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. 

Absolution by Amanda Dick

Title: Absolution
Series: No 
Author: Amanda Dick
POV: Heroine and Hero 
Cliffhanger: No

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

This book as it is aptly titled is about seeking and giving forgiveness. It is about love and friendship and standing up after falling. The story is also about second chances.

Despite the heartbreaking premise of the story, sadly it didn't work for me. The story had so much potential that's why I endeavoured to finish it but it just didn't capture my interest, I mostly browsed thru the story and stopped on the character interactions and conversations.

I think my problem with it was that although the story is good, the inner musings of the characters were written too long. And as with other books I've read, I had hard times connecting with stories that have secrets, communication issues and too much of meddling secondary characters.

What I liked though is how the heroine picked herself up, she had her meltdowns and moments but I liked how she moves on from her mistakes and has easily given forgiveness.

Another thing that I liked is how the writer didn’t feel the need to get into the hype of most of books that comes out recently such as the billionaires, too much sex, too beautiful characters among others. Although I admit I read and enjoyed stories of those types, but it was refreshing to read something different. Something that doesn't describe too much physically beautiful characters, characters that have money issues and scenes that doesn't need too much sexing. There was only once steamy scene but it was written decently and not really detailed which I liked. 

The Deal by Elle Kennedy

Title: The Deal
Series: Yes 
Author: Elle Kennedy 
POV: Heroine and Hero 
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

Didn't like the story at first. Felt it was shallow and would not catch my interest. I also couldn't comprehend how the heroine can be so straight forward about what happened to her in the past. I mean you can read about the rape in the first page of the book.

I don't usually go for college type romances but seeing the great reviews I gotta give it a go. Surprisingly I liked it at about 30% into the story. I liked the tough girl vibe of the heroine. I also liked the conceited hero.

The saving grace of the story is the great banter between the two main characters. It so was funny and witty.

And the emotions are flowing out of the hero as well. I really felt his pain. Sure the story was light enough, but it really did give my heart a pinch. On the two scenes when Hannah hurt him I really wanted to hug him.

Hannah is a great character as well, too strong for her own good I must say. But at least I started to like her as the story moved along.

Because of Ellison by M.S. Willis

Title: Because of Ellison 
Series: No 
Author: M.S. Willis
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

This is a summer love story between two different characters that eventually turned to lifetime love.

The story started with a speech from the hero in the future about how he came about to where he is at that moment. What drove him to become somebody really important from being a drunk and addict.

You will love Hunter and you will hate Ellison.
She is a total bitch for putting him up to those awful tests of hers.

You will feel how their connection progressed from hate to love.

There were will lots of time where you want to slap Ellison. Equally there are lots of time were you will swoon for Hunter.

Forever Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: Forever Interrupted 
Series: No 
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid 
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: Nope

On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 3
Angst: 4
Plot: 4
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating: 3.6 stars

For such a depressing story, I'm surprised I really liked it. Though it was quite heart breaking, I found the story inspiring. The heroine picked herself up before our eyes.

The story was written so beautifully as we get to experience love and loss at the same time. We get to feel the connection and true love between Ben and Elsie. We get to experience the loss of Elsie and Susan. We get to see how Elsie gets to know herself despite her pain.

One thing I liked about this writer is her use of beautiful words. I liked her prose and how it makes you feel. And that despite the sex taking a backseat it was still a beautiful love story.

This book is recommended to those who love reading Eat, Pray, Love type of stories. 

Five Stages of Falling In Love by Rachel Higginson

Title: Five Stages of Falling In Love 
Series: No 
Author: Rachel Higginson
POV: 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

All the feels in one book.

A story on the premise of five stages of grief and falling in love.

It was such a beautiful story that made me feel all things. I loved the characters especially the kids and the hero. There were moments when I wanted to really shake the heroine but then I also understand her grief. Her situation may seem easy in the eyes of an outsider but having four young kids to care for when you are all alone can be pretty overwhelming. Taking care of one kid is already exhausting, let alone four kids.

This is a story of a young mother, barely keeping it together with the loss of her husband who left her with four beautiful and rambunctious kids, when suddenly somebody came along who will eventually help her come to terms with her predicament.

A beautiful story of picking life up when it seems impossible to survive. This is highly recommended.

Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Title: Girl on the Train 
Series: No 
Author: Paula Hawkins
POV: various characters 
Cliffhanger: None

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

Before I start this review let me just say that I absolutely hate weak heroines. I don't like it when they can't move on. I don't like it when they let the pain destroy her future. I like them resilient and a fighter.

Saying all that, the heroine is the epitome of all that I hate. She couldn't move on. She destroys herself thru alcohol. She let's everything get out of her control. I don't like it one bit. And she is pretty much unstable because of all the pain thats happened to her.

The story is also told in other views. It was brilliant to let the readers feel different view points. We have secondary characters who are disturbed and who is the subject of pain of the heroine.

Although I wasn't such a fan of the heroine, I really liked the story. The writing caught my interest and I couldn't put the book down. Though it was mostly a crime mystery novel, not my usual genre, but I really loved the whole book.

This book is highly recommended for fans of Gone Girl.

Driven by K. Bromberg

Title: Driven
Series: Yes 
Author: K. Bromberg 
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: Yes

On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 3
Plot: 3
Thought Provoking: 3
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating: 3.2 stars

First thing I noticed in the story is the similarities with another favorite book of mine, 50 Shades of Grey. The whole time I was reading this I couldn't shake the thought away.

The sex scenes were hot I'll give it that, but it didn't have to end there. I wanted to feel the connection with the main characters but it was pretty hard when I was thinking of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele the whole time.

There were still differences though but I felt that it doesn't outweigh the similarities.

This first book focused on the push and pull, the back and forth and the fight or flight of the characters that I got tired of it. There were scenes where it gets dull and I had to browse through it quickly.

Much as I want to move on to the next book because of the cliffy ending, I'd rather take a breather for a while and get back to Colton and Rylee later. I feel that I can give justice to the story if I come back later with an open mind. 

Tight by Alessandra Torre

Title: Tight 
Author: Alessandra Torre
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No

On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 5
Angst: 4
Plot: 3
Thought Provoking: 3
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating: 3.6 stars

I really don't know how I feel about this book. I mean I liked all the books from this author but somehow this story didn’t work for me. Although the writing style of the author is pretty evident because there is the mystery and suspense aspects to the story. The thing I missed though is the mind boggling twist. There is a twist don't get me wrong but I missed the shock factor because I had hunch on it at about 20%. The book is still worth reading though because the connection between the main characters is beautiful and really worth our time.

This is just a quick read. This is recommended to those who loved the books of this author.

Volition by Lily Paradis

Title: Volition 
Series: No 
Author: Lily Paradis
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: None

On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 2
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 5
Overall Rating: 4 stars

This book reminded me of the Gossip Girl TV series, of which I am a big fan. The story has the elements of the rich characters with one queen bee and the rich girl-poor boy romance and a somewhat love triangle. There's no cheating though.

You will really hate the heroine. She's the exception to all heroines. Oh how I wanted to smack her into senses. I hated her for her back and forth with her feelings.

I loved the hero Hayden though. It doesn't help that he's such a dreamboat. If I were the heroine I would not think twice about being with this guy.

The story has all the craziness of the rich down to their pretentious names that really fitted the characters.

You will also love some secondary characters specifically Colin and Catherine. I am not sure if you will like Jesse because I didn't like him one bit.

It was also a brilliant style to have short views from the different characters towards the end.

But I find a bit lacking though is how when the twists were dropped I felt liked it needed more impact.

Though I liked the story, there were many scenes were Tate's over analyzing and some were too detailed so I felt like I just wanted to get it over with. Towards the end, I felt like the story was being dragged longer. Though it was a nice touch with the different character views as a parting shot.

Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley

Title: Mystery Man
Series: Yes 
Author: Kristen Ashley 
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: Nope 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 4
Plot: 5
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 5
Overall Rating: 4.4 stars

Got into a funk reading a good book that just wasn't for me. So since I have hoardes of unread books, I was looking for something that is highly recommended by most of the book bloggers I am following. I chanced upon Kristen Ashley again so I forged on.

I kept putting back on reading her series because I felt that since many of the books have been released already that I may have a hard time catching up. And since I got an issue where when I read series consecutively I usually get bored somewhere along the way and ultimately get into a reading funk. And I definitely don't want that to happen since this author came highly recommended. So my game plan would be to read other books in between reading her series just to retain my enthusiasm.

Now on to the Mystery Man story.

It was light with little angst in between. It was feel good with a moderate topics. What I liked about the plot is that it's romance with action and crime elements which makes it so interesting.

Not to much sex, just once or twice that are detailed. And I liked it like that because honestly sex in every other pages tend to get dull and dragging.

I liked Hawk, the perfect badass alpha hero.

I liked Gwen she's has the perfect sass and sense. There were two times that I wanted to shake her nut then there's no love lost between us so I'm still Ok with her.

I liked all the secondary characters, surprisingly even Ginger with all her troubles.

Oh and I also liked the chapter titles!

There's also a bit of a fantasy, not paranormal, element because, oh my dear, three perfectly badass alpha men expressing interest in the heroine all at once is definitely swoon worthy. And mind you one is an ex-army, the other a police officer and last is a head honcho of s motorcycle club! All swoon worthy men! Arrgghh!! I felt I was Gwen there for a moment haha! Another is having a handsome mystery man coming to your bed and giving it to you every other night and just staking claim, with you ending up having multiple orgasms is making me scream with delight and envy!!!!

So for those who love the elements I just described this is highly recommended. I definitely enjoyed this story and I might actually jump into the next book because I can't take the character out of my mind.

Until my next KA book!!! 

Withering Hope by Layla Hagen

Title: Withering Hope
Series: No 
Author: Layla Hagen 
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 4
Plot: 3
Thought Provoking: 3
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating: 3.4 stars

This book is recommended for fans of The Island.

I very much liked the story which isn't surprising since I loved a previous book with a similar plot.

One of their differences though is the setting because the crash site of this book is on a hill in the middle of the Amazon.

Another difference is the characters since the hero is broken and aloof while the heroine has some of the shallowness at the start.

She redeemed herself though and theirs became a pretty good love story.

Though we have read this plot before, it's still worth the read because it was so interesting to read about survival and how they did it.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Title: All The Bright Places
Series: No 
Author: Jennifer Niven 
POV: Hero and 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 pretty depressing story but I loved it.

This is a story about two depressed characters,  Finch and Violet. They found each other and helped each other deal with their issues.

It was written in a slow pace and their connection was slow building so it was a bit dragging at first but I forged on and continued with the story and I eventually realized that it was so worth it.

Because this is not just a love story. It is also a story about people suffering from depression and mental issues.

Found it hard to understand at first. We get inside the mind of a man who has issues. It was also quite hard to get where he's going at and why he's acting and thinking that way. He is pretty normal yet weird at the same time. Add to that the bullying he experiences at school and how he is treated at home.

The only good thing that happened to him is Violet, yet she along with his friends, counselor and parents failed to notice his issues for the most part.

I really want to slap and shake the parents. How can they be so dense with him. They were in denial that he is sick until the end. They did not even try to understand his condition. They should be made accountable for what happened to their son. An abusive father and a selfish mother spells disaster for the kids.

This is a beautiful book that opens up our eyes to those who might be suffering from bipolar condition. This story reaches into our hearts and makes us understand how we can help and reach out. How to be a better schoolmate, a better friend, a better girlfriend, a better sister and most of all a better parent.

For those who want heart breaking stories then this book is for you. Get ready with the tissues though.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Title: Sharp Objects 
Series: No 
Author: Gillian Flynn
POV: Heroine 
Cliffhanger: No
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 2
Angst: 4
Plot: 4
Thought Provoking: 4
Hangover: 3
Overall Rating: 3.4 stars

What a pretty disturbing story. It's dark and gritty and some scenes are pretty much cringe worthy.

This is a story of a murder investigation in a small town of Wind Gap.

This is different from the usual genres that I read because this is not romance. I've recently been trying to add mystery, crime, investigation and murder plots to my to read list. But mostly because I loved this author and I really enjoyed Gone Girl so I'm definitely reading her other works.

Though there is a hint of a love story here but mostly it's crime investigation. The writing will definitely grab your interest so I couldn't really put it down.

This is highly recommended to those who's interested in this of genre.

Rule by Jay Crownover

Title: Rule
Series: Yes 
Author: Jay Crownover
POV: Hero and Heroine 
Cliffhanger: Nope 
On a scale of 1 to 5 (highest) stars:
Sexiness: 4
Angst: 3
Plot: 3
Thought Provoking: 3
Hangover: 2
Overall Rating: 3 stars

This is a light story of a good girl and bad guy variety.

This is the story of Shaw and Rule. Opposing personalities, with the heroine loving the hero since she was a child.

For most of the story I felt sad for Shaw, pining after Rule when he is such a badass and doesn't return her affections as he is damaged in his own way. Got pissed with Shaw for a number of times as well about how she dealt with Gabe and her parents.

Shaw was always being taken for granted for much of the story and I don't appreciate it. She's always running after Rule.

I'm not liking Rule for being a coward and dense. I'm not sure I even liked them together. Shaw definitely deserves better. Rule doesn't make her feel loved. Lust is there but I couldn't feel a deeper connection.

All the parents in this story are frustrating and effed up. I hated them.

This is recommended to those who like light love stories with a few angst here and there.