Review: Cruel Legacy

Cruel Legacy by K.A. Linde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The final installment of the Cruel series had a lot of twists and turns. I enjoyed the conclusion, and the arc of Natalie's character development. I felt like something was missing at the end, some strings left loose not quite tied up and resolved, especially with Kathrine Van Pelt. I actually would love to see Wren get her own story, because I feel like there is a lot we didn't get to with her.

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Review: Get a Life, Chloe Brown

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my review.

People read romance for many reasons, but everyone generally accepts that the romance genre is steeped in fantasy. This fantasy generally involves heroes and heroines who are healthy, fit, toned, physically capable. Not to say there is not enjoyment in that, but it is extremely refreshing that romance novels, like Get a Life, Chloe Brown are beginning to represent people with different abilities, body types and personal challenges. This is a story that needed to be told and Talia Hibbert did and amazing job bringing Chloe and Red to life.

Chloe Brown is a curvy black woman who has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a reality for an estimated 3%-6% of the worlds population. I personally have family members who have been diagnosed with this invisible disease, and representation in romance novels and media in general extremely important and refreshing. Red, is the best kind of hero, he is instantly drawn to Chloe, but he has a traumatic past and is dealing with his own demons. He sees beyond the barriers that kept others at a distance, and it melts my heart. The best part of this story is that through all of their ups and downs, neither of them tries to rely on the other to be their "everything". They both see the importance of maintaining their independence and being self sufficient. This novel addresses issues of race, ability, mental health, domestic abuse, and addiction, and does so in a relatable, tasteful and realistic way.

I can't gush about this story enough! I was unable to put it down, I talked about it with everyone I saw and asked everyone to add it to their TBR. Chloe and Red have stolen my heart, and their love story is beautiful, inspired, and about dang time :).


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Review: Stay With Me

Stay With Me by Nicole Fiorina
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my review.

This story was dark, raw, and intense and sucked me in. This story was full on angst and at times difficult to read. I stayed up late reading because I needed to know what was happening and my heart and mine were completely invested. The emotions and interactions were so passionate and intense that there were a couple of times where I needed to put the book down and walk away. Some of the side characters were a little grating to me, the catty cliquey behavior is never my favorite, but the affection between Ollie and Mia kept me hooked on this story as they navigated their relationship and their own personal demons.

This was an amazing debut novel by Nicole Fiorina I will definitely follow this author and look forward to reading her future work.

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Review: Concerto

Concerto by Skye Warren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Having read Overture , book 1 in the North Security series, I was anxious and excited to see what would happen to Samantha Brooks violin prodigy and Liam North, her once guardian and constant protector. I didn't love this book as much as Overture, but I find that to be a trend for me. I am not the person who is going to tell you that Empire Strikes Back was the best of the original Star Wars trilogy, I always preferred Return of the Jedi. I think that is for a few reasons which are mirrored in this story. First, you know going into it that you will be left with a cliff hanger and the story will be unresolved. I feel that the second book is often used to set up the third, and so it doesn't hold its own the same way the first or third will. In the case of Concerto, I felt that Samantha was a little wishy washy in her resolve. In certain parts you would see her growing up, standing up, fighting back and holding her own, only to question her own confidence a few minutes later. There is a lot of push and pull between her and Liam, which is very realistic, but at the same time made it seem like the characters didn't know where they were going or what they really wanted. I found my self thinking "huh, really?" a few times when characters made decisions. That being said the last 1/4 of the book picked up speed and there was some great intrigue and action (both kinds ;)). I definitely enjoyed this book and i recommend that it be read or listened to. Grace Grant and Teddy Hamilton were stellar as always. I am really looking forward to reading Book 3.

I received a copy of this audiobook and voluntarily give my review.

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Review: Handle With Care

Handle With Care by Helena Hunting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Helena Hunting is a genius and her characters always jump off the page and this was no different for Lincoln and Wren. I was hooked from the first page and read it straight through in one sitting. I was laughing hysterically and emotionally invested through the whole book. I Could Not Put It Down! Wren was such a strong Bad A$$ woman. She was so competent in her job and had so much confidence, she was feisty and refreshing. Lincoln, Lincoln Lincoln... he's my new BBF, I love him so much. Every chapter I read I loved the two of them more and more. This story was perfection! I can't say enough good things.

I received an ARC of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway by St. Martin's Press and Voluntarily give my review.



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Review: Overture

Overture by Skye Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this audiobook and voluntarily give my review.

Overture tells the story of child violin prodigy Samantha Brooks as she approaches her 18th birthday and grapples with her impending adulthood. As an almost adult Samantha lives with her legal guardian Liam who is 18 years older than her in their secure compound. Liam owns a security company, but his number one charge is to protect Samantha, and he finds that increasingly difficult when the person he most wants to protect her from is himself.

I was not new to North Security or the forbidden love between Liam and Samantha. I had previously read the kindle version of this book and wavered about listening to the audio, thinking that maybe I should spend the time listening to something new. I am so very glad I didn't skip this one! This story was elevated by the amazing narration done by Grace Grant and Teddy Hamilton. I feel like I got so much more out of the story, and have a greater understanding of the characters from their interpretations. I can't wait to see how this continues in Concerto.

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Review: Married in the Mountains

Married in the Mountains by Alexa Riley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was super sweet and still possessive and steamy everything I love about an Alexa Riley book. The lead characters were also mature adults, married with an 18 year old son. It was refreshing to read about a married couple that was still completely passionate about each other. I can’t wait to read the rest of the camp hardwood books!

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my review.

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