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: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 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: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

 BOOK REVIEW: Follow Me Down by Melissa Toppen

(Standalone Contemporary Romance)

Author: Melissa Toppen

Published: August 28th, 2020

Source: GR

For years I've been planning my escape.
Preparing for the day when I could leave home and never look back.
But when the moment came, it didn't happen like I had planned.
I didn't pack up my car and drive away, watching my old life disappear in the rearview mirror like I had always envisioned I would.
Instead, I ran—quite literally—as fast and far as my feet would take me.
I didn't know where I was going, only that I had to get away.
And that's when he found me…
Titus Driscoll.
He was unlike anyone I had ever met before.
A man who lived by his own code. Who answered to no one but himself.
He didn't care where I came from or why I was running.
He didn't care that my father was a powerful politician that would stop at nothing to bring me home.
Once he had me, I was his.

REVIEW

I really enjoyed reading this from the get-go. its simply written yet still delivers the connection and chemistry between Fallon and Titus. overall if your looking for a lightweight drama in romance, this book suits you well.👍 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: A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

(Standalone YA/NA Romance)

Author: Tillie Cole

Released Date: March 15th, 2016

Source: GR

One kiss lasts a moment. But a thousand kisses can last a lifetime. One boy. One girl. A bond that is forged in an instant and cherished for a decade. A bond that neither time nor distance can break. A bond that will last forever. Or so they believe.

When seventeen-year-old Rune Kristiansen returns from his native Norway to the sleepy town of Blossom Grove, Georgia, where he befriended Poppy Litchfield as a child, he has just one thing on his mind. Why did the girl who was one half of his soul, who promised to wait faithfully for his return, cut him off without a word of explanation? Rune's heart was broken two years ago when Poppy fell silent. When he discovers the truth, he finds that the greatest heartache is yet to come.

A stand-alone young adult tearjerker romance, recommended for ages fourteen and up.

REVIEW

I don't know where to start 😭 and I'm run out of words for this incredible journey of love and heartache between Poppy and Rune. But I have 2 things to say though; first- I hate this book, y is that? Coz goddammit! While I'm reading, seems all I did is cry and cry and cry a lot till end resulting of my eyes became oh so puffy😢 secondly - I loved this, beyond no shadow of doubt, my heart breaks to witness how love can be so fierce, loyal and unbreakable that my heart bled for the stolen times and I utterly felt everything the words of love and strong emotions of the characters and the undeniable and unconditional love between the hero and heroine. Tillie Cole is such a spectacular and brilliant author and this book is absolutely the proof, a perfecto!👍 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: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 BOOK REVIEW: Gods and Monsters by Saffron A. Kent

(Standalone)

Author: Saffron A. Kent

Released Date: February 18th, 2018

Source: GR

He was an artist. She was his muse.

To everyone in town, Abel Adams was the devil's spawn, a boy who never should have been born. A monster.

To twelve year-old Evie Hart, he was just a boy with golden hair, soft t-shirts and a camera. A boy who loved taking her picture and sneaking her chocolates before dinner. A boy who made her feel special.

Despite her family's warnings, she loved him in secret for six years. They met in empty classrooms and kissed in darkened church closets. Until they couldn't.

Until the time came to choose between love and family, and Evie chose Abel.

Because their love was worth the risk. Their love was the stuff of legend.

But the thing about legends is that they are cautionary tales. They are made of choices and mistakes. And for Abel and Evie, the artist and the muse, those mistakes come in the form of lights, camera, sex.

NOTE: This is NOT a paranormal or a priest romance.

REVIEW

Title: Gods & Monsters Author: Saffron Kent Genre: Coming of Age ; Contemporary Romance "You see, when two people fall in love, the other seven billion don’t matter. It’s not the world that tears them apart, it’s them. Only they have the power." "Because legends don’t die. Our story’s gonna live forever. Abel and his Pixie.” RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

BOOK REVIEW: Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly

(Standalone Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance)

Author: Cora Reilly

Released Date: May 8th, 2020

Source: Goodreads

An Arranged Marriage Standalone Mafia Romance.

The first time Cassio met his fiancée, she called him ‘Sir’.

After losing his wife, Cassio is left to take care of two small children while trying to establish his rule over Philadelphia. Now he needs a mother for his children, and someone who can warm his bed at night.

But in a traditional world as his, choosing your wife is duty not pleasure.

Rules have to be followed. Traditions heeded.

That’s how he ends up with a woman—a girl barely of age. She might not be what he and his children need, but she’s wicked lovely and a sweet temptation he can’t resist.

Giulia always knew she’d marry a man her father chose for her. Only she never expected to be given to someone much older.

Suddenly she’s supposed to be a mother to two small children when she hasn’t even held a baby in her life.

Giulia quickly realizes that Cassio isn’t interested in a relationship on equal footing. Her mother always warned her that men of power like Cassio don’t tolerate insolence; yet, tired of being treated as a nanny and clueless child-bride, Giulia decides to fight for her vision of a happy family.

REVIEW

Oh boy! I have finally read a Cora Reilly's book, and I personally enjoyed it. 💯

This book has a real representation of a Mafia world, arrange marriage /marriage of convenience and age gap trope. I was afraid that I wouldn't like Giulla's character, because in my mind I'm picturing her as a doormat, meek and shy but man, it's the opposite(thank goodness!) she's kindhearted, caring, loving and domestic. And she's perfect for our hero Cassio.

Cassio is the underboss in Philly, and recently his wife died and has a 2 kids. Being an underboss he shouldn't show any weakness at all, case point he needs a wife to be a mother for his 2 kids and the story goes from there.

I really like how the Author build the romance bet main characters, it isn't just an insta-lovey case. Giulla's has been very patient and prove herself every step of the way that she's different from Cassio's dead wife. She really stands for herself and not afraid to claim her rights as a wife. Cassio's character on the other hand is scarred, not physically but emotionally, after his disastrous marriage and betrayal of his dead wife he really have a hard time to believe and trust Giulla. But our heroine is very determined to work their marriage.👍

This book is well written, time flew fast whilst I'm reading this. Good building of the characters. Story plot wise. I can't wait to read more of this author. 😊

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 BOOK REVIEW: The Stopover by T.L. Swan

(The Miles High Club 1)

Author: T.L. Swan

Released Date: September 26th, 2019

Source: Goodreads

A memorable night of passion refuses to stay just a memory in this sizzling and scandalous romance from bestselling author T L Swan.

I was upgraded to first class on a flight from London to New York.

The food, champagne, and service were impeccable.

The blue-eyed man sitting next to me, even better.

He was suave and intelligent.

We talked and laughed, and something clicked.

Fate took over and the plane was grounded, and we had an unexpected stopover for the night.

With no plans, we made our own.

We danced and laughed our way around Boston and had a night of crazy passion that no woman would ever forget.

That was twelve months ago, and I haven’t heard from him—until today.

I started a new job and met the CEO. You can imagine my surprise to see those naughty blue eyes dance with delight when he saw me across the mahogany desk.

But I’m not that carefree girl anymore. My life has changed, I have responsibilities.

I just got an email.

He wants to see me in his office for a private meeting at 8:00 a.m.

Naughty blue eyes have no place in the workplace.

What kind of private meeting does he have in mind?

REVIEW

Jameson Miles is my new drug. And I am his crack whore.

This might be my favourite out of TL Swan books, its hilarious af, and cheesy at times. It has a sassy snarky heroine, charismatic hero and awesome supporting characters. The banter between characters flows innately, as always striking writing style easy to dig in and comprehensible. Therefore i have so much fun reading Stopover it hold my grasp from the get-go and keeps me entertain over the course. Such an amazing book!

PS: camping scene is definitely my favourite, It so comical and loved it to the T.

“I work hard . . . but I love harder.”

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 BOOK REVIEW: Rich Prick by Tijan

(Standalone High School Romance)

Author: Tijan

Released Date: July 15th, 2020

Source: Goodreads

He walked into school on his first day and owned it.
I guess that's what happens when you're a prick, rich, and you're best friends with the ruling school's king.
Also didn't hurt he's drop dead gorgeous.

That's all fine.
I mean, I have nothing to do with them.
I'm a loner, invisible, and that's how I wanted it to be.

I was even proud of it, until I wasn't.

Until I saw a girl kneel before him.
Until I couldn't look away.
Until he caught me watching.

His name is Blaise Devroe. My name is Aspen Monson.
He only knew how to get, command, and demand attention. I knew how to do everything but that.
And this is our story.

*Rich Prick is a full 100k standalone.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 BOOK REVIEW: Beauty In The Ashes by Micalea Smeltzer

(Standalone Contemporary Romance)

Author: Micalea Smeltzer

Released Date: July 15th, 2014

Source: Goodreads

Standalone Dark Contemporary Romance

Some stories are a fairytale...but this isn't one.

Caelan Gregory’s life fell apart the night he went home and opened the door to find his whole family murdered. Since then, his life has held no meaning. He’s angry. He’s bitter. He’s barely human anymore. There’s nothing left to remind him of the straight A student, and football quarterback he once was…but he wasn’t a good person then, and he’s certainly not a good person now. He’s retreated into a world where all that exists is numbness and his passion for painting.

When Sutton Hale moves into the apartment across the hall from Caelan she’s not prepared for her reaction to him. Something in his broken blue eyes calls to her—after all she’s always had an irrational need to fix everything.

But Caelan doesn’t do relationships or feelings. He does drugs and alcohol. However, he can’t ignore his desire to get to know the raven-haired woman across the hall.

Two broken souls trying to mend one another.

But not everything can be fixed.
 
In the end, Caelan and Sutton will have to learn that there is beauty in the ashes.

REVIEW

"People like us, we didn’t fall in love, and we certainly didn’t get a fairytale ending."

I have mixed emotions, I mean I truly appreciate the author's effort going back to Caelan and Sutton’s story and finished it once and for all.. I did like her writing style it's poetic and somewhat lyrical and of course how the representation of (view spoiler) I'd say the book is more on characters driven than plot. I like how the characters find forgiveness and second chances in a seemingly chaotic life.

"We were a sick pair, destined to meet and destroy each other."

One thing that I will say is I did not expect the last 20% mark plot twist to happened, because I thought somehow it will lead back to the usual plot, the author did an impeccable job in building a supposedly "EPIC" story between our main characters in the first 70% book mark, who would've guess the events will take a different turns. It took me by surprise.

I know we’re fucked up and neither of us is whole—” she bit her lip “—we’re a mess, Caelan. Together we’re like a damn war. I know in a war there are casualties, but fuck it if I don’t want to try.”

And to be honest I did not see (view spoiler) I will very much appreciate though if the author just focus on letting Caelan's character to flourish and healed all at once.

Regardless I did like the story and usually this kind of turning point is not my cuppa tea, still, I'm so glad I took a leap of faith and went blind reading the book because I felt all the emotions that the author wants to convey. Yes the happy ending isn't the conventional one but I felt like its the right one.

"I understood now, that even when everything crumbled and your world turned to ash, there was still beauty—just like a phoenix rising from the ashes."

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐