**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Life After Juliet is a young adult novel by Shannon Lee Alexander. It is a companion novel to Love and Other Unknown Variables. I have Love and Other Unknown Variables on my to be read list since before its' release, but I never got around to reading it. However, as soon as I read the summary for Life After Juliet I knew I had to read this book. It deals with subject matter that is really speaking to me at the moment. So I figured I would be fine reading it alone. But after looking at some reviews and starting the book, I realized that wasn't really the case. Could I have read Life After Juliet without first having read Love and Other Unknown Variables? Yes, I think I could have. And I think I would have been fine. However, after reading about 20 pages of Life After Juliet, I decided not to chance it and to read Love and Other Unknown Variables first. And I am very, very glad that I did. It really enhanced my experience with Life After Juliet.

Life After Juliet is a very emotional read. I think you need to be prepared for it. I flat out ugly cried while reading this book. But I also laughed, and smiled. It is such a real and raw, and heart-warmingly emotional read. And yes, it is sad sometimes too. It has to be. Death is sad. Losing someone you love is sad. And hard to deal with and it affects everyone differently. I really loved that all of these things were explored with the characters in Life After Juliet.

Becca and Max are the main characters and they are both reeling from different losses. I appreciated the different perspectives we got with Becca and Max. if you are looking for a book that accurately portrays the stages of grief, Life After Juliet is am amazing book for you. I think anyone who has ever lost someone they care about will relate to what Becca goes through in her story. I think this book is a worthy while read for everyone. This book touched my heart. It meant something to me. If you love books that make you feel the whole range of emotions from happy to utter despair, Life After Juliet is going to be a favorite of yours.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Unlocking Adeline by J.D. Hollyfield is part of the Skeleton Key book series. I really love the set up of this series. It is a group of almost 30 authors, each one writing a book featuring a skeleton key that unlocks a secret world. But all of the books are vastly different. Different themes, different age groups and different sub genres. I just love that idea. So whether you like young adult, new adult or adult, you will be able to find a book for you. If you want to know more information about the series you can check out the website dedicated to the books.

Skeleton Key Book Series
One Skeleton Key. Endless Adventures.
https://skeletonkeybookseries.com

I have really enjoyed the books I have read from J.D. Hollyfield in the past. (see my reviews here) But they have both been contemporary reads, so I was more than a little interested to see how she was going to do in the fantasy world. And I have to say, I was very impressed. Not only did Unlocking Adeline have many of the same elements that I loved from her contemporary romances, but it was also one of my favorite books in the skeleton key series.

Unlocking Adeline has clever characters, an interesting landscape and a kick butt romance. Don't get me wrong...Adeline and Lockelan are some of the most stubborn characters I have encountered in a while. I don't even think a good shake would have phased them at all. But they eventually give in (or up. haha) and by that point you are saying it's about darn time! Because they are seriously magic together. I loved the the whole prince/castle/fairy tale vibe going on. I have noticed that those have been the stories that I have enjoyed the most in the series. (like The Azure Kingdom by Michelle Dare)

Everything about this book just worked for me. The writing is excellent, the dialogue is snappy, the chemistry is off the charts, the setting is so enchanting, and the romance made me feel good inside. What more could I ask for?? I think Unlocking Adeline by J.D. Hollyfield would appeal to fans of the Outlander series. It had that same kind of epic feeling to the story, with the grandness and the time traveling. (but maybe I am just saying that because Outlander is on my mind since I just got back from the Grandfather Mountain highland Games.) Either way Unlocking Adeline by J.D. Hollyfield is a great read. It is in my top 3 of the series so far!

A Note about the series: Because I have gotten this question from a few different people, I wanted to point out that the books are not connected at all in the Skeleton Key series. They all feature different characters, different worlds and sometimes even different genres. The common element linking all the books together, is that in each one, the main characters finds a skeleton key that unlocks the door to a different world.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
Four Doors Down is a young adult contemporary romance by Emma Doherty. I had no idea when I first started (or even finished reading until I turned the next page.) that this book was going to have a sequel. I am beyond excited that there is going to be another book. I really, really hope the characters are at the same college, because that would be so much fun. Four Doors Down was a really unique read for me. I flipping loved the book. Completely. It was the kind of book that not only could I not put it down, but I would get annoyed at people for interrupting me while reading. The unique part is that I had a major beef with the main character, and yet I loved this book more than I have loved most of my reads lately.

Becca is a stubborn and completely oblivious individual. She said it best. At one point in the book she turns to Ryan and says why are you so nice to me? I'm also such a B to you. And it is 100% true. Yes, I get what Ryan did when he was 12 was very mean. I get that it wasn't nice and that it really upset and affected Becca, but come on! It is almost 6 years after the fact and Ryan is quite obviously very interested in being in Becca's life. And it totally obvious how genuine and nice he is. So I didn't see why Becca wouldn't just get over it. She is mean to Ryan pretty much from start to finish in this book. And yet, I just loved it so much. I do not know what it is about these characters or the plot, which isn't very original or different, but Emma Doherty created pure, addictive MAGIC for me. I want to read more of Ryan and Becca right now. It is easy to love Ryan, but surprisingly I found myself liking Becca even though she was annoying. (and trust me, she is very annoying.)

If you like an ex-friends turned enemies turned something more story, you will not be able to put Four Doors Down, down. I couldn't. When I absolutely had to put this book down to accomplish something productive in real life, I was a distracted mess. I am not even remotely joking. This book got under my skin in a big way. I loved it. Even with Becca. Trust me, Read this book. There is something very special about it.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
The Sapphire Affair is the first in the Jewel series by Lauren Blakely. The Sapphire Affair is an adult romantic suspense series about bodyguards and jewel heists and all kinds of things that are sure to get your heart pumping. The novel is told in dual narrative, which is really my very favorite narration method. Nowadays, whenever I pick up a book told entirely from one person's point of view, I find myself missing the other person. The Sapphire Affair was a great entry way into Lauren Blakely's books. (Can you believe that I have not read any yet??) I really enjoyed the tension in the air throughout the story, and the passion between Jake and Steph. This was a great read for me and I can't wait to get the second book.

The Sapphire Affair is told in dual narrative between Jake and Steph. Right away, you get to see the connection that the two of them have is Eli. You know Eli is going to be right in the middle of this heist or controversy or illegal activity. You are not quite sure what exactly he is doing yet, but you do know it is going to involve him. Jake is the guy trying to find out what is going on and put a stop to it and Steph is Eli's step daughter. She is also trying to get more information about what is going on, but for different reasons.

The Sapphire Affair - Tour teaser 1

The Sapphire Affair gave me flavors of other movies and shows that I love. Steph and her mom reminded me of Jennifer Love Hewitt and her movie mom, Sigourney Weaver in the con movie Heartbreakers (which is a great movie if you haven't seen it) and Jake (and eventually Steph) reminded me of the tv show Leverage where they steal back from the rich- kind of like a modern day techno robin hood. This kind of thing is right up my alley so I freakin' loved all of it. Plus if you are going to take hot characters and add in a scorching romance, honestly what is not to like? I couldn't find anything. I really enjoyed this book. I could totally see it being made into a movie.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
LITTLE BLACK DRESSES, LITTLE WHITE LIES by Laura Stampler is a young adult chick lit book. Technically, it is a contemporary romance, however the whole thing had a very chick lit (ex: Shopaholic series, Devil wears Prada, etc.) feel to it, and I loved that about it. It made the whole thing feel like a fun young adventure. If you are looking for a girl about town, young adult novel that will have you smiling, LITTLE BLACK DRESSES, LITTLE WHITE LIES is the book for you.

LITTLE BLACK DRESSES, LITTLE WHITE LIES is about Harper, a young lady who joins her aunt in New York City for a big time summer internship at a magazine. This aspect of the story reminded me a lot of the tv show, The Hills (and that spin off show that Whitney got when she moved to New York.) I think this book would be perfect for fans of those shows. Although I do have to say the girls are a lot less catty and awful to each other than the girls in those shows. (and that is really saying something.)

LITTLE BLACK DRESSES, LITTLE WHITE LIES is a light read that is sure to put you in a good mood. The characters have their minor roadblocks and bumps, but you know everything is going to work itself out in the end. And I don't think that is a spoiler, because that is what you expect as you are reading. This book is fairly predictable, but very fun nonetheless. I loved the circumstances in which Harper landed her dating column. It cracked me up. And that is kind of the best part about this book. It will have you laughing like crazy! I also loved the realistic aspect (I assume) of working in a magazine in a digital age. No longer is it all about physical sales, a lot of it is getting eyeballs (and clicks) on your article. I really liked Harpers click journey. Overall, this book is a blast. The perfect summer read.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Hitched is the first book in the new adult Imperfect Love trilogy by Kendall Ryan. I loved this book! It is a fun, flirty and more than a little sexy read. I think this sums it up perfectly, in fact. Except they don't even start out as friends. They kind of hate each other. (at least, Olivia hates Noah.) 

Hitched is a three volume trilogy, with each of the books set to release in rapid succession. And trust me, that is a good thing. Because you are not going to be able to get enough of Olivia and Noah. You are going to want the next book in your hands ASAP. I know I do! I am already itching to start volume two. I need it in my life right now. Everything about this story worked for me. I loved how cocky Noah is. And how standoffish Olivia is. They clearly have a big history with each other and they know each other really well, they just start out hating each other. I liked how close their two families are. This is the perfect set up for a dual narrative story. Once you get past the minor discrepancy that this probably (or totally) would not hold up legally in a will, you can really enjoy this story. (not that that matters...) Other than that, I really had an awesomely fun time reading Hitched.



I am so going to jump on the bandwagon with this one, because I really do think this is the perfect binge read. Grab all three copies and read them back to back. I kind of wish that I had all three volumes because I would totally shut the world out for a few hours and just read and read and read. I don't want this series to ever end. Volume two comes out on July 19th and Volume three on August 2nd so you don't have to wait too long, but once you get a taste of Olivia and Noah, any amount of waiting is too much waiting. I am addicted to these two. I love Kendall Ryan's writing. She writes banter and flirty fun so well. And Noah is more than swoonworthy. He will make you blush more than once.

Bottom line: simply put, Hitched is a must read. If you are a fan of new adult romantic comedies, you need Hitched in your life. I loved this book. I want more now!



This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
Don't Tempt Me by Lori Foster is an adult contemporary romance told from multiple points of views. Nowadays it seems that dual narratives are almost the norm, so when I started reading Honor and Jason's story, I thought that was just what Don't Tempt Me was going to be. But it turned out to be a multi person narrative because we also got to see Honor's friend Lexie and her romantic interest, as well.

Honor moves into a house that needs a lot of TLC, but it allows her to be closer to her grandpa, which really warmed my heart. I loved Honor. She is fiercely independent, if not a little stubborn, but also super sweet and wholesome. I loved seeing her wonderful friendship with Lexie, even though her and Lexie seemed like polar opposites at times. And I really liked Honor with Jason. Jason is an interesting guy as well. I loved the dynamic of the neighborhood, and it is clear as day how integral Jason is to the community. He is always helping out with people's cars, and houses, and just about everything.

My only complaint about Don't Tempt Me was the number of perspectives the book was told from. I would have liked to have seen Lexie get her own book, but only because I want more of this community. I really liked all of the characters and their camaraderie. But seeing Lexie in this book isn't really what bugged me (and bugged might be too strong of a word because I did really enjoy this story.) What irked me was that the point of view shifts were not labeled. Sometimes we would change from one character to the next in the middle of a chapter, and I know I would have followed along the story better if those changes had been easily labeled. A few times I caught myself re-reading a paragraph to figure out who was talking now. Nothing major but something that pulled me out of the story for a few seconds.

Overall though, Don't Tempt Me is a fun read. I love rehabbing houses, so I was happy to see that come into play, and I love the idea of a close group of neighbors being featured as characters in the story. I want more from these characters! I loved all of them. I even want Colt's book, maybe once he goes away to college. He is the sweetest guy ever. Don't Tempt Me is a fun read. I really hope there is going to be more in this world.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**NA ReviewMy ThoughtsWicked Beautiful is the first in the Wicked Games series by J. T. Geissinger. The Wicked Games series is an adult contemporary romance series, and I have just been eating this series up! Book two, Wicked Sexy is already out, and as soon as I finished book one, I immediately started scouring my kindle to find and start book 2. It is that good. (plus, I am super excited for the hackers story in Wicked Sexy! I love me some hackers)

Wicked beautiful really has something for every kind of contemporary romance lover. There is some good ole revenge plots going on, some second chance love, some enemies to lovers, some mystery, and a whole lot of fun! When I tell you that I devoured this book in one sitting, I truly mean it. This book jumped to top of my to-do list the moment I started reading it. It was predictable and a little contrived in the sense that Man-hater Victoria just happens to be Parker's long lost (

and in his mind- dead ex-girlfriend

) girl friend that he doesn't recognize at all. I know that sounds like it has the potential to be a roll your eyes moment, but I promise that J. T. Geissinger handles it beautifully. And as soon as you get past that little plot force, you don't even care because you will be 100% engrossed in the story. Wicked Beautiful is an un-put-down-able book. The combination of plot twists felt fresh and interesting. I really loved it.

Parker and Victoria have a long road ahead of the two of them. And it is bumpy and twisty and turn-y and some parts are down right twisted, but you will love every second of what they put each other through. The book is told in dual narrative between the two of them, and I found myself liking each of their chapters an equal amount. That hardly ever happens for me, normally I can easily and quickly pick a favorite. But in Wicked Beautiful these two are just so beautifully messed up together that they fight for top billing. And I loved the secondary characters, particularly on Victoria's side. Tabitha is going to be my favorite of all of the characters, I already can tell- so I am super excited that the next book is her story. Yay for hacker romances!

Bottom line: Wicked Beautiful is a fabulous book. If you like characters with more sass and snark than should be allowed for any one person, you are going to love Parker and Victoria. Really, you will. They will fight, they will be stubborn, they will be vindictive, and through it all, it will have you salivating for more. Read this book. And then read Wicked Sexy, because I have an idea that it is going to be even better!

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Anything but Love by Daisy Prescott is the third book in the Wingmen series. The Wingmen series is a group of interconnected romantic comedies that can each be read as standalones. I know the summary describes this as an enemies to lovers story, but man oh man is that ever right. As soon as you start Anything But Love you immediately can feel how much dislike Cari feels for Erik. After the first scene, I wrote her off. I thought there was no way she was going to be the romantic interest because I could feel genuine hate searing from her eyeballs. But let me just tell you, that made the rest of the book all the more fun. Once I realized that she was Cari, I knew their story was going to be a good one. And it was. Anything But Love is the first book I have read from the Wingmen series and if they are all as funny, and hot, and fantastic as this one, then what the heck have I been doing with my life?? I need to be reading all of Daisy's books!

Anything But Love is the story of Erik and Cari. I didn't know Erik from the previous stories, so I don't know just how much of a player or wingman he was previously, but Anything But Love is one giant rollercoaster of events and emotions for him. The poor guy does not catch a break- his life gets jumbled up in one thing after another. And it certainly does not stay in Mexico like he wants it to. I love a book that can integrate our world of social media well, and social media plays a big part in this story. The scary thing is, it is so realistic. I could see what happened to Erik, happening to guys and girls all over the place. Watching Cari and Erik try and deal with the fallout of everything was half the fun for me. I am a new (newly huge) fan of Daisy's. I just love her writing. She writes fantastically delicious tension, and her humor is spot on. And I know this has nothing to do with the story, but I also love that her bio says she lives in a real life Stars Hollow. I want to visit!

Bottom line: Anything But Love is a solidly great book. The writing is top notch, the characters are relatable, and likeable. And the story line will have you laughing. I could see the Wingmen books being made into movies- or at least Anything But Love. It would make a great romantic comedy. Check this one out if you like romantic comedies, and books like Penny Reid.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**The Matchmaker's Playbook is the first book in a new adult contemporary romance series, called Wingmen Inc., by Rachel Van Dyken. As the title and series name suggests, the story centers around two college friends that have a side business where they set up women with their crushes. The whole book had a very Hitch vibe (you know, the Will Smith rom com) They don't advertise, you just pass around a card when you are done to a "women in need."

The main man of Wingmen Inc. is Ian, and the book is told in dual narrative between him and Blake. Blake is an athlete through and through and she goes to Ian for his help catching the eye of her childhood friend, and crush. Ian ends up falling for Blake. Don't worry, I am not spoiling anything for anyone, you can tell all of this from the very first line in the summary. It is a very cutesey setup, and one that I really enjoyed. I can't wait to see where the next book is going to take us because I think it is going to be about Ian's business partner/friend. And I have an idea of who it might be as the love interest, but I might be wayy off base, and it will be interesting to see what direction the series goes in, because it could impact Wingmen Inc. in a big way.

Bottom line: If you are a fan of match making romantic comedies, and you liked the movie Hitch- The Matchmaker's Playbook will be a big hit for you. The writing is really solid, the characters are great, and the plot is very entertaining. Not to mention the romance is top notch. Overall, it was a really good book. This is a series I will certainly be continuing. I think I might like the next book even more!

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs