Book of Roses🌹

Follow me on Instagram: @book_ofroses Search below for "bookofrosesreview" for all book reviews. You can also find all my book reviews on Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/bookofroses

[bookofrosesblog]

Real Players Never Lose by Micalea Smeltzer

Than you to Greys Promotions for providing me with an arc in return for a non-spoiler review. This is the third book in The Boys series, which follows a group of boys attending Aldridge University & competing in different sports, while finding "the one". This book can be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading Bad Boys Break Hearts then Nice Guys Don't Win to get the real feel of the universe the author has created. The hero in this story is introduced into us in both those books which made me very excited to read this book!

Teddy McCallister is the "rich boy". His family comes from old money & he was raised as the son to take over the family company & inheritance, nothing more & nothing less. He attended boarding school most his life & did not have a real "family home". He also unfortunately grew up with an abusive father & a mother who claims she is "stuck" to do anything. With this past family life, he has made his friends his family. Teddy is the fun guy of the group who seems like he has no worries, but behind closed doors - he is an emotional man who just wants to feel wanted.

When Teddy is caught in a questionable circumstance by his father, he quickly comes up with the lie about his "girlfriend" who is helping him "settle down away from the party life". This is when Vanessa lands in his lap.

Vanessa is an introvert loner who has worked hard her whole life. With a bully of a sister & parents who are blind to her insecurities, she suddenly finds herself needing Teddy more than she wants. Well, Teddy's bank account. This is when they shake on a deal of a "fake relationship".

Vanessa & Teddy make a true friendship. They become quite close & their friendship is raw & real. With such a true connection & friendship, isn't a shock when lust gets involved. Especially with Teddy being one of the most eligible bachelors at Aldridge University. But will Vanessa get over her insecurities to face that Teddy truly wants her, for her?

This book was brilliant. It has the classic fake to real relationship connection, with two characters who are just looking for their person. I loved that the author wrote many times that Vanessa was curvy & how much Teddy loved that!

All in all, a 5/5 star read with 3/5 steam. I definitely will be buying this book as paperback when it is available!

[bookofrosesblog]

The Monster by LJ Shen

COMING 15TH JUNE 2021

Blurb: “Maybe we were never meant for each other. But that night at the carnival, when you showed me who you were, I figured out who I wanted to be.” The most important thing I’d ever read was scribbled on the door of a portable restroom, engraved into plastic at a carnival on the outskirts of Boston. Lust lingers, love stays. Lust is impatient, love waits. Lust burns, love warms. Lust destroys, but love? Love kills. Maybe it was always my destiny to fall in love with a monster. When other kids stayed awake at night fearing the pointy-toothed beast hiding in their closet, I longed to see mine. I wanted to feed it, domesticate it, understand it. Sam and I were only allowed to love each other in the dark. Once our story unfolded, and the truth came to light, I was the one to cut the cord. My name is Aisling Fitzpatrick, and I have a confession to make. Sam Brennan is not the only monster in this story.

My Review: Wow. This was everything I thought it would be in a dark and twisted way. 

This was nothing like I have ever read before and I really enjoyed reading something completely new in the ploy, story line and characters. 

Warning: As mentioned, this is half “dark romance” and a half of “mafia romance”. Readers be warned. 

I also recommend reading at least Sparrow before getting into this. This is a release I know many LJ Shen’s sassy sparrows have been counting down the days. It follows Sam Brennan, Troy & Sparrow Brennan adoptive son from Sparrow, and his dark past and present collides with Aisling Fitzpatick- the little sister of Hunter & Cillian from the previous two books in the series “The Hunter” & “ The Villain” however I don’t feel like you have to have rest those twos before this more so then Sparrow. 

Sam has had a dark tragic upbringing. Up till he was adopted at 9, he was addicted to drugs, alcohol and smoked. He had a mum who was more into men then her son and he forever felt like no one cared. This helped him follow his adoptive fathers foot steps into the “mobster” life, but going more darker into the mafia world instead. Being known as Boston’s Monster. 

Aisling is called the “spoilt little princess”. At 27, she’s still living at home to take care of her mum and be the dutiful daughter she has raised to be. Until she gets an illegal job she can’t turn down and starts lying to everyone around her. Except Sam. Because she can’t ever hide anything from Sam. 

Sam does spend about 75% of this book denying his feelings for Aisling, and it was frustrating but also understood. When they get together, it truly is a beautiful disaster. 

The ending was epic. And I don’t want to give much away except, read this book. Even if you read it as a standalone. It’s different. It’s dark. It’s tragic. It’s addictive steamy romance at its best. 4.5/5 stars with 3/5 steam. Thank you for an ARC for review Social Butterfly PR.

[bookofrosesblog]

Stranded by Nicole Dykes

Blurb: Four college students decide to spend their winter break out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service or internet. Sounds like a great idea, right? I mean, what could go wrong? The answer—Everything. A fun vacation away from everything turns into a fight for survival, stranded far away from home.

My Review: I just read this ARC within 24 hours, addictive steamy romance story that was extremely easy to read. Thank you Wildfire Marketing for the opportunity to review an ARC. I look forward in reading more of Nicole’s books. 

This is quite a taboo romance story in some aspects, which some readers may take offence to. But I think it was written well and raw. 

This story jumps right into it where we are introduced to Everly and her younger sister; Aria. Everly has been dating Liam for 3 years, while his best friend Cooper has just started dating Aria. So with this, they decide to spend their winter break in a cabin away from life for a well deserved break. Until a horrid accident happens on the way, leaving two of the passengers stranded in the middle of no where. 

These two are then forced to find an abandoned cabin for warmth, canned food and water. What they didn’t expect was past feelings to come alight and to find warmth in each other. 

Truths then come to light, and when they are rescued, they must face their actions as well as a new present without two of their closest. 

The connection between the two main characters was obvious from the first chapter they were introduced. I had no idea where this story was going but I felt their connection. 

This story is about new adults, finding themselves in a position they never wanted to be in and facing guilt without regret for actions they never thought they would do. 

The only negative I have is I do wish the author didn’t rush into the story as much, as I felt like the beginning was quick and the ending then dragged a bit. I liked the author provided a great epilogue but I still felt like it dragged a little to get to that point. 

BUT all in all, I still adored this story and loved the characters, and I easily give it 4/5 stars, with 4/5 steam. I also look forward in reading more by this author now that I have been introduced as I definitely enjoyed her easy reading writing skill.

[queenjsxo]

[understands]

[guccikisses]

[bookofrosesblog]

Blame it on the Tequila by Fiona Cole

Blurb: It started on a dance floor after too much tequila and ended with looking into the handsome face I never thought I’d see again. In person, at least. I saw his face all the time on magazine covers. To the world, he’s Parker Callahan—famous rockstar. To me, he was the boy I loved, the stepbrother who left me behind to follow his dreams. After our tequila-fueled encounter, he wants me back but that’s not a road I’m ready to walk down again. He broke my heart once, and even five years later, I’m not sure I could handle another blow. When a once-in-a-lifetime offer comes my way, even my broken heart isn’t enough for me to be able to turn it down. I agree to join the band’s tour and help Parker write his next album--but this time I’m not falling in love. This time I’ll walk away. But if there is one thing life has taught me, it’s that love never goes according to plan—especially when Parker is involved.

My ARC Review: NE OF MY FAVOURITE READS OF 2021! Thank you Valentine PR for providing me with an ARC of the second book in the Blame it on the Alcohol series. I just finished Blame It On the Champagne (and loved it), so was more than excited to jump into this! Please note this book can also be read as standalone. Tropes: Step-brother / Taboo / Rockstar Romance Nova is an independent red head woman, who would rather live in a forest in a van - Then in a house with people. She is an artist and a writer. And in love with her step brother. Parker is introduced as the talented musician, looking for the fame in being in a band. After a battle of a bands competition, he has the opportunity to follow that rockstar dream. Except he is in love with his step sister. Fast forward 5 years, Nova & Parker are living very separate lives. Parker is out being a rockstar, while Nova is travelling around/exploring nature by herself. Until one of her best friends gets married and her other best friend, silently links Nova & Parker to accidentally "meet" over an instagram LIVE. Parker then will do anything bring Nova back into his life, but Nova can't forgive him for their past. An opportunity then arises which finds Nova working with Parker and his band in writing songs for their new album. This job will get her staying on a bus with the band while they tour around the country. This of course brings Nova & Parker together and having to deal with the past, as well as their feelings that have never left. This story jumps between the present and the past, as well as duel POV. I adored this new adult romance. I read it within 24 hours and it has gone down easily as one of my favourite books. I love a good stepbrother/taboo romance, and to throw in a rockstar plot - It was executed perfectly. I now shall be pre-ordering the paperback, with it being released world wide May 27th 2021. 5/5 Stars with 3/5 Steam.

[bookofrosesblog]

Blame it on Champagne by Fiona Cole

Blurb: There’s only one thing to do when you wake up, married to your brand new boss, whom you hate but can’t resist: You blame the champagne. I blame the bubbles for my wild night with a masked stranger. Who cares if it's nothing this good girl would normally do--with a man that turns out to be my horrible boss? Who cares that I’m promised to someone else? I blame the alcohol for agreeing to marry him. As long as my new husband keeps his mouth shut, I can survive five years of our little arrangement. It's too late for anything else. But our impromptu wedding leads to so much more than I bargained for. His dirty promises warm me. His kisses make me lightheaded. His respect slips past my best defenses. The hate turns to friendship, and makes me dream of more. He’s like the most dangerous kind of champagne. That’s why I blame him for making me fall in love with him. But when I find out our marriage was nothing more than revenge, what’s to blame for my broken heart?

My Review: Firstly - If you read the The Rivals by Vi Keeland and enjoyed it - you’ll love this to! Tropes: Marriage of Convenience / Enemies to Lovers / Family Rivals / Age Gap This story follows Marino Shipping 23 year old heiress; Vera, who is only trying to be an independent woman, in a family that are the old school traditional where the family company "can only be taken over by a man" and arranged marriages are the go. Vera is trying to prove to herself to her father that she does not need an arranged marriage or no man to take over the family shipping company. But it falls on deaf ears, with her father promising her to the newest CEO of Marion Shipping - Who is a complete arrogant tool. Vera then decides to get a job in the shipping world outside of her fathers company until her independence is taken away. She takes a job at Rush Shipping, owned by Nicholas Rush. Nico is a handsome 35 year old, married to his job. He has picked up his grandparents company and made it into something new. With a few run ins with Vera, he thinks she is just a girl trying to get his attention and money. But as their worlds collide, he realises they have more in common than he thought. This is when a deal is made for a 5 year marriage of convenience. Only is Nico getting more out of the marriage then Vera thinks? You could tell from the start that Nico & Vera has high chemistry. I will be honest, Vera did annoy me for the first 40% of the book. She was extremely rude to Nico and stubborn. But I also understood she did not have good luck when it came to men. Thank goodness for her two best friends Nova and Rae - who make the story light hearted. I had a few giggles thanks to Rae. All in all, without giving much away, 4.5/5 Stars with 3/5 Steam.

[bookofrosesblog]

Mr Masters by TL Swan

Blurb: He was powerful, older and my boss, a lethal combination. Job satisfaction has taken on a whole new meaning. When I lied on my resume, I didn’t expect it to matter. I mean any child would love me; I was born to be a nanny. I applied for a position working for a woman, or so I thought. But Julian Masters is definitely all man…the kind you dream of licking chocolate from. The first day was bad. The kids were the spawn of the devil and I spied through a window and caught him doing something obscene…. and equally fascinating. The second day was worse, he caught me snooping in his bathroom cabinet in my skimpy pyjamas and all hell broke loose. On the third day, I ran over him in a golf cart. And by day four I had decided that I wanted that chocolate…all of it. Melted….on me. But intelligent, widowed Judges don’t fall for ditzy nannies. Or do they?

My Review: TL Swan has quickly become one of my favourite romance (and steamy) authors! I find all her books are different, with a range of diverse characters and storylines.

Mr Masters is a nanny / boss trope - And I was all for it! This gave me major "The Nanny" vibes, especially as it is set in London, except with extra steam! This story follows Bree as she joins her best friend, Emerson (featured in TL Swan other book - Find Me Alastar), as they both adventure off to London for a new job experience overseas. Emerson on an art internship, and Bree taking a new job experience as a nanny. What Bree didn't expect when arriving in Heathrow airport was for a 39 year old handsome man to be her boss; Julian Masters. Julian & Bree have a connection straight away. They find themselves attracted to each other and being able to share banter quite easily. Julian is a widow, and with this brings a lot of heart ache. Julian only wants a play mate - Not a girlfriend (especially his nanny). So they decide to be friends with benefits outside of work. What Julian didn't expect, was to fall for Bree when she was working. The connection that Bree makes with his children is one of the best parts of this book. Bree finds herself bonding with his closed off 16 year old daughter; Willow. Who is bullied for not having a mum and for being different. Bree takes the opportunity to make sure Willow knows she is loved and she is no different then anyone else. Willow automatically starts looking at Bree like a parent, and it truly was emotional to watch them both bond. Julian's other child, 9 year old Sammy, also finds himself looking at Bree as a mum. And while Julian & Bree try their best to keep their "arrangement" separate from the children and Bree being the nanny - This becomes difficult when Julian finds himself looking up to Bree as well and her fun positive energy. Did I cry in this book? Yes. Did I squeal in this book? Yes. That is when you know you have read a 5 star read. You feel each character's emotion and you find yourself never wanting to stop reading about these characters. I was so happy that the author did an extended epilogue and how the story ended. I can't say more without spoiling it but please, read this book. The emotional and physical effect it will have on you is unforgettable. I was so happy I purchased a signed copy of this book from the authors website! 5/5 star read with 4/5 steam.

[bookofrosesblog]

Inevitable by Jenna Hartley

Thank you to Wildfire Marketing Solutions for this ARC to my first forbidden / taboo romance by Jenna Hartley. I have been in the mood for a good forbidden romance lately so when I saw ARCs were open for this romance featuring 23 year old Sumner who falls for her dad's best friend 44 year old Jonathon. This story starts with Sumner feeling lost. She dumps her "professor boyfriend" and decides to fly back home to stay with her dad and step mum; Lea, while she finds her way. This puts her in a position to intern for her dad's best friend; Jonathon Wolfe - head of a commercial property empire. Sumner has always had a crush for the attractive Mr Wolfe, and finds herself playing with fire when Jonathon starts to flirt back. Jonathon is also lost, he is a wealthy man who could buy or have anything in his life, but Sumner is the fresh breeze he didn't know he was looking for. He doesn't see her as his best friend's daughter, but a mature strong woman with passion. Jonathon & Sumner have a slow burn flirting relationship for about the first 40% of the book, until Jonathon is in need of a colleague to travel to New York with him to win over a client and attend a week long conference. With his usual manager not being able to attend, it is a good chance for Sumner to not just build her career but also spend time with Jonathon without any prying eyes. And that is when they can't hold back of their attraction any longer and start a scandalous affair - knowing it will end in heartbreak one way or another. I adored how the author wrote about their love and connection. I really liked Sumner and she was in fact very mature and wise. She did grow up with broken parents who were both more focused on their own lives then on their daughter's and I can see how that made Sumner have to grow up faster than a usual 20+ year old. Jonathon is incredibly supportive of Sumner in not just who she wants to be, but where she wants to be. Even if her dad does not approve. There is a 6 month and 1 year epilogue which ties the story perfectly up. The author also gave us a peak at the other characters in the "Love in LA" world which I also look forward in reading.

4/5 Stars with a 3/5 Stream Rating.

[bookofrosesblog]

The Freshman (College Years #1) by Monica Murphy

This gave me real Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy vibes.

I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of the first book in Monica Murphy's new series - The College Years - Thanks to Valentine PR. The first book follows Tony & Hayden. Tony was previously mentioned in the previous series "The Callahans" as the quiet, rich boy who followed the rules and was kind to everyone he meets. Bring in Hayden. Also a wealthy socialite who on chance meeting, starts flirting with the charismatic boy at the Range Rover service centre. This is until their world collides later on that night at an upper social event where they discover their fathers are rivals, who both prevent their son and daughter from ever socialising with each other. Tony & Hayden then agree to be just friends, but not only because of their fathers but because they both "don't believe in love or relationships". As they both start at Fresco State University together, they become quite close friends and this is when the tricky lust situation arises. Do they risk their friendship they highly value, or take that forever risk of going the next step and possibly ending in that "horrid" relationship zone? I adored this new adult romance. It was a true friends to lovers trope, with a side of family rival drama. Tony is a perfect gentleman while Hayden is just looking for someone that loves her for her. They both stayed honest and true to each other, without ever letting any family (or friends) get in the way. I read this story within 24 hours. 5/5 Stars. 3/5 Steam. I thank the author for also giving us a snippet at the next book in the series - I can't wait to read about Jackson & Ellie!!

[bookofrosesblog]

Badly Behaved by Meagan Brandy

“To hide the heart isn’t to salvage the soul, it’s to protect it until the person it belongs to comes to claim it as their own, and claim it, he did.”

I went into this book completely blind! I have always been intrigued by this author and was looking for a new young adult dark and steamy romance when I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Wildfire Marketing Solutions in exchange for a non-spoiler review. I will be honest, the first about 30% of this book was a bit slow. It started off introducing us to all the characters and even though it was slow, I was happy the author did take it slowly as there were many characters to introduce and hear their story. However, I still felt it dragged just a little bit too much with the main drama not really happening till 50% the way through. Then at about 60%, you get the plot twist (which I totally picked btw) and that is when you simply cannot put the book down! I lost way too much sleep to just keep reading to see where the mystery and young drama folded. The main heroine; Jameson, is a typical rich Californian girl who is looking for an escape from her boring predictable life. With an arranged marriage ahead of her the moment she turns 18, she was never bold and always the wall flower. Then came along Ransom and his two merry men, Arsen & Beretta. All from the rough sides of sunny California, all seeking redemption and entertainment wherever they seek to. Which leads them all to be intrigued by the beautiful rich girl who doesn't look like belongs, or wants to belong. They then all begin a friendship with sexual tension, which of course leads to a couple of lust full adventures where you think its a reverse harem relationship - But no, think again. There is a HEA and she only ends up with the main hero. There was some awesome one liners which I was excited to highlight on my kindle. Ransom has a way with words and telling the honest truth at the right times - And I lived for that. He put Jameson in her spot so many times. You could tell they were almost perfect for each other, until they weren't. However throughout the tough events they endure, it was easy to see the end game. Overall, an addictive young adult romance for 18+ readers with plenty of mystery and teen drama to keep you reading. 4/5 Stars. 3/5 Steam level.

[bookofrosesblog]

Just for a Little While by Fiona Cole

"This isn't just about a hug. This isn't about comfort. This is wrong. I'm not ready to stop. I don't want to. Instead of all that, he only said one thing and it was enough. Just for a little while."

I was sent this ARC for a non-spoiler review from Valentine PR. This new standalone from the well known forbidden writer, Fiona Cole, was everything I was expecting and more! This story follows 19 year old Arabella when she is sent to live with her 33 year old "step Uncle" - Willem. Will is a professor at the college that Arabella shall be attending, so her parents think after Arabella's gap year in Europe - He would be the best person to live with so she can seriously get back into studying for her future. They weren't counting on Will meeting Arabella, and straight away feeling a lot more than just a "step-family connection". Yes, this is a forbidden romance with an age gap relationship of 14 years. I adored the connection between Arabella & Will. They not only had that physical connection (with plenty of lust of course), but they also had that strong emotional connection - With Will always wanting the best for Arabella. I enjoyed seeing how they fought for themselves, for their relationship and they won. However, I did feel like the ending was very rushed and wish we got to read about her parents finding out about their relationship as well as being able to read about them more as a couple. And because of that, I had to deduct half a star only because I needed MORE! So overall, 4.5/5 stars with 4/5 steam!

[bookofrosesblog]

Hard To Lose by K. Bromberg

Blurb: I know finding and signing a military vet to the agency is a long shot--but it’ll be good press just letting him try out. That’s what I tell my family, rather than admit I can’t get the letter he wrote us five years ago out of my head. But what I tell the bartender in his hometown is a lie. I know veterans protect each other. So I pretend to be a graduate student. Sparks. Flame. Fire. I accidentally got in too deep. I didn’t expect to develop feelings for Gunner Camden. And there’s no way I can admit to my lies now, not without destroying what we share. So I’ll keep faking it. *** There are two versions of me: before, and after deployment. Back then I was a screwup kid. I’d lie, cheat, and steal my way out of everything. My only love was baseball. After I started fighting, I found out there had been another path for me. One that involved my dream. But by then I had seen too much. The old me was dead, so I put my dreams to rest, too. Then Chase Kinkade walks into my bar and reminds me that life is meant to live. No regrets. Fresh. Happy. Hopeful. I can start to see a new dream, with her. But sometimes things are too good to be true… and dishonesty is the one thing I can’t forgive.

My Review: I was lucky enough to receive an ARC to this fourth book in the Play Hard series which can also be read as a Standalone, thanks to Valentine PR in exchange for a spoiler free honest review. I was addicted to this small town romance story from the first chapter. This story follows the fourth (and youngest) Kinkade sister; Chase, on her adventure into finding her person. In enters Gunner, an ex-baseball player who was forced into deployment rather than following his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. Since his deployment has ended, he has escaped to the small town of Destiny Falls, where many other soldiers return to settle down. This town also has many families who are currently waiting for their father to return home from deployment, bringing in a sense of being for Gunner as he tutors and guides young children who have lost a dad or whose dad has not been around for quite some time. I adored Gunner. He had me straight away with his huge heart. He has so much guilt for being alive when some of his friends did not make him home, and he turns that guilt into love. He was the perfect gentleman for Chase. He proved to Chase that there are decent men out there and he gave Chase the love and attention she more than deserved. I say more than deserved because Chase keeps a huge secret from Gunner for a good 80% of the book AND IT GOT ANNOYING! JUST TELL HIM GOSH DAMMIT! And with that, that is why I had to take a star. Chase has plenty of opportunities to be real with him, especially when he is real and raw towards her so many times. It was frustrating to read and I did have to put my kindle down for a break from it. But all in all, I still adored this story of love, hope and freedom, and do recommend it for an emotional but easy romance read on a Sunday afternoon.

4/5 Stars 3/5 Steam

[bookofrosesblog]

Four Seconds To Lose (Ten Tiny Breaths #3) by KA Tucker

“She’s the woman who stole my heart right out from me before I even realized she had her hands on it.”

Blurb: When a gorgeous young dancer walks through his door, a strip club owner must decide whether to follow his rules or his heart in the third novel by the author of One Tiny Lie and Ten Tiny Breaths. Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine-year-old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control... and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that. Twenty-two-year-old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her can't get distracted by romance. Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, and that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

My Review: The emotional pull I feel towards these characters keeps getting stronger & stronger, the more I read this series set in Miami. Each book can be read as a standalone (my first time reading them was all separately and out of order), but as always - I recommend in order to get that emotional pull that I am now experiencing rereading such a fantastically written emotional drama romance series. This story follows Penny's Club owner; Cain, and his romance adventure when he meets; "Charlie". "Charlie" is running from her partial mob step-father, and trying to find her own place in the world so she can stop relying on her step-father. What she didn't count on is turning up for the audition to be a dancer at Penny's, to suddenly having a huge crush on the club owner. Her and Cain then start playing a teasing game, where eventually they give into their passion and find themselves in a romantic affair. But how does "Charlie", keep Cain away from her mob drug dealer step-father, without consequence? And how does she run away from the life she is getting comfortable in, when she needs to run as far as she can where no one will remember her name? I won't go into much more without giving too many spoilers but this story has it all: Age Gap Romance, Mob Step-Father, Powerful Alpha Hero and a girl just looking for her happy ever after. All in all, it is a 4.5 Star read for me with a 4 Steam rating.

[bookofrosesblog]

The Devil Wears Black by LJ Shen

"Chase Black rejected love because he was afraid of losing it. And me? I chased it because I’d lost the greatest love of all."

Blurb: From USA Today bestselling author L. J. Shen comes a second-chance romance about love, loss, finding yourself, and getting lost in the right person. Maddie Goldbloom stitched up a plan to ensure everything in her life was perfect—from a career in fashion to a chic NYC apartment to a pediatrician boyfriend. When her ex, Chase Black, storms back into her life with an outrageous request, her immediate reaction is to refuse him. But he only wants to fulfill his father’s last wish. So even though he’s the man who broke her heart, playing his fiancée shouldn’t be hard, especially if it means she gets to watch the arrogant devil squirm a bit. What ensues is a chain of events that detonates Maddie’s life—and when Chase’s walls come down, they both are forced to face reality. They say keep your enemies close. But what if your enemy is also the man you love?

My Review: My love for her romance writing continued into this Enemies to Lovers Story.

This story follows Maddie, when her ex-boyfriend Chase Black, CEO of a multi-billionaire company, turns up out of no where with the request of a fake engagement to appease his dying father. This is when the drama begins, especially as Maddie had just started to move on from Chase with a lovable Doctor; Ethan.Chase Black is the Devil in Black (literally). 

The way he treated Maddie for the first 25% of the book made me so mad! Even hearing his reasons for his actions from this POV of the story - Still made me mad. I actually had to step back from the book for a bit as I just didn't like Chase. However the authors writing pulled me back in and I found myself addicted to this emotional story of growth and development. 

I did have a cry towards the end and am so grateful of how Chase & Maddie developed not just as a strong couple, but also both grew within themselves when facing a terrible ordeal.

3.5 Stars overall.

[bookofrosesblog]

One Tiny Lie (Ten Tiny Breaths #2) by KA Tucker

“Because you’re not a one-night girl, Irish.” (...) “You’re my forever girl.”

Blurb: Livie has always been the stable one of the two Cleary sisters, handling her parents' tragic death and Kacey's self-destructive phase with strength and maturity. But underneath that exterior is a little girl hanging onto the last words her father ever spoke to her. “Make me proud,” he had said. She promised she would...and she’s done her best over the past seven years with every choice, with every word, with every action. Livie walks into Princeton with a solid plan, and she’s dead set on delivering on it: Rock her classes, set herself up for medical school, and meet a good, respectable guy that she’s going to someday marry. What isn’t part of her plan are Jell-O shots, a lovable, party animal roommate she can’t say ‘no’ to, and Ashton, the gorgeous captain of the men’s rowing team. Definitely him. He’s an arrogant ass who makes Livie’s usually non-existent temper flare and everything she doesn’t want in a guy. Worse, he’s best friends and roommates with Connor, who happens to fits Livie’s criteria perfectly. So why does she keep thinking about Ashton? As Livie finds herself facing mediocre grades, career aspirations she no longer thinks she can handle, and feelings for Ashton that she shouldn’t have, she’s forced to let go of her last promise to her father and, with it, the only identity that she knows.

My Review: I adore Livie. I love Ashton. I like Connor. 

Yes, this is a new adult college romance with a side of love triangle. This story follows Livie, from Ten Tint Breaths, and her first year at Princeton. Where she is following a path she feels like her deceased father wanted her to follow. Only to discover who she truly is and what she truly wants. At her first college frat party, she meets Ashton. This is also her first time at meeting Jello-O Shots and the two combine to make a more than satisfactory welcome party to college life. She shares her first ever kiss with Ashton and wakes up to find him naked and in her dorm - And this is when the chemistry and banter begins between Livie & Ashton.

Ashton then runs into Livie the next day and announces their hook up was a mistake. This leaves Livie feeling hurt and confused, and leaning on another boy; Connor - Who happens to be Ashton’s house mate. While Ashton continues to try and push Livie away, Livie becomes closer to Connor. But she can’t get Ashton out of her mind. And when Ashton finally lets down his walls and stops running from Livie, she has a choice to make. Connor - the good man who her deceased parents would definitely approve of. Or Ashton, the passionate “bad boy” who she can’t stop thinking about. Be warned. There is cheating. But it’s G rated cheating in my reading eyes. All in all, Ashton’s dark past is revealed ending in an emotional reunion with her hearts choice. 

All in all, is an easy 4.5 Star read for me. I only took 0.5 star as the sex scene starts then fades to black and c’mon! We hear all about the fore play, why stop at the sex (haha). And I also felt like the ending was a little rushed.