BOOK REVIEW: Now Open Your Eyes by Nicole Fiorina

(Stay With Me 3)

Author: Nicole Fiorina

Published: February 9th, 2020

Source: GR

MIA.
It was so close, I'd tasted it–the freedom.
But the only thing I could taste now was the end.
Over the last two years, I’d let all outside forces dictate my life, my feelings, my head.
I’d allowed everyone to control what my punishment should be for all my wrong-doings.
I’d been tested and learned my lesson.
I’d paid my dues and suffered long enough.
Because in the end,
even the once-upon-a-damned deserved to be happy too.

OLLIE.
How far are you willing to go?
I’d asked myself this very question countless times.
But never in my wildest dreams thought I’d go back in time,
chasing ghosts from my past for a chance to save our future.
So, there was no limit.
No boundaries.
I’d cross time, the world, my morals.
Yes, I’d even double-cross myself.
So, how far would I go?
The answer had always been simple.
I’d go an eternity plus a day past crestfallen.

REVIEW

"The greatest measure of man is what he does next after everything has been taken from him."

- Oliver Masters

I'm so mad at myself for giving this only 3 ★, I'm so invested with the other 2 and tbh this is a bit of let down for me, I dunno perhaps I did have a high expectation. Its just that everything become discombobulated, we're suddenly getting Ethan's POV which IMO isn't necessary it just drag out the story, yes this book was full of drama I mean OTT, don't get me wrong I don't mind the shit and drama in the last previous 2 books. And oh! I also don't get it why every female character (except Mia) are very aggressive and dumb, it really irked me. Plus everytime that Ollie meets a woman/girl I'm on my toes, tiptoeing I felt like any moment he will just snap and fuck up everything. One thing I notice from book two and here, that Ollie's get easily attracts to woman sexually and the author tries to justify his actions or morals by depending that even if he's horny "only" Mia can give his release, I get it he has EID. like I said it becomes repetitive to the point I find myself exhausted reading this. It become a pattern. The drama & conflict are so overplayed. And Mia and Oliver love and bound ain't stronger enough in this. Its quite a lost cause.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐

 BOOK REVIEW: Even When I'm Gone by Nicole Fiorina

(Stay With Me 2) 

Author: Nicole Fiorina

Published: October 29th, 2019

Source: GR

The second book in a heart-consuming series.

Ollie.
Forget everything you thought you knew. Hell, I don't even know myself anymore. For seven months I've been gone only to come back to be tested in every way possible. They say keep your enemies close, and my demons welcomed me back with open arms. My downfall is a necessary evil. But Mia is my endgame.

Mia.
Seven months ago, Ollie surrendered to the darkness, abandoning me in the process. He stripped me of my walls only to leave me defenseless. Now he's back, along with fresh new faces and obstacles standing in our way. He says trust no one. Not even him. How am I supposed to be strong for us both when I'm losing my grip?

"Just stay with me, Mia."
"Even when you're gone?"
"Especially when I'm gone.".

REVIEW

I’m not so sure what’s more terrifying, the violent storm inside my head or the silence.” —Oliver Masters The only reason why I'm giving this a 4 instead of 5 ☆ because of how Ollie's evil side played in this. Don't get me wrong the book is great, and enjoy every second of it, and I understand its for unravelling the story and character development, still I had a bit of withdrawal from Oliver's characterization in book 1 and how his persona drastically change. But I'm glad he redeemed himself and get his head out of his arse now. One thing I noticed though, in some instances whenever the author written a sequel it tends to be inconsistent, but thats not the case of this book, in terms of plot and character development its prominent, its still written poetically and beautifully. This book tests Mia and Oliver's deathifying, all consuming, timeless & unselfish love ♡. And Ethan fuck, I did not see that one coming. He was both the hero and villain in our love story, saving me only to ruin me. Kiss her crazy and love her insane.” —Oliver Masters  RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 BOOK REVIEW: Stay With Me by Nicole Fiorina

(Stay With Me 1)

Author: Nicole Fiorina

Published: August 21st, 2019

Source: GR

In a desperate final attempt to save nineteen-year-old Mia from herself, she gets transferred to Dolor University, a reformatory college in the UK that housed deranged and dangerous young adults who viewed the private institution as their own personal playground. Mia didn’t care. She needed feelings to care. She’d keep her head down, ignore everyone, and make it through the next two years effortlessly.

Though Mia never anticipated Ollie Masters.

With green eyes, tattoos, and the voice of a poet, she is quickly drawn to him. But because of her sociopath tendencies, she knows it could only end in one of two ways. Either he will be the one to free her from her past, or she will be the one to destroy him.

REVIEW

“You stood before me, a memory,

but I was a stranger in your eyes.

Did you forget to remember

or remember to forget?”

—Oliver Masters

No way this is Nicole debut novel because this is a masterpiece. It wrecks and consumed me. Every words is poetic, tragic and beautifully written. Mia and Ollie's no bound all consuming deeper love takes me to the rabbit hole and I mean it in a good way. I can't get enough of their story. I'm devastated.

When I wore my venom on my sleeve, he wore his emotions.

But, I don’t believe in love,” I whispered.

“Then believe in me.” Ollie grinned. “Believe in us.”

Ice and fire. Winter and summer. Ollie and Mia.

“Close your eyes, Mia.” 

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 BOOK REVIEW: The Saint by Kelsey Clayton

(Haven Grace Prep 2)

Author: Kelsey Clayton

Published: April 23rd, 2020

Source: GR

DELANEY

Cruel.
Heartless.
A mistake waiting to happen.

Knox Vaughn is the epitome of a bad boy.
He's trouble in a sexy-as-sin package.
I know it.
They know it.
Even he knows it.

But, it's like a moth to the flame.
I can't stay away—even though I'm going to get burned.
You know what they say,
The sinners are much more fun.
And this saint is changing the game.


KNOX

Sweet.
Innocent.
Valedictorian.

Delaney Callahan is perfect,
Too perfect for me.
Hell, she's too perfect for anyone.

She's an angel,
But with me, she's playing with the devil.
I'm the last thing a woman like her needs.
And yet, I can't keep my hands—and mouth off of her.
We're from two different worlds,
Worlds that can't possibly work.
I'd do anything for her,
But I can't be the SAINT she deserves.

REVIEW

“Jesus Christ. Corruption looks so fucking good on you.” I always loved a good bad boy, good girl love story and this book can attest to that. Its been a while since I read The Sinner book one in the HGP series but I still remember Delaney and Knox characters arc and I'm so glad I finally got to read their own romance! I know the plot line seems cliché but it all comes down on how the author will execute and adds a distinct flavour to the story. IMO Kelsey somehow makes the cliché story more interesting and worthwhile reading. The story wasn't overplay and dull. Characterization wise on point and three dimensional. All around its a great story! “I’m the devil reincarnated. Your living fucking nightmare. Made of stone, with no feelings for anyone or anything.” Everyone may have been right—Knox Vaughn is dangerous. A giant red flag, warning others to stay away, but red always has been my favorite color. RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 The Sinner by Kelsey Clayton

(Haven Grace Prep 1)

Author: Kelsey Clayton

Published: March 12th, 2020

Source: GR

When I was a kid, my best friend betrayed me in the worst way possible, ripping my family to shreds in the aftermath. She ruined my life in one fell swoop, and didn’t even have the heart to warn me.

Now, nearly a decade later, I’m back in the town I grew up in, determined to make her pay.

They say revenge is a dangerous game, but I’ve never been one to play it safe. There is nothing I’ll love more than to find her weakness and use it to destroy her. The lie she told all those years ago will be her undoing.

Savannah Montgomery may be queen of the rich and entitled, but she’s about to meet her match.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 BOOK REVIEW: Tame Him by Caitlyn Dare

(Rebels At Sterling Prep 2)

Author: Caitlyn Dare

Published: August 27th, 2020

Source: GR

𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗺. 𝗛𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗼.

Remi Tanner was only supposed to be a pawn in my game. But I screwed up. I broke her. And now I have to find a way to fix it.

I want her.
I need her.
In the end, I’ll prove she’s the only thing that matters.

Ace Jagger wasn’t supposed to imprint himself on my heart. But he did, before he tore it from my chest and hurt me in the worst possible way.

He’s possessive.
Dangerous.
In the end, I’m not sure I can resist.

He might be the bad boy with no conscience, and I might the girl with nothing left to lose, but one thing’s for sure... He won’t stop until gets what he wants.

Me.

Tame Him is the second book in the Rebels at Sterling Prep series. It is a dark high school bully romance. If possessive, tattooed, motorcycle-riding alphaholes aren't your thing, you probably won't like this book!

REVIEW

Such a fantastic read! The title really represents the book ♡

"I know no one will understand why I’ve forgiven him so easily, but sometimes love makes no sense. It doesn’t come with a set of predefined rules or a playbook. It’s messy and raw and chaotic.

Love is about finding light in the darkness, those little slices of quiet in the noise."

"Ace Jagger might be everything I shouldn’t want, but he’s everything I never knew I needed.

He might be cold but his touch burns.

He might be cruel but his kiss is sweet."

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

 Taunt Her by Caitlyn Dare

(Rebels At Sterling Prep 1)

Author: Caitlyn Dare

Published: July 20th, 2020

Source: GR

𝗛𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗺.

Remi Tanner wasn’t part of the plan. But when I see my uncle doting on her, I know she’s going to help me destroy him.

I’ll taunt her.
Test her.
In the end, I’ll break her.

Ace Jagger wasn’t a good guy. But he swept into my life like a storm, and I’m caught up in the aftermath.

He’s cruel.
Calculating.
In the end, I never stood a chance.

She might be a Sterling Prep princess, and I might be the guy from the wrong side of the tracks, but one thing's for sure... I won’t stop until I get what I want.
Revenge.

*𝘛𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘦𝘥, 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘺𝘤𝘭𝘦-𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Trouble In Hell by Alex Grayson

(Hell Night 1)

Author: Alex Grayson

Released Date: October 18th, 2018

Source: GR

Book one in Alex Grayson's brand new romantic suspense series, Hell Night.... Welcome to Malus.

Trouble and his brothers escaped from Malus, Texas as kids. In the dead of night, they left behind a hell so hideous, it made national news.

Years later, they returned to make the place that was once their living nightmare, a safe place for those who have suffered just as they have.

When Remi comes to town, heavily pregnant and in desperate need of help, as the town's only doctor, Trouble reluctantly offers his services. Little did he know the strong attraction he would feel for the woman. He fights it, tries to push it to the side, but it only grows stronger, nearly consuming him.

Love is not something Trouble can afford to feel. Not when he still has vengeance in his blood and the need to punish those of his past. Not when he knows Remi would never be able to see past the merciless actions he must carry out.

Remi has no time for love either, no matter how much her heart yearns for Trouble. Not when danger is knocking on her door, demanding something she'll never be able to give.

Will the darkness in their pasts devour them, or will they find the beauty that's just out of reach? In a town like Malus, anything is possible....

DISCLAIMER: Intended for readers 18 years and older due to mature content, abusive situations, and harsh language. May contain triggers for some readers. Please read with caution.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 BOOK REVIEW

Treacherous by Alex Grayson, Melissa Toppen

(YA/NA Contemporary Romance)

Author: Alex Grayson, Melissa Toppen

Released Date: December 10th, 2019

Source: GR

Senior year was not going how I planned.
It was supposed to be an amazing year—the perfect year.
And it started out that way… until my mom remarried, and I found myself in a new town, at a new school, and living with quite possibly the most conniving person I had ever met.
But my horrible stepbrother wasn’t even the worst part.
It was his best friend.

Zayden Michaels.
Gorgeous. Unpredictable. Treacherous.
The kind of guy who sends most sane people running in the opposite direction.
He hated me from the first moment he saw me.
He made it his mission to make sure I knew it too.
I became the target—the bullied.
Until suddenly I wasn’t anymore.
But in a world of rumors, games, and deceit, you never really know who you can trust.
Sometimes the best deceptions are the ones you never see coming.

REVIEW

Title: Treacherous Series: Standalone Author: Alex Grayson & Melissa Toppen Characters: Rylee, Zayden & Oliver Maria× Omg! Why I haven't read this sooner! This book is a gem, I always love a great highschool bully romance read with the female lead doesn't give a fuxk and a hero who's a jerk but deep inside is a sweet and has a good heart - - and that was Zayden for me♥️. As for Rylee I love her she's the perfect combination of sweet but sassy female lead plus she's a swiftie! 💕(go girl!) The book opens with Rylee settling to a new place since her mom remarried and decided to live with her new husband's house where she meet her step-brother Oliver, who's very cruel and has a bad blood for her. At first I thought this is a step brother bully romance, but when she met Zayden thank god it is not. I hated Oliver he's the male version of mean girls. All the stupid games that he and Zayden pull out for Rylee ugh and of course this will not be a certified bully if real mean girls does not exist. 🙄 I also love the friendship between Rylee and Pierce its so cool👌. Overall opinion I love every page of this book, and this is a great bully romance read. This will entice readers who's sucker of bully romance. I hope this this authors will write more in the future though. 💯 RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 When The Saint Falls by A.D. McCammon

(Westbrook 1)

Author: A.D. McCammon

Released Date: January 16th, 2020

Source: GR

Thatcher Michaelson is a bully.
Arrogant. Cruel. Ruthless.
And the most attractive guy I’ve ever laid eyes on.
He’s the rebel of Westbrook high, and I’m merely the annoying goody two-shoes he dubbed the saint.

There must be something wrong with me. After nearly two years of dirty looks and constant humiliation, I’m still crushing on the guy who hated me on sight.

Then he kissed me and instead of the ice-cold gaze I was accustomed to, I saw passion burning behind his dark molten eyes.

Violet St. James doesn’t belong in my world.
Good. Kind. Pure.
She’s everything I’m not.
She doesn’t just look like an angel, she is one. And I’ve fought every impulse to make her mine.

But all my efforts went up in flames the second I tasted her sweet lips. My inability to stay away has changed everything.

She’s determined to break down all my walls, but my little saint doesn’t understand the consequences of her actions.

She tells me she’s not afraid of the fall.
But she should be.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 BOOK REVIEW: The Truth About Heartbreak by B. Celeste

(The Truth 1)

Author: B. Celeste

Released Date: June 3rd, 2019

Source: GR

Forbidden Romance - Check.
Cheating - Check.
Brother's Best Friend - Check.
Angst - Check.

BLURB

I fell in love with him when I was thirteen years old.

He was older, mysterious, and unattainable. The guy I could never touch.

Then one night changed everything for us. But there was one huge problem.

He belonged to her.

REVIEW

This is the story of River and Everett. When River was 12 she was adopted into this family. This family has a son - Oliver. Ollie and Rhett are bestfriends. The timeline started when River's 12 and Everett's 17 then from their we get to see how their friendship progresses and eventually turns into forbidden love. We get to know the reason why he stays in a relationship and honestly I did not support his decisions, I mean ya it's about expectations but he's a grown up man who can decide what is right and wrong. But ya the dilemma was also the main plot of the story (just sayin) “Our story is just beginning.” No,” she whispers, fingers stroking what little hair rests on my chest. “It started ten years ago. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” - I'm excited for Ollie and Charlie's story ❤️ RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 BOOK REVIEW: Throttled by Lauren Asher

(Dirty Air 1)

Author: Lauren Asher

Released Date: January 9th, 2020

Source: GR

What happens when my brother's rival becomes my secret crush?

Noah Slade is a Formula 1 legend in the making.
Focused. Unapproachable. Ruthless on and off the track.
A man with walls higher than the Grand Canyon.
And my brother's new teammate.
I want more of the prince who disguises himself as the villain.
But while I crave a happy ending, he wants to destroy his.

Maya Alatorre is a forbidden temptation.
An ambitious post-grad I should stay far away from.
And chaos wrapped with a bow.
We're a ticking time bomb, about one wrong move away from exploding.
I want to trip the wire, detonating together in passion and pain.
Because in the end, all's fair in lust and war.

REVIEW

"Thou shall not bang your brother’s teammate." Splendid debut novel! This is a solid book for a debut, its well written has an interesting characters and coherent plot. I admit my knowledge regarding auto racing is minimal, and plot wise is heavy of that topic, yet it does not bore me or deter my enjoyment it actually grip my attention, as for the romance storyline I loved the slow building and execution albeit the story arc was a bit dragged for my taste. Regardless still a well done and I have a great time reading this book. "Men like Noah are only built for wickedness."  highly recommend! RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 BOOK REVIEW: My Darling Arrow by Saffron A. Kent

(St. Mary Rebels 1) 

Author: Saffron A. Kent

Released Date: September 17th, 2020

Source: GR

Darling Arrow,

I shouldn’t be writing this.

It’s not as if I’m ever going to send you this letter and there are a million reasons why.

First of all, I was sent to St. Mary’s School for Troubled Teenagers – an all-girls reform school – as a punishment for a petty, totally inconsequential crime. Not to ogle the principal’s hot son around the campus.

Second of all, you’re a giant jerk. You’re arrogant and moody and so cold. Sometimes I think I shouldn’t even like you.

But strangely your coldness sets me on fire.

The way your athletic body moves on the soccer field and the way your powerful thighs sprawl across that bike of yours, make me go inappropriately breathless.

But that’s not the worst part.

The worst part is that you, Arrow Carlisle, are not only the principal’s hot son.

You also happen to be the love of my sister’s life.

And I really shouldn’t be thinking about my sister’s boyfriend or rather fiancé (I overheard a conversation about the ring that I shouldn’t have.)

Now if I can only stop writing you these meaningless letters that I’ll never send and you’ll never read…

Never yours,
Salem

NOTE: This book is a standalone and DOES NOT contain cheating.

REVIEW

Loving him is the most wonderful, most awful thing in the world. Loving Arrow is my doom. So he’s not my dear, he’s my darling, my broken Arrow. His words are his namesake. Arrows. They pierce my heart. The heart that’s not so witchy after all. They make it holey. They make it bleed. This book gives me everything I want, its super angsty, scorching sex scenes and unrequited love its written amazingly, great characterization and strong plot line. Even the love triangle subplot is very well executed. This book wrecks me, I feel the pining, longing and love of Salem for Arrow since she was 10. Knowing that the love of your life was in love and in a relationship for 8 years with your older sister and you can't do something about it because its your freakin sister your blood and you don't wanna hurt her. It so painful to watch. I find myself crying 😢, thats how deep and heartbreaking this was. I didn’t fall in love with my Arrow to hurt my sister. I fell in love with him like dead leaves fall from the branch of a tree and rain falls from a swollen cloud. I fell in love with him like tears fall when you’re sad and like blood oozes out of your skin when you step on broken glass. Arrow and Salem's journey to happy ending is not easy, its raw and an emotional turmoil,yet its a beautiful mess and so much worthy in the end. “Dark curls; Golden eyes.” He rubs our noses together. “Thirteen freckles; Flowers between her thighs.” He skims his lips over mine. “Sweet; So sweet; My heart; My sweetheart.” This book is well done, an unforgettable love story. I kiss my darling then. And my darling kisses his sweetheart. RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐