Shatter Me: The New Republic Book 2: Release Me by Tahereh Mafi

 

Shatter Me: The New Republic Book 2

The searing second volume in a new series set in the #1 global bestselling Shatter Me universe ten years after the fall of The Reestablishment.

Rosabelle Wolff had a plan. Now she wants revenge. To save her sister she needs to get back home and destroy the system that created her. Rosabelle’s greatest strength is her ability to deaden her mind and body; it’s the only way to survive the surveillance state of Ark Island. But lately her heart has been beating harder; her thoughts are spiraling; her defenses are coming undone.

And there’s only one person to blame.

James Anderson had a plan. Now he has nothing but problems. Rosabelle might be the ally they need in a fight against The Reestablishment, but no one wants to trust an enemy assassin. It doesn’t help that Rosabelle’s not much of a talker, doesn’t work well in groups, and kills people on instinct. Taking her side has cost James nearly everything—but keeping her alive might help save his world.

If only he could convince his older brother.

Aaron Warner Anderson has a headache. Something dark is coming, and Rosabelle’s arrival is just a prelude. In her, he sees shades of himself he can’t trust, and he can no longer get a read on the girl. She’s a dead battery, emanating no emotional feedback. At least not until James walks into a room…

Volcanic tension, breathless reveals, breakneck action—and a dystopian world that never stops raising the 

Welcome back to The New Republic.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/237100532-release-me

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Dang. Another freaking cliffhanger. Still, I’m glad to be back in this world with a new series! I devoured this book. The fast pacing makes it so easy to fall into and just not look up until you’re done. And with the way the previous book ended, I was eager to dive back in to see what happened next. Rosabelle may have decided to destroy the system that created her but any trust she may have gained has definitely shattered. Not that anyone besides James was willing to hear her out. Now, she has to find a way to get back home and quickly. Or else, it may just be too late to save anyone. James is paying the price for bringing Rosabelle into their world. But deep down he believes that she can help them. But proving that, especially to his brother, is nearly impossible. And the connection between Rosabelle and James just grows more intense. And as for Warner, well, he is being Warner. Protecting everyone the best he can but never taking a moment to breathe. He is doing his best to stay ahead but he knows he is missing some pieces. And something bad is coming. He knows it. So much going in such little time. At this point, I just really need the next book to finally see how it all plays out. But I loved seeing so many familiar faces and the constant banter between them all. Easily the best part of this book. Another reason I couldn’t put it down. And I can’t wait to see what happens next after this latest cliffhanger! 

Cranham Kings Book 1: Hostile Game by Becca Steele

 

Cranham Kings Book 1

From USA Today and WSJ bestselling author, Becca Steele, comes an all-new M/F standalone enemies to lovers college hockey romance.

As the daughter of the head of the Thorpe Syndicate, my life was decided for me from the beginning. I was expected to look a certain way. Act a certain way. To put the syndicate above my own desires. To marry the son of the head of another crime family in a deal brokered by my father.

The night my arranged betrothal was announced was when everything changed.

My brother’s best friend chased me into the woods and stole my first kiss.

Now, my engagement is drawing closer. I’m doing my best to survive one day at a time, keeping my head down while I attend classes at Cranham University, a former Victorian prison and home of the Cranham Kings hockey team.

But he’s there, a constant reminder of what happened in the woods. His hateful gaze tracks me in the hallways and the lecture halls. I loathe him. Yet when he’s flying across the ice with his teammates, I can’t help but notice him.

And the way he makes me feel? That’s a secret I’ll take to the grave.

Tensions are rising. Something is brewing, and my family risks being caught up in it all. I don’t know who I can trust, and as for Jay?

He’s a complication I can’t afford, because the consequences would be devastating for us all.

Hostile Game is part of Cranham Kings, a college hockey romance series of M/F and M/M interconnected standalones. Please note that this series contains darker themes.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244393450-hostile-game

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Being born in a mafia type world, Nova knew her life wasn’t her own. But an arranged marriage? It’s the last things she wants. At least her fiancé feels the same way about her. They are both there because they have to be, not because they want. Now with the engagement coming closer and closer, things are starting to feel real. But there is a complication. Her feelings for her brother’s best friend, Jay, has started to shift from something that feels very opposite of hate. She always thought he hated her but it’s starting to look like it was his way of shutting down his feelings. They can’t be together. They both know it. But they can’t seem to stay away. Jay knows Nova can never be his. He’s done his best to push her away and just stay away. But it’s only a matter of time until his control snaps. And with tensions rising between all the syndicates and his own family getting dragged into something, he knows he has to figure out what is going on before it’s too late. This was a great start to this new series! We got a lot of interesting characters. I’m looking forward to a lot of them getting their owns books. I really liked Nova and Jay’s story. Their tension and chemistry were great and I was on the edge of my seat as I tried to figure out how these two could find their happy ending. Great first book to kick this off! I can’t wait for more.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shield of Sparrows Book 2: Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry

 

Shiel of Sparrows Book 2

RITES OF THE STARLING is the epic, heart-pounding sequel to Devney Perry’s #1 New York Times-bestselling SHIELD OF SPARROWS. A princess journeys across a cursed realm to find the truth about her family, only to discover her quest intertwines with the fate of a lost warrior. Love, danger and magic collide in a captivating romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros.

Calandra’s five kingdoms are on the verge of destruction. The crux migration is coming. And in the wake of a devastating attack, I’ve been separated from the man who owns my heart.

I’m lost. Terrified. Homesick. Hunted by monsters, driven to exhaustion, and kidnapped by a powerful priest, the only thing keeping me going is the little girl counting on me to keep her safe. It’s my turn to become the Guardian.

Our lives change one fateful night. A night of death. A night of monsters. A night of truths. That night, I learn the real meaning of fear—and the depth of my own strength.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not—a queen, a spy, a sacrifice. But what if I embrace my crown? What if the secrets I uncover save our realm?

What if my sacrifice means salvation for the man I love?

For too long, I’ve feared the monsters we make.

It’s time to discover the monster within.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241058997-rites-of-the-starling

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This story just keeps getting better! So this was awesome and now I’m super excited to get to the final book of the series. Too bad I have to wait another year. So lots of twists and turns in this story. And some new things as well. First, let’s start with Odessa. After the last battle, Odessa and Evie are separated from Ransom. One of the Voster leads them on their bit of a side quest while Odessa plans to get her and Evie to Quentis. There she hopes they’ll be safe and Ransom will know her well enough to head there. They just gotta survive first. Meanwhile, we are introduced to a new point of view character, Caspia. Who is from another continent and when she has a vision about the death of her sister, she leaves with her cousin to find her. And let’s just say a lot goes down and she will discover a lot on her journey. And that’s really all I can say without spoilers. I will say though, I had a theory early on in the book about Caspia’s connection to Odessa’s journey, because how can you get a new point of view character and not wonder what it has to do with our main, and I ended up being proven right which was pretty sweet. But this book explains A LOT. So many questions are answered. Things are falling into place and by the end we know what our heroes need to do next. I really just couldn’t put the story down. I loved all of it. And I really can’t say much without spoilers, but trust me, you do not want to miss this! And I can’t wait to see how this series ends!

Desert Football Book 5: Blindside Lesson by Christie Gordon

Desert Football Book 5

Getting a tutor was supposed to be about passing my class. Instead, it became the one thing I wasn’t prepared for.

Tex (Travis)

Football is my future. The draft. Everything I’ve worked for.

Walking into my tutor’s apartment, I don’t expect Colton Reed—quiet, brilliant, and tempting in a way that hits me hard.

He’s not my normal type. He’s not supposed to be an option.

He’s my tutor.

But he looks at me like I matter, like I’m more than a jersey and a body built for the line.

Every study session blurs into something closer. Heavier. Harder to walk away from.

I’ve never been confused about who I want.

But Colton makes me want things I can’t afford to lose.

My career. His job. Both our hearts.

And once I fall, I fall hard.

Colton

I like rules. Order. Lines that don’t get crossed.

Tutoring Travis Rowlings should’ve been simple.

Help him pass. Keep it professional. Don’t get attached.

Except he’s warm and earnest and looks at me like I’m something worth choosing.

And wanting him terrifies me, because I’ve never wanted a man like this before.

I’m not out. My father wouldn’t understand.

And falling for Travis could cost me everything I’ve built.

But every secret kiss and stolen moment pulls me deeper.

Pretending this doesn’t matter is becoming impossible.

I’m falling for my student.

And I can’t stop.

Blindside Lesson is book 5 in the Desert Football series, featuring a golden-hearted offensive lineman, a guarded graduate-student tutor, bi awakening vibes, forbidden attraction, secret dating, emotional vulnerability, found family, and heat that builds until it breaks.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246640268-blindside-lesson

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Tex’s class is a little bit harder than he expected, he knows it’s time to get a tutor. He just never expected to fall for Colton. The moment they meet, Tex knows he is in trouble. Colton is sweet and smart and just everything Tex could want. But is there a chance that Colton feels the same? Colton has been through a lot. He lost his mom when he was eighteen, his dad was barely around and he has just never coped well with his grief. He likes to be in control. And he knows he needs it. But he never expects to get feelings for Tex. He has spent so long hiding that part of himself and Tex threatens to break down every wall he has. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to keep those walls up and it’s only a matter of time until they come crumbling down. Can Colton be brave enough to embrace his feelings for Tex? Tex and Colton were a great match. I loved that Tex was able to help Colton get the support he needed and be there by his side as he gained his confidence to be the person he was always meant to. Tex was also just so sweet and supportive. He didn’t rush or push Colton, he let him know he was there by his side in any way he needed. A great way to end this series! You don’t want to miss this one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Matchmaking in Granville Book 2: Hounding Hank by DJ Jamison

 

Matchmaking in Granville Book 2

An unexpected love will soon be Hounding Hank...

Matchmaking Mamas helped my best friend, Maverick, and his rival neighbor find love. If they can help those two, it should be a piece of cake to find me a guy, right?

The dating pool of available men is small, but finally after weeks of waiting, the Mamas come through for me. Hank is sweet and charming via text, and we instantly connect over our love of dogs.

And when I lay eyes on him for our first date--holy heck, is he hot!

It seems like a perfect match.

Until Hank gets a look at me and just about swallows his tongue--and not in a good way.

Hank was expecting to meet a woman. Instead, he got me.

The Matchmaking Mamas have epically screwed the pooch, and left Hank and me to clean up the mess. But there's a friendship in the making that might be worth all the trouble--if I can just keep my inconvenient attraction under wraps.

I don't want to hound Hank about my unreciprocated feelings, but the closer we get, the more I start to wonder...

Could Hank still be my Prince Charming, or am I barking up the wrong tree?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246206559-hounding-hank

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Jamie has waited patiently for love to find him. But he just never seems to have any luck. Even after signing up with Matchmaking Mamas. He’s waiting and waiting until finally he gets a message that he matched! Their texts prove there is definitely a connection between them. Easy conversations and lots of similar interests. But when Jamie arrives at their date, Hank isn’t expecting him. He’s expecting a woman. Turns out Hank got the wrong Jamie’s number. Jamie can’t help but be disappointed. And when the two of them strike up a friendship, it makes it harder for Jamie not to catch feelings. What is he going to do? Meanwhile, Hank thought it wouldn’t hurt to let the Matchmaking Mamas do their thing, but when they get it wrong, he can’t help but feel a bit disappointed. Though, the connection he feels with Jamie makes Hank wonder if they can at least be friends! But things start changing for Hank the more time he spends with Jamie. Could it be that he is actually having feelings for Jamie? And maybe he isn’t straight after all? He’s never felt this way about anyone. Maybe it’s time to take a leap because he knows that losing Jamie is the last thing he wants. These two were so cute! Poor Jamie. He just wants to find love and just when he thinks he has a chance, it’s pulled out from him. But not for long! Hank definitely likes Jamie and I love that he comes to realize that his feelings for Jamie are so strong that he wants to fight for them. He wasn’t afraid to try after realizing what he was feeling. They were just very sweet all around! Another great story and I can’t wait for the next one! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Scoring Chances Book 5: Cheap Shot by Brigham Vaughn

 

Scoring Chances Book 5

The last thing Luke Crawford needs is to fall in love with anyone …

He’s got a good thing going as the Boston Harriers’ enforcer, and he likes his classic rides and quiet house to himself. Getting off with strangers is fine, but nobody is going to come in and mess up his hard-won peace. 

Least of all Vintage Jersey Guy, who comes to every home game to chirp Luke in the penalty box.

Sebastian Breckon left a thriving business in New York to help his sister, a single mom struggling to manage a demanding job and a kid with a chronic health condition.

However, Sebastian’s new flower shop in Boston isn’t taking off like he planned. Thankfully, he can blow off steam by chirping Crawford for the cheap shot he laid on Sebastian’s best friend and captain of the New York team.

Then Luke unexpectedly lands on Sebastian’s doorstep for a hookup and hatred turns to heat.

As injuries pile up, the team struggles to clinch a playoff spot, and Luke’s upcoming contract is suddenly on the line, Sebastian feels like the only solid thing in Luke’s life.

Except Luke doesn’t do romance. Especially not the white-picket-fence type.

But when Sebastian’s family’s struggles worsen right as the Harriers need Luke to play his best, he’ll have to decide if he’s ready to take the leap and convince Sebastian to build a future together.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244947845-cheap-shot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We made it to Luke’s story! Was definitely looking forward to his story to find out how who exactly would be a match big, tough Luke. And who better than the guy who loves to wear NY jerseys to a Boston game and sit right near the penalty box to chirp at Luke all night? Yep, Sebastian and Luke are the last guys you would think would get together, but they were actually a pretty great pair. Luke has never pictured himself in a relationship. Whether it was the way he grew up or just something that is just part of who he is, he isn’t sure, but no one has really tempted him. But when these two come face to face for an anonymous hookup, you don’t know who is more surprised at the fact that they met on an app or the fact that neither are opposed to the idea. Their verbal sparring is basically foreplay for them and they learn quickly they have pretty good chemistry. And from there begins a really slow build up from hook ups to friends to eventually something more. Sebastian wasn’t looking for a relationship either. He is busy expanding his business in Boston and is always ready to help his sister and his niece when they need it. Specifically because his young niece has a chronic illness and Sebastian wants to be there for them with whatever they need. But the moments that Luke spend time together, the more they really get to know one another and realize that maybe they don’t really hate each other after all. I really loved these two. It was this slow burn emotional build up but it was so right for them. And it made it so much more satisfying by the end when they realize just how hard they have fallen for one another. Just another great addition to the series and with enough hints that have me super excited for the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

All An Act by Leslie McAdam

 

Lachlan Doyle’s biggest problem seems to be which girl to invite to prom. Everyone thinks the golden boy of Royce High, captain of the football team and senior class president, has a charmed life.

Everyone except me.

To me, he’s the sad-eyed boy next door. All my life, I’ve overheard what goes on at his house and wished I could save him from it. I know that underneath Lachlan’s smiling, flirty exterior is a very broken human being.

One who has to fake interest in cheerleaders and so desperately wants to escape his horrible home life that he auditions for the school play just to be out of the house in the offseason. He’d rather spend hours rehearsing with the weird drama kids than deal with his family.

Except Lachlan didn’t know when he accepted the lead role that he’d have to kiss a guy—me—in front of the entire audience. And he didn’t know that I’ve had a crush on him forever. Although he might be suspicious, given what we get up to when no one else is around.

Regardless, there’s no chance we’d ever be together for real. The only time the popular jock and the emo goth make sense as a couple is when we’re both acting like someone else.

All an Act is a steamy gay romance about two high school seniors. All spicy scenes feature characters who are 18+ years old. This is a stand-alone MM romance about the one person who sees who you really are. Expect confessions in the dark, fake kisses that turn into more, and raw courage. HEA.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239986554-all-an-act

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Isak and Lachlan were inseparable as kids. Until the day Lachlan walked away with no explanation that Isak could understand. Now, they enter senior year of high school and suddenly everything changes. Because turns out the feelings Isak has for Lachlan just may be reciprocated. Lachlan wears a mask at all times. He walked away from his best friend when it became very clear in his house that being friends with Isak wasn’t okay and there would be really bad and painful consequences. He is doing what he can survive this final year of high school before he can leave for good. But it becomes harder and harder each day being this miserable. Until finally, he has had enough and wants something from himself. And that’s Isak. It may start off as a secret hook up but then when Lachlan needs a reason to be away from home in the spring, he finds himself auditioning for the spring musical where he ends up cast opposite Isak. And suddenly, keeping feelings to themselves may just be impossible. I adored these two. Lachlan is going through so much and I hated that he had to face so much of it alone. And was so happy when he started to finally open back up to Isak. These two were best friends for so long and in order to protect himself, Lachlan had to let him go for a while. But I loved that he was slowly finding his courage in this story to be himself and love who he wanted. And for Isak, he was finally seeing what Lachlan had hidden for so long and refused to let him go again. A really beautiful story all around! You don’t want to miss this one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.