Verity by, Colleen Hoover

5 WTF Stars!!

Be right back- I need Therapy. 

Ya think? Yeah Im angry... and a little depressed with a mix of PSYCHO. I do not understand where authors come up with this SHIT! For real. Like - WOW. This disturbed me ... A LOT. But for the life of me could not stand to part with it. ANY idle minute I had I was glued to my kindle. If you are a mother, Im not even sure I want to recommend this to you. But at the same time.. I really do because hell I read it... So I feel you should suffer with me. OMG see... its already rubbed off on me!!!

This book was raw and pulled from a place only Colleen Hoover knows about. Im not sure I even want to know what place she escaped to in order to write this, but thats really besides the point. THE POINT is that - this is talent y'all. I have no other words for it. I was sitting back reading some of the one star reviews and just sorta laughing to myself because ... DNF- NOT FOR ME- THIS IS HORRIBLE- are all thoughts I had while reading this book. But I also kept reading it and finished it. Turned off my kindle and just sat in the same spot for a good hour just breathing and staring into the void of nothing. 

Look I knew - I knew that people (mainly women) were losing their minds over this book. That they couldn't sleep and it was going to be heavy. I even tried to read it a couple months ago but like... I just couldn't get past the first couple pages honestly cuz- COHO is a MOOD. Each book has its own taste of crazy and bizarre twists, so I knew in my mind I needed to prepare myself. HAHA- you'll never be ready for this one though. I dont even want to give any synopsis of the book because I went into it blind and feel everyone should. (VERITY GET OUT OF MY HEAD) 

Back to TALENT. This author(Hoover), wrote about an author, writing about another author. Yeah- smoke on that a minute. Breathe it in. 

The subject matter in this book is disturbing and graphic. It will turn your stomach and make you feel dirty. If it doesn't then well I dont even know what to say. There is a lot of sexual subject matter and violence. You will also laugh... at least I did.. a good bit. Maybe its because I feel like I have seen Hoovers unique personality over Social Media and when you read some parts of the book her personality comes through and I could totally picture her saying something in real life. 

Such as - 

"I was good at spewing bullshit. Its why I became a writer." 

"dont want to call him an asshole. He's a little kid, and hes been through a lot. But I think he might be an asshole." 

“You look terrible.” I say it because he doesn’t look terrible. He never does, and he knows it. “You look refreshed and ravishing.” He says it because I never look refreshed and ravishing. I always look tired, and maybe even perpetually bored. I’ve heard of Resting Bitch Face, but I relate more to Resting Bored Face." 

So - yeah you'll feel ALL the FEELS. Her talent comes in because of the plot. It was different and makes you think. I know I will be thinking about this book for a while and I have been loving on my kids and never want to let them go. Your mind is going to want to throw up inside itself. You're going to HATE to rate and like this book. But you will, hopefully, identify and appreciate the talent and the effort of this MIND F#@!K of a book. 

Overall- I rated this a 5 right off the bat. Then I thought about it. I really only like to rate books a 5 when I LOVE them so much I would re-read it. So after I thought about it- I changed it to a 4... 

EL OH EL... Now Im just going against my rating system and rating it a 5 because, I WILL probably NEVER read this book again, but I WILL NEVER FORGET this book. Thank you Colleen Hoover for once again blowing my mind and driving me INSANE. Mission accomplished - KUDOS! 

****Initial Reaction: PRE REVIEW-😮.... I need a minute....full review to come, once my brain returns to functioning properly 😐

Violent Delights by Jessica Hawkins

3.5 Stars!!

“This is a game, Natalia, and you have to play—or you’ll lose. Learn your lesson should someone care enough to teach you. And never doubt that you are a prize to hold tight.”

Natalia is a princess among criminals. In the De la Rosa family, old grudges run deeper than loyalty, and betrayal is a three-letter word: war. It just so happens to be a war between brothers, and she is the prize. 

“She is mine.” Three words from two different men.

A life, future, and love I don’t get to choose.

As a princess of the Cruz Cartel, Natalia has always lived a life of wealth and status. She has also been sheltered and protected. But she hasn't always felt safe- she was 9 when her safety net revealed its cracks. She realizes she wants no part of this life she was born into, and she'd do 

ANYTHING for her freedom and the chance to be with her first love and best friend Diego de la Rosa. But what she doesn't know is ANYTHING- is a very BIG word. 

First of all... The COVER OMG #COVERPORN- it is ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!! 

Hawkins did her homework on Mafia and Cartels. This book was legit!! I really enjoyed the action plot and how there was always something happening. I thought it flowed nicely and the writing was fantastic. 

What I didn't like- Natalia literally annoyed me to no end. She had no depth to her and she just whined way too much for me. The Brothers: I LOVED Cristiano and HATED Diego. I really did enjoy the plot though - it had some twists and it was exciting. I think the next book is going to be AMAZING- I really do- I think once we get over the cliffhanger hump and we get to see growth from the characters the next book will be epic! I totally recommend this if you are a fan of this authors books and books with action and are plot driven! 

Boys of Brayshaw High by , Meagan Brandy

5 SAVAGE 🤤 Stars!!
“People who can lay their heads down and fall asleep with ease don’t understand the struggle or how bad those of us who can’t wish we could. They don’t know what it’s like to lay awake at night and replay minutes of your life, wondering what you could or should have done differently. Or how you could be better at something or fearing what comes next. Sometimes it’s even as simple as playing a movie back in your head, anything to fill the hours.”

Whelp- this was 100% a guilty pleasure read... one of those you just drown in....



Kudos to author: Brandy- she knows how to tell a story and make you feel EVERYTHING. In Boys of Brayshaw High, we follow Raven aka Rae Rae, daughter of a whore and a self proclaimed bad ass. She has had a hard life and been through things no child should have to. When the book opens up, she is getting kicked out of school and taken away from her mother by CPS. They bring her to a new town and home- where the Kings of Brayshaw rule the roost. She has no idea what she is up against, and neither do the boys... But they both are soon to find out.

At first, I really wasn't sure I was going to be into this one. It is full of vulgar language and just seemed so dark. Raven took me a minute to warm up to. But the more I read- I couldn't stop. Books like these are like French Fries- Insert guilty pleasure here


I ended up enjoying the characters way more that I thought I would and Rae- to me was everything. She was very OVER THE TOP sometimes but I still just loved her. Captain, Royce and Maddoc were the "Boys" and each one had their own story and personality that made them unique. This wasn't an easy breezy read. It was Raw, full of savagery and DRAMA. The romance aspect was slow burning, although I feel like somethings could have been told differently, it didn't take away from my overall feelings.

Don't let the YA setting fool you- this is NOT a YA book IMO- I think its way more suited in the NA genre. Its dark, seductive and provocative. This is not a book for everyone. Its for French Fry connoisseurs like me :P The author holds nothing back. IT ends on a cliffhanger that may leave you feeling like you need therapy....



Read it if you DARE!! I can not wait for book 2!!

The Year They Fell by, David Kreizman

5 Unforgettable Stars!! 5 friends inseparable as preschoolers, before high school and parties and football. Now seniors in high school, they are all strangers to each other. Tragedy strikes and their parents die in a plane crash- left alone, these 5 only have each other to relate to and lean on.

Josie, Jack, Archie, Harrison, and Dayana AKA- the "Sunnies" have a lot to figure out since being out of each others lives for so long. They have to face what split them apart in the first place. Their answers may just be what they need to forge a new family.

This book was so amazing. The depth of the characters was phenomenal. Each one was so unique and different from the other. We get to know them on a very personal level so much to the point, you actually feel like you know these characters in real life. The writing was a breath of fresh air and just so on point with the subject matter.

This is a book about friendship and love, its heartbreaking and funny all at the same time. The author did such a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. You will surely be able to relate to at least one of the characters in the book. You will get lost in the pages, laugh and cry but its all worth it!!

Overall I totally loved this one and really hope that someone picks it up and makes it into a movie. Its just so good I highly recommend it !! 

Thank you to netgalley for this arc. Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hearts and Bruises by A.M. Brooks

5 EMOTIONAL Stars!! 

Holy..Shhh... WOW- First of all- THIS WAS A DEBUT!! and I am SHOOK. 

I hate that I loved this book so much. I hate the way I feel about toxic characters and the love I have for redemption. Many times I will start to read a character and automatically want to judge them- and then I have to put myself in their shoes- I try really hard to imagine what they have gone through or been through in order for them to have turned into whatever they have become. If I am being completely honest, its way easier to do this with fictional characters than it is to do in real life. Clearly that shouldn't be the case- :P But I usually try to find the good, as little as it may be in the beginning, in every character. Its just something about seeing character growth in someone and seeing how far they have come that just makes me happy!! 

This book broke my heart. I cant explain my feelings about it really well. It messed me up pretty good. MY EMOTIONS were all over the place. All that sounds terrible right? Yeah- but look, when I read, I want to feel, I want to be consumed, entertained and transported. Ya feel me? Well this one did it from the very start! 

The name of this book is Hearts and Bruises. If you are going to read this -

Clue #1 is in the title, this book wont be easy, or pretty all the time. Then read the synopsis. The author gives us a heads up- Like hey, this book may leave a mark because "with love comes pain and with pain comes scars". YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. But omgsh its so worth it. 

We follow Nora, who is in high school and ever since she lost her mom, she has been moving from place to place with her dad. They are on move #12 when they reach CA. Nora never expects to make friends so fast, or to meet Darrian King. The name King says it all!! Nora was everything - I wanted to shake her so much but I did love her!! Darrian well- You HATE to LOVE him. The writing was so amazing for being a debut Im still shook about that! It flowed effortlessly and consumed me! 

You will get mad, you will get sad and prepare to have your heart broke. If you are an easily triggered person this book may not be for you. You'll also probably will want to throw your kindle across the room... like I did :P But seriously- I was running right back to it and picking it right back up. This qualifies as book crack for me. I did not want to put it down and read it in one sitting. So if you are a fan of the following books:

After Series by Anna Todd 

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Fallen Crest Series by Tijan

Bully by Penelope Douglas 

Nero (Made Men Series) by Sarah Brianne 

The Royals Series by Erin Watt

I am pretty sure you will have a hard time putting this one down as well!! I am not comparing this book to those- this one totally holds its own. But I know that if you liked those, and they wrecked your heart like they did mine, then - Hearts and Bruises is for YOU!! If you read it, please come back LETS TALK ABOUT IT!! Happy Reading!! 

Thank you to netgalley for this arc. Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Bet Between Us by, B.L. Moore

3.5 Stars!!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First off - its not everyday I read a debut YA romance book by a male author told from a male POV. I think for that alone-Moore gets major props. As a reader- I feel we need to see more of this!!



This book is what you would expect from a teen/young adult realistic romance book. Secondly- can we talk about the cover??? Its Gorgeous!!



In The Bet Between Us, we follow Donald - AKA Don Juan. He gets the nickname by basically being a player and going from one girl to the next. He is very competitive and likes to make wagers for fun and of course, for the money. His friends convince him to take a bet to get the girl- Alaina, who despises him- to fall in love with him. What he is not expecting, is the feelings he's always secretly had for her, to show.

For a debut, I thought this was great. It was fun, and entertaining. I liked the authors writing style and the dialogue. I absolutely did not like DJ in the beginning of this book! He was basically a manwhore and all about himself. BUT- I am a huge fan of redeemable characters, those that start off so horrible that totally make you feel like you are reading a totally different character when they begin to change. We see a lot of character growth from him over the course of the book - that in turn-makes him redeemable.



The only issues I had with it was the chemistry between the two main characters, while I liked Alaina, I didn't feel like I got to know her very well, so the connection between her and DJ fell a little short for me. It also was a little predictable but it did not take away from my overall feelings of the book as a whole. I would love to see Moore continue to write more stories like this in this genre! I thought it was a fantastic debut- and I look forward to more books by this author!!

Letters to the Lost by, Brigid Kemmerer

5 Stars!!
“We're all united by grief, and somehow divided by the same thing.”

In Letters to the Lost, we follow Juliet and Declan. Juliet lost her mother in a hit and run accident. To cope, she starts to write letters to her by leaving them on her grave. Declan is also familiar with tragedy. One day while working community service at the Graveyard, he stumbles across a letter on a grave. He reads it and realizes he can relate- So he decides to respond to this letter with only two words- "Me Too." This starts the beginning of something more than just correspondence. It opens a gateway to healing, and leads them down the road to answers they both desperately crave.

Not exactly sure what I was expecting- I knew this was going to be a book about letters sent- but no idea to who, or why. Lets just say my heart wasn't ready!! This book was dark, deep, painful, and hopeful! Hits you right in the belly of feels.



I am pretty sure I felt every emotion- In tone- this is a very serious book. Its Ya and I love how the teenagers are represented. Their thoughts are on point. I feel that the writing was fantastic and had a true voice. It flowed smoothly and the pace was perfection. I didn't want to put it down.

The letters that were written were so thought provoking- deep and heartfelt. You feel the pain and anguish of each character which allows you to immediately connect with them. There are lots of themes going on in this book like friendship, betrayal, loss, bullying, healing. It will yank your chain- pinky promise!!



My favorite part of the book is the anonymity. Something about not knowing who you are writing to, allows one to open up completely. Their feelings are raw and really pack a punch.

“Do you believe in fate? Sometimes I want to. I want to believe that we all walk some path toward… something, and our paths intertwine for a reason. Like this, the way we’ve found each other. The way you told me the right story when I so desperately needed to hear it.”

I keep talking about the feelings- there are happy feelings too so its not all dark and depressing. We truly get to see these characters connect and go through a process. It does have a HEA- so you will finish with a huge smile on your face - so don't be scared to pick it up! Its well worth it :P

The Knife of Never Letting Go by, Patrick Ness

4 Stars!!
“But a knife ain't just a thing, is it? It's a choice, it's something you do. A knife says yes or no, cut or not, die or don't. A knife takes a decision out of your hand and puts it in the world and it never goes back again. ”

I honestly have zero idea where to start with this one ya'll!! It was something of a mystery from the moment I opened the book. I only picked this one up because there are making a film adaptation of it. So needless to say when I started it, my eyes were like ,.....



Because the writing is so extremely unique, and it took some getting used to. This book will not be for everyone- but if you can make it through it, kudos!! Yeah- its like that !

So we follow a boy Todd, who is the only boy in a town full of men. A long time ago, the town he lives in was infected with a noise Germ, which means - he can hear the thoughts of the men- and the men can hear his thoughts as well. According to the laws of this town- Todd will become a man on his 13th birthday. In the midst of the noise, Todd feels his town is hiding something from him. He is forced to flee with his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. While on the run they stumble across a silent girl in the swamp. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? With Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a unique journey in which a boy, on the cusp of manhood, must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is.

So at first, I thought this was just going to be a weird coming of age story about a boy and his dog. I was so very wrong. This was so much more! The Knife of Never Letting, is a deep and dark tale. Hitting on issues like, dehumanization and problems with colonization, loyalty and helplessness- slavery and racism. Its a thought provoking novel, happy, sad, and funny- it hits on pretty much every emotion there is! Gives you all the feels for sure.

Todd was a fantastic character.



He was raw and real and we not only get to hear his story but his thoughts. His dog- Manchee will go down as my absolute FAVORITE animal character EVER!! He reminded me so much of the dog from the movie UP.



The thing I liked about hearing the animals talk/thoughts is that - they sound exactly how animals should talk. Ness brings them to life just effortlessly. Viola is the girl in the story



and I thought she brought wisdom and just a totally different feel to the book so concentrated on thoughts/themes of men.

This book will take time to get into. There are so many spelling and grammatical errors- but it has a purpose in this book. The dialect is very different. But I encourage you to press on and try to get through it. I don't have much else to say about it because it really is one of those books you'll either love or hate, and one you have to read to truly grasp its meaning and underlying themes. Totally recommend it if you are looking for something completely different and RAW! I'm really looking forward to this film and seeing it come to life !!