Review: One Small Thing by Erin Watt

One Small Thing by Erin Watt 

Release Date: June 26, 2018 

Publisher: Harlequin Teen 

Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance 

Source: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review 

Add to Goodreads! 

Amazon | BN | Indiebound 

Beth’s life hasn’t been the same since her sister died. Her parents try to lock her down, believing they can keep her safe by monitoring her every move. When Beth sneaks out to a party one night and meets the new guy in town, Chase, she’s thrilled to make a secret friend. It seems a small thing, just for her.

Only Beth doesn’t know how big her secret really is…

Fresh out of juvie and determined to start his life over, Chase has demons to face and much to atone for, including his part in the night Beth’s sister died. Beth, who has more reason than anyone to despise him, is willing to give him a second chance. A forbidden romance is the last thing either of them planned for senior year, but the more time they spend together, the deeper their feelings get.

Now Beth has a choice to make—follow the rules, or risk tearing everything apart…again. 

Review: 

Erin Watt has quickly become one of my go to authors over the past year. The Royals series filled the Sea Breeze/Rosemary Beach sized gap in my life while While It's Real proved so much sweetness and so many "aww!" moments that I'm still thinking about it more than a year later. Therefore, when I heard about One Small Thing it instantly sky rocketed to the top of my TBR pile. 

The result? I liked One Small Thing. It was romantic and addicting. I had no problem get lost within the world Erin Watt presented for a few hours. However, here's the thing: it just didn't live up to the greatness that was When It's Real. Maybe I had too high expectations but I expected more. 

One Small Thing focuses on Beth and Chase. 

Ever since her sister died Beth has been the good girl, the perfect daughter. The only problem? She's sick of her parents's constant pressure and worries. She wants to be free again, free to make her own choices and live her life the way she wants. My heart broke for Beth. It's hard enough to deal with the loss of a loved one, but to then have your parents completely shut down and lose all common sense, that's even worse. I couldn't believe the ridiculous rules they had for and how they expected her to just stay with them for the rest of her life. I get that they cared, that they wanted her to be safe, but sometimes less is more. I found Beth to be likable. I understood her need to break free and let loose. I feel like anyone would in her position. I also respected her willingness to give people a second chance. Not everyone would've given Chase the time of day, but Beth wasn't everyone. I loved seeing her form a connection with him. 

Chase, on the other hand, is just trying to get by. He regrets what happened that night every single day of his life, but now that he's out, he's just trying to get his diploma and leave. My heart broke for Chase as well. It was easy to see that he had paid the ultimate price for what happened that night, and I could see why he would want to move on. He was a good kid who just made an incredible bad decision. What I loved the most about Chase, however, was how much good was still within him. Some people in his position would've become different people: closed off, anger, resentful, but Chase still felt the need to reach out, to make connections, no matter how much his head was telling him no. Chase was my favorite part of the book. He was so sweet, so adorable, so perfect yet imperfect at the same time. 

One Small Thing's plot primarily involves the developing romance between Chase and Beth as well as the drama that results from Chase's reappearance in town.  The romance between Chase and Beth was sweet; however, I wish there was more to it. It felt rushed at times, and while I admit that there was a connection between them, it still would've been nice to seen more moments between the two of them. Chase's reappearance in town, on the other hand, kept me on my toes, as it brought about drama as well as big revelations. Leave it to Erin Watt to have a big twist up her sleeve...I saw it coming but at the same time I couldn't believe what I was reading. 

The main thing that brought this book down to three stars is what I hinted to above: I wanted more. Sometimes this book felt way too fast. Yes, Erin finished out all the story lines and provided conclusions, but at a rapid speed. I wish there had been more development, more scenes, especially at the end. I felt that it concluded rather abruptly and I think the book would've benefited from what happened after, seeing some pieces put together more closely. 

In all, One Small Thing is a romantic and heartwarming book, perfect for the summer. I probably would've loved it more had I not read When It's Real first, but regardless Erin Watt is still one of my favorite authors, and I can't wait to see what's next.  

3 stars!!

Review Tour: The Upside of Falling (The Blue Line Duet, #1) by Meghan Quinn

The Upside of Falling (The Blue Line Duet, #1) by Meghan Quinn

Release Day: June 21, 2018 

Publisher: Self Published 

Genre: Adult, Romance 

Add to Goodreads!
Amazon 

Tucked away at the base of the Rocky Mountains lived a little boy with one singular dream: leave this broken and battered home and become someone.

Be somebody’s hero.

That boy was me—Colby Brooks. Except I’m not that same little boy anymore.

My dreams might still be the same, but my reality isn’t.

I’m smarter. Stronger. A man.

And I learned a long damn time ago, the only way to achieve my dreams was to avoid distractions—at any cost.

Focus. Resolve. Determination.

But all it took was one single night. One night and my entire life…changed.

One night had me colliding head first with the biggest distraction of my life; Rory Oaks.

Smart. Charming. Beautiful.

Rory changed everything.

Quickly, my one-track mind started to bend.

Each kiss faded decade-long dreams.

And with one single incident, I fly off course.

Review:

After devouring Meghan's By the Numbers series this year, I've been dying to read more by her. Therefore, when I heard about The Upside of Falling, the first in her new Blue Line Duet, it instantly became one of my most anticipated reads of the summer. I couldn't wait to see what she had in store for us this time. 

The result? While the The Upside of Falling is certainly a large step away from the By the Numbers series content wise, it's still just as readable and addicting. Emotionally gripping and deeply romantic, The Upside of Falling shows just how rewarding as well as devastating a fall can be. 

The Upside of Falling introduces Rory and Caleb, two twenty-somethings randomly thrown together one night. Rory's talkative and sweet. She has the ability to make just about anyone talk. The only expectation? Caleb. Caleb is dark and dreary, but there's something about him that makes Rory want to try harder, and it was easy to understand why. For how quiet and off-putting Caleb's attitude is, there is something that makes you want to know more about him, and it's more than just the sexyness that radiates off of him. He has a tough exterior but there's something soft and lovable about him below the surface. 

I found Caleb and Rory to be likable characters. Did I agree with every decision they made? Of course not, but for the most part it was easy to root for them, especially when it came to them being together. I loved seeing them mesh together. Rory was the "light" and Caleb was the "dark" and together they became something in between. I loved seeing Rory push Caleb to talk, to open up, to face his past. She's a good person. 

The Upside of Falling primarily focuses on Rory and Caleb's romance. I will admit that it started off smelling a lot like insta-love, but Meghan still managed to make it believable in the long run. I think she perfectly captured what it feels like to be taken aback by someone. Rory and Caleb were thrown together by fate. They probably wouldn't have meet otherwise. While there wasn't any real reason for them to cross paths again, they both worked together (willingly and unwillingly) to make that not happen. I also liked that Meghan included more to the story than just romance. Rory and Caleb also deal with their fair share of personal problems - most of which broke by heart into little pieces - and Meghan did a great job in using these to not only further the story but also further the development of their characters. I won't say too much other than that, but darn, there was some tears that occurred at certain moments here, especially when it came to Caleb. 

There is one thing I wish there was more of here: humor. Every books I've read by Meghan so far has featured a large amount of humor, and while I understand this was a more serious book than her past ones, I still wish there were slightly more funny scenes. Sometimes you just need a laugh to break up all the seriousness! 

Overall, The Upside of Falling is perfect for fans who love a book about random meetings and will-they-or-won't they love, but prepared for an insane, "oh-my-goodness-what-just-happened" ending because this one is certainly that and more! I can't wait to read The Downside of Love. Thank goodness it comes out in less than a month!

4 stars!! 

About the Author:

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if “It’s Raining Men” starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.

Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing… enter her first novel, Caught Looking.

Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!

Facebook | Follow on Goodreads | Website | Amazon Author Page | Instagram | Follow on BookBub

Review: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Release Date: June 5, 2018
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Adult, Romance
Source: ARC provided by publisher via Bookish First in exchange for an honest review
Add to Goodreads!
Amazon | BN | Indiebound

A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases--a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice--with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan--from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but crave all of the other things he's making her feel. Their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...

Review: 

The Kiss Quotient has been high on my wish list ever since I stumbled upon it last winter. I love the title (Can we PLEASE have more math related titles? It makes the math lover in me so incredibly happy!). The cover is all kinds of adorable. Most importantly, the synopsis was screaming "Read me, Read me!"

I will admit, however, that I was beyond nervous when I finally did get my hands on a early copy. I was so worried that it wouldn't leave up to my expectations, that I wouldn't love it as much as everyone else. Luckily, the worse case scenario didn't occur. Because the The Kiss Quotient? It's I-can't-stop-smiling adorable, burn-the-house-down sexy, and pee-your-pants funny. It's one of my favorite romance reads of the year (right up there with The Wedding Date!), and honestly, I can't suggest it highly enough. 

I knew from the synopsis that I was going to connect with Stella. I mean, how couldn't I? I love math nearly as much as she does. As it turns out, my predication was correct. Stella was so incredibly easy to love. She's smart, fearless, and incredibly thoughtful. I loved her bunt way of speaking. It broke my heart, though, that there were several times that she didn't believe she was worthy of a true, all consuming type of love. Those were the times where I wished I could talk to her, give her pep talk, and tell her things were going to work out. She was perfect the way she was, and anyone who told her otherwise wasn't worth her time. Her thoughts about numbers and math also completely reflected my own. There's something just so marvelous about numbers, perfect in a sense, and I could understand why she was so driven by her work. Additionally, Stella has Aspergers, and Helen did a fantastic job of intertwining it within Stella's character. I appreciated the representation. What I appreciated the most, however, was that Helen stressed that Stella could have the world and more, that nothing was out of her reach, even with being on the spectrum. It was incredibly positive to say the least. 

While I do admit Stella was my favorite character in The Kiss Quotient, Michael also managed to wiggle his way into my heart. Like Stella, he's come to the conclusion that true love isn't meant for him as well but for completely different reasons. Michael is in a sense the ultimate hero. He's compassionate and stunning on the inside as well as the outside. I loved how patient he was with Stella, how he never questioned her quirks, and instead worked with her to make things right. It was heartwarming to say the least, and it made me fully believe that they were meant to be. 

The Kiss Quotient primarily focusses on Michael and Stella's business agreement turned relationship, and I loved every single second of it. Michael and Stella's first meeting was one of my favorite parts of the book (I'm still laughing about the word wholly). Plus it established their chemistry, making me committed to their story from that moment onward. As the book continues, Michael and Stella have a push-and-pull kind of relationship. Every time Michael or Stella feels that they aren't meant to be, they push the other away, only to have that person pull them back. I also loved that this book took on so many different tones. There were times I thought this was going to be nothing but a spicy hot romance novel (some of the scenes in this are OFF THE CHARTS), and I was okay with that - I love fluff just as much as the next person. However, Helen managed to throw me a curveball here, as she also made The Kiss Quotient so incredibly personable as well as emotional. We see Michael and Stella at so many highs as well as lows, not only in their relationship but in their lives in general. Michael  struggles with his family's reputation as well as the sacrifices he made to help his mother and sisters. Stella struggles with living her life to the fullest and not letting her Asperger's control what she does and doesn't do. Both story lines wormed their way into my heart, and I felt every emotion hard. 

My only compliant? I wish the secondary characters would have been slightly more developed. I wanted to know more about Michael's sisters and cousin as well as Stella's parents. 

Regardless, The Kiss Quotient is a standout debut, and I can't wait for June to come so I can suggest this book to everyone I know. I'm probably a broken record by now, but I'll say it again...

Adorable as well as sexy, The Kiss Quotient contains all my favorite romance book traits while also bringing with it honesty, charm, and enough emotions to have even the most stoney person smiling.  

4 stars!! 

Sabotage, Scotland, and Romance: Fair Game & Under a Storm-Swept Sky (Reviews!)

Fair Game by Taylor Lunsford

Release Date: April 23, 2018 

Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Add to Goodreads!
Amazon | BN

In her designer shoes and power suits, Vivien Monroe couldn’t be more out of place in the video game company she inherited from her eccentric father. Not only does she have to sort out her father’s last request and deal with a younger sister she barely knows, she has to go toe-to-toe with her father’s protégé—a man who makes her think about the last thing she should be thinking about right now.

With his thick-framed glasses and graphic tees, Liam Hale is the exact opposite of what she needs right now. His relaxed, out-of-the-box attitude reminds her too much of her father’s more exasperating quirks, but his dedication and quiet stubbornness begin to drive her crazy in a completely different way.

All Vivien wants is to get back to her life in New York, but someone is stealing the company’s best game ideas, and an FBI agent is sniffing around. She’ll save her father’s legacy for her sister and then she’s out of there—if she can leave Liam behind.

Review: 

I requested Fair Game on a whim. I hadn't heard anything about Taylor Lunsford and/or Fair Game before, but the synopsis had me intrigued. A video game company seemed like a unique setting, and I wanted to know more about the FBI agent. Why were they snooping around?! 

The Result? I can't believe I waited so long to read Fair Game, as it is SO GOOD! Addicting as well as fast paced, Fair Game introduces not only a swoony romance but also strong, kick-a$$ characters AND an exciting, suspenseful mystery! 

On the surface, Vivien seems like the ultimate ice queen. She's cold and uninviting. She doesn't want to make small talk and, most importantly, she doesn't want to dwell on the past. While I wanted her to give her family and the company a chance, I could completely understand her actions. I would've been just as angry as Vivien was if I was in her shoes. It wasn't cool what her father did after her mother died, pulling away from Vivien while in the process becoming closer and closer to her sister. I think it would be easy to develop resentment. As the book progresses, however, Vivien begins to loosen up (thanks to Liam!), and I adored the "new" Vivien. She was just as tough and fearless as before, but she now had some more heart, some more compassion. She focused on fixing past relationships with her sister and best friend and she even dove into some new relationships. It wasn't an instantaneous fix, and that's what made it more believable, in my opinion. Vivien is someone you can't help but root for. I wanted her to find her family as well as peace, and if she found romance on the way...well, I wouldn't be complaining. 

The best way to describe Liam? An adorable and sexy nerd! As soon as he was introduced, I knew I was going to love him. I loved how passionate he was about his work, especially when it came to keeping the company the way Vivien's father envisioned it. He was a trustworthy guy, one you would want on your side no matter what. I also adored how nerdy he could get. He loved his video games - that's for sure - and he wasn't willing to hide that love for anyone even someone as icy as Vivian.  What I liked the most about Liam, however, was how positive and go-with-the-flow he was. He was always willing to see the best in everyone. Some people wouldn't have tried so hard with Vivien, but her personality and the wall she had built didn't detour him. 

Fair Game mainly focuses on Vivien's return to Texas. She had a lot on her plate, such as finding a new CEO, discovering who was leaking their new games to other companies, and dealing with all the people that get in her way in the process. I'll admit that I was slightly worried about the video game focus. I've never been big on video games, and I don't know the first thing about them; however, my lack of knowledge didn't hinder my enjoyment one bit. Vivien turned out to be the same way I was. Additionally, I loved the mole storyline. It was suspenseful, and while the bad guy was apparent from the start, it didn't dull my enjoyment one bit. Instead, the mystery focused on finding the evidence, which was harder to find then one would expect. I also liked how Taylor used the mole storyline to increase Vivien's interest in the company and her family. I enjoyed seeing Vivien became so determined to save the day, slowly understanding why Liam and her sister would do anything for the company in the process. Last but not least, the romance between Liam and Vivien? One of the best parts! I loved how they started as frenemies and slowly morphed into something else, as not only did it bring about some excellent tension but also some great banter. They had an easy, natural relationship as the book progressed. 

Overall, Fair Game is an exciting new romance, perfect for fans who love their romance with a side of sabotage. This may be my first book by Taylor but it certainly won't be my last! 

4.5 stars!! 

Under a Storm-Swept Sky Beth Anne Miller 

Release Date: April 16, 2018 

Publisher: Entangled: Embrace 

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance 

Source: ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Add to Goodreads!
Amazon | BN

An eighty-mile trek across the rugged, stunning beauty of Scotland’s Isle of Skye isn't something I imagined myself doing. Ever. This isn't a trail for beginners. And I'm not a hiker.

But I have to finish it, even if it kills me. I have no choice.

With the ever-changing weather and relentless terrain, I’m in over my head.

Rory Sutherland, my guide on this adventure, is not happy. We clash with every mile, but we recognize a shared pain. Not only is the journey a struggle, but the tension between us is taut with unsaid words. And hope.

He’s broken. I’m damaged. Together, we’re about to make the perfect storm.

Review:  

Since I don't travel much I love reading books set in foreign locations. Therefore, as soon as I saw that Under a Storm-Swept Sky was set in Scotland, I added it to my TBR pile. 

The result? Emotional as well as heartwarming, Under a Storm-Swept Sky offers much more than just a stunning, wanderlust-inducing setting. Beth Anne Miller brings out the emotions in full force here, as Rory and Amelia make peace with their pasts and look toward the future. 

My favorite part about Under a Storm-Swept Sky? The setting of course! Scotland is one place I would love to visit, and that feeling is only stronger now that I've read Under a Storm-Swept Sky. In the book Beth does a fantastic job of fleshing out the Isle of Skye. The descriptions of the mountains, the lakes, and the small towns were drool-wrothy, and even though I'm not much of a hiking fan, Beth Anne made me want to sign up for a hiking experience similar to Amelia and Rory's! 

As for Amelia and Rory, they were likable and relatable. When the story first begins, Amelia and Rory are dealing with their own respective emotional baggage. While Rory struggles to move past an accident that shattered his childhood, Amelia is struggling with a car accident that landed her best friend in the hospital indefinitely but left her with barely a scratch. Through Amelia and Rory, Beth Anne Miller displays a surplus of emotions. Amelia, for one, is heartbroken. Even though she knows she shouldn't, she takes on full blame for the accident, and it's affected her life in so many ways. She's on a hike that she doesn't want to do, she's become distant, and she spends most of her time thinking about Carrie, her best friend. Rory, on the other hand, is constantly jerky, especially when it comes to Amelia. In the years since the accident, Rory has thrown himself into hiking and pushing himself to the extreme. When Amelia and Rory meet, sparks fly, and I loved seeing them come together and work through their issues. There were some rough times (they love fighting with each other, poking at each other's weaknesses) and good times, but no matter, I thought they were perfect for each other.  

The plot here focuses on the hike as well as Amelia and Rory's emotional journeys. I liked how Beth Anne Miller used the different parts of the hike to develop Amelia and Rory's characters, pushing both to become stronger and even a tad freer. I also liked the different side characters the hike brought along with it. Tommy, for example, was a riot. I loved that he could always see what Amelia and Rory couldn't. 

I did have one problem with Under a Storm-Swept Sky and that was the length. The first part of this book moved at a great speed. I found it easy to get through the chapters, and I enjoyed the alternating perspectives; however, at about half way, the book began to drag. It became repetitive, and I began to lose interest. I just wanted some more action, some more development. Instead, I felt that the hike was going to go on and on. I feel that if had been 100-150 pages shorter, it would've been a lot better. 

Regardless of that, Under a Storm-Swept Sky is an enjoyable read, perfect for fans of slow burn romances. 

3 stars!! 

Review Tour: One Baby Daddy by Meghan Quinn

One Baby Daddy (Dating by the Numbers, #3) by Meghan Quinn
Release Date:  May 17, 2018

Publisher: Self Published 

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: ARC provided by publicist in exchange for an honest review 

Add to Goodreads! 

Amazon US | 

"What are you doing now that your team is out of the running for the Stanley Cup?"

Forget.
I need to forget. I need an escape.
Only one person isn't falling for my reputation as the NHL's Golden Boy; she captured my attention the minute she called me out for snooping through my best friend's house. She didn't want to hear my reason--she only wanted to playfully give me a hard time.
Adalyn is bold, sassy--and the perfect escape.
She's everywhere. In town and in my dreams, and suddenly I need to spend every waking moment with her.
And I do, making this summer the best off-season I've ever had.
But in the midst of getting lost in Adalyn, what I don't expect is to get her pregnant.
And what I definitely don't expect is having to fight for her affection.

Review:   

To be completely honest, I wasn't 100% pumped about Hayden's book. He was one of the most aloof, distant characters in Three Blind Dates, and while I knew he was getting over a certain somebody, I wondered if I would truly find a book about him all that interesting. 

The result? As per usual, my worrying was for nothing, because (surprise, surprise!) One Baby Daddy is by far my favorite book in the series. Don't get me wrong, I loved Three Blind Dates and I really enjoyed Two Wedding Crashers, but One Baby Daddy knocks both right out of the park. This book contains 3 Ss (a.k.a the "musts" in my romance reads): sweetness, a swoon factor, and sexyness. If Hayden and Adalyn's romance doesn't make you feel some kind of emotion, I'll be shocked. 

In Three Blind Dates we learned that Hayden had his heart broken prior to his arrival in LA; however, much of the details remained a secret. Luckily, One Baby Daddy not only shows Hayden and Adalyn's romance from the very start but also those moments in LA. 

I LOVED the way in which Meghan set this book up. It was so much fun to see Hayden and Adalyn fall in love. From the moment they run into each other in Racer's kitchen, I knew that they were going to become a favorite couple of mine. There was so much chemistry, so much sass (from Adalyn in particular!), so much oomph! I was hooked. 

It also didn't hurt that I adored Hayden and Adalyn to pieces. 

As it turns out, Hayden has quite the personality when he's not down in the dumps. He's sweet as well as sassy. He can dole the trash talking out just as well as he can take it. He's an amazing friend - his friendships with Racer and Calder brought so many smiles to my face, I couldn't get enough of them- as well as an amazing son - the story about his mother's cooking lessons? SO ADORABLE! - and as Adalyn finds out, he's an amazing boyfriend. Honestly, he may just be my favorite hero of the year, and that's a big honor considering how many romance books I read. 

Like Hayden, Adalyn can be sassy when she wants to be (a.k.a all the times she's with Hayden), and she's also fearless as well as fierce. As she shows in the book, she can stand on her own just fine, no matter the situation. I had so much respect for her, and it also didn't hurt that I found her personality to be hilarious. 

Just like Three Blind Dates and Two Wedding Crashers, the romance in this is HOT, HOT, HOT. I loved/hated the slow burn aspect to it, because while I loved the build-up, there were so many times I was internally screaming, Just kiss already!! Hayden and Adalyn's banter was also a highlight. They both knew how to dole out the trash talking at just the perfect/worst moment. I laughed out loud several times, especially during the dinner scene in New York. Besides the romance aspect, Meghan included storylines about their families, careers, and friends. I enjoyed being exposed to so many aspects of their lives, and I especially liked that they experienced the same ups and downs that any twenty something is facing (hectic work schedules, sudden career changes, family pressure, etc.) It made the book more realistic and heartwarming in my opinion. 

Overall, One Baby Daddy is by far my favorite book in the series. I can't tell y'all how much I didn't want it to end. The last 10 percent of this book crept up on me so fast! I kept thinking, how can that it be ending so soon?! 

If you've loved the previous books in the series, you're sure to love this one, and if you haven't read the previous books in the series but love a good slow burn romance, give it a try. These books stand alone quite well.

5 stars!! 

About the Author:

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if “It’s Raining Men” starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.

Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing… enter her first novel, Caught Looking.

Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!

Facebook | Follow on Goodreads | Website | Amazon Author Page | Instagram | Follow on BookBub

Spotlight Tour: Out of Left Field by Kris Hui Lee (Giveaway & Excerpt!!)

Today, I'm excited to participate in the spotlight tour for Out of Left Field, a new sporty YA romance! Find out more about the book below, and don't forget to enter to win a copy!! 

About the Book: 

Out of Left Field by Kris Hui Lee
Release Date: May 1st, 2018
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Source: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review 

Add to Goodreads! 

Amazon | BAM | Indigo | BN | Indiebound

There’s no playing it safe in love or baseball in this sparkling debut, perfect for fans of Morgan Matson and Kasie West.

Marnie has never had a hard time fitting in with the guys. It would take a lot more than their goofy antics to keep her from joining them at the neighborhood sandlot to do what she loves best: play ball.

An added perk of hanging out at the sandlot? Spending time with Cody Kinski, their high school’s star pitcher and Marnie’s best friend. Sure, he can be stubborn and annoying. He also knows how to make her laugh and respects her skills on the mound. And when he gets nailed in the arm by a bone-fracturing pitch, Marnie becomes the team’s best chance at making it to the playoffs. Except no one told the guys they’re supposed to be on her side.

With her own team against her, Marnie begins questioning her abilities. And when fate throws her a curveball, can she play without losing the game, Cody, and her belief in herself?

About the Author:

Kris Hui Lee is a contemporary YA author who also doubles as a graphic designer. In 2015, she was a finalist in the Pitch Wars writing contest hosted by Brenda Drake. When not writing or designing, she can be found cuddling with a dog on the floor. Learn more at krishuilee.tumblr.com
Twitter | Tumblr 

Giveaway for 2 Copies of Out of Left FieldRuns May 8 - May 31 (US & Canada only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt: 

SEVENTEEN YEARS OF EXISTENCE HAVE TAUGHT me many lessons—some relevant to survival, others not so much—but one that I have come to fully understand is that there are three kinds of idiocy.

The first is what I call Mundane Idiocy. This is the type of idiocy that happens when you, say, walk into a dark room thinking you can manage without the lights, and then you stub your toe on a table. It happens to the best of us.

The second kind is Voluntary Idiocy. Sticking your tongue to a frozen pole or prodding a beehive with a stick or eating fourteen brownies in one sitting would fall under this category. Discretion is advised.

And finally, the last level of idiocy has been achieved by only one person, and his name is Cody Kinski.

Here I am, in the bleachers of my high school baseball field on a brisk May night—crickets chirping in the darkness beyond the bright stadium lights, the scent of french fries hitching a ride on the gentle breeze. I’m on the tips of my toes, waiting in anticipation like all my fellow game goers. Usually the excitement at high school baseball games never gets higher than the occasional collective gasp after a great hit followed by an anticlimactic defensive play, but our team is far from what you’d call usual. And this particular game is miles from being typical. 

It’s the bottom of the seventh. The last inning. There are two outs and two strikes. Kyle’s on first. Cody’s at bat. We’re down five to four, and even though, to me, it feels like our chances of turning it around are borderline zero, everyone else seems to have an ounce of belief left in them. 

The pitcher’s given name is Santino Acardi, but in our neck of the woods, he is commonly known as Douche Face.

There are only two things you need to know about this olive-skinned, curly-haired, smarmy bastard: (1) no one on this planet knows how to wear a condescending, selfrighteous smirk like he does, and (2) every time he and Cody get within two hundred feet of each other, the apocalypse seems imminent. I mean, they’re two of the best pitchers in our entire region. They have both been playing on varsity since freshman year, on teams with a notorious rivalry. It’s the kind of clash that’s going to put an end to the world as we know it. 

Basically every time Cody has been up at bat during this game, Santino has thrown at least one brushback pitch past Cody’s face. It is only thanks to Cody’s lightning-fast reflexes that he hasn’t been knocked unconscious. Santino has been pulling this stunt since freshman year. He suffers from an oversize ego. Jock stuff—you know the deal.

Standing behind home plate, bat raised over his shoulder, eyes focused on Santino, Cody looks beyond prepared. He’s ready for anything. And he should be, considering Santino’s brushbacks are consistent. Parents, classmates, and residents from around the neighborhood cheer for Cody all across the home-team bleachers. Iron-Arm Kinski, they call him. He was first dubbed that when he was eight by his Little League coach. His killer fastball got him that name, but Cody is one hell of a hitter too. He’s not a god, but sometimes he doesn’t seem to be entirely human. 

On the mound, Santino winds up his pitch. Every part of his body, from his long legs to his muscular arms, displays his power.

Then it comes. The ball launches out of Santino’s hand at Major League speed. 

Right toward Cody’s head. 

But he must not be as prepared as he seemed. 

Does he move out of the way? 

No. 

He stands there like a moron, like there’s not some sadist on the mound. It’s only at the very last second that his left arm flies up to shield his head.

The ball smashes into Cody’s left forearm. His bat clatters to the ground, and it’s like everyone from here to the moon and beyond gasps. Cody clutches his arm to his chest as his face twists in pain. It’s a look I recognize to mean I’ve broken a bone, and I’m in some real fucking pain. 

Fire from the pits of hell radiate from the glare Cody shoots Santino, and if I were Santino, I’d want to jump on the next flight out of the country. All of Cody’s fury and hatred—three years in the making—engulfs his face, his whole body. Cody has never been the kind of guy to be provoked by cheap shots, which I’ve learned in the eleven years I’ve known him, but right now, not even I can predict his next move.

But even though he might want to react, Cody doesn’t get the opportunity. Jack Chizz, our coach, runs out to home plate as the ump calls, “Time!”

Joey, our guy on deck and Cody’s best friend, follows Chizz. The three of them—Chizz, the ump, and Joey—gather around Cody, blocking my view of what’s happening.

Santino’s cronies in the outfield crowd together too, but unlike those huddled around home plate, they seem unconcerned about what their overlord Santino has done. And Santino, for all the emotion he’s showing, might as well be standing in line at a grocery store. I’m surprised he isn’t shooting off fireworks and confetti of triumph over his good aim.

The buzzing energy is gone, and it's replaced by silent anticipation. And then: “WOOOO! WAY TO GO, CODY!” This is Sara, who’s standing next to me. To everyone else, it probably sounds like a cheer of encouragement. But Sara is no overzealous cheerleader.

She’s teasing him. 

“You’re an asshole,” I tell her, trying to keep a straight face. Under the florescent lights, her normally tawny skin seems lighter. Her grin widens as she claps loudly. “Bringin’ ’em to state!”

“Oh my gosh,” I mutter, but I can’t help but laugh a little. Sara, like me, has more than a decade of history with Cody, which entitles her to be a complete asshole to him in this very serious and stressful moment.

Cody, who has gotten some breathing room, takes off his batting helmet to reveal his disheveled dark brown hair. He then takes a moment out of the time-out to nonchalantly scratch his forehead with his middle finger in our direction. Those eleven years of friendship work in Cody’s favor too—he gets a pass on being nice. 

Cody drops his hand and listens intently to what Chizz is saying. At first, they both seem rather calm, given what’s happened, but then Chizz says something else, and Cody goes ballistic. His eyes bulge in rage, and his uninjured arm flies in all directions. Cody points to first base. Chizz points a commanding finger toward the dugout. 

“Don’t be an idiot, Cody,” I mutter. “Go to the hospital.” 

As if he can hear me, Cody kicks his bat to the side and stalks toward first. Chizz objects, but Cody shrugs him off. The interaction looks dramatic from here, which is so unlike Cody. He has always been a quiet, modest guy, but being on the field changes him. Out there, he’s the confident jock everyone expects him to be. 

Everyone cheers as Cody takes his base. I wonder if they can see him wince in pain with every step. Proud, stubborn bastard. 

As the game resumes, so does the crowd’s excitement. They’re exhilarated by Cody’s perseverance (or, as I would call it, idiocy).

The count: two outs, zero strikes, with Kyle on second, Cody on first, and Joey at bat.

Tufts of Joey’s blond hair stick out from under his batting helmet as he steps up to the plate and takes a few practice swings. This is a guy who walks into closed glass doors and trips on perfectly tied shoelaces, but I swear he has magic powers when he’s on the field. He will move mountains to catch a foul ball and has been known to belt homers at the exact moment they’re needed. You’d never know it though, because he can be a real baby sometimes. A few months ago, he was reduced to an inconsolable teary mess after he found out his ex-girlfriend is a lesbian. No one would have guessed at the time that the crying weenie he was then is our best hope for bringing in a miraculous run to tie up the game now.

On the mound, Santino winds up again. One of his trademarks is his sidearm pitching style. That’s why he’s one of the best; he’s unique. I feel like a traitor, but I must admit that I admire his skill.

He throws the first pitch against Joey: foul tip. Strike one. 

Second pitch: the ball and bat connect, and the crowd gasps. It’s a foul over the first baseline. There’s a collective sigh. Strike two.

The count: two outs, two strikes, five to four. The hopelessness settles in deeper.

On the third pitch, Joey smacks the ball with an echoing clink! and he runs. Screams of excitement follow him.

The ball soars toward the fence. It looks like it will be a home run between left and center field. Unfortunately, that’s the kind of luck you can only dream about.

The ball hits the back fence and bounces onto the grass where two fielders race to snatch it up.

Kyle’s past third, on his way to home, and Cody’s passing second. 

The ball is traveling from the outfield to shortstop. 

Kyle’s foot lands on home plate. It’s now five to five. 

Cody’s foot hits third. 

From the dugout, Chizz shouts at Cody to stop where he is. 

The ball is at the shortstop. And Cody’s going home. 

“Idiot!” Sara and I both shout. 

But it’s no use. The ball and Cody race toward home. 

The throw to the catcher is off by a foot. He steps away. 

Cody dives, headfirst, arms outstretched. 

He collides with home plate and becomes buried under a plume of sand and the catcher.

“Safe!” the ump shouts. “Safe!” 

The shouting and cheering intensify as our team hops over the dugout wall and dog piles Joey, who brought in the runs. Santino and his team look like they’re about to commit fifteen different types of manslaughter.

And there, still on the ground in the fetal position clutching his arm, ladies and gentlemen, is the third and final category of idiocy: Cody Kinski.

Review: The Rules of Rebellion by Amity Hope

The Rules of Rebellion by Amity Hope 

Release Date: April 2, 2018 

Publisher: Entangled Crush 
Genre: Young Adult, Romance 

Source: eBook provided by author in exchange for an honest review 

Add to Goodreads! 

Amazon | BN | Kobo 

1. Skinny dip (her idea)
2. Stargaze (his idea)
3. Prank someone (her idea)
4. Go on a date (his idea)

Leo Zimmerman has had a crush on his curvy friend Kylie Jenkins since forever, so when he discovers the girl with a flair for candy making has a newfound plan to rebel against her overbearing parents, he’s determined to be the one to help her carry it out. Who better than himself to show her the ropes of letting loose?

Sure, taking her to her first high school party, helping her sneak out of the house, or watching a sunset together isn’t exactly a hardship, but much harder is masking his feelings the more time they spend together. And when he suggests adding “a first date” to Kylie’s plan and she accepts…suddenly all his dreams seem to be coming true.

But Leo’s got a secret that could change everything between them, and it’s only a matter of time before it comes to the surface.

Review: 

Last summer Amity Hope's THE RULES OF PERSUASION wiggled its way into my heart. It still brings a smile to my face to think about Meg and Luke's romance- it's just that stinkin' cute. Therefore, when I heard that Amity Hope was releasing not only a new YA romance but a YA romance that was also a companion to THE RULES OF PERSUASION, I was jumping-up-and-down excited.

The result? While THE RULES OF PERSUASION remains my favorite, THE RULES OF REBELLION still is a fantastic follow-up. Heartwarming as well as hopeful, THE RULES OF REBELLION is the perfect feel-good read.

THE RULES OF PERSUASION introduces Leo and Kylie, two high school seniors thrown together after their best friends start dating. Leo and Kylie have both spent the majority of high school being afraid. While Leo's been terrified of asking his long-term crush out, Kylie's been terrified of just living.

Kylie and Leo are not only incredibly likable but also relatable. I think everyone's been in Kylie and Leo's shoes at one point or another, afraid to do something scary, to take that one big jump. It was so incredibly rewarding as well as inspiring to see them let loose and start doing the things that terrified them - parties, skinny dipping, etc. Additionally, they faced their fears in more ways then just the "fun" stuff. They took control of their futures and stood up to their parents. I loved seeing them evolve as the book progressed, and by the end, I couldn't have been happier with where they ended up. I also enjoyed the secondary characters. It was fun to catch-up with the gang, and I loved the scenes were they were together as one big group. The bonfire scene in particular had me laughing out loud!

The plot in this mainly involves Leo and Kylie's romance and to-do list. The one aspect I always love and appreciate about Amity's books is that the romance develops naturally. It never feels forced and the characters always have a surplus of chemistry. I loved seeing Leo and Kylie come tougher, and I also appreciated that everything wasn't always perfect. For instance, sometimes their communication skills left something to be desired, but it was once again one of those moments where I could be like "been there, done that." Additionally, I liked the to-do list. Amity once again worked it naturally into the plot, and I appreciated that some of the items occurred naturally as the book progressed. Last but not least: the twist at the end. While it's not the most unique twist in the world, it was made special by the way in which Amity approached it. I liked the message it brought to the book as well as how it shaped the later portion of the story.
Overall, Amity Hope has done it again! She's provided a lovable, enjoyable story in THE RULES OF REBELLION. So add this (and THE RULES OF PERSUASION) to your TBRs. Trust me, you won't regret it

4 stars!! 

Review: Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Release Date: April 10, 2018
Publisher: Gallery Books 
Genre: Women's Fiction
Source: ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Add to Goodreads!
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Indiebound

The heart may hide, but it never forgets.

The first women’s fiction novel from New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Autoboyography, Dating You / Hating You).

Macy Sorensen is settling into an ambitious if emotionally tepid routine: work hard as a new pediatrics resident, plan her wedding to an older, financially secure man, keep her head down and heart tucked away.

But when she runs into Elliot Petropoulos—the first and only love of her life—the careful bubble she’s constructed begins to dissolve. Once upon a time, Elliot was Macy’s entire world—growing from her gangly teen friend into the man who coaxed her heart open again after the loss of her mother…only to break it on the very night he declared his love for her.

Told in alternating timelines between Then and Now, teenage Elliot and Macy grow from friends to much more—spending weekends and lazy summers together in a house outside of San Francisco reading books, sharing favorite words, and talking through their growing pains and triumphs. As adults, they have become strangers to one another until their chance reunion. Although their memories are obscured by the agony of what happened that night so many years ago, Elliot will come to understand the truth behind Macy’s decade-long silence, and will have to overcome the past and himself to revive her faith in the possibility of an all-consuming love.

Review: 

I never expected this book to ripe my heart to pieces; however, that's exactly what Christina Lauren's  Love and Other Words managed to do. 

At its heart, Love and Other Words is a book about second chances as well as growing up. It's split between two timelines - then and now - and Christina Lauren did a fantastic job of making each timeline rich in emotion as well as purpose. With books like these I tend to have a favorite timeline; however, I can't say that occurred here. I loved both equally, and never once did I feel that the story would've been better without one or the other. It's quite the opposite in fact: the two timelines are what made Elliot and Macy's story so developed, so three dimensional. I adored seeing them find each other as teenagers and then re-finding each other as late twenty-somethings. It was messy and heartfelt. 

Macy and Elliot aren't perfect by any means. They had their flaws back in their youth and they still have their flaws in present day, but that's what makes them relatable as well as lovable, in my opinion. I loved seeing them get things right as well as wrong, seeing them succeed as well as crumble, because it showed that life isn't always perfect, that sometimes outside forces are beyond our control, that sometimes you just have to believe that what is meant to be will find its way. 

Macy is fiercely independent; however, over the years she's managed to twist being independent into also being incredibly closed off. She likes being in control, because when she hasn't been in control in the past, it's only managed to hurt her. My heart broke for Macy. Over the course of her life she suffered so many losses. While I wanted her to open up to Elliot, I could also understand why she would be so reluctant. It is hard to open yourself up to potential heartbreak. 

Elliott is similar to Macy yet so vastly different at the same time. He starts the story off as a timid, quiet preteen, finding refuge in his books and favorite words, but by his twenties he turns into this thoughtful, passionate individual, one who wears his heart on his sleeve. I adored Elliott. I loved how he was with Macy, how willing he was to put everything on the table for another chance. He made me swoon too many times to keep count. 

Together, Elliott and Macy have an easy, natural bond. There's incredible chemistry between them, and I adored just seeing them interact with each other. No matter how many Macy pushed, they always came together like magnets, never resisting the ever-present pull. Throughout Love and Other Words, I was dying to know what had dragged them apart. I had my theories, but I never imaged it would affect me as much as it did. I sobbed for the last few chapters, but honestly, I don't think I would've wanted it any other way. It's what made the journey so memorable. I'll be thinking about Elliott and Macy's story for days to come. 

Overall, Love and Other Words is an emotional roller coaster of a read. It's heartbreaking as well as romantic. It's smile including as well as swoon-worthy. It will make you shed some tears, and I'm not talking about pretty tears. Nope, if you're anything like me there will be A LOT of ugly crying. It's just fantastic, and honestly, I can't suggest it highly enough. It's taken me a long time to finally read a Christina Lauren book, but I can now say I'm here to stay. I can't wait to read their past and future books. 

4.5 stars!! 

Blog Tour: Never Been Good by Christi Barth (Review & Giveaway)

Never Been Good by Christi Barth

Release Date: April 3, 2018 

Publisher: Avon Impulse 

Genre: Adult, Romance 

Source: Bought 

Add to Goodreads! 

Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo 

USA Today bestseller Christi Barth returns with another steamy Bad Boys Gone Good novel! 

Flynn Maguire isn’t really a bad guy. Sure, he worked for the mob, but he ran a legitimate business—on paper anyway—and it paid enough to keep his brother out of the lifestyle. Until they turned on him. Now he’s stuck in Witness Protection, tending bar in Nowheresville Oregon… and pissed the life he knew is gone. The only bright spot? Fantasizing about his quiet, secretive, beautiful coworker.

Sierra Williams is a woman on the run. All she wants now is to settle into small town life… and ignore the brooding, sexy bartender who can’t seem to take his eyes off her. Flynn’s bad-boy vibe pushes all her buttons, but Sierra fell for the wrong man once already. She can’t afford to let her guard down again. Except Flynn’s tough exterior is slowly melting away to reveal the sweet man beneath and their attraction is too strong to resist.

Sierra and Flynn are falling fast, but they’re both keeping so many secrets. The truth could ruin everything… unless a girl who’s a little bad is perfect for a guy who’s never really been good.

Review: 

After reading Bad for Her last year, I couldn't wait to read more about the Maguire boys! I loved their family dynamic. Not to mention they were one hundred percent yummy. 

Never Been Good is Flynn's story. Over the past few months, Flynn has accumulated a decent amount of guilt and regret. He's the reason why the Maguire boys had to change their identities and enter Witness Protection. But the part that kills him the most? He had the "safe" job for the mob - the one that was by the books. 

Flynn's attitude and reluctance to acclimate to his new life was a big portion of Bad for Her, and during that time, I came to really like him. Yeah, he had some major sass and cockiness, but it was understandable. I think anyone would feel the way he did in his shoes. In Never Been Good, Flynn finally starts to turn his life around again, letting the anger be replaced with happiness and maybe even hope. I loved seeing Flynn slowly come out of his self-imposed hibernation. He was a guy that had so much to offer, especially when it came to the bar and the town's festival. Honestly, I think Flynn may be my favorite Maguire boy yet! He has definite sexiness, but he also has sweetness (the way he was with the town's children as well as Sierra was swoon city!) and determination. Three qualities I always love in my heroes. 

A big part of Flynn's attitude adjustment is thanks to Sierra Williams, a young twenty something that's also let her past get the best of her lately. Just like Flynn, Sierra's living life but she's not really living life. She's going through the motions, hoping to not catch anyone's attentions, and lost in her own thoughts. I enjoyed reading from Sierra's POV. Even though she gives some major stand-offish vibes, you can still tell how sweet and willing to help she is. I also loved that her artwork was such a major part of the story. It was nice to see a character so incredibly passionate about the work that they did. Over the course of the book, Sierra slowly comes out of her shell as well, and I loved the progress she made. I was cheering for her the whole way through, especially when it came to getting the man. 

Never Been Good's plot mainly involves Sierra and Flynn's romance. I thought that Christi did a fantastic job of developing the romance. It wasn't too fast nor too slow, and I especially liked how she built up their banter and friendship up first through text messages. Their conversations were one of my favorite parts of the book! I also liked that Sierra and Flynn never wanted to change each other; instead, they focused on helping one another see what had been there all along. It was heartwarming to say the least - nothing was better than seeing these two take on the world together! In addition to the romance, there are also updates regarding the upcoming trial. I enjoyed seeing Delaney again, especially when she yelled at the boys to be good. Things even got slightly dicey at the end, which made me even more unwilling to put this book down. Additionally, Sierra's past also became a tiny mystery as well. While I figured the majority of it out half-way through the book, I still found it to be an enjoyable storyline. It added layers to Sierra's character. 

My only compliant? I wish there had been more moments between all the brothers. 

Overall, Never Been Good yet again proves that the Maguire boys may be trouble but they also have a lot of good to them as well! I can't suggest this series highly enough. Now if only September would hurry up... 

4.5 stars!! 

About the Author:

USA TODAY bestselling author Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes award-winning contemporary romance, including the Naked Men and Aisle Bound series.

Christi can always be found either whipping up gourmet meals (for fun, honest!) or with her nose in a book. She lives in Maryland with the best husband in the world.

Website | Blog | Pinterest | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Instagram 

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway