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Maybe this time is the second book in the Colorado Ice series by Jennifer Snow. The Colorado Ice series is an adult contemporary sports romance. This is the first book I read in this series, and while it can be read as a standalone and I had no problem following along, I do think this would be best enjoyed in order. Maybe this Time is a book that has elements outside of my comfort zone, but I am so so glad I decided to read it. I knew I would love the hockey player aspect of the story, but divorce and bitter divorcees are not really something I gravitate towards in my romances. Maybe that is rude of me, (which I don't mean it to be!) it is just not something I can really relate to and it brings a whole separate set of baggage that I don't really have the experience to connect with the characters. But I do love a sports romance and I love a sweet second chance romance so I wanted to give Maybe this Time a try. And it was a really good book.

Abby and Jackson go back to high school, and I am a sucker for a high school crush all grown up. Especially when they grow up to be hockey players. There is always an extra cute element when it is the guy that had the crush on the girl (is that weird? Am I the only one that feels that way?) This book pits the D-bag ex hockey player against the super sweet nice guy hockey player, and I couldn't have been more pleased that the nice guy won. I loved Jackson. And I loved how much of a sweetheart he is.

Maybe this Time is a super cute second chance romance that will have you itching to go to a hockey game and will have you smiling, I really liked this one.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
The Boyfriend Whisperer is a young adult contemporary romance by Linda Budzinski. I have never read any of Linda's previous books, but I will certainly be on the look out for her next one. The Boyfriend Whisperer was a super cute read that was an adorable Cyrano De Bergerac-esque match making romp I loved. I am a big sucker for a cute friends to more story, and I also have a soft spot in my heart for matching romances, so this one was a big win for me! The characters were all age appropriate and well developed, the romance was cute and the overall story was a blast. The Boyfriend Whisperer is one of the better young adult contemporaries I have read this year.

The Boyfriend Whisperer is told entirely from Lexi's point of view. Lexi is a 5 foot 9 inch basketball wizard in her high school. And because of this, she is friends with all of the guys on the basketball team, and she feels like all she will ever be seen as is one of the guys or the tall basketball girl. I thought this was an interesting take on feeling out of place in high school. I loved it. Lexi is a jock and is a darn good one at that, but she struggles with deciding what she wants to do in the future. I really enjoyed watching her struggle through this choice, which is complicated by the fact that she is hot recruit for college basketball. And then you have her secret identity.

I got a hoot and a half out of her recon for the Boyfriend Whisperer. I loved all the intel she gets on the guys, and I personally thought (that though a bit misguided) the hints and tips she gave the girls were impressive ideas. I bet they would help them catch the eye of their crush. I was pretty impressed. (yes, saw where this was going to ultimately blow up in her face, but I personally thought she did a great job.) I loved that she kept a secret identity but she had Abi as the public face of the company. It was really cute. And I really liked Lexi's friendship with Abi, though I often felt Abi got the short end of the stick. But she is a true friend. I would love to see a spin off with Abi's story!

Lexi has had a crush on her best friend Chris for forever, so imagine her dismay when a request to boyfriend whisper him comes across her business. Let the games begin. This book was so much fun. I loved that it wasn't simply a match making story. It was also about other issues high schoolers face. I loved that it was just in Lexi's point of view, because I felt like I really got to know her. The Boyfriend Whisperer was a very quick read, but by the time I was finished reading, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters yet. I wanted to see more of Lexi, Christ and Abi. Not to mention all of her basketball friends. I would love to see another book done in this world. I loved The Boyfriend Whisperer, and if you like cute YA friends to more romances, I think you will enjoy this one too.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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A Promise Made is the second book in the Promise series by Anissa Garcia. The Promise series are adult contemporary romances. I never had the chance to read A Promise Kept, book one in the series, but I had no problem following along with Josh's story. I thought it was a cute romance. A little heavy on the cheese, but cute nonetheless. I think lovers of romantic romances will enjoy this one.

I have to say I ended up liking Jose wayy more than I liked Marla. In fact, I found Marla to be a little annoying, which is why I didn't love this book as much as I wanted to. I felt like Jose was so nice to Marla every step of the way, and all she did was fight him, regardless of everything he was doing for her and to woo her. It didn't bug me at first, but after a while, I just wanted to tell her to snap out of it and start being nicer to him! Because Josh was a total sweetheart. I liked how persistent he was, but I wished he didn't have to be. I felt bad for him after a while. But he hung in there, and no matter what Marla threw at him, he seemed to take it all in stride. And he certainly never gave up. I admired that about him.

In the end, I liked the story of A Promise Made. I loved Josh and I loved the plot and writing. I tolerated Marla. She brought my love of the book down a notch or two. But if you are looking for a quick read that is well done and very romantic, check out A Promise Made. Read the excerpt below and see if this book will be for you. :)

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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My Junior Year of Loathing is the second book in the young adult School Dayz series by Jennifer DiGiovanni. Each of the books can be read as standalones. They each focus on a different couple, and as you can tell from the titles, this book focuses on a younger couple than the one in My Senior Year of Awesome. I feel confident that you can pick up this book and not be missing anything if you had not yet read the first book. However; the first book in the series was pretty cute, so I would still recommend you check that one out as well.

I really liked both the couple and the concept of My Junior Year of Loathing. Melinda and Conner are a n interesting couple. Melinda is your typical straight laced type A personality student. She needs her resume to be s padded as possible and all of the stress of school makes her a bit tightly wound. Conner couldn't be more different, but not in the way you might think. Conner is super mysterious. He kind of just shows up and disappears in the story at various points. At first, I found this to be super strange but as the mystery aspect of the story unfolds, which takes a bit of time by the way to pick up speed, it all went together.

Which brings me to what I really liked about My Junior Year of Loathing. I loved that it was so very different than the first book in the series. This one is a bit of romance and a bit of mystery all mashed together. I loved it. It is a quick read that turned out to be something totally different than I was expecting. And that is always a pleasant surprise.

Bottom line: My Junior Year of Loathing is a quick read with a nice little mystery, and some romance, woven in. Read it whether you have read My Senior Year of Awesome or not. I think it is worth a read. The School Dayz series is turning out to be a complete surprise. I have no idea what the next book will bring, but I do know one thing- I can't wait to find out.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**YA ReviewMy Thoughts"Long before she was the terror of Wonderland, she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love." I mean COME ON! How amazing does that sound? Heartless by Marissa Meyer is a standalone young adult fantasy. It is the story of the Queen of Hearts long before she was the Queen of Hearts. It acts a prequel to the Alice in Wonderland stories and it was one of my most anticipated reads of 2016. For a number of reasons. I absolutely love retellings, re-imaginings and stories about villainous characters. Not to mention Wonderland is one of my favorite story book lands of all time. So this one was a no brainer for me. And if you can believe it, this is my first Marissa Meyer book. (I know, I know! I have the Lunar Chronicles sitting on my shelf but I have yet to read them. Be sure to tell me how crazy I am in the comments below. :p) So with all of that perfect sounding hype, I was a little scared to pick up Heartless. I mean it sounds perfect, but...what if I don't love it as much as I was expecting. So, I put off reading it for a little while. But, I couldn't put it off forever. every day when I went into my library to pick out my next read, it was staring at me from my bookshelf, telling me that I would rather be reading Heartless. And eventually I caved. And I have to say...it was EVEN BETTER THAN i WAS EXPECTING! Heartless has everything I love in a book- it has amazing characters, it has romance, and it has wonderland! I loved this book so much!

Heartless tells the story of a long Cath- who loves to bake. (it's how she wins the heart of the King of wonderland- and no that isn't a spoiler, you can tell that just from the first chapter.) I loved seeing Cath so passionate about baking, and watching her thoughts wander to baked goods and new ideas when she is talking to someone else was so endearing to me. Like when she was thinking about creating salted caramels at the ball. While I was reading and getting to know the young Cath I couldn't help but stop and wonder how on earth she turns into the ruthless Queen. And that is what made Heartless so magical and wonderful. Marissa Meyer stays true to the wonderland flair in her story and with her characters but she also is so gifted with her character development that Cath turns into a completely different person in your mind. This book has made me want to go straight home and binge read all of Marissa's other books.

There is a great romance in Heartless as well. As soon as I was introduced to the Joker, I was itching for the romance to develop. This is a really hard romance because I knew it was (most likely- see I am still unwilling to accept it!) be doomed from the start because I know how the Queen of Hearts story ends, but it didn't stop me from falling completely in love with Jest. Marissa Meyer has such a way with her characters. you can't help but love them. I wanted Cath so badly to open up her bakery and run away with Jest, even though I know this is a prequel to the wonderland tales. It didn't matter, I couldn't let them go.

bottom line: Heartless is an incredible standalone book. I know people will be comparing this to Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles and I have no idea whether they think it is better or not. Since this is the first book I have read from her, I can't compare them, but I will say this. Heartless is a magical read that will have you thinking about The Queen of Hearts in a different light. I think this is a perfect origin story for this famous villain of Wonderland. I loved it so much. I have an exclusive cover edition coming to me and I can't wait to buy every cover out there for this story. It is one of my favorites of 2016!

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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

Note: I will try my best, but there will probably be some spoilers from the first two books. If you are new to the series, check out my review of The Collectors' Society HERE and my review of the Hidden Library HERE and my review of The Forgotten Mountain HERE. These books need to be read in order.
The Lost Codex is the fourth and final book in the New Adult Fantasy Series, The Collectors' Society. I was so freakin' scared to pick up this book because I have loved loved LOVED the first three books so much. I didn't want the series to end. But fear not Collectors' Society fans- The Lost Codex is the perfect ending. I don't know why I am surprised because all of Heather Lyons' books are pure perfection. I have loved everything about this series, starting with the covers. They are some of my favorite covers for any series. Which is fitting because The Collectors' Society is ONE OF MY FAVORITE SERIES OF ALL TIME. There I said. Favorite of all time. I can't remember a series where every single book has gotten a full 5/5 stars from me. But truth be told, the books in the Collectors' Society deserve more than 5 stars each. This is such an amazing series, and Heather Lyons really ripped my heart out with the Forgotten Mountain, and now again with The Lost Codex.

As is the case with all of the books, The Lost Codex picks up right where the Forgotten Mountain left off. This book is action packed, but even so Heather Lyons's does an incredible job making this very character driven. I loved getting to see Alice and Finn and all of my favorites again. But be warned, not everything is bright and shiny and happy all the time in these books. Loyalties will be tested and there are certainly some cry worthy moments. heather knows how to tug on my heartstrings. But through everything, I really do love Alice. She is so strong and loyal and sharp. I love her ability to see through everything and read people so well.

The real magic of these books is Heather Lyons' writing and her way with words. Every time I see her talk about someone from wonderland, I feel like I am reading Lewis Carroll himself. She has captured the essence of the books in her timelines so well, all the while putting her own crazy spin on them. Heather Lyons continues to surprise and delight me with her masterful writing and story telling. I am so in awe of Heather and her writing. I read The Lost Codex and the entire Collector's Society series really, with wide eyes and dropped jaw, bouncing on the edge of my seat the whole time. The characters all hold a place in my heart, some I hate, some I love, and some totally creep me out, but everyone in this very large cast of characters are so distinct that they stay with me long after I put this book down.

Heather is the best at weaving different characters, clues, and minor plot points that come into play later. I just love reading her books, even when she does things that make me want to cry. Her writing is so exciting and emotional. I want to live inside this series. I just love it so much. Everyone needs to read these books. If you are looking for a fantasy series, an action series, a series for lovers of classic literature, a romance, or just a series that is original and so well done- you are looking at the Collectors' Society Series! It is all of those things and so much more. The ending of this book completely wrecked me. I need the next book now. I cannot say it enough, this is one of my all time favorite series. Read this series! If you haven't you are doing yourself a disservice. I can't wait to re-read this series time and time again. Now I need to get all the books for my bookshelves.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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

All the Ways you Saved Me is the first book in the new adult contemporary romance series, Love Unplugged by author Jamie Howard. I have not read too many books by the Swerve line from St. Martin's Press, but I have to say All the Ways you Saved me was a very good read. It was just the right amount of emotional and romantic. but still realistic. I very much enjoyed it. I am a sucker for a bucket list/to-do list type book, and when you add in wonderfully rich and fleshed out characters, I knew I was in for a treat.

The best part about All the Ways you Saved Me are the characters. Bianca and Ian are so lifelike, so realistic you will swear you actually know them in real life. They became my friends. Another thing I really liked about All the Ways you Saved Me was the premise. I have read lots of bucket list type stories, but this one is unique because it is not a bucket list Bianca has created to break herself out of her rut, but rather a bucket list she found from her friend who tragically died. Bianca then sets out to complete the list in honor of her friend. I thought that was a beautiful idea. It was very much a touching and moving journey.

I loved Bianca and Ian. So much. There is so much raw emotion packed into this story, you just have to hold on tight and enjoy the ride. It is one heck of a ride. I read a lot of books, so it is always an unexpected treat when a book moves me and affects me as much as All the Ways you Saved Me did. I really loved it. I can't wait for more people to read All the Ways you Saved Me so we can gush and chat about the characters. I think you will become fast friends with them.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Spindle by Shonna Slyaton is a young adult fairy tale retelling of Sleeping Beauty. I knew I had to read Spindle because I love retellings, because Sleeping Beauty is one disney classic that I never watched too much and because the cover is bea-u-ti-ful! I mean, seriously it is so pretty! I loved Spindle. I thought it was well executed, had a great flair for the classic story, but Shonna Slayton still made it her own.

Spindle is the story of Briar Rose, a young girl trying to work for a better life for her siblings. I really loved Rose. I thought her work ethic was admirable and I loved her dedication to her brothers and sister. But no story is complete without a prince. In this case, her best friend Henry Prince. Which I thought was a cute twist. His family is hiding a big secret, which totally intriged me. I had my guesses from the beginning but I would be lying if I said I easily had this one completely figured out. Shonna Slyaton does some really cool things with the twists and secrets in Spindle.

The only thing that annoyed me about Briar Rose was her continued fascination with Wheeler. I thought he was a jerk, but she couldn't seem to get him out of her head. But other than that, and a few slow points in the story, I really really enjoyed this tale. I thought it was a lot of fun. I think fans of retellings will love Spindle. I do wish there was a little more romance. It builds throughout the story but it is loaded heavier on the back end of the book.

The industrial revolution time period is the perfect setting for Spindle. In fact, I think that was my favorite story telling decision. It set the mood of desperation perfectly. Spindle is a retelling take you don't want to miss. I can't wait for more from Shonna Slayton.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Hold My Breath is a true standalone, New adult contemporary romance by Ginger Scott. And boy does this novel pack a punch. I was not expecting it to be as deeply emotional as it was. The story tugged on my heartstrings right from the very start and honestly it didn't let go until the end. Will and Maddy's story had my heart in a vice grip long after it was done. And that was what I liked most about this story. If you like heart-wrenching reads with a beautiful romance, you should check out Hold My Breath. This one surprised me.

Hold my Breath is told in dual narrative between the main characters, Will and Maddy. They have a shared history between their two swimming families. Maddy used to date Will's brother Evan until a tragic event happens that affected his whole family, leaving will to try and pick up the pieces all by himself. This story deals with the aftermath of that event and also how Will and Maddy move forward, together. I loved this story, and I don't want to say too much else that might spoil it for the readers because their journey will affect you on a very deep personal level. At least, it did for me.

I didn't really know how I was going to like Will or Maddy at the start of the story. Will is very troubled and I didn't know how he would manifest all the guilt and weight he was shouldered, and Maddy was hard to get a good read on as well. She is a runner for sure. However, as the story unfolded, I was pleasantly surprised at each of their character development. Ginger Scott does an excellent job telling both Maddy and Will's story. The writing in Hold My Breath is beautiful. I really enjoyed this book, and I think it would be perfect for fans of standalone romance novels that do not shy away from the tough emotions. This is not a light and fluffy read by any stretch of the imagination. Readers that like books dealing with tough issues, stories that will really tug on your heartstrings and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride, will love Hold Your Breath. It is quite the journey.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Everything For Her is the first book in the adult romance, For Her series by Alexa Riley. Alexa Riley is a romance author duo that I am completely loving! Everything for Her is perfect for fans of swoony romances with a side of tasteful cheese. If you are not a fan of overly romantic and a bit cheesy romances, you might find Everything for Her a bit too sweet. I didn't. I really enjoyed this book. I thought Oz was swoony in all the right ways. I can't wait to see what Alexa Riley has in store for us next.

Everything for Her is told in dual narrative between Oz and Mallory. It is really interesting because right off the bat Oz is quite taken with Mallory. Some might even say he is obsessed with her. And I have to say, he wears obsession well. Very well. (which is not something I would say about most people.) There is a case of Insta-love in Everything for Her but I think Oz more than makes up for it. I love his intensity when it comes to Mallory. And their chemistry together is pretty darn up there on the sizzle chart. This was a real feel good read for me. It had everything I was looking for in a romance. It was light, it was swoony, it had an excellent book boyfriend (that I want to see so much more of!), and the romance was off the charts fantastic! What more could you ask for?

I have never read an Alexa Riley book, but I did recently find out that they normally write shorter books, that often feature insta-love. Quick instant gratification reads, if you will. I haven't read any of their one shot novellas, but I do have to say, I am BIG fan of their full length novels. I prefer my romances to be full length because if I like the characters I don't want to say goodbye to them. And I really loved Oz and Mallory. I am still not read to say goodbye. I sure hope Alexa Riley writes more full length novels in the For Her series. Bring it on please!

Bottom line: if you are like me and tend to shy away from romance novellas, you might not have had the pleasure of experiencing an Alexa Riley story. Everything for Her is the perfect book for you to start out on. Oz is so delicious and his romance with Mallory is on point! I enjoyed this story. It is perfect for fans who love a feel good sexy romance, and don't mind a little cheese and insta- love. However; if either of those things do bother you, I might hold off on this story. But if you are on the fence, read it! I really loved Everything for Her.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs