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BOOK REVIEW: Fraternize (Players Game #1) by Rachel Van Dyken

BOOK REVIEW: Fraternize (Players Game #1) by Rachel Van DykenFraternize (Players Game #1)
by Rachel Van Dyken
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken kicks off a brand-new series in which romance is a game and love is a touchdown.

Emerson just made her dream come true as a professional cheerleader for her favorite pro football team. But even though the plus-size athlete is breaking down boundaries, she still has to contend with the massive rulebook. Carbs? Nope. Chocolate? Definitely not. Still, Emerson loves her curves, and she’ll rock the hell out of this job even if it kills her. Except for one mandate that is easier read than done…

No fraternizing with the players.

Problem one is Miller Quinton: Emerson’s first love, first sex, and the guy who still ignites her daydreams and R-rated fantasies. Thrown back together, Miller and Emerson feel the undeniable pull of passion again, even if the conflict that tore them apart seems insurmountable. Then there’s way-too-sexy Grant Sanchez. He has a serious reputation with the ladies, and when it comes to winning someone he wants, he doesn’t let anyone stand in his way.

Now Emerson is breaking every rule in the manual. But what she doesn’t know is that she’s part of a wicked little game—one that could steal both her dream and her heart.

Review:
The man kissed like he played—without apology and without fear.

With hilarious humor, lovable characters and a story line that was to die for, Fraternize became one of my favorites by Rachel Van Dyken.  I easily found myself emotionally invested and I couldn’t stop the gasps, screams, happy tears or ugly crying that happened.  This book was absolutely everything and I’ve come to realize that Rachel Van Dyken is the queen of love triangles.  Every single time she makes me fall for both of the guys and I end up loving the outcome, I don’t know how she does it!  

Things were looking up.
But I had to know the universe wasn’t going to be in my corner for much longer. You can only steal all the luck for so long. – Emerson

You guys, I absolutely loved Emerson!  She was strong, determined, worked her butt off and was such a good person.  I loved that we got to watch her dream come true of being a professional cheerleader.  But with her new job came a slew of rules that ranged from what she was allowed to eat to not fraternizing with the football players.  And while she thought the no fraternizing rule would be easy enough, that quickly changed when two men stepped into her life.

Me: I missed you.
Miller: That’s in the past.
Me: Deal.
Miller: And Em?
Me: Yeah?
Miller: I’m pretty sure, I missed you more . .

One of the guys was Miller Quinton, and from that first chapter we jumped back in time to when him and Emerson were in High School.  Stolen moments from Emerson and Miller’s past crashed into the current and it always stole my breath away.  Their memories were so powerful.  Not only had they been best friends since they were seven, but she even lost her virginity to him when they were teenagers.  We quickly saw that Miller was charming, sexy and he knew how to make Emerson smile.  So of course I jumped right on Team Miller!  With him being transferred to the football team that Emerson cheered for, I couldn’t wait to see them back together.  It didn’t matter that they were no longer friends, feelings like that don’t just go away!

“Why?” I had a hard time finding my voice as he slowly moved his head back up. It was impossible not to feel the heat from his body.
He stopped, looking me in the eye. “Because one day, he’s going to regret walking away from you. And I want to be there when it’s too late—when you’re in my arms, my bed instead.” – Emerson and Sanchez

But then Grant Sanchez walked into the story and he stole my breath too.  He made me laugh, smile and I loved his friendly personality.  He slowly started to invade Emerson’s world, since he was a football player on the team Emerson cheered for, and he knew what he wanted.  Emerson.  I loved that he messed with Miller, to help Emerson get back at him.  I loved that Sanchez helped pick her up, when her heart was hurting from Miller.  And I loved that he was not only a ton of fun, but constantly made Emerson laugh.  But there was a hiccup.  Sanchez was the hugest player ever, so could Emerson even trust him?  While watching the story unfold, there was a profound moment that I knew I completely trusted Sanchez.  But then I paused, I was now on Team Miller and Team Sanchez.  What’s a girl to do?

His demeanor changed around her.
And even though she would die before admitting it, hers changed around him.
She was less guarded—and she smiled. She fucking smiled.
I swallowed my hurt.
My pride.
And the breaking in my heart as I nodded toward him and mouthed, “
Friends.” – Miller to Sanchez

The fact that Miller and Sanchez were not only teammates but friends, proved all over again what amazing men they both were.  I wanted Miller and Sanchez to get their HEAs, because they both deserved it.  But the story came to the point, where I knew without a shadow of a doubt who I wanted Emerson to be with.  I felt guilty that I chose one of them, but I kept hoping the other would find true love too.  

What was happening?
What was I doing?
This wasn’t how the story was supposed to go.

So I definitely recommend Fraternize to everyone that adores romance, sports and love triangles done right.  But there’s so much more in this story that I didn’t even touch on.  The games were so much fun to read about!  I loved watching Emerson make friends with Kinsey, whom I adored.  And there was something in Emerson’s life, with her dad, that hit close to home with someone I love.  While her heart broke, mine did too and I ugly cried.  This book constantly made me run the gauntlet of emotions!  Especially with that ending, which was absolutely perfect.  On top of that we were even given an epilogue that has me beyond ecstatic for the next book!  I can’t wait to pick up Infraction, I just know it’s going to be fabulous!

BOOK REVIEW: The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black

BOOK REVIEW: The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly BlackThe Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2)
by Holly Black
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring.

The first lesson is to make yourself strong.

After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.

When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.

“Carda—” I remember myself and sink into a bow. “Your Infernal Majesty.”

I honestly feel like I am one of the last people on GR to have read this book. I want to commend all of you, though, because even though I did skim a lot of reviews and saw a million different versions of the sentence “WTF THAT ENDING, THO” I never once was spoiled! Do you know how rare that is?!?!? I think you all probably do. So great job, everyone. I really appreciate it because even though I was dreading/terrified of finding out what the ending was, I really thought I might have figured it out before I did. Hahahahahah nope. What a sucker punch. You better believe I have loads to say about it under a spoiler tag later on…

Cardan gives me a look up through his lashes that I find hard to interpret and then rises, too. He takes my hand. “Nothing is sweeter,” he says, kissing the back of it, “but that which is scarce.”

Soooo basically this book was WAY better than the first. I liked the first, I liked the characters, but looking back I hadn’t connected like I should have. I was sucked into this one immediately. It seemed like we hit the ground running with Jude, right on the very first page. She already had so many schemes going on and I was so nervous for her. Honestly even though Cardan is the appeal factor in this series, Jude makes the entire thing. SHE IS SO BAD ASS. I’ve been thinking about this for a few days now and I think Black went above and beyond with her character. There were points in both books where I would…get annoyed (?) whenever she mentioned being frightened when she was around a certain character or her life was being threatened. I kept thinking, ‘Jude, you’ve lived in this place all your life and look how far you’ve made it! Why are you scared??’ BUT. YOU GUYS. That is so dumb of me because she’s human! And mortal! And her body is relatively so fragile. And…I honestly think that all of those facts make it that much more impressive that she tricked Cardan into taking the crown and became his seneschal and literally every other plot she’s put into movement. And the fact that she’s tricked faeries that have been alive for probably centuries is just….it’s so good. I love her. And I also love that even though she’s accomplished all of those things, she’s completely clueless when it comes to feelings involving Cardan. I’m leaving that subject alone though haha. That’s for the reader to enjoy alllll on their own.

“You made me the High King, Jude. Let me be the High King.”

AND SPEAKING OF CARDAN. I fell so much deeper in this book. My interest was certainly piqued in the last 25% of CP but in this one we get to know him so much better and find out that he has so much more to him than you initially would think. He’s funny AF. SO FUNNY. He *cares* about Jude. He has what it takes to truly be a really great king. I mean, wow. I was glued to very single interaction between him and Jude. Like she just didn’t get it and that can’t be more funny to me (while also wanting to hug her and then let her know) hahaha. How could he have been more clear??!?! 

Now it is time for me to spew spoilers under a tag below this SO IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW, DON’T LOOK!

Maybe I wouldn’t have to be afraid to love him. Maybe it would be okay. Maybe I wouldn’t have to be scared of all the things I’ve been scared of my whole life, of being diminished and weak and lesser. Maybe I would become a little bit magic.

View Spoiler »

BOOK REVIEW: Sherwood by Meagan Spooner

BOOK REVIEW: Sherwood by Meagan SpoonerSherwood by Meagan Spooner
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

When news comes that he's fallen in battle at the King's side in the Holy Land, Maid Marian doesn’t know how she’ll go on. Betrothed to Robin, she was free to be herself, to flout the stifling rules of traditional society and share an equal voice with her beloved when it came to caring for the people of her land.

Now Marian is alone, with no voice of her own. The people of Locksley, persecuted by the Sheriff of Nottingham, are doomed to live in poverty or else face death by hanging. The dreadful Guy of Gisborne, the Sherriff’s right hand, wishes to step into Robin’s shoes as Lord of Locksley, and Marian’s fiancé. Society demands that she accept her fate, and watch helplessly as her people starve.

When Marian dons Robin's green cloak, and takes up his sword and bow, she never intended that anyone should mistake her for Robin, returned from the Holy Land as a vigilante. She never intended that the masked, cloaked figure she created should stand as a beacon of hope and justice to peasant and noble alike. She never intended to become a legend.

But all of Nottingham is crying out for a savior. So Marian must choose to make her own fate and become her own hero...

Robin Hood.

Thank you to Edelweiss and Harper Collins for my ARC. Sherwood will be released on March 19, 2019.

I am the Lady Marian. I am a free woman and I am loved by Robin of Locksley. I don’t shatter for someone like Guy of Gisborne.

Sherwood was another very good book from Meagan Spooner. I previously enjoyed Hunted, Spooner’s take on “Beauty and the Beast.” This time it is the legend of Robin Hood, with Marian stepping up to take Robin of Locksley’s place after he is killed in battle.

Marian is an excellent main character. She takes her grief and sorrow over losing Robin and channels it into doing good for the people of Sherwood. Along the way, a fantastic cast of side characters help her steal from the rich to help the poor. She is strong and unwavering in her belief in right and wrong, yet is not immune from pain and sadness for those she cares for. She constantly goes out of her way to spare anyone unnecessary and pain and even when it is necessary, she feels guilty for what she has done. Marian is not morally grey–she does what she believes is right and doesn’t second guess herself.

Madness, then, she thought with a grin. And then, missing the feel of wool on her fingertips, she thought, Robin would have loved it.

We are introduced to Robin with a series of flashbacks and his voice in her heard. I loved Robin’s character. He is funny and sweet and charming. View Spoiler » Robin’s voice is constantly in Marian’s head, guiding her through her foray into becoming Robin Hood.

Robin’s voice in her thoughts was gentle. Will you take away their hope because you have none?

As I mentioned before, I thought the side characters of Alan, Will, John and Elana were all quite likeable and well-written. And in usual Meagan Spooner fashion, it was written quite beautifully and the world building was excellent.

You must be wondering, if all of this is good, why only 4 stars, Cassie? Well, unfortunately for me, I didn’t love the romance angle of this. Spoilers hidden for those who haven’t read/don’t want to know:

View Spoiler »

Overall, this was another wonderful book by Spooner. I really enjoyed it and if you were a fan of Hunted or the Scarlet series, you will likely enjoy this as well. I’m sure there will be plenty of people who disagree with me regarding the romance, but I’m ok with that. I’m looking forward to whatever Spooner writes next.

BOOK REVIEW: Dangerous Hearts (A Stolen Melody Duet #1) by K.K. Allen

BOOK REVIEW: Dangerous Hearts (A Stolen Melody Duet #1) by K.K. AllenDangerous Hearts (A Stolen Melody Duet #1)
by K.K. Allen
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

His heart beats for the music. She's his favorite song.

Lyric Cassidy knows a thing or two about bad boy rock stars with raspy vocals. In fact, her heart was just played by one. So when she takes an assignment as road manager for the world famous rock star, Wolf, she's prepared to take him on, full suit of heart-armor intact.

Wolf is the sexy lead singer for the hottest rock band around with a line-up of guaranteed one night stands. Lyric Cassidy isn't one of them. That's fine with him. Women like Lyric come with fairytale expectations, so it should be easy to stay away. Too bad she's hot as sin with a fiery temper and a mouth that drives him wild.

She's also got something to hide. Something he discovers. Something he wants ...

Sharing a tour bus, neither of them are prepared for the miles of road ahead and the fierce attraction they feel toward one another--a dangerous combination.

Review:

Dangerous Hearts was an emotionally packed story that quickly grabbed a hold of my heart.  If you love rocker romances, then you’re in for a treat with this duology.  It was witty, fun and charming while also being sexy and seductive.  I devoured these books way too fast and I can’t wait to pick up another book by KK Allen.

Music is my everything. It’s the air I breathe. The beat I walk to. The blood in my veins. It’s what lulls me to sleep at night. What carries me through the storms of my life … like the one that just passed. – Lyric

Lyric Cassidy was the daughter of a pop goddess and a rock star.  After having her heart-broken by a bad boy rocker, Lyric was determined she wouldn’t fall for Wolf Chapman’s charms.  He was the lead singer of the world-famous band she was going to manage and go on tour with.  Not only was he another bad boy, but he was a serious player.  Sure he was beyond gorgeous and crazy talented, but his reputation had Lyric’s walls up high.  Her heart would not be broken again.

My hand shoots out and smacks his chest. He laughs, but catches my hand. “Don’t be an asshole. I was just starting to like you.”
“Really?” His brows shoot up and I immediately regret my statement. When I try to pull away he tugs me closer and wraps his hand around mine.
His nose runs a line from my ear down my neck, and then he presses his lips into the soft spot at its base. I try to ignore the shiver that ripples through me, laughing instead as I try to push him away.

I liked Lyric right from the start.  She was strong-willed, a hard worker, kind and amazingly talented.  Lyric wrote songs that were beautifully breathtaking and they spoke deep into my soul.  Yet that talent was just one of the many secrets that she kept hidden.  And she didn’t just guard her secrets, but her heart too.  After being hurt by people, I got why she was standoffish when she met Wolf.  She had already been there and didn’t want to go down that road again.  But Wolf was hard to ignore. And even harder to resist.

I want Lyric beneath me, wrapped around me, slipping and sliding with me until her moans turn to screams. I fucking want her. And I want her words, too. Her angry lyrics, her vulnerable confessions. I want it all. – Wolf

Wolf was cocky, seductive, charming and the world was his oyster.  One night stands, alcohol and music was what filled his life.  He didn’t date and he definitely didn’t fall in love.  But the more I got to see who he truly was, oh wow, I fell hard.  I absolutely loved Wolf.  He was caring, sweet, thoughtful and so much more than he portrayed to the world.  And I loved that he was brutally honest with us, we got to hear all of his thoughts.  But with Lyric in the picture now, his world was slowly going to start to change.

If anything can illuminate the darkness, it’s the feelings I have for this woman right here.
 
His words seep into my cracked exterior and soak my heart, turning it to mush.

Once the tour started, it was obvious that he wanted her and she wanted him.  And as they started to work together and get to know each other, a tentative friendship was formed.  But Lyric and Wolf had both been damaged from their pasts, so every step forward was touching to watch.  Their journey was extremely emotional, especially since they both had so much to learn.  But Lyric had more to learn and she frustrated me a few times.  We learn why she is the way she is in the next book and I was thankful that I got to understand her a lot better.

He leans in closer so I can feel his cheek just barely scrape mine. “I’m not who you want me to be.” His tone is gentle now, apologetic. “I’m not what you need.”
I reach out, gripping his waist as another tear falls.
With a stuttered breath, I take his words and accept them, pull away from his warmth, and walk away without looking back.
“I know,” I whisper.

So yes, I definitely recommend this duology!  There was friendship, romance, rock n roll, the excitement of the concerts and we got to see everything that happened backstage, on the bus and in the hotels eeps.  On top of all of that, this book had some of the most scorching hot scenes.  It was all so perfectly drawn out and beyond seductive *fans face*.  So definitely pick this one up if you adore romance and rocker stories, you don’t want to miss out!

BOOK REVIEW: Destined Hearts (A Stolen Melody Duet #2) by K.K. Allen

BOOK REVIEW: Destined Hearts (A Stolen Melody Duet #2) by K.K. AllenDestined Hearts (A Stolen Melody Duet #2)
by K.K. Allen
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Two wrongs don't mend hearts like ours.

Lyric Cassidy is off the tour, lost as to what her next career move will be, and certain that she'll never love again after Wolf. All because of a social media scandal that left her with no choice but to pack up and face the consequences. When she learns that the fate of her career is in her hands, she has a difficult decision to make. Step back on the tour bus with Wolf and deal with the mess she left behind, or end her contract early and lose her job at Perform Live?

Wolf's shattered heart finds no resolve in giving Lyric a chance to come back on tour. He can never be with her again. Not after she walked away. Conflicted with wants and needs, he struggles to remember who Wolf was before Lyric. That's what he needs to become again. Maybe then his heart will be safe. Or maybe there's no hope for the damaged.

But with stolen dreams, betrayals, and terrifying threats--no one's heart is safe. Not even the ones that may be destined to be together.

Review:
I’ve found my perfect song. And there will never be a sweeter melody than Lyric.

Destined Hearts was a fabulous follow-up to Dangerous Hearts.  Angst, true love, devotion and friendship flooded the pages and I kept my fingers crossed that Lyric and Wolf would get the HEA they deserved.  But while reading this duology, I realized that I had fallen in love with the way KK Allen uses her words.  How she uses them to tell a story and capture the characters thoughts and actions is emotionally powerful.  Her writing is captivating, enchanting and entirely addicting.  I definitely need to binge the rest of her books!  So looking back, here are a few of my favorite things about Dangerous Hearts……

Wolf’s palms rub up and down the top of my thighs as he looks at me darkly beneath hooded lids. “What the fuck are you doing, Lyric?” His voice is low and gravely, filled with hurt and desire. Such a dangerous combination. But isn’t that what we’ve always been together? Two dangerous hearts that happened to find solace in each other’s arms?

 

Figuring It Out:

Lyric and Wolf’s words hurt each other, and they sliced each others hearts open.  It was raw and this book was even more emotional than Dangerous Hearts.  Especially since we got to dive back into their lives and learn even more about who they were.  As we started to see the full picture of Lyric’s past, my heart broke for her.  It was obvious how much the past hindered her, and I loved watching her try to figure out how to help herself heal.  For her to be happy with her life, she had so much to work through.  From trusting Wolf, to dealing with her mother, to rekindling a relationship with her father, she had so much on her plate.  I was so proud of how hard Lyric worked and how far she came.  Especially with Wolf.

Fear and hope crash like waves inside my rib cage. Fear that he’ll awaken and push me away. Hope that he’ll eventually forgive me.

Side Characters That Mattered:

Thankfully Lyric had some amazing people in her life, like her best friend Terese.  I loved how Terese gave Lyric advice that was straight and to the point.  She desperately needed that in her life.  Since Terese was dating one of the band members, I was grateful that she there when everything kept crashing down.  I was also so grateful for Doug.  He was like family to Lyric and I loved how he looked out for her.  But my favorite of all was Lyric’s dad. I can’t say why, because of spoilers.  But he was an amazing and heartfelt human being.

God, I’ve missed this man. The way my body responds to him. The way he worships me with each touch.

Different Elements:

There were some scenes in Destined Hearts that was unlike anything we saw in Dangerous Hearts.  There was mystery, suspense and some intense action packed moments.  My heart beat faster and I was so terrified for what unfolded that I actually screamed out loud. So hold on tight because it was a wild and crazy ride!

“You have my everything for as long as you want it.”
“Forever, then. I want all of you. And I want you forever.”

Ohhh I also have to mention that one of my favorite things about this book was Wolf’s patience.  It was the most beautiful thing ever. He was truly a remarkable being, inside and out.  Plus, the romantic moments were again scorching hot.  KK Allen knows how to right a scene that is beyond seductive and erotic.  Sigh.  So yes, I definitely recommend this duology!  If you adore romance, rockers or stories that have a beautiful way of being told then definitely pick up A Stolen Melody Duet!  I’m so thankful I did!

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