Glass Heart Hero - Lindsey Iler

Ruminations of an Insomniac..

I'm going to be honest with you, I've been WAITING for our boy Breaker's story since the first chapter of Glass Heart Savage. Since the very moment we were introduced to the boys from the glass house. Lindsey has this innate ability to create characters that feel like I've known them forever. And every time I doubt that I can become more enchanted with them, she peels back a new layer, further embedding them in my heart.

“Broken is beautiful. A guy like him may not see it, but the rest of us do, Delaney. When you’re ready for us to show you, you know where to find us.” - Breaker Davenport 

Breaker and Delaney were shattering for me. Their love story is everything and completely heart breaking, simultaneously. Delaney Chambers, the girl from a family steeped in expectation. Who holds me in awe of her strength and self awareness. And Breaker Davenport, the boy with a heart, living among monsters. A golden heart and a haunted soul. Together, they are a nearing thunderstorm. Flashes of lightning and crashing thunder, tumbling across the sky out of sync with one another. Until they are directly overhead and finally convene into a masterpiece. One that you can't look away from.

“I’ve looked in the eyes of true evil. Don’t think for a second that you scare me.” - Delaney Chambers

It's no secret that I absolutely adore Lindsey's writing. It moves me in unexpected ways. This one, maybe more than any others have. But that could just be because there is little I love more than a deeply misunderstood book boy. I can't wait to wrap my head around the remaining two Glass House Boys. And any future worlds she grants us the opportunity to fall in love with. 

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 10/10

Flow: 10/10

Plot: 10/10 

Overall: 10/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

Loyalty. Corruption. Family.

A gauntlet rooted in love and jealousy may be the destruction of the students at Glass Heart Academy.

Delaney

Parts of me were stolen in the confines of a dark room. No matter how hard I fought, I got nowhere. The damage has already been done.

Now I find myself in the arms of an unexpected boy. He catches me in the darkness, where I’m too afraid to face the cruel world I now know exists.

He wants every piece of my heart. But how far is he willing to go when it already belongs to another?

After everything, Breaker Davenport haunts my dreams and loving me quickly becomes his own worst nightmare.

Breaker

I have always been certain of a few things in life. Birth doesn’t make a family and when you find someone worth dying for, you fight until you bleed.

Delaney Chambers is worthy of painting the world red.

Fighting for her hadn’t been something I expected to do. Little did I know, he wasn’t the only one trying to take her away from me.

They won’t whisper her name, but I’ll make sure they curse mine.

The monster inside of me won’t stop until they’re buried amongst all their skeletons.

The Villian - LJ Shen

Ruminations of an Insomniac..

You know what I think my favourite part of LJ Shen books is? I could say the robust characters. I may note the steam that is off the charts. The intricate details warrant mention. But more than all that, the quick wit and verbal sparring that float seamlessly through the dialogue? That's my favourite part.

Persephone Penrose appears to the text book definition of the pre-k teacher she is. Overshadowed and underseen because of an exuberant sibling. But the girl is more than meets the eye. She is brimming with fire, matching Cillian turn for turn. And no one can walk through fire quite like Hades. He thrives when surrounded by it. 

"There were twenty-seven emotions? That seemed completely unmanageable." - Cillian Fitzpatrick 

On the surface, they couldn't be more different. His icy demeanor and her undeniable warmth should, theoretically clash like titans. But her fire scorches through him, burning down the barriers he had worked so hard to construct. The moment I turned the final page, I wanted to start it over, just to stay submerged in their world, in their story for a while longer. Once again, LJ Shen bewitched me. 

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 10/10 (Even LJ Shen's villainous men shatter me) 

Flow: 10/10

Plot: 10/10 

Overall: 10/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

Cruel. Coldblooded. Hades in a Brioni suit.

Cillian Fitzpatrick has been dubbed every wicked thing on planet earth.
To the media, he is The Villain.
To me, he is the man who (reluctantly) saved my life.
Now I need him to do me another, small solid.
Bail me out of the mess my husband got me into.
What’s a hundred grand to one of the wealthiest men in America, anyway?
Only Cillian doesn’t hand out free favors.
The price for the money, it turns out, is my freedom.
Now I’m the eldest Fitzpatrick brother’s little toy.
To play, to mold, to break.
Too bad Cillian forgot one, tiny detail.
Persephone wasn’t only the goddess of spring; she was also the queen of death.
He thinks I’ll buckle under the weight of his mind games.
He is about to find out the most lethal poison is also the sweetest.

Break Me - Meagan Brandy

Ruminations of an Insomniac.. 

Royce Brayshaw stole my heart, as a secondary character in his brother's stories. But his story? Tore it out, stomped on it, ran it over a couple times for good measure, then kissed it better and handed it back to me wrapped in the most exquisite bow. The tale of how the last (but definitely not least) Brayshaw brother found love absolutely slayed me. And is definitely one of my top 3 of 2020! 

“He wants to love, but he’s not capable of loving lightly. It’s not in his nature. He’s explosive, and he knows it, but you know that, too.” - Raven Brayshaw

Royce has been my favourite for a long time, that's no secret. The funny playboy, with a heart full of worries and secrets. But nothing could have prepared me to witness everything he is in this book. And Brielle is literally the only one who could have given us all these new facets of him. A legitimate burst of light, with a unique ability to break down his stoic walls. 

"Help me fly, ‘cause this lost boy is on his way down, baby girl...” - Royce Brayshaw 

The way Meagan wrote the dynamic of these two is almost poetic. Their story is an emotional hurricane. One that had the power to evoke boisterous laughter and bring me to tears, on several occasions. It was a profound honour to step into their world once again and watch as these two polar opposites unraveled each other. Because what they are, re-twined together, is nothing short of extraordinary. 

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 15/10 (what can I say, he's my favourite) 

Flow: 10/10

Plot: 10/10 

Overall: 10/10

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Ramblings of a Bookworm..

I've spent the past 24 hours processing and still have a bit of a book-hangover after finishing this one, so bear with me.

Royce captured my heart and soul from the very beginning of this series and I've been anxiously awaiting his book, and let me tell you - it was worth the wait. Diving into his mind after only witnessing the facade he puts on externally was truly an experience, and just like Pam, Break Me is in my top 3 reads of 2020.

       "...I never claimed to be the sane one, that's Captain. Maddoc is the angry alpha, and me, I'm the fuckin' wild one." - Royce Brayshaw

We've known Royce as the wild child, the party animal, the one who jokes at inappropriate times to lighten the situation, but he is so much more than that. A darkness that tugs on your heartstrings and makes you want to hug him or slap him several times throughout. And then comes Brielle...

       "I'm so sick of good and I don't want calm. I want a hurricane." - Brielle Bishop

The brightest star in the darkest night, and a goodness that could melt even the coldest of hearts, she is a force to be reckoned with. I don't think any other character would have been a good enough match for out boy. Wise beyond her years, and the patience of a damn saint, she is the yin to his yang, no matter how hard he tries to deny it.

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 10/10

Flow: 10/10

Plot: 10/10 

Overall: 10/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

I had a plan, and it was solid. 

Track down what was hidden away and take pleasure in toying with it. Toying with her. 

It worked like a charm. Until it didn’t. 

Turned out, the feisty little thing I found was far from what I hoped for. She was different from all I knew and more than I expected. She was light, and I’m the bastard who led her into darkness. But this girl... she followed with a smile. 

I told her I break pretty things. 

She asked me to promise.

Favourites: 2019 Edition

Ruminations of an Insomniac..

As this year is coming to an end, I really wanted to document this. I'm cutting it close because I had a couple re-reads to do first. So, here's the thing: I read somewhere in the vicinity of 235(ish) books this year; but we didn't actually start this blog/bookstagram adventure until the year was almost over. So several of these books don't have full reviews out yet, but they will be coming here and there throughout the first quarter of 2020.

That being said, I would like to present you with my 10 favourite reads of 2019!! Other than being separated into Top 3, then rounding out the remainder, the books are in no particular order. There was legitimate internal battle, just choosing 10 out of over 200. I couldn't narrow it down, with ranks, more than that. Yes, I realize that technically, there are 14 books on this list. But when whole series' are being released within a calendar year, how am I supposed to choose ONE book out of a series or duet? (Give a girl a break). So I counted completed stories, as one, for the purposes of maintaining some semblance of sanity, while compiling this gem of literary recommendation. And one more thing: I am ACHING to see what these authors (and soooo many more) bring us in the new year!! Now without any further adieu...

Top 3:

Enemies - Tijan

Tijan hit it out of the park this year. Landing two of her 2019 writes in my top 10. Dusty and Stone made the top 3, though. This story, and the characters in it moved me. His stony (pun intended) exterior, and her determined strength. Once, childhood friends (that aspect in a plot always gets me) turned enemies. But just like a football game itself, after just enough back and forth, this story makes it into the end zone and does a victory dance. It may, very well be, Tijan's best yet.

Our full review can be found here. 

Add Enemies to your TBR or start reading now!

Trust - Kylie Scott

Thrown together through an unlikely (yet could happen to anyone) series of events, Edie and John were unexpected. Bound together by a shared experience that few others could possibly understand. To me, their story is one of fate, using terrible circumstances to knit together lives that need to intersect, but also need a desperate push. It's a remarkable journey of healing and hope, realization and connection. This book left me doused in "well shit, that could actually happen," and a healthy dose of gratitude, that these improbable friends were able to lean on each other and heal in their own ways. 

Our full review coming soon. ❤️

Add Trust to your TBR or start reading now!

Broken Knight - LJ Shen 

I legitimately adore Luna and Knight. It sounds odd outside my head, but I sorta hope my little girl grows up with a friendship like theirs. That she finds a Knight to her Luna. I love stories about childhood best friends, to my core, but this one is so much more. And while the relationships themselves are important, LJ Shen also flawlessly depicted the effects of tragedy and trauma, through this story. 

Our full review coming next week. ❤️
Add Broken Knight to your TBR or start reading now!

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Hand Over My Heart Duet - Lindsey Iler 

(Under a Different Sky & Waiting for the Sun) 

Lindsey strung me up like a tug-of-war rope with this duet. She was a new author to me this year (and I've since read all of her books). Nick and Hannah's story is saturated in tragedy. But it's also so full of hope and humour, that it strikes a balance. With a conflicted, passionate hero and a witty, self-assured heroine? This one was 100% worth the emotional roller coaster. 

Our full reviews can be found here & here.

Add the Hand Over My Heart duet to your TBR or start reading from the beginning now!

The Peer & The Puppet - BB Reid 

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

Our full review coming soon. ❤️

Add The Peer & The Puppet to your TBR or start reading now!

In The Unlikely Event - LJ Shen 

LJ Shen stepped outside her norm for this one, but she nailed it. A chance encounter, a continental divide, a twist of fate. The story of Mal and Rory is one that urges us to take chances. To follow our heart, because our head isn't always right. Jumping back and forth between past and present, rounds out the both heartbreaking and hilarious tale. So much of their story popped out at me unexpectedly, but I think that's the best part about it. 

Our full review can be found here. 

Add In The Unlikely Event to your TBR or start reading now!

The Brayshaw Series - Meagan Brandy 

(The Boys of Brayshaw, Trouble at Brayshaw, Reign of Brayshaw)

Oh, those Brayshaws.. Meagan Brandy was also a new-to-me author this year. Her heroines are strong and her supporting cast is relentlessly vivid. Raven, the girl who legitimately gives zero f**ks. Maddoc, the strong, brooding pack leader. Captain, the thoughtful caretaker. Royce, the quietly broken funny man. Yet, with so many deeply rooted personalities, the story never gets overshadowed. I did a re-read with each book that released in this series, and I found myself more and more drawn in with each new cover I cracked. I can't wait to read more about this world (in Captain and Royce's books) later this year.

Our full review can be found here. 

Add The Boys of Brayshaw to your TBR or start reading from the beginning now!

Teardrop Shot - Tijan 

I solemnly believe that Charlie and Reece will hold a spot on my yearly reads for a very long time. Their story is one filled with wit and quirkiness, but also of startling reality. The level at which they understand each other is what real life fairy tales are made of. And the journey they take together through these pages makes my heart both ache with compassion and swell with triumph. So much truth rests within these pages. From the notion of taking interest in someone because of an obscure personality trait, to the earth shattering realization that stupidly tragic things happen all the time, even to the young and in love.

Our full review coming soon. ❤️

Add Teardrop Shot to your TBR or start reading now!

St. Michaels Duet - Harlow Cole 

(Interference & Stealing Home) 

Brayden and Ashley were written in the stars. Stamped on Fate's "to do" list, underlined, and in bold. Brayden has known it most of his life, but convincing Ashley may be a bigger challenge. Not only does this duet cover so many tropes (childhood friends, brothers best friend, sports, first love, second chance... though technically some of those overlap), but its pages guided me through so many emotions. I laughed, I cried, I yelled.. But what really brought me to my knees with this one, was their spark and the poignancy with which their story was portrayed.

Our full review can be found here. 

Add the St. Michaels Duet to your TBR and start reading from the beginning now!

Bad Habit - Charleigh Rose

The heart wants what it wants, even though sometimes we wish we could drop that want like a bad habit (see what I did there? But actually, I didn't.. Charleigh Rose did). Asher is brooding and Briar is naive. He knows both of those facts, but she's in denial about her identifier and confused about why his is true. Their story played out unexpectedly to me, it honestly caught me a little off-guard. But their hearts were so deeply embedded in the ink and their pull was undeniable. These beautifully written minds coaxed my own, inviting it into their world. A calm surrender, into a story that is anything but.

Our full review coming soon. ❤️
Add Bad Habit to your TBR or start reading now!