Review: Starry Eyes (Jenn Bennett)

Starry Eyes
Author: Jenn Bennett
Publication Date: April 3, 2018
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern-day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets.

But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.

What could go wrong?

With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely.

And as the two travel deeper into Northern California’s rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon’s rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars?


If you’re looking for the perfect summer YA contemporary romance, this is it. Starry Eyes had everything I look for in that category. Let me break it down for you.

The writing: Jenn Bennett’s writing is amazing. I haven’t found a book of hers I haven’t loved yet. Each book she writes gets better and better. Starry Eyes is my new favorite of hers. I loved the whole Romeo and Juliet vibe it had going on.

Perfect summer setting: The whole glamping thing was hilarious. I want to glamp now so bad! I also loved the camping and hiking in the wilderness of Northern California. Lennon not only taught Zorie about a lot of things, but he also taught me too!

The characters: Zorie was a real girl with real problems. A lot of them were caused by avoidance and miscommunication, but that felt true to her age. I saw a lot of her in my younger self. Lennon cracked me up. His sense of humor and sarcasm made me smile.

Perfect summer romance: I loved the evolution of Zorie and Lennon’s relationship. It was sweet in the way only childhood best friend to more can be. They went through a lot together and apart. It made their friendship/relationship stronger in the long run.

Real life problems: There were so many different friendship dramas in here, and I could see them playing out in real life. Popularity wasn’t really a thing for either Lennon or Zorie, but you could see some of it in the side characters. The miscommunication could be trying at times, but it really fit well into Zorie’s personality.

Parents: can’t leave out the parental units. They were some meddling parents, that’s for sure. Zorie’s dad took things to a whole new level. I haven’t quite experienced that in YA before, but I liked it even though I didn’t like him. Lots of parental drama, people.

Starry Eyes was the perfect summer reading adventure. I loved every minute I “roughed it” with Zorie and Lennon. I was sad to finish it because I would have been happy to keep reading about them. I highly recommend reading Starry Eyes if you love fun summer YA contemporaries.

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Worlds I’d Never Want to Live In

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original weekly feature created by The Broke and the Bookish and is now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s is Bookish Worlds I’d Never Want to Live In. 

1. The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins

I think this one is pretty self-explanatory, but I wouldn’t last long in the Hunger Games. I would probably be the first to die.

2. Little House on the Prairie
by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I don’t know that I could make it on the prairie. I like too many modern conveniences.

3. Game of Thrones
by George R.R. Martin

I don’t think I could live in any of the GoT settings. Like I said, I like modern conveniences and I don’t think I could handle all the death and destruction.

4. The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah

I am so relieved that I didn’t have to grow up in any of the settings of WWII. It was horrible. The injustices would have been scary and sad.

5. Divergent
by Veronica Roth

Yeah, I should just add every dystopian location to this list. I wouldn’t survive.

6. Nine Minutes
by Beth Flynn

I don’t think I have the grit it would take to be in a motorcycle gang. I’m too much of a softy.

7. After
by Anna Todd

I could not be in Tessa’s world. I couldn’t be her friend. I would have to tell her what an idiot she was, and then we wouldn’t be friends probably.

8. Mud Vein
by Tarryn Fisher

I could not handle being in that remote cabin that Sena woke up in. Too freaky. I would lose my mind!

9. Ready Player One
by Ernest Cline

I have no video game skills. This would make it hard to live in an Oasis filled world.

10. Saint Death
by Marcus Sedgwick

This book is about the Mexican drug world. Yeah, no desire to be involved in that.

Blog Tour Review: I Flipping Love You (Helena Hunting)


I Flipping Love You
Series: Shacking Up, #3

Author: Helena Hunting
Publication Date: May 29, 2018
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

SHE’S GOT CURB APPEAL. HE’S A FIXER UPPER…

From New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting comes I Flipping Love You, a love story about flipping houses, taking risks, and landing that special someone who’s move-in ready.

Rian Sutter grew up with the finer things in life. Spending summers in the Hamptons was a normal occurrence for her until her parents lost everything years ago. Now Rian and her sister are getting their life, and finances, back on track through real estate. Not only do they buy and sell houses to the rich and famous but they finally have the capital to flip their very own beachfront property. But when she catches the attention of a sexy stranger who snaps up every house from under her, all bets are off…

Pierce Whitfield doesn’t normally demo kitchens, install dry wall, or tear apart a beautiful woman’s dreams. He’s just a down-on-his-luck lawyer who needed a break from the city and agreed to help his brother work on a few homes in the Hamptons. When he first meets Rian, the attraction is undeniable. But when they start competing for the same pieces of prime real estate, the early sparks turn into full-blown fireworks. Can these passionate rivals turn up the heat on their budding romance—without burning down the house?


When I first started reading I Flipping Love You, I didn’t realize it was the third book in the Shacking Up series. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized it was connected to a series I adored. All of these books can be read separately as standalones, but they’re even more fun read together.

I Flipping Love You was a very entertaining read. Rian and Pierce don’t start out on the right foot with each other, and it leads to hilarious banter. There’s obvious attraction and chemistry that builds as the story goes on. Rian and Pierce’s physical relationship is easy, while their emotional one is not. Pierce is all in, but Rian holds back. I loved how Pierce continually pushed Rian’s comfort levels (in a good way). He won her over quickly and yet slowly. I liked the pace at which their relationship bloomed. It was incredibly fun to read.

I do have to admit I got a little annoyed with Rian at the climax of the story. I was frustrated that I didn’t understand her motives completely. I thought she was being stupid, and dramatic for silly reasons. It wasn’t until Rian came clean with Pierce that I got it, but I still didn’t necessarily like how Rian had handled it.

That little frustration didn’t ruin the book, though. I guess it made for a pretty big ah-ha moment for me. Overall, I loved reading I Flipping Love You. I constantly found myself with a huge grin on my face while reading it. It’s definitely a book I will recommend to someone looking for a great beach read this upcoming summer.

Review: Speakeasy (Sarina Bowen)

Speakeasy
Series: True North, #5
Author: Sarina Bowen
Publication Date: May 29, 2018
Publisher: Rennie Roads Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Sometimes you fall for Mr. Right. And sometimes for Mr. Right Now…

May
Did you hear the one about the girl who walks into a bar and catches her live-in lover kissing someone else? No? You’re the only one in town who missed it.
Luckily Alec is there to wrap me up in strong arms and carry me out the door before things get too ugly. And that’s not all Alec is good at. Our unexpected chemistry makes him the perfect rebound guy.

Alec
I should know better than to hook up with my rival’s little sister, but the fiery look in May’s eyes really turns my crank. She needs cheering up, and I’m just the guy for the job.

It’s not like I’ll fall in love. Not even after a string of scorching hot trysts, and the realization that we’re good at the same things: wild nights and familial disappointment. I don’t do love, never have, never will. So this is the perfect arrangement, for both of us.

Nobody would approve, but nobody has to know…


Speakeasy was one of my most anticipated books of this spring. I adore Sarina Bowen’s writing and the entire True North series. The love stories are always special and the topics she writes about hit me deeply. I am so happy Speakeasy lived up to my high expectations.

I have to admit that Speakeasy wasn’t the story I was expecting for May (or at least it wasn’t before I saw Sarina’s Instagram post about the changes she was making). I, like May, expected she would end up with another woman. I know the fact that May’s story ended up being about her falling for a man made some readers angry. They wanted a F/F romance. I really wanted that story, too, but I had faith that Sarina knew what was best for her character. I actually ended up loving Speakeasy and the choices made for May.

I can’t claim to personally know what it feels like to be bisexual, but it seemed like May’s thoughts and feelings could reflect those of someone who loves based on attraction to both sexes. The way May described her sexuality was in tune with much of what I’ve heard from people describing their bisexuality. I loved the way May examined her feelings and her preconceived notions. I also loved the chances she took with Alex. May was a lot stronger than she gave herself credit for.

Alec was a gem. He might have been the bad boy of his family, but he had a heart of gold. The way he treated those he loved was special. He did a lot of teasing, but when it came down to it, he was someone they could rely on. Alec showed the same amount of care with May. The humor he brought to this emotional story was priceless.

What I loved most about Speakeasy was that Alec truly saw May for who she really was, and May returned the favor. Their emotional connection was so true and honest. There was no judgement between the two of them. They easily accepted each other. Their faults and weakness were just as important their strengths. In my opinion, this is how every real relationship should be.

So, yeah. I adored Speakeasy. I can’t imagine May with anyone other than Alec now. They make me so happy together. Fans of this series are going to love this book! And if you haven’t read any of the True North series, what are you waiting for?

Review: How to Kill a Rock Star (Tiffanie DeBartolo)

How to Kill a Rock Star
Author: Tiffanie DeBartolo
Publication Date: September 1, 2005
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Written in her wonderfully honest, edgy, passionate and often hilarious voice, Tiffanie DeBartolo tells the story of Eliza Caelum, a young music journalist, and Paul Hudson, a talented songwriter and lead singer of the band Bananafish. Eliza’s reverence for rock is equaled only by Paul’s, and the two fall wildly in love.

When Bananafish is signed by a big corporate label, and Paul is on his way to becoming a major rock star, Eliza must make a heartbreaking decision that leads to Paul’s sudden disappearance and a surprise knock-your-socks-off ending.


I’m late to the Tiffanie DeBartolo party. I read God-Shaped Hole only weeks ago, and just now finished How to Kill a Rock Star. These books were published over fifteen years ago. I’m sitting here wondering what took me so long to find out about and read them.

I am seriously impressed with Tiffanie DeBartolo’s writing. It’s addictive. I find her characters odd, gritty, and somewhat unlikable. Yet, I loved them. I adored Eliza with her fear of flying and love of music. I rooted for Paul with his pancreas pain and fear of selling out. Their oddness was so perfectly suited for each other. Their love story was almost uncomfortable to read, but overwhelmingly entertaining and endearing.

How to Kill a Rock Star was beautiful in an extremely weird way, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

Review: Tethered Souls (Beth Flynn)

Tethered Souls
Series: Nine Minutes Trilogy Spin-Off, #2
Author: Beth Flynn
Publication Date: May 22, 2018
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

My family has secrets. I’m always the good girl, doing what’s necessary to keep my loved ones safe. I’ve kept the darkest secrets from everyone I know. As painful as it is to hold them all inside where they live and gnaw away at me, that’s where they must stay.

I haven’t seen my closest childhood friend, Christian Bear, since I was a teenager—he hasn’t changed a bit. He’s still temperamental and plays by his own rules with the law following two steps behind him.

Christian remembers me. But he doesn’t know the first thing about me anymore. I should’ve shared my feelings with him the day before I moved away with my family, promising him I’d stay in touch. It broke my heart when he didn’t keep his end of the bargain. As a consequence, we haven’t spoken in years. Even though Christian and I have always had undeniable chemistry, I won’t let him shatter my heart a second time.

Christian has shown up in my life again with secrets of his own, and demanding answers. That doesn’t mean I’m willing to give them. He’ll know my secrets when I’m ready.

Our secrets, the risks we’re taking, and the danger he imposes make it impossible to know what our future holds.

Either our tethered souls will bind back together, or our secrets will separate us forever.


Tethered Souls is a very hard book to write a review for. It’s one of those books that has so many twists and revelations that I fear I might say too much. I don’t want to give anything away because it’s always best to discover them on your own. That being said, I’m going to do my best to give Tethered Souls a proper review.

Tethered Souls is a spin-off novel in the Nine Minutes series. To properly appreciate it, you will want to have read the entire Nine Minutes Trilogy and Iron Tiara. While the majority of the story is brand new to the reader, there are nods to the past set up in the previous books. The connections between the past and the present are what makes this book and its surprises special.

Mimi and Christian’s story was pretty much what I was expecting from the start. There were a lot of parallels between their love story and the ones of their parents. Things felt a little redundant in the beginning, but that was part of the magic of the story. History had an interesting (and dare I say fun) way of repeating itself. As their relationship grew, Mimi and Christian’s love story felt more like their own. They had their own situations to overcome, and crazy scenarios to deal with. The more I got to know Mimi and Christian, the more I loved them and their story.

One of the things that I appreciated about this book was that characters from Beth Flynn’s previous books were still heavily involved in Tethered Souls. Some of the best chapters were from characters tied to Mimi and Christian’s lives. I was kind of expecting for some of them to show up, but definitely not in the way they did.

As much as I loved Mimi and Christian’s story, my very favorite thing about this book was the last bonus chapter. WHAT WAS THAT BONUS CHAPTER?!?! It was voiced by an unexpected character and left me scrambling to remember. Ugh! I feel like I need a whole book to explain that one chapter. I feel like I had a memory associated with it, but I couldn’t be sure. I tried searching all of the previous books for the information I desperately wanted and still need. I couldn’t find anything!!! I’m utterly frustrated days after finishing Tethered Souls because I still don’t have any answers. I’m hoping one of my friends will be able to tell me what I’m missing after they read it.

Tethered Souls was great addition to the Nine Minutes family. I love the way it continued to build on the past books in new and exciting ways. The amazing revelations and surprises continue to shock and awe me. I’ll never get enough of these characters and their stories. I can’t wait to see what Beth Flynn has in store for them next!

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Character Names

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original weekly feature created by The Broke and the Bookish and is now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is Best Character Names. This was a harder topic for me. Most of the names that stand out to me are male names. I only came up with one female name that I thought was awesome. 🙁


1. Frank Sanger

Frank Sanger is the first on my list because Frank Sanger is the man. It’s such a simple yet fun name to say, too.

2. Mason Kade & Logan Kade

To keep the list to 10, I lumped Mason and Logan Kade together. These names fit the characters so perfectly. Mason Kade is a badass. His name is as strong as his personality. Logan Kade is kind of a goof and the guy everyone wants to be around. Logan kade sounds like a cool guy name, and it is. Now, when I hear these two names used in books I always think of these two.

3. Gus

Gus…I can’t even describe why it’s one of the best names. It just is.

4. Memphis

I liked why Memphis gave himself this name. I also just like it.

5. Robbie Lingus

OMG. All I’m going to say is Robbie Lingus is a porn star’s alter ego. Pretty clever, Mariana Zapata!

6. Cletus

How can a name like Cletus not be on this list? Especially when Cletus is as weird as his name sounds!

7. Moses

Pure genius for Amy Harmon to name Moses “Moses” and then titles this book The Law of Moses. I loved the way the title worked into the book. It’s definitely a name that stands out for many reasons.

8. Fig Coxbury

Yep. Fig Coxbury. Chick is crazy, and the name fit her so well.

9. Knox Masters

I don’t know why I like the name Knox Masters; I just do. It fits a quarterback.

10. Reed Royal, Easton Royal, Gideon Royal, and the-twins-I-can’t-remember-their-names-right-now Royal

I love all the Royal boys names when combined with their last name. The duo over at Erin Watt were so clever to give boys who were so privileged the last name Royal and first names that stand out.

Review: Hot Asset (Lauren Layne)

Hot Asset
Series: 21 Wall Street, #1
Author: Lauren Layne

Publication Date: May 22, 2018
Publisher: Montlake
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

A sexy agent hounds Wall Street’s hottest new wolf in an exhilarating novel from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

Ian Bradley is the definition of a Wall Street hotshot: seven-figure salary, designer suits, and a corner office. His drive off the floor is just as potent. Every woman who knows him has felt the rush. But now he’s met his match in Lara McKenzie—a woman with the power to bring Ian to his knees.

An ambitious, whip-smart daughter of FBI agents, Lara is a rising star in fighting white-collar crime. Her latest case—the investigation of Ian Bradley for insider trading—could make her career. She knows a scoundrel when she sees one. Ian fits the bill: a cocky, ridiculously handsome bad boy with a slick swagger.

She’ll do anything to prove he’s guilty. He’ll do anything to prove he’s not. But it’s only a matter of time before their fierce battle of wits gets oh so hot and personal. Now, taking down Ian has become more than business for Lara. It’s become a pleasure—and there’s more at risk than she ever dreamed.


Lauren Layne’s back with a new series and I couldn’t be more excited about it! Hot Asset is the first book in the 21 Wall Street series, and it was so much fun! I was and wasn’t surprised by that. I wasn’t surprised because Lauren Layne can do no wrong in my book. She consistently makes me smile with her writing. I always know what I’m going to get when I pick up one of her books: a fabulous time. Hot Asset was definitely a fabulous time!

As for being surprised, I was only surprised by how much I enjoyed the Wall Street setting. Wall Street is something that sounds a little boring to me, but L.L. made it exciting! Who knew Ian being investigated by Lara could be so entertaining? This storyline was something I haven’t read before, and that was so cool.

I could not get enough of the characters and their relationships in this book. I adored the love-hate relationship that began between Ian and Lara when she started investigating him. There was some great banter between them. It made their road to love so much fun! I also really appreciated how supportive they ended up being with each other when it wasn’t an easy thing to be.

I also really loved the other relationships in this book. The relationship between Ian and his best friends / co-workers, Matt and Kennedy was hilarious. The three of them were quite the group of cocky, wealthy men. They, along with their other friends Sabrina and Kate, were the perfect little group of friends. I loved the dynamics between all of them!

Obviously, I thought Hot Asset was amazing. It was the perfect light, fluffy, upbeat romance read. It was exactly the book I needed to put me in a great mood and get over a book hangover I had going on. After reading Hot Asset, I can’t wait to read the rest of the 21 Wall Street books! I’m so excited for Matt and Sabrina and Kennedy and Kate’s romances! They need to hurry up and get here.

Mini Reviews: Salt to the Sea & More Than Word

Salt to the Sea
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Narrators: Jorgeana Marie, Will Damron, Cassandra Morris, Michael Crouch
Publication Date: February 2, 2016
Publisher: Random House
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Salt to the Sea is my first Ruta Sepetys novel. I was so very impressed by it. It was such a heartbreaking, beautiful story. I loved the way it switched back and forth between the characters. The way their sad stories intertwined was special. I truly loved listening to the way the narrators brought life to the story. Whether you read or listen to this book, you’re in for an amazing book.

More Than Words
Author: Mia Sheridan
Publication Date: June 12, 2018
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

My thoughts:

Years ago, I read Archer’s Voice. That book broke me. I have several other of Mia Sheridan’s books but have yet to read them. I guess I’ve been scared of the emotional impact. I decided to brave her writing again with More Than Words. There were several things I loved about this book. That initial connection between Jessie and Callie was so sweet. I loved that fate brought them back together, and that they got more than one chance to be together. I also loved how Jessie’s job and her interpretations paralleled with her relationship with Callen. The only thing I wasn’t a big fan of was Callen’s womanizing and drinking. I guess I’m just over that in romances right now. It made it harder for me to emotionally connect to Jessie and Callen’s relationship. Other than, I enjoyed reading More Than Words.

Review: Fox (Max Monroe)

Fox
Series: Stone Cold Fox
Author: Max Monroe
Publication Date: April 22, 2018
Publisher: Max Monroe LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis:

Some things are meant to be; some aren’t.

I never thought this would be my life.
I never believed I could feel this way.

I don’t know where to go from here.
I never want to be anywhere else.

My whole world has changed.
She is my whole world.

I’m not sure how to be me again.
I’ve never felt more like myself.

I’ve never needed anyone, but I need him.
I love her. I’ll always love her.

But is our love enough? Can Levi and I really survive this?
Together, Ivy and I can survive anything.

Disclaimer: Max Monroe’s editor recommends readers purchase tissues in bulk prior to reading the deeply emotional and epic finale of the STONE COLD FOX Trilogy. Early readers have complained of the following symptoms: sobbing, happy tears, overwhelming elation, book hangovers, and the urge to re-read the entire STONE COLD FOX Trilogy after finishing FOX.


Every book in the Stone Cold Fox series has surprised me in some big way. Fox might have surprised me the most. That was partly because it was a very different type of book than the first two. Stone and Cold were mysteries, while Fox was a very emotionally heavy romance. Levi and Ivy, especially, were dealing with the fallout from the second book. They both knew nothing would ever be the same for them, and they were trying to come to terms with their new lives after tragedy. The first half of the book was heartbreaking to read, but it made the second half feel like one big, happy epilogue. While I missed the mystery aspect of the first two books, I adored the way Levi and Ivy’s came full circle. Fox was a good way to end a great series.