Thursday, April 27, 2017

BOOK REVIEW: Dropout by Jamie Schlosser

Series: The Good Guys #3

~Blurb~
JIMMY
Over the past year, I’ve been called a lot of things. Slacker. Troublemaker. Party animal.
I thought I was on top of the world. Turns out, I was pretty close to rock bottom.
Now I have a new title: college dropout.
Talk about a reality check.
But I’ve got a chance to redeem myself. One summer to turn things around. Two months to prove I’m not a complete f*ck-up.
It’s time to change.
I want to get back to being one of the good guys.

MACKENNA

I have everything I need to live out my dream of being a reclusive songwriter—my guitar, my notebook, and blissful silence.
At least, I did until Jimmy moved in next door.
With tattoos, piercings, and mischievous green eyes, he’s got bad news written all over him. And last time I got with a bad boy, it ended horribly.
Jimmy makes me feel things I shouldn’t feel. Want things I shouldn’t want. He’s a hazard to my carefully laid plans.
But he’s only here for two months.
I can resist him...right?
 

~Book Review~
4.75 Stars

James Peabody Johnson, 19, is fast on his way to becoming a college dropout. Partying, fighting, and bad grades have made his freshman year a bust. But he’s got the summer to redeem himself and Grandma Beverly to keep him on track.
“Let’s go easy on the full-name stuff, huh?”
Mackenna Connelly, 21, was dealt some rough teenage years, leaving her seeking solitude in the small Midwestern town of Tolston. She’s not looking for a relationship and Jimmy has sworn off women, but that doesn’t stop the sparks that fly when they meet...in a rather awkward but absolutely comical moment.  
“That’s some romantic shit, Grandma.”
This story has it all, most importantly substance and good character development. I was not expecting it to open the way it does, but it sure pulled me in and fleshed out the characters right off the bat. Mackenna was certainly a survivor and Jimmy, poor Jimmy, was such a screw up. But he knew it and owned up to it. Their introductions took me from the edge of my seat to laughing at Jimmy’s expense as the story captured mistakes teens make and tackled some heavier life issues without putting off antsy vibes.

While there’s a few near tear jerker moments, there are also so many funny scenes. That’s not an easy balance to pull off but the author handles this juxtaposition of emotions with ease and a finesse of storytelling. I thoroughly enjoyed the antics in this one, and I don’t want to spoil the fun but that bird and Grandma all but stole the show in wonderfully humorous ways.

None the less, it’s Jimmy and Mack who make the romance. I really adore when love is developed like a journey and the reader gets to see the main couple get to know each other and fall in love. This story stays focused on that, interweaving how they negotiate their limited time relationship alongside plenty of hot, well developed love scenes. And notice I said love scenes and not simply sex scenes because there’s so much more captured here while still being deliciously erotic.
“You’re bigger than her prize-winning mutant pickle.”
[If you want to know how big that is, click here!]

I’ll admit, I wasn’t crazy about at least one of Mackenna’s way of handling things, but I understood she was a bit emotionally damaged from past experience. At the same time, Jimmy couldn’t have been more swoonworthy! He wowed me at every turn. I could definitely gush about what a fabulous new adult romantic hero he is because Jimmy rocks as a book boyfriend. There’s no denying he earns his place in the “Good Guys” series.
 “And when she fell asleep, her ear was right over my heart—the heart that was becoming a little less mine and a little more hers every day.”
*Squeee* I’m totally jonesing for Jimmy, which is so robbing the cradle so I’d better stop while I’m ahead.  Just know he’s an adorable hottie and an absolute delight. His story is one to move to the top of your TBR pile!

Dropout is the third book in The Good Guys series, told via Jimmy and Mackenna’s alternating first person POV. It can easily be read as a standalone.  Characters from the previous books have cameos. 


Amazon US     Amazon UK     Amazon CA    Amazon AU    Audible

~Character Feature~
Click HERE

~Also in the Series~
#4 Outcast

~About the Author~
Jamie Schlosser grew up on a farm in Illinois surrounded by cornfields. Although she no longer lives in the country, her dream is to return to rural living someday. As a stay-at-home mom, she spends most of her days running back and forth between her two wonderful kids and her laptop. She loves her family, iced coffee, and happily-everafters. 
 FACEBOOK | GOODREADS | AMAZON

Thursday, April 20, 2017

BOOK BOYFRIEND FEATURE: The Good Guys series by Jamie Schlosser

Book Boyfriend Data Sheet #1

Name: Travis Hawkins 

Age: 21 

Birthday: πŸŽ‚ February 4th ♒

Birthplace: 🌎 Tolson, Illinois 

Measurements πŸ“
Height: 6’1” 
Weight: 180 
Length: 7 ¾ inches 
Girth: 5 ½ inches 

Turn-ons:πŸ‘ Honesty, blonde hair, blue eyes, and if your name is Angel. 

Turn-offs:πŸ‘Ž Girls who are shallow, mean-spirited, or conceited. Also, getting vomited on. 

Idea of a perfect date: πŸ₯Preferably an evening that doesn’t end with someone going to the hospital or me getting vomited on. Kidding, kidding (sort of). The place doesn’t matter. I just like to have a good time with my girl. 

People I admire:πŸ’— My mom, Karen Hawkins. Hank (my boss, and my best friend’s dad) is up there on the list too. 

Favorite song to make love to:🎢 “Kiss me” by Ed Sheeran 

Favorite Books/ Movies / TV shows: Since I’m on the road a lot, I don’t have a ton of time to read or watch TV, but I love listening to music in the semi. 🚚


Trucker is ★★ F R E E ★ for a limited time! πŸ’Έ
"Baby, I love it when you talk trucker to me."
Amazon US    Amazon UK     Amazon CA     Amazon AU 


Book Boyfriend Data Sheet #2
Name: Colton Evans 

Age: 22 

Birthday: πŸŽ‚ December 28th ♑

Birthplace: πŸŒŽ Hemswell, Illinois 

Measurements πŸ“
Height: 6’ 
Weight: 190 
Length: 6 ¾ inches 
Girth: 6 ½ inches 

Turn-ons:πŸ‘ Confidence. A good sense of humor. Also, handcuffs. 

Turn-offs:πŸ‘Ž I have a history of feeling anxious around girls, so it ruins the mood if someone is judgmental or makes me uncomfortable. I need to feel like I can be myself. 

Idea of a perfect date: πŸ’ƒGoing dancing. I might not be the best at it, but any excuse to feel up my date is a good one. 

People I admire:πŸ’— My dad, Hank, and my best friend, Travis. 

Favorite song to make love to:🎢 “Pretty Tied Up” by Guns N’ Roses 

Favorite Books/ Movies / TV shows: America’s Funniest Home Videos. That shit never gets old. πŸ“Ί


Dancer is on a ★ Rare Sale! ★★ (limited time) πŸ’Έ

Erectile dysfunction isn't sexy... Or is it?


Book Boyfriend Data Sheet #3
Name: James Peabody Johnson (AKA Jimmy) 

Age: 19 

Birthday: πŸŽ‚ August 15th ♌

Birthplace: πŸŒŽ Heyworth, Ohio 

Measurements πŸ“ 
Height: 6’3” 
Weight: 195 
Length: 9 inches 
Girth: 6 inches 

Turn-ons:πŸ‘ A girl who doesn’t take my shit. Someone who makes me want to be a better version of myself. 

Turn-offs:πŸ‘Ž Is it wrong that I don’t have many turn-offs? As long as it’s coming from the right girl, I’ll take anything she’s willing to throw my way. 

Idea of a perfect date: I can’t afford fancy dates, so sometimes I have to get creative. Pizza and a nice drive in the country can be awesome if you’re with the right person. πŸ• 

People I admire:πŸ’— My grandma, Beverly. Also, my younger brother, Ezra. 

Favorite song to make love to:🎢 No specific song, but maybe some old-school country. 

Favorite Books/ Movies / TV shows: I like watching comedies with my grandma. She has an unhealthy obsession with Vince Vaughn, so that’s kinda weird. It’s still fun, though. πŸ“Ί


Dropout is available for ★PREORDER ★  πŸ’Έ
AMAZON

A big thanks to Jamie Schlosser for making the guys available! ~
Find your next book boyfriend! 
Feature Index-click HERE

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

BOOK REVIEW: Never Be Tamed by Clare James

~Blurb~
Falling for your sister's nemesis?

Only a low-life dog would do something like that, right? And that ain't me, not anymore. I mean here I am, trying to be a stand-up guy for once in my freaking life—I'm finally making smart decisions, helping my little sister, and getting my shit together.

For once, things are finally going my way…until Jenna shows up.

As soon as I meet her, I know she's the enemy. I've heard enough to understand that she's off limits. Banned. Forbidden. Not for me!

She's the bad girl I have to stay away from if I want to keep my family intact. So I try. Trust me, I REALLY try. But it's not as easy as you'd think, and surprisingly, I discover that she's not as bad as everyone says.

Of course, she's difficult, selfish, and a royal pain in the ass, but she's also gorgeous, smart, kind, and…well, let's just say I am that low-life dog. Traitor. Turncoat. And the world's shittiest brother.

Woof. Woof. πŸ•

Never Be Tamed is a  full-length stand-alone that can be read on its own or as part of The Impossible Love Series.



~Review~
4 Stars

Jenna Peterson used to be a “mean girl,” but now she keeps to herself and her dogs. Working at an animal shelter as she finishes her final year of college, Jenna enjoys the solitude. Michael Nelson has some regrets in life, especially when it comes to his sister; but he’s trying to work through his issues and a new apartment and internship with the police department is just what he’s looking for before he graduates college.

Jenna and Michael are no strangers. They’ve crossed paths before when Jenna brought out her claws with Michael’s sister over a guy. But despite the fact that they should be a no-go when it comes to each other, they both feel the attraction.

The premise of this story is what attracted it to me. I’ve read a lot of sibling’s best friend stories, but I’d never read a sibling’s enemy. So maybe I had high expectations because although I liked both Jenna and Michael, the story just felt a little dull or lacked a wow factor. Perhaps it was a few places that were more tell than show. Most definitely the abrupt ending was a letdown. While there is an epilogue to make up for that a little, I still felt like the premise never fully reached its potential.

I did enjoy the fact that’s there’s no OW drama, and that Jenna and Michael didn’t come across as clichΓ©d stereotypes—they were pleasingly average twenty-somethings. While I haven’t read the previous books in the story, I didn’t have any problem following along. Told via their alternating first person POV, this is an easy read that flows at a steady pace and 
can be read as a standalone.

AMAZON   KOBO   IBOOKS   B&N


Clare James writes steamy contemporary romance and new adult stories, penning nearly a dozen novels. Her Entangled Brazen debut, CAUGHT, was a #1 Amazon Best-Selling Romance Series, and the touching family drama, Two-Hour Truce, also hit #1 as a category bestseller on Amazon.
Clare is fan of spunky women, gorgeous guys, and super-hot romance, and spends most of her time lost in books. When she's not reading, you can find her locked away writing. Clare is also a former dancer and still loves to get her groove on – mostly to work off her beloved cupcakes and red wine. She lives in Minneapolis with her two leading men – her husband and young son – and is always on social media chatting with readers.

COVER REVEAL: Escape Clause by Mary Billiter

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 24, 2017

~Blurb~

Sometimes to escape a bad situation, you have to grit your teeth and bare your clause.

When competing hotel owners, the Carlyles, attempt a takeover of the former Brubaker hotel, now The Point Resort and also Kelsey Donigan’s second home, the front desk manager discovers long buried secrets between the two families. Better yet, she uncovers an escape clause that not only prevents a takeover, but may also overtake generations of animosity between the two families.

Kelsey finds an ally in the most unlikely of locals. Hotel heir Oliver Carlyle’s devotion and determination to honor his mother’s final wishes places him in direct opposition with his powerful family.

Can the star-crossed couple save the historic, beachfront hotel or will they lose each other in the process?
Cover Designer: Claire Smith
PREORDER NOW FOR HALF PRICE


Mary Billiter is a weekly newspaper columnist and fiction author. She also has novels published under the pen name, “Pumpkin Spice.”

Mary resides in the Cowboy State with her unabashedly bald husband, her four amazing children, two fantastic step-kids, and their runaway dog. She does her best writing (in her head) on her daily runs in wild, romantic, beautiful Wyoming.



~Also by the Author~
Do Not Disturb
On sale for half price!

Publisher: Hot Tree Publisher

Friday, April 14, 2017

REVIEW/RELEASE BLITZ: The No Jock Rule by Ashley Erin

Series: Rule Series
~Synopsis~

Nella Anderson isn’t your typical college student. She has a secret, one she can never share.

With secrets come rules.
Rules set by others.
Rules set by herself.
Nella’s rule is simple. No jocks.
Carter Jacobs doesn’t make keeping her rule easy, but she’s determined not to break it.
Carter refuses to let women get the best of him. He’s seen the fallout and learned early on that you can’t fully trust anyone. Giving someone his entire heart is not an option. Nella has captured his interest, but he keeps himself at a distance.

An online friendship, identities unknown, has Nella and Carter unwittingly trusting each other.
Secrets are uncovered, identities revealed.

Rules are meant to be broken, can they handle the consequences?

~Book Review~
2.75 rounding up to 3 ‘It’s okay but the messages are troubling’ Stars

As the blurb says, Nella Anderson, 20, has a secret. Now let me stop and explain that I’m usually skeptical of books that utilize that word in the description because, to put it bluntly, the “secret” in a romance is often either predictable or lame or both. But I’ve read the previous books in this series so I decided to give this a chance and hope for the best.

The “secret” is revealed to the readers in the first chapter so it’s only a secret to the rest of the characters.  In that scenario, it’s not a spoiler so there’s really no point in concealing it in the blurb when one of the main purposes of a book description is to establish the premise of the book to attract the right readers to the story. Otherwise you have frustrated readers.

See Nella’s a college student like her friends who we’ve met in this series. And initially her situation is a bit dΓ©jΓ  vu of Ava’s in the previous book.  So right off the bat, I was frustrated that this had elements of a repeat plot. Except I really liked Ava’s story and thought she made a great heroine. Nella, on the other hand, instantly rubbed me the wrong way. I don’t understand why you would hide having a child from your friends, especially knowing how supportive and inclusive they were of Ava’s son. While I did believe that Nella cared for her daughter, her actions made it seem like she was ashamed of her. And as a mom myself, that’s just not cool.

Add to that, Nella seemed naΓ―ve, and she constantly lamented her situation, which didn’t make her a sympatric character; it just made her pathetic.
 “I still love the same boy. He just doesn’t love me back, because if he did, all that surface stuff wouldn’t matter. Our souls would recognize each other.”
Then there’s Carter Jacobs, the hero and baby daddy who he doesn’t know it. Again this is the premise of the romantic angle. The real reveals or “mysteries” in this story are how they work this all out, and how the hell does Nella and Carter hang with the same circle of friends and Carter does not only not know that they have a kid together but also doesn’t recognize Nella? Well that’s where you have to swallow a big load of suspension of disbelief, prepare for some predictability, and resist rolling your eyes at a very contrived situation that only gets sillier and makes the main characters look denser the longer it plays out. 
“I feel like there is something obvious that I’m missing.”
No shit, Carter!

Thank god this boy isn’t a math major or he’d have flunked out by now. On top of that, he has a tendency, especially in the beginning, to sound like a whiney brat.
“People have all these expectations of me in real life. They expect me to act a certain way, focus on specific things. It’s exhausting.”
No dude, that is real life!

What’s also a turn-off about Carter is that he’s apparently been a one night stand kind of guy simply to piss off his father. *WHAT?* Yeah, I can’t even begin to articulate how immature and illogical it is to sleep around just to spite your jerk of a dad, especially since he was acting just like him.

And that gets to the second big issue with this story—it’s 2017 and this sexist double standard where the heroine is celibate after losing her virginity while the hero screws around is not only outdated but it’s NOT romantic. In fact, the romance is pretty light, the steam factor rather low (or late to the game), and the new adult coming of age vibe decidedly high. And yet safe sex is downplayed and condom usage not shown, brushed off with an offhand comment after having sex that “We took care of that awkward conversation about protection and previous partners—for him—out of the way earlier today.”  Yet, these are scenes that should be developed in a new adult book. Instead the route taken is one where Nella absolves him of any guilt for sleeping around while patting herself on the back for staying true to the one she loved.

On the plus side, there isn’t any OW or OM drama, and Carter does grow up and, by the end, I found him much more likable guy.  Nella, however, I never connected with. There were some intriguing angles to their situation that kept me reading, but the details and the execution was where it lost its appeal.

Told by Carter and Nella’s dual first person POV, this story is plotted for readers who enjoy secret baby plots with an extra convoluted angle of secret identities. There’s no point in disguising it because it’s the kind of plot that either appeals to you or it doesn’t.  I personally don’t feel that children should ever be “secrets that can never be shared” as the blurb refers. They are innocent human beings, not skeletons in your closet.  So if you really want an engaging story about a single young mom negotiating new love and past missteps, then I totally recommend The No Bad Boy Rule in this series. It exhibits much better life lessons and far more likable main characters.  

Amazon US| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Kobo| Nook|

~About the Series~
theruleseries
#1
The No Asshole Rule
Andie has one rule she lives by, no assholes. She doesn’t befriend them and she certainly doesn’t date them. Upon transferring to Parkland University, she is irritated to discover her neighbor is not only an asshole, but an attractive one that her body and mind can’t seem to ignore. Can Andie let go of the one rule that safeguards her heart?
Lucas doesn’t date. Ever. At least not anymore but the sexy, distant woman across the hall intrigues him and the draw is more than he can resist. Will he like what he finds hidden deep inside her wounded soul?
They both fight to keep their rules, but the pull is irresistible. As Andie struggles with the demons from her past, old wounds open. Both Lucas and Andie will need to decide what is worth fighting for.
Some rules are meant to be broken. Are they up for the challenge?.

#2
The No Bad Boy Rule
Six years ago, a positive pregnancy test destroyed Ava. Her goals, her relationship, the entire way she viewed her future.
From the rubble, a rule was created: No bad boys.
In their wake is chaos and destruction, something she could no longer risk.
Ava has been happy with this rule, until now.
The bad boy across the hall makes her want to abandon it. Those hazel eyes piercing her, as though they can read her mind. That gentle smile as he interacts with her son. Dax awakens something in her that she’s never felt before.
Will she regret opening her heart to another bad boy?
Dax is determined to earn back the respect he lost for himself years ago and create a future he can be proud of. He’s spent his life breaking rules and now he has a rigid set of rules to live by.
Ava is a distraction he doesn’t need.
Nothing like the women from his past, everything about her from her adorable son to the paint constantly covering her hands reminds him of why he needs to focus. He knows the look in her eyes, he fights the urge to give in to that look. He doesn’t deserve it, at least not yet.
Will Dax ever feel like he’s earned it, or will a call from his past cause him to push her away for good?

Rules are meant to be broken.
d78d4-ashley2berin2bpic
Ashley Erin lives in Alberta, Canada where winter and summer compete to take over. She wears flip flops as soon as it’s above freezing, because her hatred of socks outweighs her dislike of snow. Her boyfriend stays with her despite a penchant for adopting rescued cats and dogs without permission. Their two dogs and four cats are spoiled rotten. When Ashley isn’t writing, she is reading or working with horses.
Ashley is a self-published author of contemporary and new adult romance. Follow her on Facebook to keep up with her current and upcoming releases.
Social Media
jomppromo

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

REVIEW/RELEASE BLITZ: Smart Tass by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Series: Ohellno Series
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy

~Synopsis~

He’s the hot quarterback all the girls want.
She’s the smart girl he loves to pick on.
And now that they’re all grown up, things are about to get geekin’ ugly…

My name is Tass. I’m smart, I’m driven, and I am determined not to let prankster Hunter Johnson continue raining on my parade. When we were little, he’d pull my hair and call me names. When we were teenagers, he’d throw food and tease me for being a flat-chested virgin.

But now that we’ve ended up at the same college, he’s out of his hot head if he thinks he can keep messing with my life. It’s like he’s fixated on me or something. Well, guess what, Mr. Amazefootball? I’m not that geeky little girl anymore and you do not screw with a smart woman.

So what’s my plan?
It’s definitely wild, and he’s about to find out…

updated 4/13 to include
~Book Review~
4.25 Stars

Tass (Did I miss an explanation on her name) and Hunter Johnson have known each other since pre-school. They are neighbors, started kindergarten together, graduated together, and now they are freshman at the same college on different scholarships.  Tass is the brainiac and Hunter is the athlete, and while the romantic set up, a nerd vs. jock love/hate romance, has been done many times before, the  climax-conflict is fairly predictable, and there’s a little suspension of disbelief required; there are sufficient reveals in the story to keep you guessing, the writing is smooth, and the characters are engaging. (I was up reading way past my bedtime.)
“I have no sex life because school is my boyfriend and science is my lover.”
Told via Tass’s sole first person POV, Tass is a dedicated book worm, but she’s no shy wallflower. It’s always refreshing to get a cleaver, strong, and determined heroine. Tass dishes it out as much as she takes it.
 “'It’s just my athletic supporter…But who knows what’s underneath it? Could be just as firm.'”
Hunter’s the outgoing, show-off jock on the outside, but it isn’t hard to see the vulnerable interior he also sports.  I really found him cute with more integrity than he let on and much to offer once he came into his own.

Hunter and Tass get a major A in chemistry! Their interactions even when tormenting each other elicit sexual tension, and under their humorous banter is a strong spark. But Tass and Hunter’s insults, pranks, and torments are coming to a head and how they really feel about each other and whether they know it or not is the game that must be played out.

All in all, I liked both characters and the supporting ones as well. As new adult characters they are realistically flawed, influenced by their peers and parents, and confined by their social structures. There’s a bit of a coming of age element as the duo wrestle with their feelings, identity, and self-awareness. And while there is some drama of their own making, the tone isn’t angsty and the narrative stays light-hearted making it an enjoyable read. The themes of stereotyping, appearances can be deceiving, and judging are strong, but they provide a relevant message.  

Now about the fornicating…it was hot and there’s plenty of build up, making you root for them to finally let their sexual frustrations out.
“From the first pop of a button, I can see the dark, course hair inside. Another pop and the base of his cock. I am transfixed by the raw maleness of his body and the immediate sexual need it provokes.”
But…the story needed more of it, and just when I thought we were getting another go-round, it ends abruptly.  So I’m breaking out my puppy dog eyes and begging the author—paweeze write at least a novella HEA for these two from Hunter’s POV.
Smart Tass is the first book in the OHellNo series. The next book features Hunter’s friend Henry and Tass’s roommate Elle.
 Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | iBooks



Mimi Jean Pamfiloff is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of Paranormal and Contemporary Romance. Both traditionally and independently published, Mimi has sold over 800,000 books since publishing her 1st title in 2012, and she plans to spontaneously combust once she hits the one-million mark. Although she obtained her international MBA and worked for over 15 years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance-closet and follow your dreams.

When not screaming at her works in progress, Mimi spends time with her two pirates in training, her loco-for-the-chili-pepper hubby, and rat terriers, Mini & DJ Princess Snowflake, in Arizona.

She continues to hope that her books will inspire a leather pants comeback (for men) and that she might make you laugh when you need it most.

Friday, April 7, 2017

REVIEW/RELEASE BLITZ: Illicit by Ava Harrison

Genre: Coming of Age

~Blurb~

I was never supposed to see him again.
One night of passion with a complete stranger.
My last tryst before senior year.
But I was lost the moment his tempting lips were on my skin.
His intense touch on my body.

It should have ended there.

But he’s not a stranger.
He’s my history teacher.
And wanting him is against the rules.
Off limits.
Forbidden.

Illicit.
~Book Review~
2.5 Stars

After catching her boyfriend cheating at a party, eighteen year old Gwendolyn “Lynn” Adams finds comfort in the company of a guy she meets on the beach where they share a look at the stars, a dip in the ocean, and a fling on the sand.
“He is an Adonis among men, like all the myths and tales he likes to weave.”
Turns out, he’s also her new prep school history teacher. And Carson Blake is kind of alluring till some unappealing OW drama gets inserted. Ugg! This is the ultimate mood killer in a romance, and honestly it served no purpose here other than to diminish what Lynn and Carson had going and to infuse unnecessary angst into a story that was soon to indulge in it to the hilt.

Told via their dual first person POV, I think the initial bones to the story have a lot of promise. I never read the previous novella version so I can’t compare the two, but I can’t help but feel as if this reads more like a working draft of a fleshed out version than a polished final product. To be sure, the plot relies way too much on angst and melodrama and not enough on romance. It falls prey to the typical ‘we can’t be together’ pitfalls that drag down some taboo romances while at the same time relies on avoidable misunderstandings that could be remedied with some basic communication. Add in a ton of family angst and some OM drama too and the whole thing just became too much. The story became too sensational and the writing suffered as a result. More time spent on developing certain scenes between Lynn and Carson as well as revising their early awkward or stilted dialogue would have been time better spent than lining up a slew of tumultuous obstacles.

I do give the story points for stressing the importance of seeking professional help. So often these type of angsty coming-of-age new adult reads never even give it a mention. But it plays an important and needed role here to the benefit of the characters.

Bottom line, neither Lynn nor Carson wowed me. Lynn’s a bit immature, though perhaps not unrealistic for her age. Carson had potential to be a more endearing romantic hero, but I couldn’t get past the OW drama to fall in love with him, even after Carson pulls his head out of his ass and sets it on his neck straight. Essentially, if you enjoy a lot of angst and melodrama, this might be the one for you. But if you are looking for a cute and sexy, swoonworthy forbidden romance, keep browsing.  There’s nothing special or smoking hot about this teacher-student love affair.

99c for a limited time
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

Ava Harrison is a New Yorker, born and bred. When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.