What I read: July 2019

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July was a good reading month thanks to a pinched nerve that kept me away from my laptop much of the time.

Teardrop Shot: A Friends to Lovers Sports RomanceTeardrop Shot: A Friends to Lovers Sports Romance by Tijan

This one took longer than a normal Tijan novel for me to get into but once Reece and Charlie started hanging out, I loved it.
Transcend (Transcend Duet #1)Transcend by Jewel E. Ann

I love finding romances with a twist. These flawed characters make perfect sense by the time you're done with the duet. I recommend you give them a chance to tell their stories.
Epoch (Transcend Duet, #2)Epoch by Jewel E. Ann

Just read it.
The Truth About Lies (The Truth Duet, #1)The Truth About Lies by Aly Martinez

In truth, I struggled a bit with this one. Loved the concept and characters but it felt like it went on without much happening for a while. I trusted Aly though, and by the end, I was downloading book two without thought.
In hindsight, the lag was quite possibly my mindset at the time because in the end I'm happy with this duet and would recommend it.
The Truth About Us (The Truth Duet #2)The Truth About Us by Aly Martinez

Love it when totally screwed up lives get happy endings.
Pretty ScarsPretty Scars by C.D. Reiss

Talk about a binge read. Thanks to a pinched nerve in my neck, I was able to spend all day reading this wonderfully angsty Romeo/Juliet-esque tale.
Told in past and present, Gabriel and Carrie's story unfolds in perfect little clues and details until every jaw-dropping moment crushes you. Loved it.
The Wrong Prince CharmingThe Wrong Prince Charming by Holly Renee

In love with the best friend? check
New amazing -forbidden- guy walks in? check
College life? check
Football life? check
The Wrong Prince Charming hits a whole lot of tropes with a whole lot of steamy fun. This is a great one to read in one sitting.
The Bombshell Effect (Washington Wolves, #1)The Bombshell Effect by Karla Sorensen

Fun sports romance when you're looking for a book to cleanse the pallet after a hefty read. Would have loved to see more of the single dad aspect (and how he handled dad life with "dating" and football) since that was a compelling reason for me picking up the book in the first place. Still enjoyable, and I wouldn't rule out reading more of Sorensen's books.
Heartache and Hope (Heartache Duet, #1)Heartache and Hope by Jay McLean

Two teens with a bunch of sh#$ luck form a bond that helps remind readers young love is all like. Love this story and thank goodness book two was already published so I could jump right in.
First and Forever (Heartache Duet, #2)First and Forever by Jay McLean

Yup. I loved it.
Also, I loved the maturity Jay gave her characters while still allowing them to be stupid.
Highly recommend this YA romance.
StayStay by Tia Louise

Enemies (kinda) to lovers.
Single mom.
Second chance.
Relationship of Convenience.
Alpha, sexy billionaire.

This bad boy runs with all the tropes. Enjoyable, if not a tad bit (okay a lot) unrealistic. Sometimes you just need a fun dirty romance to get away from reality.
FYI: this isn't all fun. There is a key plot point that provides a lot of emotional meat.

**Bonus points to all the Blue Planet references ;)
One Little Lie: a hate to love rom-comOne Little Lie: a hate to love rom-com by Whitney Barbetti

This is a super slow burn, kind of second chance, love to hate romance that sees Adam and Hollis telling one little lie so they can both get what they need. The premise for the "hate" aspect is a bit flimsy (IMO) but it's a fun little read nonetheless.
DriveDrive by Kate Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

one woman and two epic loves. Three, if you count music.

My heart hurts. I was absolutely enthralled with this story of love and rock n roll. It's perfection, and now I have a hangover.

What I read: May 2019

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Funny enough, as a writer I am NOT a very stingy reader. So many authors struggle with reading because they disagree with plots or the book isn’t “smart enough.” Sorry friends, I am totally in love with guilty pleasure reads. I get wrapped up in characters even if the writing is so-so or the plots are ridiculous. This month I finished A LOT of out there, crazy plot books. It was delicious!!!

The Rebel of Raleigh High (Raleigh Rebels #1)The Rebel of Raleigh High by Callie Hart

Ohhhh, how I love a good juicy, guilty pleasure, bad boy read.
Beware of triggers.
Filthy Rich Boys (Rich Boys of Burberry Prep, #1)Filthy Rich Boys by C.M. Stunich

The plot is so ridiculously far fetched that you can't help but hang on every single word. I'm a sucker for rich kids and bad boys/girls series.
Bad, Bad Blue Bloods (Rich Boys of Burberry Prep, #2)Bad, Bad Blue Bloods by C.M. Stunich

Yup, I'm still drinking the kool-aid. Sue me.
The Envy Of Idols (Rich Boys of Burberry Prep, #3)The Envy Of Idols by C.M. Stunich

I am so confused. Who do I love?
I cannot tell a lie, I am such a sucker for these freaking books. It's a train wreck you can't look away from.
More of You (Confessions of the Heart, #1)More of You by A.L. Jackson

Here's a case of the blurb not matching the plot. At all. However, I liked the book in the end so whatevsss...
Be prepared for a mystery and questioning the iffy timing of this romance.
Her Defiant Heart (Damaged Hearts, #1)Her Defiant Heart by Monica Murphy

Holy cliffhanger! I'm up in the air on this one—invested enough to want to read on and see what happens but not sure when I'll grab book 2
Jens bugged me with the way she used Rhett after he was so nice, but I have a feeling Rhett isn't what he seems either.
His Wasted Heart (Damaged Hearts, #2)His Wasted Heart by Monica Murphy

I needed answers after that cliffy!
Damaged Hearts (Damaged Hearts, #3)Damaged Hearts by Monica Murphy

Hmmmm. Didn't love it, didn't hate it.
Had this been one novel I think I would have been happier with it. Jens secret ended up being anti-climatic by the end.
The Perfect First (Fulton U, #1)The Perfect First by Maya Hughes

This sweet and sexy book is exactly what New Adult should be (IMO)
Switch Hitter (Jock Hard #0.5)Switch Hitter by Sara Ney

Fun little novella.
Rebel Born (Secondborn, #3)Rebel Born by Amy A. Bartol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love.
Rebel Born was a bit more scientific than Secondborn or Traitor Born, but because Amy has a way of writing sci-fi plots for the non-sci-fi reader it didn't overwhelm the story or my simple brain ;)
After that cliffy from book two, readers are rewarded with a fast-paced, questions answered finale.

Also, this romance lover was totally happy with the romantic resolutions.
The Moth and the Flame (When Rivals Play, #2)The Moth and the Flame by B.B. Reid

Good, bad boy fun but not as enjoyable as Ever and Four's story. This one felt repetitive, and a lot of the reveals (the ones that began as part of Ever and Four's story) were confusing bc everything was from Lou and Wren's POV.
The overarching storyline still has a lot of holes to fill which means Jamie and Bette's story is next... not sure how I feel about that, but I'm sure I'll be reading it.

Hidden Creek Secrets (Hidden Creek High Book 1)Hidden Creek Secrets by Jaxson Kidman

As the cover alludes, there are a lot of secrets in Hidden Creek. Trouble is you won't find many answers in book one.
Typical rival bad boys and drama-ridden girls in this guilty pleasure read.
Punk 57Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

I hate that it took me so long to read this one. Loved Ryen and Misha's story.

What I read: April 2019

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In an effort to share books and authors you may be unfamiliar with, I’ll be posting snippet reviews every few weeks from my recent reads. If I post a review here it is because I enjoyed the story and suggest you give it a read. Happy reading!

Over the Falls (Ryder Bay Book 1)Over the Falls by Jordan Ford


Enjoyable surfer read with all the right YA components: drama, rich kids/poor kids, bad boys, breakups, makeups, and a whole lot of flirting.

View all my reviews
The Birthday List (Maysen Jar, #1)The Birthday List by Devney Perry


My one frustration was I wanted Poppy to move on a little faster. << That's a ridiculous statement to make when you're the widow, but Cole was so amazing! It was hard to watch him go out of his way to help her fulfill the birthday list. It sometimes felt like she was using him more than seeing him as a man who'd fallen for her.
Grieving is an individual process and this story was lovely.

View all my reviews
Rock Bottom GirlRock Bottom Girl by Lucy Score


90s Flashbacks

High school was hard. Reading Marley's story felt like reliving those days. Bad boys, bullies, inadequacy, laughter, and tears... My first Lucy Score book will not be my last.

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The Worst Best ManThe Worst Best Man by Lucy Score


There's a crazy bit of drama that surrounds the wedding at the beginning that was a bit out there for me but once we moved beyond that I truly enjoyed Aiden and Frankie's story. Laugh out loud moments, great characters, sexy times, and I hero you can easily fall in love with.

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My Life in Shambles: A Standalone RomanceMy Life in Shambles: A Standalone Romance by Karina Halle


Possibly my favorite Karina romance. One thing I love about her characters is they are almost always "flawed" physically. Are you shocked the entire world isn't filled with perfectly sculpted, thin, and gorgeous people?
I also commend Halle for tackling an issue you don't see very often in romance novels. Loved this one.

View all my reviews
 

The one with a review...

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We are so in love with the feedback for Love in C Minor! Check our Goodreads or Amazon to see what people are saying, and grab your copy TODAY!

Love in C Minor 

Loss in A Major hits on July 27th but you can pre-order on ALL platforms NOW!

ARC Review of #TraitorBorn by Amy A. Bartol

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I've mentioned I don't often review books. I share what I'm reading, I tend to tell you if I love something, but I try not to formally review other authors work. I will make an exception every now and then, and today is one of those days. 

I received this pretty little ARC from 47North and Netgalley. If you've followed me for any length of time or looked back at my author story, you know Amy holds a place in my heart. I was thrilled to read an ARC of Traitor Born. I loved Secondborn and could not wait to continue Roselle's story. If you haven't already, you should totally check this series out. 

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In typical Amy A. Bartol fashion, Amy writes a story that takes readers on a wild ride. Action packed, brilliantly descriptive, heartbreaking, and character focused. I thoroughly enjoyed Traitor Born. As a girl who likes romance in my reads, Amy did it again. I was dying over Roselle's suitors and unsure of whom she would pick. Guys, the ending!! Gah!!! Jan 2019 can't come soon enough.

Buy Secondborn on Amazon HERE and don't forget to check out Amy's other series:
The Premonition Series and The Kricket Series while you're at it.