Crush (Crash #3) - Nicole Williams

A football fantasy. A giant diamond. The modern-day Romeo and Juliet are taking their relationship to the next level. . . .

Jude and Lucy are happily engaged, but that doesn't mean life's a bed of roses.

Once again, the hottest couple around is torn apart, this time by football training and a summer job. Now it's Jude with the trust issues.

Will Lucy's life-changing news bring them back together or end their relationship for good? Can love triumph forever?

Find out in the best installment yet in Nicole Williams's racy and romantic Crash trilogy!

Do you remember when Crash first went live how it was supposed to be a stand-alone novel? We fell in love with Jude and Lucy and begged and pleaded for more, and we got Clash.  Then that was supposed to be the end.  And then we begged and pleaded for more, called ourselves greedy and said we needed more Jude Ryder (oh, wait… that was me!). 

Well, Nicole took Jude and Lucy’s advice for her last books in this series, “Better make it a good one then.”  And she did! Now, I know I have never made it a secret that I am a huge Nicole Williams fan, so could I potentially be a little bias in my review… yup! But aren’t we all when it comes to our favorites?

What I can say for sure is, even though 3 years have passed since Clash ended and more since we met them in Crash, you are still getting the same Jude and Lucy you have come to know, and love.  “Territorial Jude had a way of bringing out Temperamental Lucy.” 

Does that mean there are still going to be plenty of times where you want to reach into the book and grab Lucy by her shirt collar and shake her around, abso-freakin-lutely! What is it this time you ask? Well, three years later, Jude and Lucy are still engaged… yup, still engaged.  Now I know what you are thinking…they were young when they got engaged, so that’s okay… NO! It’s not okay, when Jude Ryder is begging…yes I said begging, you to marry him the answer should always be YES! Not soon, not in a little while, not when I’m more independent or whatever was going on in the crazy town of her head…the answer should be YES, Vegas here we come!

So, while you think the distance between her still being in school (in New York) and Jude being drafted after his Junior year at Syracuse (to the San Diego Chargers) would be the problem (because they both have jealousy and trust issues), the problem is really Lucy (shocking, I know!).  She was too worried the money would change him, or so she says. She wanted to make her own way and be able to take care of herself and not focus on the multi-million dollar contract Jude just signed. 

But enough about Lucy for now, let’s talk about Jude…the many wonderful, amazing sides of Jude Ryder.  We definitely still got to see the protective, possessive side of him (call it whatever you want, I call it hot!).  The temper he has, especially when it comes to protecting Lucy (or fighting with her when she’s being crazy).  And the sweet romantic side of Jude, “I can’t leave you like this,” he said, swiping a tear with his thumb.  “I’ve walked away from you too many times when I shouldn’t have.  When you needed me.  I won’t do it again.” Was Jude perfect? No, he made mistakes, but that’s part of their relationship, and they just love each other anyway and hold on for the ride. 

Nicole also takes this sexy a step higher in this third book, which I was more than pleased to read! Sexy Jude Ryder – yes, please…thank you very much! “We are putting French vanilla in its goddammed place, baby.”

I loved that we got to see more of Holly and little Jude and was happy with how her storyline worked out.  I was also glad for new friend Sybill – the voice of reason in the world of insanity. 

While this story didn’t take the path I thought it might, the story was still well told and kept my attention and interest through the end.  I have to say, I think it was the perfect ending to a beautiful story.  Not everything in life goes the way we expect it to, or as planned.  There are always bumps along the way.  It’s how you deal with it that matters.  This trilogy is all about how you deal with the things that happen in life, and realizing no one is perfect, but someone can be perfect for you.    

Twisted Perfection (A Spin off of the Too Far Series) - Abbi Glines

Life outside of her house was a new experience for Della Sloane. The dark secrets of her past weren’t something she ever intended to share with anyone. They would never understand. No one would ever get close enough to find out. There was always a chance she’d go crazy sooner than they expected…

Woods Kerrington had never been one to be attracted to fragile females. They seemed like too much work. He wasn’t in it for the work just the pleasure. A night full of naughty fun had been exactly what was on his mind when he’d laid eyes on the hot little number that didn’t know how to pump gas and needed some help.

What he didn’t know was she was as fragile as they came.
The carefree girl who spoke her mind and didn’t care what the world thought of her was more breakable than he could ever imagine… 

Okay, I know I’m in the minority here…and I get it because, DAMN do I love Woods Kerrington BUT I have been having some struggles with this book in connecting the Woods I fell in love with (and was slightly hoping Blaire would fall in love with at times) and the Woods in this book.  Even the description of the book is confusing because “he had never been one to be attracted to fragile females” – but he was attracted to Blaire… and he was there for her and protected her and I believe wanted to be with her…ugh! One of the reasons I loved Woods in the Too Far books was because of the way he was with Blaire, I believed he was falling for her, so I had a hard time wrapping my head around this book.   

In all honesty, that confusion probably held me back from falling head over heels for this book.  If this was a stand-alone book and I had no prior knowledge or feelings for Woods, it probably would have been a 5 star book for me.  But he wasn’t the same guy in the beginning that I had come to love, and to be honest, I found myself loving Jace, Grant and even Tripp more in the beginning – but that was because I was weighing my Woods against this new Woods.   

So, going on this new Woods alone…he reminded me a bit of Rush...he’s a player, never looking for commitment, never wanting more from girls than just a good time, not wanting to settle down.  He meets Della and has an instant attraction to her physically and to the fact that she’s just passing through town.  “She wanted the bad boy and I was real ready to unleash him.” 

Della reminded me a little bit of Blaire, a girl who doesn’t come from a lot, just lost her mom and is feeling a little lost and trying to find herself.  I think if they ever wind up in the same town long enough, they will be friends.   

As I got a little further into the book and found my way to loving this new Woods who was torn between following his career goals and the path that his father was setting out for him and his feelings for Della, I started to feel a connection to him again.  And then I started to love them as a couple, and then the Woods I knew and loved made an appearance, “You’re going to kill me but it’s going to be the sweetest death any man has ever known.”  

And I even got super excited when we had a brief cameo from a very pregnant (and away with family through most of this book) Blaire, “Jimmy shouldn’t have told me that but since he did, can I say, Woods is a great guy”…”you picked a good one.” – THIS IS THE WOODS I LOVE! 

We also get a little glimpse into Grant (who can sing by the way – but apparently not as good as Rush!) and some time with Jace (who I really liked in this book) and Bethy.   

And in the end, I can say I still love Woods…he’s not the same Woods I fell in love with, but I love this new Woods all the same! I can’t wait to see what happens in this town between the third Too Far book and the next Twisted book. 

 

 

Deception (Mystic #3) - B.C. Burgess

Layla
Layla Callaway has found comfort in her new role as a coven member, and she’s declared her love for the heartthrob who led her home, but as beautiful as her life appears, it’s shadowed by the evil threatening to rip it away.

Quin
After years of meaningless flings, Quin Kavanagh has finally found love in Layla and yearns to keep her close, but the strength and longevity of their relationship is tested by Finley, a powerful wizard who promises to rid Layla’s life of danger… then claim her as his reward.

The Enemy
They’ve attacked once, leaving Layla with grievous injuries, and the worst has yet to come. The Stranger has drawn closer than anyone knows. And with the disappearance of his lieutenant, Agro is on a rampage, determined to get his witch… or make her family pay.

Stretching from coast to coast and teeming with loathed villains and beloved heroes, The Mystic Series is rich with emotion, magic and intrigue. Whether the reader is laughing, crying or falling in love, they'll find themselves invested in Layla's fate through the rich dialogue and emotionally driven characters that weave the web of this fiery tale. 

THE QUINSESSION CONTINUES!!! 

Maybe it’s because I read these books around Date Me, but this series (as far as the way it is set out) reminds me of The Keatyn Chronicles, except with a paranormal flair.  The way the books pick up where the previous one was left off and that not a lot of time goes by while we are reading along reminded me of how the Keatyn Chronicles plays out. I envision them both as TV shows while I’m reading. 

Here is one of the major ways it differs, Layla is a girl who knows what she wants as far as the man in her life.  There may be others that express and interest, and there may have even been a little issue in Impassion, but Layla lets everyone know Quin is the man for her and I LOVE IT!!!

While there are still times where I think things are a little drawn out, the action and adventure is definitely a part of this book.  I find I’m always waiting to see what is going to be around the next corner.  I’m so worried for Layla, Quin and all their family every time we go to Argo’s storyline.  I also cringe because I hate him! 

I love that we get to spend more time with the family in this book and see what they can do.  I also love that Layla seems to be getting more comfortable around her own family.  I love that her sad heart is so filled with all of them, even when times are scary and hard, and she feels like she is more of a liability in their lives, it is all out of love for this family.   
  "We fear losing most what we love most, but you can't let that fear stop you from smelling the roses and collecting your bouquet.  That would be the biggest loss of all." - Morrigan 

I also love that we get to meet some of Quin’s friends in this book.  I am hoping they will continue to play a role as the series moves forward but it’s nice to see that they recognize a difference in Quin (proves his player days are behind him) 

For any Quin doubters (are there still any?) this book should solidify for you that it is not just about the girl in his dreams…he loves this girl! The real Layla! And while his persistence to wait until they are “ready” is drove me crazy while reading this book…timeline wise – I do get it.  They haven’t really known each other long, and he wants to make sure everything is perfect.  Could I love him anymore? I don’t think so. 
  "I want to provide for you.  I want to keep you safe and happy.  It's why I breathe.  If you're not taken care of, I'm not taken care of." 

And the end of this book… *sighs*… While it kills me to have to wait until some undetermined time this summer to get book 4, if it is anything like the previous books have been, it will be totally worth the wait.   

Thank you to Jillian Dodd for introducing me to an amazing series and thank you to B.C. Burgess for sharing it with us all! Cannot wait to see how the story continues. 

Real - Katy Evans

A fallen boxer.

A woman with a broken dream.

A competition…

IS HE FOR REAL?

He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.

He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .

But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.

I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.

If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the cover...

Remington Tate… WOW! Three little letters, one big word… he definitely caught and kept my attention! He was like a tootsie roll pop, how many licks would it take to get from the hard, tasty exterior to the good inside? The world may never know, but we all would want to try… wait was that just me?  

There were some turns in this story I didn’t expect.  What I thought was happening, wasn’t really and what was happening…I wouldn’t have even guessed at.  That’s the sign of a good story to me, one that keeps you guessing.  I also loved that he wanted her to know him and have it not just be about the physical…even if he wasn’t sure how to let her in -"I want you to know me first, and then, I want you to let me know if you still want me to take you."  

I was annoyed with Brooke at times.  She was all about him physically (and I definitely understood why) but I still frustrated by her insecurities when it came to him.  And without giving anything away, I was very frustrated with her in New York.  But then she says things like - "I love him. He's not just a star, he's the whole fucking sky to me. He's the sun and every planet in this galaxy" and I can’t be too mad at her because she does love him, even when she’s an idiot! 

I think there are supposed to be more books in this series, so I’m hoping that the second book gives us even more inside the heart of Remy, I am definitely ready for more…I don’t know how I didn’t know about Katy Evans before but thank you to Angie’s Dreamy Reads for sharing her love of this book! If you are looking for a smexy read, this one may be for you.

Going Under - S. Walden

Brooke Wright has only two goals her senior year at Charity Run High School: stay out of trouble and learn to forgive herself for the past. Forgiveness proves elusive, and trouble finds her anyway when she discovers a secret club at school connected to the death of her best friend. She learns that swim team members participate in a "Fantasy Slut League," scoring points for their sexual acts with unsuspecting girls.

Brooke, wracked with guilt over her friend's death, decides to infiltrate the league by becoming one of the "unsuspecting girls," and exact revenge on the boys who stole away her best friend. An unexpected romance complicates her plans, and her dogged pursuit of justice turns her reckless as she underestimates just how far the boys will go to keep their sex club a secret. 

This is not a just a romance story about high school kids.  This story deals with VERY serious issues, so if you are looking for a light and fluffy book, you may want to put this book to the side and wait for a time where you can give in to something a little heavier.   

Brooke Wright is not a perfect girl.  She’s made mistakes, and one that she can never take back has been haunting her since her best friend died.  She’s determined to be miserable because she can’t make up for the mistake she made, and she can’t forgive herself.  All she can do is try to get the justice she thinks is deserved.  That’s the plan anyway… 

As the pieces start falling into place and she finds out it’s more than just one guy, there is this secret club at her school where boys are given points based on the sex acts performed and the girl it happens with.  Everything starts clicking into place for Brooke, and becoming more dangerous.  

 

On the other hand, the guy she literally ran into at her best friend’s funeral not only attends the same school she has just transferred to, but is in some of her classes, and seems to have the same eyes for her that she has for him.  She tries to keep herself away, feeling undeserving because of mistakes she has made, and knowing she has a plan to stick to that involves another boy.  But she can’t seem to keep away from Ryan.  Although it always seems like we’re waiting for the other shoe to drop with Ryan, what we do know about him turns out to be pretty wonderful.  I certainly couldn’t blame her for falling for him and distracting herself from her not so stellar plan.       

Can Brooke have a separate part of her life just for her that includes this amazing guy and still seek the revenge she feels will free her by setting up this group of guys to take a hard fall? What will happen when her separate lives clash together and her world falls down around her? Definitely worth the read to find out!

 

I think S. Walden is a brave woman.  Not only does she tackle some tough subjects, but she pushes you right through them and makes you live them along with these character.  Even though there were parts I wanted to look away from, I kept pushing through cringing the whole time. It’s very real at times.    

While I did feel this story took a little while to get going, once it found its stride, I stayed interested.  I loved some of the other characters we were introduced to and was happy Brooke was able to maintain a previous friendship from her original school and make new friends too.   

Here are my only complaints… 1.  I wanted more Ryan! I felt like their relationship could have been explored a little more.  I mean, here is this guy she considers throwing away her plan for…give me a little bit more reason why.  Don’t get me wrong – Ryan is great! But I was left wanting a little bit more.  2.  The only other thing I wish is that we had more time at the end.  We jump years twice and I think I personally needed more of what was going on with the characters in that time period, especially at the very end.   

Otherwise, this book was a definite must read for me!