Search and Rescue by Lily Dodd

5 Stars!! 

This was such a fun quick read/listen. Its a short little story about a search and rescue.

Winner of the #SoundsHot Steamy Story Contest, a thrilling romantic novella brimming with raw emotional power - available in audio first! 

I was so shocked when I listened to this. I thought there is no way, short story or not- that this is going to be that good since its so short!! I was so wrong. I was pleasantly surprised with the level of the writer and the characters. I fell in love with these people so quick!! The author did a fantastic job of leading with this story- the breakdown and all the in between. So much so, that I would LOVE another FULL book in this type of setting from this author! 

I totally recommend if you're looking for a quick listen - this one was about 2.5 hours but soo soo good! I look forward to more from this author!!

Trouble at Brayshaw High by, Meagan Brandy

4 Stars!! 

She’s venom in the water. Not the snake itself, but the fatal liquid that floats across the top. No matter where you step, if even twenty feet away, she’s finding her way inside.

OOOF- This book packs a punch! 




Rae Rae is still out here, trying to control everything and making moves and making excuses without telling anyone. She gets herself in a bind quite a few times. I think this whole book she is trying so hard to let love in, but not having any clue what that really feels like she does stupid stuff. By the end of the book I feel she gets closer to making that jump head first into this Bray Boy life though. 



Maddoc was amazing in this book !! No more PUNK- and all HUNK. He has completely fallen for Rae- and nothing else matters. You can feel that through the pages almost to the point where you are like OMG OK - we get it SHE IS YOURS... it gets a little repetitive and you eye roll and just move on because its Mad Dog and you just love him. 

Overall this book was heavy and full of information. I think it had a little bit of Middle book syndrome. I loved book 1 all the "cant put this down" and "on the edge of my seat" feels it gave me. Not to mention the drama fest and all the tea just dripping from the pages, 



I mean it was saturated... with filthy guilty pleasure. 

Book 2 though, it had a ton of twists and turns and almost an overwhelming amount. I got confused a few times but in the end, I think I manged to fully grasp what happened. There were just some things that happened and I was just like WHY DID THAT NEED TO TAKE PLACE. So of course I am over here on pins and needles, needing book 3 like yesterday so I can figure this out!! Still highly recommend this series if you are looking for a guilty pleasure read because, honestly its FULL of it! XoXo

Vicious by LJ Shen

4 Stars!! 

“I loved her when I hated her. And I loved her when I didn’t want anything to do with her. I was so crazy about her, the lines had blurred together. Feelings were mixed, emotions twisted together.” 

Emilia

They say love and hate are the same feelings experienced under different circumstances, and it’s true.Ten years ago, he made me run away from the small town where we lived. Now, he came for me in New York, and he isn’t leaving until he takes me with him.

Vicious

She is a starving artist. Ten years ago, she barged into my life unannounced and turned everything upside down. She paid the price. The woman who knows my darkest secret, and the daughter of the cheap Help we hired to take care of our estate. That should deter me from chasing her, but it doesn’t. So she hates me. Well I dont care- she better get used to it. 

Soooo... at first I thought I was going to hate this book. Because I HATED Vicious AKA Baron. He was a prick- but as usual, a prick with a past that haunts him and makes him so insufferable. He grew on me the more I read but he was extremely harsh and just hard to like. He redeems himself so that made it better for me :P 

Emilia was stupid but also wrapped up in a dream. She knew every decision she was making was a dumb one but she did it anyway. But her dumb decisions, even if they hurt her, made her stronger and her character growth bloomed throughout the book. There were times I wanted to throw my kindle across the room and other times I swooned. It was a great mix of emotions and I enjoyed the roller coaster! Looking forward to checking out the next book in the series!

Sugar and Gold by Emma Scott

5 Stars!! 

“Love and hope,” she said. “That’s life to me. Love for all the good that happens to you and the people you care about, and hope that any pain will be bearable or lessen in time.” 

Nick (Nickolai) was born with a condition that makes him special, a gift he wishes he could give away. Peoples feelings and emotions, he can see, feel and taste them- all around. He roams the US- stays moving so that he can outrun the thoughts and feelings of others. Until he meets her. 

Fiona was trapped- and in a bad relationship she never thought she would break from, until she does. Then finds a new home in Georgia. She makes a new life for herself - one that she is in charge of. She tells herself its time for her to enjoy her life....until a chance encounter with a tattooed stranger changes everything… 

I loved this book! It was very unique, with sort of like a magical realism trope feeling. The whole concept sucks you in because you want to know more about his ability and how it works. I loved the characters and the depth they had. I really enjoyed the story and honestly thought it was a brilliant way to get the reader immersed. 

This is a part 2 I think to the book How to Save A Life- also by Emma Scott. I did read it a long time ago and I know that I loved it- I just cant remember what it was about. But dont let that scare you, because this one can be read as a stand alone. 

Hold tight to your emotions, because they will be heightened in this one!! So many secrets to be revealed and twists to keep you engaged. You wont want to put it down! I love Emma Scott's writing! Highly recommend !!

The Wish Collector by Mia Sherdian

4 Stars!! 

“I believe everyone deserves grace, Clara. What you will have to ask yourself is if you should offer that grace from near or from afar. Offering grace does not mean offering your heart. That, my darlin’, must be protected at all cost.” 



This was such a fun and dreamy read. It takes place in New Orleans, and I got to read it this week while in New Orleans. That made it so worth it! Everything, all the culture and sights from the book came to life. 

Clara- a ballet dancer, gets the shot of a lifetime to work at the New Orleans Ballet. In order to follow her dream, she has to leave her father who has Alzheimer's which is very hard for her but she does it. After being in New Orleans for a while, she hears a story from her neighbor about the Weeping Wall located at Windisle Plantation. Its magic and story, consumes Clara. She goes to the wall and meets a stranger behind it all. 

Jonah, a highshot lawyer once upon a time, now lives in isolation because of something tragic that happened over 8 years ago. Consumed with guilt Jonah never leaves his home, which just so happens to be at Windisle Plantation. One day he receives a wish behind the wall, and hears a voice which turns his life - totally upside down. 



This book was so whimsical. There is a story within a story told here and it worked perfectly. There were a few different mysteries all going on at the same time which made the whole thing that much more amazing. I really enjoyed all of the mentions of New Orleans history and all the legends and tales told about it!

The Butterfly Project by Emma Scott

5 Stars!! 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I once read that you fell in love like how you fell asleep: slowly at first and then all at once.”

Zelda, is running from her past- but at the same time trying to make a future. She goes to New York to try and get her Comic Book published. It means the world to her because it is based on something very important to her. One night- she runs into a guy named Beckett, a guy who needs a second change- forgiveness and freedom of his past. 

Emma Scott - You are a Genius! This book was amazing, and so very different! I loved seeing the comic book strips through out the book and seeing how it would change, as the story developed. The characters were swoon worthy and lovable. The Butterfly Project was a story about two tortured souls- Zelda and Beckett, finding love, friendship and something neither of them would have expected. 

This was a 2019 TOP FAV- I recommend this one to the masses :P And all of Emma Scotts books!

A Wish For Us by Tillie Cole

5 Violet Blue Stars!! 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I think my heart is ready to review this... 



Tillie- Tillie - Tillie cant you see... Sometimes your words just hypnotize me. I swear, I think she is a Wizard when it comes to words...



Its like she takes her time, sprinkling in all the feels... 

A Wish For Us is something that will stick with you forever. I usually give a little preview of what the book is about but Im not doing that with this one. See, I've been needing to read this for a while but, I know how Miss Coles books work. So I put it off for a while but here we are... in the aftermath and I am just so glad I went into this one blind. And for that reason, I feel like you should too. You can thank me later. 

This book wrecked me, but in a good sort of way. It captures you from the start and doesn't let up until the very end. Fair warning- you will cry... or at the very least, you will want to. You will want to snuggle up and have no distractions. You'll be transported into this story, and not want to come out. 

The writing is beautiful, and the characters are filled to the brim with depth. A lot of the story line is based on music and I am a music junkie. So that made it even better for me. And the way Cole writes about the music- took my breath away. There is also an amazing physical condition talked about in this book that I have never heard of and that made this book come alive. Im not telling you what it is- just go read it. I promise you wont be disappointed!! :P

The Fall Up by Aly Martinez

4 Stars!! 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



They met on a bridge- it was raining, Levee in her designer shoes and Sam with his cigarette hanging out of his mouth- looking like a dream. She wanted to jump... to fall into nothing... little did she know, she could also fall up. 

Pretty sure this was my first Martinez book. And it didn't disappoint! From the first line of the book, I was hooked. The main characters were lovable and I loved their chemistry, wit and banter.

The Fall up deals with mental health issues and depression. It talks about what happens when we overload ourselves and don't come up for air. What it feels like when we feel the walls close in around us and we think we have it under control- until we don't. Thinking we can do everything on our own without the help or love from others. 

This book made my heart lurch - it was beautiful and it will steal your heart, give you all the feels and leave you wanting more! I highly recommend it :P

Home Tears by Tijan

4 Stars!!

It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of Tijan!! I love her writing and ALLLLL the Drama she dishes! I have always been hesitant to read Home Tears because it was one of her lower rated books. But I have made it a point recently to not give a damn about other peoples ratings and just to take a leap and go for it. IM SO GLAD I DID.

This Book was literally like a Soap Opera. We have Dani- who is from a very small town. She always felt like the black sheep in her family which included her mom, two sisters and two aunts. Dani's boyfriend (Jake) ends up cheating on her with one of her sisters- Dani does what she does best- she leaves with out a word.

Fast Forward 10 years and Dani is back home visiting - trying to get over a trauma she just went through. She is dealing with a lot of emotions and trying to change her ways. Her crazy Fam is not happy to see her. They have issues with Dani leaving for so long- most thought she was dead.

I LOVED this book. I could relate SO much to Dani O'Hara and her whole messed up Fam. The drama was flowing STRONG- in Tijan fashion. We get to see Dani's growth, as well as other characters over the course of the book. Jonah was great as well- He was patient and really just went with the flow of things. He was there for Dani and wasn't an ass like most guys tend to be in these types of books.

I recommend all Tijan books - they always have such depth and the writing always sucks you in! Always here for a drama fest :P

The Bride Test by, Helen Hoang

5 Stars!!
“I only want you to be yourself with me.”


Helen Hoang is quickly becoming an auto buy author on my list of Favorites ! Her writing is amazing and her books, are super cute and adorable. They also shine a light on many topics that need to be talked about more. This is an own voices novel- in 2016 she was diagnosed with Autism herself- which inspired the Kiss Quotient and now The Bride Test.

I know most people loved the Kiss Quotient more-BUT- I am a minority and absolutely adored this one!! This book is following a couple of characters who we originally met in The Kiss Quotient. We may only see those characters for a minute- but you cant help but smile once you put the pieces together.

I don't want to say much about the plot- because to me, its such a treat to go into them blind- but I highly recommend these books!! Especially if you have any interest about autism and the autistic community. Hoang writes from experience and its like a breath of fresh air!! I cant wait to see what book 3 will be about and if we get to see all the characters we fell in love with again

Ryans Bed by Tijan

4.5 Stars!! 

"My face. My body. My heart -
it all went with her, because she was me.
My twin sister killed herself on June twenty-ninth.
We would've been eighteen the next day.” 

Mackenzie, her twin sister Willow, brother Robbie and parents, have just moved - due to her fathers new job. She doesn't know anyone or anything about the new place they now live. Mackenzie thinks she is just the normal sibling- just average, since her two siblings and parents are all extraordinary. And in Macs mind- shes less than. One day not too long after the move, Mackenzie's life is turned upside down when her twin sister Willow, commits suicide. 

Mac is the one who finds her- and she is completely void of emotion. She cant eat or think- everything seems to be falling apart around her. Then she finds herself in Ryan's Bed, a boy she barely knows. Her parents sent her and her brother to a friends, (Ryan's House) so that they could sort out all the details of the death. She ends up in his bed thinking it was his sisters- because its the only place she feels safe for whatever reason. 

I woke that morning in Ryan’s arms, I felt a little less crazy. I felt a little bit better. And I felt a little more whole.

I absolutely loved this story and the characters. Mac broke my heart the entire book because of the pain and dissociation she has with everything since losing her sister. I love Tijan - and this is one of her best yet. I love the way she writes such gripping characters. The kind you can feel along with. When the MCS are in pain you feel it too- You feel everything. 

Ryan was suchhhh a sweetheart!! I absolutely loved how amazing he was for her and how he was just everything she needed in the moment - no matter how crazy she was, he was right there helping and consoling her! Their chemistry was fabulous! 

This book was not easy to read, its about grief and what goes on in the person left behind after a suicide. There are some dark moments but also happy moments. Its filled to the brim with emotions. I overall- really enjoyed this one and Tijan continues to be one of my top Faves!

Scars by, Jaimie Roberts

4 Stars!! 
“Because when the heart dies, what else is left? One way or the other, it can’t change anything. It won’t change the fact that what’s done is done, and you can never repair a dead heart.”

Lily at almost 18, has a great life- money, friends, and is doing well in school. She's felt for a while, that someone is watching and following her. But this stalker is nice and leaves things like lilies on her doorstep. 

One night at a party- she gets dared to go in on a game of seven minutes in heaven. When in the dark closet, she is kissed by a stranger she isn't allowed to see. Emotions are heightened and Lily realizes this may be her stalker. After the party he starts to show up places Lily is at - the catch, she can never see his face. 

J- or aka Jarred, has a secret and one thing on his mind... REVENGE. He singles out Lily as the perfect pawn in his little game. What he doesn't realize is that there is more than meets the eye with her. Will he be able to focus on his end game? Or will he be caught up in Lily's web? 

Secrets come out- the past is confronted and lives will be changed. Scars have more than just one meaning. 

I have to admit, a good friend recommended this to me- and when I read the first couple chapters- I didn't think I would finish it. It felt weird that this girl had no issues with a dude with no face-stalking her. She doesn't tell anyone for a while and just kinda goes along with it. After about the 30 % mark, I was hooked. Things started to turn and I was impressed with how this author took something that I was feeling NOT OKAY with and presented it in a way I never would have expected! 

This book wasn't perfect- but it was addicting and I had to know what the heck was happening. The author does a great job of keeping all the hidden aspects hidden until just the right time! 

Overall, I ended up enjoying this way more than I thought I would in the beginning - and I am glad I kept going. I would recommend this if you're looking for a romantic type thriller that keeps you guessing until the end!

Limerence book 2 by, Claire C Riley

4 Stars!!
When you see life through the eyes of a vampire, you see the true colors of the world.



Well.... this was SOOOO not what I was expecting. Just like book 1 - thought I had an idea how this would go and well HAHAHA Jokes on ME!



Mia has almost let her humanity go



and she has started to embrace the vampire side of herself. The whole book she struggles to fight off her inner vampire, who calls herself Maya. A little alter ego action.



Then there is Evan - her trainer.... SWOON- they both want one another but its off limits.



There is a ton of chemistry between the two. He also is supposed to help Mia keep Maya at bay. That really doesn't work out too well.

The ending of this book had me BUG EYED.



I was like WHAT HUH??? WTAF just happened?? I don't know if this series will have another book or not. But either way- the ending was like so unexpected that I could almost be satisfied with its conclusion....maybe...

Limerence Book 1 by Claire C Riley

4 Stars!! All righty then.... well this was not what I was expecting when I downloaded this lil gem to my kindle. This book was a legit WTF- book. Despite being desperately in love and engaged to Oliver- Mia, finds herself attracted to Mr. Breckt. She cant explain why just being in the presence of her fiancés boss, makes her feel things she knows she shouldn't be feeling. Her thoughts her feelings- even when she is away, Mr. Breckt consumes her mind. Mr Breckt is used to getting what he wants, and now he wants Mia, at any cost! With his obsession spiraling out of control, he knows that time is running out. A war is coming. Blood will be shed, and lives will be lost, but he will have to rid himself of his obsession of Mia before it’s too late. Mia and Oliver must fight to hold onto what they both share. If either one of them fails, it could cost both of them in the end. This is a vampire story- just not the kind where the vampires start to sparkle in the sunlight. UMMM NO.... These vampires are old school. Like the kind from interview with the vampire. They cry tears of blood and sweat blood. They don't have much humanity and they aren't sweet and cuddly. This is a dark, well written story- full of lust, obsession and Love. I loved Ollie and Mia together. They were so sweet and just perfection. I couldn't stand Mr. Breckt, but at the same time- his character was presented flawlessly. You cant help but hate him yet love his character for what it is. The beginning of this was a little slow for me, but after about the 50 % mark- I was in for the long haul. That's where things really started to pick up and the action and drama really started to unfold. The last 20% was soooo intense. With a cliffhanger that left me only wanting more. I cant wait to read part 2!! If you're into vampires- you should give this one a go!!