Stealing Our Hearts

So I just wanted to start out by saying that I know I’ve had a few rough reviews in a row, but I truly believe better things are sure to come! This was another book that wasn’t a particular favorite, unfortunately, so…there aren’t any quotes *sob* but stay tuned!

I read part of the Dirty series, by this author, and really enjoyed it, but I have to admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of this story. I usually love age gap subtropes, where the man is older and the girl is young and inexperienced. The problem with this one was…she was too young. Courteney was so young that her age was showing through most of the novel. It was difficult to believe that a 30 year old man could fall in love with an 18 year old girl who acted like a complete child all of the time. Whining and throwing fits every chance she got. It wasn’t enjoyable at all, she was just plain irritating. To make matters that much worse, our leading man, Xander, had the emotional maturity of a 5 year old. He didn’t know how to handle Courteney’s tantrums, let alone the feelings he had for her. Basically, this story was just a huge mess of emotional outbursts and crazy sexual chemistry that kept you turning the pages. That was why I kept reading. I needed to know if Xander would ever actually give in and take Courteney’s virginity. Spoiler: he does. And he keeps taking her over and over again. Even when he feels like he shouldn’t because he’s addicted to her. Holy hell was that hot. The way he couldn’t control himself around her? Yes please. It redeemed the story a little bit for me. As irritating as Courteney is in this novel, the chemistry between our two lovers is too good to resist. I would have to give this one 4 stars. I still really enjoy this author and her writing style, this was just a little bump in the road. Everyone should check out Jaine Diamond, she’s really fantastic. Can’t wait to pick up another one of her books.

“You never need to fear him again,” I promised, locking our fingers together. She gave me a soft smile. “I haven’t feared him…not since I met you.”

Not that I’m complaining but there was ZERO sex in this book. Like only two kisses…it didn’t get hot and heavy and there wasn’t really any passion except for a few scenes. All of this because…our leading lady is literally sixteen for most of this book. Not coooool, actually kind of creepy and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, it actually is a REALLY interesting and intriguing book. The sexual suspense is everything, I live for it, and this book was chalked full of it. 

Our leading man, Creed, saves our sweet heroine, Sloan, from a car crash that kills her mother instantly. She was running from her mother’s current boyfriend after he tried to rape her. The car crash leaves her more battered than she already is and when Creed sees her, his heart belongs to her instantly. He calls her Jailbait as a reminder to himself and the rest of the men in his motorcycle gang that she is underaged. It’s actually very sweet. He takes wonderful care of her and puts her first, above almost everything else.

This book is full of stolen glances and flirty comments, but nothing past a PG rating (sex wise). Murder is a whole other story, but I won’t get into that. Anyway, it’s a perfect pallet cleanser! I’d give it 4 stars 🙂

“Not everyone leaves, Creed.”

This was an emotional rollercoaster. It took me a little longer than normal to read because my heart kept breaking more and more every chapter. Our heroine gets in a massive car accident after a secret that she’s kept from her husband for years finally comes out. She loses her memories and has no recollection of anything, specifically the secret that’s ruined their marriage. Her husband is ready to end their marriage, but when she loses her memories, his love for her breaks him down. He loves her so deeply that he doesn’t want the past to come back to get them again. He wants to leave the past in the past, but is that ever truly possible? Can you ever really move past something that destroys your trust in someone? 

I found Matt really difficult and frustrating the beginning of the novel. He grew on me a little as I started to understand more of where he was coming from as the novel progressed. Mostly, I just felt sadness and pity for our heroine. She only ever did what she thought was best and it still wasn’t good enough. Then karma came back to get her and she suffered more than anyone could dream of. 

I wish there had been more of a “reunion” at the end of the book. Our two lover’s reconciliation was short and sweet, but I wanted it to be longer. I wanted a greater profession of faith and trust and love. I would give this gem 4 stars, but only because it didn’t leave me feeling as good as I think it could have, it didn’t mend my heart completely.  After ripping me apart, I need something healing and it didn’t quite get there for me. It was written incredibly well with eloquent phrasing and witty dialogue. My favorite thing about this book was how seamlessly our author wrote a couple that had been married for years turn into a couple that are just getting to know each other all over again for the first time. It was simplistic while at the same time so complex and tragic. Overall, a beautiful job. Bravo!

“My love for you isn’t conditional. It never was and won’t ever be.”

“Don’t break my heart, baby. You’re holding it in your hands.”

Want a feel-good, insta-love, easy-read? Then this is the book for you!! 

YES YES YES!!!!!! Everything about this book is just YEEEEEEEEES. I’m dying right now. It’s so clever and witty and sexy. These two lovers are absolutely perfect for each other. Holy crap, Bo is THE BEST LEADING MAN EVER I AM DEAD HELP ME. He’s such an alpha without even meaning to be. He finds his “one” and everything bubbles up and he can’t help the way he feels or the way he reacts to her. This novel starts out strong and only gets better and better. Literally nothing bad happens and it made my heart so happy. I can’t wait to read book two. 

This is the type of book you read when you’re sad and need a pick-me-up. It’s perfect for almost any occasion but, fair warning, this book it HOT. Like sexy beyond belief, so make sure you’re in a place where you have a fan or something to drink. I was reading this at work and had to put it away! Whew! I seriously loved every second of this book, I can’t say it enough. Lord help me. Give me more Julie Capulet. 

P.S. In the event that this review didn’t sway you at all, this is a book about a young, college girl who just wants to blend in, and the star quarterback of the football team falling in love with her at first sight. It’s perfection. READ. IT.

“You break my heart, I love you so much.”

“No matter your limitations, there’s always a spot for you in the lineup.”

I just want to start out by saying: I really wanted to like this book. It tried so hard, and kept reading but I just couldn’t make it through. I got about 75% of the way into the book before I finally put it down.I ended right before the climax, and I knew I couldn’t continue. My heart just wasn’t in it. I truly LOVE all of Meghan Quinn’s work, but this one just didn’t do it for me. Both Knox and Carson’s stories had me melting on the spot. I love those men so freaking much. I love their girls equally, if not more. Emory and Milly hold the keys to my heart…but…Dottie just couldn’t hold a candle to them. Yes, she was a strong, independent, wonderful female lead, but her faults outweighed her strengths, in my opinion. She was simply unlikable. She started out rude and uptight and it really only got worse throughout the novel. Jason, on the other hand, was too soft for me. That’s completely my opinion, some women eat that shit up. But me? No thanks. I like my men to have some balls, and Jason was sorely lacking. Overall, this couple just didn’t have the “it” factor that both Knox and Emory and Carson and Milly have. Anyway, because I didn’t finish the novel, I have to give this one 3 stars. It hurts my heart to do this, but I really have no other choice. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the next Quinn novel is another hit.

“My depraved angel, you’re so damn beautiful, it hurts. Physically hurts. But it’s the best kind of pain.”

Ooo mama! It’s been a while since I’ve read anything with BDSM in it and maaaaan did this hit the spot! Wow, such a well crafted plot line with spicy twists and turns, and excellent character development. This novel had everything you could ever want…as long as you’re into possessive alpha males. Our leading man, Professor Damien Caine, is exactly that: a wildly obsessed, dominating alpha male. But holy hell he is perfect. Literally everything about him is flawless. Sorry not sorry ladies but I’m a sucker for an intense alpha male. You should know that by now if you’ve been reading my blog. Don’t get me wrong, I love a strong female lead too, and what’s even better about this book? You get BOTH OF THOSE THINGS. Damien and Eden are two bull-headed people who fall in love with each other and go down fighting. 

The thing I love most isn’t that Eden “gives in” to Damien or that Damien finally “breaks” her, it’s that she finally allows herself to let go. For so much of this book, she’s fighting herself. She’s afraid of what she feels and she doesn’t want to step outside of what is socially acceptable. The thing is, who caaaaares. It’s not about everyone else, it’s about you and what makes you happy. That’s what Damien was trying to help her discover throughout the entire novel. Yes, he had a special way of going about it, but when she finally allowed him to demolish her walls…it was pure magic. These two had some crazy chemistry that melted off the page. I was burning up reading this book, it’s that hot. I mean, you get everything and I mean EVERYTHING you could want. I suppose the BDSM part of it is a little vanilla, you don’t get much more than some spanking and a riding crop, but it’s enough to keep you interested. 

I was so into this book, I couldn’t put it down. Although the sex was phenomenal, the real delicious parts were the moments between, when our lovers shared their connection outside of the bedroom. And the banter. That was golden. You’ve gotta read this book, guys!! You will not regret it. I promise.

“I knew you were an angel sent to drag me to hell, I just didn’t know you’d be the one to kill me first.”

“She brought music back into my life. No…she was the music in my life.”

If there was such a thing as a perfect book, this would be it. I’m not even sure how to write this review because I feel so much right now. This story had me in shambles. Steiner served up a steaming pot of faultless excellence with every page turn. But what is it about this book that makes it stand out from the rest? Well, I think it’s the natural, unaltered innocence. Both Mikey and Kylie are only eighteen during the story, and we all know what it’s like to be an eighteen year old. Not only did we get a taste of some adult content, but we also got to relive the simplicity of young love. Every phrase was crafted with this in mind, each moment held your attention as you watch and felt what it was like to fall in love again for the first time. How freeing it is, how easy and scary it can be to let yourself dive in head first. 

Our lovebirds started out as best friends; they met when they were eight and were inseparable after that. They grew up together, went through puberty together, they both lost a parent, there’s not much that they hadn’t been there for, together. That is, until Mikey got his first girlfriend, Bailey. At the first mention of Bailey, in our story, I felt my stomach drop. When we start the novel, Bailey has left Mikey seven months prior to go off to Nashville and pursue a music career. They were supposed to go together, but alas…she decided to dump him and go on her own. He’s grieving. Grieving the life he thought he was going to lead, grieving losing the love of his life, grieving the time he spent building a relationship that didn’t last. But Kylie is there for him. Even though they grew apart for two years because she made Bailey uncomfortable, she still showed up to love and support him through the heartbreak. If that doesn’t tell you what kind of girl she is, then I don’t know what will. She’s a giver, a total enneagram 2, in my opinion. She never thinks of herself and only wants to help Mikey get over Bailey so he can get back to loving life and maybe loving her…? They have one summer left before Mikey moves to New York and Kylie is determined to make him change his mind. 

The first time Mikey really sees Kylie is like your first breath of fresh air after being underwater for too long. It’s a desperate inhale, it burns, it’s necessary. Mikey starts to develop feelings for Kylie gradually and then all at once. It happens slowly and then suddenly he realizes he’s in love with her. It had to happen that way though, he already knows her like the back of his hand. The only thing missing was the sexual component which wasn’t a difficult thing to adjust to for him…since he is an eighteen year old boy. He feels jealous and possessive of her at times, and adoring and loving other times. It’s the perfect blend, a beautiful showcase of the hormonal rollercoaster you experience as a young adult. Kylie, on the other hand, has always been in love with Mikey so there was no realization for her. Her arc was more about acceptance, about realizing that she is worth is. That she IS enough. And my goodness her growth is gorgeous. She starts out as a young woman who so desperately wants to prove herself to her best friend and becomes someone who stands up for what she deserves, no matter how painful it is. She is built with strength and integrity and passion. She is an ideal female lead in any story, but she’s perfect for this one. 

This was a ten star read that deserves a standing ovation. I know there are tons of other reviews that say things all very similar to what I’ve said, but that should tell you something: READ THE DARN BOOK. I can’t wait until I own the entire Becker Brothers series and it’s sitting on my bookshelf. This is one of the best series I’ve ever read and I am already foaming at the mouth for Jordan’s story. Gimme gimme. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: no one does romance like Kandi Steiner. She is a sun among stars. Shining brighter and hotter than most. Each of her books is an exquisite, delicious treat. She is unstoppable. Thank you for writing this masterpiece, Kandi. You are exceptional. 

“I’m always here to catch you.”

“I’m your sun, and you’re my moon, and where I go, you’re right behind me.”

Kate Stewart has done it again, ladies and gentlemen. She has simultaneously ripped us to pieces and won over our hearts with her brilliant story-telling. She is a master at her craft, creating unique and unpredictable characters and situations that keep us on the edge of our seats, begging for more. The Guy on the Right knocked my heart out of the park, but this story changed my life. 

We meet our hero, Troy Jenner, in Stewart’s first book in the The Underdogs Series. He’s the guy every girl dreams of and every guy wants to be. He’s a football player with a body like a greek god and the talent to back it up. But he has a secret…he’s a father…and his son lives next door. Troy moves into the house across the street from his son, Dante, and the mother of his child, Clarissa. He lied to and seduced Clarissa when he was eighteen and she was twenty three which resulted in a baby. Our story begins six years later, when Troy is finally ready to become a physical part of Dante’s life, not just watch and contribute from the sidelines. He wants his son to know him. And get to know him, he does. Clarissa agrees to let Troy in and little by little they become the family they were always meant to be. 

What I loved so much about this novel is that this story and Theo’s story are happening simultaneously. I got to experience parts of The Guy on the Right all over again, but from Troy’s perspective. It was enlightening and incredibly interesting. In this story we get insight into the importance of Troy’s time spent with Dante and how helpful it is that Theo is around to support him. We also meet a new character, Parker, Clarissa’s best friend. She plays an intricate role in the telling of this story. Her friendship and her straight-forward attitude help Clarissa through some tough decisions and mistakes. Parker is crass and hilarious, a really great addition to our tale. Lastly, Dante. What can I say about this perfect tiny human? Simply that. He is perfect. Every moment we get time with him during this book is precious. I knew I loved him from the brief moments we got to experience in book one, but wow, Stewart outdid herself with this angel. He added so much to our story. Gah, I’m left with tears in my eyes and a smile on my lips. Brilliant work. I can’t wait to read Lance’s story next. 

“There’s no story if you give up.”

“I promise to get to know you. I promise to tell you dirty jokes. I promise to fall asleep tonight thinking about your palm on my cheek. I promise this won’t be a one-night stand.”

Okay, where do I even begin with this novel? OH MY GOD. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS WAS SO INCREDIBLE. AHHHH. Okay, now that I got that out of my system, let’s talk rockstar romances. This is my favorite subtrope, tied equally with sports romance. When I first started my blog, I had very little experience reading either of those subtropes, but every time I do, I’m blown away. I always fall in love. I always cry. I always finish the book feeling better than when I started it. This novel left me elated. 

Brody, our leading man, is a total playboy. He’s the drummer in the band MFB. He’s hilarious and cocky and charismatic. He’s used to sleeping around with a different woman every night. He has no desire to ever settle down or have children. That is, until he meets Zoey. She’s a bit older than him, six years to be exact, and she’s a dancer. She is hired to dance on tour for MFB. It’s pretty much love at first sight for both of them. The chemistry is undeniable. They try to keep their affair a secret, but pretty soon they are so in love that they tell everyone. Everything is going great until about halfway through the book. That’s when shit hits the fan. Like I physically gasped when I read the twist. It was painful and heartbreaking and witnessing the fallout of such an incredible couple almost destroyed me. 

You’ll have to read it to figure out the rest, because I won’t ruin it for you, but it’s worth every second of your time. This novel was a perfect blend of crass humor and delicious, sexy scenes. The passion was palpable. Our author’s writing style was beautiful and brilliant. The story was easy to follow and well-written. My mind is still blown that this is the first novel I’ve read by Lisa Suzanne. If her other works are anything like that, I know I’m in for a real treat. Great work. 5 stars!

“Whatever bond we just built was made to last, and that’s my final terrifying and wonderful thought before I drift to sleep.”

“To not notice her would’ve been to ignore the sun. It was impossible.”

I feel so many feelings right now, I’m not sure I have words to describe any of it. This book was simply beautiful. The story was breathtaking and powerful, the characters were expertly crafted and gorgeously written, and the plot stole my heart. Kingsley deserves more than a 5 star review for this masterpiece. This is an award-winning story.

Twins. Both our leads in this story are one in a set of twins. That in and of itself is pretty spectacular and rare. What’s even crazier is that both of our leads live seemingly “normal” lives, while their twin counterpart has/is suffering. Our leading man, Blake, and his twin, Jake, were in an accident when they were younger. This accident leaves Jake with permanent brain damage. Our leading lady, Audrey, has a twin named Sabrina who died of cancer. There’s a beautiful theme of connection between twins throughout the story. I feel like I can’t share exact moments or I will ruin the book, but any time something happens there’s usually some meaning behind it. The twins are so connected that when one gets hurt, the other feels it. And even when one isn’t around anymore, they are still somehow connected (specifically about Audrey and Sabrina). 

I also really enjoyed that religion was brought into this story. I don’t go to church or pray very often, but I do believe in God. I do believe that everything happens for a reason. I do believe in signs and underlying meanings. Audrey wears a silver cross around her neck that belonged to Sabrina before she died. That initially turned Blake off to the idea of trying anything with Audrey, but when he dug deeper and got to know her as a person, he realized that she was more than she appeared. Our author wrote Audrey to be a great example of the “good” in the world. And Blake as an example of what happens when you let darkness and anger rule your life. Dark verses light. Good verses evil. Angel verses devil. I wouldn’t go as far to say that Blake was evil or bad, he was just lost. Audrey helped him find his way back, to forgive himself for his past, and begin his life again. It was magnificent to witness.

Man. Guys. I cried sooo much during this novel. There’s so much more I could say about it, but I’ll leave it for now. This was a powerful, brilliant story that I wished would never end. Thank you for sharing another treasure with us, Kelsey. It’s always such a pleasure to live inside your worlds for a bit of time. 5 stars and a million rounds of applause. 

“I love you so much, I forget to breathe sometimes.”