Tag: Romance (Page 77 of 122)

Item: The Spinster and the Rake
Rating: 4
Author: Jen

BOOK REVIEW: The Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower #1) by Eva Devon

February 9, 2021 / Jen / 6 Comments

The Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower #1)
by Eva Devon
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The marriage game is afoot in this clever blend of My Fair Lady meets Pride and Prejudice with a twist!

Edward Stanhope, the icy Duke of Thornfield, likes his life in a certain order. Give him a strong drink, a good book, and his dog for company, and he’s content. But when he goes to his library and finds a woman sitting in his chair, petting his dog, what starts as a request for her to leave quickly turns to a fiery battle of wits, leading to a steamy kiss that could ruin them both if they were caught.

So of course, damn it all, that’s when Edward’s aunt walks in, and thereafter announces Miss Georgiana Bly is the future Duchess of Thornfield.

Georgiana was content to be a spinster, spending her days reading and working to keep her family out of debt. But now her days are spent locked away with a growly duke, learning how to be the perfect duchess, and her nights spent fighting the undeniable attraction to a man who was never meant for her.

As their wedding day approaches, the attraction between them burns hot and fierce, but is it enough to melt the duke’s chilly facade?

Review:

The Spinster and the Rake was a delightful romance that left me with a smile on my face. If you’re a fan of historical romance and opposites attracts, then you’ll definitely want to add this one to your tbr!

Georgiana knew she had to simply accept the fact that she was marrying a man who would likely never love her. Who might not even know how to. Still, it was…hard.

Edward Stanhope, the Duke of Thornfield, always had women trying to snare him. Even though he had a cold, icy exterior. So when Edward went into his library, to get away from life for a moment, there was a woman sitting in his chair who refused to leave. After a verbal sparring and a passionate kiss, which unfortunately had an audience, he was left with the tough decision to make Georgiana the future Duchess of Thornfield.

Vindication coursed through her veins. At long last, she had shaken him and nothing could have felt better in this moment. Not even his kiss.

I loved Georgiana! She was honest, brave and had a strong head on her shoulders. I was delighted how vocal Georgiana could be and that she had no filter when it came to talking with Edward. She definitely kept the Duke on his toes! But I felt awful for her. She did not want to be a duchess and people would talk. Why would a Duke even become engaged to someone like her? It wasn’t feasible. But fate has a funny way of intervening in our lives.

“I am not a dog, Your Grace.”
“My dog is obedient and causes me a great deal of happiness. So we can agree on that point. You, Miss Bly, are not a dog.”
She gasped.

Edward was such a mystery to me, and we got to be in his head too. He seemed judgey and to assume the worst at times. His walls were built up so high making him a challenge to get to know. But while he was regal, I loved how Georgiana made him falter and pause at times. I enjoyed that she was capable of making him see things in other ways, especially in regards to his behavior. So while it took us a while to get to know him inside and out, it was worth the wait. As Edward started to come out of his shell to Georgiana, you guys I melted. There was this other side of him that wanted to make her happy and please her. Every single tiny gesture or thought Edward did for Georgiana lit up my entire world!

This.
This was what would bring them together, even when everything else was tearing them apart. Of that he was certain.
Her lips parted as she gasped against him.

When Georgiana and Edward were together, they were fire and ice. I loved watching how they butted heads, but they had to get to know each other. And it wasn’t a quick process. They both had so much to learn about not only each other, but what their new future would be like too. Georgiana would no longer be spending her life as a spinster and Edward wouldn’t be living his life in solitude anymore. While there was common ground here and there, they had to work to make their relationship grow. And all the while, the passion between them burned brightly.

Edward wished her to be happy…
Much to his amazement, he wished it with all his heart. But most of all, he hoped they could find happiness together.

The Spinster and the Rake was an entertaining story that romance lovers will enjoy. And if you love HEAs, you’re going to love the epilogue in this book! It was fabulous! While Eva Devon is a new to me author, I’ll definitely be checking out her other books!

PS Their game of bowls…..oh my heart that was the moment that gave me so much hope and love in my heart. They both give a little, have fun and I’m falling in love with them together.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Blue Skies by T.L. Martin

February 8, 2021 / Jen / 2 Comments

Blue Skies by T.L. Martin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
All Blue Everest wants is the wide open sky above her head and the soft earth beneath her feet. And maybe to spread a little love where she can. When she gets the opportunity to live with a father she’s never met and to enroll in public school for the first time, she brings her optimistic and free-spirited nature with her.

But it’s not long before she meets her polar opposite, Joshua Hunt, whose hard edges resist every smile she sends his way . . .

Hunt’s never met a girl who smiles so easily. It can’t be normal. Combine that with the flowers in her hair, constant daydreaming, and a knack for sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong—and he wants nothing to do with Blue Everest. He’s got enough going on without her distractions, and everything, everyone, he cares about is depending on him to stay focused.

Blue’s ready to go wherever the wind takes her, and Hunt’s determined to steer his own ship. But sometimes the wind changes course, pulling two people into a rough and devastating storm that can crush the strongest of hearts. And sometimes, it takes more than you ever thought you were capable of to get back to blue skies.

CONTENT WARNING: contains sex, profanity, and sensitive subject matter, including addiction and suicide.

Review:

Blue Skies was a story filled with hope, love, family, secrets, hurt and trust. The writing had this calming effect, even though you were taken on a sea of emotions. So if you’re a fan of opposites attract and YA books that are seductive and hot, then definitely add this one to your tbr!

So often we don’t see—let alone feel—the magic in the moments we’re making until we’re old enough to pause and view them as memories.

Blue was going to be staying with her dad, who she had never met or even knew existed until now. I was beyond nervous for Blue and had no clue what to expect, just like her. Not only was she meeting her dad for the first time, but his wife and stepdaughter too. And to top it all off, she was going to public school where she knew no one. What unfolded was a beautifully slow, methodical tale of family, love and the journeys we face.

I don’t know how so much intensity could be locked inside one person—the kind of intensity that sucks the oxygen from my lungs. He’s like the night sky just before a tornado hits: heavy and quiet all at once, whispering secret, dangerous promises and threatening to erupt at any moment.
But I don’t want to stop it.

I adored Blue! She was a hippy girl who was kindhearted and saw the world for all of its sunshine and happiness. She had so much hope and love in her heart. And I loved that Blue took journeys in the most optimistic of ways. She was a breath of fresh air in YA, and someone that could help others find the good in their lives. So Blue was carefree, yet thoughtful of those around her. But right from the start, she saw a boy out her new bedroom window. And he was one that was going to completely change her world.

He’s so certain the universe has sewn him together with dark, misshapen parts. But I’m looking, I’m always looking, and these aren’t the actions of a sick or corrupted soul.
His scare tactics won’t work on me.

Joshua Hunt lived in the guesthouse of her father’s home, and we also got to hear the story from his pov. I loved Joshua. He was all rugged, thunderclouds and seemed to have a wealth of secrets. He was haunted by his past and present, so Joshua had this cold exterior and kept everyone at arms length away. And while he was attracted to Blue. he needed to keep his focus on school. He didn’t want to be bothered with distractions. But Blue had this way of pulling him out of his shell. So as he started to share little pieces of his life with her, oh my heart. Even though it wasn’t much, it felt like the world to me.

“What are you doing?” I breathe even though his body tells me everything. I want to hear it in his voice.
A muscle twitches in his jaw, and his strong grip clutches the back of my neck. “Something I’ve wanted to do for too damn long,” he rasps, his lips almost brushing mine. But then he stops. Shuts his eyes. “Tell me it’s okay, Blue. Tell me to kiss you.”
My heart thumps. My knees sway.
“Kiss me.”

I loved watching Blue and Joshua in and out of school. Being the new girl, and different at that, my heart hurt watching her be bullied. But then there was Joshua, silently watching everything unfold. And when he was protective or thoughtful of her?! Sigh. I’m a huge sucker for those types of moments. And later on when things became physical, you guyyyysssss, it was deliciously seductive and oh so hot *fans face*!

He tears his lips from mine, dragging them down my throat, “So . . .”—my collarbone—“fucking . . .”—my shoulder—“perfect.” Then he returns to my mouth.
A deep shiver chases my spine.

Blue Skies was an emotional tale about first love and family. While I wanted to rush or fast forward a few things in the latter half of this story, I understand that that was not how Blue and Joshua worked. And looking back, there are so many things I didn’t even touch upon. One being how we got to watch the relationship between Blue and her father, Tim, develop. Tim was one of my favorite characters in this book, besides Blue and Joshua. So I loved that this book was also about family, and watching how one grows and blends together. With first love and opposites attract, I really enjoyed this book! I’ll definitely be looking into Martin’s other books!

For every jagged edge he gives me, I give him some of my softness in return. He nips my lower lip, and I gently lick his. He fists my hair, and I glide my fingertips down his tense back.

BOOK REVIEW: Dating Makes Perfect by Pintip Dunn

January 27, 2021 / Jen / 12 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: Dating Makes Perfect by Pintip Dunn Dating Makes Perfect by Pintip Dunn
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The Tech sisters don’t date in high school. Not because they’re not asked. Not because they’re not interested. Not even because no one can pronounce their long, Thai last name―hence the shortened, awkward moniker. But simply because they’re not allowed.

Until now.

In a move that other Asian American girls know all too well, six months after the older Tech twins got to college, their parents asked, “Why aren’t you engaged yet?” The sisters retaliated by vowing that they won’t marry for ten (maybe even twenty!) years, not until they’ve had lots of the dating practice that they didn’t get in high school.

In a shocking war on the status quo, her parents now insist that their youngest daughter, Orrawin (aka “Winnie”), must practice fake dating in high school. Under their watchful eyes, of course―and organized based on their favorite rom-coms. ’Cause that won’t end in disaster.

The first candidate? The son of their longtime friends, Mat Songsomboon―arrogant, infuriating, and way too good-looking. Winnie’s known him since they were toddlers throwing sticky rice balls at each other. And her parents love him.

If only he weren’t her sworn enemy.

Review:

Dating Makes Perfect was beyond adorable and so much fun! With a story line that played out like I was watching a movie, characters that leaped off of the pages and moments that made my heart beat faster, this book easily became an instant favorite! If you love enemies to lovers and young adult, then you’ll definitely want to add this one to your tbr!

**My breath catches. What is he doing? He wouldn’t kiss me, like he threatened. Would he? No way. But he’s so close…
He leans even farther—and then plucks the notebook right off my lap.
Right. That’s what he was going for. The notebook.**

Winnie’s parents expected their twin daughters, Ari and Bunny, to already be engaged within their first year of college. Their no dating rule in high school completely backfired on them. In hopes of fixing their mistakes, they let Winnie know she’ll be the first Tran daughter to date in high school. Yet with some rules. One….her parents get to determine when and where the dates happen. Two…..they get to decide who she dates. And her first date will be with family friend, and arch nemesis and sworn enemy for life, Mat.

Fueled by a sudden clarity, I reach out and touch his sleeve. I want to take back my words. I want to get past our sniping. I want to be friends again.
Before I can say anything, he rips away his arm and takes off.

I loved Winnie! From how bold she could be to even her thoughts, I so wish she could be my bff! But my heart hurt for her anger and pain towards Mat. One day in middle school he just decided not to be her best friend anymore. And four years later she still carried that pain in her heart. Thankfully Winnie had creative outlets for it, like shooting a drawing of him with her nerf gun lol. Or getting back at him with her art project, she was so smart and creative! I was beyond grateful she had her bestie Kavya, who she could pour her heart out to, since her sisters were away at college. But ironically the one who always seemed to be around, even if she didn’t want him to be, was Mat.

Mat’s smug, annoying face comes into focus. He leans over, so close that his hot breath caresses my skin.
“Gotcha,” he says very, very softly.

I have a confession, I was obsessed with Mat Songsomboon. Yes he could be a complete jerk and his words stabbed Winnie’s heart at times. But even while he hurt her, I loved him with my whole heart. So when he messed with Winnie? Ohhhh it made me love him even more *covers face with hands*. You see, he also teased her and it was in this playful, seductive and hilarious way. It made him impossible to hate. Especially when his words and actions mesmerized me. Mat was infuriating while also being sexy. And while I went back and forth of does he or does he not want her, it left me desperately wanting to know his every single thoughts. Especially during the moments he was thoughtful and protective of Winnie. If you love complicated males, you’re going to love Mat!

He takes a shaky breath. “I’m proving that one thing has nothing to do with the other. For example, you could kiss me right now. And I’d let you. In fact , I’d kiss you back. But that wouldn’t change my feelings toward you. I’d still loathe you just as much as I did before.”
I narrow my eyes. Because I don’t believe him.

The dates that Winnie went on?! I was OBSESSED! Winnie’s mom tried to recreate moments from favorite movies and it was epically hilarious! From How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (my favorite movie!), to Pretty Women, to My Best Friend’s Wedding and so many more, I loved how it made this story play out! And while Mat and Winnie could be so cute and playful together, when they weren’t trying to knock the other one down. There were also sentimental moments that melted my heart and emotional ones that cut me to the core. Both of their pain was so palpable and while they knew each other inside out as kids, it wasn’t the same now that they were in their teens. There was a lot of healing for them to do, but in the meantime neither could deny the chemistry that was there.

“You want me to say that you’re stunning? That I wish I could take a photo, so that I can look at you all day? That the material is soft and touchable— and as skimpy as it is, it still covers way too much?” His eyes are black and furious and mesmerizing. I couldn’t look away if I tried. “Yeah, I could’ve said all that. No doubt, that’s what Taran’s going to be thinking. But I didn’t, because I have too much respect for you. Even after everything we’ve been through.”
“You’re lying,” I croak.
He raises an eyebrow.

Dating Makes Perfect swept me away and will stay with me for a long time to come! Not only did I smile from beginning to end, but I couldn’t help crying too. These characters reached so easily into my heart and that ending was oh so perfect! I loved Winnie’s family, I loved Winnie and Mat and I loved even more watching how everyone’s story played out! Pintip Dunn wrote an addictive story filled with romance, charm, humor and heart and I can’t wait to devour the rest of her books!

PS I highlighted soooo many favorite moments in this book….here are a few more quotes I love with my whole heart…..

I peek at him. The sun’s on its descent, dappling his face with shadows. I have the strangest sensation that he’s not the boy I’ve hated all these years. It’s almost as though he were someone new and yet familiar…

“Why?” he whispers.
A live wire stretches between us. From his hands to my hands. From his lips to my lips. I desperately want to close the distance between us. To see what sparks we could produce if skin pressed against skin.
But I can’t.

I don’t know why I’m defending him, but every minute we spend under these stars brings him closer to the boy he used to be. The boy my heart wants to protect.

“You’re such a dork.” I raise my hand to smack him, and he ducks out of range.
“No touching, remember?” he says, his eyes bright.
I shake my head, pretending to be exasperated, but I can’t quite stop my lips from curving.

You’re not the person I thought you were.
Eight words. A simple sentence. One that’s not even intrinsically unkind, if you take it word by word.
How can they hurt so damn much?

BOOK REVIEW: My Clarity (My Clarity #1) by M. Clarke

January 25, 2021 / Jen / 2 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: My Clarity (My Clarity #1) by M. Clarke My Clarity (My Clarity #1)
by M. Clarke
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Still reeling from the death of her father, Alexandria hopes to find both independence and reprieve from her grief by heading off to college. However, life throws her a serious curveball when she discovers that her roommate isn’t quite the person she imagined.Smoking, tattoos, and street racing for fast cash are Elijah’s only interests. A harsh life has made him apathetic and indifferent, until Alexandria enters his life. When their paths cross, turmoil abounds.An inevitable encounter, an undeniable attraction, and an unexpected chance at love-will it be enough?

Review:

My Clarity was an emotional tale of love, friendship and perseverance. The story unfolded so seamlessly and I loved that we got to hear both of their voices. If you’re a fan of new adult romance that is sexy and sweet, then take a look at adding this one to your tbr!

Gasping for air, tears filled my hands and I couldn’t stop them from flowing. My body trembled, and I reached for something to lean on, but there was nothing there. – Alex

Death had punctured a hole that couldn’t be mended. How do you get past this? – Elijah

The prologue drew me in right from the start. And before I knew it, I had tears streaming down my face. Alexandria’s past was heartbreaking and it gutted me to the core. It was amazing how within a few pages, her pain became mine. Thankfully we then jumped ahead three months, when Alex was heading off to college. She was taking over her cousin Jimmy’s room but her roommate was not what she expected. With a play on names, she ended up with a tall, dark, gorgeous, tattooed guy that had a vast sea of secrets.

I’d known he didn’t like me when we first met, but I thought he would at least have the decency to be nice to me. My heart twisted painfully at his words. What a great start.

I absolutely loved Alex. While she could be so innocent, she was also kind and had the hugest heart ever. She was still drowning in her grief and it pained me that even her relationship with her mom was strained. But even when she was emotional, her thoughts still held logic. She had such a good head on her shoulders…..well except when it came to Liam. They were dating and I wasn’t the hugest fan of him. I got why she kept him around, and you’ll find out too, but I wanted more for her. So when she found out her roommate was a guy, and one who partied and went through women like water, I was just as nervous as she was. But I loved watching her grow and stand up for herself, and a lot of that had to do with Elijah.

I didn’t understand the hold she had on me. And I didn’t like it one bit.

I was infatuated with Elijah! He had the highest walls ever, so of course he came across as a total douchebag. It didn’t help that he could run hot and cold with Alex. But he had a tragic past and was haunted, jaded and everything in between because of it. Tortured doesn’t even begin to describe Elijah. But there was this other side to him too, where he could be seductive or oh so funny when he was playing dirty. He also listened to Alex and understood her grief. So as he become protective of her I couldn’t stop smiling! He had this soft side to him that the majority of the world couldn’t see. But we got to, and it was everything.

Lowering his head and brushing his lips against my ear, accentuating one word at a time, he murmured, “You. Are. Better.”

Elijah and Alex were definitely attracted to each other, but they were roommates and didn’t want to ruin that. So as they figured out how to live with one another, so many of their moments were beyond adorable. But there were also moments that held pain, heartache and secrets. And they both made mistakes, they each had so much to learn and grow as the story unfolded. But you guys, the moments Alex got Elijah or Elijah was nice to Alex my heart soared. They didn’t have an easy path, but I loved watching every minute of it.

I couldn’t look at her. If her eyes gave me permission to do what I wanted to do, I wouldn’t stop. Walking away was the only way I could maintain control, but she stopped me.
“Elijah, did you ever love anyone like that before?” she asked softly, still looking overcome, still planted against the cabinet as if glued there.
“No. Goodnight, Freckles,” I said and went to my room.

My Clarity was an emotional tale that pulled at my heart. There is so much I’m not even touching on…..karaoke, street racing, milk and cookies, school, work and so much in-between. This story was so full of life and the side characters rounded out this story perfectly, I loved their friends Seth and Lexy. And with an epilogue that jumped 5 years into the future, oh my heart was so happy to see where characters ended up. I’m so thankful I picked this book up, it’s exactly what I needed.

“I’m going to give you a hug now since friends hug after they make up.”
He embraced me before I had time to register what he had said. I sucked in air when my body pressed against his. God he felt so good. I needed him off me.

PS I loved how he called her freckles.

BOOK REVIEW: 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston

January 22, 2021 / Jen / 8 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Sophie wants one thing for Christmas-a little freedom from her overprotective parents. So when they decide to spend Christmas in South Louisiana with her very pregnant older sister, Sophie is looking forward to some much needed private (read: make-out) time with her long-term boyfriend, Griffin. Except it turns out that Griffin wants a little freedom from their relationship.

Heartbroken, Sophie flees to her grandparents' house, where the rest of her boisterous extended family is gathered for the holiday. That's when her nonna devises a (not so) brilliant plan: Over the next ten days, Sophie will be set up on ten different blind dates by different family members. Like her sweet cousin Sara, who sets her up with a hot guy at an exclusive underground party. Or her crazy aunt Patrice, who signs Sophie up for a lead role in a living nativity. With a boy who barely reaches her shoulder. And a screaming baby.

When Griffin turns up unexpectedly and begs for a second chance, Sophie feels more confused than ever. Because maybe, just maybe, she's started to have feelings for someone else . . . Someone who is definitely not available.

This is going to be the worst Christmas break ever . . . or is it?

Review:

10 Blind Dates was laughter inducing and the perfect lighthearted read! With family, friendship and blind dates galore, this story was so much fun. So if you love ya romance and books set around the holidays, you’ll definitely want to add this one to your tbr.

“Is there no privacy in this family?”
Everyone at the table answers, “No.”

Sophie was to spend the holidays at her grandparents’ house, while her parents left to go take care of her pregnant sister. Before leaving town, she found out her boyfriend wanted to take a break from her. So when she arrived at her grandparents’ house, it set off a chain of events. What entailed was ten blind dates, by ten different family members, and I had no clue what to expect next.

He nods, then cocks his head to the side. “I think Nonna was right.”
My face scrunches up. “Right about what?”
“This dating thing. You look good.”
I can feel my cheeks warm. “Well, I must have really looked like crap earlier.”
Wes laughs. “I didn’t say that. I’m just glad you’re smiling.”

I loved Sophie’s huge Italian family and how involved they were in each other’s lives! Sophie’s mom was one of eight, so there was always a ton of them at her grandparents’ house. And while I’m not the greatest with names, shockingly I didn’t have an issue with this large family. I loved that they were with her every step of the way. Even when she didn’t want them to be lol. Some of the dates they set her up on were smile inducing with snowball fights, hot cocoa and ugly sweater parties. But others were horrifically awful! So of course I laughed a lot, sorry Sophie!

“Just when I think we’re good again, you shut me out,” she says. “Just like before.”
**I whip around. “Excuse me? I shut you out? Are you kidding me?”
Charlie steps in between us. “Hold on, hold on,” he says, his hands extended. “Let’s not say anything we’re going to regret.”**

Her cousins Olivia, Charlie and Charlie’s best friend Wes, use to be her best friends. But over time, Sophie drifted away from them. They always had each other’s backs and cared so deeply for one another. So while their friendship felt seamless, there was issues that needed to be work through. I loved watching their relationship slowly mend back together, it warmed my heart. And I loved that they were always by her side, whether it be blind dates, to dealing with her ex, to even her own personal journey. Sophie could always count on Olive, Charlie and Wes.

I just have three more dates to get through, I realize. Then Christmas break will be over and everything will be back to normal.
Just what I wanted when all this started.
So why am I dreading it all ending?

I don’t want to give anything away, but my guess for who she was supposed to end up with was right. I was over the moon happy it was who I liked. Together they were beyond sweet and adorable, just like this story. But while I loved Sophie and her dates, family, cousins and friends, I wasn’t the hugest fan of the side story with Sophie’s sister. It’s personal reasons and because of that, that part of the story rubbed me the wrong way.

We move with the music, and I don’t dare look around the room to see which of my family members are watching us. I wish more than ever that we were somewhere else. Somewhere that we weren’t the subject of no less than five different conversations right now.

But still, I enjoyed this book so much! With Christmas sprinkled within the pages, the warmth you got from her family and hints of romance, 10 Blind Dates was such a feel good story! Plus in those final pages we got to jump three months into the future and it was soooo adorable. I loved what the future seemed to have in store for them! I’ll definitely be looking out for any future release from this author!

Before I can say anything else, the doorbell rings and a quiet hush falls over the crowd.
“This is getting ridiculous, people,” I say as I push through my family to get to the door. Several family members scramble to finish placing their bets.

PS I loved the betting! That was soooo bad yet oh so funny!

BOOK REVIEW: The Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower #1) by Eva Devon

Synopsis:

Georgiana knew she had to simply accept the fact that she was marrying a man who would likely never love her. Who might not even know how to. Still, it was…hard.

Vindication coursed through her veins. At long last, she had shaken him and nothing could have felt better in this moment. Not even his kiss.

“I am not a dog, Your Grace.”“My dog is obedient and causes me a great deal of happiness. So we can agree on that point. You, Miss Bly, are not a dog.”She gasped.

This.This was what would bring them together, even when everything else was tearing them apart. Of that he was certain.Her lips parted as she gasped against him.

Edward wished her to be happy…Much to his amazement, he wished it with all his heart. But most of all, he hoped they could find happiness together.

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BOOK REVIEW: Blue Skies by T.L. Martin

Synopsis:

So often we don’t see—let alone feel—the magic in the moments we’re making until we’re old enough to pause and view them as memories.

He’s so certain the universe has sewn him together with dark, misshapen parts. But I’m looking, I’m always looking, and these aren’t the actions of a sick or corrupted soul. His scare tactics won’t work on me.

He tears his lips from mine, dragging them down my throat, “So . . .”—my collarbone—“fucking . . .”—my shoulder—“perfect.” Then he returns to my mouth. A deep shiver chases my spine.

For every jagged edge he gives me, I give him some of my softness in return. He nips my lower lip, and I gently lick his. He fists my hair, and I glide my fingertips down his tense back.

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BOOK REVIEW: Dating Makes Perfect by Pintip Dunn

Synopsis:

My breath catches. What is he doing? He wouldn’t kiss me, like he threatened. Would he? No way. But he’s so close… He leans even farther—and then plucks the notebook right off my lap. Right. That’s what he was going for. The notebook.

Fueled by a sudden clarity, I reach out and touch his sleeve. I want to take back my words. I want to get past our sniping. I want to be friends again. Before I can say anything, he rips away his arm and takes off.

Mat’s smug, annoying face comes into focus. He leans over, so close that his hot breath caresses my skin. “Gotcha,” he says very, very softly.

I peek at him. The sun’s on its descent, dappling his face with shadows. I have the strangest sensation that he’s not the boy I’ve hated all these years. It’s almost as though he were someone new and yet familiar…

“Why?” he whispers. A live wire stretches between us. From his hands to my hands. From his lips to my lips. I desperately want to close the distance between us. To see what sparks we could produce if skin pressed against skin. But I can’t.

I don’t know why I’m defending him, but every minute we spend under these stars brings him closer to the boy he used to be. The boy my heart wants to protect.

“You’re such a dork.” I raise my hand to smack him, and he ducks out of range. “No touching, remember?” he says, his eyes bright. I shake my head, pretending to be exasperated, but I can’t quite stop my lips from curving.

You’re not the person I thought you were. Eight words. A simple sentence. One that’s not even intrinsically unkind, if you take it word by word. How can they hurt so damn much?

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BOOK REVIEW: My Clarity (My Clarity #1) by M. Clarke

Synopsis:

Gasping for air, tears filled my hands and I couldn’t stop them from flowing. My body trembled, and I reached for something to lean on, but there was nothing there. – Alex

Death had punctured a hole that couldn’t be mended. How do you get past this? – Elijah

I’d known he didn’t like me when we first met, but I thought he would at least have the decency to be nice to me. My heart twisted painfully at his words. What a great start.

I didn’t understand the hold she had on me. And I didn’t like it one bit.

Lowering his head and brushing his lips against my ear, accentuating one word at a time, he murmured, “You. Are. Better.”

“I’m going to give you a hug now since friends hug after they make up.” He embraced me before I had time to register what he had said. I sucked in air when my body pressed against his. God he felt so good. I needed him off me.

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BOOK REVIEW: 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston

Synopsis:

“Is there no privacy in this family?” Everyone at the table answers, “No.”

I just have three more dates to get through, I realize. Then Christmas break will be over and everything will be back to normal. Just what I wanted when all this started. So why am I dreading it all ending?

We move with the music, and I don’t dare look around the room to see which of my family members are watching us. I wish more than ever that we were somewhere else. Somewhere that we weren’t the subject of no less than five different conversations right now.

Before I can say anything else, the doorbell rings and a quiet hush falls over the crowd. “This is getting ridiculous, people,” I say as I push through my family to get to the door. Several family members scramble to finish placing their bets.

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“I am not a dog, Your Grace.”
“My dog is obedient and causes me a great deal of happiness. So we can agree on that point. You, Miss Bly, are not a dog.”
She gasped.

This.
This was what would bring them together, even when everything else was tearing them apart. Of that he was certain.
Her lips parted as she gasped against him.

Edward wished her to be happy…
Much to his amazement, he wished it with all his heart. But most of all, he hoped they could find happiness together.

He’s so certain the universe has sewn him together with dark, misshapen parts. But I’m looking, I’m always looking, and these aren’t the actions of a sick or corrupted soul.
His scare tactics won’t work on me.

He tears his lips from mine, dragging them down my throat, “So . . .”—my collarbone—“fucking . . .”—my shoulder—“perfect.” Then he returns to my mouth.
A deep shiver chases my spine.

**My breath catches. What is he doing? He wouldn’t kiss me, like he threatened. Would he? No way. But he’s so close…
He leans even farther—and then plucks the notebook right off my lap.
Right. That’s what he was going for. The notebook.**

Fueled by a sudden clarity, I reach out and touch his sleeve. I want to take back my words. I want to get past our sniping. I want to be friends again.
Before I can say anything, he rips away his arm and takes off.

Mat’s smug, annoying face comes into focus. He leans over, so close that his hot breath caresses my skin.
“Gotcha,” he says very, very softly.

“Why?” he whispers.
A live wire stretches between us. From his hands to my hands. From his lips to my lips. I desperately want to close the distance between us. To see what sparks we could produce if skin pressed against skin.
But I can’t.

“You’re such a dork.” I raise my hand to smack him, and he ducks out of range.
“No touching, remember?” he says, his eyes bright.
I shake my head, pretending to be exasperated, but I can’t quite stop my lips from curving.

You’re not the person I thought you were.
Eight words. A simple sentence. One that’s not even intrinsically unkind, if you take it word by word.
How can they hurt so damn much?

“I’m going to give you a hug now since friends hug after they make up.”
He embraced me before I had time to register what he had said. I sucked in air when my body pressed against his. God he felt so good. I needed him off me.

“Is there no privacy in this family?”
Everyone at the table answers, “No.”

I just have three more dates to get through, I realize. Then Christmas break will be over and everything will be back to normal.
Just what I wanted when all this started.
So why am I dreading it all ending?

Before I can say anything else, the doorbell rings and a quiet hush falls over the crowd.
“This is getting ridiculous, people,” I say as I push through my family to get to the door. Several family members scramble to finish placing their bets.