Playing With Fire - LJ Shen

Ramblings of an Insomniac.. 

LJ Shen is at it again. This time with an unsuspecting heroine. And the colliding of tragedies. Playing With Fire tugged on my compassion. Grace and West may look like an unlikely pair on the service but their slow burn drew me in like cider on a cold day.

Grace Shaw is strength and perseverance personified. While her character served as a reminder of long held insecurities, she is a phoenix in her own right. A determined girl, rising from the ashes of her former self. And when West St. Claire bursts into her life, that path becomes harder to deny.

“I’ve walked through fire before, so I know what I’m getting into ... I’m willing to pay the price.” - Grace Shaw

Brooding and self-assured, West is an unlikely hero with a haunted past of his own. Finding solace in Grace's quiet life is just what this boy's soul needed. Their chemistry is startling and their story had me both crying and cheering. LJ Shen hits the nail in the head with this standalone. Telling another story, packed with power and heart.

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 9/10

Flow: 9/10

Plot: 9/10 

Overall: 9/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

A broken boy on the path to destruction A scarred girl without direction A love story carved in secrets, inked with pain and sealed with a lie. Grace Shaw and West St. Claire are artctic opposites. She is the strange girl from the food truck.

He is the mysterious underground fighter who stormed into her sleepy Texan college town on his motorcycle one day, and has been wreaking havoc since. 

She is invisible to the world He is the town's beloved bad boy

She is a reject He is trouble.

When West thrusts himself into Grace's quiet life, she scrambles to figure out If he is her happily ever after or tragic ending But the harder she pushes him away, the more he pulls her out of her shell. 

Grace doesn't know much about anything beyond her town's limits, but she does know this: She is falling in love with the hottest guy in Sheridan U. 

And when you play with fire-you ought to get burned. 

Rich Prick - Tijan

Ruminations of an Insomniac.. 

Tijan never disappoints me. This one was no exception. I'm sure it was painfully obvious, but I've been in a bit of a book slump. Not that there aren't hundreds of new books and thousands of older ones to read. And it wasn't that I had no interest in reading many of them. My tbr list is almost embarrassingly long. I just found myself not clicking with stories, finding connection in books like I usually do. But then Aspen and Blaise came along and I felt a shift again. This story, was just so full of real life humanity. It captured me. 

More than just the pretty girl, hiding in the shadows. Aspen is the personification of a daisy. A perfect balance of delicate and resilient determination. She represented hope for me, as I watched her bloom up through concrete. But she couldn't have done that, is Blaise had been anyone but himself. With his larger than life personality masking an unexpected reality, he was so raw and real to me.

"I turned to look out over the place I’d never considered my home. For some reason, maybe it was a gut feeling, one of those hunches, but I knew. Something was wrong." - Aspen Monson

Tijan has always depicted characters with complicated depth, well. Her attention to detail draws a vivid picture in my mind. Not just of what the characters look like, but who they actually are. And the slow burning chemistry between Aspen and Blaise wouldn't have been done justice without that depth. Another Tijan great for the collection. Read it. It reignited my love for characters and their stories, maybe it will help you in some way too.

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 8/10

Flow: 10/10

Plot: 9/10 

Overall: 9/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

He walked into school on his first day and owned it. I guess that's what happens when you're a prick, rich, and you're best friends with the ruling school's king. 

Also didn't hurt he's drop dead gorgeous.

That's all fine.

I mean, I have nothing to do with them. I'm a loner, invisible, and that's how I wanted it to be. 

I was even proud of it, until I wasn't.

Until I saw a girl kneel before him. Until I couldn't look away. Until he caught me watching. 

His name is Blaise Devroe. 

My name is Aspen Monson. 

He only knew how to get command, and demand attention. I knew how to do everything but that. 

And this is our story.

*Rich Prick is a full 100k standalone. 

Damaged Elite - Waverly Alexander

Ramblings of a Bookworm...

The second installment of the Darlington Elite series shook me just as much as the first; I was definitely not disappointed. This best friends to lovers full of witty banter, suspense, drama... what more could you ask for? I legitimately snort-laughed several times throughout thanks to the heroine, Kennedy's, spunky attitude, as well as the banter between the Elite who are more like brothers than best friends.

"You need to figure out if you're playing on my team or on your own because it's becoming very apparent that we could destroy each other." - Kennedy Prescott

I was hooked from the first line of the prologue. Kennedy and Zach's story was full of ups and downs, with just enough flare to keep you on your toes. The mystery/suspense aspect from the first novel carried over beautifully in this continuation, and I was happy that there wsas still a focus on the whole friend group and what they're all going through whilst not taking away from the main characters.

Waverly has a knack for writing relatable characters, and Kennedy and Zach were certainly no exception. Everything tied together so wonderfully, but I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed for more; I just can't get enough of the Elite.

Rating

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

Overall: 10/10

Summary

Zachary Masters

For almost two years, Kennedy has been my best friend—she's laughter and comfort, everything I need but don't deserve. I'm not boyfriend material—not with a past like mine, I'm too much like my father. So I've kept those lines firmly drawn in our relationship. But when the Elite became the target of some shady happenings on campus, I had no choice but to move Kennedy in with me. Now, the closer we get, the more protective I feel, and it scares me. I'll keep her safe though, even if it means agony for me. Even if it means keeping her safe from me.

I'll make her hate me before I hurt her.

Kennedy Prescott

I heard about Zach and his penchant for parties and wild nights long before he stumbled past my dorm room looking for a quick escape from a puck bunny. He’s one of the Darlington Elite—the kings of the campus, and I’m the sarcastic, vegan girl who thought the Elite boys were nothing but arrogant, entitled jerks. And they are, to outsiders. But I’m one of them now, and we look out for each other like a family. Zach and I shouldn’t be best friends, but some forces of nature are unavoidable. He pulled me into his world only to push me away.

If he thinks I’m playing this game, he’s in for a rude awakening.

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…