiences and friendships. There are rocky moments but it's barely a bumpy ride and the dual POV didn't hurt either. I'm not a fluff kinda girl but even I enjoyed this.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21801307-the-year-we-fell-down

Dazed By Kim Karr

What can I say? I don't really see the point of this story and I don't know what exactly we were suppose to take away. The insecurities, characters and the whole story line was rather basic. At 60% I remembered that we really haven't had "the big blow up" yet and so I was waiting to see what the conflict would be, if any and when it came it didn't blow me away and lasted exactly 24 hours if even so much. Then I don't even know what to say about the ending because it was abrupt, incomplete and inconclusive on a lot of issues. It felt more like a well written and edited draft waiting for that wow factor.

At first I was annoyed with the constant need to describe every one's wardrobe but eventually I got into it and actually liked mixing and matching with Aerie. Jagger on the other hand needs some clothes and shoes. The man is hot with a capital 'H' when dressed right but you use to be a model sir, your closet has got to be better than that of a college freshman. The fact that your mom works for Hermès and your dad, Tom Ford, doesn't help your case either. You were born of high fashion!

I got a different Dahlia and River this time and though their cameos were brief I liked the time spent with them. It was good to get an update without overpowering the story and speaking of overpowering, I thought too much time was spent in the mind of Aerie Daniels, than time spent having real, interesting and valuable conversations. Nothing dynamic or amazing happened except for the colour of Jagger's laces, his car and wealth of random knowledge.

Irrespective of the lag in conversations and an epic story line I liked the characters of Aerie and Jagger. Aerie is on the edge of crazy and I wish we focused on that more than we did her "rebound" issues. Every one is someone's rebound so I hardly find that a conflict or something to create much fan fare about.

I liked that Jagger knew random tidbits because I am always up for learning new things and that seems to be a given when around Jagger. If only he'd pick up a fashion encyclopedia -_-

The sex was also regular but it had it's passionate moments and I like that they just got to the deed, especially because the story line didn't lend to extra long sex scenes.

The 'Connections' series is normally filled with good music and this was no different but unfortunately, we just got a playlist and the music wasn't as tied in to the story line as previous novels. I can still remember Dahlia watching Ben die will the radio blasted 'It's not my time' By 3 Doors Down. Now that's an impact!

It's loosely based around Jagger auditioning for the role of Aerie's dead uncle who was a musician in the best age of rock with the likes of Led Zeppelin but this was by no means a music filled rock and roll novel and Aerie was too easy to convert. Jagger hardly worked for it if at all. I just like that she wasn't behaving possessed when it came to sex. I hate the screamers -_-

There are some relationships in series that don't need highlighting and if we are sticking with this story line then this was one. I think with all the history and connections, this could have been a good one but it fell flat without much for you to get excited about.

We are moving from fake deaths, cheating, years of yearning and songs that tie in traumatic experiences to wine tasting and a ridiculous amount of 'Alice in Wonderland' references. I don't know, I just wasn't gripped. If not for wanting to read 'Mended', I could have done without reading this and the preview of the beginning of 'Mended' didn't hold much for me either but I am a fan of the series and I always had a secret crush on broody Xander so let's see what happens next!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19187334-dazed

The Devil's Contract By Claire Contreras

I had a choice. I read this. 

I was technically promised intrigued.

I wish I had known this was gonna fall short.

The above is my blurb of my experience of this novel. This isn't what I expected in story line or delivery. I was bored for approximately 65% of this novel and though it picked up steam to the end, I still wasn't excited but more curious with the new developments. It had no impact on me as a reader and my reading the next book is pure curiosity.

I couldn't identify with the romance in this novel even before Amara left New York. I kept waiting for Phillip to swoop in and Colin went with the flow so there wasn't much for me to get excited about. Colin is struggling with the sudden loss of Amara, a death, his inheritance and it's stipulations while Amara is trying to keep her family floating. Phillip is more on the sidelines than I anticipated; Courtney is not as interesting as reviews promised and Samuel is just a constant that I have no interest in sorting. I am most curious about the mysterious blonde that I thought was Nolan and he only gets two small parts in two different chapters. He doesn't even speak in one.

The sex scenes are pretty basic, even the "BDSM" ones and for my first lesbian experience in a novel, this one wasn't very enticing. It happened and that's about it. I understand there is web here but I have no idea where it came from, what it will lead to or if I even care to find out the root of this all. I was literally living by the moment.

Phillips' blackmail card is also starting to get on my nerves; If he reminds Amara one more time what's at stake I'm gonna scream! There is a layer of deception and obvious lies but I just can't care enough about it all. The delivery is too flat and weak and the confusing writing style doesn't help either. The only breaks are chapters so I don't know when I am delving into another character's POV, namely Colin. I still can't even figure out who the main couples are because there seem to be none.

The time period is sketchy so really I have no sense of time and while Amara's escort skills are better than Avery from 'The Arrangement' she still isn't no Miranda from 'Buying Thyme' either, so I don't really have much to keep me company but the detailed description of everything and person.

Courtney's character seems to only be there to partake in awkward threesomes withe her friend and the guy she loves. As long as the lesbian quota is filled she seems to just exist. If  any of these characters have a point I have yet to seen it. They just seem to be floating around in an endless abyss waiting to get to this big secret that can bring down Governments and the scariest of Sultans.

I am interested to find out what will happen next but I am in no hurry. The story line is unclear to me even at the end and I only connected to a character that I literally saw twice, once without words. It was just another story of forced slavery and hidden identities without the romance. I don't know what will become of it all but I am not that eager to find out.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22336689-the-devil-s-contract

Bang By E.K. Blair

Is it wrong that I am currently more interested in seeing what other people think of this novel than I am sharing my views? It's not that I don't know, i'm more itching to find out what every one else think because this is one for a book club.

It's hard to explain how I really feel because I don't really know what I am feeling. I just spent the last 3 days reading this novel and I am just as confused as when I started and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't pissed with this ending -_-

This book is one big mess and only E.K. probably knows how to clean it up. The story line is solid and never waving but at the same time, the story isn't constant and the characters, except for maybe Declan and Bennett, are extremely damaged and the biggest douche canoe of them all is our guide.

But guess what? ... I loved it!

It takes a steadfast state of mind to like the narrator of this story and the men are all pawns in a scheme that is bred from pure misfortune turned abuse. It might not be a bad story but when you can't trust the narrator, you will have some problems when you just wanna escape her deceit.

Bennett was the biggest player in this novel but he was also the most absent. He spent more time in Dubai than he did in Chicago so I didn't get to know him like I did Nina, Pike and Declan. He seems like a good guy who got caught in a web that's laced with more poison than a snake and we don't even find out his purpose until the end of this novel and by then his fate is sealed. By the time Bennett gets some sense and I feel like we might have a good battle of wills, it's bang and we are left waiting to see who if any one survives part two.

Pike and Declan got a lot more light but I spent so much time focusing on the con in this novel that I didn't get the time to focus on Declan;'s character as much. He is passionate I will give him that and he is quite the understanding kind; sexy as hell in the kitchen and one of the nastiest and most possessive men I have ever read about. I am NOT down with that waste matter life. Piss somewhere else Mister, I am not a toilet!!!

Pike as a kid could make any woman fall to their knees. I loved that little boy to the point of obsession from we saw him coming out of that truck with Carl. I even loved him some when they grew up. He was constant, dependable, damaged and fighting for the worse live that was dealt him from the age of 2. I know you will all think I am crazy but I still love him. He got a ray of light after spending all of his formative years in terror and abuse and it's becoming a little hard for him to let that go. His actions? ... undesirable. His light was snatched from him and he retaliated like an angry abused man would. The years would wear on anyone.

Unfortunately, his anger brought this whole story to it's knees. I keep wanting to rewind because I am confused as to how a situation can tank to these levels in such a short time. If they get away with this it will have to be on a much more complex level than Pike and Elizabeth's reasoning.

I empathized with a young Nina because she had it hard and to hear her first introduction to sex would chisel any cold heart a little. The abuse in this novel was raw and painful but Nina erased those feelings to the point where I was unable to stand her inner monologues anymore. The chick is crazy and needs some help. I had a difficult time deciphering her emotions because just as I feel like I know what she is feeling, she reveals her real thoughts and I feel just as manipulated as every one else in this novel.

It's either hot or cold no lukewarm. I can't trust any one in this book because everybody has an agenda and their moral compass is all over the place. This is a complicated story and it is impossible for you to put a definitive name or emotion to the final body of work. It's a struggle from beginning to end so don't expect to ever understand or pick a side. There is no side, it's every one for themselves!

I can't say much without giving this book away but I am also a bubbling mess because I need someone to discuss what it is I just read. I truly believe Pike and Elizabeth could have a different path but is that eve possible now?

E.K. Blair has written emotional novels before but I never expected this level of emotional from her. The story, formatting, editing is impeccable and you can see the time and effort placed in creating the final published work but it's also so confusing that she will either end up giving us one of the most splendid stories in this genre for the year or it will tank and leave us gaping. The complications and web can lose even the best of authors.

I commend her though because this story had me even when I wanted to skip the wavering sex scenes to get to the necessary points. It was like a video game as you tried to get up to the next level. I might have dislike the narrator and remained in the dark for 90% of this novel but I won't discount that E.K. Blair wrote another spectacular piece and I really hope Carnegie helps her out in the end with this one because she is gonna need all the help she can get and he seems to have all the answers.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22065449-bang-black-lotus-1

Broken By A.E. Murphy

I need to process this book that I just read and I don't even know how. My skin is literally prickling after reading this novel and between the ending and the preview of book 2 I am left shaken, confused and hoping Nathan isn't as crazy as I think he is, because from germaphobe to killer is quite a bracket.

This story has three distinct tones that you might miss because you are so wrapped up in the story line. There is the light and fluffy bordering on unrealistic beginning, the changes and growth in the middle and the convoluted and uncertain ending.

I was tempted to stop reading when I began because the beginning wasn't the most solid of starts. It felt very naive and filled with childish fantasies and actions, so I was skeptic while wondering who are these Disney kids? Then everything goes to hell and I literally see the story switch to heartache and unbearable pain. They might not have fell but my eyes did quite the job today at holding my tears at bay. One more painful description and I'd have been weeping like a baby. We moved into a more mature setting until we finally transitioned into the unpredictable ending and even more frightening preview.

I connected with every single one of the main characters. Caleb was the fun, fairy tale side and I loved and missed him with every bone in my body. There will never be enough time passed for you to forget this character. I was depressed with her and felt every pity stare and brick wall to a shelter.

I love Gwen. I thought her silly at first but she completely won me over. She was loyal, fierce, opinionated and real. Yes, she's hormonal but she respected herself and Caleb even when he was no longer around. She had literally found her soul mate and no matter what any one else says I will always love him for her. There is no man in the world like Caleb and even though we might learn some of his secrets in the next novel people can change and he did. We never saw a bad side. He was the loving, caring, compassionate boyfriend to the point of being selfish. Prevention is better than cure and he could have prevented half the pain Gwen endured if he had prepared properly and spoke to her about what they were really up against.

Though I am irrevocably in love with Caleb this story has two sides and the lead for the next is Nathan. I like Nathan but I don't trust him. It took not only Gwen, but myself as a reader, time to warm to his character and before I know it, I was acclimating to his current role and medical condition. What came at the end though just stirred me even more and got me wondering what will happen next. His next move will determine if I continue to get to know and like him or loathe him forever.

It's impossible to not get tangled up in this story. The characters are real, their decisions are tough but their own and resentment runs rampant with hate and indifference. The sex in this novel is virginal and is PG at best. It was all about the story line and I love that. We followed the lost of a promising life; a single, homeless, unemployed almost widow trying to get by and a man with a literal vault of secrets and quite the mental illness.

Once this story picks up speed, it doesn't slow. It holds you and dare you to take this journey across the pond. As usual, nothing beats a good UK novel written by someone from the UK or at the very least, with a strong hold in their culture. The dialect was definitely British and I love using my dictionary as I sorted through British slang.

It was an emotional roller coaster and I didn't wanna get off this ride. There is a moment for every one and after the first 10% I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I read it all in an afternoon as I was unable to move until I saw 100% on my kindle. This is normally when I know a book is good and has you right where it wants you.

 I was surprised at the authors age  because the pain and struggles were real and spoke of more worldly experience than her 23 years. All the same though, congratulations on tapping and unlocking some intense feelings and reactions.

I love it. I recommend it and what makes it even better, it's currently FREE on Amazon and Smashword.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22018461-broken

Strings of the Heart By Katie Ashley

The last 90% of this novel was more interesting than the entire compilation. Bella gave us an interesting start and even though I would have loved some Mia flair in that moment, I still had high hopes. Therefore, I was rather disappointed to find that after that, I spent most of the novel bored and learning about Rhys family and the time they spent in Savannah. I could have even then tolerated that, if not for the fact that nothing was done with the mass amount of hours spent telling this tale. The personal aspects of his life went no where. Unless there is going to be another novel for him and Allison, then almost nothing came out of getting in depth with his family life.

At about 30%, I just wanted to finish this novel and move on to something else waiting in my kindle, but by the end, I needed more. While it technically is a HEA, there is still so much unanswered questions and a lot more time needed to acclimate to this new relationship. Especially on Jake's part.

Despite the secrecy though, this wasn't an angst fest. It was however filled with sunshine and unicorns on Allison's part. She is a beam of sunshine through  every one's dark cloud and it annoyed initially to the point where I considered stopping. She cries because of baby pics. I'm sorry ... too weak for me.

Naturally though, I love it when she got fierce with not only the catty wenches but Rhys. Her anger was palpable and I loved her fierce and feral, the girl wears heartbreak well. When she wasn't being any of the above though, she was quite the sex fiend! She likes it rough and there is something about their sex that's more than the description. It was passionate, raw and intense, as you get to see and feel both their POVs on what's happening in their bedroom or make up counter ;)

I never paid much mine to Rhys before, but he sometimes reminds me of Griffin from 'Once upon a Billionaire', except that he's not pretentious and cares not about public appearances. However, they are both scholars, maybe one more than the other and when you get them out their underpants, they know how to give you some good sex!

I loved both sides of both Allison's worlds and I wish that they could have eventually mixed. Cassie is awesome and I wish we got more time with her outside of the Savannah side of the story. It would be fun to see her interact with the other members of Runaway Train and Jacob's Labber. Emmie and Lucy hanging couldn't be that bad either. In essence, I feel like a mixture was needed at the end to tie it all together.

The climax came very close to the end and while the reaction was expected, It was 50/50 for the big reveal, in my opinion. Yes, it had me alert, out of my bed and pouring over the pages but it was also predictable. It wasn't bad, it was crass, funny and mortifying for me the reader, so I can only imagine them as the characters.  I thought a comfortable resolution would take time and expected the time period of the epilogue, to show more than it did. As I said before, I wanted a mixture and an overall sense of togetherness for both of Rhys's worlds.

There seems to be a bucket load of eligible bachelors being paraded around and I am sort of hoping Mr. Marshall from the auction wasn't just apart of the story. I think his past is the base for a really good romance novel and I really want to see what Eli and Gabe have to give.

Brayden and Lily are still a mystery to me but that's fine, because the make awesome parents and they are the most stable couple on this train. Mia is way too mellow now and AJ is his usual eccentric self. Jake remains angry, with Abby as his anchor and we are given a brief view into the men of Jacob's Ladder. I love that we got updates on every one and got to reacquaint ourselves with characters through the series we might not have focused on before.

It's really sugary sweet in the beginning and it lost me in the middle but luckily, the ending made up for the initial progression. It became fast paced, on point and kept up the vibe till the end.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21535945-strings-of-the-heart

A Song For Us By Teresa Mummert

I think I took too long to finish reading this novel and now I am paying for it. I have an array of emotions to accompany this novel, based on the chapters I got through each day. Therefore, by the end, I have no one set emotional evaluation of this novel. It just is.

The beginning was tentative. Nothing much happened but we got updates and reconnected with old characters. No offence Dorris :)

Before, I saw Eric's character as an angry douche, but I wasn't sure what to expect this go. I was thoroughly surprised to see that Eric through his and Sarah's eyes is a completely different man. Even Cass and Tucker seemed grown and more confident and secure than when we first met them.

Eric is more sensitive than you'd expect and his cynical words did not match his deep actions. I liked his character from beginning to end and I actually wish that he ended up with Donna. I like them together and I think they could have helped each other out of their funk.

Yes, after that last statement, you might find me crazy but I actually think that Derek and Sarah make a good couple. I think he really loves her, he's just as messed up in the head as the rest of them. It's just that no one bothered to talk to him and Sarah was unable to be the support he needed because she could barely hold herself up. If not for that major, appalling wrench thrown in at the climax of this novel, Derek could have become a better person and Donna could have enhanced not only 'Damaged' but the Eric we got to know in this installment.

Sarah annoyed me a lot throughout this novel. I will admit it now, I am bias. I like novels about the guys that are crazy but I resent when it's a female. Irrespective of what we like to think, men are the stronger sex physically, so to see a man vulnerable is welcomed. Women are always placed in a category of being weaklings, so I hate when one free falls into said category, especially through cutting. I hate that most of all.

I started reading this novel after clearly stating to myself that I didn't want to read a love triangle. The irony? Yes, I saw it too. This was a love square! However, I had hopes that maybe Sarah would stick with Derek and Eric and Donna would be the real outcome. Eventually though, I had to get over that dream and try to navigate the murky waters of tainted and unrequited love. Eric had to fight both literally and figuratively for this one. I hope she's worth it.

The resolution in this novel baffled me because all it took was showing up to start mending the problems that plagued and stunted these characters for most of their adult life. I liked the blast into their past because I was interested in the conversations between Eric and his dad. Those were some vulnerable moments.

Even though this was a rock and roll novel it gave us an aspect that we rarely see with this genre. They weren't touring and getting in trouble with groupies , they were on a break. It was good to see them in a different element, removed from the celebrity scene and it assisted in highlighting the struggles for artiste to acclimate back to every day life when the touring ends.

The twins were more interactive in this novel and I like the time spent with Terry and Chris. They are the life of the party! The camaraderie only got better with the return of Tucker as he helped create ways for Eric and Sarah's relationship to grow. Side note, if you haven't noticed, I refuse to call him 'E'. It's a letter and quite retarded of a nick name -_-

This can be a quick read if your in the mood and have the time. It's interesting enough to keep you engaged but get ready to be annoyed at some point with the back and forth between Donna, Eric, Sarah and Derek.

I liked Eric and Derek the most from this novel and their constant competition and deception kept this story interesting and moving more than the actual romance. Truthfully, I was over it when the final couple dynamics were revealed. I didn't hate the romance but I was more a fan of the road to the romance.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16138461-a-song-for-us

Tangled By Em Wolf

First order of business, this book needs to get a better cover and title. It is so much better than what you get at face value. I thought it would be some silly, bratty kids pissing away their parents money, doing drugs and sexing all over the place. They aren't even in high school anymore. They are sophomores in college who live and act like adult nearing 30. Their lives, decisions and actions were beyond their years and I loved their clique however cliched the view on college life was. It was a good and held it's own in the world of NA and college romance.

It's another one of the genetic crazies and you know how I love this type! I will admit that I was lost in the beginning and thought about quitting ... *knocks wood* ... something I have yet to do with a novel. I am glad I powered through though, because this is a diamond in the rough. Even though it ended with a HEA for two of our main characters, I wanted more. I wasn't ready to let go of Adonis and Tessandra yet.

I was a little hesitant with Adonis in the beginning because this novel skipped years of tension, friendship and changes to show us a smitten Tess, undecided Cameron and the douche druggie that is Adonis.

Yes, his name is pretentious, but so is the guy. He is crude, easy to hate and carries most of the sarcasm and levity of this novel from beginning to end. He is blunt, in your face and not afraid to wear his emotions on his sleeves. I loved that about him. Even when he wasn't coming down from a manic high, he had no problem voicing his thoughts.

I loved him even more closer to the end when he started to reveal his past and his current struggles. While not much of a fight for him, I liked when he fell in love and tried to be a better man. He didn't lose the Adonis we met in chapter 1 but his remarks were spun to give him a different angle and I love that they continued to bicker like enemies with all the benefits at the end :)

Their sex was passionate, rough, wild and a game of upstaging the other but it worked. Their personalities shined and there was never a dull moment. Tess is still a mystery to me because I don't understand why such an awesome girl would want to change even though I loved the different aspects of her personality and all her struggles with the parental figures in her life.

Cameron was the golden boy turn vindictive prick when things went south. He was however, right. He was smart, loyal, caring and got the bad end of the stick when the smoke clear. His character made for the best of friends even if he lacked in other areas. The fact that we got almost everyone's POV was good for the development of the story also.

This novel held a great cast of characters and I loved every one of them. Their camaraderie was evident and their friendships solid even when rocky. I was surprised to see such a vindictive side to Cameron towards the end of this novel but then I thought about it, every one in this novel had their hang ups and smoke screen mirrors in place in one aspect or another of their life.

For those adverse to cheating, I won't say it wasn't present, but it wasn't done in a tacky sense and if you were to get technical it could almost be seen as non existent. Tess and Cameron make great friends and to me some dynamics shouldn't be disturbed.

Adonis and Tess on the other hand have passion like no other and their relationship is unpredictable, wild and ever changing. We also got to see the struggles of Jade and Lance and spent some time with the Irish, Riley. At times I wavered with his sexuality, but for now, I'm gonna say he's straight.

They might be privileged teens trying to find their way through life while fighting through college and the events of their past but this came off more as New Adult than Young Adult. A lot is skipped and you will feel lost in the beginning trying to get your bearings right, but in the end, you'll come out with a great story of mental illness, love, drug abuse and unfortunately betrayal. They work it out but you can't help but wonder if there is more. I personally hope so :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15758024-tangled