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Fool Me Once is the second book in an adult contemporary romance series, called Foolproof Love, by Katee Robert. I really enjoyed the first book, Foolproof Love. I thought it was a fun book, and I loved the small town- gossipy setting. I knew I was going to love the second book before I even sat down to read it, because I love the little spitfire that is Audrey. I couldn't wait for her story.

Fool Me Once is told in dual narrative between Audrey and Quinn, which I have loved. Audrey and Quinn are each dynamic and explosive characters in their own right, but when you add them together- holy cow. You better step back. Audrey is a mega gamer, and she is pretty bad- A. So Bad-A that she is one of 10 gamers invited to a huge conference to alpha test (which comes before beta testing) a very popular game. The only problem is that Audrey has severe panic attacks and being in a crowded room with a bunch of strangers crowding her sounds awful to the extreme. Quinn has to go to his stuck up family's wedding, and because he doesn't want to hear a bunch of stuff about matching him up with a suitable woman he wants to bring a date. Reluctantly Audrey and Quinn decide they can help each other out. Quinn can be Audrey's wall between herself and the masses of people (he's big, so he makes a great wall!) and Audrey can ward off all of Quinns family. (She is a fantastic resting B face so she is great at warding people off.) That is, if they don't kill each other first.

I loved this story. It has a road trip, which is always fun, and I liked that it was split between Audrey doing Quinn a favor and Quinn doing Audrey a favor. Plus, all of that alone time leads to some most excellent chemistry. These two don't do anything half way. So when I say they have chemistry, it is scorch your eyebrows off- hot!

Bottom line: Fool Me Once is a whole lot of fun. Audrey and Quinn will leave you fanning yourself! For people, that love enemies to more stories, love a roadtrip, Love fake relationships and love great chemistry between characters, Fool Me Once will be right up your alley. Fool Me Once was even better than Foolproof Love, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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4.5/5

Sigil in Shadow by Constance Roberts is a historical mystery in a royal court setting. Not a historical in the sense that it is modeled after events in history, but the book takes place in the past. I love a good royal court setting in a book, especially a book that has a mystery element to it because I feel like politics and high society and people trying to climb the court ranks all lend themselves really well to deception, betrayal and mind games galore. I adored Sigil in Shadow. I think this is a book that deserves to be put out in the spotlight of the young adult world. I have not heard too much hype surrounding this book, and I am shocked! This is a book worth reading, and then some.

Sigil in Shadow follows Ellary, a young girl with an aptitude for healing. Ellary's talent with healing and making potions for healing reminded me of the Maria V. Snyder's Healer series. I think this book would be perfect for fans of the Healer series. Ultimately it is Ellary's healing powers that land her in the castle court, and this is where her real adventure begins. I loved meeting the cast of secondary characters, including the princess Corrin, who actually surprised the heck out of me in a good way. Constance Roberts does an excellent job of creating solid friendships among the characters, which I really appreciated. There are enough bad guys running around that you don't need friends to also be a bad guy. My only complaint is with the romance in the book. It felt lacking in some way. I wanted to see more development between the couple. I felt like they started out great and then just kind of stagnated. However, there is so much else going on in the story that the romance felt secondary to me.

I'm not sure if there is a planned sequel to Sigil in Shadow or not, but I really hope there is. This is such a fantastically developed world that it would be a shame to not visit it again. Not to mention there are so many characters that I want to read more about. Please Constance, please write another book! I really loved Sigil in Shadow. It has wonderful fantasy elements, a fantastically detailed world, great characters, and a twisty-turny adventure. Bottom line: Sigil in Shadow is a really great book.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net** 
2.5/5

The Abbie Diaries is a bind up of the complete three part romantic comedy serial. It comes in at about 200 pages total. I really like the cover of the series, and I really liked Parker. I was rooting for him and Abbie to get together the whole time. And the book was funny enough, but... (and I know you could feel the but coming.) But, the whole storyline felt really immature to me. The Abbie Diaries is a New Adult romantic comedy about a blogger who has a dating misadventures blog. She prides herself on just telling her dates how they are, but here's the thing. She lies in her blog. She says that she doesn't but it seemed like all of her posts were lies. She made up some pretty awful things about Toby. (as in he he would have a decent case if he decided to sue her for defamation if he wanted to, awful.) And then she lied a whole bunch more as the revenge games spiraled out of control. But I could get on board with the lying. It made for a funny story at least.

So here is a basic rundown. Abbie dates her co-worker Toby. She is mad that he was boring a little late so she goes home, gets drunk and proceeds to completely bash him on her blog. The next day at work everyone sees it and basically sees her accuse him of assaulting her. Toby is understandably mad, so he decides to get back at her. Insert his friend Parker who researches Abbie on her blog to become her perfect guy with the end goal being to embarass her in some way after she falls for Parker. Still ok with everything. I really liked Parker and I really liked that he started to like the real Abbie. But then it gets crazy! Toby out of no where goes from hating Abbie to liking Abbie, to calling it off, to calling it back on. To other people finding out and new revenge plots getting planned. It was a big mess. Like I said this book is New Adult because of content, but young YA when it comes to maturity level.

The whole thing reminded me of a not as funny friends episode. The one where Rachel and Phoebe find out that Monica and Chandler are secretly dating. It started out as a way to get back at them- "they don't know we know." and then when Monica and Chandler find out they get in on the action. "They don't know we know, they know."And then back to Phoebe and Rachel who notch it up again. You get the picture.

Parker was great. If there was more of him and Abbie and less of all this other insta love with Toby and crazy immature twisted actions, I would have loved this book. I can see some people really enjoying this and thinking it is a fun kooky read. It was amusing, it was just too immature for me. Give it a read if you like funny revenge plots and drunken blogging.

 This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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The Playboy's Proposal is the third book in the contemporary romance series from author Ashlee Mallory and the Entangled Bliss imprint. Each of the books in the Sorenson family series can be read as standalones. I read, and thoroughly enjoyed, the first book in the series, Her Backup Boyfriend. I really enjoyed it, but I never got around to reading the second book in the series. When I saw the third book was out, I couldn't pass it up. I love a makeover story. And I'm not sure what it is, but I have been reading a lot of books that have been good but kind of meh lately. So I was very excited to see how much I was truly enjoying The Playboy's Proposal. It was a book that I didn't want to be over.

Benny is great. I love how spunky and sassy and down to earth she is. I loved that she didn't back down from her loud neighbor when he was stealing her parking spot and partying at all hours of the night. She decided to get even. Go her. Of course, Henry had another card up her sleeve that even Benny couldn't resist. Catching the eye of the doctor at work that she has had a major crush on. Henry decides to help her land a date with Dr. Seely and Benny agrees to drop her complaints against Henry. I really liked the build up between Benny and Henry. It was a really sweet slow burn attraction between the two of them. The kind that sneaks up on you, until it is all you can see. Even if Henry was a bit pig headed about is feelings for a long time. (Come to think of it...Benny was too. They really are a perfect match!)

Bottom line: This book is a really quick read, one that is meant warm your heart a bit and make you swoony. It accomplishes those goals and then some. Even though the book is on the shorter end, I felt like I really got to know the characters, and it was fun to visit the Sorenson family once again. It all culminates into a really fun read. One that I would recommend to others. I can't wait to continue the series. I liked this one even more than the first book in the series.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Random Acts of Marriage is the second book in the adult contemporary romance series, called Wedding Favors, by Boone Brux. The books in the Wedding Favors series can each be read as standalones, and I had no problem jumping in with book two. In fact, I was surprised to learn that this was part of a series, and even more surprised to learn that the couple from the first book was Dani and Jamie, because of certain events that took place in Random Acts of Marriage. Either way, Random Acts of Marriage was a quick fun read that left me feeling slightly warmer than lukewarm.

Random Acts of Marriage is the story of overly uptight Kinni and go with the flow Price. I liked the opposites attract angle of the story, and I really enjoyed Price. Kinni seemed a bit over the top, even for me. The idea behind the story is that as a wedding favor, the bride asks Kinni to just let loose and have some fun in the week leading up to the big day. Price overhears Kinni reluctantly agree to let her hair down (kind of) and decides to take advantage of this. Price was my favorite part of the story. I loved all of his attempts to trick Kinni into having fun, and I loved his big scottish family! I would totally read a spin off series about them! I want to go to a highland games with them.

I think the main reason that I couldn't completely connect with this story was that it all seemed kind of all over the place. It didn't have a nice flow, I couldn't keep up with the pacing. It was fast and then slow and descriptive. Kinni was up and then she was down. Price wanted to have fun and then he wanted something more on the next page. I know this sounds weird, but I couldn't find my groove. I felt kind of on edge the whole time. Nonetheless, it was a cute story. I liked Kinni and Price together. They do a good job of balancing each other out, and Price is such a sweetheart underneath his cocky exterior.

Bottom line: I did enjoy Random Acts of Marriage. It was a fun, quick read, and I think fans of opposites attract story lines will enjoy this one. I debated between 2.5 and 3 stars for a long time on this one, and ultimately I decided to go with 3 stars because even though this book felt a bit all over the place, I did like it. I am not sure I will be continuing with the series. I would be all over a spin off featuring Price's family though!

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Playing by Her Rules is the first book in a new contemporary romance series, called the Sydney Smoke Rugby series, by Amy Andrews. I suppose you could call this a second chance at love novel, but it is like an ex novel. I really liked the story line in this one, because surprisingly it is one that I have not seen done much. Matilda is a writer, and she gets assigned to cover one of her ex-boyfriend's rugby team- sparks fly. And I don't necessarily mean positive sparks. I loved how feisty Playing by Her Rules was. It was so much fun to read!

Playing by Her Rules Teaser 5

Playing by Her Rules Teaser 2

I have to say, the whole cover makes Tanner seem all kinds of devilish. And at first glance, I can't say that description is too far off. But make no mistake, Matilda can more than hold her own. She is not letting go of the past, even though Tanner is determined to get her to change her mind. It was a battle of wills between these two and I loved every second of it! It made for a fiery, but satisfying slow burn romance that had as many hot moments as it did hilarious moments. And I don't know about Tilly, but I was a goner the second Tanner turned his wooing skills on her. The guy can be sweet when he wants to be, and a sweet Tanner is pretty lethal.

Bottom line: if you are looking for a second chance romance featuring two strong personalities, a battle of wills, lots of tension, and freakin' great writing, Playing by Her Rules is a book you need to read. It is one of my favorites of the year. I can't wait to read the other members of the Rugby team's stories. I love this series so much, I hope Amy Andrews writes a story for every last player!

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**"Colleen Hoover reminds readers that love is a fragile thing, built from courage, hope, and tears. Every person with a heartbeat should read this book."
– Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Visit www.ItEndsWithUsBook.com for teasers, tour dates and more.

NA ReviewMy Thoughts

It Ends with us is a new adult standalone by Colleen Hoover. Man, does she write emotional reads. This one really got to me. Actually, this quote from author Anna Todd explains the book to a T for me: I agree with her 100%. Colleen Hoover is the QUEEN of emotional reads. image006It Ends with Us totally broke my heart, but in a good way. If that is even possible. I have a feeling that my review is not going to do this story justice. It Ends with Us is the kind of book that you simply must read and experience for yourself to truly get it. This is a book that will reach in and grab your soul. I immediately connected with Lily. Her voice and speaking style, all of it matched me to a tee. When I was reading her opening dialogue, i felt like the way it was set up was like hearing one of my own conversations. Not the content of what she was saying, and not even really her personality is similar to mine, but the way she delivers her words connected with me. And because of that, I instantly got her.

I loved watching Ryle instantly rile Lily up. It was like a clashing of personalities with those two, but a fiery clash. It Ends with Us delves into both Lily's present relationship with Ryle, but also her past relationships. It was interesting to see the back and forth and see how her past affects her present, and really affects who Lily is as a person.

It Ends With Us is a book meant to be savored, and experienced and expeirenced all over again. So I am not going to spoil too much of anything plot wise. Just read this book.This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Curioddity is a fantasy novel by Paul Jenkins. I had a lot of fun with this book. Don't get me wrong, this book is downright weird at times, but it was a lot of fun to read. The main character Will, is a detective that never really gets to do much detective work. He finds himself at the Curioddity Museum, and lands himself the job of trying to save the museum. The Curioddity museum reminded me a bit of warehouse 13 (sci-fi tv show, which is awesome), but the writing and the zany situations and characters reminded me much more of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I think fans of that book will really enjoy Curioddity.

I would love to wander the halls of the Curioddity museum. There are a mixture of crazy contraptions (that make for some pretty hilarious scenes) some other world-y things, like Levity (the opposite of gravity) and some cool historic relics that have magical properties (this is what reminded me of warehouse 13- if you like that idea, you need to watch that show! It's on netflix).

Curioddity is a book that certainly has it's slower moments, but I think that is mostly because Paul Jenkins really focuses on character development. You get to know who Will is. Who he really is. you get to see his inner struggles and see why his job wears on him. I enjoyed getting to know him as a character, and I think Paul Jenkins has done a great job creating someone who can star in tons of sequels and series. Will is a great guy to follow from book to book. I hope that is what happens with Curioddity.

Bottom line: if you like zany books, with strong character development, lots of funny scenes and more than a few weird- off the wall moments, Curioddity is a book that you will enjoy. I certainly didn't know what to make of it a lot of the time. it kept me on my toes, and I think that was my favorite part. Fans of The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy will really enjoy detective Will Morgan and the curioddity museum.






This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Looking for Trouble is the first in a new adult contemporary romance series, called Nashville U, by Stacey Mosteller. This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by author Stacey Mosteller. I really enjoyed Looking for Trouble. it is what I would consider a classic new adult tale of falling for the wrong brother, but with a twist. Stacey kind of takes the idea and spins it on its' head, making it feel fresh. I really enjoyed it. even though I knew which brother was going to be the love interest, I expected the book to take a few different twists and turns, and I was pleasantly surprised when they didn't happen.

Looking for Trouble is told in dual narrative between Kat and Clay. Kat has had a crush on her best friend, Max for as long as she can remember. Max just happens to be Clay's brother- who is a huge pain in Kat's side. You know where this is going. Except...maybe you don't. I loved that Stacey took such a classic storyline, and made it her own. I can't wait to read more of this series and more by this author. I am not sure who the next book is going to be about, but I have a feeling it is going to be about a new couple.

Clay is the stereotypical player with a soft side. Even though him and Kat are always butting heads, Clay isn't a total jerk to her. Sure, sometimes he says jerky things, but honestly. he really does seem to take into consideration for her feelings. Which is more than I can say about his brother- her supposed best friend. In fact, my only gripe about Looking for Trouble is that we didn't get a good enough picture of the friendship between Kat and Max. I wanted to see why they were so close, but a majority of the story was spent on Clay and Kat instead. Not that I am complaining about that, because they are pretty explosive together. And I absolutely loved that this was a slow burn romance. It wasn't some hot and heavy right off the bat thing where the characters regret afterwards. They slowly worm their way deeper and deeper into the life of the other, until they are en grained. That is my favorite kind of romance.

Bottom line: If you are a fan of new adult stories featuring falling for the wrong guy, I think Looking for Trouble is a really great series for you to start. It felt similar to other stories, but it is very well done and Stacey Mosteller has managed to put her own twist on the story. This is a series I am looking forward to continuing. Be sure to grab a copy when it releases on September 20th.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Under a Million Stars is a young adult contemporary standalone novel by author Rita Branches. Last year, I read and absolutely loved Painting Sky by this author, so I knew that I had to grab Under a Million Stars as well. While, I didn't love this book quite as much as I loved Painting Sky (it was a very different tone), I did really, really enjoy this story. It will make you an emotional wreck, so be prepared for that. The story starts out with Charlotte finding out her parents and her brother have all just been killed in a car accident while they were on their way to watch her play in a piano recital. Talk about some harsh grieving. Charlotte really goes through an emotional ringer, and Rita is such a strong and descriptive writer that she brings the readers right through that emotional wringer with Charlotte (and Jacob)

Under a Million Stars is told in dual narrative between Jacob and Charlotte. They used to be best friends, and their parents are actually Charlotte's godparents and guardians under her parents will. (side note: Yay for Rita getting the terminology correct for this part!) Jacob and Charlotte don't speak anymore because of a strange falling out they had years ago. You know pretty early on that Jacob is holding on to some important information regarding that but it is all very hush hush for a while. And no, I am not going to ruin anything.

Under a Million Stars is a story that is about so many things. It is just as much about Jacob as it is about Charlotte and everything she is going through. These two will make you smile just as much as they make you cry. They are wonderfully complex characters that still stay true to their age. Under a Million Stars is a fantastic example of deep, complicated and multi faceted young adult fiction done right. I really enjoyed this book. And it has further cemented author Rita Branches in my mind as a strong writer that I want to read more of. While I would not consider Under a Million Stars to be a light, happy go lucky read by any stretch of the imagination, it is a beautiful read. But you might want to read this one with tissues near by. Or maybe I am just a big cry baby...which I will admit might be the case. Either way, Under a Million Stars really ripped my heart out of my chest at times.

Bottom line: If you are looking for a wonderfully detailed, emotional read with multi dimensional characters, Under a Million Stars is the book for you.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs