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After We Fall is the third book in the contemporary romance series, Take the Fall by Marquita Valentine. I have not read either of the first two books in the series, but this one caught my eye. It was a heartbreaking story, but also a sweet one. It is told in dual narrative between Hunter and Evangeline. By the way, can we just talk about how pretty of a name that is? I just loved both of the characters names. Hunter is a strong name and Evangeline is so pretty. I thought they were very fitting.

Evangeline knows Hunter as the cop who was there the night she finally escaped her abusive ex husband. I would have thought that would be a comfort to her to see him again, but it was much more of an embarrassment for her. But Hunter is not someone that is easily deterred. He stuck by Evangeline and was as patient as could be. I admired that about him. Hunter is just a good guy, through and through. I do have to say that I found his extra curricular activity very out of character for his day job. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get them to add up to me. It didn't make any kind of sense, to me at least. It was the only aspect of the book I didn't love.

After We Fall is a bit heavier of a contemporary romance than I normally read, but I really enjoyed it. Sometimes it is nice to read a more somber book to balance out the light and fluffy books. (I still think I prefer the light and fluffy books most of the time.) My heart just broke for Evangeline. It would be hard for it not to. But she is a strong person and she is a survivor. It was nice to see her get her happily ever after as well.

Bottom line: After We Fall is a great book for people that enjoy darker contemporary romances. It deals with some tough issues, such as abuse. In the end, it is a lovely romance for two characters that are easy to root for. I enjoyed it.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Your Captivating Love is the second book in the contemporary romance series, The Bennett Family by Layla Hagen. Each book in The Bennett Family series will follow a different couple, and will be a standalone story. I said it before with Aint' She Sweet by Marie Force, and I will say it again and again. I love books that follow a large family. I just love the fun and joking dynamic that a bunch of siblings bring. I have not yet read book one in this series, but now I know that I need to. I loved Your Captivating Love, and I can't wait to continue on with the other siblings. Layla Hagen is quickly becoming one of my go to romance authors. I always love her characters and the chemistry she created. It sizzles off of the page.

Your Captivating Love is told in Dual narrative between Logan and Nadine. Logan is known as the protector of the family. He is fiercely protective of the people he cares about, and I wouldn't have him any other way. I thought it was adorable that he was constantly second guessing himself with Nadine to make sure he wasn't being too overbearing. He was just too cute. I thought it was really sweet how he is always watching out for everyone.

Nadine is a great chick. She is creative and independent, and I loved how she maintained such a positive attitude no matter what was thrown her way. I thought she used the I need to be independent line a bit too much, but I understood where she was coming from. Your Captivating Love was a rather quick read for me, but the book is over 300 pages long. I just got so wrapped up in the story that I didn't even realize how long I had been reading. Layla Hagen builds up some well developed characters and relationships in the length of this story, and I am hooked on the Bennett Family. I can't wait for more.

Bottom line: If you like contemporary romances featuring meddling siblings galore, great characters and sizzling chemistry this is the series for you.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**My ThoughtsRush is a standalone new adult contemporary romance by Shae Ross. This is the second book that I have read, and loved by Shae so far. (The first was Pretty Smart Girls: Lace Up) She has this awesome knack for writing great characters. (I have been on a roll lately with wonderful chemistry in the romances I have been reading. Which is perfectly timed after about a month of just ok books.) Rush is a college sports romance featuring the school quarterback and the captain of the girls soccer team, and just like in Pretty Smart Girls, there was also a theme of guys v. girls in this book.

Rush is told in dual narrative between Priscilla and Preston, and from the very first moment I knew I was going to love them. The first scene in the book shows them at a Halloween party and they are dressed up as chewbacca and little bo peep. They cracked me up in that scene, and then the you know what all hit the fan and I was surprised for a whole different reason. I didn't expect all that to happen, and that one event shapes a good majority of the rest of the book. I enjoyed that this was just as much about getting Priscilla back on the soccer field as it was a romance between Priscilla and Preston.

Shae Ross knows how to write my kind of romance. This is from her amazon bio and it perfectly sums up the characters in her book, and why I love them so much. "She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes who deliver stories filled with sass, smarts and sizzle." Umm, YES PLEASE! And I am here to tell you that she does a darn good job doing just that. Her characters sell the story. They are just so much fun to read. I love the rapid fire banter and the sass galore that all the girls have. And her guys are just as excellent. They all have that smoldering thing down pat. It just all works for me. I feel like Shae Ross writes book tailor made for me. We are like romance-reader-soul-sisters.

Bottom line: If you like your contemporary romance with strong and sassy female characters and equally swoon worthy and smoldering male characters, Rush is a new adult sports romance to check out. I had a blast reading this one. Shae Ross is one of my new favorites for new adult romance.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Single is the first book in the new spin off series of the New York Kings Series by Collette West, called Stockton Beavers. While I have not read the entire New York Kings series, yet, I have read a couple of the books and I really enjoyed them, so I knew that I was probably going to enjoy this one just as much. It was a tough read for me, because of the subject matter but I loved the story and romance. Luke and Roberta are a great match, and Single is a really great story. Collette West always does a good job with her books. I loved that this one is the start of a new series, but still takes place in the New York Kings world.

Luke has been dealt a rough hand. I felt for him so much. To be dealing with a career changing injury as well as taking care of a parent with Alzheimer's. It was an emotional read for me. I loved Luke so much though. He is such a sweet, caring person. you just want to see something good happen to him. And having Roberta be that something good was a bit of an interesting take for me. I loved that she is the other main character in this story, and I think fans of the New York Kings series will know why. She is a side character in the series that did not always come across in the best light. But we really get to know her in Single, and I enjoyed that a lot. I'm glad that Collette West chose her for the first book in the Stockton Beavers series. I think I might even enjoy this series more than the New York Kings Series. I love the setting.

Single is a different kind of sports romance for me. Like I said earlier, this book really hit me hard. I deal with the elderly a lot in my job and Alzheimer's is always so tough. Especially on the family members. Luke will hold a special place in my heart after reading this book. Roberta too. Being a caregiver is not an easy job.

Bottom line: If you like Sports romances with heart, Single is the book for you. Even if you have not read the New York Kings series, give this book a try. It is a good introduction to their world, and if you enjoy it you can always go back and read about the Kings players after. Single is a great

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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All Over You is a standalone sister novel to the All Falls Down duo by Ayden K. Morgen. I never read All Falls Down and I wasn't lost in the slightest, so you will have no problem reading this as a standalone if you are new to this authors books. All Over You is a romantic suspense based on a very current trend- catfishing. Ivy is being catfished and the person that is pretending to be her is putting her in a world of trouble. I can't even imagine what I would do if someone was committing crimes and pretending to be me. That sounds terrifying. The premise of this story immediately drew me in. I was hooked. I could so easily see this on the big screen as a suspense mystery movie.

I was so scared for Ivy. As I said before, the idea that someone can so easily capture your identity freaks me out. I really loved Ivy. She is exactly what you would picture if you think of the stereotypical good girl. She volunteers in her free time, is a school teacher, will donate her last dollar away, etc. She is a sweetheart, and overall comes off as kind of meek, but there are a number of times when she had me cheering because she would stand up for herself. I loved when she surprised people.

Cam is a very intense cop. I loved that he trusted Ivy was innocent right from the get go, and I liked how intense he was...to an extent. I liked everything about him, but I found him to be just a little too much. I liked that he was tough and assertive, but he came off just a little too aggressive, and he cursed just a little too much for my tastes. I have no problem with cursing and being a rough and tough kind of guy, but it felt like every other word out of his mouth was a cuss word. Everything about his personality was over the top, in your face dominant, almost a little too much so. But other than that I liked him. I just wished he dialed it back a notch or two.

The mystery in All Over You is great. It will keep you captivated and on the edge of your seat until the very end. Ayden K. Morgen did a great job of always keeping the story moving along. There are never really any stagnant or slow moments. It makes for a quick and engaging read. One that I really enjoyed. If you are a fan of romantic suspense stories, this is a great mystery and great romance for you.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Dare to Take is the sixth book in the Dare to Love series by Carly Phillips. Each of the books can be read as standalones. I have not read any of the previous books in the series, and while I was not lost at all with the story, I do wish that I had read the books in order so I could have gotten to know the characters from the previous 5 stories a little better, as some of them did pop up in this book. Overall, however, Dare to Take was a solid romance. I enjoyed it. I also have to say that I love the new covers that the series got. I love it when books have a cohesive feel and the styling on all of the covers remained the same and only the colors changed. It is a really great look.

Dare to Take is the story of Tyler and Ella. Ella is Avery's best friend. The premise of Dare to Take is a new one for me. (I'm not sure if it is original or not, because I feel like it had to have been done before, but I have not read a book quite like it yet.) Ella is mugged while on a foreign island and her passport and all of her money is taken, trapping her there. To make matters worse, a storm is coming in and it is a bad one. Tyler is sent to the island to get Ella and bring her back home.

Tyler and Ella have a history together. Ella has always had a crush on Tyler, and one night in the past they ruined, or I should say he ruined, their friendship. I was a little confused on the timeline of these events from the summary, so let me clear it up. The book takes place in the present time, which is months after their one night stand. They have not spoken to each other since. From the summary, I thought all of these things were happening at the same time, for some reason.

Dare to Take is a good read. I liked it a lot, but I wouldn't step it up to love. The characters were good and the romance was good. I wish it was a bit longer to flesh some of the details out. However, it was a quick read with a nice happily ever after. Readers looking for a quick, instant gratification type romance will enjoy Dare to Take.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Daughter of the Sun is the first book in the young adult Cult of the Cat series by Zoe Kalo. Daughter of the Sun is a young adult mythology based on ancient Egyptian mythology. I love all kinds of Mythology and the ancient Egyptians are some of the most fascinating because to me, there myths are the most rooted in history. It is so easy to believe in the magic surrounding their pharaohs because they actually existed. I just love learning about Egyptian history and imagining magic swirling around in the events. Zoe Kalo does an excellent job embodying the time period too. It was my favorite aspect of Daughter of the Sun.

I love a good mystery, so when the main character Trinity has a torn piece of Papyrus and a mysterious ring leading her on an Egyptian journey, I was instantly excited. Once I started reading, I thought the book took a little bit of time to gain momentum, and the writing flt a bit young to me, (I would recommend it to the younger side of young adult readers), I will admit I was a bit wary. But I would have been very wrong. Once this book gets going, it is so much fun. I loved the historical elements woven into the story and I loved all the Egyptian mythology. If you are a big romance fan, be forewarned that there is not much of that in this story, and the little that there is smacks of insta love. The romance has the potential to grow on me, but I wasn't really feeling it in Daughter of the Sun. Luckily, that part of the story kind of fades into background. It wasn't what I was looking for in this particular read, so it didn't really bother me.

Bottom line: Daughter of the Sun is geared towards a younger audience, and I think it is a great book to expose some younger teens to Egyptian mythology. They will dig this fun adventure. It is a good start to what looked like it will be an action packed, and fun series. If you are looking for a romance, I might pass on this one. Or at least wait until the second book to see if it grows into something more.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**The Square Root of Summer was an unexpected book. I am not sure why it was so unexpected because the summary certainly alludes to some kind of time jumping/shifting, but I was thinking it was more in a metaphorical sense. Like she was visiting memories in her head as a way to deal with loss, but she was really jumping back into points from her past. It was a surprising twist, and when I started reading about it, I just decided to go with it. I am not 100% sure how or why it started happening, but I was down for the journey. The other aspects of the book were as I expected, beautifully haunting and sometimes sorrowful. This is a book that deals with the loss of a loved one, and as you can tell from my interview above, I have been dealing with that as well. It is something that everyone handles differently. I loved seeing Gotti's emotional journey.

I think Harriet Reuter Hapgood did an excellent job capturing emotions and pushing them off the page and straight into your heart. When the mood strikes me, I love a good- sad read. And the mood certainly struck me while I was reading The Square Root of Summer. This book tugged on my heart strings. It is all at once a book that deals with love and loss...two very strong emotions. It is a beautifully done young adult novel. I wouldn't call this a fast paced novel by any means, but then again I don't think of grief or loss as face paced. I think those are slow and lingering emotions and I felt that pour over into the dialogue and tempo of The Square Root of Summer.

There were parts of The Square Root of Summer where I was definitely confused. There are a lot of moving parts, and at times it felt like the characters and events were all over the place, but if you just hang in there, the overall picture starts to become clearer as you read. And I think The Square Root of Summer is a book worth reading.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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The Star-Touched Queen is the debut young adult fantasy novel by Roshani Chokshi. It is a blend of greek mythology and Indian folklore. While, I am very familiar with Greek mythology, I am admittedly not very familiar with much Indian Folklore. But starting out with The Star-Touched Queen certainly is going to set the bar very high. I loved this book. Absolutely loved it. I am so blown away and impressed that this is author, Roshani Chokshi's debut novel. I never would have guessed that. She writes so beautifully. The Star-Touched Queen is a breathtaking tale.

The Star-Touched Queen tells the story of seventeen year old Maya, who as you can tell from the summary, is cursed. I instantly fell in love with Maya. I was more hesitant with Amar, though that was completely by design of Roshani. Eventually I warmed up to him, and the romance between the two of them turns out to be really beautiful as well. But as great as the romance is, everything is really great. The Star-Touched Queen is packed with exemplary world building, interesting characters, and plenty of action to keep you turning pages almost faster than you can read them. I could not put this book down.

This review has the potential to become very spoilery, so I am trying to say less, but I can't quite find the words to show how reading The Star-Touched Queen made me feel. There are plenty of well written, good young adult stories. But the great stories are the ones that stay with you long after you finish reading them. The great ones are the ones that you just can't stop thinking about. And I just can't stop thinking about The Star-Touched Queen. It is a GREAT story.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Seducing the Fireman is the third book in the risky business series by Jennifer Bonds. I have not read any of the previous books in the series yet, but it is my understanding that they are really standalones and I don't think that any of the characters overlap. Either way, I had no problem following the story or characters in Seducing the Fireman. It was a nicely wrapped up contemporary romance. I had a great time reading Seducing the Fireman. It made me want to read the other books in the Risky Business series.

Seducing the Fireman is told in dual narrative between Becca (AKA Frankie) and Jax. I really liked Jax. I think the book name is a bit misleading because it sure seemed to me that Jax was the one trying to win Becca over the whole time. She is a stubborn little thing. A bit too stubborn in my opinion. I liked her, but honestly she dealt out her fair share of abuse to Jax- from standing him up, to kicking him out of her house, to constantly leading him on, I felt bad for the poor guy. But he was never once deterred, and Becca is a good person, she is just a little confusing when it comes to her love life.

I loved the chemistry between Jax and Becca. I loved that they knew each other growing up and that Jax remembers so much about her. It was really cute. They were very wrapped up in their little world though. I kind of wish that we incorporated more of some secondary characters and that so much of the book wasn't just between the two of them. I am all for some alone scenes, and romance time but they felt a bit isolated all the time. It wasn't a big deal, but it was a thought that I was left with after reading. I also have to say that I don't love the cover for the book. This is not something directed at this book in particular, but rather at the Brazen line as a whole. I feel like all of their covers look the same, and while I love a guys chest as much as the next lady, I wish that they didn't just have a chest in a different color for all of their books because, to me, it sends the message that all of the books are the same, and I don't think they are at all. I love the stories in this line, and I think the covers are doing them a disservice.

Bottom line: Seducing the Fireman is a fun and flirty read. I completely fell in love with Jax (and in like with Becca). If you like your romances in quick, down and dirty reads, this is the perfect book for you. Even if you are new to the series, check this one out. I really enjoyed it.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs