Before We Were Strangers

Title: Before We Were Strangers 
Series: No 
Author: Renee Carlino
POV: Hero and Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 5
Angst: 5
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 5
Overall Rating: 5 stars


Category: Second chance romance


Another beautiful love story that spanned fifteen years. I missed reading romance. This book brought me back to it. I loved it. I loved the characters. I loved the angst and the gut wrenching scenes. I read it all in a day. I couldn't put it down. It was captivating and engrossing. This is highly recommended. 

Jezebel and Lying in Wait

Title: Jezebel and Lying in Wait
Series: No 
Author: K. Larsen
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: Yes in book 1
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 5
Overall Rating: 4.4 stars


Category: Romantic Suspense


Story of Gabriel and Celeste is so fascinating but I couldn't believe the happy ever after story as I kept on waiting for the shoe to drop. I kept waiting for the grand twist! Little by little the cracks surface and it gave me a mind f*ck.


I was so anxious to finish the book because I really wanted to know how it all turned out.


The grand twist made my heart stop. Oh the betrayal! It was brilliant! I loved it! I wanted to read more!


But then I was disappointed with the sequel. Despite loving the first book so much, the next was such a bore. Although it answered some of the lingering questions, still I couldn't help but feel deflated. I wished I had stopped at the first book.

behind your back and back to back

Title: Behind Your Back (book 1) and Back to Back (book 2)
Series: Two part 
Author: Chelsea M. Cameron
POV: Hero and Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 3
Plot: 3
Thought Provoking: 3
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating: 3 stars


Category: Romantic suspense


Hero is a bit superficial to my liking. He strikes me as someone so vain and always ready to impress. He’s like a girl obsessed with designer clothes and stuff. It's irritating. He sounds like a trying hard Blair Waldorf. Book 1 didn’t sound like it was written in the male point of view.


In book 1, the heroine kept the hero on his toes. It was thrilling to read when their next tryst would be.


However, book 2 was a bit disappointing. I liked the first book better. This sequel was dragging. When the shoe dropped I felt deflated. The purpose was not worth the effort. It could have been resolved in a different manner. It was hard to accept and unbelievable.


The two books left me in a funk that I wasn't able to read another book for sometime.

When You Make It Home

Title: When You Make It Home
Series: No 
Author: Claire Ashby
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger:
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 3
Plot: 3
Thought Provoking: 3
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating: 3 stars


Category: feel good love story


The story was just okay. I breezed through it quickly. It was a feel good story. I would have liked it better if the hero didn’t seem too emotional. But it was still OK. I loved the heroine though. A tough cookie. This is recommended if you want something light.

Remember Me This Way

Title: Remember Me This Way
Series: No 
Author: Sabine Durrant
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4.2 stars


Category: Psychological Thriller


This book brought me out of my funk. I loved it. It was a total mind f*ck. I read it in a day.


Although I liked the story, there were times when the writing was a hard to understand and a little bit confusing.


I'm recently liking this psychological genre. I can't wait to read more of it.

Dark Places

Title: Dark Places
Series: No 
Author: Gillian Flynn
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger:
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 2
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating: 3.6 stars


Category: Murder mystery


Another mind boggling story from this author. Although not as twisted as Gone Girl but still holds it own in this genre. I liked it. It's a bit slow at first and somehow hard to digest but still worth the time to read.

The Man I Love

Title: The Man I Love 
Series: No 
Author: Suanne Laqueur
POV: Hero
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 5
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating:  4.2 stars


Category: unique love story, life long love affair


A love that spanned for years. Somehow it's hard to believe but once you read the story it's palatable and it really can be realistic. A love still as strong even after fifteen years. I liked it. Though most of the time I wanted to shake the hero into his senses. I had a few bumps while reading as I felt some scenes were dragging. But I still finished it and I wanted the heroine to get her happy ending with or without the hero despite what happened. This is recommended.

Paper Swan

Title: Paper Swan
Series: No 
Author: Leylah Attar
POV: Hero and Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 5
Plot: 4
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 5
Overall Rating:  4.6 stars


Category: Crime, Romantic Suspense


You can never go wrong with this author. She has a way of captivating and pulling the reader into the story. What's great is that the story is nothing new. A few twists but not a far cry from the usual stories like this. What's different is how is is written and how we get to read inside the mind of the hero and heroine. I loved it. I couldn't put the book down. Love this author and love her stories. I also liked that her heroines are not the irritating and weakling types.

Maybe In Another Life

Title: Maybe In Another Life
Series: No 
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid 
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger:
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4.2 stars


Another great story from Taylor Jenkins Reid. It was so easy to read and relate to. It was interesting and inspiring. I couldn't put it down. I fell in love with both hero.


This story tells us about the consequences of our choices, that no matter what we choose we will end up with whatever was destined for us. It inspired me to live my life no matter what it brings in a positive way. I really needed this sort of story at the moment because I'm feeling pretty depressed lately. It gives us hope and inspiration.

The Kind Worth Killing

Title: The Kind Worth Killing
Series: No
Author: Peter Swanson
POV: Alternating between characters and the heroine 
Cliffhanger: Sort of
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 2
Angst: 3
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4 stars


Category: Psychological Thriller, Crime, Suspense


A unique story and a very interesting heroine. This is not a love story. It has so many interesting twists. If psychological thrillers are your thing, then this is a must read. I've been drawn to stories like this lately. And it didn't disappoint.


Although my only complaint is that the story ended in an open sort. Where the ending will be what the reader wants it to be. It can go either way. But still I liked it just so as I couldn't get it out of my head.


This is recommended to those who loved the book Marrow.

Asking for It

Title: Asking For It
Series: Yes 
Author: Lilah Pace
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: Yes 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 5
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 5
Overall Rating: 4.6 stars


A powerful and heartbreaking story of two broken characters who found each other and tried to help each other.


Somehow this book reminded me of another great story that I loved so much, The Crossfire series. If you loved it, then you will definitely love this book as well, like I did big time.


I've also read another book with the similar fantasies as that of the heroine, but the story was written half baked and it was pretty boring. This book though was written in a way that it gave justice to the issues surrounding the hero and heroine. It made them real and human with all the flaws that they are trying to mend.


Initially I didn’t have my hopes up in reading this book. I thought that because of the topic this will just be a typical erotica story where I'll get bored with all the sex. I was wrong. The few sex scenes were not written in a dirty way, although it's not arousing because of the setting, and it didn't feel for the heck of it why not insert a sex scene here. The scenes where heartfelt because even though the characters tried to distance themselves, I still felt their connection and their care for each other. As you go along the book you will feel the caring goes deeper and deeper until we know for sure that they indeed love each other. I fell in love with both the characters more.


Although there were quite a few moments where I felt frustrated with the heroine, I felt the hurt of the hero. Though eventually it worked out for them just not for the best.


There are also secondary characters that we can love and there are also those that we can really really hate.


I can't wait for the next book. I can't wait to read how Vivienne and Jonah move forward and find each other.


This book is recommended to those who loved the Crossfire series.

Compulsive

Title: Compulsive 
Series: Yes 
Author: Lia Fairchild 
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: Yes 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 4
Plot: 4
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4 stars


Category: forbidden romance, therapist, patients, broken, damaged characters


A story of longing and forbidden passion.


This is the story of Daniel and Gray. Daniel, the therapist and Gray the patient. 

21 Stolen Kisses

Title: 21 Stolen Kisses
Series: No 
Author: Lauren Blakely 
POV: Hero and Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 4
Plot: 4
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4 stars


Category: forbidden romance, young girl, older man, marriage, parental issues, friendship


You would think that because of the title this would be another erotic story. Good thing that it's not. The few steamy scenes didn’t need to become detailed for it to be a beautiful and heartfelt story. The connection between the characters is so strong and evident that I felt it in my bones. I especially loved the scene where they were telling each other the lines of the song in Chess. Oh my the thrill of falling in love. It made me visit YouTube and search the song and Chess.


The story not only focused on the forbidden romance between the main characters but also the stolen kisses of one secondary character as well.


The story also deals with parenting marriage issues as well as building lifetime friends. It’s a mixture of everything important in life.


Let me just rant for a little about Kennedy because I don't exactly agree with some of her actions. I didn’t like how she treated Noah and repeatedly hurt him. I get her reasons, it's just I didn’t like how she went about it.


In another light, I loved Noah. I honestly don't think he deserves what happened to him and how she treated him. I would've liked him to make it harder for her though, you know make her beg more. Just kidding. Although the bad things opened more doors for him. I just love his integrity and his loyalty. He is the character that made the story.


This book is highly recommended.


Before I forget I loved the catchy cover and the snippets of the love letter in every or so chapter. It makes you want to fall in love all over again and again.

Made You Up

Title: Made You Up
Series: No 
Author: Francesca Zappia
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 2
Angst: 4
Plot: 4
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 3.6 stars


Category: mental illness, high school life, teenagers


The story is an eye opener for us readers who have no clue what schizophrenia is all about. What happens to persons suffering from it and how we can help them.


The heroine has schizophrenia and this book tells us her adventures. Here she learned to live a somehow normal life, be a typical teenager, fall in love, have normal friends and the usual heart ache.


I honestly thought that the story would be a cry fest. There were many sad parts but good thing that pitying the afflicted is not the focus but supporting them instead. This book also opens us into understanding teenagers more and how to support them as well.


This is not my usual genre but still it was refreshing and I recommend it to be worth reading. 

The Luckiest Girl Alive

Title: Luckiest Girl Alive
Series: No 
Author: Jessica Knoll
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 1
Angst: 3
Plot: 4
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating:  3 stars


Category: murder, mystery, high school life, abuse


I really this would have the same premise as that of the book Gone Girl. But it was completely different. Which is a good thing because then it wouldn't have to be known as the book that copied it. Their similarity ends with the mystery aspect of the story. I was expecting more mind boggling twists though. And a more badass heroine. Although the book has a heavy plot, I was wishing for more impact to the twists of the book. It left me wanting for more. The ending also left a bittersweet taste that I wanted more for the heroine. That something wasn't enough.


This book is still worth reading if you want something different. Just a tip, try to get past the first 20% mark and the story will slowly unravel. I almost gave up on the book about that time because it focused on the shallowness of the heroine. There were also instances where the story suddenly inserts another scene from the heroine's memory that leave me feeling confused. There were also times where I skimmed through some scenes because I felt it to be dragging and the writing was a little confusing to understand. Still I finished it and somehow the story ended up just fine.

Book Quotes

Book Quotes

Book Quotes

Book Quotes

Puddle Jumping

Title: Puddle Jumping 
Series: No 
Author: Amber L. Johnson 
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 5
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4.4 stars


What a really beautiful and heart warming story.


I had tears in my eyes the entire time I was reading it.


I wished the story to have been longer! I have a major hangover! I love Colton and Lilly. I love all the characters especially the parents. I really wished it was longer.


This is such an inspiring story and it made me feel great about falling in love despite the heartaches and the heartbreaks.


This book is about falling in love amidst impossible circumstances. This is also a second chance, friends to lovers story. Most of all this is about selflessness and unconditional love.


I hope to read more about Colton and Lilly! I would really really love it. I wish the author would write more of them.

Broken Juliet

Title: Broken Juliet 
Series: Yes 
Author: Leisa Rayven 
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4.2 stars


This is the continuation of Cassie and Ethan's tumultuous love story.


Like with the first book, Bad Romeo, the angst and the gut wrenching scenes are present.


If you've read the first book this should definitely be in your next to be read list. You will read the transformation of Ethan and the damage it caused Cassie.


At first I was skeptical of Cassie giving Ethan another chance. Heck he deserves to grovel and feel the pain of what he did. But lo and behold the second time something happened to their relationship, I was totally in tune with Ethan. I understood his motivations. And I realized that both of them are broken.


To be honest though I liked the bad boy Ethan more than the changed Ethan. He was more sure of himself in the past and now he seems to be a blubbering mess. Though they still have great chemistry on stage and in bed. The longing between the two characters is palpable.

No Turning Back

Title: No Turning Back 
Series: Yes 
Author: Tiffany Snow
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 4
Plot: 4
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating: 3.8 stars


I've read many recommendations on this series. This is a mystery crime novel with romance aspect.


The heroine is a naive twenty something with a penchant for being impulsive and gullible.


But we have two heroes. A love triangle with an alpha ex-military man and a mysterious bad boy ex-FBI. Both are equally hot in their own way, one is the executive type while the other is the rogue type. Both gorgeous and hot. My head will spun on who to choose between the two hot guys.


The story is fast paced and is exciting every step. There were some dull and too descriptive parts but it's still interesting. I will try to read the next sequels to this story in between other books so I don't get bored.

Never Never Part Two

Title: Never Never Part Two 
Series: Yes 
Author: Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher 
POV: Hero and Heroine 
Cliffhanger: Yes 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 5
Overall Rating: 4.4 stars


Another mysterious and mind boggling sequel to this very interesting series. I can't say that I'm loving the cliffhanger but I love the characters and I really want to find out what's been happening to them. We are one step closer to finding out with the clues that I just read. I have a hunch but I guess I'll find out if it's right once we get book 3. The wait is killing me! I want book 3 now!


What's exciting in this sequel is that we get to experience and feel the strength of Silas' love for Charlie.


This book is highly recommended if you're into mystery and suspense with romance. I love this series. Nothing but the best from this two brilliant author's.

Where One Goes

Title: Where One Goes
Series: No
Author: BN Toler
POV: Hero and Heroine
Cliffhanger: No
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4.2 stars


This is quite a unique love story.


There is some paranormal aspect to the story but its not about vampires or werewolves. It's about a heroine who has a gift, she is a selfless girl who left her life behind to help and share her gift.


I don't usually read paranormal genres but somehow this one didn’t feel paranormal at all. It's like our usual romance stories with forbidden plots.


There’s also a bit of a love triangle but it's really different and there's no cheating involved.


This is a page turner and a bit of a tearjerker. This is highly recommended. This is also a refreshing story because it's unique and different.

The Life Intended

Title: Life Intended 
Series: No 
Author: Kristin Harmel
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4.2 stars


A powerful and poignant story about life. 
A story about living the life planned, a life that is secure and makes sense. Versus a life is uncertain but a life that you think will make you happy.


It's an inspiring story that will make you think twice about living life without passion.


The heroine has been living her life dictated by society when someone from her past shows her what her life should be.


The story will also make you realize to live life to the fullest and to seize each day.

Marrow

Title: Marrow
Series: No but there's a connection with Mud Vein
Author: Tarryn Fisher 
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating: 3.8 stars


I'm not really sure how I feel about this book.


I was at an interesting stage in my life when I read this and somehow I just found the story disturbing.


This is just quite a different story for the author. There is a love angle but it was very subtle.


This is more of a psychological thriller kind of story. I liked it quite enough. It was a page turner. And you will find it interesting that there is a coonection with another book, Mud Vein. I loved Mud Vein much better though. But it is still worth reading. This is recommended.

The Kane Trilogy

Title: The Kane Trilogy 
Series: Yes 
Author: Stylo Fantome 
POV: Heroine and Hero 
Cliffhanger: Yes 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 5
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4.4 stars


Degradation,  Separation, Reparation and Completion.


These are the books that I read consecutively this past few days.


This is the story of Jameson and Tate, along with their dirty and different kind of love.


You will love it and you will hate it. You will feel disturbed and bothered. But you will also enjoy the roller coaster relationship of these two characters.


You will love the hero and sometimes you will hate the heroine. Good thing there are also a bunch of other characters that are worth liking and hating.


But still this series is worth reading. I've had these books in my reader for quite some time but haven't gotten around to reading it. Fortunately a teaser was in the back of the author's other book My Time in the Affair. So afterwards I went straight to reading degradation and I never looked back and I just couldn't put it down. I loved the characters despite their quirkiness. Though I'm not a fan of the dirty kind of sex.


This book is recommended after reading a highly emotional book and those tumultuous love stories. Not that it doesn't have it's share of angst and heart pinching episodes. But mostlt it was fun and hot because of the sexy banters and the feisty attitude of Jameson and Tate.


And before I forget, I liked how the author included soundtracks for each book.

My Time in the Affair

Title: My Time in the Affair 
Series: No 
Author: Stylo Fantome 
POV: Heroine and Hero 
Cliffhanger:
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 5
Angst: 5
Plot: 4
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating:  4.4 stars


"Come find me"


Give this book a chance.
Read it.
There is cheating.
But it's addicting. 
And it’s thrilling.
It's forbidden.
Yet it's loving.


You will look at cheating in a different light. 
The situation is definitely not ideal. Though once you read the motivations of the characters you will feel the connection and their attraction and you somehow understand why they did what they did.


More importantly, the story inspired me so much that I definitely loved my husband more.


It makes you think about marriage and what you are doing to make it work.


It will make you realize what's working and what's not.


It will make you see clearly what's wrong and right.


You will also fall in love with Tal. I also liked the heroine but there were times when I wanted to shake her to wake up. She has her weak moments but she redeemed herself. But the love between the two characters is really felt through and through.


This book is highly recommended if you want to feel the thrill of falling in love all over again. 

Title Nightingale

Title: The Nightingale 
Series: No 
Author: Kristin Hannah 
POV: both heroine 
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating: 4 stars


"In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are."


If you loved The Bronze Horseman Trilogy, then you will equally love this book.


There’s a historical aspect to this book but it wouldn't bother you any bit. I still loved this quite the same as any other romance novels. Romance is not the focal point to the story which is good because there's a whole other aspects to it. It tackles on sacrifices,  love for family, love for country, survival and some romance. The story focuses and two sisters trying to survive the test of time. They dealt with their struggles so beautifully as it brought out their strength of character.


It took me a lot of time to start another book after this because the story left a major hangover with me. I also loved all the characters and I devoured all the circumstances they have experienced. 


This book is a page turner and not one second of dull moment. The ending was bittersweet for me but it still definitely left a mark on my heart and mind.  This book is highly recommended.

Big Little Lies

Title: Big Little Lies
Series: No
Author: Liane Moriarty
POV: Heroines
Cliffhanger: No
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4 stars


This book is recommended to those who love reading murder mystery and suspense type of books.


I just had to read this book because I think there is a movie or a tv series about this story that is going to be played by Nicole Kidman and Reese Withersooon. I wanted to get a head start.


But more than that it's because I also love the books of this author. Her stories are not the usual type of genre that I read, but I still pretty much enjoy them. It also helps that I liked reading stories of marriage, the issues and the scandals.


This is highly recommended. Once you read one of this author's books you will never stop. The stories will suck you right into it and you will definitely want more.

What Alice Forgot

Title: What Alice Forgot
Series: No
Author: Liane Moriarty
POV: Heroine and a bit of the Hero
Cliffhanger: No
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4 stars


This author is one of my favorite authors of mysterious and suspenseful books. This is another story about marriage, the issues and the scandals, but with a rather different twist. See the heroine forgot a big chunk of her life and she made it a point to struggle to get it back on track.


I was also able to connect with her sister because I am also struggling with her issues in my life. It was pretty emotional to read especially when I am reading her point of views.


Let's not forget the romance aspect as well because the author was able to make me fall out of love and fall in love with the hero as well.


It's always refreshing to read about married couples working out their issues and how they deal with the fall out. Sometimes they make it and sometimes they don't but it's still pretty nice to read because somehow you will learn from them.


Anyway this book is higly recommended especially those suckers for stories about marriage.

Book Quotes: Pocketful of Sand

Book Review: Pocketful of Sand

Title: Pocketful of Sand
Series: Yes 
Author: M. Leighton
POV: Hero and Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No

On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 5
Angst: 5
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 5
Overall Rating: 5 stars

Oh my! The heartbreak that I just read! The whole time while I was reading the book my heart was breaking. Every word, every scene I feel this certain punch to my gut. The words were just so beautifully written yet there's sadness and longing. This book made me feel different emotions the whole time.

I cannot gush enough about this book. I loved it. I loved the characters especially Emmy. Cole and Eden are the perfect characters for the story.  Both broken yet strong and resilient. 

There’s also just the right amount of steam which is great because sometimes too much becomes boring.

I liked the pace, the slow buildup of the hero and heroine's connection.  I felt the attraction and the longing. When the first kiss happened I thought that was it. But oh no! The twists were just about to start. From then on I kept on waiting for the next crying fit for me.

I can't wait to read more of Cole, Eden and Emmy.

This book is highly recommended. For those who loved the book "Archer" I have no doubt that you will love this as well. The hero Cole is somewhat of a recluse so he reminded me of Archer's story.

Book Review: Come Back to Me

Title: Come Back to Me 
Series: No 
Author: Mila Gray
POV: Hero and Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No

On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 3
Plot: 4
Thought Provoking: 3
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating:  3.4 stars

This is a military love story that deals with post traumatic stress disorder or otherwise known as PTSD.

We get to grow up with the hero and heroine who suddenly found themselves attracted to each other with a connection so strong that they know each other inside out.

So since the hero is a marine they had to endure times apart along with the heroine's brother who is also his best friend.

About half of the story was set during a break before being sent for deployment. It was during this month that the hero and heroine made their feelings known and soon grew into all consuming love.

Then we also get the story of the heroine's brother and the issues behind the conflict between both the main characters parents.

Overall this was a nice quick read. I skipped some parts though because it was losing out on me but still a pretty decent book to read. 

Book Review: Fisher's Light

Title: Fisher's Light 
Series: No 
Author: Tara Sivec
POV: Hero and Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No

On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 5
Angst: 5
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4.6 stars

A beautiful heartbreaking story of marriage. A marriage shaken by trial. A marriage broken by sickness.

Stories like this always break my heart. Right from the start the pain and the heartbreak of Lucy can be felt. Her situation and how her husband deals with his issues is truly painful to read.

Fisher on the other hand initially denied his sickness. He denied he is suffering from PTSD. He hid it until his meltdown when it was pretty obvious that he is already sick.

It was so easy to love the two main characters despite their issues. Lucy is a perfect wife, sometimes to a fault. While Fisher is the perfect husband for her before his sickness. But there were times where I wanted to shake them both.

Since the story was told in alternating past and present situations we get to know all the characters in detail. We get to know their personalities especially the hero and heroine that's why I couldn't hate them for some of their actions that I don't agree with. One thing is certain though,  both are strong and resilient and determined to fight for their marriage.  

Another thing I liked is how lovable all the secondary characters are, with the exception of two that I will not detail so as not to divulge too much of the story. I also liked the drawings as it gave us a glimpse of the island.

I loved that this was a complete story and I didn't feel that it was long. I loved it when the stories are long and there's a nice epilogue and mostly if the story didn’t feel like it was a drag. I didn’t even notice that I was able to finish it in a day. Some books tend to draw out the story just for the sake of making it longer and it bores me. This book however captivated me from start to finish.

This book is highly recommended and so worth reading. 

Book Review: The Mason List

Title: The Mason List 
Series: No 
Author: S.D. Hendrickson
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No

On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 5
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 5
Overall Rating: 4.6 stars

A really heartbreaking story of survival and friendship.

Two kids who met under painful circumstances. One looking for a true friend not because of who his family.  One who just suffered great loss.

The hero and heroine became the best of friends. The other half of one another. One who wishes that their lives will be together forever. One who couldn't wait to get as far away as she can.

The story was narrated in a slow pace. We get to read each milestones from their lives since they were eight. We get to love them both as a child. We see them grow up and become adolescents. We see them become mature and be on their own. 

Though eventually I felt otherwise for the heroine because of her ingratitude to those who helped her and her father. While Jess proved to be the greater character,  Alex became the ingrate whose thoughts centered on anger and resentment.

There were times when I wanted to stop and put the book down because I couldn't take Alex anymore.  I couldn't take the pain and the hurt she has been inflicting especially towards Jess. It's as if the tables have turned and she wanted others to hurt like how she did before she met Jess.

I didn’t give up though and all the hatred towards her will be understood eventually. All the secondary characters are also likable. This is a complete story that will touch the reader's hearts.

This book is highly recommended. This is not the typical friends to lovers romance because there's a heartbreaking back story that is so worth reading. 

Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Title: Never Never 
Series: Yes 
Author: Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher 
POV: Hero and Heroine 
Cliffhanger: Yes


On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 5
Overall Rating:  4.4 stars

"You and me. We are so in love, Charlie. You feeling it yet? Do I make your heart go pitter patter?”

Wow what a unique love story.

I don't know how to describe the plot without it sounding weird. I'll just say that the story has some kind of science fiction or a bit of a paranormal twist to it. Its not vampires or werewolves that I can say so far. It more feels like since they are not fans of their current self so they wanted a fresh start and forget everything.

We have these two main characters who suddenly woke up not remembering their pasts. And so they spend their time getting to know each other and retracing their pasts. I can't say anything anymore become I'm at a loss as well. I don't know what will happen next because it ended on a cliffy.

What I do know is that I liked the characters, especially Silas. He has this certain kindness and sense of humor. He’s kind of funny. I'm still trying to figure out Charlie though because it takes some time for her to open up. And she's kind of the running or pushing away type which doesn't sit well with me.

Hopefully we get tge the sequel soon because I can't wait to read more of Silas and Charlie. I don't typically read paranormal stories but since this is by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher, two of my favorite authors, I tried it and I didn't regret reading it. I can't wait for the sequel.

Wild Man by Kristen Ashley

Title: Wild Man
Series: Yes
Author: Kristen Ashley
POV: Hero and Heroine
Cliffhanger: No


On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 3
Plot: 4
Thought Provoking: 3
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating: 3.4 stars Story

I'm afraid this book didn't work for me. Yes, the love story was beautiful but then there was just unnecessary scenes where I felt it made the book a bit dragging. So some chapters I read in a blur just to get to the ending.

Anyway, what I liked about the books of this author is how every story has a definite and decent ending. I liked the epilogues and the happy endings. Sometimes I crave it especially after reading an emotional story.

This is good breather book. A good old happy ending with a touch of angst. I will still definitely read more books from this author despite the lukewarm feelings I got from this story. 

Kyland by Mia Sheridan

Title: Kyland
Series: Yes
Author: Mia Sheridan
POV: Hero and Heroine
Cliffhanger: No


On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 5
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 4
Overall Rating: 4.4 stars

This is a story of love and survival. Hero and Heroine, both born poor, unexpectedly found each other, connected with each other, yet denying both denying what they can to together in order to survive.

The story so heartbreaking that sometimes was hard to read. You will feel for them. The people who doesn't much, why some of those who have so much in life still choose to make it harder for them. It perplexes you how some can be so cruel.

This story will make you want to reach out and help in the little ways that you can. It will make you realize not to waste resources with material possessions but with people who will give meaning to life.

The was one scene where it touched me so deep, when someone died despite having all the things he covet but yet he died alone with nothing because his wife and child left him because they couldn't take how cruel he has become because of his clamor for material things.

And the sacrifices the main characters made will truly touch the readers in so many ways. This book is highly recommended. 

Confess by Colleen Hoover

Title: Confess
Series: No 
Author: Colleen Hoover 
POV: Heroine and Hero 
Cliffhanger: No


On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 5
Angst: 5
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 5
Hangover: 5
Overall Rating: 5 stars

"Sometimes we don’t get second chances. Sometimes things just end."

“We didn’t even get a first chance.”

The feels in this book!!!

The beautiful prose!!!

The beautiful characters!!!

If I could only highlight all the words in this book.

This author really doesn't fail me. Everything she had written, I have loved. I don't even know how to give enough praise for this book.

As I said before in other reviews, I have issues with stories that have communication issues, secrets and all.

This book has that element, as we can gather from its title, but this element was seamlessly inserted into the story that I didn't even notice it was even there because I was so engrossed with Owen and Auburn from the first page until the last. There was no pettiness to it because there is a beautiful explanation and rationale to their actions.

Both the main characters are so lovable. Their connection is pretty evident from the moment they first met. The character buildup was slow yet amazing when you get to the root of the story.

This is highly recommended. Go in blind, you don't need spoilers to the story to get its full impact. This is such a unique love story and I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a major hangover after this.