The Deal by, Elle Kennedy

4 Stars!!!

”Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don’t know how you ever lived without them.”

Buddy read with my Fabulous friend Nikki from @njpennybooks (IG)

Hannah Wells is super smart and focused on her music, getting through school, and holding it all together.



There is only one area she is struggling in, and not just anyone can help her with that. Garrett is the captain of the hockey team, and a ladies man. He’s not interested in relationships since his whole focus is hockey and going pro.



Until he fails an ethics exam, which puts a damper in his plans. He has to pass in order to play in the next game coming up. So his hunt for a tutor brings him to Hannah, the only person who passed the Exam. The only problem is Hannah doesn’t fall for Garrett’s charms - and refuses to help him.

“Unbelievable. Every girl at this college would cut her frickin’ arm off to help me out. But this one? Runs away like I just asked her to murder a cat so we could sacrifice it to Satan.”

But Garrett is persistent so Hannah eventually caves. They become best friends real quick, and make a deal in exchange for the tutoring . But THE DEAL changes everything!!

This was my first time reading a book by this author. When I first started I wasn’t sure I would like it. It was a little cheesy in the beginning but after a couple chapters I was hooked. I was completely addicted and invested. I’m really late on reading this one, but I’m in it now and look so forward to the rest of this series and the spin off.

Hannah was a great female lead. She was smart, driven and focused. Even with the tragedy she has faced in her past, she is absolutely resilient and strong. Garrett is 100% a cinnamon bun!! I just adored him he wasn’t an ass- he was just special. I loved them together and their chemistry and banter was amazing.

This was completely a guilty pleasure read. Just a fun and sexy book without worries of world building or anything major to follow. It flowed nicely and just makes you smile. It’s a rainy day here, and this book was perfect for the blues. Not too heavy and not filled with fluff. If you're looking for something that puts a smile on your face and gives all the feels... Look no further than this heartwarming little gem <3

Bennett Mafia by, Tijan

4 Stars!!
“Actions matter. To be reckless with words is to be selfish, and combine that with power, and it is dangerous. Be better.”

Riley grew up with wealth but the cost wasn't cheap. She also went to boarding school, and her roommate Brooke- turned out to be a Mafia Princess. But that was in the past- opportunity for a fresh slate presents itself and Riley jumps in headfirst in hopes to escape her old life. She was willing to do anything to protect herself from what haunts her.

Tijan did it AGAIN!! I just love how she pours everything into her characters and makes the story come to life. She did her homework for sure!!! This was hardcore and a little hard to read at times. There are some pretty dark themes that are talked about but, it is a mafia book, so its to be expected. I will say that she did not hold back AT ALL for this one!

Riley was an ok main character. She did get under my skin just a little bit because at times she could be a little dramatic. And I felt like we were supposed to think she was a bad ass but she didn't really fit that mold for me... we never really got to see her in her element only talked about it. All the Bennett siblings were great. I did not know what to think of Kai at first. He is a legit MOB BOSS. He was brutal and at times you wanted to just hate him but love him at the same time. The chemistry between Kai and Riley felt sorta forced in the beginning but as the book went on I was able to look past it.

There was SO MUCH happening in this book!! I loved that the most. There was never a dull moment and things happened quickly. I hope that Tijan decides to write more off this series but for now its sadly just a stand alone. But I have a feeling we might see more of these characters later on- that's not confirmed though, just a hunch and hope that I have ! If you are a fan of Tijan- you will definitely want to add this to your TBR ;)

Under Locke by, Mariana Zapata

4 Stars!!
“And love without respect and appreciation isn’t actually anything. It’s worthless."

In Under Locke we follow MC Iris, her life has only been one hard time after another. She never really catches a break. With hopes that all of the tragedy is in the past, she decides to move to Texas to live with her half brother Sonny, who also got her a job working at a tattoo shop. That's where she meets her new boss, Dex. AKA Charlie... You know I couldn't help but think of another Charlie :P



Dex is not known for holding his tongue. Which Iris finds out real quick. He owns the shop - and is also part of a Motorcycle Club. Dropped into a new world that Iris is not used to, she is at a loss. She doesn't know if she will be able to fit in with these guys who curse about everything, and ride on two wheels.

Dex was an ASS!! At first :P Aren't they all though?? SIGH- But he does grow on you. I thought Iris was great!! I loved her personality and her character growth over the course of the book. She goes from being intimidated to holding her own with these broods in the MC. The side characters were also interesting. I wish that this would have been a series - but its still a great stand alone!!

This isn't a normal Motorcycle Club book. They don't really handle anything heavy as far as subject matter ( Drugs guns etc.) so that was a nice change. It was an actual legit MC - without the ACTION/DRAMA. There is still a ton of action and a slow burning romance which, lets face it.... Zapata is the queen of the slow-burn!!

I really enjoyed this one!! Dex had my heart by the end of the book and it left me swooning. I would totally recommend!

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.