Review: Defending Taylor by Miranda Kenneally

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Shirley

Defending Taylor by Miranda Kenneally
Series: Hundred Oaks #7 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 5th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

There are no mistakes in love.

Captain of the soccer team, president of the Debate Club, contender for valedictorian: Taylor’s always pushed herself to be perfect. After all, that’s what is expected of a senator’s daughter. But one impulsive decision—one lie to cover for her boyfriend—and Taylor’s kicked out of private school. Everything she’s worked so hard for is gone, and now she’s starting over at Hundred Oaks High.

Soccer has always been Taylor’s escape from the pressures of school and family, but it’s hard to fit in and play on a team that used to be her rival. The only person who seems to understand all that she’s going through is her older brother’s best friend, Ezra. Taylor’s had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. But it’s hard to trust after having been betrayed. Will Taylor repeat her past mistakes or can she score a fresh start?

Can I first just say that I am a huge fan of Miranda Kenneally and it’s always inevitable that I end up falling in love with the main male character. Defending Taylor was no different, although the beginning was a bit too slow for my taste. However, the book was definitely nostalgic for me since it took place during the heroine’s senior year of high school as she goes through the process of applying to college.

Taylor is the perfect well-rounded student that all colleges want. She has straight A’s, is the captain of the soccer team, and is the daughter of a politician. Then she messes up and gets expelled. With her dad running a campaign at the same time, news of her expulsion makes a huge impact on his career. Already feeling guilty, Taylor doesn’t want to tell her parents the real cause of her expulsion. In comes Ezra, a total heartthrob, her childhood crush, and also her brother’s best friend, who helps her put her own life and decisions into perspective.

I’m a sucker for books like these, where the main character goes through a period of self-discovery and has no idea what she wants in life because HELLO *points at self*. I loved following Taylor through this journey of hers and literally reading about how she grows and accepts who she really is. When she discovers what she’s passionate about and what she actually wants to major in, I was there screaming “YESSS GIRL.” I had flashbacks of when I was applying to college… although I haven’t figured out the whole “what I want to do in life” part yet.

To be quite honest, I wanted to read this book because it seemed light and fun (like most of Kenneally’s books), so I didn’t think that I would actually learn so much about passion and self-love. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who’s going through something similar or if you’re just looking for a light read for the summer.

Reading Order: Hundred Oaks series

#1 ~ Catching Jordan: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Stealing Parker: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Things I Can’t Forget: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Racing Savannah: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Breathe, Annie, Breathe: Lacey’s Review • Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Jesse’s Girl: Lacey’s Review • Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Goodreads
#7 ~ Defending Taylor: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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2Aug2016

ARC Review: Worked Up by Tessa Bailey

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Worked Up by Tessa Bailey
Series: Made in Jersey #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: August 1st 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Factory mechanic Duke Crawford just wants to watch SportsCenter in peace. Unfortunately, living with four divorcee sisters doesn’t provide much silence, nor does it change his stance on relationships. But when a fellow commitment-phobe stumbles into his life, getting him good and worked up, he can’t deny his protective instincts.

Samantha Waverly’s brother just put her in an impossible situation. The only way out? Marry huge, gruff, gladiator look-alike Duke—for show, of course. She doesn’t make promises—she knows too well how easily they can be broken—and this is no exception.

As the blistering attraction between them grows, the lines around the no-strings relationship blur. But Duke and Samantha’s marriage is only for show…or is it?

Does Tessa Bailey ever disappoint!? Since Worked Up is another fabulous read from her, that would be a resounding no. Tessa is the queen of dirty talk and alpha males, but this time she’s introduced us to the Pouty Man Bear (PMB) known as Duke Crawford. He’s big, burly, hairy, sexy, and likes to keep to himself… that is, until Samantha Waverly enters his life. I loved seeing this giant of a man turn to mush for a woman – and his dirty mouth was a plus too. If you’re a fan of Tessa Bailey, I don’t need to tell you to read this, because you probably will, but for those who haven’t experience the wonder that is a TB book, Worked Up will seriously get you worked. up.

Duke has no time for women when he’s got his four divorced sisters living in his home. He’s committed to being single for life, but when Samantha walks into the same bar he’s at, he suddenly can’t seem to focus on SportsCenter or his beer anymore. He feels the strange urge to protect her, to be around her more, but she’s a fellow commitment-phobe herself. Can the two of them ever have a relationship when neither of them imagined ever being in one?

“I see you, sweetheart. Now see the only man who’s going to give you everything in return.”

Samantha is utterly adorable, quirky, and awkward. She can’t help but make the corniest jokes and puns every time she opens her mouth, but luckily Duke likes that about her. She’s hilarious and endearing… and she’s got a problem only Duke can fix. Will Sam be able to keep her heart out of the equation when they’re forced in close proximity, or will this sexy PMB be able to change her stance on relationships?

“I was your warrior our first night, wasn’t I, Sam?”
“Yes.”
“That’s what I’m going to be for the rest of my life. For you. Until you’re sure of me, I’ll go to battle and win my woman.”

Worked Up was so much FUN to read. The sweet, funny moments between Sam and Duke stole my heart and had me smiling like crazy. The chemistry between them had me on fire (obviously, it’s Tessa Bailey). Tessa’s dirty talk seems to only get dirtier and better (or is that the same thing?) with each book – I can’t even imagine what she’ll come up with in future books. Duke and Sam were a total win in this book – but what I’m excited for now is the next Made in Jersey, which will be Tessa’s first M/M romance. I can’t WAIT to get my hands on it!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Made in Jersey series

#1 ~ Crashed Out: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Rough Rhythm: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Thrown Down: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Worked Up: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Wound Tight: Goodreads (Dec. 5, 2016)

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1Aug2016

Audiobook Review: Where We Belong by J. Daniels

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Where We Belong by J. Daniels
Series: Alabama Summer #3.5 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: July 27th 2016
Length: 4 hours and 12 minutes
Narrated by: Stella Bloom & Eric Michael Summerer
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Ben and Mia Kelly can’t seem to catch a break.

Grueling night shift and opposing schedules have left the passionate couple geared up and ready for some much needed alone time. There’s only one thing standing in their way.

Parenthood.

With two curious boys who have mastered the art of cock-blocking roaming the house, Ben and Mia, sexually frustrated beyond reason, quickly resort to surprise sexcapades and naughty little trysts whenever and however they can get them.

Who said anything about keeping things legal?

Assume the position. Things are about to heat up in the south.

So I may have knowingly gone into listening to the Where We Belong audiobook as a standalone, without having read the rest of the Alabama Summer series. It’s probably best to read the series before starting this, but honestly, I enjoyed it entirely as a standalone, and I didn’t feel lost or confused about the characters. For those of you who keep track of the series, Where We Belong is a continuation of Ben and Mia’s story from Where I Belong.

Post-HEA for Mia and Ben isn’t as perfect as they thought it would be – parenthood mainly consists of Mia taking care of their sons, Ben working long night shifts, and neither of them being able to satisfy their needs for one another. Two children make the most amazing cock-blockers, but Ben and Mia are determined to work out some alone time. We follow them along as they get interrupted time and again, but the love they have for each other is just as strong and passionate as it was when they first fell in love.

Where We Belong is such as short and sweet audiobook! It was pure fun to listen to, and it was pretty amusing to see Mia and Ben getting cock-blocked over and over again. Stella Bloom once again nails the part of the heroine’s narration and Eric Michael Summerer does an incredible job of voicing Ben. This is the first time I’ve listened to his narration, but it definitely won’t be my last. And I also may have to go back and check out the previous Alabama Summer series, because I’m so intrigued by the other characters! If you have or haven’t read the series, either way, Where We Belong is the perfect short and steamy listen in audio.

WHERE WE BELONG is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/2aszIAC

Reading Order: Alabama Summer series

#1 ~ Where I Belong: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ All I Want: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ When I Fall: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Where We Belong: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ What I Need: Goodreads (release date TBA)
#5 ~ Say I’m Yours: Goodreads (release date TBA)

Here’s an audio excerpt from Where We Belong!

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26Jul2016

Release Day Review: To Have and to Hold by Lauren Layne

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

To Have and to Hold by Lauren Layne
Series: The Wedding Belles #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 26th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

USA TODAY bestselling author Lauren Layne is the “queen of witty dialogue and sexy scenes” (Rachel Van Dyken)! Now, Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in The Wedding Belles, her sizzling brand new contemporary romance series about three ambitious wedding planners who can make any bride’s dream come true…but their own.

Discovering her fiancé is an international conman just moments before they exchange vows devastates celebrity wedding planner Brooke Burke’s business—and breaks her heart. Now a pariah in Los Angeles, she seeks a fresh start in New York City and thinks she’s found it with her first bridal client, a sweet, if slightly spoiled, hotel heiress. Then she meets the uptight businessman who’s holding the purse springs.

Seth Tyler wishes he could write a blank check and be done with his sister’s fancy-pants wedding. Unfortunately, micromanaging the event is his only chance at proving Maya’s fiancé is a liar. Standing directly in his way is the stunning blonde wedding planner whose practiced smiles and sassy comebacks both irritate and arouse him. He needs Brooke’s help. But can he persuade a wedding planner on a comeback mission to unplan a wedding? And more importantly, how will he convince her that the wedding she should be planning…is theirs?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Lauren Layne is my go-to author for fun and flirty contemporary romances. She pretty much never disappoints, and she delivers another winner with To Have and to Hold! This book is the first in the Wedding Belles series, featuring wedding planners who witness not only others’ HEAs, but their own as well. I freaking adored this book, and I have no doubts the series will keep on getting better. If you’re a contemporary romance lover, you have to check this one out! I had so much fun reading it – Seth and Brooke’s way to their HEA is utterly sweet and romantic, with the perfect amount of steam to round it off.

After the wedding fiasco where her con-man groom gets arrested at the altar, Brooke’s wedding planner days in Los Angeles are over. Luckily she gets the chance to start again in NYC with the Wedding Belles, one of the most popular and top-notch wedding planning businesses there is. Her first client is a hotel heiress named Maya – but it’s Maya’s older brother who will prove to be a pain in Brooke’s side. Seth and Brooke get off to a rough start, mainly because Seth is nowhere near agreeable with his sister’s fiancé, so with every meeting there are lusty glares and a simmering tension between the two. Their chemistry is my absolute favorite part of the story – I was seriously hooked onto it and just waiting for when these two characters would finally act on their desires.

Lauren Layne had me glued to the pages as she builds up the romance and tension. Brooke and Seth are two wonderful characters, both strong, independent, yet vulnerable, and I loved reading how they broke down each others’ walls. And there’s also so much going on with Maya’s wedding as well that there’s really never a dull moment in this book. To Have and to Hold is entertaining from start to finish, and with a sweet romance that’s both intense and heartwarming, what’s not to love about it?

If you’re a fan of the author, you won’t want to miss this new series. There are weddings and love and romance and everything that makes for the perfect, sweet summer read. I’m already so excited for the rest of the Wedding Belles series – I have crazy high expectations for the next two books, and I know LL won’t let me down!

Reading Order: The Wedding Belles series

#0.5 ~ From This Day Forward: My Review • Ebook • Goodreads
#1 ~ To Have and to Hold: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ For Better or Worse: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ To Love and to Cherish: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Oct. 18, 2016)

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25Jul2016

Release Day Review: Broken Prince by Erin Watt

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Broken Prince by Erin Watt
Series: The Royals #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 25th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

These Royals will ruin you…

From wharf fights and school brawls to crumbling lives inside glittery mansions, one guy tries to save himself.

Reed Royal has it all―looks, status, money. The girls at his elite prep school line up to date him, the guys want to be him, but Reed never gave a damn about anyone but his family until Ella Harper walked into his life.

What started off as burning resentment and the need to make his father’s new ward suffer turned into something else entirely―keep Ella close. Keep Ella safe. But when one foolish mistake drives her out of Reed’s arms and brings chaos to the Royal household, Reed’s entire world begins to fall apart around him.

Ella doesn’t want him anymore. She says they’ll only destroy each other.

She might be right.

Secrets. Betrayal. Enemies. It’s like nothing Reed has ever dealt with before, and if he’s going to win back his princess, he’ll need to prove himself Royally worthy.

After that god-awful cliffhanger from Paper Princess, I was literally dying to get my hands on Broken Prince. I had so many hopes and expectations for this book, things mainly concerning Reed, and Erin Watt did not disappoint. If you can believe it, in this sequel things get even wilder and intense for Ella and the Royals… so you’re in for a hell of a ride when you pick up Broken Prince. It’s seriously a fantastic follow-up to one of my favorite books of the year – and if you’ve read Paper Princess, you need to get your hands on the sequel!

From the moment she walked in the door, all big eyes and guarded hope, I couldn’t keep away.
My instincts had screamed at me that she was in trouble. My instincts were wrong. She wasn’t trouble. I was. Still am.
Reed, the destroyer.
It’d be a cool nickname if it wasn’t my life and hers that I’m taking down.

My favorite thing about Broken Prince? Reed’s POV!!! I was so thankful that we get Reed’s POV, because I was dying to get in his head and figure out where his heart lay in terms of Ella and even his family. I don’t want to spoil anything from Paper Princess, but if you’ve read the first book, then you know Reed has a lot to make up for in Broken Prince. He’s broken Ella’s trust, but he’s determined to do whatever it takes to earn her forgiveness and win her back. I wasn’t 100% in love with Reed in book 1, but I can say without a doubt that I’ve completely fallen head over heels for him in book 2. His love for Ella shines so brightly in this book – my heart couldn’t stop swooning because of him!

“I’m done playing games, Ella. No other girls exist in this world for me. If you see me talking to one, know that I’m talking about you. If you see me walking next to someone, I’m wishing it was you.” He steps toward me. “You’re the only one for me.”

But of course, you can’t have the Royals without some messed up shit going on. There’s drama with Brooke. Callum, the Royal father. Easton and his self-destructive tendencies. Gideon and his mysterious secrets. Mean girls at prep school. Ella and Reed just can’t catch a break – they have to deal with all of that on top of fixing their rocky relationship. There is so much drama and not enough resolution that I nearly wanted to scream! Broken Prince left me with more questions than answers – and I can only hope that all will be revealed in the next and final book.

…that girl flew into our hose like a whirlwind and made everything come alive again. She brought steel and fire. She made us laugh again. She gave us a purpose—at first, it was us uniting against her. Then it turned into us standing beside her. Protecting her. Loving her.

The thing about this series that has me thinking about it again and again is how there is still so much we have to uncover about the Royals and all the people they’re involved with. There are secrets on top of secrets. Lies that you know will catch up with them sooner or later. These characters… they are truly unforgettable. I may not have loved Broken Prince quite as much as Paper Princess, but it’s still a fantastic read I couldn’t put down. I pretty much devoured it from the second it appeared on my kindle. Fair warning though, this also has an epic cliffhanger at the end. Twisted Palace can’t get here soon enough! I can’t wait to see where Erin Watt will take us next with the Royals – and is it too much to ask for stories about the rest of the Royal brothers?

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: The Royals series

#1 ~ Paper Princess: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Broken Prince: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Twisted Palace: Paperback • Goodreads (Oct. 7, 2016)

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