The Allure of Dean Harper (The Allure #2) by R.S. Grey

The Allure of Dean Harper
The Allure #2
R.S. Grey
Contemporary Romance
Ebook
28th September 2015

Goodreads Rating :4.09/5
My Rating : 3.5/5

From: LilyNBlack@Gmail.comTo: JosephineKeller@VogueMagazine.comSubject: You’re a flippin’ idiot

Good morning my dear, naive friend,

I hope you’re enjoying a breakfast of regret and sorrow.

Why? 

Because you sent me to work for Dean Harper, aka a control freak in a tailor-made suit. Sure he owns the trendiest restaurants in NYC, but c'mon Jo, his ego makes Kanye West look like the Dalai Lama.

He's the type of guy that only hears the word “no” when it's followed by “don’t stop.”

Working for Dean Harper would be like selling my soul to the devil…and before you say anything, I don’t care if the devil has punch-you-in-the-gut brown eyes and an ass to match. My soul isn’t for sale.

Love,Regretfully yours,Lily


The Allure of Dean Harper is a full-length standalone romance with overlapping characters from The Allure of Julian Lefray. Both books can be read separately. Chronologically, The Allure of Julian Lefray happens first. 

The Allure Of Julian Lefray is the only book by R.S. Grey that i love so much so I have a high expectation on the The Allure of Dean Harper. Unfortunately, it didnt manage to exceed my expectations.

I actually enjoyed 65% of it. (lol somehow that percentage is so irrelevant) Its funny and light and SO FULL OF FOOD THAT I WAS STARVING THE WHOLE TIME I READ THIS BOOK. Damn you and your fictional food, Grey.

I have some issues with Lily though. I understand that she is this one stubborn and strong girl that nothing can intimidate her. I get that demeanor, I do. But honest to God its too much. Shes too stubborn that its rude and annoying. She crossed the 'stubborn and strong hearted but insanely cool heroin' line. Shes overdone it that it doesnt look cool anymore. Whats worse is that for me, she radiates negative vibes with her. There are some scenes/parts in the book where she went overboard and outrightly rude. ITS INFURIATING OK. 

Also, i'm sorry but i cant really sense the chemistry between Dean and Lily. Sometimes theyre okay but sometimes its a bit.... off? Idk. maybe its just me. There are some Dean-Lily scenes that make me want to hit her head with a brIck and knock some sense into her. Seriously, what is she playing at?

Irresistibly Yours (Oxford #1) by Lauren Layne

Irresistibly Yours
Oxford #1
Lauren Layne
Contemporary Romance
Ebook, 236 pages
6th October 2015 by Loveswept

Goodreads Ratings : 4.08/5
My Rating : 4.5/5

Meet the men of Oxford magazine! In the first captivating spin-off of Lauren Layne’s Sex, Love & Stiletto series, a not-so-friendly battle of the sexes turns into a scorching office romance. Hotshot sports editor Cole Sharpe has been freelancing for Oxford for years, so when he hears about a staff position opening up, he figures he’s got the inside track. Then his boss drops a bombshell: Cole has competition. Female competition, in the form of a fresh-faced tomboy who can hang with the dudes—and write circles around them, too. Cole usually likes his women flirty and curvy, but he takes a special interest in his skinny, sassy rival, if only to keep an eye on her. And soon, he can’t take his eyes off her. Penelope Pope knows all too well that she comes off as just one of the guys. Since she’s learned that wanting more usually leads to disappointment, Penelope’s resigned to sitting on the sidelines when it comes to love. So why does Cole make her want to get back in the game? The man is as arrogant as he is handsome. He probably sees her as nothing more than a barrier to his dream job. But when an unexpected kiss turns into a night of irresistible passion, Penelope has to figure out whether they’re just fooling around—or starting something real.

GAHHHHHHHHH !!!!!

Ok when Cole Sharpe was first introduced in the stiletto series, i didnt like him. but now that i get to read a book full of a charming and irresistible baseball maniac that is Cole Sharpe, I'm totally sold. like 'here, u can have my heart body and mind im willing to give them all' kinda sold. i cant even remember why i didn't like him back then.

Irresistibly Yours is some sort of a spin off series from the Stiletto series. where in sex,love & stiletto we have those stilettos girls, here we have these Oxford guys with all its glory. and i mean glory in every meaning it can carries :p

so this is a typical Lauren Layne's book. You can pretty much guess the plot and everything but its still as good as ever, This book brings a fresh difference though, compared to Lauren other books. Where in stilettos we have Julie, Grace, Riley and Emma who are a bunch of very modern, classy, fierce and confident ladies with bombshell body figures, here in Irresistibly Yours, we have Penelope Pope who is very very very plain appearance and characteristics-wise. Shes not that fierce, pretty vulnerable, full of insecurities (but not to the point of annoyingness), shes short and basically a tomboy!!!!! I find it amazing that i can relate so much with her on the insecurities part and it's refreshing, coming from Lauren Layne.

This book has a lot of heart melting and panty dropping moments but theyre not as strong as Lauren's Stiletto series. Penelope and Cole doesnt have that deep of an intimacy like all the other pairs in Stiletto series has. They're comfortable with each other but the sexual tension isnt that strong with this one. (Although there are 2/3 hot scenes that got me gushing lol) 

BUT THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS GOT ME ALL JITTERY AND I LOVE THOSE JITTERS SO THANKS LAUREN !!!

The next book is gonna be on the devastatingly good looking Lincoln.... which im not feeling him that much yet. Maybe i'll love him soon too like how i did with Cole.

"The thing is, Mathis," Cole said slowly. "Everyone acts like the moment you realize you're in love is the big gotcha moment. But there's actually a moment after that... the one where you realize you could lose the person you love." - Cole Sharpe, Irrestistibly Yours

Grey (Fifty Shades #4) by E.L. James

Grey
Fifty Shades #4
E L James
Contemporary Romance
ebook, 576 pages
18th June 2015 by Knopf Doubleday

Goodreads Rating : 3.88/5
My Rating : 1.5/5

See the world of Fifty Shades of Grey anew through the eyes of Christian Grey.

In Christian's own words, and through his thoughts, reflections, and dreams, E L James offers a fresh perspective on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the world.

Christian Grey exercises control in all things; his world is neat, disciplined, and utterly empty—until the day that Anastasia Steele falls into his office, in a tangle of shapely limbs and tumbling brown hair. He tries to forget her, but instead is swept up in a storm of emotion he cannot comprehend and cannot resist. Unlike any woman he has known before, shy, unworldly Ana seems to see right through him—past the business prodigy and the penthouse lifestyle to Christian’s cold, wounded heart.  

Will being with Ana dispel the horrors of his childhood that haunt Christian every night? Or will his dark sexual desires, his compulsion to control, and the self-loathing that fills his soul drive this girl away and destroy the fragile hope she offers him?

Okay so maybe I'm biased while reading this. But there are just too many bad talks about this book that it kinda got into me.

1) Where in fsog Ana has her inner goddess speaking, here in Grey, Christian has his own monologue as well. And honest to God, I don't like being in Grey's mind at all. It's rude and disturbing. I'm gonna admit here that before Grey happened, I really really really love Christian Grey. He WAS one of my ultimate book boyfriend. I was obsessed with him for like a month. I used to picture him as this one tall, dark and handsome guy being all intense, powerful and intimidating. He actually seems like one in the trilogy. But then the movie happened and hes FAR from the Christian I have in mind. But its okay I still can tolerate that. BUT WHEN GREY CAME ? I'M OFF. Strong ? Powerful ? Intense ? Intimidating ? You can kiss that Christian goodbye. EL James made Christian sounds like this one sex-drive man that will get your nose and eyes all scrunched up out of disgust. 

2) Nothing significant happens in this book. Its merely Fifty Shades of Grey #1 with Christian's POV. And okay maybe a few insights but meh, not THAT interesting.

3) There are TOO MANY simple action/useless things written that I think is completely unnecessary. You'd know when you read it.

4) Oh my God, the excessive usage of the word 'baby'. There are exactly 102 'baby' in this book.(Thanks, iBooks). I didn't notice it at first but then it happens WAAAAYYYYY too much that I cant help but feel irritated.

"Yeah, yeah, baby"

"Suck it up, baby"

"Oh no, baby"

"Yes, baby"

"Oh, I could stop your fidgeting, baby" 

"You'd be amaze at what I can do with cable ties, baby"

"Oh, baby, DIY is not my thing"

"Don't tempt me, baby"

Seriously though, EL James, dont you know any other endearing terms ???

5) I can't help but think that the only reason EL James wrote this book are because of money and popularity. Sorry.

6) If you are a fan of Twilight, you would know that there is Midnight Sun-- which is basically Twilight but with Edward's POV -- (SOUNDS FAMILIAR, HUH ?). Only thing is that Midnight Sun is never published. My question is, why is EL James so obsessed with Stephenie Meyer ???? (Grey has almost the same cover as Meyer's The Host, fyi /coughs/)

I dont have anything against people who actually enjoy reading this book. To each their own, I guess. There are admittedly some enjoyable parts but its not strong enough to outweigh the rest of the contents.

Over all, I dont think this book should happen, at all. I wish I never read this. EL James ruined my Christian. Brb crying.

The Deal (Off Campus #1) by Elle Kennedy

The Deal
Off Campus #1
Elle Kennedy
New Adult, Sports Romance
Ebook, 328 pages
24th February 2014

Goodreads Ratings : 4.39/5
My Rating : 5/5

She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy... 

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice…even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date. 

...and it’s going to be oh so good. All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn’t take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn’t going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

From Goodreads

I AM IN LOVE

/satisfied sigh/

Oh, Garrett. Oh, charming charming Garrett. Definitely one of my top book boyfriends. /swoon/

So The Deal is the typical New Adult and Sports Romance. A jerk but super hot and super cool guy whos a jock in college (Garrett) and one day he met a girl (Hannah) who hates all those arrogant attitude. You know what happens next. But no matter how typical and cliche the book is, it managed to get into my top favourite list. Thats how good it is.

One of the many things i love and respect about Hannah is that, despite her rape history, she managed to get over it. I mean, yeah being raped is a huge issue. One may be full-on traumatized about that, which might be a huge issue on herself and her sex/love relationship which more often than not, this situation is famous in most new adult / romance fiction with the whole panic attack thing (it's starting to get old, really) but this time, is completely a fresh story. Hannah managed to put it past her, although not completely, but its still impressive. 

“I know it wasn’t my fault. I know I didn’t ask for it or do something to invite it. It didn’t steal my ability to trust people or cause me to fear every man that crosses my path. Years of therapy helped me see that the burden of blame lies solely on him. There was something wrong with him. Not me. Never me. And the most important lesson I learned is that I’m not a victim—I’m a survivor.” - Hannah Wells

See that ? You go, girl !

Garrett is the captain of hockey in college. AND HES EVERYTHING I EVER WANTED. He's confident, sexy, funny, hes a brilliant student. his witty and the flirty remarks are gold. And the list goes on. He lives off campus with his football teammates and THE WHOLE PACK IS INSANE. 

Overall, this book is perfect. Full on 5 stars without a doubt. I would talk about it on and on but i think this would do. Elle Kennedy, you rocks !

“I fight back laughter. “As you wish.” “Did you really just Princess Bride me?” “Did you really just use Princess Bride as a verb?” - Elle Kennedy, The Deal 

Book Review : Aflame (Fall Away #4) by Penelope Douglas

Aflame
Fall Away #4
Penelope Douglas
New Adult; Contemporary Romance
Ebook
21st April 2015 by Penguin 

Goodreads Ratings : 4.4/5
My Rating : 5/5

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Bully, Until You, Rival, and Falling Away comes the sizzling conclusion to the Fall Away series. 

The tables have turned. Now I have the power—and it’s his turn to beg…

Everyone wants to be me.

Maybe it’s the sway of my skirt or the way I flip my hair, but I don’t care. Even though their attention is the last thing I crave, I just can’t stop. I dominate the track, the speed rattles my bones, and the wind and the crowd screams my name.

I’m her. The girl driver. The queen of the race. And I’m surviving—something he thought I’d never do.

They all still talk about him. Did you see Jared Trent on T.V? What did you think of his last race, Tate? When is he coming back to town, Tate?

But I refuse to care too much. Because when Jared does come home, I won’t be here.

Tatum Brandt is gone. I’m someone new.

From Goodreads

Aflame is the last book in the Fall Away series.

Last book = Absolute ending

Last book = No more Jared, Tate, Madox, Fallon, Jax and Juliet

Last book = I have to let go of the series

I AM NOT READY FOR THIS !

/cries

Fall Away has been one of my favourite new adult series ever. Having to let go of this series got my heart breaking. I didn’t know this was the last book until I reach the Epilogue and everything just clicked. That’s when the feels hit me right in the core.

But on the bright side, Penelope wrote the most perfect ending for this series. Everything is so perfect it got me grinning so wide. I couldn’t ask for more. I’m happy with how it ends. I’m happy for Jared and the gang because they deserve that. They deserve all the happiness in the world.

This is embarrassing to admit but I love angst. Angsty stories will always have a place in my heart. I love to feel the pain, the heartbreak, and all the feels the characters are going through. I want it to hurt. I don’t know why but it feels good. It feels like I am breaking it too. And Aflame has the perfect amount of angst. There are a few scenes in this book that scream angst and they got me clutching my heart because they are all brilliantly written. Kudos to you, Mrs Douglas.

I went all AWWWWWWW when Jared, Madox and Jax surround their younger little sister Quinn. I want to see it in my own eyes so bad. Why do they have to be fictional /sigh.

Maybe this series doesn’t have to end yet. Maybe there’s going to be a novella on Quinn and her insanely protective, awesome and hot brothers. How about that, Penelope ? /wriggling eyebrows/

“I’m never letting you go again, Tate,” I whispered, almost desperate. “I’m your friend forever, and if that’s all I get, then that’s what I’m taking, because only when you’re here”—I took her hand and placed it on my heart—“do I feel like my life is worth a damn.” 

― Penelope Douglas, Aflame

Book Review : Beautiful Secret (Beautiful Bastard #4) by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Secret
Beautiful Bastard #4
Christina Lauren
Ebook, 400 pages
14th April 2015 by Gallery Books

Goodreads Ratings : 4.33/5
My Rating : 3.5/5

AN UPTIGHT BRITISH EXECUTIVE. AN ADVENTUROUS AMERICAN NEWBIE. A SEXY INTERNATIONAL SCANDAL IN THE MAKING.

New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author Christina Lauren’s Beautiful and Wild Seasons series hook up in Beautiful Secret for an erotic intercontinental romp that celebrates the best of both worlds!

When Ruby Miller’s boss announces he’s sending her on an extended business trip to New York City, she’s shocked. As one of the best and brightest young engineers in London, she knows she’s professionally up to the task. The part that’s throwing her is where she’ll be spending a month up close and personal working alongside—and staying in a hotel with—Niall Stella, her firm’s top urban planning executive and The Hottest Man Alive. Despite her ongoing crush, Ruby is certain Niall barely knows she’s alive…until their flirty overnight flight makes him sit up and take notice.

Not one for letting loose and breaking rules, recently divorced Niall would describe himself as hopeless when it comes to women. But even he knows outgoing California-girl Ruby is a breath of fresh air. Once she makes it her mission to help the sexy Brit loosen his tie, there’s no turning back. Thousands of miles from London, it’s easy for the lovers to play pretend. But when the trip is over, will the relationship they’ve built up fall down?

From Goodreads

So, Beautiful Secret.

Niall Stella and Ruby Millers.

The anticipation was real ok. 

When i was first introduced to Niall in Beautiful Beloved, i was ecstatic ! Like I just knew, hes going to be as amazing as Bennet, Max and Will. And he is !

But i have to be honest tho. This isnt the best from Christina Lauren and im slightly disappointed because i love their books so much. Theres a lot of things in this book that got me went all, 'eh ????' This book is just so different from the rest of the series i have to say. One being that Niall is a closed-off, reserved kind of guy -- so different from the whole Bennett, Max and Will attitude. The other is Ruby. 

I dont like Ruby as much as i love Hanna, Sara and Chloe. I lost my respect to her since the beginning of the book. There's sth about her -- that i cant put into words -- that annoys me. Yeah, shes intelligent and funny and whatever but shes just so..... gosh ive been trying so hard for 2 days to find a suitable word to describe Ruby but i just couldnt find it. I'm sorry but i guess i give up. /sigh/ 

One of the reason why im giving this a low rating compared to their other books is that, I couldnt imagine the whole plot in my head. Like when I was reading the other Beautiful series, i could see where they are all headed. I can even imagine myself on those situations. But with Beautiful Secret ? I just cant. I cant imagine the big picture in my head. I dont even know whats wrong with me. (I'm blaming this on me because everyone else seems to love it but me) ((Theres this one Christina Lauren fan -- the Debookroom owner, to be specific -- she doesnt like Ruby either, so im not the only one with the problem here))

Its sad actually to give this book a rating of 3 (believe me its tough because it's christina lauren we're talking about here) but since i don't fully enjoy it as much as i hoped it would be, I think its well deserved.

p.s. I JUST COULDNT WAIT FOR DARK WILD NIGHT !!! LOLA AND OLIVER ??? IM ALL SET !

Book Review : Crushed (Redemption #2) by Lauren Layne

Crushed
Redemption #2
Lauren Layne
Ebook, 240 pages
14th April 2015 by Flirt

Goodreads Ratings : 4.3/5
My Rating : 4/5

Lauren Layne’s latest novel about the healing power of redemption tells the story of a crush gone wickedly wrong, proving that what you want isn’t always what you need.
 
Growing up in New York, Michael St. Claire never expected to spend his twenties wearing cowboy boots. But that was before he learned about his real father, a total stranger with a family in Cedar Grove, Texas. Once in the Lone Star State, Michael meets Kristin Bellamy, who is exquisitely refined and everything Michael always thought he wanted in a woman. The only problem is that Kristin is dating Michael’s new half brother, Devon.
 
Kristin’s mouthy, curvy sister Chloe has always been in love with Devon Patterson. So when Michael offers to help Chloe break up Devon and Kristin, Chloe agrees to a deal that seems too good to be true. Before long, Chloe finally gets her man, only to make a startling discovery: She no longer wants the guy she had to fight for—she wants the one who stood by her side. 
 
After all he and Chloe have been through, Michael swears he’s damaged goods. Can Chloe convince him that love is worth the risk?
 

From Goodreads

I know ive said it before in my past reviews but i need to say this again. I really really really love Lauren Layne's writing. 

Sex, Love and Stilettos and The Best Mistake are one of my all time favorite series by Lauren Layne, always has been. And its suffice to say that this Redemption series did not disappoint either. The writing style is so very different, though. Where SLS and TBM are all funny, flirty and so contemporary, Redemption is almost the opposite. Almost.

Crushed tells the story of the heartbroken Michael from Broken, how he nurse his brokenheart back to life with the help of the ever so funny and sarcastic Chloe. Gosh Chloe i love her to bits !!!! Shes just so awesome with her cool-ass attitude and witty remarks. All through this book, i was being emphasized on Chloe's crazy curls and that made me picture her as Brave's Merida you know. All through the book. Even on the sexual scenes. Merida the kid. Yep. (I can never watch Brave the same way anymore tsk)

Its been almost a year i think since i last read the first book of the series (Broken) so I have to be honest here about not exactly remembering who Michael is and what role he plays on Broken. But its all good. I like the whole plot and characters and oooooh the ending (the make-up part) !!!! Its not the big gesture kind of ending but its nice and fluffy and cuuuuuuute.

Like i said, this one isnt a disappointment. Totally.

GAHHH I CANT WAIT FOR THE OXFORD SERIES !!! IM PRACTICALLY BURNING FROM ANTICIPATION HERE !!!!

”…I don’t think it’s about who loves you first. It’s about who loves you best. And that’s me.”  - Chloe Bellamy, Crushed

Book Review : The Trouble with Love (Sex, Love & Stiletto #4) by Lauren Layne

The Trouble with Love
Sex, Love & Stiletto #4
Lauren Layne
Ebook, 237 pages
3rd March 2015 by Random House
Contemporary Romance

Goodreads Ratings : 4.34/5
My Rating : 5/5

As Lauren Layne’s salacious Sex, Love & Stiletto series returns, a jaded columnist discovers a steamy way to get over an old flame: falling for him all over again.
 
As Stiletto magazine’s authority on all things breakup-and-heartache, Emma Sinclair writes from personal experience. Five years ago, Emma was Charlotte, North Carolina’s darling debutante and a blushing bride-to-be. Now she’s the ice queen of the Manhattan dating scene. Emma left her sultry Southern drawl behind, but not even her closest friends know that with it she left her heart. Now Emma’s latest article forces her to face her demons—namely, the devilishly sexy guy who ditched her at the altar. 
 
After giving up everything for a pro-soccer career, Alex Cassidy watches his dreams crumble as a knee injury sidelines him for good. Now he’s hanging up his cleats and giving journalism a shot. It’s just a coincidence that he happens to pick a job in the same field, and the same city, as his former fiancée . . . right? But when Emma moves in next door, it’s no accident. It’s research. And Alex can’t help wondering what might have been. Unlike the innocent girl he remembers, this Emma is chic, sophisticated, and assertive—and she wants absolutely nothing to do with him. The trouble is, Alex has never wanted her more.

From Goodreads

GAHHHHHHHHH LAUREN LAYNE HAS DID IT AGAIN !!!!

Actually, I am taking a break from reading this month. I've been through 5-6 books I think this past week and I DNF-ed all of them. Every single one. I thought maybe I got tired from all these reading activities so I decided to take a break. Plus, I have final semester exam coming in less than a month so a break sounds good because I need to get my head in the game. You know.

Things were going great until I got a notification saying that a book is gonna be released on the 3rd March and of all books, its this one particular book which I actually have been waiting for months. So yep, ladies and gentlemen, its just the fourth day and I already broke my reading hiatus. I EVEN  FINISHED IT IN ONE DAY. I JUST COULDNT WAIT OKAY. The best part is, the torturous waiting and the broken mission IS REALLY REALLY WORTH IT. THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE IS JUST SO DAMN GOOD !!!11

Ever since book two (Just One Night) happened where I was introduced to Emma-Cassidy, I was riled up. All I ever knew were Emma Sinclair and Alex Cassidy were once engaged, and Cassidy left her at the altar. like whaaaaaaaaaat ?! THATS NOT ENOUGH EXPLANATION OKAY I NEED MORE. GIVE ME ALL THE JUICY DETAILS NOW. Well, until this book happened, that is. And when it did, I was blown away. all. across. Antartic. because. of. the. feels. THE. FEELS.

It's funny, intense, hot, sexy, sad, sweet and heart warming all at once. But then again, Lauren Layne has always managed to make me feel that way with her books. So it is safe to say that this book is not a disappointment, at all. If anything, it reminds me of how much love I have for her books.

So Emma Sinclair and Alex Cassidy were engaged. But the wedding was canceled. Just what actually happened, right ? This whole plot development went pretty slow actually as more insight were given, hidden feelings were exposed and the old painful memories comes back. But it works pretty well for me as finally, I got the big picture. BUT BUT BUT OH MY GOD, the reason why it happened made my heart aches along with Emma and Cassidy. I mean, Emma was bitter and closed off since then.  And I'm cool with that. Heartbreak and bad break ups can do nasty thing to people sometimes. Not everyone can be as bubbly as Julie is or as outspoken as Riley is by the way. But if those misunderstanding (for the lack of better word) didnt happen, they wouldnt have to experience all those 7 years of misery and torture.

ALEX CASSIDY. Just his name alone could bring out the girl in me. I really love how guy-ish he is. I mean, just read this :

Cole leaned forward and reached out a hand. "Lemme see the orgasm bit."
Alex ignored him, pulling a sheet of paper from the top and shaking it. "This one is two thousand words about push-up bras. About the brands, and the way they should fit, and listen to this: 'The trick with the appeal of push-up bras is to know what kind of guy you're dealing with. Is he visual? If so, he's not going to mind that you had a little help to achieve that fantastic cleavage. But if he's more tactile, you might want to consider skipping all that padding...He wants to feel the real you.'"
Alex let the paper flutter to the desk in horror. "I just...I can't even." 

and and and

Alex clicked his pen and fought for calm. She was right, of course. He should be responding to her as editor-in-chief. Not as personal anything.
But with every day that passed, Alex seemed to grow more aware of their history. More conscious of their unfinished business.
More aware of Emma.
As a woman.
As his woman.
Well. Former.
Damn it.

SEEEEE ??1?!!?!!? 
/swoon/

But theres one thing missing about this book, I mean, this book is all about second chance romance. Which literally means they already had the 'romance' thing the first time around. I actually have been waiting for a peek at their good old memories, you know, the happiness they went through before the incident happened.  Lauren basically went on and on and on about the 'incident' and the heartaches and pain that not much 'young and in love Emma and Cassidy' was pictured. 

But who am I kidding ? I still love this book - this series - with my heart and soul. I love how relax, alive, funny and charming all the characters are. I love this whole Julie-Mitchell, Jake-Grace, Sam-Riley and Emma-Cassidy gang/group. I love their friendship. I love how supportive they are to each other. I love their careers. I love their banters :

"I brought desert," Riley said, holding up a box of cupcakes.
"I told you I made dessert!" Julie said.
"Right you did. I totally forgot," Riley said, exchanging a glance with Mitchell.
Julie caught it and spun around to glare at her fiance. "What did you tell her?"
"I told her nothing," Mitchell said. "No words were exchanged."
Julie's eyes narrowed as Mitchell took a sip of wine. "I may have sent her apicture of your, um, cake."
"I baked," Julie announced to everyone else with a happy nod.
"That's great, honey!" Grace replied. Then she turned her head toward Riley and spoke out of the corner of her mouth. "Good call on the cupcakes."
Julie pointed a finger. "Just for that, you have to try the first bite of my cake."

Basically just everything. By the end of the book, I was all like, "No, this is not enough. I need more. Moreeeeeee." But I supposed its a good thing, right ? Wanting more ?

I dont want to let go of this series just yet. I hope theres another one coming up soon. A book on Cole Sharpe, perhaps ? /wriggling eyebrows/

I know Lauren's going to release Crushed this year (which is awesome btw), but if there is ever news on book 5 of the Stiletto series, or book 3 of The Best Mistake series, I'd be over the moon, Lauren. Seriously.

"He was the bad guy. He got that.

Preferred it, even. Because being cast as the villain was a hell of a lot better than everyone knowing that you'd spent you wedding day half-drunk, feeling like there was a crater where your heart should have been." - Alex Cassidy, The Trouble with Love

Book Review : Dirty Ties by Pam Godwin

Dirty Ties
Pam Godwin
Stand-Alone
Ebook
8th January 2015 by Smashwords Edition
Contemporary Romance

Goodreads Rating : 4.06/5
My Rating : 1/5

Revenge.
I race to finance it.
I evade to protect it.
I kill to attain it.
I planned everything.


Except her.
The alluring, curvaceous blonde at the finish line.
With sapphire eyes that cheat and lie.
Whose powerful family murdered mine.


I hate her.
I want her.


I know she’s hiding something.
But so am I.

From Goodreads

The whole synopsis and high ratings and good reviews from everyone intrigued me. The whole story ? Not so much.

1) It doesnt have a smart ass witty banter that I like so much
2) I wasnt supposed to read any books for now because exams coming up so that contributes on why I didnt enjoy this as much 
3) I dont like evader/logan that much. I mean, hes not worth drooling over, for me.
4) Even kaci (the girl) didnt do it for me LOL SERIOUSLY HOW COULD THE AUTHOR GAVE HER SUCH WEIRD NAME ??? WHAT IS EVEN KACI LOL
5) Nah i really dont like it

“The strongest love begins from a place of conflict.” 
― Pam Godwin, Dirty Ties

Book Review : Hero (Hero #1) by Samantha Young

Hero
Samantha Young
Series : Hero #1
Ebook, 416 pages
3rd February 2015 by Penguin (USA)
Contemporary Romance

Goodreads Rating : 4.17/5
My Rating : 4/5

The emotional and unforgettable new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series.

Alexa Holland’s father was her hero—until her shocking discovery that she and her mother weren’t his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets,. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they’re on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again… 

From Goodreads

A NEW SERIES FROM SAMANTA YOUNG MY FOREVER FAVOURITE AUTHOR ! /throws confetti/

When I knew Samantha is going to release a new book, I got so freaking excited because its safe to say that she's my favorite contemporary romance author -- alongside with Julie James, Christina Lauren and Lauren Layne

Hero is great. It cant defeat Before Jamaica Lane (I STILL CANT GET OVER HOW GOOD BJL IS ISTG) but its still awesome nevertheless. Its got a pretty cliche plot, since I read a freaking lot of books in this genre. the whole office romance, personal issues, tall, dark and handsome guy where nothing fazes him and got women swooning over him everywhere, the smart ass lady who beats the guy's intimidating demeanor, smoking hot romance, more issues, same old same old. 

Butttttttt what keep me going is because its Samantha Young we're talking about here. She always has her way in writing amazing books. AND BECAUSE OF CAINE AND ALEXA. Enough said. 

I cant help thinking though that Hero is like a mixture of 50 Shades of Grey and Beautiful Bastard. Or is it just me ?

What pissed me off right now is that I NEED THE SECOND BOOK LIKE RIGHT NOW ! (there should be one about henry righttttttt ???? /wriggling eyebrows/) Im dying to read about Henry and Nadia bcs i have the feeling its gonna be funny and flirty as hell !!!! 

ODS is one of my favorite series ever so i hope i'll love this new series just as much. Kudos to you, Samantha Young

“A man like me isn’t capable of being your fucking white knight. …

I felt the anger boil up inside me. “I’m not looking for a hero!”

He flinched at the emotion cracking my words.

“I never asked for that … I just wanted you, because despite what you might think, I see you. And no, you’re no fucking white knight, but you’re what I want.”