The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

 

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships--but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor--and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding...six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

This book was so fun! Olive has to be one of the quirkiest characters I have ever read. She is just so fun and hilarious. Her mind moves a mile a minute and you just never know what is going to come out of her mouth. This romantic comedy was hilarious. In a desperate attempt to convince her best friend that she was dating someone so that her friend would know it is okay to date a guy that Olive once went out with, she comes up with a pretty sloppy plan. In a panic she kisses the first man she sees. Adam Carlsen. The young hotshot professor…who, if you ask the grad students, is the absolute worst. His reputation for being a mean and hard professor is well known. Now, to keep up the charade, Adam and Olive decide to have a fake relationship. Turns out, he needs something too. He needs to show the university that he isn’t planning to leave so he can acquire the funds he needs for his research. No one wants to invest in his work if he plans to take it elsewhere. This scheme leads to them having to get to know one another and Olive sees a side to Adam no one really sees. What is especially great about this story is that Olive constantly compares their scheme to a romance novel. She sees the signs of it all blowing up in her face or her falling for Adam. But there are plenty of twists to the stories that make the book not so predictable. Such a fun read and the writing was fantastic. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books from this author!

Skyhunter Book 2: Steelstriker by Marie Lu

Skyhunter Book 2

As a Striker, Talin was taught loyalty is life. 

Loyalty to the Shield who watches your back, to the Strikers who risk their lives on the battlefield, and most of all to Mara, which was once the last nation free from the Karensa Federation’s tyranny.

But Mara has fallen. And its destruction has unleashed Talin’s worst nightmare.

With her friends scattered by combat and her mother held captive by the Premier, Talin is forced to betray her fellow Strikers and her adopted homeland. She has no choice but to become the Federation’s most deadly war machine—a Skyhunter.

Red is no stranger to the cruelty of the Federation or the torture within its Skyhunter labs, but he knows this isn’t the end for Mara—or Talin. The link between them may be weak, but it could be their only hope to salvage their past and safeguard their future.

While the fate of a broken world hangs in the balance, Talin and Red must reunite the Strikers and find their way back to each other in this smoldering sequel to Marie Lu’s Skyhunter. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55780550-steelstriker

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Marie Lu never disappoints. I will admit I wished I re-read Skyhunter before starting Steelstriker to refresh my memory, but as I began reading the details from the previous book slowly came back to me. This book takes place six months where the last one left off. Talin is now turned full Skyhunter and has no choice but to serve Constantine since he holds her mother’s life in his hands. It’s made her do awful things but until her mother is safe, her hands are tied. Meanwhile, Red has been working with Talin’s friends to save those they can and find a way to save Talin. After such time apart they finally will be close to one another and plans can finally be made to save their futures. It will take everything they all have to defeat those who are corrupt. Loved diving back into this world. And I loved getting both Talin’s and Red’s point of view. It added a lot more to the story knowing what was going on with the two of them until they could be reunited once more. They both have important roles to play in order to save everyone and everything they love. This book does not disappoint! The story sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down until it was done. Just another great series by this amazing author!

Lake Howling Book 8: Faith and the Rock Star by Lani Blake

Lake Howling Book 8

Childhood Sweethearts, a Rock Star, and a parrot called Syd!

Ryan Lawrence wasn’t on Faith Harris’s list of favorite people. He’d broken her heart after one magic night together, then walked away to find fame. Forgive and forget wasn’t her motto, so when his handsome face appears back in Lake Howling, it’s fair to say she’s not happy. She’s stronger now, a businesswoman who doesn’t take any crap from anyone. Especially not a rock superstar with an over-inflated ego. He may be a man loved by thousands, just not her!

So why did she kiss him?

He’s back in Lake Howling to see his sister and instead finds something Ryan hadn’t known he was missing. Friends and Faith. Friends he understood, Faith he didn’t. She refused to acknowledge his success, and her cool attitude gets under his skin. But he’s never walked away from a challenge, especially one that stirs him up like Faith.

When his life follows him from L.A. and threatens Faith, he knows that leaving is no longer an option, because if he did, he’d be leaving more than his home. He’d be leaving his heart behind too. Ryan will do everything he can to protect the woman he now loves and make her understand he’s sticking. He’ll fight for a life together, no matter what it costs him.

If you enjoy your small town romance sizzling with a side of crazy, then Lake Howling is for you. Meet the real authority in town - the local book club - and Mrs. C., the interfering ex-owner of the Cakery who has no idea of personal boundaries, and a parrot named Syd who swears like a drunken sailor! Swim (or skinny dip!) in the ice cold lake, then warm up with coffee and a mystery muffin at The Hoot Café. Plenty of feels and LOLS, all wrapped up in a town that will have you packing your bags to head there, from the very first page.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58778622-faith-and-the-rock-star

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Back in the Lake Howling world and I've missed it so much! We finally get Faith's story. Noah's twin sister and fellow Lake Howling resident who much deserves her happily ever after. Faith's world is rocked when her friend's brother, Ryan, returns to Lake Howling. What no one seems to know is that Faith and Ryan had a moment before he left without saying goodbye to start his music career. Heartbroken that he left, she never mentioned what happened between them to anyway. Even her twin brother who she is super close to. But Ryan returns after Faith chews him out for not coming home to see his very pregnant sister. And Ryan is glad he comes back. It's been 11 years and not only has he realized how much he has missed his family and friends but he realizes just how much he has missed Faith. He knows what he did was wrong, leaving without goodbye. But he knew if that he stayed, he would have never been able to leave her. And they were young and just starting their lives. He wanted to go out and find himself. But now that he is back, he is finding it harder and harder every day to leave again. And when he sees and interacts with Faith again, he is a goner. Faith doesn't want to give in to the attraction and connection she has with Ryan. Because he'll be gone again and she won't be able to watch him walkaway a second time. Ryan wants to convince her to give them a chance. Can they make it happen? While they figure it out something else is stirring in Lake Howling. Starts with an anonymous gift and soon leads to some threatening acts. 

Overall, another great addition to this series! I loved getting to know Faith more and meeting Ryan was such a treat. Their chemistry was great. And it is so nice to see so many beloved characters make an appearance and catch us up on their lives. Such a fun and sweet series to read. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Dragon Clan Gatherings Book 1: Summer at Lochguard by Jessie Donovan

Dragon Clan Gatherings Book 1

Join Finn and Arabella as they host the clan leaders, their mates, and their children from Stonefire, Skyhunter, Snowridge, Northcastle, and Glenlough. Not only will Finn and Arabella deal with a surprise of their own, readers will enjoy updates from some of their favorite past couples. Also, the clan leader mates have some mischief up their sleeves, Asher King watches as Connor MacAllister talks with his sister Aimee, and other little tidbits happen over the course of the gathering.

NOTE: This is not a standalone story. It features characters from Seducing the Dragon, Healed by the Dragon, Aiding the Dragon, Craved by the Dragon, Winning Skyhunter, and Transforming Snowridge.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58967978-summer-at-lochguard

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

I love the start of this new series set in the dragon-shifter world! It's a great way to catch up with some of our favorite characters and see them together one the same page. This series will finally allow the leaders of the clans we have come to love be in the same place at the same time and interact. To kick off the series we are at Lochguard, which I will say may be my favorite. It's hard not to love Finn and Arabella, so getting a little bit extra from them is a treat. They are hosting this first gathering and we get updates on so many wonderful characters. Finn and Ara have some news but their feelings are a bit more complicated. The one main thing all of these characters share is that their mates want the clan leaders to take it easy for once and learn to delegate. So while the clan leaders talk business between the clans, their mates stage a plan to figure out how the get their mates to stop working so hard. Because even clan leaders need to learn to step back and enjoy their time with their families. The story did a wonderful job of updating everyone on where they are and hinting at some future stories to come. Can't wait for not only the next dragon-shifter book in this world but another one from this particular series! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

All for the Game Book 3: The King's Men by Nora Sakavic

All for the Game Book 3

Neil Josten is out of time. He knew when he came to PSU he wouldn't survive the year, but with his death right around the corner he's got more reasons than ever to live.

Befriending the Foxes was inadvisable. Kissing one is unthinkable. Neil should know better than to get involved with anyone this close to the end, but Andrew's never been the easiest person to walk away from. If they both say it doesn't mean anything, maybe Neil won't regret losing it, but the one person Neil can't lie to is himself.

He's got promises to keep and a team to get to championships if he can just outrun Riko a little longer, but Riko's not the only monster in Neil's life. The truth might get them all killed—or be Neil's one shot at getting out of this alive.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23594461-the-king-s-men

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

I love when a book or series surprises you when you realize how much you like it. I wasn't sure how I would feel about this series when I started. A little out of my normal go tos, but it came up on my radar because of books I've read and loved. And it was a delightful surprise to be sucked into the story and watch it get better and better with each page, with each book. This final book in the series was incredible. So much happened. There were so many highs and lows. Twists and turns. And I was helpless. I couldn't put it down until I finished. This third book picks up a few days after the last one. And if you read book 2 you know that Neil wasn't in the best place. He survived winter break but at a deep physical and emotional cost. Every day he is getting closer to when he is either taken out for good because he knows he can no longer run without being found. And the truth of the matter is, he doesn't want to run. Not from this family he built with the Foxes. He may have run from attachments, but he can't help it with his team. And not only that but something is starting between Neil and Andrew. Something Neil never expected but is starting to realize he isn't willing to let go. He wants to find a way to have it all. The championships, his family, his future. But it won't be easy. The horror from winter break was just beginning. Not when there is another monster after Neil as well. The past will claim him and it will take everything he has to survive. And if he does, maybe he'll still have a family to turn to. The secrets and lies are running out and are about to be exposed. Loved this one. Like I said, I couldn't put it down. I had to know what would happen to Neil, Andrew, and the rest of the Foxes. I wanted to know if everyone would survive, would Neil be able to get past the horrors, and if they would win the championship. This final book in the series does not disappoint! 

All for the Game Book 2: The Raven King by Nora Sakavic

All for the Game Book 2

The Foxes are a fractured mess, but their latest disaster might be the miracle they've always needed to come together as a team. The one person standing in their way is Andrew, and the only one who can break through his personal barriers is Neil.

Except Andrew doesn't give up anything for free and Neil is terrible at trusting anyone but himself. The two don't have much time to come to terms with their situation before outside forces start tearing them apart. Riko is intent on destroying Neil's fragile new life, and the Foxes have just become collateral damage.

Neil's days are numbered, but he's learning the hard way to go down fighting for what he believes in, and Neil believes in Andrew even if Andrew won't believe in himself. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18187013-the-raven-king

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My Review: 4/5 Stars 

There was something about book 1 that caught my attention and when I finished I decided I definitely needed to read book 2. And I'm so glad I did because it was pretty crazy. So of course, I have to finish the series now. So book 2 picks up shortly after book 1. The team is reeling from losing their teammate and Neil is realizing that there is no going back from the choices he made. He decided to stay with the Foxes but now he knows that his life is on a deadline. He may not make it through the year. But until then, he'll stick with this team who has made the risk worth it. While the team focuses on their games and trying to survive the Ravens' psychotic team and their leader, Riko, Neil is starting to get a picture of who his teammates are. Specifically, Andrew. Andrew who is described as this psychotic monster that no one truly knows how to handle. But the more Neil spends time with him, the more he realizes that there are plenty of things Andrew is hiding from everyone. And those things make all the difference. Andrew may push and push but in the end it is fueled by one thing: protectiveness. This book was pretty insane. So much went down. Good and bad and horrifying. And that last few chapters. Neil has been through a lot and sacrificed so much. The question going into this final book is whether or not the sacrifices were worth it and has he broke? I wouldn't bet against his will. Can't wait to dive into the final book!

All for the Game Book 1: The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic

All for the Game Book 1

Neil Josten is the newest addition to the Palmetto State University Exy team. He's short, he's fast, he's got a ton of potential—and he's the runaway son of the murderous crime lord known as The Butcher.

Signing a contract with the PSU Foxes is the last thing a guy like Neil should do. The team is high profile and he doesn't need sports crews broadcasting pictures of his face around the nation. His lies will hold up only so long under this kind of scrutiny and the truth will get him killed.

But Neil's not the only one with secrets on the team. One of Neil's new teammates is a friend from his old life, and Neil can't walk away from him a second time. Neil has survived the last eight years by running. Maybe he's finally found someone and something worth fighting for.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17259690-the-foxhole-court

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My Review: 4/5

Neil has been running for a very long time. His mom and him ran from Neil's father and when his mother died, Neil was left on his own to keep running. His past is one that he never wishes to revisit. His father is a murderous crime lord and if he ever finds Neil, he's dead. So Neil has kept his head down, changed his name and appearance many times. But things change when he takes his first risk. He decides to play the famous sport Exy at the school he had currently landed in. His obsession with the sport and love of the game was a risk he was willing to take. Especially at such a small school. What he never expected was for someone to be watching him. And not just anyone. Someone from his past. Kevin Day is a famous Exy player who was injured several months earlier. He became the assistant coach at PSU Foxes and brings Neil to the head coach's attention. Lucky for Neil he realizes that Kevin doesn't remember Neil from when they were kids. But Neil can't say the same. Not when Kevin's family is just as bad as his father. They recruit Neil to play, though it is more like a threat. But Neil's love of the game makes him take a risk. He knows he isn't good enough to play D1, but the chance to play with Kevin and just in general is enough to make him go. But the Foxes have a rep. And it's not a great one. Everyone on the team has issues for the most part and not the best kind. Neil will have to keep his secrets and navigate his way through this odd team. Especially through Kevin's group, who has Andrew as their guard dog. Andrew who is a little psychotic with and without his meds, who is definitely more bite than bark but once he claims you, that's it. And not only will Neil have to survive the team, but his past connection with Kevin could put him in the spotlight to his past. Is the risk to play and want to stay worth his life? I was super intrigued by this story. There was something about it that caught my attention and kept me reading when I would have probably passed. The characters are interesting and dark and violent at times. And despite some of these things, I just wanted to know what would happen. What would happen to Neil and Andrew and Kevin and just the team in general. I'm going to have to pick up the next one to find out!