Angry God - LJ Shen

Ruminations of an Insomniac.. 

LJ Shen may actually be responsible for my eventual insanity, I'm convinced of it.. I had to read this one twice, before I could form enough words to sit down and write about it. I love everything she writes, I mean I'd probably read her grocery list (okay, maybe not, but I'm sure you get my point). But it's not just that she wrote these stories, it's an acknowledgement of how much soul she pours into her novels. An awareness of the magic that she pours among her words, like glitter. Then, you finally recover from ALL THE FEELS, and you keep finding pieces of LeighGlitter everywhere, just like real life glitter. 3,6,8 months down the road and you trip over yourself, as a "sparkle" somewhere in the world around you triggers a memory of something she wrote.

"I started it before we’d even kissed. Before Jason. Before Arabella. Before everything, there was you.. You came before art. Before life. Definitely before hate.” - Vaughn Spencer 

Anyway.. Angry God. Heaven help me, I can't. Like I said, I had to do an immediate re-read. Because I couldn't figure out what to say. The characters and prose are Marianas Trench deep. It's achingly raw and real, and comes with a laundry list of trigger warnings. But, Vaughn's story couldn't have been told any other way. Anything short of this particular masterpiece, wouldn't have scratched the surface of doing him justice. It broke my heart on an epic scale. But it was okay, because the beauty in the breaking was magnificent. I was utterly in awe of this standalone conclusion (we think?) to the SOS and ASH families of novels.

Vaughn and Lenora are fire and ice. Combined, they become water. Fluid. Unstoppable. Yet I can't actually say they are opposites. Because on a base level, they are essentially equals. Inexplicably talented. Hurt. Undoubtedly self-aware. Hiding. Sort of in denial. Then they crash. A blacksmiths hammer hitting hot iron. Exploding in sparks. But the resulting blade is stunning. Razor sharp. Lethal. This story, and the lives it encompasses, hit the mark in too many ways to count. I urge you to jump into the deep, dark of Vaughn Spencer's mind. You're going to hit sharp edges under the surface and likely come up gasping for air. But every second is 100% worth it. 

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 10/10

Flow: 10/10

Plot: 10/10 

Overall: 10/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

From #1 Amazon Bestseller L.J. Shen comes a new, emotional standalone about first love, second chances, and overcoming breathtaking losses at a young age.

Vaughn Spencer.

They call him an angry god.

To me, he is nothing but a heartless prince.

His parents rule this town, its police, every citizen and boutique on Main Street.

All I own is a nice, juicy grudge against him for that time he almost killed me.

Between hooking up with a different girl every weekend, breaking hearts, noses and rules, Vaughn also finds the time to bully little ole’ me.

I fight back, tooth and nail, never expecting him to chase me across the ocean after we graduate high school.

But here he is, living with me in a dark, looming castle on the outskirts of London.

A fellow intern. A prodigal sculptor. A bloody genius.

They say this place is haunted, and it is.

Carlisle Castle hides two of our most awful secrets.

Vaughn thinks he can kill the ghosts of his past, but what he doesn’t know? It’s my heart he’s slaying.

Angry God is a stand-alone, DARK High School Romance. It deals with sensitive subjects some may find triggering.

Rosewood High - Tracy Lorraine

Ramblings of a Bookworm...

Thorn (Book #1)

 

Jake and Amalie were so frustratingly broken. All I wanted to do was wrap them both in a big hug whilst simultaneously forcing them together.

Fuck ruling the school, the only person I want to be a king for is her. - Jake Thorn

This bully romance that tugged at my heart strings; a seriously damaged boy who took his pain out on the new girl in town who was simply trying to get over her own trauma and try learning how to live again, not only in a new town, but in a new country.

Beautifully written and with incredible character development for both the hero and heroine, I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have a look into these young people's lives.

Paine (Book #2)

Paine took place immediately following Thorn, and the transition was flawless. Best friends to enemies, Camila and Mason danced around each other for the better part of this book. Avoidance and curiosity, missing but hating each other, I was starting to think they'd never get their stuff together.

"The only thing you can do to hurt me is to walk away. I need you, Cami-Bear, and I'm fed up with trying to convince myself of anything else." - Mason Paine

Even in Thorn, you could see the tension and chemistry between them. Being best friends as well as each others first kiss, these two were meant to be. However, unfortunate circumstances turned Mason bitter and caused him to take it out on his poor, innocent best friend.

With several plot twists woven throughout their journey, along with shocking revelations followed closely by near-tragedy, they were truly an intriguing story to follow.

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 9/10

Flow: 9/10

Plot: 9/10 

Overall: 9/10

* Summary *

She's an English Rose and I'm about to be a thorn in her side.

She doesn't belong here. From the moment she steps foot in Rosewood High— it's clear she must go.

And I'll use my power to get rid of her. The betrayal I'm reminded of each time our eyes lock must end.

She's a lost rich girl, trying to recover from the death of her parents. But none of that is my concern.

This is my life. My rules. My senior year. What I say goes.

And I say she's done.

Until she proves me wrong...

She was my best friend. The person I told my deepest secrets to. But when my world came crashing down, it was all because of her family. 

From that moment, I realized I’d been wrong to trust her. Her big caring eyes and sweet face were nothing but an act as she’d watched on while I tried to keep my head above water. 

That was our past. 

Now, I’ve largely put Camila behind me and moved on with my life. Though it doesn’t explain why she’s always there: taunting me, tempting me, showing me the life I could have been living. 

I should have been laughing when her own world turned upside down. Karma always wins out in the end. But suddenly we’re forced together once again and I have no choice but to remember the girl I’ve tried so hard to forget.

Adamson Academy - CM Stunich

Ruminations of an Insomniac.. 

#whychoose? CM Stunich is the legit Queen of this trope. Her storylines flow and her characters never fail to be fully developed and dynamic (despite there being so many mains in an RH love story).This trilogy is no exception. If you want to get technical, this one has six main characters, with a handful of also thoroughly constructed secondary players. These pages were thick with vivid description and dripping with angst. Striking and delicious balance between slow burn and insta-love because with multiple of connections you can have it all. Blended in is witty banter and a light (but distinct) bully aspect then the icing on the cake came as something this genre doesn't see it a lot of, especially in this age group or format: a murder mystery.

"You can do it first, or you can do it best, and when someone else does it first and best, you'd best just stay in your own lane.” - Spencer Hargrove

I'm going to bite the bullet on this part and say it. Charlotte Carson is an entitled ass. She's every negative thing other generations accuse millennials to be. But then she grows and it's like watching a field of tulips open for the sun. The student council (all five of them) is probably the best thing that could have ever happened to her. Each holding such vastly different appeal, I'm not sure if I could choose either. A broody baker with an adorable secret. Quippy twins that take the 'twin connection' to a whole different level. A self-assured procurer with some serious underlying issues. And their president, the steel trap, consistently in control. Their loyalty to each other is magical and the dynamic each one presents in Charlotte's life is fascinating. I would love to know just how these boys developed the bond they share, but I digress.

“I think you mean psychopath. Sociopaths have trouble controlling their emotions, and are prone to emotional outbursts. Psychopaths don't feel human emotion per se, but are extremely skilled in imitating it.” - Church Montague

I adore these high school reads because they let me live vicariously. They give me glimpses into lives that I couldn't imagine. But mostly because they let me bear witness to young love. In all its splendour, but also with all its flaws and lessons. So, full of five very different loves and one unshakeable brotherhood, this story had it all for me. Yet I must say: after three books, while I couldn't pick a favourite boy, Ranger is my favourite story line. By a landslide.

"Always remember: hug like you mean it, love with your whole heart, and naked-bake something every once in a while." - Charlotte 'Chuck' Carson

I'm so looking forward to reading the crossover CM Stunich is writing (with the Burberry prep kids)! Orientation is due out later this year.

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 10/10 (with 5 of them, how could they not hit every.single.mark?)

Flow: 8/10 (this is probably a preference or perspective deal, but CM's cliffys tend to leave me a little nauseous, they're just super abrupt) 

Plot: 9/10 (I don't really need to explain a 9, do I?) 

Overall: 8.5/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

Shh, I have a secret. 

The sinfully gorgeous members of the Student Council—Church, Ranger, Spencer, Micah and Tobias—can't ever find out. 

I already get picked on because my father's the headmaster. 

I don't need them to know I’m the only girl, too; I’d rather dress like a boy.

Adamson All-Boys Academy now has its only female student, but I'm not about to be their guinea pig. 

Not when there's a secret at this school nobody is talking about. Not when the last female student here ended up dead.


***THE SECRET GIRL is a 90,000 word lighthearted reverse harem/high school bully romance novel with a mystery/suspense twist. This is book one of three in the series. Contains foul language and sexual scenes; any sex featured is consensual.

Psst, I know a secret.

The same secret that the Student Council—the super-rich, super handsome elite of Adamson All-Boys Academy—knows, too.

Jenica Woodruff, the only girl to ever attend the academy before I showed up, didn't commit suicide: she was murdered.

Now, someone is after me, too, but no matter where I go, the killer follows. My new high school isn't safe, and turns out, neither is my old one.

I'm not a member of the Student Council, but after everything we've been through together, after the horrible things we've seen, I may as well be. These ruthless boys have taken me under their wing.

Church, the fearless leader (and hopeless coffee addict). Ranger, the bada** VP (and naked baker). The identical McCarthy twins (and MMA enthusiasts). And Spencer, the boy who was willing to question everything about himself to fall for me … oh, Spencer.

Murder and romance are both in the air at Adamson; I'm just not sure which one will kill me first.

The secret is out.

I’m officially dating the entire Student Council, but that’s not the only thing that’s outside the norm at Adamson All-Boys Academy.

Nah, I think the murders are a bit more remarkable, although my dad might disagree. He’s not exactly thrilled with my fake fiancé or the other four boys that make my pulse race.

With two current students dead, and three attackers on my tail, it looks like I’m next. The fact that I’m a target isn’t in question, but are the people closest to me involved somehow? Everyone’s a suspect—my family, my classmates, even my new boyfriends.

Okay, that’s it. I’m going to do it: I’m going to attend Adamson in a fucking skirt, and kick some ass.

Follow the clues, catch the bad guys, secure my future. Because, murder-mysteries aside, this is my final year of high school, and nothing lasts forever, right? Not even a forever crew.

***THE FOREVER CREW is a 120,000 word lighthearted reverse harem/high school/murder-mystery romance novel with a bully/suspense twist. This is book three of three in the series (with a fourth book crossover coming, titled "Orientation", that connects this series with my "Rich Boys of Burberry Prep" series). Contains foul language and sexual scenes; any sex featured is consensual.

Bullseye - Monica James

Ruminations of an Insomniac.. 

Monica James is a new-to-me author and her writing has captivated me. Bullseye sought out every tiny shard of darkness I possessed and set them alight. In an epic distraction from reality, she dangled Bull in front of my face, allowing me to peer directly into his soul. 

Blissfully depraved, Bull is no holds barred. Unapologetically himself, though understandably awkward (you'll see). Fiercely vengeful. Hopelessly focused. Tragically shattered. But though he believes he is nothing more than a monster, I found endearing evidence to the contrary peeking through the cracks. Determined and dedicated, Lily holds him hostage. Beautiful, unreasonably talented and razor-sharp, she challenges everything he thinks he knows. I was left in awe of her. 

“Every time you’re near me, I can’t take in enough air fast enough. You leave me breathless with your brutality because you live life unapologetically.” - Lily Hope

With thoroughly develop characters (rife with quirks and deep pasts) and vivid settings, Monica wove this intricate web so immaculately. This story held me on edge. Pretty sure I held my breath for the entire final 15% of the book. The conclusion to this duet could not come fast enough.

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 9/10 

Flow: 10/10

Plot: 10/10 

Overall: 9.5/10

Coming Soon!! 

Add it to your TBR today: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49229450-bullseye

Synopsis:

For twelve long years, I’ve breathed, I’ve bled for only one thing…

Revenge.

Four men took something from me, something which can never be replaced. That one night changed the lives of so many and taught me that monsters are real.

But I also learned I’m the biggest monster of them all.

Nothing and no one will stand in my way of redemption because those men…they’re now three. The fourth—he is the reason they call me Bullseye. They can run, but sooner or later, I’ll find them, just as I did with their friend. They’re already dead…they just don’t know it yet.

My plan was simple until I met her. A fierce tiger who had the power to break my heart. Lucky for me…she can’t break what’s already broken. I am no longer a man because the world is a jungle, and we’re all just animals—ready to tear one another apart.

Ruthless Knight - A. Jade

Ruminations of an Insomniac.. 

On a scale of one to even, I can't... Cole Covington is so tragically, beautifully broken. Words failed me for a while after witnessing his journey. But, heaven help me, this boy ensnared my heart and lit a match at the edge of my soul. Don't get me wrong, I've had a lot of book boyfriends in my day. But not a single one of them quite measure up to Cole Covington. Namely, the extent to which his truths spoke to my heart and how mesmerizing the shattered pieces of him were to me.

“Oh, and for the record, sir. No one—not even God—can keep me away from your daughter, so I suggest you get used to me.” - Cole Covington 

And I haven't even gotten to Sawyer Church yet! Our resident Bookworm has claimed Sawyer as her spirit animal. She is real and raw and unabashedly herself. She breaks the mold of book heroine, while saturating these pages with her sass. An impactful inclusion in this genre. Perfect in her imperfections, Sawyer brings so much reality to this story. And it wouldn't have even scratched the surface on how striking it really is, without her. 

Ashley Jade brought it and put it ALL on the table here. My words will never fully be able to express my absolute adoration for this one. As of right now, Ruthless Knight is one of my favorite reads ever (to-date). It's the first book in a long time that has moved me this much. And I can't wait to read the third (and final) installment in this series of standalone. Wicked Princess is due out this summer, and I already have some theories. 😉

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 10/10

Flow: 10/10

Plot: 10/10 

Overall: 10/10 (despite having to put this book down repeatly, to compose myself, collect my feelings, and blow my nose... It wouldn't be right for me to rate it less than a 10)

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

Welcome to their kingdom.

Cole Covington is the most popular heartbreaker at school.

Every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to screw him.

Except me.

His devastatingly good looks, golden arm, and flirty smiles don't do it for me anymore...because I know what's lurking underneath the star quarterback's gorgeous armor.

At least I thought I did.

Sometimes the most beautiful people...hide the ugliest truths.

And sometimes the only way to save someone...

is to walk beside them through hell.

Sawyer Church is the bible-thumping nerd of Royal Hearts Academy.

Girls pick on her and guys don't notice her.

Except me.

Sweet, curvy, and sarcastic, she's impossible to ignore.

No matter how much I try.

Everyone at school has her pegged as the chubby, Jesus loving geek, but unlike them—Sawyer's real and never pretends to be someone she's not.

Until I ask her to be my fake girlfriend.

Sometimes the most beautiful souls...hide the greatest pain.

And sometimes the only way to save someone...

is to fight for them.

This is book 2 in the Royal Hearts Academy series. Please note: Although this is Cole and Sawyer's book, so it's a standalone.

WARNING: Royal Hearts Academy is a New Adult/High School series of standalones filled with drama, a touch of angst, and boys who are bad to the bone. The characters are flawed. If you're looking for a safe, sweet romance with nice heroes and heroines who are perfect all the time, this series is NOT for you.

*this series also needs to come with a suicide trigger warning* 

Cruel Prince - A. Jade

*Cruel Prince is book 1 of the Royal Hearts Academy Trilogy*

Ruminations of an Insomniac.. 

Isn't it something, realizing just how much someone else's words can change your life? Even something as simple as a single word. Yes and sorry: quite possibly the most powerful single words in the English language. Yet, while words will forever be one of my most treasured things, it's true what they say.. Words are inexhaustible, but actions are louder. Even in their silence. 

I believe Jace and Dylan were red stringed. Destined. A series of unfortunate events and misunderstandings tore childhood friends apart, before more happenings reunited them. Bonded through loss, even as young children, the pair see each other on such a deep level. But when you lose the other half of who you are, it tends to leave you even more broken than before. And such is the case here. 

"How deep are we talking? Puddles? Ponds? Lakes?” Tell me oceans, dammit. His hands frame my face. “The Mariana Trench isn’t deep enough.” - Dylan Taylor and Jace Covington (respectively) 

Told in a past and present jumping, dual POV story, theirs tugged at my heart. There is such a fine line between love and hate, and this pair walks it like a tightrope. A.Jade has weaved her words into an intoxicating journey. From blind innocence, finding broken pieces that fit together with their own. To stumbling into unadmitted but profoundly seated love. Experiencing unimaginable hurt that tears their feelings limb from limb. Until fate forces their hand and they finally really SEE again. Combining my 2 favorite tropes of both childhood friends (and enemies) to lovers, loved this story and can't wait to read the next standalone installment in the series! 

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 9/10 (yeah, he's kind of a dick. but he is so fiercely protective and I loved seeing in his mind) 

Flow: 8/10 (this one was hard for me. combining both POV and time jumps caused me to backtrack a couple times, but I also see how it was necessary for the story) 

Plot: 9/10 (being honest, I was left with some questions. but I think the other books in the series may lend more clarity once they are released)

Overall: 9/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

Welcome to their kingdom...

I never thought I'd step foot in Royal Manor again.
But four years later, here I am...back to finish my senior year at Royal Hearts Academy.
And forced to face Jace Covington.
My first friend. First crush. First kiss.
The one I left behind.
Only—he isn't the same boy I gave my heart to.
This new Jace is as cruel as he is gorgeous.
And he's determined to make my life a living hell.
Along with the rest of his glorified family and crew of tyrants.
They expect me to worship the ground they walk on like everyone else, but I'd rather eat dirt.
If Jace Covington wants me gone...he'll have to try harder.
Because I've never been the kind of girl to play by the rules.

WARNING: Royal Hearts Academy is a New Adult/High School series of standalones filled with drama, a touch of angst, and boys who are bad to the bone.
This series is recommended for mature readers due to graphic language and sexual content.

*this series also needs to come with a suicide trigger warning*

When Rivals Play Series - B.B. Reid

Ramblings of a Bookworm...

Fierce heroine. Bad step-brother. Secrets. Angst. Teenage debauchery. And a puppy. How could BB Reid possibly go wrong with this one?

"Because I can't stay away from you.  I'm trying, Four, believe me.  I try so fucking hard, but you keep pulling me in." - Ever, The Peer and The Puppet

She weaves a journey that took me by surprise. Ever and Four have a magnetic pull, and they try hard to fight it. But we know better than to trifle with the fates.. Doing so just leaves one frustrated. Trust is tested. Lines may be crossed. But in the end, this pair was written in the stars. I mean, their ship name is FourEver, for crying out loud... 

Bad ass gangbanger and a homeless virgin orphan.  Quite the interesting combination which in any normal circumstances would never work, but for Lou and Wren, they're perfect for each other.  Best friends to lovers, you're thrown into their worlds and the slow burn of sexual tension that builds with each passing chapter.

"I'm the moth to your flame, Lou.  I'd rather be burned a thousand times than be free of you."  - Wren, The Moth and The Flame

Wren's fierce, protective nature is one of the most beautiful things I've ever encountered - this man is truly like none other, and his heart was stolen by a beautiful young girl who tests his patience around every corner, with the mouth of a sailor and a bratty attitude.

The back and forth between these two was both frustrating and adorable.  They are truly a Yin and Yang type pair - the perfect balance.

Jamie...  Oh, Jamie...  Tatted up boy who plays guitar and has piercings?  Sign me up.  Sass and humour for days, this boy slayed my heart and soul from the moment he was introduced to the world in The Peer and The Puppet.

"You're so beautiful.  Did it hurt?" [...] "When you fell from heaven, Satan." - Jamie, The Punk and The Plaything

This entire book is the epitome of "there's more than meets the eye".  Bee and Jamie have a magnetic pull that is out of this world, but with all the hurt and pain each have endured, it seems nearly impossible that they'll ever get their happily ever after.

Lies, deceit, jealousy, anger, pain...  This second chance romance has it all and I live for it.  The back and forth, push and pull that these two have going on killed me.  Both so ridiculously stubborn that it's not even funny, they fight like cats and dogs, but their love for each other (though hidden behind a veil of anger and betrayal) is ever present throughout the novel.

* Synopsis*

THE PUPPET

Borrow the bike. Win the race. Collect the cash. It should've been an easy job. Ran out of town with a broken leg and a lawsuit, my mother's latest flame swoops in like a knight in gilded armor. Blackwood Keep is a place I don't belong, and I'm not the only one who knows. To the boy across the hall, my savior's only son, I'm a stray looking for a bone.

He's lord of the manor.
King of the academy.
And number one on my shit list.

THE PEER

I have no intentions of becoming a happy family with the social climber and her wild daughter. A bottle of Jameson and a cracked skull gets my problem shipped to reform school, but I didn't bank on her returning.

Four's out to get even, and she almost had the perfect plan: expose the privileged kid moonlighting as a gangbanger. She's smart, but she'll have to be smarter. Sending her away won't be good enough this time. I'm going to have to tame the little troublemaker. To the girl across the hall, the one without a name, I'm nothing without my silver spoon.

She's lady of the trailer park.
Queen of the swamps.
And my new favorite pastime.

The Peer and the Puppet is a standalone romance, however, the series is one story. The plot introduced in Four and Ever's story will continue in the following novels. Content suitable for 18+.

THE FLAME

Here lies Louchana Valentine. She was a homeless, orphaned virgin.

I never cared what my gravestone would say until I landed in deep with a powerful gangster. Lucky for me, my best friend happens to be ruthless too. I should feel guilty that he’s forced to turn on the man who’s been a father to him. Except I’ve always known that Wren’s soul wasn’t as black as he claimed.

He was good.
He was beautiful.
He was mine.
He just didn’t know it yet.

And with Wren keeping me safe, I’ve got time left to rewrite the end of my story. But if he has his way, virgin is already carved in stone.

THE MOTH

I’ve never known anyone as alluring as Lou. Or as frustrating. Since the night she saved my life and stole my wallet for her troubles, I couldn’t stay away.

She became my onus.
My light.
My…anyway.

With nowhere to run, I’m forced to trust someone I never expected. At least with Lou safe in Blackwood Keep—far away from me—I’ll die with my conscience intact. Because she no longer looks at me with friendship in her eyes. Those iridescent blues shine with a different need entirely, and I’ve never been able to deny her.

The Moth and the Flame returns to the world of Blackwood Keep, rival gangs, and deliciously flawed yet completely addicting characters! This second installment in the When Rivals Play series is a continuation of the events that occurred in The Peer and the Puppet. Content suitable for ages 18+.

From bestselling author B.B. Reid comes a riveting, second chance romance…

Never trust a nice ass and a smile. That girl is definitely poison.
When I first came to Blackwood Keep, I was just looking for a thrill.
Instead, I found a beautiful fraud—a tomboy my wildest dreams couldn’t conjure.
Bee didn’t just run with boys; she ran the boys. It was only a matter of time before I gave chase.
It took one summer for me to win her over and two to lose her forever.
My summer love turned ice queen. Without heart or thought, she ruined me.

Four years and an ocean between us, I still can’t forget that she chose my cousin…so I won’t.
When the clock strikes twelve, you’re mine, Cinderella.
It’s too late to turn back time.

Jameson and Barbette's story.

Are the When Rivals Play books standalone?

Each novel depicts a unique romance; however, the plots connect. It's recommended that you read them in order for the best experience.

See Through - Brittany Taylor

Ramblings of a Bookworm...

Guys, I'm not okay...  Brittany Taylor perfectly encapsulates the struggles of putting your trust in another person when you yourself are broken.  Broken hearts, trust issues, half-truths, and touring the country with your one night stand - what could possibly go wrong?

All our lives, we're told not to play with fire, but Spencer has me not caring how badly I might get burned. - Lane, See Through

The depth and chemistry of these characters is beautiful.  Their stubbornness had me slamming the cover of my Kindle closed on multiple occasions with an audible growl, and the ending had me in tears.

I've always been a fan of Rockstar Romance novel (because really, who hasn't fantasized about ending up with someone with a smooth, velvety voice who knows how to strum a guitar? - if you said you haven't, I don't believe you), but I can tell that this one has soared up to one of my top 3 all-time favourites of this genre.  I also don't have a doubt in my mind, after only 24 days into the new year, See Through has made my 2020 Top Ten Favourites list.

Book Boyfriend: 9/10 
Flow: 10/10 
Plot: 9/10
Overall: 9/10

Available on Kindle February 7th, 2020

* Synopsis *

One night. That was our agreement. No strings, no attachments. 

Suffering from career suicide, I was more than ready to hide out in my Boston hotel room before returning home to my small town in Maine.

Instead, I found myself standing face to face with a stranger. He was arrogant, impulsive, and impossibly gorgeous. Perfect for one night of fun, an escape from the reality that was my life.

All it took was one bottle of wine and shared secrets between us for him to see me. 

Then the call came offering a second chance, injecting life back into my already flat-lined career. 

Discover who America’s Rock God, Spencer Ryan, truly was and tell his story.

Except when those electric blue eyes caught mine and I reached out to shake his hand, I already knew.

My one-night stand was returning for an encore on who could be the more miserable idiot between the two of us. 

Let the show begin.

Fake It Til You Break It - Meagan Brandy

We're doing something a little different for this one, each giving you our own take on Meagan Brandy's new novel. So, without further adieu:

Ruminations of an Insomniac.. 

Nico and Demi's story was unexpected, but 100% what I needed in my life right now. A beautiful, tortured boy and the talented girl next door who feels like she has something to prove. A plot so thick, even the weavers get carried away in the vastness of it. An angsty breath of fresh air that pulled me in and held me captive.

 "..in case there’s room for question, let me clear it up for you. You’re mine, D, and I’m yours. That’s as real as it gets.” - Nico Sykes

Childhood friends that drifted apart, family secrets pouring out of the woodwork, and a boisterous group of teenage friends, simply living their best life. It was a pleasure to live vicariously through them. Which actually struck me as interesting. Because, let's be real, the vast majority of what I read is about high school/college aged characters. I'm not sure what it was about these ones that pulled me deeper into their lives than most. 

Once again, Meagan brought her A game and blew me away. This story has so, so much heart and is unflinchingly relatable. But, it wouldn't be a Meagan story of she didn't throw in some surprises. I'll leave you with a final thought: we mustn't forget that a castle built on a foundation of sand, will eventually crumble.

Ramblings of a Bookworm..

Meagan Brandy has done it again - completely thrown me into a world of beautifully soulful and complex characters.  Childhood friends who drift apart due to little more than fear, football, hip hop, testosterone fueled rivalry, girl next door who strives for perfection, and a squad of friends which is borderline unbreakable.

"My little Pixie," I whisper, my lips twitching when she shudders.  "An elusive, unattainable creature.  Can hardly see it.  Can't possibly catch it."  My eyes snap to hers.  "Could never keep it." - Nico Sykes

Nico and Demi have a fascinating dynamic - when one pushes, the other pulls.  They compliment each other beautifully with the way they ebb and flow, but there is always more than meets the eye.  Much like in real life, every character has their own back story, their own trials and tribulations to endure, their own darkness to fight through.

I found their story both sweet and sinful, the perfect balance of fire and ice.  Not too much angst that you're heart is hurting with each and every page, but enough to keep you on your toes.  If you're looking for a story that can draw you in, spin you around, and then safely place you back on your feet, I would definitely recommend FITYBI.  

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 9/10

Flow: 9/10

Plot: 9/10 

Overall: 9/10

Release date: February 5, 2020 

Synopsis:

Fake.
That’s what we are.
That’s what we agreed to be.

I thought it would be harder, convincing everyone our school’s star receiver was mine and mine alone, but we played our parts well.

So well, the lines between us began to blur until they disappeared completely.

The thing about pretending, though, someone’s always better at it, and by the time I realized my mistake, there was no going back.

I fell for our lie.
And then everything fell apart.

It turned out, he and I were never playing the same game.

He didn’t have to break me to win.
But he did it anyway. 

Conceal - Ava Harrison

Ruminations of an Insomniac.. 

Every once in a while, I stumble upon a romance that is so character driven that sexy takes a backseat to story. This was one of them. I picked up Conceal on a whim. I didn't know what it was about. I hadn't even seen the cover. Just dove straight into Ava Harrison's words and I was taken aback at how quickly I sunk. Penning a heroine bursting with determination to stay a step ahead and fiercely protective of her anonymity, even when recalling memories, she intrigued me.

Add to the mystery, a chance encounter with a beautiful-eyed, clever and arrogant stranger, and you have the recipe for a book simply asking to be devoured. Willow made me so deeply curious. Pulling me along for the ride with vivid, specific details and running commentary. Then, enter Jaxson Price. He reminded me of someone I used to know. Arrogant, self-assured, unshakable, and talented with a very specific yet obscure skill set. But under the polish and shine, was simply a man who wanted to be needed. Not for what he could do, but for who he was. And Willow? She saw him. Not his status or his talent (though that helped nudge her along), but the fibre he was composed of.

"He’s like the sun. His presence brings me warmth, but if I allow it, it will set me ablaze. Burn me." - Willow

A story of perseverance and connection. An adamantly protective hero and a heroine convinced she needs to be the one to save herself. I loved Jaxson and Willow. Their dynamic was practically pulled straight out of a fairy tale, and I was so here for it. He bolsters her strength while she brings him down to earth and cracks open his facade. This book reminded me of why I started reading romantic stories in the first place. I also didn't expect it to re-center me like it did. But it pulled character development to the forefront of my mind helping me connect to them better than I have in a while. Even upon picking up my next read, I found myself seeking out pieces of personality.

I need to recommend this book, if for nothing else than to meet these characters. Their development is beautiful and it was a privilege to have met them.

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 10/10 (he was everything. my heart had a desperate need to hug him, but my mind wanted to dissect his. you'll see what i mean)

Flow: 9/10 (there were a couple places I had to backtrack, as I wasn't sure if i missed details)

Plot: 8/10 (with some holes in Willow's backstory, i felt it could have been developed more. but honestly, its a work of fiction.. it doesn't need to be flawless to tell the story successfully)

Overall: 8.5/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

I ran.
Escaped the man who wanted to hurt me.

I got in my car and drove.
No destination. No direction. No help.

I hid in the one place I would never be found.
Now in New York with no job, I didn't know what to do.

Then I met him.
Jaxson Price.
The enigmatic devil who wasn't only above the law, but played it like a puppet.

He might be the answer to all my problems.
Too bad he's asking for something in return for his help....

My heart.