Review: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Posted in 6 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 4th 2014
Purchase: Hardcover • Ebook • Paperback

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, called “a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love”

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she’ll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong.

In Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi created a captivating and original story that combined the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as “a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” The sequel, Unravel Me, blew readers away with heart-racing twists and turns, and New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia said it was “dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense.” Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and climactic end.

I have no idea where to even begin with this review for Ignite Me, besides saying that I freaking LOVED this book so, so much, and it was everything I expected and more. I really can’t say anything about the story without giving away spoilers, but I will try my best ~~to make sure you read this book!!!~~!

Ignite Me continues right where Unravel Me leaves off. Juliette has been shot by Warner’s father and nearly dies, but Warner saves her life. Juliette is very conflicted about Warner–he does save her life, and yet she can’t quite let go of her original hatred of him. But I, of course, have no qualms whatsoever about Warner! I. Love. This. Boy! I’m nearly obsessed with Warner… Aaron… Just swoon! But whether you’re Team Adam or Team Warner, you learn so much more about both of these boys. We see them in a completely different lights, which can be both good and bad. You could stay on whichever team you’re on, or even switch to the other, but either way, you’ll have a heart-pounding, incredible experience reading Ignite Me, because there’s so much more going on than just the love triangle.

I do recommend reading Fracture Me before starting Ignite Me. Adam annoyed the hell out of me in that novella, but we are given some important information regarding Omega Point, the rebels. But even if you don’t read Fracture Me, it doesn’t take away the full reading experience of Ignite Me.

Juliette transforms into a completely different creature in Ignite Me. She was once a scared, timid girl with no idea of her powers, but now, she’s growing into them. She’s learning more about her powers, using her powers more skillfully, and it gives her a confidence she never really had. I loved seeing this new side of Juliette. She becomes someone much more fascinating to read about. We discover more about her powers as she does, and I have to admit that she has a totally badass power. Seriously, with her power of incredible strength, she’s like a freaking Superwoman!

For so many years I lived in constant terror of myself. Doubt had married my fear and moved into my mind, where it built castles and ruled kingdoms and reigned over me, bowing my will to its whispers until I was little more than an acquiescing peon, too terrified to disobey, too terrified to disagree.
I had been shackled, a prisoner in my own mind.
But finally, finally, I have learned to break free.

I literally could not put Ignite Me down. I was hooked from the start. I loved Juliette’s journey into becoming the person she was meant to be, a leader. We never really get to see Juliette shine until now, and I was just SO impressed with this girl!

“Ignite, my love. Ignite.”

This book is gripping, intense, electrifying, and so goooood. My heart was racing at the action scenes, which there are a lot of. My heart was bursting when everyone was working together to defeat The Reestablishment and Warner’s father. It was just so amazing to see everyone together for one final, epic round to fight for their future.

And lord have mercy, the romance. The romance swept me away. I was smiling, laughing, grinning, giggling, swooning so hard because the romance between Juliette and the man she chooses the love and be with forever is breathtakingly beautiful. Juliette really, finally does choose who to be with, and we don’t even have to wait until the very end, which I was so happy about! We get to see so much of Juliette being in love, a beautiful, forever kind of love that has me swooning every time I think about it.

His hands are holding my cheeks, and he pulls back just to look me in the eye and his chest is heaving and he says, “I think,” he says, “my heart is going to explode,” and I wish, more than ever, that I knew how to capture moments like these and revisit them forever.
Because this.
This is everything.

Ignite Me is brilliant. It’s an epic, heart-stopping ending to this incredible series. I love the writing, I love the characters, I love the story–everything. This book just blew me away. If you haven’t read the Shatter Me series yet, you absolutely must. It’s one of my all-time favorite series ever, one I recommend to everyone.

6 hearts!

And now for the slightly spoilery part of my review! I wanted to rave a lot more about Warner and Adam, but I couldn’t do that without spoiling anything, because you already know I’m Team Warner, but if you don’t care about knowing who Juliette ends up with, or you already know, then you can continue reading!

Warner. Warner Warner Warner Warner Warner Warner Warner. I looooooove Warner. Ignite Me only ignited (hehe) my love for him. I loved that as Juliette spends more time with Warner, she sees another side of him as well. It’s a side no one else ever sees or knows. Isn’t that just a little bit beautiful? We know without a doubt that Warner loves Juliette, and he only ever shows his true self to her. But does Juliette love Warner? Or does she still love Adam?

Juliette’s reservations about Warner are slowly blasted away, because even though Warner was seen as some cold, manipulative, unfeeling, cruel person, we learn that he’s really not. There’s always a reason behind everything he does, and even though it doesn’t make him a better person, it does make him someone we can understand better, someone we can love.

Adam, on the other hand, is just so… different. He’s incredible bitter, something I never thought was possible. He has so much hatred festering inside of him, and it truly changes him. I was so impressed with how Tahereh Mafi handled Adam and Juliette. Juliette is different now–she’s not the same girl Adam loved. Adam is not the same boy Juliette loved, and the changes in both of them affect their relationship. We can clearly see how the two of them just weren’t meant for each other, how they brought each other down instead of up.

So all in all, I was definitely happy with the way the romance ended up, and not just because I’m Team Warner. Even if I wasn’t on any team (or if I was Team Kenji) I would still have seen that Adam wasn’t good for Juliette, and vice versa. Warner brought out the most, the best out of Juliette. And holy crap, can I just say, Warner is hot hot hot!!! Chapters 55-58 anyone? Woooh, I was fanning myself so much here. God, I love Warner.

Reading Order: Shatter Me series

#1 ~ Shatter Me: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Destroy Me: Ebook • Goodreads
#2 ~ Unravel Me: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Fracture Me: My Review • Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ Ignite Me: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Goodreads
Unite Me (paperback bundle of Destroy Me & Fracture Me): Paperback • Goodreads

5Feb2014

Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen

Posted in 5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Click the banner to follow the tour!

Welcome to the official Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen blog tour! I absolutely adored Scarlet, and I’m so ecstatic to be a part of Lady Thief’s tour! For today’s stop, I review the brilliantly written Lady Thief. Don’t forget to enter the tour-wide giveaway below!

Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen
Series: Scarlet #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: February 11th 2014

Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and the royal court has come to Nottingham to appoint a new sheriff. The people hope that Prince John will give them a champion, but the prince has different plans . . . involving Scarlet and Lord Gisbourne.

Scarlet must put aside her weapons and boys’ clothing to join the dark and plotting court. She will do anything to outwit the Prince and win a life with Rob, but hidden within the court is a secret no one was supposed to discover. When the truth is revealed, Scarlet will have to pay a steep price.

Featuring a strong girl heroine who will appeal to fans of Grave Mercy and Throne of Glass, this sequel to Scarlet will leave readers breathless for more.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • IndieBound

Oh. My. GOD! I honestly didn’t think Lady Thief could meet the high expectations I had after Scarlet, but Lady Thief blew me away! It’s a stunning, incredible sequel to Scarlet. I wholeheartedly loved Lady Thief, with its cast of unforgettable, lovable characters and unique writing. If you loved Scarlet, Lady Thief will not disappoint you! And if you haven’t read Scarlet, you really should–A.C. Gaughen’s Scarlet series is one of my favorite series ever! It’s an action-packed historical fiction, a refreshing fairytale retelling, and a heart-stopping romance all wrapped into one mind-blowing package.

“I love you, Scarlet. Go on, now, before you steal my sanity too,” he said.
“Too?” I questioned.
His grin by the moon were wicked and handsome. “Thief of my heart.”

Lady Thief follows shortly after Scarlet’s ending (and can I just say how THANKFUL I am that A.C. Gaughen wrote a sequel to Scarlet? Because I am so, so happy she did). Scarlet’s true identity as a woman of high class, as Marian of Leaford, is finally out in the open, the love between Scarlet and Rob has blossomed, but things aren’t exactly going well right now. For one thing, Scarlet is married to Lord Gisbourne, who is an evil man. Scarlet had to marry Gisbourne in order to save Rob, who was tortured horribly. Rob is safe now, but he constantly has nightmares in which he harms Scarlet in his sleep. There’s tension brewing between Robin Hood and his Merry Men, but there’s no doubt that all of them, Rob, Scarlet, John, and Much, will stick by each other through thick and thin. I’d missed the four of them, and I loved revisiting the bonds and camaraderie between them again.

Scarlet is once again a total badass in Lady Thief. I adore Scarlet. She’s a fierce, strong, compassionate girl who loves with all her heart, and will protect those she loves with everything she has. In Lady Thief, she always puts those she loves above herself–she’d give her life for them, and she basically does when she agrees to be a proper wife for her husband. Even in the midst of political drama including a cruel, despicable prince, Scarlet never gives up and never goes down without a fight. She fights for the people of her town, and especially for Rob and for their love. I love her for her perseverance, for fighting to have the future she wants with Rob. It’s an incredibly difficult road getting to their happily ever after, but Scarlet doesn’t give up.

And do you know what A.C. Gaughen has done to me? She’s made me fall head over heels in love with Robin Hood. I never gave a crap about the fairy tale Robin Hood before, but then I read about Scarlet’s Rob and it was love at first page. In Lady Thief, he’s a little broken after his torture, and attacking Scarlet in his sleep isn’t helping him get better. Even though the book is in Scarlet’s POV, I could just feel his shame and agony over hurting Scarlet, even unintentionally, because he just loves her so much. He’s such a vivid character, someone I can conjure up in my mind so easily. He’s loyal, compassionate, loving, and he has such a kind heart. He’s a thoroughly good man, and he and Scarlet are absolutely perfect for each other.

“It’s strange,” he said low in my ear. “When night falls my chest is full of fear, but holding you like this, Scar, I can’t help but feel grateful. Joyous. By the light of day, I still cannot fathom that I’m the one you love.”
I turned a little to look at him. “I do love you. I always will.”

Oh my goodness, my heart flutters every single time Rob opens his mouth. He and Scarlet are so much more romantic in Lady Thief, and I was grinning so much! They fight so hard to find a way to annul Scarlet’s marriage to Gisbourne, and they won’t stop until they can finally be together out in the open. They have a captivating, passionate love that made me swoon and sigh. It’s sometimes painful too, because they just have so many obstacles in the way of their happily ever after.

“These schemes may benefit the people, Scarlet, but I fight for you.” His hands squeezed my waist a little bit, and it made my blood run fast. “I will always fight for you.”

The other characters in Lady Thief are just as compelling as Scarlet and Rob. They all have their distinctive personalities, even the evil characters, and they made Lady Thief such a great book to read. There’s never a dull moment, and especially in the second half of the book, I was at the edge of my seat, nearly biting my nails. Things get intense in this book, and I loved every second of it!

Lady Thief is an absolute must read–Scarlet fans, you don’t want to miss this one! This whole series is brilliant–the story is executed perfectly, and the characters are so consuming to read about. I highly, highly recommend the Scarlet series–it’s unputdownable and unforgettable!

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

Reading Order: Scarlet series

#1 ~ Scarlet: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Lady Thief: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Lion Heart: My Review • Ebook • Hardcover • Goodreads

Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change.

I am shamelessly addicted to staying up far too late (it feels like stealing time), diet coke (it burns so good), Scotland (stupid country stole my heart and won’t give it back. Interpol has been ineffective for prosecution) and thieves (so I guess I’m not that mad at Scotland).

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Winner will get an amazing prize pack, including: a sword necklace, a lady thief tote bag, lady thief stickers and lady thief and scarlet bookmarks.
Giveaway is open to US Only. | Must be 13+ to Enter

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3Feb2014

LOVEFEST Celebration + Review & Giveaway: Connected & Torn by Kim Karr

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Giveaways, Reviews, Spotlight by Lacey

In celebration of the paperback releases of Connected and Torn, author Kim Karr is hosting an event called LOVEFEST! Here on the blog, I have a review for Connected, which I really enjoyed, and there’s also a giveaway!

Book 1

Connected by Kim Karr
Series: Connections #1 (full reading order below)
Release Date: March 22nd 2013

What if a “Once in a Lifetime” could happen twice?

In Dahlia London’s world, happily ever after is a far cry from reality. Her soul has been left completely shattered by tragedy. But a surprising reunion with someone from her past is about to give her a reason to love again…

When rock star River Wilde comes back into Dahlia’s life, their super-charged connection runs deeper than either of them ever expected. The more time they spend together, the more intense their relationship becomes, and Dahlia believes at last she has found her soul mate.

But as old bonds fade and Dahlia’s grief begins to lift, her guilt and confusion remain. River desperately wants to be the one who mends what’s been broken—but with a past that refuses to stay buried, is it possible for their future to begin?

Buy Links:
Paperback: Amazon • Barnes & Noble
Ebook: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • iTunes • Kobo

I’ve just finished Connected, and HOLY CRAP, what. an. ending! Now that is the way to end a book with a bang. I already knew there would be a dreaded cliffhanger at the end of Connected, but it still blew me away! Loved that ending, and I’m dying to read Torn right away, but for now, my review!

Dahlia London has a great life–she’s got a loving boyfriend, she’s doing what she loves–and she never thought she could have wanted anything different until she meets River Wilde. Gorgeous, rock star River Wilde. As soon as their eyes meet, they form a connection, something deep and real… but Dahlia has a boyfriend. Their chance encounter seemed like a once in a lifetime thing. Dahlia walked away from River before anything could happen between them, but five years would pass before they ever saw each other again. During those five years, Dahlia’s life is shattered the day her boyfriend Ben is killed in front of her.

Connected was a bit hard to get into in the beginning. I couldn’t relate much with Dahlia and the story didn’t grip me until the scene where Ben is killed. From here, the book picks up and pretty quickly I was immersed in Dahlia’s story. She’s been dealt such a hard hand in life–she’s lost everyone she loves: her parents and now her boyfriend. She’s broken and torn up about Ben’s death, and it’s a long time before she goes back to reality. And one reason why she’s getting back up on her feet is River. Dahlia never thought she’d see River again, the man who awakened things in her that were never awakened before, not even by Ben. But now Dahlia has an opportunity to see River again, and she takes it.

“I feel like fate has brought us together again. I also believe that one night, so long ago, just wasn’t the right time for us. But tonight is.”

River and Dahlia’s reunion is so sweet. It’s so obvious that they adore each other, and it was as if the past five years never even passed. They still have that fierce connection between them, and it’s so easy for them to fall into conversations and relate with one another. Music is a huge part of the book, and not just because River’s a rock star. Music is also a part of Dahlia, and I loved reading about their connection over it. And soon, Dahlia and River fall head over heels in love with one another. Dahlia still can’t forget Ben, but she’s moving on–Ben will always have a piece of her heart, but she’s making room for River in it.

Oh my goodness–River is just the sweetest man ever! I thought he was the kindest person ever (who more than occasionally is dirty) for not trying to replace Ben. He knows how important Ben is to Dahlia, and instead of trying to take over who Ben was to Dahlia, he supports her in everything and helps her move on. River is the first to fall for Dahlia, since he has no reservations, unlike Dahlia. His words and actions are so heartwarming–River is really just the SWEETEST!

“I never imagined I could feel so connected to anyone as much as I feel connected to you. I knew I loved you from the moment I saw you. How could I not? Loving you is as easy as breathing.”

Most of the book is told through Dahlia’s POV, but then for the last maybe 30%, we’re treated with River’s POV, which I loved! I connected with him much better than I did with Dahlia. I just overall liked River more–Dahlia I’m on the fence about. I didn’t love her but I didn’t hate her either. But *sigh* River is just completely swoonworthy!

“Just know you’ll always be my once in a lifetime.”

Connected is a wonderful love story filled with passion and a little heartbreak. I didn’t LOVE it as much as I wanted to, but I had a fantastic time reading. And oh my god, that ending! Even though the book is a 3.5 for me, that ending is definitely worthy of a 5.

3.5 hearts!

Book 2

Torn by Kim Karr
Series: Connections #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: October 1st 2013

Rock star River Wilde brought Dahlia London back from the brink of hopelessness with his unwavering love and devotion. But their entangled history is about to test the strength of their relationship…

Dahlia was certain she had found true love and met her ‘Once in a Lifetime’ when she reconnected with River. But Dahlia’s world comes crashing down when someone from her past resurfaces, and all of River’s carefully hidden secrets are exposed.

River wants to show Dahlia that life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about dancing in the rain. But how many times can one broken heart be mended? Will River and Dahlia be able to stay together or will they be torn apart?

Buy Links:
Paperback: Amazon • Barnes & Noble
Ebook: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • iTunes • Kobo

Reading Order: Connections series

#1 ~ Connected: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Torn: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Dazed: My Review • Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ Mended: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Blurred: Ebook • Goodreads
#4 ~ Frayed: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Flawed: Goodreads (2015)
#6 ~ Perfected: Goodreads (2015)

I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I’ve always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.I wear a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of the family. However, I always find time to read. One of my favorite family outings use to be taking my kids to the bookstore or the library. Today, my oldest child is in college and my twins are juniors so they no longer go with me on these outings. And although I don’t need to go to the actual store anymore because I have the greatest device ever invented—a Kindle, I still do. There’s nothing like a paperback. So now my four year old and I make dates out of going to the bookstore–it’s time I love and cherish.

I like to believe in soulmates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. I love to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

Kim Karr is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card, 5 Signed Book Plates and 10 Paperbacks of CONNECTED (to be mailed directly from Penguin).

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3Feb2014

Blog Tour + ARC Review: Coming Home by Priscilla Glenn

Posted in 4 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Click the banner to follow the tour!

Coming Home
by Priscilla Glenn

Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 21, 2014

Leah Marino hasn’t been on a date in two years. After discovering the man she loved had manipulated and deceived her, she refuses to even entertain the idea of a relationship. Instead, she focuses her attention on taking care of her family, a role she’s assumed since the death of her mother and the one place she knows her kindness won’t be taken advantage of again.

When a nostalgic trip back to her childhood home results in a chance encounter with Danny DeLuca, a smart-mouthed mechanic who’s as attractive as he is mysterious, Leah’s carefully cultivated walls begin to crumble. She finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Danny, despite his unreliable behavior and mixed signals.

But Danny has a secret…

One that could shake Leah’s already precarious foundation and bring her world crashing down around her. Suddenly, she’s faced with an incredibly difficult decision–is she willing to risk everything for the chance at finding the love she’s always wanted? Or are some obstacles just too big for the heart to overcome?

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble

This is my first time reading Priscilla Glenn, and I wholeheartedly LOVED Coming Home! I fell in love with the writing, and while it took a while for me to warm up to the main characters, soon I was swept away by them and their romance. Coming Home is heartfelt, emotional, and so very romantic, and I’m so impressed with Priscilla Glenn’s writing.

“Leah,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “I could suffer through anything if you were my reward.”

Leah and Danny both have baggage, but when they meet, they’re so perfect together. Their characters slowly build throughout the novel, and I found myself completely hooked onto their story pretty soon into the book. Leah is a kind, compassionate, and although hesitant to love another man after being betrayed by one, she very much loves her family. Leah I found myself a bit hard to connect with in the beginning, but as I kept reading and knowing more about her character, I soon admired her for being such a strong woman. And she’s so witty and fun with Danny! I loved what Danny brought out in her. I would be smiling so much at the interactions between them, because they’re so freaking sweet!

“Do you have any idea how perfect you are?” he whispered.
Leah dropped her eyes. “I’m far from perfect.”
She felt his fingers under her chin, lifting her gaze back to his.
“You’re perfect for me,” he amended.

Danny was such an intriguing character. He’s one of the good guys, but his past kept making a jerk out of him. He’d be completely into Leah one moment, and then abrupt and rude to her then next. It was very back and forth, BUT the more you find out about him, the more you fall in love with. He’s the kind of guy you would totally marry–he’s loyal, loving, hard-working, and can be so charming when he wants to. I really really wanted to find out his secret, but really, I just wanted more Danny, because he’s just so sweet and charming.

Leah and Danny are just perfect together! Like I said before, I loved ALL their conversations and interactions. In the beginning, when they first get to know each other, it’s a very slow buildup of their romance. They’re shy, they’re cute, they’re sweet–they made me smiling so much! I was swooning madly at their romance. And when they finally get together, it’s very deep, sensual, and emotional–which I love!

“I need you,” he said hoarsely. “I need you, Leah.”
“I’m yours,” she promised. “Always.”

Danny’s secret creates a rift between Leah and Danny, but I loved the way the both of them handled their troubles. They are very mature people, and because Leah is so compassionate, she’s able to accept Danny for who he is, baggage and all. Their romance was absolutely beautiful. The way they give each other the love and support they both need, especially once Danny’s secret is out, is so heartfelt. Danny’s secret broke my heart. Here, the story was so poignant and moving, and I even cried as I got swept up in the emotions.

Coming Home won over my heart. The writing is brilliant, and Priscilla Glenn has created a wonderful set of characters. I highly recommend reading this.

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

Priscilla Glenn lives in New York with her husband and three children. She has been teaching English at the middle and high school levels for the past twelve years while moonlighting as a writer, mom, coach, student, and professional laundry-doer.

If you catch her when she’s feeling sophisticated, she’ll tell you her favorite things are great books and good wine. In the moments in between, she’ll admit her love for anything Ben and Jerry’s, UFC fights, and Robert Pattinson.

Glenn is the author of the contemporary romance novels Back to You, Emancipating Andie, and Coming Home. You can contact her at priscilla.glenn3@gmail.com

Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

(3) Signed Print Copies of Coming Home – International

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2Feb2014

Early Review: Be with Me by J. Lynn

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Be with Me by J. Lynn
Series: Wait for You #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 4th 2014
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (William Morrow Paperbacks) in exchange for an honest review

Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she’s in love with her big brother’s best friend, but he hasn’t spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, change-your-life kiss. She got out of a terrible relationship. And now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It’s time for Plan B – college. And maybe a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he’s not telling anyone. Especially not his best friend’s incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn’t have time for a relationship. But it doesn’t help that all he can think about kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they’re thrown together more and more, Jase and Tess can’t keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they’re willing to risk to be together, and what they’re willing to lose if they’re not…

OH MY–JASE!!! I totally fell for this sweet, sexy boy. Sigh, my list of book boyfriends just seems to get longer and longer… But who cares, right? 😉

JLA delivers another captivating book in her Wait for You series that engrossed me and made me fall head over heels in love with the characters and story. If you’re a fan of JLA, you won’t be disappointed! It’s got her usual fantastic writing, a snarky, lovable heroine, a and swoony hero with gorgeous gray eyes and is just all around a good guy. Because sometimes you just want to read about the good guy rather than the bad boy.

Jase Winstead is the best friend of Cam (from Wait for You). To be honest, I wasn’t really too into Jase while reading Wait for You. It was Ollie (Cam’s other friend) who I REALLY wanted to read about, but did I even care about Ollie anymore while reading Be with Me? NO. NOPE. NOPE. It was JASE that had my whole attention from start to finish in Be with Me.

“You have no idea what you make me want,” he said, his lips brushing my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. “You have no fucking clue, Tess.”

Teresa Hamilton is Cam’s little sister, and in Wait for You, we know about her abusive ex-boyfriend, and how Cam beat the ever-loving crap out of him. Now, Teresa is in college with an injured, healing knee that prevents her from dancing, which is her life. Teresa has been dealt a crappy hand in life, but she’s still standing strong, and I loved that about her. She doesn’t take crap from anyone, least of all Jase, who wants to pretend that they don’t have something going on between them. Teresa is a fierce, stubborn, snarky, hilarious girl, and I was totally rooting for her throughout the whole book.

Okay, let me just say that Be with Me is the PERFECT book for me. It’s JLA for crying out loud (if you haven’t read any of her books, you should!), and it’s got one of my favorite romance tropes ever! It’s the best friend’s little sister/older brother’s best friend trope, and I was given exactly what I wanted. There was a tad of the forbidden, because Cam will totally flip his shit if he ever finds out about Teresa and Jase, and there was the angst and frustration that comes with this trope. Jase tries to push Teresa, or Tess, as only he calls her, away. Cam is one of the reasons why, but there’s a HUGE plot twist (that I did see coming, but still) that is the main reason for Jase not wanting to get into a relationship with Teresa.

But… Jase can’t seem to stay away from Tess. He can’t get their kiss out his his mind, and here begins the back and forth thing for Jase. It got exciting at some points (like holy hotness, I was totally fanning myself!), but later on it did get slightly tedious. I just really wanted Jase to make up his mind! And poor Teresa–she gets hurt over and over, but she finally finds the strength to say when enough is enough.

There’s the typical I want you but I can’t have you from Jase, but I still loved him. He has his sweet moments and his sucky moments, but overall, he and Teresa make a great couple. And there was a perfect amount of angst! Some scenes between them made my heart flutter or my stomach drop. I couldn’t put this book down–I finished at 2 in the morning! I loved seeing Cam and Avery and their friends again! There are some new characters introduced, like Teresa’s roommate Debbie, her friend Calla (who is getting her story next in Stay with Me!), and Jase’s parents and little brother Jack. There is some intense drama that has to do with Debbie and her abusive boyfriend, and JLA does a good job of mixing that with Teresa and Jase’s love story.

“I want this,” he said, sliding his hands down my sides. He gripped my hips. “I want you always.”
I looped my arms around his neck. “I want you.”
Jase made a deep sound in the back of his throat. “I could almost live on hearing those words.”

I had a wonderful time reading Be with Me. It was gripping and emotional and intense, and I can’t wait for more from this series! I highly recommend it!

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

Reading Order: Wait for You series

#1 ~ Wait for You: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Trust in Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Be with Me: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Stay with Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Fall with Me: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Dream of You: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (June 23, 2015)
#5 ~ Forever with You: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Sept. 29, 2015)
#6 ~ Fire in You: Goodreads (2016)

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