Wounded written by Abby Brooks (304 pgs) – finished reading 4/11/17 – 4.5 stars - Contemporary Romance (Rockstar/Medical)

This book had everything that I look forward to in a romance. Witty banter. Impending tragedy. The solace of loyal friends. And, an unexpected love story. That being said, you will smile with Bailey and Liam’s romance as it takes both of them by surprise. Liam is the spoiled rotten pop singer and underwear model who gets injured during a bus accident. The injury has so much to do with his image because he ends up with a pretty ugly scar that runs the length of his beautiful face. And, Bailey is the nurse who treats him, and she is not impressed whatsoever. She tells him exactly what she thinks of him, and that leads to him crashing at her house for an unknown amount of time. He’s not going back to LA anytime soon, and they both wonder how they are going to make living together work. What happens when this totally opposite couple find themselves reaching out to each other? Do they even have half a chance to make their relationship work??

Well, I just loved both main characters! Bailey is a feisty tell-it-like-it-is person. She’s been on her own since the age of eighteen, and she is no push-over. Liam, like I said is spoiled, but I think Bailey just opened his eyes to what was really missing in his life and who he actually is. She sees the real him, and I thought that he really appreciated that. And, when tragedy erupts within Bailey’s life, Liam is there to help her pick up the pieces. I really enjoyed their love story! It was entertaining and tender. It really made their relationship beautiful and moving. Anything with music gives cause for the romance to be memorable. And, music was intimately present within this love story. I highly recommend this book to read...

Luke (A Cocky Cage Fighter, #8) written by Lane Hart (256 pgs) – finished reading 4/13/17 – 3.5 stars - Contemporary Romance (New Adult)

I don’t know, I like this one; I didn’t like this one. In the beginning you get this passionate and caring male, Luke. He’s kind and so in love with the heroine, Meg. Unfortunately, she has a secret that could be devastating to Luke, which it is when he finds out the truth. But, he goes from this awesome male to somebody so disrespected and hurtful. I don’t think that Megan really deserved his harsh treatment. She, in the end, was really just looking out for him. Maybe she went about it all wrong, but she honestly just had his well-being at heart. When Luke finally comes down from his high-horse, he does realize how condescending and abusive he has been. He really is a good guy. He just had to get over Meg’s deception. Once he did, their relationship could progress into something so much more real and intimate. This was an up and down read for me. And, it all had to do with Luke’s character. I just couldn’t like him during the whole book. But, in the end he does redeem himself. This author’s writing was pretty intense with the scenes between Luke and Meg and also between Luke and his dad. There’s nothing worse than a parent losing their child so unexpectedly. So his parents grieved their oldest son wholeheartedly. It was very sad, especially for Luke’s mom. Eventually Luke’s story gave them hope and peace to accept the inevitable. It was more uplifting than one can conceive. This was my first Lane Hart read, and I’m sure that it won’t be my last...

The Opposite of You (Opposites Attract, #1) written by Rachel Higginson (302 pgs) – 3/31/17 – 4 stars - Contemporary Romance

What can I say about Rachel Higginson’s new book?? It was one enjoyable read! Vera has sworn off men for good. She’s had such a previous bad experience, that she decides that she is going to just focus on her career. She’s a chef. And, her newest venture, owning her own food truck, is her priority right now. It doesn’t go over very well, though, with the restaurant owner across the street, Killian. He’s pretty much annoyed with the idea that a food truck with take-out food is across the street from his stellar restaurant. He was pretty funny, however, sending his employees to sample her food. He must be a little afraid that she will take away some of his clientele. And, she gives him a run for his money by making deals with him to sample her food, I had to laugh-out-loud a few times. Vera was just one comical chick! I loved her! And, Killian, tried to come off as this brash and bossy male, when underneath, he really was a sweetheart. I just loved their banter back and forth! And, when it finally comes to the romance, Killian wanted so desperately to take care of Vera and show her that all men were not despicable and abusive. He was definitely a more swoon-worthy character towards the end. Will these two, though, take a chance on each other and trust in their love?

Loved the whole food truck idea! It was new and refreshing! I love books about food, and this one was right up my alley! And, a guy that rides a motorcycle is just so badass! Just makes him more thrilling and exciting as a male! And, with Vera on the back, the chemistry between the two was evident. Vera, given her past heartache, had such a wonderful support system from her dad, her brother, and best friend Molly. And, Killian also, even though his past was not without destruction, had loyalty and protectiveness from foster mom, Jo, and foster brother, Ezra. Even though this couple’s pasts might not have been pretty, they were now on a path for good things to come their way. My only complaint is that the author focused so much on Vera’s past; talking about it over and over. It gets a little tedious to keep hearing. But, I did understand the need for some of it. Ms. Higginson seemed very adamant about not letting a man treat you beneath what a woman deserved, from which I totally agree. No woman is not worthy of perfect treatment both emotionally and physically. And, if it’s not given wholeheartedly, walk away.

Definitely won’t hesitate to pick up another of Ms. Higginson’s books. I was totally entertained and look forward to her next release...

We Said Forever written by Marie James (481 pgs) – finished reading 3/20/17 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance (Sports/New Adult)

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***

I don’t know what it is lately, but I’ve been so swept into the football romance scene. And, this one does not disappoint whatsoever. It’s painful to read, and the relationship between the two main characters is tested time and time again. Blaze comes from a family of drug addicts; both mom and dad. And, because of his past, he pledges never to make that mistake. Fallyn is all about school. We don’t get much back history of her childhood, but she seems to have a mostly decent relationship with her parents. When Blaze and Fallyn meet, she has no idea who he is. Star quarterback of the football team means nothing to her. They meet at a party, and she’s totally blown away with just one kiss and a dance. And, Blaze can’t get her off of his mind. She’s beautiful, and of course, she wants no part of him. So...the chase is on!! He promises to kiss her every time they see each other, and he’s a man of his word. Blaze is a cocky arrogant male that is so sure of himself. While Fallyn comes off as mostly interested in school and wants no romantic relationship to jeopardize that. As Blaze constantly seeks out Fallyn, both he and she know that he’s wearing her down. Will these two ever get together? And, if they do, do they stand a chance of staying together given the fact that Blaze’s past is one of heartache and destruction??

Oh, man, this was another sad one. Blaze makes some terrible decisions and they end up having devastating consequences. True that some things were just not his fault, but it leads to him paying the price big-time. In the end, the outcome was hard on this couple emotionally. I was so mad at Blaze for disappointing Fallyn so many times. She was truly the only one who ever believed in and trusted him. How could he let her down? She was such an awesome character! She was funny and confident. Said exactly what she was thinking. There was no beating around the bush with her. She was just totally honest. A very loyal and trustworthy person. And, she was Blaze’s biggest fan until he just kept hurting her over and over. Finally, when the climax occurs. Blaze makes up his mind to change and win back his soul mate. And, when he finally approaches Fallyn some years later, she is blown away by the change in him.

This was an eye-opening read about the destruction and disappointment that substance abuse plays in everyone’s lives. It was hard-core honest. It effects everyone, not just the abuser. Friends, family members, and loved ones pay the price too. The author showed just how believable this story was with her credible portrayal of the addict. It was hard to read at times. It was sad. And, I really felt for the heroine because she was truly a responsible and good-hearted person. Blaze, when he finally does get his act together and turns his life around, was a fun-loving and beautiful person just as he was when the book began.

Don’t miss this compassionate story of love and promise! I absolutely loved it! It’s one that you will be thinking about long after you’ve read the last page. And, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another Marie James novel...

Miracle on Fifth Avenue (From Manhattan with Love, #3) written by Sarah Morgan (384 pgs) – finished reading 3/22/17 – 3.5 stars - Contemporary Romance

My first read written by Sarah Morgan, and it was just what I was looking for. Cute and funny with a hint of drama. It takes place in New York City right around the Christmas season. Eva Jordan believes in romance. She’s searching for the love of her life. While crime fiction writer Lucas Blade wants nothing to do with love or marriage. He’s experienced both once in the past, and it didn’t end very well. When Eva and Lucas first meet, it’s not on the best of terms. Eva is working for Lucas’s grandmother as she tries to make sure that his home is decorated for the holidays. Lucas was not supposed to be there, and he wants no part of this good deed from his grandmother. He just wants to be left alone. But, Eva is getting paid to do a job. And, the job will be done no matter what the high and mighty Mr. Blade has to say!

Eva, you’ve got to love her! She’s endearing and funny! She’s so thoughtful when it comes to others. Her friends mean everything to her because basically, she’s alone. And, when she gets to know Lucas, she can see the sorrow in his eyes. Lucas is one brooding male! He’s a man of very little words in the beginning. But, with Eva’s constant banter, he finds himself opening up more. God, the man is sexy as all hell with his dark hair, dark eyes, and muscular build, and Eva can’t help but to be attracted to him as he eventually tells her about his complicated past. Will these two have a future together? Or will Lucas let Eva go when there’s no getting around his hurt emotions that his past has caused?

Such a tender-hearted romance! I was so caught up in the passion between Eva and Lucas even though he totally tried to deny it. Hoping this couple would get their “happily ever after” was exactly what I wanted for them. They both deserved it! With the mystical backdrop of the holiday season swirling with the beauty of snowfall in the Big Apple, I just fell in love with this adorable romance!

The Truth About Lennon written by K.L. Grayson (281 pgs) – finished reading 3/29/17 – 4 stars - Contemporary Romance

This was a more than wonderful find written by author, K.L. Grayson! I found myself loving the story as I plowed through the pages excitedly! Lennon Barrick-St. James is done with New York. She’s pretty much banished by her dad to stay out of the limelight for awhile. So, she heads to Heaven, Texas. Obviously so much different than where she’s from! It’s small where everyone knows each other. When first arriving in town, she bumps into Noah Cunningham, like literally knocking him off his motorcycle. And, he’s not too happy about it either. But, Lennon is sorry and tries to help him even though he wants nothing from her. Lennon is bound and determined, though, to reach out to Noah as he needs help getting around since he sprained his ankle in the accident. Noah does not need any woman in his life! He’s doing just fine! But, as Noah gets to know Lennon, he realizes that this beautiful woman may be just what he does need.

Oh, Lennon and Noah are the perfect couple! They have great chemistry, but they come from different backgrounds. Lennon longs for someone to feel something for her other than just being in love with her money and the thought of who her father is. She wants someone to want her for what’s on the inside for once. And, Noah, just wants someone to accept him and the people in his life after all the heartache in his past. Lennon seems to be just that person until who she really is comes to light. Oh, I felt so bad for Lennon while shedding a few tears! She’s such a sweetheart and she’s meant for Noah to love and trust her. He just doesn’t realize that until it’s too late. Oh, I could just kick him! But, he wants what’s best for his family. And, you really can’t fault him for that! Will these two find their way back to each other?

Noah is such a swoon-worthy character! Kind and caring with amazing tattoos and a body to die for! And, he rides a motorcycle...yummm! He’s the perfect male to help Lennon move on with her life. And, Lennon, got to love that name! She’s independent and beautiful. She wants more out of life than just being front and center with her family’s social status. And, she’s hoping to find that with Noah. I loved their story and all the characters involved with their life. There was such a close-knit family of friends. Lennon has a supportive friendship in Charlotte while Noah has close ties with Mikey and Ricky along with his mom and dad. This was such a feel-good romance, and one could only hope that Lennon and Noah get their HEA. I so wanted to see a scene, though, when Noah gets his motorcycle back and they both ride into the sunset together. That would have been the perfect ending...sigh

And, how about that guy on the book cover!?? WOW!!

Where Lightning Strikes (Bleeding Stars, #3) written by A.L. Jackson (426 pgs) – finished reading 9/5/16 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance (Rockstar)

And, here I thought the first two books of this amazing series were to die for – this one just blows those two out of the water! OMG! I couldn’t put this one down! And, this is a long book! Over 400 pages. I loved it! The two main characters, Tamar and Lyrik. God I love that name for a rockstar! He just knew all the right things to change Tamar’s opinion of him. He was a real talker. Dirty and passionate. And, even though she was done with men, she couldn’t help but be swept away with his attraction. His powerful body. Those creative tattoos. Here’s two broken people. Both vowing never to love again. I was so impressed with their story. I highlighted, highlighted, highlighted. Passages. Quotes. Descriptions. And, the other guys? Rockers? Still around. Funny as hell! Ash! I just can’t wait to read his story. And, Zee, the quiet and rational one. While Sebastian and Shea, along with daughter Kallie, still find time to be included in their friends’ lives. The writing will just pull you into Tamar and Lyrik’s romantically steamy love story. It was awesome! Now onto Austin’s book next...