My TBR List Review *April* ~ Finding It ~ Cora Carmack #MyTBRL #2018HW

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 



Finding It by Cora Carmack
Losing It #3
Release Date: October 15, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased Paperback at a local signing
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018HW, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Sometimes you have to lost yourself to find where you truly belong...

Most girls would kill to spend months traveling around Europe after college graduation with no responsibility, no parents, and no-limit credit cards. Kelsey Summers is no exception. She's having the time of her life...or that's what she keeps telling herself.

It's a lonely business trying to find out who you are, especially when you're afraid you won't like what you discover. No amount of drinking or dancing can chase away Kelsey's loneliness, but maybe Jackson Hunt can. After a few chance meetings, he convinces her to take a journey of adventure instead of alcohol. With each new city and experience, Kelsey's mind becomes a little clearer and her heart a little less hers. Jackson helps her unravel her own dreams and desires. But the more she learns about herself, the more Kelsey realizes how little she knows about Jackson.

It's been a little while since I read Faking It and a long while since I read Losing It and I know that I adored those stories and characters but here's the thing: Finding It resonated so deeply and I fell so hard for both Kelsey and Jackson that their story is my favorite.

It might be the place I'm in with life - or rather the place(s) where my kids are - and honestly it probably is that reason - but CCarmack nailed so completely what it feels like to wonder at what your purpose is and to stumble about in an attempt to figure it out. That's always been my favorite element of New Adult as a genre and CCarmack conveys it so well. Now that I have children experiencing the same things, getting ready to embark on a similar journey, and/or navigate these same waters, Kelsey and Jackson and their situations just spoke to me.

Kelsey looks like she's having one last hurrah before starting her life post-graduation. She's traveling Europe, partying, and living life. But Kelsey is actually trying to keep memories and emotions at bay by living in the moment and drowning things in alcohol...oh and by spending daddy's money. At first, I had trouble sympathizing with her poor, little rich girl persona. It didn't take long to see that it was all an act and Kelsey is quite an actress. At times it seemed as though she didn't really know herself. Underneath that party girl facade was a damaged young woman who'd been dealing with quite a lot for quite a long time but also a young woman who was capable and passionate and worthy of love.

Jackson started out as a snarky, handsome enigma. I could tell he was damaged as well and that he had a painful story but it was a story he wasn't ready to share. He was a compassionate young man who seemed to see right through Kelsey's mask to the heart of her. Even better, he saw ll the parts of her worthy of his attention, care, and love.

What I enjoyed most was how Jackson took it upon himself to help Kelsey find what she was really looking for by giving her what she thought she was looking for. And in the course of helping Kelsey, he learned a few things himself as well as finding exactly what he was looking for.

Finding It was captivating, powerful, and emotionally charged as well as funny, sweet, and sexy. Thank goodness I have more CCarmack on my shelf!

#COYER Review ~ Taming Cross ~ Ella James

Taming Cross by Ella James
Love, Inc #2
Release Date: August 19, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
For twenty-three years, Cross Carlson was a playboy. You know the type. Tall, dark, and wealthy. Blue-eyed. Charming. He seemed to have it all so easy. But Cross was harboring a terrible secret - one that helped ruin the life of an innocent girl and almost ended his own.

Finally out of the hospital, Cross is flailing, scarred in both body and mind and stifled by the weight of the secret he still keeps. The only way to absolution lies in a Mexican convent, and going there could cost him everything.

If there's anyone who knows what it's like to screw up big time, it's Meredith Kinsey. Just a few years ago, Merri was an ordinary girl with a job at her college newspaper and white picket fence kind of dreams. Now she's holed up in a Mexican convent, hiding from a drug lord who thinks he owns her.

What happens when the only way out of hell is with the son of the man who put you there? They say love conquers all, but does it really?

It's been awhile since I read the first in this series - where I met Cross Carlson - but WOW! EJames pulled me right back into this world. Taming Cross was gripping and suspenseful...and a little bit romantic. :)

Highlights:

• Character Development
  Cross did a lot of growing up. His dad is the governor of California and he's always lived a privileged life even if his parents didn't appreciate him. Following some events from the first book, he's changed. And his transformation continued in Taming Cross, where he risked everything to right a wrong. Meredith matured a lot as well. She'd endured quite a bit over the last several years but she realized she'd made mistakes in her past, wanted to/was making amends, and was grateful for the second chance she was offered.
• Suspense
  I was impressed with the level of suspense EJames was able to maintain. It was pretty intense and when a lull occurred I was drawn into a false sense of security...then BOOM! Something else would happen. Cross and Meredith were dealing with a Mexican drug cartel so...
• Romance
  There were reasons - very sound, logical and BIG reasons - that Cross and Meredith shouldn't even think about being together. But they couldn't seem to help themselves. Of course, there's nothing like some danger to ratchet up the sexual tension. ;) In all seriousness though, neither Cross nor Meredith felt worthy of the other and yet were constantly proving they absolutely were. There was attraction but they both denied themselves, making more of a slow-burn romance which worked so well for their story.

Taming Cross made for a compelling read and a worthy installment in the series. I like the common thread of redemption EJames has woven between the first two books and I'm looking forward to Unmaking Marchant to see how it's carried through there.

Review ~ Chasing Red ~ Isabelle Ronin #2017NewRelease

Chasing Red by Isabelle Ronin
Red #1
Release Date: September 5, 2017
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received this book from Sourcebooks via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided. 
Rating: 2.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
They said she was going to be my ruin...
Then let her ruin me.

Caleb Lockhart has everything - wealth, adoration, a brilliant future. Until a chance encounter with a siren in a red dress changes everything. Until he meets the woman he dubs Red.

Veronica Strafford's past makes it hard for her to trust anyone. Now, kicked out of her apartment, she reluctantly accepts Caleb's offer for a place to stay.

Caleb feels intensely drawn to Veronica. And, for the first time in his life, he really wants something - someone. Too bad Veronica's heart might just be the one thing Caleb can't win.

I want to preface my review by saying this is my opinion. There are many readers who have enjoyed Chasing Red so if you're interested don't let my opinion dissuade you from checking it out. The story just didn't work for me. Here's my opinion of what sort of worked and what could have worked better:

• Premise
  The premise was intriguing. I mean, it drew my attention and made me want to read the book. However, the execution was lacking. The story was uneven and I was often bored. 
• Characters
  The characters were underdeveloped but did have their moments. Seeing Veronica with her girlfriends, Beth and Kara - who were both a hoot -  and Caleb with his friend Cameron and even with his longtime girl friend - whose name escapes me. Hmm... These interactions enabled me to learn a little bit about who Veronica and Caleb were, something that didn't happen when they were together. Despite sort of liking the characters, I felt they were mostly one-dimensional. There wasn't any real character development so I never felt a connection to them, which makes it difficult to engage with their story.
• Tension & Climax
  The last quarter or so of the story might have been the most exciting. The "villain" was rather evil-minded and I liked the tension she created. But it was silly and melodramatic reasons behind that tension.

Maybe it was just my mood but Chasing Red was an uneven read for me. I didn't enjoy it as much as I was hoping I would. I'm not sure I'll read the next installment since I'm not really invested in the characters enough to care what comes next.

If you've read Chasing Red or if you end up reading it, I'd love to discuss your thoughts. :)

Review ~ This Girl ~ Colleen Hoover #authorluv #ShelfLove #TravelingtotheTerminus

This Girl by Colleen Hoover
Slammed #3
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #authorluv, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Layken and Will's love has managed to withstand the toughest of circumstances and the young lovers, now married, are beginning to feel safe and secure in their union. As much as Layken relishes their new life together, she finds herself wanting to know everything there is to know about her husband, even though Will makes it clear he prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong. Still, he can't resist his wife's pleas and so he begins to untangle his side of the story, revealing for the first time his most intimate feelings and thoughts, retelling both the good and bad moments, and sharing a few shocking confessions of his own from the time when they first met.

In This Girl, Will tells the story of their complicated relationship from his point of view. Their future rests on how well they deal with the past in this final installment of the beloved Slammed series.

Oh my! I adore CoHo and Will and Lake so much! I hate that I waited so long to read this but...

This Girl gives us Will's POV on some pivotal moments between he and Lake - now that they're married. I appreciated how CoHo presented these - memories shared while enjoying their honeymoon. And I appreciated getting Will's POV - particularly for some of those moments I'd previously read where I'd been asking him what the hell he was thinking.

This Girl not only made me privy to Will's thoughts. It also renewed my adoration of Will and Lake, broke my heart reliving some of those powerful and moving scenes, and made me wonder at CoHo's storytelling abilities yet again. She's a master. And I'm kinda happy I still have more goodness from her yet to read. :)

P.S. There's a poem at the end of the book. I know, go fig. But I found it so profound. I read it to my husband and when I finished it he said, "No wonder you love Colleen Hoover so much." Just thought I'd share. =)

If y'all wanna check out my review of Slammed, you can find it here. It was kinda fun to go back and see what my reviews looked like back in 2012!

Release Day Review ~ Scandalous Beat ~ Michelle Mankin (@MichelleMankin) #2017NewRelease

Scandalous Beat by Michelle Mankin
Tempest #6
Release Date: November 16, 2017
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle but I also had the pleasure of being a beta reader as well. This in no way affected my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
A rock star. A stripper. Can a hookup lead to a happily ever after?

Juaquin Acenado.
A drummer. A rapper. A rock king.
My brother's best friend.
Arrogant. Forbidden.. Do-not-go-there-trouble.
The sexy Latino was too old for me when we first met and I was in high school. But he was my first love. I've never gotten over him.

Miriam Jackson
Stripper. Exotic dancer. Her stage name is Queen.
My bandmate's little sister.
Spicy and sweet. The spark that fires my inspiration. The rhythm to my beat.
She's the one I imagine when I settle for the others. My ultimate fantasy. Only I can never have her.
Until I arrive in Vegas to record my solo rap album, visit a strip club, and there she is. Miriam was supposed to be in college, but she's not. She is so not.
Sin City, a place where anything can happen, and I'm the only one in the band who knows her secret.
So why resist anymore?
Who could possibly stop me?

Ah the Tempting Men of Tempest...I'm so sad to see this series come to an end but I'm been eager to finally get King's story, to see who stole his heart. Scandalous Beat was the perfect way to round out one of my favorite Rock Star series.

Highlights

• Characters
  In Miriam, we have a young woman who had a difficult childhood suffering from dyslexia and verbal abuse. She found solace in acting. She's such a sweetheart. Selfless, loyal, and caring...she puts others' needs and feelings before her own.
  In Juaquin, we have a talented young man who also grew up in hardship. He lost his brother to gang violence and has dealt with anger management issues for most of his life. He's loyal and caring but finds it difficult to deal with his emotions.
  These two together were always magic. They met when Miriam was too young but they shared a special connection, were kindred souls. But even once Miriam was of age, Juaquin felt himself unworthy of her attention, plus being the little sister of his bandmate automatically put her on the "off-limits" list.
• Forbidden Romance
  This was a trope that really worked in this case. Not only was there the age difference and the bandmate connection, but Miriam served as Beauty to Juaquin's Beast. There were all the reasons in the world for them to be apart but fate seemed to bring them together.
• The Journey
  Yes, there were obstacles against them...age, etc., but the biggest obstacle was not knowing themselves. Juaquin, in his desire for Miriam to have better than him, unwittingly hurt her over and over again. Miriam, in her desire to have him, lost herself. When they are thrown into each other's paths once again, without the reminder of the original obstacles, they both journey towards finding themselves, realizing their true worth as well as their feelings for each other. As Miriam said, "[Love is] about becoming something better because you're together. Transforming each other's weaknesses into strengths. Making something beautiful together."
• Relevant Issues
  This is a specialty of Mankin's, bringing awareness to social issues. Scandalous Beat was no exception. There were a couple of topics touched on including abuse and dyslexia but the main point I felt Mankin was trying to make was having the courage to ask for help when you need it. The way in which she conveyed Miriam's courage in getting the help she needed was brilliant as well as how she parlayed it into a way to help others.
• Emotion
  Mankin is adept at evoking strong emotions. The push and pull between Miriam and Juaquin kept me on edge, alternately cheering, steaming, or crying. The depth of feeling between these two was something special.
• Secondary Cast
  The secondary cast was a strength - not only because I got to spend time with some of the other Tempest couples but I also got to know Miriam's best friend, Mike. Mike is well developed and added complexity and depth to Miriam as well as the story. Mankin also skillfully tied in people and plot lines from earlier stories.

Scandalous Beat delivered characters that are genuine, a compelling story, and the full range of emotions as well as some smoking smexy scenes. It was the perfect way to "crown" this series.

#OctobeRecFest Review #8 ~ Breakable ~ Tammara Webber #ShelfLove #TravelingtotheTerminus

Breakable by Tammara Webber
Contours of the Heart #2
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #OctobeRecFest, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads
Recommended by: Girls @Chapter Break, Naomi @Naomi's Reading Palace, Sharrice @Reese's Reviews, Robyn @Robgirlbooks, Tanya @Girl Plus Books, Teresa @Readers Live 1000 Lives, & Andrea (formerly The Bookish Babe)

Synopsis
He was lost and alone. Then he found her.
And the future seemed more fragile than ever.

As a child, Landon Lucas Maxfield believed his life was perfect and looked forward to a future filled with promise - until tragedy tore his family apart and made him doubt everything he ever believed.

All he wanted was to leave the past behind. When he met Jacqueline Wallace, his desire to be everything she needed came so easy...

As easy as it could be for a man who learned that the soul is breakable and that everything you hoped for could be ripped away in a heartbeat.

**This book was recommended by EVERYONE! (see above)**

I admit to being a little hesitant about Breakable, wondering how much more I could get out of the story being told from Landon/Lucas' POV. But it was so much more than simply a retelling of Easy. Webber gave me it all - everything Lucas endured, all he felt. And I fell for him even harder.

Although Breakable does give us more from Lucas' side of the story on how things went down with Jacqueline, it primarily related more about all that he experienced growing up - especially after the tragedy he suffered at 13. Witnessing all that through his eyes, how he internalized what happened, his dad's reaction to it, the way in which he (Lucas) coped, and, finally, what turned his life around broke my heart. But it also eventually put it back together.

I felt for Landon/Lucas. He didn't have many people on his side. And he continued to suffer devastating losses and/or blows. It was incredible the man he grew up to be and it was beautiful to watch him finally open up to Jacqueline. That took great strength and courage.

Breakable was deeply emotional and moving. And it was absolutely worth the read!

#OctobeRecFest Review #7 ~ Ricochet ~ Becca & Krista Ritchie #ShelfLove #TravelingtotheTerminus

Ricochet by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Addicted Series #1.5
Release Date: May 22, 20134
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #OctobeRecFest, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Recommended by: Tanya @Girl Plus Books among others
Goodreads

Synopsis
As a sex addict, Lily Calloway must do the impossible. Stay celibate for 90 days.

Cravings and fantasies become her new routine, but while Loren Hale recovers from his alcohol addiction, Lily wonders if he'll realize what a monster she really is. After all, her sexual compulsions begin to rule her life the longer she stays faithful to him.

Progress. That's what Lily's striving for. But by trying to become closer to her family--people who aren't aware of her addiction--she creates larger obstacles. When she spends time with her youngest sister, she learns more about her than she ever imagined and sense an unsettling connection between Daisy and Ryke Meadows.

With Lily and Lo's dysfunctional relationship teetering and unbalanced, they will need to find a way to reconnect from miles apart. But the inability to "touch" proves to be one of the hardest tests on their road to recovery. Some love brushes the surface. Some love is deeper than skin.

Lily and Lo have three months to discover just how deep their love really goes.

First of all, this is listed as a novella and it's really a full-length novel. The only reason I can figure for the novella classification is that it primarily revolves around Lily, since Lo is in rehab, and this series as a whole is about them both. However, it does some incredible character development and it was a riveting addition to the series.

Ricochet mainly details Lily's 3 months dealing with her addiction on her own while Lo is in rehab for alcoholism. And by "on her won" I mean without Lo who's been a constant in her life since...well, forever. She does however have her sister, Rose, Rose's boyfriend, Connor, and Lo's half-brother Ryke on her side. 

What I enjoyed most about Ricochet was the character development. We get better acquainted with Lily's sister, Rose, seeing her compassion and devotion to her Lily as well as what drives her and even a glimpse of the "why" behind her drive. We also got to know Daisy, the youngest Calloway sister, better as well as witnessing the dynamics between the Calloway girls. This created a better understanding of them all. I also enjoyed getting to know Ryke better. His is rather prickly on the surface but he actually seems to have a heart of gold.

The most satisfying development was seeing Lily cope and mature. Her addiction to sex is one difficult to deal with. As her therapist said, sex is a natural part of life and therefore not something you can quit cold turkey. But Lily's devotion to Lo, her determination to not only not cheat on him but to also get healthier to enable them to build a healthier relationship was inspiring and admirable. It wasn't easy and Lily's flaws and insecurities were all laid bare. We got more history between her and Lo as well as witnessing some pivotal moments from her childhood - with her family and with Lo - that impacted her. In all, this was simply a well-crafted and integral part of Lily and Lo's story even if Lo was mostly MIA. Of course, he may not have been on the page but he was always "there." At any rate, I'm truly a fan of the Ritchie sisters at this pint and I can't wait for the rest of the story.

As an aside, this story has been rolling around in my brain and I've been thinking that some people may judge it (the story) and people like Lily because of her sex addiction. They may even judge her more harshly than Lo even though he has his own addiction. But over the course of the story, Lily learns the "why" behind her addiction and the things that led her to it are no different than those that lead other people to over-eating or over-spending. My point is that I hope readers give Lily and Lo a chance because even if they don't relate to precisely why they have their addictions, they really aren't that different from anyone else.

My TBR List Review ~ August ~ Faking It ~ Cora Carmack #COYER #ShelfLove

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 

***

Faking It by Cora Carmack
Losing It #2
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an ARC copy at RT2013
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Mackenzie "Max" Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they're expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he's kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee ship with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they're forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.

It's been awhile since I read Losing It but I know I enjoyed it. Faking It, though... I FLOVED it!!

So I can't way exactly why - if it's that I felt the story was meatier or I I appreciated the angst...or it it's just been so long since I read Losing It that I don't remember being as moved by it. Whatever it is, I freaking adored Max and Cade!! They were perfect together, even if it took them awhile to figure it out. Their banter was hilarious and their stories, separately, were engaging. Together they simply were magic!

Cade, well, I knew why he was the way he was. I may have gotten more background on him but I felt like I understood him. I hurt for him over this falling out with Bliss (Losing It) but I held out hope that he'd find the girl that'd really trip his trigger. I mean, he's funny, smart, talented, and HOT! Some girl has to fall for that, right??

When he first sees Max I knew it as all over for him. He was captivated. I was captivated. Max is gorgeous and attention-grabbing with her retro look and tattoos. When she speaks to Cade? Her feisty-ness and attitude won over both Cade and me. And she appealed to Cade even more since she needed help. But it was more than that. Watching them both work at holding their walls steady despite the cracks and crumbling that their meeting caused was entertaining to say the least. They both have baggage to work through though and it was difficult to witness it even if I was anxious to know all the details. It was worth the tension and tears.

They only complaint I have is that I thought part of the resolution with Max's family was too easy. Otherwise, Faking It was outstanding.

Triple Review ~ Remember When Trilogy ~ T. Torrest (@TTorrest) #ShelfLove

Remember When by T. Torrest
Remember Trilogy #1
Release Date: January 1, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Kindle Freebie
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Years before Trip Wiley could be seen on movie screens all over the world, he could be seen sitting in the desk behind me in my high school English class.

This was back in 1990, and I cite the year only to avoid dumbfounding you when references to big hair or stretch pants are mentioned. Although, come to think of it, I am from New Jersey, which may serve as explanation enough. We were teenagers then, way back in a time before anyone could even dream he'd turn into the Hollywood commodity that he is today.

In case you live under a rock and don't know who Trip Wiley is, just know that these days, he's the actor found at the top of every casting director's wish list. He's incredibly talented and insanely gorgeous, the combination of which has made him very rich, very famous and very desirable.

And not just to casting directors, either.

I can't confirm any of the gossip from his early years out in Tinseltown, but based on what I knew of his life before he was famous, I can tell you that the idea of Girls-Throwing-Themselves-At-Trip is not a concept.

I should know. I was one of the.

And my life hasn't been the same since.


**Remember When is the first book in an NA romantic comedy trilogy, but there is NO CLIFFHANGER. It is intended for mature teen readers and immature adult ones due to some high school sex scenes, underage drinking, questionable language and 1980s flashbacks.**

I've had Remember When hanging around on my Kindle for quite awhile. (sound familiar?!? ;) But meeting T. Torrest at RT was the kick in the butt I needed to actually crack it open. And then I was kicking myself for not having read it sooner. So, lest I get behind in yet another series, I binged! That's right. I read the entire trilogy back-to-back and I loved every minute!

Before I talk about the actual book I want to say a few things about the series as a whole:

• I love Torrest's voice. It's very readable and relatable. It's like sitting down with a good friend while she relates a story to you - full of pop culture references from the 80s and 90s.
• Remember When was fun. Thanks to all those pop culture references. I enjoyed the nostalgia created via Layla and Trip's story - a walk down memory lane seeing as it starts with their senior year in high school.
• I adored the format - that being that we got to "grow up" right alongside Layla and Trip. We meet them as high schoolers, meet up with them again in their late twenties, and reunite once again in their early 30s.
• I'm a sucker for second chance romances - truly may be my favorite romance trope - so despite it being difficult at times, I enjoyed being along for the ride as Layla and Trip tried to get their timing just right.

Remember When...ahh...high school. It was so fun watching Layla and Trip navigate their senior year - assignments, parties, friendships, cliques, and dating. I liked what Torrest had to say about cliques and popularity. And I floved how spot on was with conveying the angst and emotions that teens deal with at this age - trying to figure out what happens next.

FYI - Remember When is permafree!

Remember When Two: The Sequel by T. Torrest
Remember Trilogy #2
Release Date: June 20, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
You know how sometimes, your high school crush grows up to be an insanely famous movie star? Okay, probably not. But I do. ~Layla Warren

Back in high school, Trip Wiley's fanbase only encompassed the denizens of the nothing little suburb of Norman, New Jersey.

Ten years later, all that is about to change.

In the summer of 2000, Layla Warren is enjoying her career as a journalist in New York City (well, sort of), while Trip spends most of his time grabbing Hollywood by the balls. In the days before what will turn out to be his skyrocketing fame, they'll find themselves confronted with some life-altering choices.

Remember When 2 is the second story in an NA romance trilogy. It will bring you back to that exuberant and riotous time of life in your twenties when you struggled to figure out your place in the world and the person you were meant to be...

...and the person you were meant to be with.

Remember When Two sees Layla and Trip having lost contact over the years. Layla is working as a copyeditor while Trip has broken into acting. They reunite for an interview and feel that same crackling chemistry they've always had. However, neither is single.

Again, this was a lot of fun with pop culture references to music and movies. It was also realistic - genuine feeling - watching these two navigate around the relationship they want and the one they can have. There's angst in there too - not gonna lie. And at times I just wanted to smack them both. But I never stopped pulling for these two!

Warning: ending is a cliffie.

Remember When Three: The Finale by T. Torrest
Remember Trilogy #3
Release Date: November 21, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
"I'd spent too long in limbo.
It was time to put The California Plan back into effect."
~Layla Warren

I've been in love with Trip Wiley since I was sixteen years old.
Yep. That Trip Wiley.
Academy award-winning actor, known philanthropist, People's Sexiest Man Alive two years running...
Yeah.
It's not like I'm some delusional stalker-fan. It just so happens that he was my high school sweetheart back in 1991.
In the years since, he's simply been The One That Got Away.
We just can't seem to get on the same page at the same time.
Our timing may have sucked, but the feelings had already been confirmed. Years ago.
At least his were.
He doesn't know that I had chosen to love him back.
I need to fix that.
And I need to do it now.

Remember When 3 is the third and final book in the Remember Trilogy. It's a story about taking chances and following your heart...and knowing that sometimes, you just have to learn when to let go.

A major life event brings Layla and Trip together again. And it seems maybe this time their timing is right. But there's still much to navigate around.

I have to admit that at first I was the slightest bit worried that things were too easy for them. Ha! I know! They've been through so much. But of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing and again, Torrest kept it all genuine feeling. I honestly can't imagine trying to date a celebrity of any kind - there's a boatload of conflict, baggage, and trouble. But Layla and Trip, man...they weren't going down - letting go of the chance they'd been given at a life together - without a fight.

Layla and Trip are going in the books as one of my favorite couples ever. I've also found a new favorite author and I'm excited to read the other two books of Torrest's that I snagged at RT!

Can You Read a Series in a Month? Review #3 ~ Cracks in the Armor & Fractures in Ink ~ Helena Hunting

Berls @Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @Because Reading hosted this challenge and it was fun! I'll participate again next year. :)

AND it turns out maybe I can't quite finish a series in a month. While I finished 3 novels and 3 novellas, I didn't make it to the cross-over book, Get Inked. I'm calling it a win though since Get Inked is a Pucked and Clipped Wings story and I haven't read the Pucked series yet. I will though. Hunting is going on my favorite author list! :D

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Cracks in the Armor by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #2.5
Release Date: June 23, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #COYER, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Chris, a sexy tattoo artist, tries to win the heart of Sarah, a grad student with little interest in him, in this second e-short and follow-up to Helena Hunting's gripping love story, Clipped Wings -- "twisted, dark, incredibly erotic...a love story like no other" (USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton).

Part owner of the Chicago tattoo shop Inked Armor, Chris Zelter is a talented artist who decorates skin with gorgeous designs. He might look the part of the typical jacked-up, inked-up bad-boy, but underneath is a fiercely loyal, complicated man. Kicked out at sixteen, Chris has had to fend for himself for the last twelve years, making his Inked Armor crew as much family as they are business partners. For him, it's enough--until he meets Sarah Adamson.

A grad student waitressing at the local strip club, Sarah is used to propositions and crude comments. The job is a means to an end--finish her MBA, pay off the tuition loans, and get a good job. Then she won't have to rely on anyone to take care of her. So when brawny, tatted up Chris begins hanging out at the club, she rebuffs his advances. At first. But Chris isn't like her usual clientele: despite his hard exterior, he's almost...sweet.

Sometimes, the people with the roughest edges have the biggest hearts.

Cracks in the Armor was another little glimpse into Chris and Sarah's relationship - the perfect setup for Fractures in Ink, which focuses on them. Since it's dual POV (the entire series is) I got to see where they both stand. Seeing the insecurities and vulnerabilities was captivating. Getting updates on Hayden and Tenley, and Jamie and Lisa was an added treat! 

Onto Fractures in Ink...

Fractures in Ink by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #3
Release Date: November 14, 2016
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #COYER, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Sometimes the things we shouldn't want become exactly what we need...

Waitressing at a seedy strip club isn't ideal, but it pays Sarah Adamson's tuition. Her goal is to finish her master's program and get a job that doesn't involve tight skirts and groping hands. She doesn't need distractions. Especially not the one that comes in the form of a hot-as-sin tattoo artist who works across the street from her apartment.

Kicked out at sixteen, and a high school dropout, Chris Zelter is familiar with wanting things he can't have. His fractured life has never been easy. As the product of someone else's bad decisions, he knows exactly what happens when the wrong person controls your marionette strings. Now an accomplished tattoo artist in a renowned studio in Chicago, Chris has it together.

Mostly.

Apart from his infatuation with Sarah. She's way out of his league, and Chris knows it. But he's willing to be her bad decision. At least for now.

Fractures in Ink was a nice way to wrap up the Clipped Wings series. It fit nicely with Hayden and Tenley's story since Chris and Sarah had pasts that hindered them in romantic relationships as well. Hunting's use of "clipped wings" was apropos.

We'd seen glimpses into Chris and Sarah's romance in the novellas so I was more than read to get better acquainted with these two. Chris had a rough childhood, first being the result of a teen pregnancy were is father was MIA and then enduring a step-father who was less than fatherly. He carried so much guilt over his perceived flaws and the mistakes he made - guilt that kept hi bound to a mother that preyed upon that guilt. No matter how successful he became, he didn't see a way out and it broke my heart that he saw himself as a choice Sarah would eventually regret.

Sarah had her own share of childhood woes having a serial mistress for a mother. She had high aspirations and worked hard to achieve them and along with them, her independence. Her choice in jobs to supplement her scholarship was questionable but also understandable too. That she made Chris work for the date that eventually led to their romance made me smile. She gave herself the time to look beyond what was on his outside to see the gem Chris was hiding on the inside.

There was a subplot involving Sarah's place of employment that added a layer of suspense and tied into Hayden and Tenley's story. There was also the subplot involving Chris' family which added depth to the story. One thread was left dangling though and although it didn't impact the story, I was disappointed it was left unresolved.

Overall, Fractures in Ink was an enjoyable read. It kept me engaged ad I was thrilled with where Chris and Sarah ended up. I also liked catching up with Hayden, Tenley, Jamie, and Lisa.

Can You Read a Series in a Month? Review #2 ~ Between the Cracks & Inked Armor ~ Helena Hunting

Berls @Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @Because Reading hosted this challenge last year and I really wanted to participate but just couldn't do it. THIS YEAR, I'm in! For all the details on the challenge, click the graphic above.

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Between the Cracks by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #1.5
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Kindle Freebie
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Tattooiest Chris Zelter doesn't always make the best decisions when it comes to the people he cares about, or the women he gets involved with. Things have changed recently, though. Chris has lost interest in casual flings as he finds himself wrapped up in Sarah Adamson, a waitress at the local strip club he frequents. It takes months of persistent attention before she finally agrees to date him, and he's determined not to mess it up.

Just as things are finally going his way, Chris receives a troubled phone call in the middle of the night from Hayden Stryker, his best friend and business partner. Unexpected revelations and the sudden departure of his girlfriend, Tenley, has nearly sent Hayden over the edge. Add in a speeding ticket and an impounded car and Hayden is balanced on the precipice of a total meltdown. Worried about his friend, Chris sets out on a rescue road trip, first to get Heyden, and then to bring back Tenley. The two men run into unforeseen roadblocks, proving even the best intentions don't guarantee results.

Chris and Hayden return to Chicago empty handed, and Chris is left feeling as if he's let down all the people who matter, especially Sarah. But Chris discovers that sometimes the best way to deal with failure is to find a way to forget about it. And losing himself in Sarah is the perfect way to do just that.

Between the Cracks is a little glimpse into Chris' world/head in the few days following the incident with Tenley and her subsequent return "home". It was a short, quick read, but I enjoyed seeing this part of Chris - his loyalty and love for Hayden - as well as his obvious deeper feelings for Sarah.

Onto Inked Armor...

Inked Armor by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #2
Release Date: May 13, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I won a paperback copy in a giveaway hosted by the blog formerly known as The Bookish Babe
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
In this follow-up to Clipped Wings, the emotional love story continues between Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.

In the wake of losing Tenley Page, tattooist Hayden Stryker's tumultuous past is haunting him. Plagued by nightmares about the murder of his parents, Hayden reaches out again to Tenley. Having run from the man she doesn't believe she deserves, Tenley finally lays her guilt to rest. Despite their intense physical attraction, Hayden and Tenley struggle to repair their fragile emotional connection. As Hayden gets closer to the truth, he must find a way to reconcile his guilt over his parents' death in order to keep the woman who finally cracked his armor, and found her way into his heart.

Inked Armor picks up essentially where Clipped Wings ended. Things between Hayden and Tenley are even more tenuous and strained. It seems they aren't done battling their pasts - question is...do they do it together?

Clearly if things are to work out between these two, their pasts have to be dealt with. However, Hayden doesn't know how to deal with Tenley's and he's not so interested in sharing his past with her. These two can't stay apart though and it broke my heart watching them try to find the right path - the one leading them to each other.

I didn't find Inked Armor to be as emotionally gripped as Clipped Wings. There were things that were glossed over, predictable, or too cleanly resolved. But at its heart, this is a love story where love proves its strength and tenacity when it's the real deal.

The way Hunting used tattoos in Hayden and Tenley's healing process was fascinating. It's made me consider tattoos more carefully and wonder about the stories behind them. The character growth in both Hayden and Tenley demonstrated was admirable. They both figured out ways to deal with things on their own so they could be better in ways that made for a more solid foundation for their relationship. I also delighted in the stellar secondary cast members. They were a tight-knit group and gave Tenley and Hayden the family and stability they needed. 

Inked Armor is the end of Hayden and Tenley's part of the story. The final novel is Chris and Sarah's story, and I'm eager for it.