Stealing Our Hearts

Alright coming right out of the gate, I’ve got to admit something. I didn’t like Trace for the first part of this book. He was too silly and immature. HE GROWS ON YOU. Don’t make the mistake I did and let it take you until over halfway through the book before you warm up to him, because honest to god, he’s amazing. Holy crap. He is incredible. Yes, he’s a bit of a child sometimes. He loves making sex jokes, and talking about himself, and picking on his brother (don’t even get me started on that), but overall he’s truly something special. All he wants is to be loved by the right woman. 

Okay so Hollis, our leading lady, is the daughter of Trace’s boss. Trace is a famous baseball player. He runs into Hollis when she accidentally gets off of the elevator on the wrong floor in the stadium. He can’t resist but drown her in his attempted charm. She won’t have any of it. She throws back sass at him and runs away. He’s immediately intrigued. Then when he finds out that she dated one of his teammates? The biggest jerk of them all? Oh NOW we’re talking! He cannot resist but meddle in other people’s issues. So just to be clear, this is a sports romance but it’s also a fake relationship. Hollis pretends to be Trace’s girlfriend so he can take her to meet his parents and please his mom. Trace pretends to be Hollis’ boyfriend to “save” her from her asshole ex who is a member of Trace’s team. Hollis is a book editor, she’s a little nerdy, and definitely has her guard up around athletes after the experiences she’s had. She just can’t shake Trace, though. They are perfect together. She calms him down and he helps her relax.

One of my favorite moments of this book is towards the end when Hollis goes over to Trace’s house for the first time. He does renovation work on the side and completely remodeled and renovated the house he lives in. I mean, just hearing him talk about the bathtub literally had me drooling. I need one just like that. Back on track – he goes out of his way to make her feel special. He wants to do things right for her to show her that he cares. He wants her for more than just her body and it’s so so so sweet. God I love him so much! I cannot wait for the next book in this series about Trace’s brother, Tripp! GIMME GIMME!! Loved this one!! 4 stars! 

“There’s only a few things I’ve ever given shit about. Everything else…is seasonal, as Ma would say.” He pressed his mouth to my temple, whispering, “Then there’s you.”

Hi. If you aren’t reading Mariana Zapata’s books what are you doing with your life? This is the third book I’ve read by her and I’m beyond impressed. I’ve never felt more connected to what I’m reading, I’ve never been so emotionally invested. She knows exactly how to pull you in and lock you down. 

So here we are. In the beautiful world of MC romance. The first two books I read by her were sports romance, so this was a completely new experience for me. BOY, DID I LOVE THE HELL OUT OF IT. First off, I just have to say that Mariana writes best broody, grumpy men. There’s nothing better than breaking through that outer shell and meeting the loving man underneath. That’s exactly what happens with Dex in this story. The book is entirely from Iris’ POV, so we never get a chance to see what Dex is thinking, but that makes it all the more intriguing. From the moment Dex meets Iris, he is annoyed by her. Her looks, her voice, everything. And he is straight up rude to her. He calls her names and makes her feel inferior. It isn’t until she starts fighting back, in her own way, that he comes around. That’s what makes Iris such an incredible heroine. She starts out meek and afraid. She has long internal monologues about the things she wishes she could say to Dex. Eventually, with his help, she starts to find her voice. She gets comfortable in her own skin. She realizes that she is worth it. She is enough.

A huge theme in this novel is abandonment. Iris feels abandoned by everyone she’s ever cared about and it keeps her from admitting her true feelings about Dex for quite a while. Throughout the novel, their relationship builds until it hits a breaking point and OH MY GOD is it sweltering. Some of the sexiest scenes I’ve ever read have come out of this book. Zapata does slow burn like nobodies business. She’s the best I’ve ever read when it comes to building that burn. Guys. Please read this book. It’s sexy and emotional and worth every second of your time. I AM OBSESSED. Mariana Zapata has found herself a new loyal and very devout follower. 5 stars!!

“You’ve gotta be the best thing I never knew I wanted.”

“The truth is there, like it’s always been. Sunshine and storms share the sky, but never together.”

Where to even begin with this review? As I sit here, contemplating what to say, a certain word comes to mind: strength. Both of our characters exhibit beautiful strength during this novel, whether it be physical, mental, or otherwise. There’s a lot to be said about Ren’s physical strength, but contrasted with his gentle affection and genuine personality, it makes him a very well-rounded, incredibly captivating character. (And also my new favorite book boyfriend, but we’ll get more into that later). Frankie is a little more complex, though her body may be weak, her mind is strong. She has this presence about her that is incredibly striking and complex. Yes, she is autistic, but when she speaks about the masks she wears…I was blown away. To be able to so clearly understand what’s going on inside your mind and body at all time? That’s extraordinary. Frankie is remarkable and easily one of the best heroines I’ve ever read. 

I don’t really want to give you a synopsis of the story because I think it’s something you should read and experience for yourself, but I do want to mention some of my favorite parts. Highlights, if you will. Let’s talk Shakespeare. I was an acting major in college and let me tell you, there is nothing more sexy than a man who understands Shakespeare.  Ren has a freaking CLUB. Ladies, hold on to your panties because it only gets better. Ren recites sonnets and romantic lines from plays to Frankie. To express emotions he doesn’t use profanity, he curses in Shakespearean. I am overcome with emotions right now. I’m crying. Ren is actually a perfect character. There is no question. And to compliment Ren’s eternal sunshine, Frankie wears her signature scowl. Frankie is witty and resilient. She grounds Ren, she is the dark and he is the light. They are a perfect yin and yang. Frankie brings Ren back to reality, while Ren helps Frankie see outside of the box she’s put herself in. He nudges her along the road to self love and compassion. Because that’s what therapists are always saying, aren’t they? More self compassion! I was thrilled when I read about Frankie seeing a therapist to discuss her hangups on relationships. (SPOILER, MY BAD). Therapy is an important part of life, in my opinion. It always resonates with me when the characters I love also have therapists. 

Okay three more things I loved about this book: Pazza, Frankie’s pup. A Siberian Husky/Alaskan Malamute mix? ALUSKY. Gimme gimme. Also dogs make the greatest best friends and also incredible companions. Alright second thing. Soren. My computer doesn’t do the little cross through the “o” but you get what I’m going for here. That’s my son’s name. I don’t have a son yet, but one day, when I do have a son, that will be his name. Thank you and goodnight. Third thing. This is my first Own Voices book and it changed my life. It spoke to my soul. It will stay with me forever. there’s nothing like this book out there and nothing can compare. Chloe should be winning all kinds of awards for work as incredible as this. I only hope my review gives her a tiny taste of the adoration she should feel from her fans. I’m devoted to her and her work. I need it like oxygen. Freya and Aiden’s story can’t come quickly enough! 100 stars. 

P.S. Ren mentions that he catastrophizes something while at dinner with Frankie one night and nothing resonated more with me. I speak to my therapist about this on a weekly basis because this is something I do in almost every situation. I never felt more seen than I did it that moment. Thank you for that, Chloe. 

“It was always only you.”

“You’re the love of my life, Jules,” he murmured. “You are my life.” I kissed him, hoping he understood just how much I loved him. 

Jenna Hartley has done it again, folks. She has SLAYED with another brilliant, unique romance. I was truly not prepared for how much I needed to read this story. It’s about overcoming loss and moving forward with your life. It’s about learning to love again and letting your past go. Don’t you just love a good second chance romance? That’s what I would consider this book. It’s a chance for both of our leads to find love again. It’s so beautiful.

Juliana and Harrison are HOT. I mean, I was reading this at work and had to put the book down for a bit because it was so steamy. Holy crap Harrison is delicious. Ugh. Definitely one of my favorite book boyfriends. He’s the perfect package. He’s thoughtful and kind, but his best quality? Patience. He is gentle with Juliana while she heals from her past and gives her the time and space she needs to move on with him. It’s remarkable and not a quality you often find in men. Juliana has the most character growth out of either of them during this novel. Harrison grows too, but not as much as her. She has been living in the past for years, grieving and mourning the life she could have had. And then she meets Harrison. It’s like all the lights suddenly turn on and she’s finally able to see where she is now. She’s able to live in the present. She’s able to start making steps towards taking back her life again. It’s magic.

Of course this couple isn’t without their flaws and it’s important to note that though they may be small, they are impactful. Juliana has to face some really ugly stuff during this novel but nothing compared to what Harrison faces at the end. I won’t go into detail but just keep in mind that this romance is not without its drama. It took me for a RIDE. I was living for this story. Juliana’s past is tragic and fascinating. She grows so much throughout this story on her own and with Harrison. This couple is GOALS. I am sooo ready to read Jenna’s next book in this series. Love love love everything about this world!! 5 stars!! 

“You are my breath, my heart, my reason for living.”

“Have you ever wished on a shooting star?” “No.” “Why not?” “There is no power in wishing on shattered dreams falling off the sky.”

Anna B Doe coming in for another win with book two in the magnificent Blairwood University series! I am absolutely obsessed with these characters and the world that our author created. This book also introduced us to a few additional characters and fleshed out some personalities of characters we’ve met before…leaving a lot of room for new novels in the future and I am STOKED. I’m already dying for book three and I don’t know if Anna has even started working on it yet! LOL. 

This novel focuses on Yasmin and Nixon. This is a tough one, you guys. I can’t deny that. Book one had it’s own challenges and tribulations, but this book was a whole other ball game. These two wonderfully broken characters find solace and strength in each other. What starts out as loathing, quickly turns to attraction and eventually love. This novel was the definition of a perfectly crafted enemies to lovers romance. At first glance, Nixon is the classic egotistical playboy and Yasmin is the devoted, studious nerd. But underneath the surface, both of these characters are so much more complex and deep. They both have secrets they are keeping from everyone. These secrets are eating them up alive until one night, completely coincidentally, Nixon allows Yasmin a glimpse behind the curtain. He confides in her and after that all bets are off. Their chemistry explodes and their passion ignites. These two are dynamite together. It’s absolutely delicious! The emotional toll this novel takes on you is extreme, though, so keep that in mind. While you’re basking in the glow of Yasmin and Nixon’s budding relationship there are other crippling and heartbreaking things going on simultaneously. You feel like you’re being pulled in two directions. It’s hard to ground yourself. But boy is it extraordinary. I honestly haven’t read a book that has put me through the ringer like this in a LONG time. It takes major skills to have mastered the ability to pull duel polar emotions out of your reader. BRAVO.

Keep in mind that you definitely need tissues for this one. I would also recommend reading Kiss to Conquer first, even though these can be read as standalones. It’s a nice way to get a stronger foundation before you dive into this book, plus it’s incredible and I own it in paperback. Another brilliant novel by the stunningly impressive Anna B Doe. 5 stars!

“That’s because you, Yasmin Hernandez, are worth waiting for, worth staying for.”

Mariana Zapata has done it again. She is QUEEN. You can’t find books written like this! She is a pro at slow burn and I have to admit, after reading this book and The Wall of Winnipeg and Me I have become the biggest slow burn fan ever. I never realized how much is lost when sex is used as filler in a story. Zapata’s talent and creativity shines through her writing as we explore this friends to lovers romance. 

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Sports romance is the best subtrope, in my opinion. It takes a lot to write a good sports romance. You have to understand the game and put time and energy into the smallest details. I’m sure it’s a process, but when it’s done well? There is nothing like it. This book is a friends to lovers, sports romance. Friends to lovers is not my cup of tea usually, but Zapata does a great job of introducing a believable storyline to the readers from the very beginning. You see, our couple USED to be best friends over a decade ago and then lost touch. When our story begins, Zac doesn’t even recognize Bianca. After they reconnect, they fall back into the dynamic they had as kids but now there’s a little something extra. Zac plays professional football and Bianca works at a gym but has a side gig/hobby of making and posting baking videos online. She has a huge following and is trying to make that her full-time job. Circumstances bring these two together and then it’s like they just never leave each others sides after that. It’s so sweet. Zac is such an angel and Bianca is a spitfire that doesn’t put up with his funny business. They work perfectly together and their chemistry (especially towards the end of the novel) is H.O.T. These two could not be more perfectly matched.

This book, just like The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, was written from the heroine’s POV. I do wish that we had been given a glimpse into Zac’s mind at some point during the novel because when he finally admits his feelings, it comes as a shock. As you’re reading, you know he’s developing feelings, I just wish I could have heard it directly from him. That’s just a wish though, it doesn’t deduct value from the book in any way. I still cried and laughed and finished the last page with a smile on my face. I can’t even begin to describe how much this book meant to me. Especially being from Texas, Austin specifically, it just warms my heart. Zac is everything I could have dreamed of in a leading man and Bianca is a perfect leading lady. I freaking loved this book! I cannot wait to read more of Mariana Zapata’s stuff! If it’s even remotely as gratifying as these stories, then I know they will be incredible. 5 stars!! 

“Didn’t you hear what I said? Worryin’ about you is like…lovin’ the goddamn sun on my face, kiddo. Like breathin’. It’s never not gonna happen.”

“Why have I waited so long? I should’ve locked you down ages ago.” He gave me a cheeky smile and I wrapped my arms around him to hold him close. “Because all good things come to those who wait. Or is it save the best till last?” “First, last, I don’t care. You, Em are everything.”

Lord almighty, why did I wait so long to read this extraordinary book? Nikki J Summers really knows what she’s doing. She has an insane amount of talent. I’m not even sure how I would categorize this novel. Maybe enemies to lovers? But also a bully romance mixed with some romantic suspense. I’m not sure…all I know is that it was amazing. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. 

Let’s talk chemistry. This novel has it in spades. Emily and Ryan couldn’t be more different. Emily comes from an extremely wealthy family.  Often ignored by her parents, Emily finds herself spending a lot of time alone. She has two best friends, but as we find out in this novel, they aren’t the closest or most trustworthy. Ryan, on the other hand, is poor but has a good family life. He also has his ride or die pack of boys that he does everything with. Nothing comes before his pals…until Emily. Ryan has it bad for her. He has for years, apparently, but up until now he never made a move. When Emily and Ryan start to truly fall for each other, it’s like everything clicks. They just make sense. The way they move around each other, hold each other, kiss each other…everything has a purpose. Each moment they steal together binds them even further until their bond is unbreakable when tested. And believe me, it gets tested. 

It’s important to note that Ryan and Emily have known each other for years, so why now? Why is it that Ryan only NOW decides to start making his move? Well, Emily’s father has some secrets that Ryan and his boys are trying to uncover and they need her help. It’s a very complex, scary situation. A lot of stuff happens during this novel. To say that it’s epic is an understatement. This novel is GOLD. You get to experience a little bit of everything as the story unfolds. To give you any details would spoil it for you, so I won’t. All I can say is: buckle up because you’re in for a ride. This story reminded me a bit of Penelope Douglas’ Devils Night series. They have similar themes, although Penelope’s is a little darker. Nikki did a brilliant job crafting and creating these characters. It’s going to take a miracle for me “like” Brandon, so we’ll see what magic she comes up with for his book next! I cannot WAIT. 5 stars!!

Man…I’m such huge Jacob Chance fan. The characters are always dynamic and unique, the stories are always captivating and thrilling, and the romance is just SO GOOD. I like the way Chance writes heroines. These women always have strength and spunk and they never back down from a fight. The heroine in this story is nothing short of incredible. Tenley is beautiful, yes, but she’s also smart and passionate and driven. She has goals. When a one night stand results in a surprise pregnancy, Tenley and Clancy have to face the music.

I don’t usually read surprise pregnancy books. I don’t usually enjoy them, so it’s not often that I give them a chance. I decided to buckle down and read this one because Amazon kept recommending it to me and eventually I gave up ignoring it. BOY am I glad I read it! Clancy is a total playboy. He’s a senior in college, being scouted for the NHL, and has the world at his fingertips. He doesn’t believe in settling down or having a girlfriend. He’s known Tenley for years, seeing as she is his cousin’s best friend. They run into each other at a wedding and end up having a one night stand. A delicious one night stand that was the best sex either of them has ever had. Very memorable. Weeks later Tenley finds out that she’s pregnant even though they were safe. Surprise surprise. The trope isn’t the best nor is it the most interesting. What made this story worth it was the dynamic between these two. Tenley and Clancy live like seven states away from each other so in order to stay up to date, they have to text and talk on the phone ALL THE TIME. When Tenley goes to visit Clancy for a few days they both realize their feelings are more than casual, but neither of them admit it. It’s a game of cat and mouse with these two which just makes it so much more interesting. 

Finally we hit rock bottom when this couple’s communication issues hit an all time high. Not to spoil anything, but just keep in mind that a lot can be misconstrued when you aren’t speaking in person to someone. Don’t worry though, our couple gets their well deserved HEA at the end AND we get an incredible epilogue to help tie everything up into a pretty bow for us! LOVED IT!! Great story, wonderful characters, 4 stars!!

“Forget the apple; Tenley is my original sin and I plan to devour her completely.”

This was a difficult book to read. Emotionally taxing and exhausting. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, worried that sh*t was about to hit the fan.  If there are books that precede this story about the other characters here, I haven’t read them, so I had to connect a lot of the dots myself. BUT, that being said, it makes me want to go back and read these other books because I’m dying for a deeper look into this world. Gah, it was so painful to read about everything that Rhys experienced as a child. How the system failed him and left him a shell of a person. But then we have Blair. Stunning, determined, wonderful Blair. She is everything Rhys needs to start the healing process. Guys, this couple was everything to me.

When we first start this books, we get small glimpses into Blair and Rhys’s pasts. They’ve been sleeping together, on and off, for about 3 years, but Rhys cannot be touched. He flinches any time anyone nears him. Blair craves him, she feels a deep connection to him even though she’s never touched him. They both end up moving away, but living in the same new city. When a scared foster kid by the name of Bree shows up at Rhys’s tattoo parlor asking for help, all his trauma comes rushing back. Rhys is determined to help Bree and keep her safe. He realizes that in order to get temporary custody of her, he needs to look good on paper. He begs Blair to pretend to be his girlfriend and she reluctantly agrees, moving the two into her house. Everything blossoms from there. Rhys and Blair open up to each other, their feelings grow, and soon they aren’t pretending anymore. Watching their relationship grow from nothing into everything filled me with so much hope. I never wanted this story to end. This couple was spectacular. And everything they did to save Bree…there is nothing like it. Pure magic. I can’t wait to continue reading more of Nicole’s work because she’s a phenomenal writer. Every single story sucks me in and fills my soul. 5 stars!!

Hi, it’s me again. I finished Restrictions, wrote my review, and then immediately started Restrained. I was hoping to find some relief in Lola’s story, but alas…sadly no. There is nothing remotely calming about this one. For the first solid few chapters you think it’s about to turn into another love triangle again. Thank GOD it didn’t. I would have thrown in the towel, honestly. I don’t know how I’m going to survive the next book. Nicole Dykes said – in her author’s note at the end of this book – that the next book is going to be “insane”. Lord help me. These books were already insane!!!!! How much more can my poor heart take?!?! I’m ready for Asher to redeem himself. It better be coming in the next book because I can’t take this anymore. I know this story wasn’t even about Asher (lol) but that’s where my mind is still. Plus a huge part of this book revolves around Viv and Asher. These are definitely not standalones, just incase anyone was wondering. 

Okay now let’s talk about Lola. Wow. There is so much about Lola that I identify with. She’s the oldest and she feels an immense responsibility to hold her family together when everyone is falling apart. She’s magic. Even when she makes mistakes (ahem – telling Viv to move to CA and leave Asher behind) she’s strong. She’s resilient. She grows during this story. She realizes when it’s time to fight and when it’s time to let things play out. All of this is because of Hayden. HOT DOG! This man stole my heart from the first moment we meet him in the coffee shop. He’s sophisticated and a pompous asshole at first glance, but underneath? There’s a man desperate for connection. At the beginning of our story he’s super interested in Penelope. I was like RED ALERT RED ALERT. We are not touching Linc and P or I swear to GOD I will throw this book across the room! …Don’t worry, our author wouldn’t do that to us ❤ Thank Jesus. So Hayden is a bit of a mystery at first. But as he gets closer to Lola and their feelings begin to grow, he starts to show his true colors and oh boy is he just an angel. Everything about him is so sweet and genuine. He’s kind and thoughtful and sexy. He pushes Lola to be better and helps her see things more clearly. Lola can put blinders on when it comes to her family, and he helps her take them back off. He’s magic. (Hehe they are both magic, truthfully). 

Best part about this book? Another EPIC storyline. I loved how this book felt almost like a ferry between Asher’s part one and his part two. It was a perfect blend of everything. Lola finally got what she deserved and the healing process truly began for most of the family. Asher is the last one left, he needs to calm down so that he can grow up and grow into himself. I’m hopeful that is what we will see in his next book. It was painful to witness him in this book…to see his constant struggle. To watch him hate Viv and miss Baz so terribly. Here’s to hoping the next book doesn’t completely annihilate my heart and soul. I’m not sure I could ever recover if Asher and Viv don’t end up together. Please just grant me that, Nicole! I don’t want to have suffered for nothing! Another brilliant 5 star read. Loved everything about it, even the painful parts. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“I’m only strong because I found you. I was afraid of everything before that. And now I’m not.”