Steal Me by Lauren Layne

Where do I even start?! Lauren Layne has blown me away again. She is one of my all time favorite romance authors, covering all types of romance I love. From second chances to sports romance, she'll never disappoint! Steal Me is the second installment in her New York's Finest series, following the legendary Moretti family in the NYPD. It can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend reading Frisk Me to get the whole experience. And with a little side note: If you love the show Blue Bloods, you will love this series!

Mini-Synopsis
As the oldest son of the Moretti family and Captain of the NYPD, Anthony deals with all types of drama in his life. On one end of the table, his father, former NYPD commissioner, keeps him on his toes about current cases. While on the other end, his Nonna loves to put his love life under the scope. With no complete answer to either case, he'll just have to deflect them until he does. The only way is to have no distractions...and Maggie is definitely a distraction.

Starting over after a disastrous marriage, the Darby Diner is the only place where Maggie Walker can make ends meet. Long hours and late shifts may be a couple downsides but seeing the faces of the Moretti family every Sunday morning is always something to look forward to...especially Anthony's. After a rough start of unintentional spills and grimaces, a case brings them together. In order to catch a sly serial thief, they'll have to cooperate, even through all the hot, heavy, sexual tension.

Thoughts
Everything about the book was amazing: plot line, character development, dynamics of secondary characters, and most importantly: chemistry. Romance without chemistry is like an adventure without plans. Can't have one without the other! And oh boy did Lauren Layne build that chemistry to an explosive romance. I love how Lauren took her time to build the tension. It's like falling in the love with the characters while they fall in love with each other. You can't help but fall for Anthony's brooding behavior and Maggie's fearlessness, just like Darcy and Lizzy. Who wouldn't want a Darcy hero? The plot had a great balance: as many thrills as there were laughs, from swoon-worthy moments to sexy times, and cameos of former couples and possible new ones. Lauren Layne knows exactly draw you in. My absolute favorite part of the book is the family dynamic. I just love how close they all are. Everyone is so relatable and likable. Especially Nonna! Her need to mettle with her grand children's love lives reminds me of another one of my favorite series, The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken. If you are also into suspense romances, like Julie James, you are in for a treat with Steal Me. All I can say is that it's one of my favorites of the year!

5 STARS - LOVED IT!

First Touch by Laurelin Paige

When I read the description for First Touch, I knew it would be a pretty amazing read. It had a mix of romance, mystery, suspense and thriller. The second you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.

What would you do if you got a voicemail from a friend you haven't heard in years? You would return their call and make plans to catch up, right? Well, it wasn't easy for Emily's case. When her former best friend, Amber, calls out of the blue, two spoken words sent chills up Emily's spine. Their safety words. They always looked out for one another, especially during messy times. With no way to return contact, it made matters worse.

The only way to find Amber is to trace back to the last place she was seen, on an exclusive ranch with Reeve Sallis. He was Emily's last connection to Amber and she would do whatever it takes to find out what happened to her. Seducing him won't be a problem but falling for him might as she spends time to gain his trust and unlock his secrets.

Everything about the book was so intense: the plot line, interactions, and chemistry between Reeve and Emily, You can't tell if they were acting or if it was real. They were both manipulative, using each other for their own benefits. But, they didn't know until its too late. His domineering nature smoothed out her restlessness while her hotheadedness made him more protective. With Emily digging deeper to find Amber, you don't know if you can trust Reeve. Is Amber just missing or is she dead? The plot line just drew you in and wouldn't let go. Even to the last page. You just might bang your head against the wall, wanting to know what will happen next.

5 STARS - Loved it!

Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill

Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill is a cute read about moving past insecurities and finding oneself. It doesn't mean you necessarily have to find love to do so. All you need is a push in the right direction. 

The Daly name is legendary and Clementine doesn't want to disappoint her family. Her siblings have figured out their lives, but she has yet to figure out hers. Hoping to guide Clementine into the family's real estate business, her grandparents invite her and her brother to their headquarters. While they board from Chicago, she runs into a handsome fellow and only few words were exchanged. Surprisingly, she didn't expect to hear from him after they landed in LA. As It turns out, her brother accidentally grabbed the wrong phone and she is without it for a week. Making sure important messages get answered, daily phone calls and texts turn into an unexpected friendship. But will friendship turn into something more when the week ends? 

Ellie Cahill has written a delightful story that seems too perfect. When swoon worthy phone calls turn steamy, Justin knows all the right words to say. And the moment when them meet face to face has to be one of my favorite scenes. Like I said, everything about Justin seems too perfect, which made me a bit suspicious of his actions and question if they are truly genuine. As the story goes on, Cahill knows how to keep you on your toes with all the secrets. If you want a light and easy read, Call Me Maybe might be the book for you!

4 STARS - I really liked it!

The Truth About Him by M. O'Keefe

The Truth About Him starts right where Everything I Left Unsaid left off. When one issue get resolved, another one pops up along the way...then another one and another one. The plot line keeps you wondering if they'll ever have a happy ending. While the first book was focused on Annie's story, O'Keefe has written a good transition into Dylan's story. 

The beginning questions the future of Dylan and Annie relationship. With the appearance of a forgotten character, will Annie face her demons in order to move forward? While events unravel, they leave her questioning her morality. Unable to stay away, Dylan wants to protect Annie after learning her secret. As his past catches up with him, Annie begins to understand why Dylan lives alone on the mountain. Threats are made against Dylan when his brother goes missing. In order to protect the people he care about, he needs to find Max. 

Why three stars? The plot was well written but a bit choppy. Similar to the first book, the author uses first person POV with one main character and third person POV with the other. If it was kept consistent, the writing would have been more smooth. Although there was was great chemistry between Dylan and Annie, readers might have a better connection with secondary characters than the main ones, leading to a loss of interest with the story. Without the secondary characters, the story wouldn't be as enjoyable. Overall, the story was good. O'Keefe keeps readers on their toes but it was a bit predictable.

3 STARS - I Liked It!

Trouble with Destiny by Lauren Morrill

This is my second book by Lauren Morrill and I liked it as much as Meant to Be. Like all young adult books, the plot had a little bit of everything: drama, conflicting love interests, and lasting friendships. When it all takes place on a cruise ship...it makes it even more interesting. No matter how big the ship can be...you can't run away from all the drama.

Liza's heart lies within her band. But with program on the brink of getting cut, she's determined to do whatever it takes to win the $25000 prize to keep it afloat. And it's not an easy journey...with an ex-best friend (Demi) as her top competitor, her childhood crush (Lenny) idling in the wings, and a band member (Russ) who's an ex of the enemy. Will she stand a chance against Demi? Will a relationship blossom with Lenny? Is Russ actually there to help them win or sabotage their chances? With the help of her friends, will she be able to win both the prize and a chance at love? 

The story is easy to read, characters filled with different personalities, and love interests stirring more competition. Overall, It was a very cute read but highly predictable. Like most young adult novels in a high school setting, you have your usual cliques: jocks, band geeks, and popular crew. Popular girls mingling with the hottest guys, belittling the band geeks and scheming to get on top. The outcome may be predictable but the journey there was interesting and the ending was very cute. 

Why not higher rating?
Character development and chemistry are two important factors in any story. Although there was some character development and love sparks, it all felt rushed near the end. It's nice to see a character develop slowly throughout the book. One moment, they rarely communicate. But the next, they become very close. Then, all of a sudden, they're together in the end. I just wished there was more time for the relationship to develop. Overall, everything just needed time to build.

3 STARS - I liked it!

Nuts by Alice Clayton

Ever since I came across Alice Clayton, I didn't think I would find another book of hers that would top off the funny, charming and saucy characters from Wallbanger. Boy was I wrong...Clayton actually kicked it up a notch with Nuts. Although I love everything about Simon from Wallbanger, I have to say...I love Leo a little bit more.

Roxie Callahan is a private chef, catering clients all over LA. Ever since she was younger, food is her passion. Anything you want, she can make it. The only difficult thing is dealing with a particular client and her obnoxious requests. When one tiny detail goes wrong, everything falls apart. On top of that, she receives a call from her mom asking her to come home after so many years apart. As much as she loves her, she is hesitant to go back to the place she always wanted to leave. But with the request of just staying over the summer to look after the family diner, she is willing to step in. It's only three months, right?...then she can go back to her life in LA. The only unexpected part of the plan was forming close connections with the people she met, especially Leo. Leo is one of the town's local farmers, supplying produce to local businesses. Known as the town's hottest bachelor, will Roxie be the one to hook Leo? Or will it be the other way around?

Chemistry and dynamics between characters is always a key factor for me. If you don't feel the chemistry, you can't connect with the book. I just loved Nuts! Roxie and Leo had major chemistry, from the point them met to the end. Oh gosh, the meet-cute and the different face-to-face moments in the beginning of the book were hilarious. It was just perfect. Leo was so charming and Roxie was so sassy! They had a great balance in dynamics as their relationship grew. There were also parts of the book that I didn't see coming which made it more interesting. I just love a little bit of drama. As for secondary characters, I just love Roxie's high school crush and how he adds something to the table. As well as her best friends from cooking school, I can't wait to read their stories in the series. I wish Cream would come sooner!!

5 STARS - Loved it!

Childstar 1 by JJ McAvoy

JJ. McAvoy has done it again! She is one of my favorite authors and I love her writing style. You can easily connect with the characters and immerse yourselves in her books. When I started this one, I couldn't put it down! Can't wait for the other releases!!

Amelia London and Noah Sloan had a history. Growing up as child stars, Amelia has the image of America's sweetheart, whereas Noah is known as the bad boy. As children, they went from coworkers to friends. As teens, friendship develops to love and then poof. It all falls apart because of a scandal, leaving Amelia with a broken heart and a determination to never cross paths with Noah again. Now, as their fame begins to dwindle, a opportunity emerges when a bestseller makes it to the big screen. One audition led to another and they come face to face after all those years apart. The attraction is still there but can they put their differences aside during film production?

I love the character development. As you read the story, layers begin to fall apart and you begin to understand what went wrong with their relationship in the first place. You can also see how they bring out the best and the worst out in each other. While I read it book, it felt like I was watching a movie because the chemistry between the two was SO GOOD! All their interactions were well written from the auditions to filming. I just love all the bickering, snide remarks, and the need to see each other when their brains say no. It's like there is an invisible line connected between them. When things are revealed and a plot twist occurs, you just want more! Overall, I love the book and wish all three books came out at once so I don't have to wait!!

4.5 STARS - Really Liked It!

Meet Me in Manhattan by Claudia Carroll

Let's just say I will be reading more Claudia Carroll books! I absolutely loved this one. It took me a while to get through the first couple chapters but I'm glad I powered through. It turned out to be a very sweet, funny and adorable novel! Makes me want to take my own trip to Manhattan during the holidays. 

Holly Johnson is like any single woman out there, hoping to find love. With technology these days, it's faster and easier to meet people online. Although I'm not quite of fan of online dating, Holly manages to connect with a guy who seems to be perfect. Andy McCoy is a pilot, family man, a guy who is willing to call first thing in the morning and right before you fall asleep. Unfortunately, emails and phone calls will only do for now with the Atlantic between them. So when there are opportunities of his plane landing in Ireland, promising arrangements to meet were made. After a couple of missed connections due to work conflicts, third time's a charm right? Sadly, no. A third cancellation leaves Holly wondering if this guy is even real. Through connections, she discovers that Andy's messages originate from New York City...not Atlanta where he is stationed. As a journalist, Holly wants to investigate and confront the guy behind the messages. So a surprise trip to Manhattan ensued and it leads to an unexpected adventure of discovering herself and finding love. With Christmas around the corner and snow fall in Central Park, it all makes the trip even more exciting. 

Carroll loves details so as you read, a picture was always painted. That's what I loved most about this book. It just makes you want to keep reading until it's finished. There are some twists and unexpected scenarios that makes you think: oh no! There are not many books that I've read, which started with two characters meeting online. So, it was refreshing to come across it. In the end, the book makes you wonder if the people you meet online are really who you think they are. It's true that people lie occasionally online but how far would the lies go?

4 STARS - Really Liked It!

Little side note: I just came back from a trip to Manhattan so it made me want to go back even more. Especially to all the places the characters traveled to! Next time, I'll have to add those to the list. Maybe, I'll even find a love like they did in the book. One can only hope! :)

Falling Hard By Tina Wainscott

I'm a sucker for second chances romances! Filled with drama in a small town, Tina Wainscott's Falling Hard brings together two loves who didn't get the chance to fall in love the first time around. 

The moment they linked eyes at the race track seven years ago, Gemma knew she is a goner. Pax felt the searing connection as she walked up to his car. Even though they just met, he was tempted to kiss her right then and there. But Gemma couldn't...she couldn't get involved with a guy known for causing trouble. She was quickly thrown into a loop of friends who gave her a sense of belonging. Something she was looking for, for a long time. An unfortunate incident occurred, leaving her shamed by everyone, including Pax. She had no choice but to leave. 

After hearing about her father's accident, Gemma returns to take care of the only things she care about: her father and the B&B. When she crosses paths with Pax, she didn't expect him to fall on the list too. Pax knew he would run into her eventually but staying away from her was going to be difficult. He promised her father that he would take care of everything. With differences aside, Pax and Gemma have to work together until her father recovers. The more time they spend together, the truth begins to unravel and Pax doesn't know what to believe anymore. He begins to see the true Gemma and not the girl everyone described years ago. 

There was great character development in the book. Gemma grows to feel more comfortable in her own skin and finds her true self. Pax breaks down the walls placed my his family's expectations and follows his own dreams. Together, they discover new things about each other and fall in love along the way. Books with second chances are meant to have happily ever afters. A missed connection going in the right direction.

3.5 STARS - I liked it!

Broken Resolutions by Olivia Dade

Olivia Dade's Broken Resolutions started out strong. I did like the concept of a New Year's Eve singles night at a library. Who wouldn't want to fall in love surrounded by books? The event was fun to read and the games were hilarious. However, I felt the plot was rushed and I just lost interest halfway through. 

Penelope is a shy librarian, who has given up on the prospect of love because of past disastrous relationships. It's hard for her to trust any guys so her New Year's Resolution is not to fall love. Of course it all changes when Jack walks into the library. Jack is a writer, who goes by a pen name because he likes to keep his personal life private. So when he meets Penelope, he is hesitant of revealing his true identity. 

Like I said, the plot felt a bit rush. One moment Jack was brooding over the situation he was in and the next moment he was trying to win her love. Can you really fall in love in half a day? Possibly. But the way he did it was poorly executed. There were some cute moments but I just I couldn't connect with the characters. Their relationship didn't take time to develop. You'll want to fall in love with the characters as they fall in love in the book. It just didn't happen for me. Although I was a bit disappointed, it was an interesting plot line. 

Will I read the second book in the series? Probably. Angie is a secondary character who also works in the library. She is quite the opposite of Penelope and her boldness makes her stand out. I like her personality so it will be interesting to see how she falls in love.

2 STARS - It was okay.