How To Date A Douchebag: The Coaching Hours by Sara Ney

This review will be short and to the point. I don't want to spoil the story with who, what, when and where...I will say this. I read this story super fast. I enjoyed it immensely. And I wish I may, wish I might...that there would be MORE. This series has been fun, heart filled and more lovable than you would think a series titled Douchebags could be. Add to that addicting and you have completely encompassed my feelings for this series. Of course we get little glimpses into Zeke..swoooooonn So I was a happy camper on that alone.

I have come to realize that Ms. Ney has the writing style that keeps me connected, while making me laugh and love all the characters I meet along the way. Douchebags unite! You have finally been redeemed. I will always give you a second chance to shine due to the things I have learned reading and loving these boys and ladies.

Combust by K. Bromberg

I initially rated this book a 4 AND then I could not stop thinking about not only Grady but Dylan. Like a running loop in my head...so had to change it to a FIVE. lol This series has more than I expected. More damage, more depth, more feels than you would expect from the smoking ass cover. But it also goes to show what's on the outside doesn't always reflect what can be on the inside. Scars are sometime seen and other times so deeply embedded they are only felt and seen by someone that loves you more than your faults. This story pays tribute to that and more. I really loved being a part of not only these two falling in love with each other, but themselves as well.

K. Bromberg has done it again with Grady and Dylan. This story had depth, with a humor that comes with being comfortable and connected with each character, it was emotional and digs deeply into the guilt and remorse we can harbor from merely surviving. These two challenged each other to be all that could be by loving themselves and seeing each other through their lens. And I just LOVED Grady, the way he put Dylan's ex in place, so hot! I can't wait for the next brother to take the lead...they just keep getting better and better.

Look The Part by Jewel E. Ann

I would read a "to-do" list penned by this author so I read this book without so much as reading the blurb or who it was about..so slap me twice and call me Sally, when I saw it was Flint! The broody background friend to Cage that I got bits and pieces of in One and wanted SO much more from. Well...I got it and it was fucking fantastic!

Who knew I would absolutely LOVE a story that had pet rats in it? Not this girl...but here is a small real life truth. My first pet...a rat. Named him Max. Then Max had babies and quickly became Maxine. I loved that thing with all I had. Now as an adult, NOPE. But I digress....back to my glowing review.

Ms. Jewel E. Ann has quickly become an auto read author for me. After reading When Life Happened I was HOOKED. I quickly began one-clicking all of her books. Reading and losing myself in her words. She doesn't disappoint and this one is no exception. The real life tragedies that can plague and blacken a perfect life. The sadness and guilt that can take a once happy man that had life by the balls and turn him into a real life scrooge. The happy girl that bangs on drums, strums guitars and slowly brings light back into a life that was simply existing...drowning in the day to day without enjoying the brilliance that life can deliver. Words that heal, slay, create and help you fall head over heels in love with everyone you meet. Totally enjoyed this one and wish I could go back and experience everyone of this author's books for the first time again and again. I can't wait for more.

Bad For You by J. Daniels

If I've said it once, I've said a million times...I LOVE damaged men.. The leading man that is quietly standing in the shadows wanting something but not feeling worthy enough to receive it. The silent protector that feels down to his soul that all the good is he is watching is not meant for him..the words tattooed into his soul from a past that has him brimming with not being enough. GAH..it's my crack y'all. This is the first book I've read in awhile that I would consider recommending to my toughest book critic. It is reminiscent of limited worded heroes I've read from some of the greatest alpha conductors in the business. J. Daniels nailed these characters..Stitch was amazing. But Shayla...

She was my female hero of the 2018! She loved with everything she has. She devoted herself to the happiness of others, even if it tore her own happiness into shreds. Her overwhelming joy of life, of love, of family and of overall life was inspiring.  She couldn't be deterred. Couldn't be stopped from making everyone in her path better. Inspired. Her lust for life and love of those around her had me wanting to be a better person. And it's fiction y'all. I really loved this book. I felt it. I bought in, hook, line and sinker.

Midnight Blue by L.J. Shen

Having read and LOVED every one of this author's books I dove in head first, not knowing anything about it..assuming the best and ready to swoon.. Well my truth for this book is...it took me until 34% to connect. Not to say I didn't like it until this point but I wasn't completely pulled in. My like for the characters wasn't solid until..it was. And when that moment happened, it was thorough and complete. 

The push and pull, the heart and soul, the sharpie to skin, the words that were born captivated me. I couldn't put it down and devoured it. Every special written, just for you, word that was hurled at me, stuck to my soul. The heartbreak, and rebuilding of everyone in this story was so beautifully done. I fell in love with everyone. I will be one of the lone reviewers that didn't take to the story immediately, but I am a book lover that did connect and from 35% on slid head over heels in love with such a sordid tale of love, loss, addiction, lyrics, friendships and connections. Past, present, lives collide and the ride is worth everything. 

"You look at me with dynamite in your eyes, waiting for me to light up the match and finally set you on fire."
Everything stopped.
The air.
The world.
My heart.

Although I was late to the party my love for this story will remain solid in my heart, absolute perfection from Ms. Shen AGAIN.

Ryan's Bed by Tijan

5 "Way Beyond Your Typical YA Story" Stars

I was captivated by this book when I first saw the cover, it drew me in, making me want more from the simple beauty of what I was seeing. I was not let down. The cover is a beautiful face to what this story has to offer...more than I was expecting, just more period. I laughed, cried, wanted, prayed, and hoped for everyone involved. The connection was instant, the protection I felt for the well-being of Mac was immediate and my love for Ryan was pure...due to the fact that he's young. :)

Tijan delivered with a heartfelt, emotionally packed story that takes the angst of growing up and multiplies it by a million for these kids. Addicting, a knock out YA that had me swiping the pages faster than normal. I couldn't read it fast enough. The love story wasn't only between Ryan and Mackenzie, but the connection that a twin feels even after they leave this earth. The warmth and security that was found in the comfort of Ryan's bed was felt beyond the pages...and the build-up you feel only comes to light when you get the chills that settle in from the last line...

Thrive by Aly Martinez

4.5-5 Stars

One of my favorite authors. Her words can deliver so many emotions it's like spinning a wheel and seeing where it may land. This series is a little different than her others, but nonetheless great. The boys of Guardian are smoking hot, protective, loyal and hot headed super men that do not let anyone hurt those in their circle. Once in..you're in.

Angst..heart break...mis-understandings...young forbidden love...and bad guys all over the damn place. You have a second chance romance, mystery, hot guys at every turn and a love that was 17 years in the making. It keeps you guessing, pulse racing and all done with words that keep your heart involved all the way through. The last line in this book..swoooooonnnnn. Can't wait for the next one..hope it's who we got a little taste of in this one!! Another winner girl! Keep writing.

Sex, Not Love by Vi Keeland

I have read every book Vi Keeland has penned. Over the years her writing has become so strong..so addicting that I know when I sit to experience the story I need to have time on my side. Once in, I won't be exiting until I can no longer swipe my kindle along. Ms. Keeland is an absolute pro at weaving stories together, seamlessly and with such precision that you are so immersed you often have to remind yourself it is indeed, fiction. The past to present, the angst that had me swooning and praising from my reading perch was done perfectly. Humor, life, friendships, girth, birth, and relationships that delved much deeper than "romance" is known for. She delivered, flawlessly, as usual.

You know going in you will get answers regarding all the why's and why not's that you may run into. What they may be or how they might feel once revealed only time and pages will tell. A story of true love, first love, family and everything that life places in-between. The journey I was taken on with Nat and Hunter's story had me wanting more...all the while being completely sated with what I was blessed with. Another thing this author leaves you with...a smile.

Hot Shot by Karina Halle

4.5 Favorite Of The Series So Far

I plowed through this story. Enjoying the tumultuous relationship between these two life long friends. That have loved each other as long as they have known each other. With a knotted stomach I read through the pain of witnessing relationships that shouldn't be. The closeness that is evident to everyone but themselves take root and grow. 

Again with the broken boys...I do love them and Fox did an amazing job of being one fucked up dude. And yet so full of love and devotion it was impossible not to fall head over heels for him. As for Del...she was no quitter, she stayed the course and fought with all she had to make sure the love of her life knew he was loved and seen. The calm to his storm, the light on his dark days. 

Totally enjoyed this love vs. demons story. I had been waiting for these two to take on the HEA..and I loved every page of it!

 

The Wright Secret by K.A. Linde

I love secrets..secretly hooking up is no different. The knots you get in your stomach while reading..are they going to be discovered..OF COURSE they are. But when...by whom...where and most importantly what will they be doing?

All of these questions will be answered..in a series that has captured me and hasn't let go. This one has the sister of the crew taking the lead, as she does in business and most aspects of her life. But one she can't seem to nail down. A crush so big, she can't see a happily ever after in sight..until...maybe? Hidden, afraid of three large consequences but most of all trying to cherish what could be. Enjoyed this round of Wright's and can't wait for the next girl Wright to take her place in the series. I see big things..

Enticing Daphne by Jessica Prince

I LOVE THIS SERIES! But also I LOVE THIS AUTHOR. #fangirling

I was so excited to get my hands on Daphne's story, because the last two stories somewhat intertwine with each other and you have these snippets of what was to come. I was not disappointed. One hot night with a stranger that neither can forget. A "WTF" moment at work and BAM, a romantic comedy is born. 

Daphne has always been my favorite..knowing what happened with her fiance had me WANTING for her in a way I don't usually for a fictional character. But again, Jessica Prince has a way of weaving stories so flawlessly that I forget I am residing in a fictional world. I adore her writing. It's effortless for me to connect and live vicariously through everyone involved. A comfort. Easy. 

Funny, engaging, touching and a little forbidden, all rolled up into a great story that had me devouring every page in ONE SITTING. As always a 5 star read for me. The friendships and relationships that have been made within this series are some of my favorites. Can't wait for whatever comes next.    

Something So Irresistible by Natasha Madison

If you would have told me last book that this was even an option I would have been like "girl you so crazy" but Ms. Madison did an amazing job of taking a once overlooked, "bad seed" and making a swoon worthy, delectable, "let me at him" man. One thing I know about myself as a reader, I love a broken man, or a man that hasn't always seen the bright side of life and carries the burdens every where he travels. Max was SO this man, but one glance at Allison Grant and the wall began to crack.

Allison is trying to find her own way, from under the heavy responsibility of being the "daughter" of, or "sister" of...and find her own path. She gets an opportunity that she has worked hard to achieve. The tension and hate to love that was palpable and sprung from the pages kept me engaged and connected. Wanting more. Love this series and this is up top of the favs of it! Enjoying reading this author and following her journey.

xo, Zach by Kendall Ryan

First and foremost...I LOVE THIS COVER. I also loved Zach and his mom. What this had for me was as follows: Cute story. Had me hooked from page one. A simple love story of girl sees boy, quickly uses him (I would too..lol) and then real life SLAMS them together. Sweet, with moments of heat and yummy girthy scenes, as expected with this author (she's knows her way around a love scene...WOOOHOO) Glad I read it. Would recommend if you are looking for a quick, full of humorous moments story.

Whispered Prayers Of A Girl by Alex Grayson

One of my favorite books this year. Heartbreaking, beautiful, so personal it is almost mesmerizing in parts. The situations that bring these people together, reminded me not to judge so harshly. To always remember that every story is unique and not to be assumed. That every soul deserves it's mate, even after tragedy and heartbreak. That families can be made with a simple gesture, trusting one another enough. I loved every single part of this book. It had my heart soaring and plummeting with every word. The beauty of every person being so defined and revered. The beauty of love and kindness being all that matters. Scars are reminders of what life has dealt you, what you have lived through and come out stronger due to. I can't recommend this book enough. Alex Grayson did an amazing job of creating a beautiful love story within the heartbreak of two families. Incredible. Worthy.