Tag: New Adult (Page 17 of 48)

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: 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!

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY: To Dream Is To Die (Dead Dreamer #1) by Sarah Lampkin

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY: To Dream Is To Die (Dead Dreamer #1) by Sarah Lampkin

I was so happy to join this tour because I adore Paranormal stories! So check out my review below and enter a fabulous giveaway. Enjoy!

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY: To Dream Is To Die (Dead Dreamer #1) by Sarah LampkinTo Dream Is To Die (Dead Dreamer #1)
by Sarah Lampkin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Eighteen-year-old Brenna Whit is entering college as a freshman and starting to meet new people, but she hides a dark secret. Because of an accident that happened three years ago, her spirit wanders the Fade whenever she falls asleep. It's something she wants to keep hidden from the world, but when she sees someone watching her in spirit form, she fears the secret's out. With new friends, possibly new enemies, school, and a new crush, Brenna has too much to worry about for just her freshman year of college.

Review:

To Dream Is To Die was a story that kept me turning the pages.  It all unfolded so effortlessly and each time we were given a piece of the puzzle, there was still so much I couldn’t wait to learn more about.  There was a few different mysteries along with some twists and turns that kept me guessing. So if you adore paranormal stories, set in college, then definitely check this one out.

Brenna Whit was a dark, snarky college student who ended up dying three years ago. She came back from the dead and her life had been different ever since.  Now, when she was supposed to be dreaming, she wandered the fade instead. Brenna moved into the college dorms for the first time and I loved watching her friendship unfold with Aeria.  They were kindred souls and friendship definitely played a central theme in this story.  And while each character was unique, I wasn’t able to connect with any of them.  I tried my hardest, because the story line was a ton of fun, but sadly I couldn’t ever make that connection.  Regardless, I still enjoyed reading about Brenna and her journey.

As the story unfolded, we learned more and more about the world that Brenna wandered while her body slept.  I was beyond fascinated, especially since some of it seeped into the times when Brenna was awake. It was entertaining watching how it even affected those around her.  So when I reached that final page, I was so happy that some of my questions were answered. Yes there is still so much for us to learn, but we stopped at the perfect waiting spot until the next book in this series releases.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

 

About Sarah Lampkin:

Sarah Lampkin is a New Adult/Young Adult fiction author from Southern Virginia. She currently resides in Northern Virginia with her cat, Fox (who is practically a dog). When she’s not writing, she’s playing video games, rock climbing, or getting ready for hunting season. Sarah began writing over a decade ago with her first novella called Angels: Moon and Sun, which is now being rewritten as Tainted Wings on Wattpad. She draws inspiration from Celtic mythology in her stories and aims to create unique worlds following strong female protagonist. In 2015, Sarah was able to utilize her Dead Dreamer series in her graduate program and graduate with an MA in English.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

 

Giveaway:

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BOOK REVIEW: The Risk (Briar U #2) by Elle Kennedy

BOOK REVIEW: The Risk (Briar U #2) by Elle KennedyThe Risk (Briar U #2)
by Elle Kennedy
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Everyone says I’m a bad girl. They’re only partly right—I don’t let fear rule me, and I certainly don’t care what people think. But I draw the line at sleeping with the enemy. As the daughter of Briar’s head hockey coach, I’d be vilified if I hooked up with a player from a rival team.

And that’s who Jake Connelly is. Harvard’s star forward is arrogant, annoying, and too attractive for his own good. But fate is cruel—I require his help to secure a much-coveted internship, and the sexy jerk isn’t making it easy for me.

I need Connelly to be my fake boyfriend.

For every fake date…he wants a real one.

Which means this bad girl is in big trouble. Nothing good can come from sneaking around with Jake Connelly. My father would kill me, my friends will revolt, and my post-college career is on the line. But while it’s getting harder and harder to resist Jake’s oozing sex appeal and cocky grin, I refuse to fall for him.

That’s the one risk I’m not willing to take.

This was everything I wanted it to be AND MORE. Guys. At this point I could literally read Elle Kennedy’s grocery list and probably fall in love with it. She is the queen of hilarious banter and steam and I am all here for it. I had been so bummed when The Chase fell a little short for me last year so when I found out this was going to be Brenna and Connelly’s book, I was ecstatic. Enemies to lovers and a fake relationship? What could be better?!?!?!!!??!? Really, not much.

I loved Brenna and Jake’s relationship from the very beginning. They are both have such alpha personalities that I knew their clashes were going to be deliciously fun.

”You traumatized her for life with your filthy sex fantasies,” he informs me before digging into his pie.
“Sorry, Daddy.”
He snickers mid-bite, a few crumbs flying out of his mouth. He picks up his napkin. “You’re not allowed to call me that in public.” Mischief dances in his green eyes. “Save it for later.”

Basically these two are constantly at each other’s throats because Brenna’s dad is the coach of Briar. Connelly is the captain of Harvard’s team and is rivals with Briar. While they can’t deny they find each other attractive, they spend the first bit at each other’s throats for obvious reasons. Then, as Brenna is trying (and sadly failing) to land an internship at HockeyNet, she learns that her douchey/ misogynistic would-be boss basically is in love with Connelly and his hockey talent. She decides to try to up her game and lets it “slip” that she and this rival of hers are dating. Girls gotta do what a girls gotta do to get ahead, especially in the world of sports where they are constantly being overlooked. Connelly agrees to go along with this charade but only if he can snag a real date for every fake one they have.

Muahaha how great is that?! Their freaking chemistry was off the charts the entire time. Like I said, there was great banter, as always, and the writing was just so addicting.

I think what I really like about Kennedy’s books is that there is always that kernel of realism. Let’s face it, romance novels usually push the bounds of what is true and believable. Not every guy out there is going to be a 6’4” hockey god with an eight pack AND a great personality. No, but then she’ll add that certain relatable thing (Summer’s learning disability, Brenna’s View Spoiler », Garrett’s abusive dad, etc. They are real and true things that people have experienced and can relate to. It adds to the depth of the story and makes it just a little more than a hot piece of NA trash (and when I say trash I mean trash in the sense that I would still gobble it up in one sitting lol).

I just love them, okay?! These books are the reason that I have an unhealthy obsession with sports romances. ALSO, can we just talk about how I hope book three is about Hunter???????????!?!!!!??!?! I can’t freaking wait. Once again, I HIGHLY recommend this book and this author.

Huge thanks to Elle Kennedy Inc. for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!♥

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