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More Than Friends by Monica Murphy

11/17/2016

BUY LINKS: KINDLE | PAPERBACK

More Than Friends (Friends, #2)

More Than Friends by Monica Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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It’s no secret that Monica Murphy can write teen angst and drama like no other especially when she had readers on edge with Just Friends especially with the Livvy, Ryan, and Dustin love triangle. While readers were still reeling with that love triangle, secondary characters Amanda and Jordan were able to steal our hearts. This unexpected couple what made me so happy when I found out Monica Murphy was going to write book two on them.

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“I was starting to wonder if I really was losing my mind when it came to Jordan Tuttle. But no. Jordan is real. He’s in my life because he wants to be here for some crazy reason.”

More Than Friends is Amanda and Jordan’s story. This couple was a fresh of breath of air. I absolutely love this couple the most. I think mostly it’s due to the fact that both Amanda and Jordan are relatable. They didn’t annoy me as much as Olivia did. The simple scenario of good girl Amanda falling for the popular football jock, Jordan Tuttle is something that young adult readers would enjoy.

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It’s no secret that chemistry is there. Jordan and Amanda makes a cute couple. They fit together. While they make a great couple, Amanda and Jordan must tackle with their insecurities, jealousy, and family problems. I really loved Amanda in the first book but Jordan Tuttle completely caught me off guard when he made More Than Friends stand out. It is so true when they say don’t judge a book by it’s cover and that couldn’t be more true when it comes Jordan Tuttle. I loved that Monica Murphy slowly peeled off the facade of Jordan Tuttle and allowed readers to truly see the real Jordan Tuttle. Yes, he has popularity and money but his home life is a mess. And so will Jordan finally let Amanda get pass his guarded walls? Or will Amanda discover that they are better off as just friends?

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“Only one word pounds through my head, throbs with my heart. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. She’s mine. And I’m never going to let her forget it.”

More Than Friends may have ended in a cliffhanger but it was not so angsty as Just Friends. If you are fan of high school coming of age drama, then this series is a must read. I consider this series a mixture of Sweet Valley High, Gossip Girls, and Beverly Hills 90210. With a fresh new voice and storytelling, Monica Murphy douses readers with all the feels of young love and self discovery. A must read for fans of angst, drama, and coming of age.

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Monica Murphy

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All Fall Down by Geneva Lee

11/11/2016

KINDLE BUY LINKS:
Gilt: By Invitation Only (Gilt Series Book 1) | Sin Never Sleeps (Gilt Book 2) | All Fall Down (Gilt Book 3)

All Fall Down (Gilt, #3)

All Fall Down by Geneva Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Geneva Lee ends the Gilt Trilogy with a bang as she crafts a smart masterful cunning romantic suspense that is filled with so many surprising twist and turns. As Geneva onslaughts readers with a visceral story line, readers are left holding onto their breath as we are thrown into a whirlwind of mind%*#K and unexpected surprises. Prepare to get a whiplash as Geneva demands our attention as we discover who killed Nathaniel West. In this well developed plot of chicanery and secrets, Geneva still was able to sprinkle and delight readers with the intense relationship of Emma and Jameson. So for those readers waiting and anticipating this epic conclusion, be prepared for one shocking revelation.

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Playing Defense by Cate Cameron

10/26/2016

BUY LINKS:
Center Ice (Corrigan Falls Raiders) | Playing Defense (Corrigan Falls Raiders) | Winging It (Corrigan Falls Raiders)

Playing Defense (Corrigan Falls Raiders, #2)

Playing Defense by Cate Cameron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Neilliza
☆☆☆☆ 4.5 STARS ☆☆☆☆

Playing Defense is a young adult romance. It’s sweet, innocent and lots of fun. Sixteen year old Claudia was a teen who only had her eyes on her future, until she met one of the most popular guys in school. Hockey player Chris, he was gorgeous, kind, a prankster and interested in her. When Claudia was given the duty of being Chris’s tutor, their quick friendship came out of nowhere. For once in Claudia’s life she was not just looking forward to her future school, she was looking forward on her day and seeing Chris again. The connection happened fast and Chris gave Claudia her first real kiss. It was sweet, it was intense. I loved it. Innocent Claudia wanted more with Chris, but does Chris feel the same?

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I really enjoyed this young love for what it is. The sweetness of the story is something I always go gaga over. Chris had my heart, with his funny personality and Claudia with her strong take it charge kinda girl. If you are looking for a sweet and short read this is it.

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Just Friends by Monica Murphy

9/16/2016

BUY LINKS: KINDLE | PAPERBACK

Just Friends (Friends, #1)

Just Friends by Monica Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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An addictive, engrossing, and messy love triangle or should I say love square of young teenage drama at it’s best!!!! Monica Murphy completely outdid herself as she has delivers a sexy, complicated and fresh modern story of young love, friendship, and of course D-R-A-M-A. If One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl, Beverly Hills 90210, and Dawson’s Creek had a baby, Just Friends would be it!!

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“He has almost a dangerous air about him and my traitorous body responds. Dustin’s… hot like this. Mad at me. Frustrated with me. The feeling is mutual.”

Olivia is best friends with Dustin and Emily. These three are practically inseparable. So what’s the problem? Well, Dustin likes Olivia. Like is putting it mildly. Dustin is madly in love with Olivia. He wants to be more than best friends. Olivia shared her first kiss with Dustin. First, make out session and rounded the bases with him except go all the way. Olivia also likes Dustin but when she returns back from her summer vacation, Olivia is shocked to learn what her two best friends have been hiding from her. First, Emily is hooking up with the new guy in town. Second, she discovers that Dustin had hooked up with Emily over the summer. Although Emily was fooling around with Ryan, the new guy, she has feelings for Dustin. Dustin wants Olivia to forgive him. Olivia’s friendship with Emily is ruined. Olivia makes a new friend and oh yeah Ryan wants Olivia. So yeah, you can see the dilemma and hot mess of drama. Did I forget to mention Olivia is torn with who she likes...Dustin or Ryan?

#JustFriend

Ahhh...is your head exploding already with all the drama of who is friends with who? Who is dating who? And which friend can you trust? As much as my head is exploding with all this teenage drama and angst, I am addicted. Yes, Monica Murphy you have worked your evil genius magic on me and I need to know what happens next. Who will Olivia choose? And of course, what is happening with Emily? Did I forgot to mention that my favorite character of this book is not the heroine but the secondary character, Amanda. Yes, I think that she is the only sane one of the group and thank you Monica Murphy for that.

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“My life has turned into a bad TV movie. Like Lifetime on steroids. ”

Just Friends is one of those reads that you can’t helped but be dangerously engrossed and addicted to. There are characters that I wanted to knock some senses into them but at the same time, I tried to understand them since being a teenager is not easy as you are trying to find yourself and discover that it’s not the quantity of friends but the quality of friends. So if you are looking for a read that was compelling, heartfelt, and full of drama then I would definitely recommend reading this book. Just Friends might be my new favorite guilty pleasure as I need to know what going to happen to these group of friends as they discover and find themselves. Can’t wait to read the next book.

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The Hard Count by Ginger Scott

7/19/2016

BUY LINK: KINDLE

The Hard Count

The Hard Count by Ginger Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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“ Special. Loyal. Smart. Mysterious. Important.I want more words for him.”

Before I begin my review, I think I should properly thank Ginger Scott for writing a YA sports romance that is so much more than just the game. Thank you for writing a story that tethers reader’s hearts to a story that shines brighter than Friday Night Lights. Hard Count was pure perfection. It was the quarterback sneak. It was the 40 yard dash to the end zone. It was the touchdown. This book was the catch that will forever be remembered. And how could this one book encompass what YA sports romance should be? It’s simple. Ginger Scott wrote a story that is more than executing romance in her playbook, she made readers FEEL. Feel the prejudice. Feel the hatred. Feel the jealousy. Feel the socioeconomic imbalance. Feel the passion. Feel the love. And most importantly feel the hope.

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Nico Medina is smart, handsome, and a talented football star. He should have it all but the only thing that is stopping Nico from recognition is that he was born on the wrong side of the tracks. And so what happens when the kid from the West End falls in love with the football coach’s daughter? And what happens when a prestigious school and it’s alumni pressures the coach to change quarterbacks? Will Nico Medina be able to show people that no one can define and hold you back from fulfilling your dreams?

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“I want to know Nico’s story. I want to hold his hand. I want that kiss from my dream to be real.”

#TheHardCount

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“Make me earn it,” he says, pausing again to take my top lip between both of his. “I’ll earn it. I’ll never stop trying to earn it… to earn you.”

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The Hard Count by Ginger Scott was a combination of Friday Night Lights, The WestSide Story, and Remember The Titans. In this awe-inspiring YA sports romance, Ginger Scott delivered a story that grips your hearts to see beyond the lights. She made readers see the injustice, the humanity, and most importantly see the big picture. Like any big game, life is about facing those obstacles. It’s about the dedication. The blood and sweat. And most importantly, it’s about the heart. And for Nico Medina he stole our hearts as he never wavered in his love for the girl on the right side of the tracks. So if you are looking for a story that was MORE than your high school sports romance then I highly recommend you read Hard Count.

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Ginger Scott

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The Matchmaker's Playbook by Rachel Van Dyken

4/5/2016

BUY LINK: The Matchmaker's Playbook (Wingmen Inc. 1)

The Matchmaker's Playbook (Wingmen Inc., #1)

The Matchmaker's Playbook by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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“In our world? Every woman is beautiful. Every woman has a purpose. Every woman has one guy she’s been after, one unobtainable piece of man art. Just think of the two of us as the brokers. You’re welcome, world.”

RACHEL VAN DYKEN!!!!!! OMG...I AM IN LOVE!!!! Can you hear me fangirling over here from San Francisco? Yes, that’s right you wrote the perfect playbook!!! You have masterfully crafted a story that was absolutely fun, sexy, sweet and hilarious!!!! And did I forget to mention, I had a big fat smile on my face the whole time I was reading this book.

The Matchmaker’s Playbook was outrageously fun, witty, and playful. This book is one of those reads that you will be devouring in one sitting. Trust me, you will fall madly in love with Ian and his buddy, Lex as they are your personal matchmakers.

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Ian Hunter runs Wingmen Inc, a successful and secretive word-of-mouth dating service. Ian with the help of his wingman, Lex runs a service that helps shy and insecure women win the hearts of their crushes. So if there is a guy that catches your eye and you are vying to get their attention...enter Ian and Lex. With their playbook of rules, they have a great track record of matchmaking. And as added bonus, these two playboys has no problem following their playbook of rules that is until Ian meets Blake Olsen.

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“That’s what Wingmen Inc. is about. What if you could study a playbook for dating? We have rules for every type of relationship scenario, and our process works . Basically, we created a dating version of Minority Report.”

Blake is madly in love and infatuated with her childhood friend. She even moved just to attend the same college as her crush but it seems her crush is not taking notice of her so Blake decides to use Wingmen Inc.

When Ian takes on Blake as his client, he never thought he could want this girl for just himself. Blake was different. She was fun, sexy and witty but just need to get pushed in the right direction to build her confidence when talking to her crush. As Ian transform Blake’s style, he begins to see her in a whole new light. He wants her. Will Ian be able to help Blake get her crush when he wants her for himself? Will Ian be striking out or will he find himself making one final play to get the girl?

#Wingman

The Matchmaker’s Playbook was utterly addicting!!!! This book had it all from banter, humor, charm, steam, and romance. I loved that RVD wrote this book in Ian’s POV. It allowed readers to get a fun insight on the inner workings of what he goes through when it comes to his dating services and Blake. So if you are looking for a book where an author wrote a perfect blend of humor, sass, romance, and charm then I urge you to read this book. Maybe some rules are meant to be broken, when it comes to love.

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Rachel Van Dyken

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In Your Dreams by Ginger Scott

3/29/2016

BUY LINKS: KINDLE | PAPERBACK

In Your Dreams (Falling, #4)

In Your Dreams by Ginger Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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A slow burn romance that hits all the right notes!! Ginger Scott is one of those authors who continues to deliver a story that will set hearts racing and beating to the rhythms and sounds of love. Or in this case, Ginger spins a love story that mixes passion, friendship, hopes and dreams into one beautiful heartwarming tale.

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“I’m scared because I like this Casey Coffield. I really like him.”

In Your Dreams may sound like a simple story but Ginger creates a story that is far beyond simple. This book transfixes readers to FEEL the depth of love, friendship, family, hopes and dreams. This story is more than just your standard romance but a tale that inspires us all to believe in our dreams and passion.

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Music is life. Life is love. And Ginger Scott tells a story that mixes and weaves this theme as she tells the story of Casey Coffield and Murphy Sullivan. Two beautiful souls whose life and dreams collide in one unforgettable song. A song that will electrify and sing to your soul!!! Casey Coffield lived for music. He lived for the beats, the sounds, and that power that music can bring. And so when he saw a video of Murphy Sullivan singing a song titled In Your Dreams Casey Coffield, Casey was intrigued by the the raw beauty and seductive voice of Murphy. But Casey doesn’t recall Murphy Sullivan from high school.

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“We’ve not really done anything but fight through demons and take chances on dreams in one another’s presence, but I think I love her. It’s impossible. It’s entirely possible. My heart is a victim of this stress, and I know that’s the cause. But I also think maybe… maybe it’s not. I at least admit to myself that I love the idea of loving her.”

As Casey sees potential in Murphy and her musical career, these two begin to strike a friendship. And as their friendship begins to deepen, they soon find themselves falling. Falling in love and facing their fears together. So in true Ginger Scott fashion, she makes her readers see that nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams. Only you can do that.

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“I thought her singing was perfection. I thought no other sound could compare, but when she pants for me and cries with pleasure, I come undone.”

I love that this book sends a powerful message of facing your fears and to never give up on your dreams. So if you are ready to surrender to the beat and rhythms of hope and love, then I highly recommend you to fall hard. Fall in love with Ginger’s poetic and lyrical prose. And most importantly fall in love with the sounds of love.

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Ginger Scott

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How to Be Brave by E. Katherine Kottaras

11/18/2015

BUY LINKS: KINDLE | PAPERBACK

How to Be Brave

How to Be Brave by E. Katherine Kottaras
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Kathleen
☆☆☆ 3 1/2 Stars ☆☆☆

How to be Brave consisted of a very basic plot with a lot of character development. Although character development one of this book’s strong points, I had mixed feelings when it came to the story.

Georgia is a teenager that lost her mother, and her mother’s dying wish was for Georgia try everything and be brave. After her mother dies, she decides to made a bucket list to attempt to live a fulfilling life. With this bucket list, she goes through a lot of trails and errors, but in the end she becomes a strong lady that her mother would be proud of.

Although the synopsis comes off very tragic, this story is more of a coming-of-age type than a tragedy. If you like quick, easy contemporaries that have a fun little story, then I recommend this one!

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THE QUEEN B* STRIKES BACK BY Crista McHugh

10/8/2015

BUY LINKS:
CONFESSIONS OF A QUEEN B*: KINDLE | PAPERBACK
QUEEEN OF B* STRIKES BACK: KINDLE | PAPERBACK

***COPY GIFTED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***
Guest Reviewed by: Jerleen
☆☆☆☆ 5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

Alexis Wyndham is back and bitchier than ever in the sequel of Confessions of a Queen B*. The story continues after Brett Pederson gets the “let’s just be friends” answer from Alexis. There is no time lapse between books, so you start off exactly where you left off. In the last book, she rejects him because he doesn’t want to ruin his Golden Boy reputation; even after she realizes that there’s more to him than his reputation.

Although Alexis turned Brett down, it is revealed that she is actually afraid of getting hurt herself. Summer Hoyt, Alexis’ ex-best friend betrayed her and she did not want a repeat of that incident. Summer wasn’t too much of a problem in the last book, but she is one of the main source of complication in this sequel.

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Brett continues to give Alexis chance after chance even after every argument, and their mutual attraction turns into a beginning of love. Even though their exterior images were cliche, their real personalities are very relatable. Alexis may be a bitch, but deep down she only puts up a tough exterior because she’s scared of being vulnerable. As for Brett, he’s the Golden Boy on the outside, but on the inside he’s a caring older brother that is pressured by his peers and father. I absolutely love the personalities of Alexis and Brett, and they bring out the best and worse in each other. There was so much romantic tension between them that I wanted to pull my hair out when Alexis still wouldn’t give Brett a chance, but that tension made the ending so much more exhilarating.

I could not put this book down, and enjoyed it very much! I highly recommend this series To readers looking for a high school love story between two people from completely different social circles. This series is so addicting you’ll fall in love with Brett and Alexis; when I was done reading I missed them already! Another fantastic book by Crista McHugh, and I am anticipating the next book!

Summer like No Other by Elodie Nowodazkij

10/7/2015

BUY LINKS:
One Dream Only (One Two Three Book 0) | A Summer Like No Other (Broken Dreams Book 2)
One, Two, Three (Broken Dreams Book 1) | Always Second Best (Broken Dreams Book 3)

Summer like No Other by Elodie Nowodazkij
Reviewed by: JERLEEN (Guest Reviewer)

RATING: ☆☆☆☆ 4 Stars ☆☆☆☆

This is a story about two friends that decide to be more than friends for one summer, and agreed to go back to being just friends. In all love stories, a predicament such as this never goes as planned, and Nick and Emilia experienced that first hand.

Emilia (aka Em) is the little sister of Nick’s best friend, Roberto, making her completely off-limits. They’ve known each other for a very long time, and it’s obvious from the beginning that they love each other, but they cannot be together because of Nick’s father. He made a deal with his father to date girls of different clients to gain their trust, and his father expects him to take over the family business with a woman with social status by his side. Family was a huge factor in this story. Another one of the main dilemmas, was the Em wanted to find her birth mother, and Nick agreed to help her. Finding her birth mother was Em trying to look for a sense of identity, but the situation with her birth mother was left pretty open, so I hope that that situation is resolved in the next book.

I love stories with a dual POV; it just just gives so much more depth into the main characters. Seeing both Nick and Em’s POV made the story stronger and explained their chemistry better, but I would’ve like to see more history of why their chemistry is the way it is. I recommend this for anyone looking for a quick read about romance, dance, and family.