Stealing Our Hearts

Umm hello! Where has this story been all my life? Wow. I’m completely blown away by Jessica Ruddick. I had no idea what to expect when it came to this book. I was a little apprehensive at first because it’s only rated 4 stars on Amazon, but…guys…this is absolutely a 5 star novel. Holy crap.

Wyatt and Katie are explosive from the moment they meet. Katie was a child star, who is hiding from her past. Her twin sister is still very famous but also well known for being very trashy. Katie wants to separate herself as much as she can from that old life. She changed her last name and is going to college to become a doctor. Our book opens on her junior year of college, she’s out with her friends partying, and she sees her crush across the crowded bar. Wyatt is the star quarterback for the college team. He’s basically famous and everyone is obsessed with him. Katie’s friends dare her to ask him out on a date. She does. He says yes. VOILA! Our love story begins.

Okay, so I’m not going to lie…I think Wyatt may be one of my ultimate book boyfriends. I have a very short list, but holy hell. He is incredible. The way he treats Katie, the way he cares for her and holds her opinion above all others…HE IS AMAZING. I could go on and on. He’s dedicated and passionate, he’s smart and witty. He is also humble and generous. And we can’t forget about how loyal he is. Man, this guy is an all around rockstar. Katie couldn’t have asked for a better partner. My favorite thing about Katie and Wyatt’s relationship is how they communicate. Even though Katie doesn’t reveal who she is to Wyatt at the beginning, she shows an understanding that he hasn’t received from anyone else before. It draws him to her. On that same note, Wyatt makes Katie feel safe and secure. The way he speaks to her and listens to her, it all just works. They are a perfect pair. LOVE THIS COUPLE!! 5 stars!!

Wowza! This book was exceptional. I loved every single thing about it. This might be a new staple in the sports romance section of my bookshelf. I hope there are more treasures where this book came from because I am so ready to dive deeper into the Beckett Brothers. Gimme gimme!

This is the story of Cayden and Indy. Cayden is the resident playboy football star at his college and Indy is a transfer. She catches his eye and it’s all over. She’s his end game before he even realizes it. There’s something about her that he can’t move past; she isn’t someone he wants to pump and dump and that’s new for him. I think Cayden’s character arc was my favorite. He went from feeding Indy lines that would work on any other girl, to listening and being there for her in a big way. She opened up to him and he accepted her for everything she was. Her past, her present, and her future. There are still some moments where his ego comes out to play, but otherwise Indy tames him a bit and it makes him much more likable. As far and Indy goes, she grows to trust Cayden as her feelings deepen. She falls in love with the way her carries himself and the gentle way he holds her. He makes her feel safe which is very important to her in this story. It’s beautiful.

There’s a pretty big twist that has you on edge for short while during the novel, but I was HERE FOR IT. Talk about some insanely amazing writing! Teagan Kade blew me away with the way she took what seemed to be a normal relationship and turned it on it’s head. There are so many secrets and truths to be uncovered in this novel. It’s dark at times and you fear for the characters, but it’s worth every second. I loved this book so much. Seriously. You should read this if you get the chance. I’m headed back to Kindle Unlimited to (hopefully) download the second book in this series! I need more Beckett Brothers!

Okay, I’ve gotta be honest here. I’m pretty pissed. If you’ve never read my reviews before you may not know this about me but I absolutely LOATHE cliffhangers. This ends in a cliffhanger and the next installment in Viv and Asher’s story hasn’t been written yet (side note: when I wrote this review Restorations hadn’t been released yet, but it’s out now and all is right in the world). I feel utterly and completely sick. Devastated. I was crying up until the very last word on the last page. This story is catastrophic. It’s painful and rips your heart into pieces. If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Regrets, then please do not continue reading this review. 

SPOILERS AHEAD: BEWARE

Viv shows up at the end of Regrets with a baby who was apparently fathered by Colt. Colt is dead. Regrets is all about his (Colt’s) girlfriend and his brother and how they heal and come together. And I thought THAT book was painful LOL! It has nothing on this story. Asher is twenty and Viv is twenty one and they are basically playing house. Asher moves in with Viv to help her take care of his nephew, Baz. Feelings ignite between them and they become explosive. They decide on a friends with benefits agreement which quickly becomes more to both of them. The problem is…Asher. He hasn’t grow up. He’s broken. He was destroyed after his brother’s death. He hates his old brother, Linc, has a very strained relationship with his mother, and hardly speaks to his sister Lola. He’s immature and careless. The only time that he really escapes his mind is when he’s with Baz and Viv. He takes comfort in them. He never admits it in this story but he is so obviously in love with Viv, it’s heartbreaking. Viv admits her feelings and he pushes her away. And then…ANOTHER LOVE TRIANGLE. Are you trying to kill me, Nicole? Guys. I feel so much right now, I don’t even know what to say. Viv freaking moves to California with Sawyer, Asher’s best friend who she starts dating when everything falls apart with Asher, and then we’re hit with the cliffhanger. I mean…I’m a mess. A garbage of a human right now. I have tissues strewn across my bed and a half empty bottle of red wine next to me. Lord give me strength. I am a WRECK. 

Let’s talk about why this story is my favorite so far in the series. #1 – character development. Holy craps we get that in spades in this one. Viv grows into herself throughout the course of this novel and especially with Asher help. She finds the strength to ask for what she wants, sometimes demand it. She also knows when it’s time to put her foot down. She puts Baz first in everything, even when it seems like she’s being selfish. She’s so strong. I loved her even when I hated her. And believe me, literally ANY time she speaks about Colt, I wanted to throw the book across the room. Maybe it’s just me, but I have a really special place in my heart for Penelope. P and Colt were broken up when she cheated on him but not the other way around, and it just feels so wrong to me. I’m horrified with Colt’s behavior and I don’t think I will ever forgive him. Okay #2 – storyline. This was an incredibly well developed story. Nothing felt out of place, everything flowed, and the pacing was perfect. I’m talking everything. The dialogue was delicious and even Baz felt almost tangible. It was well crafted. Bravo!! Not that I ever usually have time following storylines, but this one just felt so fresh and open. Like we were just along for the ride. I freaking loved it. #3 – sex. It’s rare that I compliment authors on sex scenes. Go look through my reviews. I hardly mention it because it’s so common and all the scenes start to blend together. Not in this book. Everything was intentional and precise. Even when Viv and Asher were out of control…it felt right. I think that’s why it was so painful for me to read that Viv felt things for Sawyer when he touched and kissed her. I didn’t want to read about their sex (thankfully our author didn’t write any scenes with Sawyer and Viv) but it was still implied. Want to have your heart ripped out? Read the ending of this book. 

Alright enough of my rant. In case you didn’t really get the gist…I have a strong love/hate relationship with this book. But it deserves 5 stars for how perfect it was. Truly. I cannot wait to read Lola’s book. Here’s to hoping that one doesn’t end in a cliffhanger because I might actually kill over. Wish me luck! Xoxo

“Home is wherever you are. I would go anywhere for you if you wanted me to be there.”

I think I may have just found one of my newest favorite books. HOLY CRAP. This book is the definition of a slow burn; it’s everything I could have dreamed of. And talk about that rewarding ending…dear lord. I honestly cannot give an example of another novel that achieved a slow burn this well. I think this may be my newest #1. I cannot contain myself right now. I can’t stop smiling. This was the best book ever. 

Let’s break this down a bit; unpack this story. Vanessa, our leading lady, works as Adrian’s personal assistant, chef, and many other things. Adrian is a professional football player, one of the best in the league. Vanessa works for him for two years before getting so fed up with him that she finally decides to quit. Well, pretty soon after she quits he visits her, asking her to come back.  Then the real truth comes out: he needs a wife in order to get his green card. He’s Canadian, but chose to play football instead of hockey. So this is where the real meat of our story lies, in the fake marriage. I’m not going to lie, I’m usually not the biggest fan of fake marriages, they tend to be super predictable and cliche.  Not this story. Not at all. This is where the slow burn comes in; our couple takes FOREVER to warm up to each other. There’s a lot of fighting and a lot of hurt feelings at the beginning. 

It’s important to note that this story is written ONLY in Vanessa’s POV. Even though I would have loved to read Adrian’s POV, I think not having his perspective and not being able to read what he was thinking/feeling is what made this book so addicting. Adrian hardly speaks at all. It’s all about his body language and facial expressions. As the story goes on, Van gets to know Adrian better and better and is able to pick up on his subtle expressions. It takes about halfway into the story to really get a feel for Adrian. I couldn’t decide if I loved him or hated him. But boy, do I love him now. There isn’t a better written hero out there. Truly. Adrian’s character arc is spectacular. He comes into the realization that he has the capacity to love another person and that lightbulb makes the entire novel worth it. I also loved the moments of discovery between these two leads. When Adrian would reveal bits and pieces of his past to Van and, in turn, he would inquire into Van’s old life. Both of them are very private people, so it’s beautiful to watch them open up to each other. 

This entire novel took me around 7 hours to read, which is honestly a pretty long time for me. I was savoring each word, I never wanted it to end. I hung on to every sentence. I felt every emotion known to man. I cried within the first 50 pages and by the end I was so filled with joy, I was crying again. This novel changed me and it’s going to stick with me forever. I just purchased a signed copy from Mariana’s website which should be delivered in a few weeks and I cannot wait to hold this book in my hands! I wish I could give this book a million stars, but 5 will have to do for now. Bravo!!

“I don’t know anything about relationships, Van, but I know I love you. I know I’ve waited my entire life to love you, and I’ll do whatever I have to, to make this work.”

This was my first Danica Raimz book and I was incredibly impressed. The character development, chemistry, and plot line were only a few of the truly remarkable parts of this story. And add love at first sight to the mix? Yes please!! 

Zane first meets our heroine, Lanie, on a subway with her insufferable boyfriend, Quinn, sitting next to her. Zane can’t stop looking at Lanie, her smile, her eyes, everything. He’s completely transfixed by her and she by him. All of this first chapter is from Lanie’s POV, so we don’t really get any insight into Zane’s head until after the fact. Neither one of them can stop thinking about the other. It’s truly love at first sight. With a bit of accidentally stalking on both their parts, these two end up running into each other again and spending a night together. They have drinks and food at a bar and unload their life stories onto each other. Ladies and Gentlemen, that was probably the most well-written, intriguing fifty page scene that I’ve ever read. It was LONG. I’m not exaggerating. But, it kept me interested the entire time and it delved deep into both Lanie and Zane’s intense emotional connection. Sparks fly like crazy between these two, there’s no questioning that. So, it is important to note that, at this time in the story, Lanie does cheat on her boyfriend Quinn. She kisses Zane before she breaks up with Quinn and that left me a little on the sour side. I’m really not a fan of cheating, but after their night together the cheating is all but forgotten. I’m not kidding when I say that these two are like two peas in a pod. This book is labeled as a single dad romance, and I suppose Zane is, but it’s a little more complicated than that. Zane’s father died, leaving him custody of his little sister Tia. Lanie is the most understanding when it comes to Zane needing to put Tia first in his life. Zane is understanding when it comes to Lanie needing to be free of the confines of a toxic relationship. These two are perfect together.

It’s also important to note the mental health awareness undertones that this story takes on. Lanie suffers from PTSD and anxiety from being assaulted when she was younger. It’s an on-going issue throughout this book and it plays a huge role in the way that Zane treats her and helps her stand up and take care of herself. Then there’s Quinn. I can’t even begin to explain all of my emotions surrounding Quinn. He has some severe issues, not only attachment issues, but deeper mental health struggles. We find out about these struggles late in the novel, and I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s shocking. I was expecting something to happen, but nothing like what we actually experience. I was sobbing in my bed while reading. It’s heartbreaking to watch Quinn falling apart. But true to form, Lanie is able to forgive him and move on with her life when it comes down to it. Lanie is the most kind and genuine human and I love her so much. Definitely one of my favorite female characters to-date. Wonderful piece! I can’t wait to see what else Raimz has in store! 4 stars!

GIMME GIMME GIMME!!!!!!! Tijan writes some of the best standalones. I only say that because I haven’t read any of her series, but after reading this story and hearing how it crosses over into the other Fallen Crest series stories…I’m like…I can’t hold back anymore. I’m ready to fully immerse myself into this world. 

Aspen and Blaise completely stole my heart. Let’s just dive right in, why don’t we. Blaise experiences, what I truly believe, is love at first sight. He catches Aspen watching him getting a blowjob out in the middle of the woods at a party one night. Aspen has an intense crush on Blaise, but she’s a total ghost. No one knows who she is, she has no friends, she’s a total book nerd, and that’s the way she prefers it. Until Blaise comes crashing into her life. Blaise, at first, finds Aspen intriguing and so so hot. He’s super into her from very early on, but it isn’t until he gets to know her better and experiences life with her that he falls deeply in love. He loses his heart to her pretty quickly. She changes everything for him. Before her, he slept around but was never exclusive with anyone. He was known to be very aggressive and a bit of a prick (hence the name of the book). After Aspen floats into his life, as yes, I will say float because she’s extremely timid and cautious around him for a while. She doesn’t want to believe that he really wants her. She has major self esteem issues.  But anyway, after she floats into his life, he changes his tune. She’s like healing balm for him. He even describes her as that at one point in our story. The thing about Aspen though? She’s got major issues. Well…I take that back, they BOTH have major issues. I won’t reveal anything to you in this review because it’s truly fascinating to read and experience it first hand, but just know that you probably aren’t accurately prepared for what this tale has in store for you.

It’s magical. Their love. The journey these two lovers go on. It’s everything they needed and more. I can’t get over how much I loved this book. You get to ride alongside them and experience everything first hand. I think that’s why I love Tijan’s writing so much, it’s more than just a story, it’s an experience. It’s almost always life changing and these tales always stick with you afterwards. I know I have to add this one to my paperback shelf asap. I cannot wait to read Nate’s book next! 5 stars!!

Although this is technically a standalone, I would definitely recommend reading these books in order. I did everything backwards. I started with Focused, Noah and Molly’s story, before I ever read about how Molly grew up. That’s what this story is about. It’s about Paige and Logan, Molly’s older brother and guardian, and boy if this isn’t the best book Karla Sorenson has ever written.  I am completely blow away. I mean, I really enjoyed the first two books in the Washington Wolves series, but nothing could have prepared me for this one. This is leagues better than the other books and those are already 5 star reads. This is a ten star read…at LEAST. We met Logan in The Ex Effect and watched him show interest in Ava. I was not a huge fan of that subplot. I already knew he was going to get with Paige because I read Focused first, so I was anxiously awaiting their book. Okay, let’s dive right in.

Logan and Paige have delicious, sexy chemistry from the moment they meet. Logan is a quiet, serious man. He’s very private and keeps his inner circle very tightly knit, but when he lets down his walls, he’s basically the most lovable of any of Sorenson’s male leads. He’s my absolute favorite. The incredible thing about Paige is that she has a very easy time getting underneath his skin. She excites and infuriates him and makes him feel so so much. That’s why the chemistry is so rich and vibrant. Logan meets Paige tit for tat, though. He holds his own against her fierceness and shows up for her when she needs it. Paige has never had a real home, she’s a model (retired, basically) and she’s never stayed in one place long enough to put down roots. This is very similar to her best friend, Allie, from the first book in the Washington Wolves series, The Bombshell Effect.  Paige actually shows up in that book and moves in with Allie. When we meet her in this book, she is still living with Allie and her new husband, Luke, the quarterback for the Wolves. Paige finds out that her aunt left her an inheritance that she can only access if she gets married. On that same note, Logan’s brother is threatening to take his custody away, so he figures that he needs to find a wife. It’s a match made in heaven. 

Simply put, this is one of those stories that will stick with you forever. Logan and Paige fall in love with each other over the course of this novel and it’s magical. Watching Paige seduce Logan because he doesn’t want to sleep with her for fear of getting too attached, to witnessing Logan giving in to his desires…every moment of this story is packed with punch. It’s the best a sports romance could get. It’s has you laughing out loud and crying into your pillow. It’s everything. I cannot wait to own it in paperback! Also, I can’t wait to continue reading the Ward family series. Whatever Karla Sorenson has in store for us next is going to be absolutely brilliant and I’m dying to get my hands on it! If only I was able to give this story the ten stars it deserves. 5 stars for now, and a hundred snaps, so much love, and my undying devotion! 

I’m comin’ in hot here with a blanket statement about my preferences: I do not like love triangles. I don’t care if it’s even the slightest hint…I hate it. Knowing that, you might have a little insight into how I felt reading this book. It’s a love triangle. Two brothers and a girl. Lord help me. I was in pieces for most of this book. Chewing my nails down, stomach cramping, feeling nauseous. Yes, all of those things happen when I read love triangles. Okay, now that we understand how I felt reading most of this book, let me bring to light how much that ending BLEW ME AWAY. I don’t think I’ve ever come back from a love triangle and the ending of this book did just that. It saved the story for me. It took the triangle and dumped it on it’s head. It completely turned everything around and changed the way I experienced the whole story. Now THAT is talented writing, if I’ve ever seen it. 

Okay, Linc and Penelope. Woah. These two are explosive. Think of what you imagine hate sex being like and then multiply it by ten. They are at each other’s throats, passionate and frenzied. Their story is catastrophic. And then…there’s Colt. Sweet, angelic Colt. If I weren’t utterly obsessed with alpha assholes, Colt would have been my dream man. Unfortunately, Penelope (like myself) prefers her men a little darker. But here we are. Stuck between two men. Linc, the older, darker, rebellious brother. And Colt, the sweet, genuine, caring brother. Both have exceptional qualities and both have a piece of Penelope’s heart. She met the boys when she was nine, living in a foster home. They took her under their wing, both in their own way, and took care of her. Eventually, she moved into their house and became another member of their family. Torn between the two brothers, she was Colt’s girlfriend but secretly felt a strong pull towards Linc. 

Tragedy strikes the family and that’s where my review has to come to and end. I can’t ruin the story for you! This was a short, sexy read. I read it in one evening…I couldn’t put it down. Regardless of how uncomfortable the love triangle part of it made me feel, I cannot applaud the ending of this story enough. You’ve got to take a chance on this book. It’s wonderful. I cannot wait to dive into the next book in this series. 4 stars!

“I was so afraid I was betraying him with you. The looks. The flirting. Prom.” I look over Linc’s shoulder and see my reflection. “But I think maybe all that time…” my heart aches with the thought, “I was betraying you with him.”

“You can never really know a person. You can only try. And hope for the best. That’s what he did and she never let him down. Not once. She just kept on amazing him every single day.”

Guys…I live for this series and I’m devastated that this is the last book we’re getting of the McCabe brothers. These men are everything. Bo, in Hopeless Romantic, was such a sweet, innocent, naive man. Caleb, in My Hero, was a trauma ridden, burly hero. And now we get to meet the last brother, Gage. Gage is the exact opposite of his other brothers. He’s cocky and charismatic. He sleeps around and makes tons of money. It isn’t until he happens upon Luna, our heroine, that he sees the error of his ways. Luna sees straight through him. She doesn’t fall for his games. She has her own goals in life and they don’t involve men. She’s determined, confident, smart, and witty. She’s also stunningly beautiful, which is what catches Gage’s attention first. He sees her across the room of the bar he’s at, the bar she owns, unbeknownst to him, and he about loses his mind. He has to have her and he will do anything to make it happen.  It isn’t until he starts to really work for it, that he realizes this may mean more to him than an easy lay.

I think my favorite thing about these brothers is how hard each of them falls when they meet their match. We learn a lot about their parents in this book. I remember tiny bits and pieces about their parents from previous books, but it stuck out to me the most here. Because Gage is the oldest, his parents had the biggest effect on him. When I think back on this story, Gage’s realization of how much he loves Luna, so quickly, struck me. These brother’s really do fall in love at first sight. Every single one of them. I’ll be interested to see if it’s that way with their cousins as well when I start the next series. (P.S. I’m dying and don’t want to wait to read, so I joined Julie’s ARC team!!!). 

Julie Capulet writes the BEST sex scenes, in my opinion. Hands down. Everything about them is always so deliciously romantic and perfect. I love it that these gorgeous, alpha-male types melt in front of their women. They worship the one to whom their heart belongs and it’s absolutely magnificent. And talk about a build up in this story!! We don’t get to get down and dirty until well into the second half of the book!!! I mean, it makes perfect sense with the backstory and how our characters interact, but by the time they got into it, I was jumping for joy! I love love love Gage and Luna and I hope they have some cameos in future books because I’m not finished with the McCabe brothers! I love them so!! 5 stars!!

I wasn’t sure it could get any hotter than Serenity and yet… here we are. Dyan Layne knows how to write love scenes better than most. She’s tough to beat in that perspective. I honestly wasn’t sure how I would feel going into this book, knowing it was about a polyamorous relationship. I tend to prefer the jealous, alpha-male leads. That’s not really what we get in Jesse. Taylor, a little bit more, but still not to the extent I usually like. But the thing is, everything that works about this relationship is the differing personalities and the desire to create a lasting bond between all three of them. It’s completely taboo and, at times, pretty painful, but it’s also incredibly beautiful.

We met Chloe and Jesse in the first book, Serenity, but we didn’t really have a clear concept of what was going on with them. Chloe is brilliant and bright and loud. She’s the type of friend everyone wants but seldom have. Linnea is lucky in that aspect. At the beginning of our story, we find out that Chloe has harbored a crush on a famous rockstar named Taylor Kerrigan. When she was younger, he was all she ever saw. Now that she’s an adult, she works at the bar with Linnea and has the hots for Jesse, the cousin of Kyan who is with Linnea from Serenity. (It’s a little complex, so I would recommend reading Serenity first). Jesse is in love with Chloe from the moment we open this book. He’s devoted and addicted, although he’s never done more than simply flirt with her. She’s starting to get tired of the games and that’s when Jesse strikes. The thing holding him back? Taylor. He is in love with Chloe’s crush, Taylor Kerrigan. Like I said before, it’s complex. The two men in our story, Taylor and Jesse, have been together for years and are comfortable and open to welcoming in another member to their family. Jesse wants that person to be Chloe. Now all he has to do is convince her. 

This book…gah. There are so many delicious details to dive in to. I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s important to note that there is so much more to this story than just a bunch of threesomes. There is real, raw pain and love. These character’s truly suffer, each in their own way and that’s what makes it that much more beautiful. The connection between each of them is so well thought out. We get some insight into Jesse and Taylor’s background which gives their relationship a solid foundation. Then we learn about the chemistry and years that Chloe and Jesse have known each other. The toughest part of this book was convincing the reader that Taylor and Chloe could fall in love. Jesse is what brings these two together, but they they develop their own bond separate of him? HOLY SH*T. It was perfect. Every stolen moment, every lingering look and sensual kiss…their chemistry was almost more passionate than any of the other pairings! I mean, truly nothing compared to when the three of them were together (*fans myself*) but those one on one scenes were honestly just as good. 

I’m very very interested in Kyan’s brother, Dillon. There’s a lot going on with his character that I feel is unresolved and I need some answers, desperately. I’m foaming at the mouth for the next book, Maelstrom, to be released. Dyan’s writing and storytelling just keeps getting better and better. Eeeeep! So pumped!! I absolutely adored this book. 5 stars!!