Brooklyn Bruisers Book 8.5: Lucky Shot by Sarina Bowen

Brooklyn Bruisers 8.5

Nine years ago, a rookie sports agent met the man of her dreams at a business dinner. That was the night they broke all the rules…

Lucky Shot is a free short story. Enjoy it as is, or go on to read the rest of Bess & Tank’s second chance love story in Sure Shot.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54438605-lucky-shot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

A sweet little prologue to Sure Shot. This story shows Bess and Tank's first meeting that was talked about in their book. Now we got to see Bess's first thoughts and interactions with Tank! A short little story that shows that they had chemistry the moment they met and it is satisfying to know they'll get their second chance in Sure Shot. 

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 8: Sure Shot by Sarina Bowen

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 8

A new stand-alone hockey romance from USA Today bestseller Sarina Bowen.

On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, sports agent Bess Beringer is ready to make some changes. Armed with a five-year plan—indexed and color coded—she’ll tackle her personal life with the same zeal that she brings to her successful agency.

A big, tall, ripped hunk of hockey player who’s just been traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers is not a part of that plan. Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz has a lot of baggage. He’s a ride-or-die loner with a bad reputation. He’s on the rebound. He’s also the sexiest thing on two legs, and for some crazy reason it’s Bess that he wants.

She knows better. But then she falls stupid in love with him anyway. And for a while it seems like maybe he’ll do the same.

Until she asks him for the one thing he can never give her…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49986677-sure-shot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I loved this one! We have Bess, sports agent and kick ass heroine and Tank, our rival now turned teammate hockey player. Bess and Tank met nine years earlier and had a brief fling. But when Bess realized that a relationship with a hockey player was a bad idea for her career as a sports agent, she walked away without an explanation. Nine years later their paths cross again when Tank is traded to Brooklyn. Tank hasn't had an easy season. He is just about to get divorced and was traded to his rival team. Though he has to admit getting out of Dallas wasn't a bad idea to get away from some crappy teammates. But finding his place on a team that isn't really ready to accept him is a whole other game. The only good spot is seeing Bess again. And it doesn't take long for them to reconnect. Sparks fly but there are complications. Bess is ready to find love. A partnership. A marriage and a baby. Soon. But how can she ask that of Tank? Who is just getting on his feet? Who is just out of a bad marriage? Sometimes you need to take a chance. I loved their story. And I have loved reading this series. My next goal will be to read the Truth North series so I can finally read Bess's brother Dave's story and see how he got to where he is. But I loved this hockey series a lot. Great books! 

The Company Book 1/Brooklyn Bruisers Book 7: Moonlighter by Sarina Bowen

The Company Book 1/ Brooklyn Bruisers Book 7

Only in my family could a professional hockey player earning seven million dollars a year be considered a slacker.

I’m at the height of my athletic career. Yet my arrogant brother is always trying to recruit me into the family business: a global security company so secretive that I don’t even know its name.

Pass, thanks. I don’t need a summer job.

But the jerk ambushes me with a damsel in distress. That damsel is Alex, the competitive, sassy girl I knew when we were kids. Now she’s a drop-dead gorgeous woman in deep trouble.

So guess who’s on a flight to Hawaii?

It’s going to be a long week in paradise. My job is keeping Alex safe, while her job is torturing me with her tiny bikinis. Or maybe we’re torturing each other. It’s all snark and flirting until the threat against Alex gets serious. And this jock must become her major league protector.

Moonlighter is a stand-alone novel. No cliffhangers, no prior experience necessary. Contains: hackers, hockey players, and a hotel room with only one bed.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46252434-moonlighter

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I almost skipped this one in my reading of the Brooklyn Bruisers series, but I am so glad I didn't. It gets confusing since the series title is a different name, but it is because it looks like it will be a spin-off. But the main character is a Brooklyn Bruiser and the heroine is a woman we met in previous books. So connections! So we have Eric Bayer, who we got to know a bit more about in Overnight Sensation, so it was nice to see him get his own book. And this book backs up and overlaps a bit with that book and is definitely before Superfan. So what I am basically learning with this huge series is that time lines overlap. So in this story we get to see that Eric and Alex know one another. When we met Alex, it was in Brooklynaire, and she had found out she was pregnant. When we start Moonlighter, we learn that Eric and Alex knew one another as kids, though they haven't seen one another in over 20 years. But Alex is in a situation. She hired Eric's father's company to protect her. Her ex (who hit her) will be at the same conference she is about to attend and she is in the middle of coming up with a plan to get him to hand her full custody of the baby that is on the way. Eric is called in to be her bodyguard and pretend boyfriend for the trip to scare the ex away. Eric and Alex are thrown together and soon realize that they have great chemistry. But things get complicated as most things do. In terms of their relationship, it's accepting what they mean to one another despite the situation they are in and what they thought their future and plans were. The other complication rests in the fact that Alex is in danger and not just from her ex. Someone is sabotaging her newest tech project and that someone is going as far as breaking and entering her home and hotel rooms and so much more. I really loved this book. It was a nice beginning to what could be a really cool series for the Company. And of course, another hockey book with the Brooklyn Bruisers, which is always a treat! I advise you not to skip this one as you are reading the Brooklyn Bruisers series. Because I learned that the heroine in the next one is introduced in this book. So I was glad I made myself pause and come back to this one before going for the next obvious title wise. Definitely worth the detour!

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 6: Superfan by Sarina Bowen

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 6

Sometimes lady luck shakes your hand, and sometimes she smacks your face. Sometimes she does both on the same day.

Three years ago I met the most amazing girl in the world. We were both down on our luck. Then I got that call—the one that tells you to get your buns on a plane to go meet your destiny.

But the girl was left behind. I didn’t have her phone number, and she didn’t know my real name.

While I became a professional hockey player, she became a superstar, with platinum records and legions of fans. And a slick, music producer boyfriend who treated her badly.

But fate wasn’t done with us yet. When Delilah turns up at a hockey game, I can’t resist making contact. The internet swoons when I ask her out on a date.

She might not remember me. But her jerkface ex does. He’ll do anything to keep us apart.

Good thing athletes never give up. This time I’m playing for keeps.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45836452-superfan

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Finally! Finally, I made it to Silas's book and it was fantastic! Throughout the series Silas has made an appearance. He was on Brooklyn's team, then he wasn't, and then he was back (yay!). So I've been patiently waiting to get to his book. Especially that throughout the series Silas has always been teased by his teammates about his obsession over Delilah's music. Little did we know that Silas actually knows her. He met her three years before, but he never had a chance to get her number and she didn't know him as Silas, but as Ralph. A small chance brings them back together and the sparks fly as they get a second chance at what could be a fantastic love story. And this story was great! I read it so fast. Lots of cameos from our favorite characters. Silas and Delilah may be reunited but things get complicated quickly for them when Delilah's ex refuses to let her release her second album and is trying to sabotage Silas and Delilah's relationship. Great, great story! So sad, I'm getting to the end of the series. But this one was definitely a fun and great addition! 

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 5: Overnight Sensation by Sarina Bowen

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 5

Everyone knows the girl is off limits. But it's so good to be bad.

There's this girl...

Heidi and I have been trading hungry looks all year, and everything she does makes me smile. But I don't do girlfriends, and I certainly can't get involved with the league commissioner's daughter. I need shots on goal, not a hookup and a widely misunderstood paparazzi photo.

Can I resist her, though? The way she teases me should be a game penalty for interference with my libido. 

There's this guy...

Jason wants me, but he won't admit it. That man looks at me the way a hockey player eyes the lunch buffet after practice--and I love it.

But when victory is finally within my grasp, I blow it and humiliate myself. Even then I can't even avoid him--as the team intern, I'm in constant view of his hard body and cocky smile.

I need another chance. Jason Castro is about to learn the true meaning of an overnight sensation.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42630081-overnight-sensation

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It's Heidi's and Castro's book and this was a hoot to read! Heidi definitely surprised me, I wasn't sure if I was a big fan of her in Brooklynaire, but she definitely changed my mind once we got to know her and get her point of view in this story. Heidi fights for her independence in this story and it comes with a load of challenges. But she proves to me a hell of a hard worker and fights for what she wants. And one of those things turns out to Jason Castro. There is no question about the connection Heidi and Castro have, but Castro soon realizes that he can't act on it. But Heidi doesn't disappear from his life. When she hits a snag, he is there to help her out. And now the two of them have no choice but to really get to know one another. The plan to keep their distance is a major fail. And for the first time in a long time, Castro wants a relationship. And he wants one with Heidi. But his past isn't great. There is a reason he stays single. Can he get out of his own head and take a chance? Really loved their story. Can't wait for the next one!

The Kyoshi Novels Book 2: The Shadow of Kyoshi by F.C. Yee with Michael Dante DiMartino

Kyoshi Novel Book 2

The epic, can’t-miss follow-up to the New York Times bestselling Avatar, The Last Airbender:The Rise of Kyoshi

 

Kyoshi’s place as the true Avatar has finally been cemented—but at a heavy cost. With her mentors gone, Kyoshi voyages across the Four Nations, struggling to keep the peace. But while her reputation grows, a mysterious threat emerges from the Spirit World. To stop it, Kyoshi, Rangi, and their reluctant allies must join forces before the Four Nations are destroyed irreparably. This thrilling follow-up continues Kyoshi’s journey from a girl of humble origins to the merciless pursuer of justice still feared and admired centuries after becoming the Avatar.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50158990-the-shadow-of-kyoshi

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A great conclusion to this duology. Yee delivers another fantastic addition to the Avatar universe. This book has more focus in the Fire Nation and the politics, but also a great step toward the spirit world. And, we get an even better look at Avatar Kuruk and even Avatar Yangchen. The past influences the future in so many ways. Kyoshi truly learns this lesson and the lesson that not all is what it appears to be. There is always more to a story. Especially when she learns more about Avatar Kuruk. I always love diving back into the Avatar universe. Easily one of my all time favorite worlds. This was a great book to see Kyoshi struggling with finding her role in the world as their Avatar. It isn't easy and she has much to learn, but each experience teaches her something more. Great book! I hope Yee and DiMartino get to dive in and create more books like this. There are so many Avatars to explore and I would love to see more. 

Teen Titans Book 2: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia and Illustrated by Gabriel Picolo

Teen Titans Book 2

Garfield Logan has spent his entire life being overlooked. Even in a small town like Eden, Georgia, the 17-year-old with green streaks in his hair can’t find a way to stand out–and the clock is ticking. Senior year is almost over. If Gar doesn’t find a way to impress the Chosen Ones–the social elite at Bull Creek High School–he will never know what it’s like to matter. Gar’s best friends, Stella and Tank, don’t understand why he cares what other people think. They miss their funny, pizza-loving, video game-obsessed best friend.

Then Gar accepts a wild dare out of the blue. It impresses the Chosen Ones and his social status soars. But other things are changing, too. Gar grows six inches overnight. His voice drops and, suddenly, he’s stronger and faster. He’s finally getting everything he wanted, but his newfound popularity comes at a price. Gar has to work harder to impress his new friends. The dares keep getting bigger and the stakes keep getting higher.

When Gar realizes the extent of his physical changes, he has to dig deep and face the truth about himself–and the people who truly matter–before his life spirals out of control. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46127757-teen-titans

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A fun graphic novel that follows Beast Boy's origin story. Gar Logan is just a teenager trying to figure out how to be popular for once and why he can't seem to get taller or bigger. As Gar tries to find himself and his place, he throws caution to the wind and stops taking supplements his parents gave him and ends up taking a wild dare that changes his status. Suddenly, Gar is popular and his body seems to be changing in more ways than one. Beast Boy is still that fun, funny teenager with the affinity of getting along with animals and as his powers emerge, he learns a lot more. But not all his questions are answered in this story. There is still a lot more Beast Boy needs to learn in order to discover what his new powers mean. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 3: Pipe Dream by Sarina Bowen

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 3

In this Brooklyn Bruisers romance, a hockey goalie has to trust his instincts, even when taking a shot to the heart...

Mike Beacon is a champion at defending the net, but off the ice, he's not so lucky. A widower and a single father, he's never forgotten Lauren Williams, the ex who gave him the best year of his life. When Lauren reappears in the Bruisers' office during the play-offs, Beacon sees his chance to make things right.

Lauren hates that she's forced to travel with the team she used to work for and the man who broke her heart. There's still undeniable sexual tension running between her and Mike, but she won't go down that road again. She's focused on her plans for the future--she doesn't need a man to make her dreams of motherhood come true.

Lauren plays her best defensive game, but she's no match for the dark-eyed goalie. When the field of play moves to Florida, things heat up on the beach.

One of Mike's biggest fans doesn't approve--his teenage daughter. But a true competitor knows not to waste the perfect shot at love.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31624989-pipe-dreams

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Another great addition to this series. I really loved Mike's and Lauren's story. Mike and Lauren were together for over a year before Mike broke her heart with no explanation. But after two years, Lauren is forced to work with his hockey team again and Mike wants her back. Mike realizes that he should have handled their relationship better and been more honest on why he had to leave, but he thought he was making the best decision at the time. He didn't. But now he is going to fight for Lauren and do whatever it takes to earn back her heart and her trust. Lauren, tried to move on from Mike but two years later it still hasn't happened. Doesn't matter because she knows she has to make changes to her life and follow what she wants. But when Mike tries to win her back, it is taking everything inside her not to give in. What if her heart gets broken all over again? Great story about second chances and fighting for those who matter. And of course the great hockey moments! Lot of fun reading this one and I couldn't put it down!

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 2: Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 2

He’s a fighter in the rink, but he’s about to learn that playing nice can help you score...

As team captain and enforcer, Patrick O'Doul puts the bruise in the Brooklyn Bruisers. But after years of hard hits, O'Doul is feeling the burn, both physically and mentally. He conceals his pain from his coach and trainers, but when his chronic hip injury becomes too obvious to ignore, they send him for sessions with the team’s massage therapist.

After breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Ari Bettini is in need of peace of mind. For now, she’s decided to focus on her work: rehabilitating the Bruisers’ MVP. O'Doul is easy on the eyes, but his reaction to her touch is ice cold. Ari is determined to help O'Doul heal, but as the tension between them turns red hot, they both learn that a little TLC does the body good... 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28869598-hard-hitter

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Great story! So fun to get to Patrick and Ari's book. When we meet Patrick he's pretty closed off and you don't know what to make of him. Is he a jerk? Just too serious? But in this story we get to find out why he is the way he is. Patrick's job on the ice is a tough one. He's their fighter. He expects to go into the rink each night and come out bruised and bleeding. He hates the dread and anxiety that come with knowing someone's fist is coming for you. Which explains why he avoids Ari's yoga class and massage sessions she does for the team. But after being forced to go to treat his hip, he learns to trust Ari little by little. Something he has never really done with anyone before. Meanwhile, Ari recently left a really bad relationship. She thinks the best thing for her right now is to avoid dating and just get her crazy ex out of her life for good. What she doesn't expect is her attraction to Patrick or the fact that her ex has been up to some shady things and is threatening her safety. Couldn't put this story down and I can't wait for the next one!

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 1: Rookie Movie by Sarina Bowen

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 1

The first novel in a sexy new series featuring the hockey players of the Brooklyn Bruisers and the women who win their hearts—from the USA Today bestselling author of the Ivy Years series.

In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold...

Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL. But on the first day he’s called up to the newly franchised Brooklyn Bruisers, Leo gets checked on both sides, first by the team’s coach—who has a long simmering grudge, and then by the Bruisers’ sexy, icy publicist—his former girlfriend Georgia Worthington.

Saying goodbye to Leo was one of the hardest things Georgia ever had to do—and saying hello again isn’t much easier. Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast....

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27190530-rookie-move

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

So I loved that I discovered that this series is kind of a sequel series to the Ivy Years series. Because one, hockey and two, we meet Leo and even a bit of Georgia in that series. So is definitely nice to get their story and have them back together. We get pieces of their past in the Ivy Years series, but now we get their points of view and it was a great story. Of course, I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Leo has finally got a chance to be in the NHL and on day one he realizes that one, his ex's father is the coach and two, his ex works for the team. Complicated, but Leo quickly realizes that he isn't going to lose Georgia again. No way. Georgia is shocked when Leo is put on the team she works publicity for. She knows that she pushed him away when they were 18 but she always regretted. Their chemistry is still there between them, their real challenge is communication. Clearing the air and talking about everything. Especially the bad stuff. And then there is the problem of the possibility that Leo can be traded at any moment. Great story! Can't wait for the next one.

House of Night Otherworld Series Book 4: Found P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

House of Night Otherworld Book 4

Fog rolls into Tulsa, and with it comes Darkness. Zoey knows something is up, and that the something involves Neferet, but Neferet can't possibly be freed, right?

Other Neferet and her companion, Lynette, arrive in Woodward Park to set this world's Neferet free from her grotto prison, and discover there may be those who sympathize with their cause. Meanwhile, Other Kevin and Other Stark are hot on their trail, but how can the new friends travel to this world without invoking Old Magick and paying a costly, perhaps deadly, price?

In 'FOUND', the culmination of the House of Night Other World series, a surprisingly talented fledgling, an immortal, and the unlikeliest of allies will band together with Zoey and the Nerd Herd. Will they be powerful enough to defeat her old nemesis, or will two worlds be destroyed and claimed by Darkness? Find out in the thrilling conclusion to the House of Night Other World series!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50980732-found

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My Review 5/5 Stars

It feels like I have been reading this series for a very long time. And I wish I did a re-read at some point because I think I would have appreciated this series a lot better. Nevertheless, I have to say this last book was very satisfying and surprising. I really enjoyed how this one went down and the epic ending. Lots of surprises and plot twists. Redemption and love. It was a beautiful way to end the series. Other Neferet believes she wake up Neferet to gain the answer to immortality. But she recognizes the madness in Neferet and the mistake made in waking her. Now it is a final prophecy and battle to rid of the Immortal Goddess forever. Like I said, lots of twists and turns. Just very nicely done. I think fans will be satisfied to this ending. And of course the open ended conclusion that has us wondering will we return to these great characters.

The Best Kind Book 2: The Best Kind of Surprise by Jasmin Miller

The Best Kind Book 2

Aiden

If you asked me last month if I had a fulfilling life being single, I would have said yes. But all of that changed when I met Stella. After a drink in my restaurant bar, we shared an incredible night together. The only problem was, she was gone when I woke up the next morning. No note, no phone number, nothing. 

Over a month later, I still can’t get her out of my mind. Somehow, she did a number on me, turning me into such a ball of self-pity, I can't even work up the desire to move on. With no way of contacting her, I’m more than a little shocked to find her waiting in front of my door one evening.

Despite my wildest hopes, she isn’t here for a repeat of our passionate night. The nature of her visit is completely unexpected, ending with a surprise that’s about to turn both of our lives upside down.

One I’m not sure I’m ready for. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42730272-the-best-kind-of-surprise

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

The second book in this novella series. And now it is Aiden’s turn! A short, sweet romance that follows Aiden and Stella. After one night with Stella and her disappearing the next morning, Aiden can’t believe a month later he is still thinking about her. He was sure there was a connection and he was disappointed that he didn’t even get her number. But a month later, she shows up at his door and drops quite the news bomb. As they navigate the results of their night together, Aiden is glad to have a second chance to win Stella’s heart. Cute, short story. Lot of fun and laughs like the previous book. 

A Wicked Series Book 3.7: The Queen by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A Wicked Series Book 3.7

From #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes the next installment in her Wicked series.

The King must have his Queen....

Bestowed the forbidden Summer’s Kiss by the King of the Summer fae, Brighton Jussier is no longer just human. What she is, what she will become, no one knows for sure, but that isn’t her biggest concern at the moment. Now Caden, the King, refuses to let her go, even at the cost of his Court. When the doorway to the Otherworld is breached, both Brighton and Caden must do the unthinkable—not just to survive themselves, but also to save mankind from the evil that threatens the world.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49889354-the-queen

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

So did I get an ARC of this book, sit down, and read it in one sitting? Yes, yes I did. I could not put it down! I've waited so long for The Queen and I just wanted my ending. And no surprised that JLA delivered a beautiful story and ending for this lovely trilogy. I was very satisfied with this story, though I will say I wish it was longer (no surprise, I always want long books from JLA) and I hope that this isn't the true ending of this world. I love this world she created for the Wicked series and I would happily keep reading more from it. 

So if you haven't read anything before this series, you definitely need to because there are some spoilers for the series as a whole in my review, not specifically this book though. First off, this picks up exactly where The King left off. Brighton just learns she is pregnant and that Caden loves her and is willing to throw away everything in order to be with her. Brighton spends this book trying to do the right thing. She knows she has to give Caden up. That she has to be selfless. Because the fate of everyone, fae and human, could be at risk if he is truly not King anymore. And at the moment, she isn't seeing another way. Meanwhile, there is still the threat of the Summer Court and their missing teens. But there are quite the amount of twists and turns in this story!! So never fear! I won't say what, but things definitely took a few turns here and there and left me completely surprised! Like I said earlier, this was a truly satisfying ending to Brighton and Caden's story. They both have suffered so much and both deserve happiness. Together, they are adorable and strong and just so right for one another. I've been cheering for them since The Prince and it was nice to see them find their way to their happily ever after. And again, I really hope there will be more books in this world. There are definitely things that could be revisited because not everything was wrapped up. So fingers crossed there will be more! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

The Best Kind Book 1: The Best Kind of Mistake by Jasmin Miller

Best Kind Book 1

Life regret number one: Moving into an apartment where all I hear are the moans coming from my downstairs neighbor's apartment. It's pretty obvious what's happening behind those doors, which is even more frustrating when you aren't getting any action yourself.

To make matters worse, I got fired from my job, and my savings account is pathetic. That means I can't eat my body weight in donuts, even if I wanted to...and I really want to. Thanks to my sister, though, I have a new work opportunity lined up, and I promised myself I wouldn't do anything to lose this one. Until I realize my new boss, Logan, is none other than my sex god of a neighbor.

Keeping my ever-growing attraction to him in check proves to be a lot harder than I thought, especially with my knowledge of his extracurricular activities. When my new job as his photography assistant keeps throwing us together--sometimes completely eliminating our personal space--I find it more and more difficult to remember why I'm supposed to stay away from him.

Hi, I'm Ember Keaton, and I suck at adulting.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45018662-the-best-kind-of-mistake?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=isAGeAbfFm&rank=4

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A fun, short, sweet romance for when you are looking for that nice HEA. This book was funny and just a fun read. With a nice big plot twist that had me laughing pretty hard. Ember is in an awkward situation with her loud downstairs neighbor. But things take an even more awkward turn when she shows up to her new job and her boss looks suspiciously like her neighbor...yet is it him? Instant attraction and chemistry, Ember and Logan try to keep things professional, but when you find the one that rules doesn't last long does it? Like I mentioned a short novella with a sweet romance and hilarious revelations.

The Ivy Years Book 5.6: Yesterday by Sarina Bowen

The Ivy Years Book 5.6

It’s been seven years since John Rikker left his childhood home in Michigan. Surely that’s long enough to scar over the wounds he received there. Or is it? Can Rikker survive a visit with his parents? And can Graham let him do it alone?

(Only published in the Novella Collection "Extra Credit" - The Ivy Years 6 which contains all three novellas

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51549245-yesterday

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Rikker and Graham are some of my favorite characters in this series and I am glad we get an extra story about them! Rikker finally returns home for a few days before he and Graham head to a freind's wedding. Rikker promised his dad he would make an effort to see him, but it is no surprise when his mom tries to pull a stunt that leaves Rikker walking away sooner than expected. Graham comes home and sees some old friends and opens up in a way he never had before. And of course, he is there for Rikker no matter what. A sweet story that gives us an update on their lives!

The Ivy Years Book 5.5: Studly Period by Sarina Bowen

The Ivy Years Book 5.5

There are 1016 people in the freshman class at Harkness College. I can’t be the only socially awkward nerd girl virgin among them. Right?

It’s time I learn to talk to guys without blushing and stammering. So I take a confidence-building job at the student tutoring center. Twelve bucks an hour, plus human interaction. What could go wrong?

A fun-loving French Canadian hockey hunk, that’s what.

When Pepe Gerault sits down at my tutoring table, my brain shuts off and my mouth goes right into hyperdrive. Even the sound of my name on his lips—Josephine—gives me a mini orgasm.

I want to hand him my V-card. But all I manage to hand him is…my thesaurus. And my dignity. All seems lost, until I hatch a plan to get him alone…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39077038-studly-period

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Such a sweet novella about Harkness hockey player, Pepe! We've seen him plenty of times throughout the series and it was nice to get his story. Though this story is told through Josephine's point of view. Josephine is the definition of an introvert. But to make herself talk to others she takes a tutoring job at Harkness. And when Pepe comes to her for help with his English essays seeing as English is a second language for him, she is the one who may need help in English. The study sessions become more frequent as they get to know one another and Josie soon finds herself falling for Pepe. But doe she like her back? And can she tell him how she feels without getting tongue tied? Very cute novella! A lot of fun to read.

The Ivy Years Book 5: The Fifteenth Minute by Sarina Bowen

The Ivy Years Book 5

Freshman Lianne Challice is known to millions of fans as Princess Vindi. But sometimes a silver screen sorceress just wants to hang up her wand, tell her manager to shove it, and become a normal college student. Too bad that’s harder than it looks.

She’s never lived a normal life. She hasn’t been to school since kindergarten. And getting close to anyone is just too risky — the last boy she kissed sold the story to a British tabloid.

But she can’t resist trying to get close to Daniel "DJ" Trevi, the hot, broody guy who spins tunes for hockey games in the arena. Something's haunting his dark eyes, and she needs to know more.

DJ's genius is for expressing the mood of the crowd with a ten second song snippet. With just a click and a fade, he can spread hope, pathos or elation among six thousand screaming fans.

Too bad his college career is about to experience the same quick fade-out as one of his songs. He can't get close to Lianne, and he can't tell her why. And the fact that she seems to like him at all? Incredible.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45863223-the-fifteenth-minute

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I loved getting to know Lianne in the previous book of this series, so I was super happy to see she was getting her own book! And it was a great one. Lianne is a famous actress who wants a chance to be normal and go to college. She loves acting but there are so many other sides to it that she wishes she can avoid. Specifically the social part and the fact that she can't go anywhere without someone recognizing her. But she promises this semester to try better to be social in the sense of making actual friends. She made friends with Bella and Rafe last semester and since she met DJ, she wants to be his friend and more. DJ has had a rough couple of months. After being accused of something he didn't do, he thinks his days at Harkness are over. But when Lianne steps into his life, he wishes he can give her a normal relationship. Especially because he is amazed that she gives him the time of day and what they have in common is through the roof. Both of them have their baggage, but neither are quite willing to give up on the other. Loved their story! Just another great one to this series. I'm sad it is the last full length novel, but I still have the novellas to read next!

The Ivy Years Book 4: The Shameless Hour by Sarina Bowen

The Ivy Years Book 4

The girl who’s had everyone meets the boy who has no one.

For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men’s hockey team, sex is a second language. She’s used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she can’t understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there’s something in those espresso eyes that makes her second guess herself.

Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor—but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright sinister fraternity stunt, it’s Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces.

Bella doesn’t want Rafe's help, and she’s through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can't be extinguished.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46019027-the-shameless-hour

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Book 4 and this series just gets better! It's Bella's turn and boy this story was pretty insane. Bella has never been shy of hook ups. The last time she thought a relationship was possible it ended up blowing up in her face. To guard her heart, she avoids a relationship. But too bad for her (or not really), it is hard to avoid Rafe. Possibly the sweetest guy at Harkness who is crazy for Bella whether he admits it or not. What starts off as an awkward hook up later becomes a genuine friendship after caring for Bella at a time when she needed a friend the most. Bella ends up with a horrible encounter with one of the frats. Humiliated in a way she never has been before, she hides herself from everyone. But Rafe won't let her hide for long. Not his Bella, who is always fearless. He coaxes her back to life. And though it takes a while, Bella starts to realize that Rafe is different from the boys before and that maybe a relationship wouldn't be so scary with him. Really loved this book. Just an overall great addition to the series.

The Beautiful Series Book 2: The Damned by Renee Ahdieh

The Beautiful Book 2

New York Times bestselling author Renée Ahdieh returns with the second installment of her new sumptuous, sultry and romantic series, The Beautiful.

Following the events of The Beautiful, Sébastien Saint Germain is now cursed and forever changed. The treaty between the Fallen and the Brotherhood has been broken, and war between the immortals seems imminent. The price of loving Celine was costly. But Celine has also paid a high price for loving Bastien.

Still recovering from injuries sustained during a night she can’t quite remember, her dreams are troubled. And she doesn’t know she has inadvertently set into motion a chain of events that could lead to her demise and unveil a truth about herself she’s not quite ready to learn.

Forces hiding in the shadows have been patiently waiting for this moment for centuries. And just as Bastien and Celine begin to uncover the danger around them, they learn their love could tear them apart.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53131137-the-damned

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

So I have to start off by saying that I highly recommend you read the first book or re-read the first book before you open this one. I meant to re-read The Beautiful and I didn't and I regret it because I could only recall certain bits and pieces of it. It slowly came back as I was reading, but I know I could have benefited from a re-read. With that said, this book was still great! Picking up shortly from the last book, this book doesn't just follow Celine, it follows multiple characters in the series. We actually don't hear from Celine for a while. A lot of the story comes from Bastien, who is struggling with his new life as an immortal. He doesn't wish to be one and all he wants is to be with Celine, but even that has been taken away. Celine can't recall what actually happened to her. How she gained all these injuries. And when it comes down to it, that is all she wants to know. The truth. Because she is tired of the bits and pieces and really tired of everyone lying to her. The story covers a lot of ground on the supernatural. Lots of revelations. Lots of points of views from different characters and their roles. And after everything went down and what happened, there is just one big question for me. Is there more coming to this series? Honestly, there has to be. The story ended with a somewhat cliffhanger. And when I say that, I mean more like there were still a lot of unanswered questions. Not just about what next for Celine and Bastien, but for the other characters as well. Stories still to be told. I'm taking that as there is more to come and I honestly can't wait. 

Texas Nights Book 1: Shameless by Lex Martin

Texas Nights Book 1

***A USA TODAY BESTSELLER*** The SHAMELESS ebook is FREE for a limited time.

Brady… What the hell do I know about raising a baby? Nothing. Not a goddamn thing.

Yet here I am, the sole guardian of my niece. I’d be lost if it weren’t for Katherine, the beautiful girl who seems to have all the answers. Katherine, who’s slowly finding her way into my cynical heart.

I keep reminding myself that I can’t fall for someone when we don’t have a future. But telling myself this lie and believing it are two different things.

Katherine… When Brady shows up on a Harley, looking like an avenging angel—six feet, three inches of chiseled muscle, eyes the color of wild sage, and sun-kissed skin emblazoned with tattoos—I’m not sure if I should fall at his feet or run like hell. Because if I tell him what happened the night his family died, he might hate me.

What I don’t count on are the nights we spend together trying to forget the heartache that brought us here. I promise him it won’t mean anything, that I won’t fall in love.

I shouldn’t make promises I can’t keep.

SHAMELESS is a standalone companion novel in the Texas Nights series. BREATHLESS, Joey and Logan's book, releases Feb. 18, 2020!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29282745-shameless

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Brady gets a phone call in the middle of the night telling him that his younger brother and his wife are gone, everything changes. He's heartbroken that he never got to make up with his brother after what seems like stupid arguments. And then after hearing the news, his father gets a heart attack. Used to stepping up to help his family, Brady flies down to Texas to take get Cal's farm in order. What he doesn't expect is to find that his niece wasn't in the car with his brother and wife and now he is responsible for her. Brady is relieved that Izzy is okay but he starts to realize that Cal left a lot behind in Texas. Lucky for him he has Katherine to help him out. Katherine had been living with Mel and Cal for months. After a bad breakup and the need to get away to a safe place she came to help Mel and Cal out with Izzy. She soon found that she loves their farm and it is the perfect place to heal. That is until she loses her best friends. And she blames it on herself. Brady and Katherine find themselves working together to figure out everything that Mel and Cal left behind, including taking care of their daughter. In their grief they turn to one another and soon a relationship blooms between the two. Except Brady is planning to go back to Boston with Izzy and Katherine's life is in Texas. Their romance was sweet and frustrating throughout the story. I just wanted them to talk to one another about how they were really feeling and stop being scared and take a chance on one another! But I was hooked to find out everything the two of them were hiding bout their past and see if they could figure out if they could be together. Great story! 

The Ivy Years Book 3: The Understatement of the Year by Sarina Bowen

The Ivy Years Book 3

What happened in high school stayed in high school. Until now.

Five years ago, Michael Graham betrayed the only person who ever really knew him. Since then, he’s made an art of hiding his sexuality from everyone. Including himself.

So it’s a shock when his past strolls right into the Harkness College locker room, sporting a bag of hockey gear and the same slow smile that had always rendered Graham defenseless. For Graham, there is only one possible reaction: total, debilitating panic. With one loose word, the team’s new left wing could destroy Graham’s life as he knows it.

John Rikker is stuck being the new guy. Again. And it’s worse than usual, because the media has latched onto the story of the only “out” player in Division One hockey. As the satellite trucks line the sidewalk outside the rink, his new teammates are not amused.

And one player in particular looks sick every time he enters the room.

Rikker didn’t exactly expect a warm welcome from Graham. But the guy won’t even meet his eyes. From the looks of it, his former… best friend / boyfriend / whatever isn’t doing so well. He drinks too much and can’t focus during practice.

Either the two loneliest guys on the team will self destruct from all the new pressures in their lives, or they can navigate the pain to find a way back to one another. To say that it won’t be easy is the Understatement of the Year.

Warning: unlike the other books in this series, this heartbreaking love story is about two guys. Contains sexual situations, dance music, snarky t-shirts and a poker-playing grandmother.

THIS BOOK IS A STANDALONE. NO CLIFFHANGERS. NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46019064-the-understatement-of-the-year

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Another great addition to this series! The story follows Graham and Rikker and it was one hell of a story. Graham and Rikker knew one another since they were kids. And when they hit high school they fell hard for one another. But after a horrible incident that left Rikker in the hospital and Graham scarred in so many ways, they didn't see or speak to one another until now. After five years Rikker transfers to Harkness and faces an unsuspecting Graham. While Rikker is out for being gay, Graham has spent the last five years trying to tell himself he isn't. He feels guilty for what happened to Riker and even more guilty for not reaching out. But he learned that hiding who you are and keeping your head down was the way to go, no matter how much it hurts. Though fighting your first love isn't easy. For either of them. It's only a matter a time before the two of them drift back to one another. Even though each one of them went through some tough challenges and still are, they slowly learn to fight for who they are and stand up. Cause love is worth the risk sometimes. This book was real and rough and you can't help but cheer for the two of them to get back together and that everything will work out. Great, great story.