After We Fell by Anna Todd

After We Fell by Anna Todd
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I hate to say it, but I just can’t do it anymore. That’s two really long books in a row now with no actual plot or interesting storyline, other than a lot of endless drama. I’ve even gotten bored with all the sex.

Gasp. Yes, I did say that, but it’s hard to enjoy the intimacy between the characters when their relationship lacks true intimacy. I can’t even seem to get caught up in their sexy times, because it’s usually just a way to stop fighting or set their problems aside for a few minutes before returning right to them. And that’s not sexy to me. It’s actually kind of sad and pathetic, as well as completely dysfunctional.

The cycle is pretty much the same with Hardin: controlling behaviors paired with rude and disrespectful commentary, epic arguments that always escalate, screaming hateful things at a woman he supposedly loves but can’t seem to even remotely respect, running away and drinking himself into a stupor, Seeing Tessa with another man (usually just a random guy or friend—nothing questionable), getting in physical fights and/or verbally assaulting the other man, returning pathetic and grouchy and desperate, having sex, and then promptly becoming hateful, controlling, and emotionally abusive all over again. And the whole cycle repeats ad nauseam.

I was hoping for some actual character growth and development in this book, but honestly, I think Hardin got worse and worse. I don’t even really like him anymore. He pissed me off so many times by being such a controlling and abusive bastard. It was just red flags every 5 pages with this book. I thought maybe these two would start to grow up and learn how to work together and respect each other, but clearly I was asking for too much. And Hardin makes no effort at all to help himself, such as by going to therapy. He does start confiding in family more, which helps a bit, but that only lasts for a matter of minutes before he reverts to the same bad behaviors.

I liked Hardin a lot, initially, but in this book, it’s just so very clear that he is immature, insecure, and has really low self-esteem, and the way he makes himself feel better is by controlling Tessa, bossing her around, and making her feel small, which is something I can’t accept or respect at all.

Granted, he’s dating someone who he knows is a cheater, so that alone tends to create trust issues in a relationship, but after 2,000+ pages, we shouldn’t be in the same spot that we were in back at the start of book 2. If he’s never going to afford her any trust and respect, then they both need to just let go of this co-dependent idiocy and get their own shit together before trying again in relationships with new people (or maybe not trying, in Hardin’s case).

Also super shitty is Tessa constantly blaming other people for upsetting Hardin, after he loses his effing mind and goes crazy breaking things and attacking people. This just happens over and over again, and every single time, it's someone else's fault for upsetting Hardin, rather than Hardin's fault for behaving so dramatically and aggressively, instead of controlling his temper and handling situations like a rational, non-violent adult who can communicate their feelings, issues, concerns, and emotions.

So yeah. From 5 stars to 2, because being crappy at relationships and not knowing how to be in one and make it work is one thing, but failing to learn and grow from past issues and mistakes is entirely another. Hardin seems to be incapable of growth, and I’m sick of it. And him. He’s a nasty bastard for most of this book, and there’s nothing charming, hot, or sexy about that. Then, there's Tessa, who is basically becoming the classic abused woman, putting all the blame on everyone and everything other than where the blame should be laid, which is at Hardin's feet.

I’m obviously not moving on to book 4. Clearly, this series is being drug on endlessly for the purpose of selling books, not because most of this shit is relevant to telling a good story about these two characters. It’s disappointing, but them’s the breaks. And I pretty much saw this conclusion coming while reading the last book, but I was holding on out of a desperate hope for something better. I wish I could have back the last 7 hours of my life.

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After We Collided by Anna Todd

After We Collided by Anna Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, the drama. These two are complete idiots, but I’m kind of crazy about them. I don’t even understand why, because I would not be a fan of most of their behaviors in real life, which feels like a double standard. Regardless, I seem to be addicted.

This book isn’t quite as good as book one, because it drags on forever and doesn’t provide much that is actually new through the majority of the middle of the book. However, the characters start to show minor glimpses of personal growth here and there, which gives me hope for them.

If you like a lot of ridiculous and/or shocking drama, then this will be right up your alley, as it seems to be right up mine. I think it’s because some of the drama has real teeth. I’m usually put off by excessive surface level drama, but Todd does a decent job of making the drama feel deep and complex.


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After by Anna Todd

After by Anna Todd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an interesting blend of BEAUTIFUL DISASTER and 50 SHADES OF GREY (without the BDSM) for me. It's really angsty, emotional, and there's a ton of poor decision-making occurring on everyone's part. Characters are so damaged by their pasts that they don't always behave lovingly, or as expected, in fact, they rarely manage to take a deep breath and figure out what is going on before overreacting.

Honestly, I thought this was going to be yet another boring NA that was so married to a common romance trope that it failed to be anything more, but I was wrong, as I was completely obsessed with this story and couldn't put it down. So long story short, I brought a lot of doubt and judgment into this read, and while there are behaviors I still don't condone, I was wrong on most counts about this being an interesting read. There's even a part of me that wants to go back and reread it with fresh eyes, after knowing how it all works out. But I can't do that, as I have already moved on to book 2 and need to know what happens next.

At the end of the day, I always prefer an emotional story with seriously flawed characters over a story that has flat characters and makes me feel nothing. Can I see some behaviors here that are red flags in a real relationship? Absolutely. But this is not a real relationship, and red flags don't always lead to crisis. Both characters know how to stand up for themselves, so nobody is being walked on, even if I don't always love and/or understand their decision-making during heated moments.

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Roar (Stormheart, #1)

Roar by Cora Carmack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I revisited this in preparation for reading RAGE, and I still adore this book and am fascinated by the world. I can't wait to see what happens next.

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
I can’t figure out what I’m going to say that will explain how much I loved this story, adored these characters, and was awed by this world of living storms. This YA fantasy has a truly unique magic system that is both captivating and emotional.

I have hearts in my eyes for this story, and it’s impairing my ability to review it. This is one of those books that has an absolutely amazing cover, and you worry that will be misleading and disappointing. It isn’t. The story as every bit as fabulous as the moody cover.

It does wrap itself around towards a partial conclusion, while still managing to end at a point that leaves you desperate for the next book.

I listened to the audiobook, which was excellent. I enjoyed it so much that even though I borrowed it from the library, I will definitely buy this one, both to support the author in her work, and because I know I will read this one again.

I love that feeling when a new world becomes so enthralling that you want nothing more than to exist inside it, and you can barely function outside of it, until you reach the conclusion.

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Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit by Jaye Robin Brown

Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit by Jaye Robin Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I confess that, at first, I was not sure if I was going to like anyone in this story, as circumstances are rather rough at the beginning. However, I quickly came around on almost everyone, and I really enjoyed this one. There's a lot of change and growth, which all feels very realistic and honest. The romance elements are so sweet and hopeful.

The writing and storytelling are both fantastic, and the pacing seems to be spot on. Overall, this is a really solid YA Contemporary romance with a good amount of diversity that doesn't come only from the LGBT characters.

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The Toll by Neal Shusterman

The Toll by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved books one and two so much, so it’s with a heavy heart that I’m giving this 3 stars, and probably feel only 2.5 of them at most. This is long, and not in a delightful way. It’s sort of all over the place, yet it also feels like it’s going nowhere for most of the book. I had no idea what I was even supposed to be rooting for or hoping for, because the plot is random, character intentions are unclear, and there are so many scenes that seem to lead absolutely nowhere.

The pacing probably could be worse, though I’m not quite sure how at this moment, because I’m still so shocked and sad that it felt like a complete chore to read this book. I had to force my way through the last half and was relieved when it was finally over. I mean, there are some great moments here and there. It just isn’t enough to make this feel like an exciting and worthwhile story. Now I have to go, because I kind of want to wallow in despair.

PRE-RELEASE COMMENTS:
I NEED THIS BOOK. RIGHT NOW.

GET IN MY WAY, AND I MAY HAVE TO GLEAN YOU.

RULES SCHMULES.



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Arc of Scythe Series

Scythe by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I revisited this book in preparation for reading the final book in the trilogy. It’s still fantastic and so well-plotted. The characters are deep and fascinating. The world and premise are stellar. This is just a great read by any standards.

PREVIOUS REVIEW:

THIS BOOK SLAYS!

I would give it all my stars, and not just to avoid a reaping.

Book 294 read in 2018

Book Pages: 435

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Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So happy to have revisited this masterpieces, and I can’t wait to go start book 3. Bye now!

PREVIOUS REVIEW:

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!

JUST SHUT UP AND TAKE ALL MY STARS.

Book 295 read in 2018

Pages: 504

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The Kill Club by Wendy Heard

The Kill Club by Wendy Heard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I should start this off by saying about 32.7% of me wants to actually be in the kill club, 56.3% of me is absolutely horrified by it, and 11% of me seriously wonders if someone is going to go out and try to start their own kill club after reading this. I mean, it’s practically a user’s guide for how to kill and/or fail to kill bad humans, which makes it a total breeding ground for future serial killers to converge around. Good lord, I hope that doesn’t happen, but this book does provide some sort of deranged education that could be useful to the wrong crowd.

If you’re the wrong crowd, then move along, there is nothing to see here. Also, I am not available for killing, as my calendar is quite full.

Anyway, let’s get back to the point, which is that this book is thrilling right up until the very last page. It’s dark, intense, and seriously emotional (or maybe that was just me, as I think I emotionally flailed through the whole book). Maybe we should just ignore the fact that I dropped the book quickly around page 311 and glared at it intensely for 2 days, while chewing all my fingernails to stubs, before I was able to pick it back up again and finish reading.

I am convinced that I need to be best friends with Jazz, the main character, even though she’s not really the warm, snuggly bestie type of person. In fact, I think she’d probably hate me if we met in real life. Sigh. I have to up my street cred. My Midwestern upbringing seems to be harmful to forming real and lasting literary friendships with fictional characters.

Back to the point, I effing love this book. I mean, this is how you follow up a stellar debut—with a second offering that left me guessing and stressing the whole way through. There were so many twists and turns that I just never saw coming. My adrenaline level has been so high that I haven’t slept well since I picked this book up (3 days ago). And now, it ended, and I’m still intensely anxious (thanks a lot, Wendy Heard).

It’s well-written, brilliantly plotted, and the character development is top notch. I enjoyed so many of the characters, as even the really awful people are absolutely fascinating. This book puts the characters in situations where they have to make a lot of hard decisions, and I think that’s part of why this is so phenomenal. Nobody gets an easy ride, and not knowing what will happen next or how someone will react to a situation is half the charm of the story (assuming I can call it charm, considering the story is full of brutal murder scenarios---I’m not sure what the appropriate review etiquette is for this sort of situation).

I suspect an audiobook version of this would be phenomenal (and/or emotionally debilitating), which means I have to go now, as I want to hop on over to Audible and see if I can preorder a copy.


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Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin

Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I recently purchased this book from Audible for nostalgic purposes, as I read the whole series as a kid. This was glorious. I feel 12 years old again.

I thought maybe it wasn’t going to be nearly as good as I remembered, because some books don’t age well or stand up to the test of time. Fortunately, I enjoyed this all over again, and the 80s references and clothing descriptions are an additional fun perk.

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The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole

The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall a fun audiobook with excellent narration. It was a good change of pace. Who doesn’t want some solid sci-fi with their romance?

A lot happened at the end, so I’m still trying to absorb some of it. Something about the ending felt a bit rushed and overwhelming to me, but I still enjoyed the story.

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Summer Series by Jenny Han

The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed revisiting this one. It’s such a great story of summer, growing up, firsts, and dealing with hardship. It’s deliciously angsty, and yet still so young and hopeful.

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It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every time I read this series, it completely shreds my fragile heart, and yet I keep picking it back up to read it again, just for those brief moments that give me some hope that are tucked carefully inside all the corners of the sharp edges of grief.

So yeah. I like it. Just like people like paying taxes, which is not at all in the moment, but when you're driving across a safe bridge, picking up a new book at the library, or dialing 911 for some assistance in a terrible moment, then everything looks pretty different, and you kind of do like paying taxes. So yeah. I liked it like that--where it feels like there's nothing inside me but hurt and ache, and then I suddenly remember that there's some flashes of good inside all of the hurt that almost make it worth it.

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We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It ends well but almost feels too fast after everything I went through. I mean, everything the characters went through, of course. ;)

It has been fun revisiting this trilogy, or maybe fun is the wrong word. It has been emotionally overwhelming to reread this trilogy, but apparently, I like having all the stressful feels. If I'm not exhausted at the end of a book, then who even am I?

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The audiobook narrator (Jessica Almasy)for this series has a high pitch that took me some time to adjust to, but once I did, I really enjoyed her narration.

Lies by Kylie Scott

Lies by Kylie Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The premise was fantastic, and it started out great! I really enjoyed the witty banter, and the comedy paired with action-adventure. Somehow it seemed to lose luster as the story went on, though, so I definitely liked the first half the best, and then my interested faded just a bit in the second half.

Also, there were a ton of side characters that weren't very well developed. The story would have been more interesting and had a better emotional impact if we had gotten a better feel for those side characters, since they were important to the plot. But overall, it was a fun and different read, which I appreciated.

The narrator was excellent, but everyone always loves Andi Arndt. So no surprises there.

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Lies by Kylie Scott

Lies by Kylie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so much more than I was expecting. I was hooked pretty fast and didn’t see this book turning out the way it did. However I was very pleased with it!!

Kylie is being one of my favorite authors and I’m finding that I need her boos ASAP after they come out.

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Captivated By The Captain by Amanda Mariel

Captivated By The Captain by Amanda Mariel
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

The writing, plot, character development, and overall storytelling elements are all weak. But hey, pirates. Although, the pirates really are not that exciting or pirate-y, unfortunately.

Overall, this was a swing and a miss for me. I hoped for a gem, but it really fell flat. It's basically emotionless, and none of the characters have any depth. For being such a short book, I couldn't wait for it to end already. Something about it feels way to clinical, and there's just not enough believable adventure and excitement.

Also, this should technically be labeled historical romance, though it didn't feel like there was very much that was historically accurate with this one.

The one thing that I did like was the narrator for the audiobook (James Young).

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Too Late to Say Goodbye: A True Story of Murder and Betrayal by Ann Rule

Too Late to Say Goodbye: A True Story of Murder and Betrayal by Ann Rule
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sad book, from the first few chapters I was hooked and needed to know more. Those poor little boys, all of the stuff they had to see over the past few years before the murder of their mother. I can't but help and wonder that if this would have happened later if things would have worked out different for this family. I just can't but help think if they could have reviewed the first murder more than the second would not have happened. Also would her family now take her warning signs a little more serious.

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If You Really Loved Me by Ann Rule

If You Really Loved Me by Ann Rule
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is full of "what" moments. It just amazes me that some people are able to talk some people to do whatever they want and they don't see anything wrong with it. I also enjoyed all the back story that was included in this book because that helps for me to get a better understanding of what made that person the way that they are.

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How to Date a Douchebag Series by Sara Ney

    

How to Date a Douchebag Series by Sara Ney

Book 1: The Studying Hours

Book 2: The Failing Hours

Book 3: The Learning Hours

Book 4: The Coaching Hours

Book 5: The Lying Hours 

So I had to re-read this series because I wanted to read "The Lying Hours" and I felt like it would be better to re-read the first four book first. Also I love this author, so I get hooked on her books. I loved this series. Some of the guys are not douchebag's but that's okay. I would not want to hear their stories just because of that. This series does a good job of telling you about some side characters which help draw you into the next book. I am now waiting for the next book to come out. I hope this author just keeps going with this series. 

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The Truth As He Knows It by A.M. Arthur

The Truth As He Knows It by A.M. Arthur
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The writing on this story is a bit rough around the edges, so much so that I frequently mixed the two men up in the beginning. However, I continued onward, as I enjoyed the two overall and wanted to see how it panned out.

The story and writing style weren't enough to convince me to read onward in the series. However, there are some nice, emotional moments in this book that made it worth seeing it through to the end. This has a glimmer. I just wanted it to develop into a full out shine, but it doesn't quite get there.

Honestly, I just read the book last week, and I couldn't remember what it was even about without looking it back up. Even then, I still don't remember how it ends. So it's not a story that's going to really stick with you or give you anything to think about, but it was a decent, mindless sort of read for when you want to try something new but don't have any huge expectations.

The Legends of Regia Series

Forbidden Forest by Tenaya Jayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, I really am intrigued by this world, though I do think the overall storytelling and plotting could be stronger. I'm going to continue onward and remain hopeful that this is one of those series that improves with each new book, because there are some things I like here.

I do kind of feel like this has the whole kitchen sink thrown in, which is both fun but also sometimes just overwhelming based on how many different characters, backgrounds, and rules for the world we are supposed to keep track of. I do appreciate the effort to just throw a bit of everything that fantasy and paranormal readers enjoy into one book, but sometimes it was just a bit too much, which made the world building feel weaker, instead of stronger.

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Forest Fire by Tenaya Jayne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wanted to love this, but it felt messy in a bad way. I'm going to give book 3 a try, but if I don't love it, I think I am done with this series. The world and concept are interesting to me, but this just isn't as well-written and well-plotted as I need to stay intrigued. Also, I wanted the character development to grow each book, as well as the world building, and I don't think there was nearly enough of either to suit me.

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Verdant (The Legends Of Regia, #3 by Tenaya Jayne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is sad and whimsical. I really wanted a stronger story, but I think it was hard to pull off the depth that I wanted from this in so few pages. That left it falling just a bit flat, when it should have been really emotional.

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The Night Realm by Annette Marie

The Night Realm by Annette Marie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked the premise, overall concept for the world, and the cover. The actually story just fell short of what I wanted and hoped for. I think the storyline could be stronger, as well as the writing. There just needed to be some more real conflict and less melodrama.

I don't dislike this, but I also don't love it enough to move onward in the series. I could have used some stronger character development and a better developed, more believable plot. Also, there's just not as much originality in this as I hoped for, based on the premise.

The audiobook narration by Melissa Moran and Greg Tremblay was solid. I really enjoyed Melissa Moran who is clear, easy to understand, and provides just the right amount of emotion.

Irin Chronicles Series by Elizabeth Hunter

The Scribe by Elizabeth Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an addictive story, set in fascinating world. The premise is A+. I like everything about the paranormal mystery of this read. Overall, it's a bit light on the romance side (no big deal), with often a fade to black before anything too sexy occurs, but the true buy in on this story is the deep world building and the character development.

The audiobook is narrated by Zachary Webber, who is welcome to read to me any day. He has a very low tone, so it did take me just a bit to adjust. However, once I got use to his reading, I really started to enjoy it, as it seems to match the mood of the story so well.

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The Singer by Elizabeth Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I both enjoyed this one and found it frustrating to read, as what I wanted the most from this story was something I didn't get until almost the end of the book. It was interesting seeing the world grow in new directions, but the storyline and plot didn't feel quite as solid as the previous book. It does a bit more meandering, when you just sort of want everything to come together and move forward.

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The Secret by Elizabeth Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked the overall value of where the two main characters started and ended, but I was occasionally confused. It just felt like this storyline was the roughest so far, even though a lot seems to have occurred. Something about it didn't always feel as cohesive and easy to follow as I wanted, though I still love the world and characters. It just somehow gave me a bit less than I wanted in most instances, which wasn't as satisfactory this time around.

Overall, it's still a good series and book, but since I can't get my hands on book 4 right now, I've decided this is a reasonable stopping point.

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The Protector by Elin Peer

The Protector by Elin Peer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is set 400 years in the future, so the first part of the book explains what the new world is like. At first I enjoyed it, but it seemed to carry on a little longer than I would have liked. So this made it hard for me to stay focused and interested in the book. Around half way through the book, I began to become more interested. I am very curious to see how this series goes forward.

This book was narrated by Noelle Bridges and John Masterson, they did a great job. I felt like John did a great job of getting the tone of voice you would expect out of a strong norther.


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Clashing Color Series by Elin Peer

Black by Elin Peer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started this book like:

Than I felt like:

To this:

Than the story goes on more and I began to be like:

The story line begins to change and I feel like:

This is book one in the clashing color series and I don’t know that if it was not for some friends suggested that I read this that I would have kept going. When this book first started out I found myself being like what did they talk to me into and how will this all work out.

Black “Darcia” has had an awful life and starts to make one bad decision after another. That leads her to find herself in HOT water. She tries to reach out to her estranged father for help, but he doesn't want anything to do with her. But her father’s step brother ends up coming to her save her and offers up a strange way to help her. This is when the book starts to take a strange turn of events that lead me to feel all of the above. As the story goes on further it starts to get better and the strange stuff doesn’t seem so strange anymore.

Gabriel is a war hero that returned home from duty, when he overhears his stepbrother’s phone conversation and decides that he will step up and help out Black since her father will not. I enjoyed Gabriel and all the help that he was willing to offer to someone that he didn't even know. Even if that help was a little weird and different at times.

This book will take you on a wonderful adventure, with flawed people, emotional roller coaster of feelings.

This book was narrated by Noelle Bridges and John Masterson, they did a great job.

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Violet by Elin Peer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After book one I really didn’t know what to expect from Elin Peer. However this book goes in a completely different direction. Violet’s and Jake have completely different views on the world. I really enjoyed Violet her ability to look at the world in a whole different way.

I really enjoyed how the author was able to basically come up with a completely different romance book than the first one. A lot of time when you read a series in romance all books are pretty much the same with just a small different plot twists. It was nice to see this be something completely different and still be able to pull me in just as much as the first book.

This book was narrated by Noelle Bridges and John Masterson, they did a great job.


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Green by Elin Peer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was excited for this book after seeing how Violet ended. You start to get a feel for Melody from the last book. I was also very interested to learn more about Christian as well. I enjoyed the playful banter that this couple had and the difference they need to work through. This author just keeps getting better and better.

This book was narrated by Noelle Bridges and John Masterson, they did a great job.


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Blue by Elin Peer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh my I think that Faith was my favorite female lead so far… she just seemed to always live in her twin’s shadow but yet she is the most caring and kind person. Logan comes off as a grumpy old man at the beginning of the book, but he comes around the more he opens up to Faith. The more this story goes on the more I begin to like both characters.

This book was narrated by Noelle Bridges and John Masterson, they did a great job.


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Climbing With Mollie by William Finnegan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I receive this as a free Audible original and dove right in, since I find climbing interesting. This is an interesting perspective on climbing, for someone who doesn’t climb.

However, what really grabbed me with this story is that I would do about anything to have had a father that loved me in the way Finnegan loves Mollie. She is one lucky girl. You can hear it in every sentence, how much he is in awe of and respects his own daughter. He has zero problem admitting that she is strong and smart in ways that maybe he isn't. There’s just something really beautiful about that, and so I’m happy I read this one.

This is narrated by the author, who does a good job with the reading.

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OhellNo Series by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Smart Tass by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tassie and Hunter have known each other since they were little. They both had a crush on each other for years, but both saw their relationship as something completely different than what it actually was. Throughout this whole book I found myself going back and forth from think that Hunter was an awful guy than that he was a great guy. Once they both stop and think about the past you start to see that they are both good people just had a misunderstanding of how they really felt.

Narrated by Lauren Sweet and she did a great job.


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Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Watching some of these characters, who were supposedly nice and decent people, behave so poorly and stupidly and unkindly sort of really pissed me off, and yet at the same time, I just couldn't look away from it.

The start of this book is really rocky and poorly written, so I almost DNF'd this several times in the beginning. There's tons of really poor writing behaviors like lots of tedious telling and backstory, introducing characters poorly and so many characters at once that it is impossible to keep anyone straight, etc. However, if you just hang in there for a bit, the writing becomes significantly better, and I think why I enjoyed this so much is that the writing is extremely emotional. This will put all your emotions through the wringer. Twice. In every chapter.

At the end of the day, if I knew these people in real life, I would think them very selfish and be pretty disappointed in them. But I don't, which means I could just enjoy the benefits of their indiscretions without having to feel too poorly about who they hurt in the process.

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Effortless by S.C. Stephens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an exhausting read that went nowhere but in circles. It could have been about 1/4 this long. I almost quit the series here, because this book was largely pointless. However, I decided to continue on and give book 3 a try.

I really like the emotional storytelling. I just wish this had an actual plot or point.

Honestly, having finished the series, you could probably skip this book, go straight on to book 3 and be just fine. You won't miss that much.

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Reckless by S.C. Stephens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a major improvement over book 2 and probably the best of the 3 so far, though I'm glad it is the end of these two and their story, as I think the whole series was about 2 or 3 times as long as it really needed to be.

That being said, I'm absolutely picking up book 4, because GRIFFIN. Honestly, I wish every book in this series had been about a different set of characters. That would have been more interesting and made the series stronger, as well as helped develop side characters.

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Untamed by S.C. Stephens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG GRIFFIN. This book is by far the best in the series. It just has so much voice. I was obsessed. Now, I am extremely happy I got over my grumpiness near the start of the series and continued onward, or I would have never read this beauty.

For anyone who hasn't read the series, I'm totally onboard with you just reading book 4 as a stand alone. Technically, you shouldn't do that. There are things that it helps to know leading up to that point, but if you start the series and get sick of the 2Ks, then just skip to the end and read this one. It's fantastic.

I enjoyed watching the long spiral downward, and the way Griffin finally picked himself back up, got his shit together, and started to grow up.

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Hard Ball by Heather Stone

Hard Ball by Heather Stone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mackenzie and Cole have been friends forever. Cole is starting off by being a player and cheating on his girlfriend. Mackenzie starts dating someone else. Than they both realize that might want more than friends. This was just a short little romance book.

This book is narrated by Jeremy York and Brooke Bloomingdale, I love both of these narrators.


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