What Do You Want? - K. Dosal Mclendon

Ramblings of a Bookworm...

I have been anxiously awaiting Liam and Vanessa's story, and I was definitely not disappointed.  Their chemistry is undeniable and I found myself unable to put their story down.  Ever since the first installment of the What Do You trilogy, What Do You See?, I've been in love with Liam - in my mind, he's the perfect mix of tall, dark, and handsome with a heart of gold.  Vanessa and Liam are opposites, yet so similar at the same time.

Rules, restrictions, or any kind of limitations are hard for me to follow.  I like dancing on the verge of trouble

Vanessa's sass, spunk, confidence, and love of books quickly made her one of my top heroines, and I found myself cheering for her throughout the novel whilst simultaneously shaking my head at Liam.  No relationship is ever perfect, and these two were no exception.

K. Dosal McLendon is phenomenal at attention to detail without being overly wordy and taking away from the true meaning of the book, as well as weaving a full spectrum of emotions and feelings, and I could truly see and feel every word, every page, every chapter.  I'm so excited to see what she comes out with next.

Rating

Book Boyfriend: 10/10
Flow: 10/10
Plot: 10/10 

Overall: 10/10


Currently available on Kindle. 

*Synopsis*

𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐦
Family, soccer, and friends, it’s what I’m best at.
And after Lucy left seven months ago, it’s all I’ve focused on.
The last year of college is here, and aside from soccer, I don’t know what I want.
Especially after screwing my best friend, the girl with ripped jeans, Doc Martens, and a spicy attitude. Since then, Vanessa’s attitude isn’t the only thing spicing up between us either.
Do I take the risk, knowing I could lose my best friend?
Or stay friends and miss out on the greatest love of my life?
I’m bound to screw something up.
After all, I’m Liam Raynolds.

𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚
I’m always hiding under my laptop or books, bidding in digital currency, hacking, or getting lost with the month’s current read, anything to keep everyone at an arm’s length and my armor intact from becoming someone’s second in life.
Because somehow, I always am.
And the last thing I expected as an international student was finding a best friend who easily chipped away and closed that distance without a trail.
I never planned for Liam; it just happened.
I know what I want, but the clock is ticking, and once I graduate in the fall, I’ll be gone.
Decisions need to be made.
But who’s flipping the coin?

Be My Brayshaw - Meagan Brandy

We've both been (impatiently) waiting for Captain's story, since the Brayshaws stormed into our worlds. You can read our reviews for M&R's story trilogy HERE. But if you're already versed on the initial story, here's our individual takes on Meagan Brandy's newest installment.

Ruminations of an Insomniac..

I have waited for what feels like forever for this moment. To get inside the quiet, contemplative mind of Captain Brayshaw. My connection to his character feels almost kindred. He is the observer. The compassionate soul. The one who processess feelings, by writing. But more than all this, the anchor, tethering each individual Brayshaw into the whole. 

But what happens when Victoria, the blonde spitfire, sneaks in through the shadows of their existence. Just as she is accustomed to doing? Suddenly Captain is thrown off the course he thinks he set. Because what does the observer do when a better observer slinks into ranks? Both of them want to fight their chemistry so vehemently. But how do you fight a pull so strong, it rivals actual gravity? Sooner or later, somethings gotta give. And when that dam does break? What a beautiful disaster it creates. One reminder to myself at a time, to breathe, I fell apart witnessing it all. 

"I said I wanted you to be my Brayshaw, Captain. I never said a damn thing about needing you to become one.” - Victoria Vega

Meagan so intricately orchestrated this story, it legitimately couldn't have been told any other way. I was in awe from beginning to end. She threw every emotion into a centrifuge and opened the lid while it was still spinning. As a result, this book tore me to pieces. It was everything I had hoped it would be, and so much more. It captured me even more than I had anticipated. Her style is true to her, while her writing continues to evolve. And I am so here for it. 

Ramblings of a Bookworm.. 

I have been so anxiously awaiting this release, and Meagan Brandy did not disappoint.  I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Captain, and getting a glimpse inside of his mind was fascinating and beautiful - a boy who is calculating in every action and pours his heart out on paper, with a big heart and a brilliant mind.

Victoria is the yin to his yang; the storm in his calm; the one thing that can knock him off his axis and leave him wondering what the hell just happened.  The way she challenges him in the best possible ways gave me all the feels, their chemistry undeniable.  The story of Captain and Victoria was both heart warming and soul shattering, and I feel an odd sense of honor to have been able to bare witness to it.

“But you want to know me, like I need to know you.” - Captain Brayshaw

This continuation in the Brayshaw world was riveting and perfectly executed.  While waiting for this release killed me, I must say that it was well worth the wait.  Meagan's writing of strong heroes with even stronger heroines never ceases to amaze me; it's not very often that you read about a strong-willed female with the capacity to bring an equally strong-willed male to his knees.

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 10/10

Flow: 10/10

Plot: 10/10 

Overall: 10/10

Currently available on Kindle. 

Synopsis:

“Cross one, cross all.”

That’s the Brayshaw way. 

She should have realized this before sliding into our world with secrets too big to bury.

She didn’t and now the target is on her back.

The day her lies came crashing down, I should have forced her out.

Instead, I locked her in, and with the promise I would never be hers. 

I resisted, fought against us.

I caved. 

I tasted what became my newfound favorite flavor and fell hard for the little liar.

But then the depth of her treachery reveals itself, and with it a reminder.

Our town is a twisted place, and with truth comes trouble.

In the blink of an eye, my world is split at its core, and I’m faced with an impossible decision, one that leads to a single outcome...

Betrayal.

Blowback - Monica James

Ruminations of an Insomniac..

Bull and Tiger are back. And they are lighting fire to the world around them. Just as dark as it's predecessor, but in a different way, Blowback holds it's own and completes The Monsters Within Duet stunningly. Monica James has such a flow with words that I couldn't help being taken hostage by their current. She painted a detailed picture in my mind, capturing me in this world, yet again. 

Jumping back into Bull and Tiger's minds has been a delicious privilege. Consuming darkness and breaking light, they crash together, sparking something akin to a sunrise. Breathtaking and vivid. Stopping me in my tracks. Once again, Monica awakened the little monster living in my mind and rewarded her with a feast. She is sated and probably napping now. But oh, how spoiled her darkness has been by this entire story. 

“I don’t know what happened to you, but the demons inside you, they’ll never go away. They’re a part of you. Don’t try to beat them. They’re what distinguishes you from the rest.” - José 

This book kept me suspended, beginning to end. I'm convinced that Monica James doesn't believe in 'filler' words. Every single word aided in the intricate construction of this plotline. Witty dialogue. Dark romance. Characters that bloom before your eyes. Every piece detailed enough to paint a movie-like image in my mind, but never over-worded. She genuinely hit it out of the park with the conclusion to this duet!

"Blood. It’s what courses through our veins. It doesn’t matter what color we are, what god we believe in, or what language we speak; it’s the common denominator throughout the world." - Bullseye 

My review for the first half, can be found HERE

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 9/10

Flow: 10/10

Plot: 9/10 

Overall: 9/10

Currently available, new release!!! 

Synopsis:

This was supposed to be simple. Vengeance was mine. But I should know by now that nothing in life is easy.

My endgame has changed all because I met someone who wishes I was dead. Yet her hatred is the only thing saving her from The Big Bad. My lies protect her, so the harder she hates, the safer she is.

The thing about love and hate—it skates a very thin line. I need to stay away. It’s better for everyone if I do. But fighting this is like fighting nature.

Our paths crossed for a reason, and my Tiger isn’t fooled. Once the smoke clears, she will see every player, including me. I don’t deserve a second chance. But I want one…because I want her. The question is, what happens when the truth is finally revealed?

With the end in sight, I can promise you there will be nothing but violence and mayhem. 

Oh yes, blood will be shed.

No Prince - Stevie J Cole & LP Lovell

Ruminations of an Insomniac..

Holy hell in a hand basket. Zepp and Monroe just took me on a ride, to say the least. Stevie J Cole and LP Lovell wove these words so stunningly. It's just the story of two kids (I say that, but they're 18) figuring out what love means. But I assure you there is no actual just about any part of it.

Zeppelin Hunt is every girl's bad boy fantasy come to life. And he knows it. Tall, dark and angry; he's rough, with sharp edges. But the pieces of himself he tries to keep hidden, his loyalty and soul, run deep. He knows who he is, without hesitation. Until Monroe James, his best friend's neighbour, steps into his path. Physically, she's Jessica Rabbit, personified. But Monroe is no stranger to a rough life. Dripping with attitude but full of heart, she is exactly what Zepp didn't know he needed. Two poor, rough kids, isn't a dynamic I read about often. So this one felt special.

He felt like home when I’d never truly had one , and I wasn’t sure that was a good thing. - Monroe James

Their connection is like a flash flood. Sweeping in, catching everyone off guard, then leaving catastrophe in its path. I loved the raw edges of this story. The pages doused in the reality of imperfect. Everything from blow out fights to their gut wrenching self-doubt, broke my heart over and over. But there was hope that shone through the cracks. There was love, bigger than so many will encounter. And THAT is what made No Prince so enchanting. 

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 9/10

Flow: 8/10

Plot: 9/10 

Overall: 9/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

Zepp Hunt wasn’t the king of Dayton high school. He was the top of the food chain. And I was next in line to be dragged into the lion’s den. At least that’s what he thought…

Good girls wanted to tame him. Bad girls wanted to be tainted by him. Everyone bowed down to him. And me?

I hated Zeppelin Hunt with every fiber of my being.

Which was why I stayed away from the arrogant bad boy with tattoos and a rap sheet.

Until I couldn’t.

Until we traded favors, and I owed him three months of my life. I never thought I would end up in his bed, and when I did, I had to remind myself that he hated me as much as I hated him.

Until I didn’t.

Zepp Hunt was no prince, and I absolutely refused to be his damsel in distress…

Final Serenade - N.N. Britt

Ramblings of a Bookworm...

I've said it before, I'll say it again - I love rockstar romances, and Final Serenade was no exception.  A magical storyline filled with diverse characters, I was hooked from page 1.  Cassy Evans lives a life that any music fanatic (myself included) would swoon over, getting paid to attend shows and interview the best and brightest in the industry.

I was him and he was me, and it was the scariest and the wildest adventure of my entire life.

Take a moment and think back to when you were a teenager.  Who was your celebrity crush - be it a musician, actor, model, etc?  Mine was Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco.  Now, imagine being an adult, meeting that individual in person and having an instant connection.  Can you picture it?  ...no?  Me neither, which I think is one of the many reasons I fell hard for this novel.  N.N. Britt paints a brilliant picture with just enough twists and turns to keep you engaged.

I was completely enthralled, and I cannot wait until the second installment of The Encore duet, One Last Verse, to become available in May - especially after that cliffhanger.  You're killing me, N.N. Britt... absolutely killing me...

Book Boyfriend: 8/10 

Flow: 10/10

Plot: 9/10

Overall: 9/10

*Synopsis*

A secret affair with your teenage celebrity crush? Yes, please!

Music journalist Cassy Evans believes her career is made when she snags an exclusive interview with rock singer Frankie Blade.

Once a superstar of the generation, Frankie has been a recluse since a freak motorcycle incident sent his career into a tailspin seven years ago. Now that he’s returned to claim back his crown, Cassy hopes to kill two birds with one stone—secure her magazine a top spot in the rankings and meet with the man of her adolescent dreams.

A dinner invitation isn’t what she expects to get out of this interview, but the chemistry between them is undeniable.

With paparazzi watching Frankie’s every move as the two jump into a stormy relationship, Cassy risks her career and her privacy—and possibly her heart—to be with the biggest rockstar on the planet. But is Frankie worth it? Is he the humble man she thinks he is or is he just that good at hiding his demons?

Final Serenade is the first installment in “The Encore” series. Cassy and Frankie’s story concludes in One Last Verse.

Tell Me Pretty Lies - Charleigh Rose

Ramblings of a Bookworm...

I genuinely think this is the highest rating I have given for a book thus far.  I was blown away and on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.  Do you like second-chance romance?  Bully romance?  Step-sibling romance?  All of the above?  If you answered yes to any of those genres, then you're in for a treat, because Tell Me Pretty Lies is all of that combined into the pretty package of Shayne and Thayer.

"That kind of love - the kind that doesn't fade with time or distance - it's rare.  Like catching lightening in a bottle."

Give me a brooding "bad boy" with lip piercings, and I'm already a goner (no shame), but when you pair that with a deeply complex personality, a protective streak a mile wide, and loyalty, almost to a fault?  I had no chance against the charm of Thayer Ames.  Bring in a strong heroine with sass and bravado, and you have the makings of a truly incredible story.

I'm usually pretty good with theories and predicting the ending of a book as I'm reading it, but I can honestly say that Charleigh Rose threw me for a loop.  I had one theory in particular that I stood behind for the majority of this read, and when I found out I was wrong, I straight up just stared at my Kindle for several minutes, reading the same few sentences over and over, shook to the core.  Beautifully written, intricately woven, character depth and development...  Tell Me Pretty Lies was a journey that I'm thrilled to have been on.

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

*Synopsis*

Three things my mother acquired when she became engaged:

1. A brand new Tiffany's ring.
2. A lavish home on Heartbreak Hill.
3. Three privileged stepsons.

The last thing I expected was to fall for one of them, least of all Thayer Ames.
Beautiful, brooding, and untouchable.
I knew it was a bad idea. He warned me himself.
But he was a thunderstorm, and I never could resist the rain.
It was perfect…
Until it wasn’t.
One night was all it took for our world to crumble, leaving only secrets and lies between us.
Now, I have to face him again, but the boy I used to know has become the man who loves to hate me.

Glass Heart Savage - Lindsey Iler

Ruminations of an Insomniac.. 

Ever read a whole book with your heart in your throat? Because I have. Lindsey Iler killed me yet again with her newest novel, Glass Heart Savage (Book 1 - Glass Heart Academy). The pages, saturated with darkness and mystery held me captive.

Dynamite with a lit fuse. Only a matter of time before significant damage is done. Marek and Palmer are explosive, a dark secretive boy and a sassy underestimated girl. Both whom play their parts seamlessly. With the added intrigue of equally vivid secondary characters (that are going to be getting their own books too!! Eeep!) this story kicks off the series flawlessly.

“You have glass hearts. All four of you. It’s just a matter of time before someone comes along and exposes the cracks.” - Palmer Weston

I do need to take a breath though and admit to you that I may or may not have tossed my Kindle (it survived) when the pages ended.. THAT CLIFFHANGER. Lindsey, girl, what are you trying to do to me?? Suffice to say, I cannot wait for the next Glass Heart Academy installment. Are you ready to burn whatever weighs down your spirit?

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 9/10 

Flow: 9/10

Plot: 10/10 

Overall: 9/10 (only because that cliffhanger KILLED me) 

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

Glass Heart Savage is a dark, bully romance set in the world of the privileged and depraved that will have you questioning everything you think you know about the boys at the top of the hill.

HAVOC. DECEIT. PRIVILEGE.

The elite come to play on the campus of Glass Heart Academy.

Palmer

My sister was their everything. I’m their nothing.

They waited three hundred and sixty-five days after her disappearance to acknowledge I’m alive.

Their wicked games should scare me.

Except they don’t know I’m not much different than her.

Marek

Palmer Weston isn’t anything like her sister.

She’s sweet and naive. There are plenty of reasons why I should keep my distance.

Except where’s the fun in that.

I’m a boy who loves his toys and I’ve kept her on the shelf long enough.

It seems someone is determined on giving Palmer the same fate as her sister.

Problem is I’ve never been good at sharing.

Warning: Glass Heart Savage is the first title in Glass Heart Academy Series. This is a series of New Adult/High School titles and recommended for mature readers due to graphic language and sexual content.