I think Bright Side is a flawless book, so even though I was curious about what happens next with Gus, I was hesitant to read this continuation of the story. I mean, how does an author successfully follow up an emotional five-star read? I have no idea, but Kim Holden makes it look easy with Gus.
Where is that sixth star when you need it? I knew full well going in that Bright Side would be a tear-jerker and might break my heart, but you know what? I don’t regret a single page. Above all, this is a stirring, feel-good story, and I was surprised by how much I laughed and smiled throughout.
Midnight Lily started out as a really strong 4.5 star read for me. I loved Holden’s struggle, the mystery surrounding Lily, and the way her love gave him the motivation to heal. Somewhere around the 70% mark though, the story seems to lose its way.
This is such a sweet story. It’s a different type of sports romance where the sport of hockey is integral to the plot, and yet not a single game is played.
I must be addicted to college sports romances because even though they tend to be somewhat formulaic, I can’t seem to get enough of them. There’s usually a hot shot, sexy athlete (typically a football or hockey player) who enjoys bonking a different co-ed each night and is allergic to commitment—that is until he meets a pretty girl who doesn’t date athletes. He wants to get in her pants, but she’s unimpressed by him. That challenge makes him want to win her over even more. She finally relents and he is transformed into a committed, love addicted man, and they both live happily ever after. The End.
Dear Penny Reid, We need to have a “Come to Jesus” talk. Don’t EVER make me fall in love with characters, get me fully engaged in their story, and then end a book abruptly—with a freaking cliffhanger no less—WHEN MY KINDLE SAYS I’M ONLY 85% INTO THE BOOK!! (Yes, shouty capitals and exclamation points are necessary.)
“Maybe love, at its essence, is being a mirror for another person—for the good parts and the bad. Perhaps love is simply finding that one person who sees you clearly, cares for you deeply, challenges you and supports you, and subsequently helps you see and be your true self.”
I’m not sure how Penny Reid did it, but she maintained the momentum in part two of the Elements of Chemistry series. In fact, she grabbed my attention from the first chapter, blew my mind, and I wound up loving it every bit as much as part one, Attraction.
I thought this would be an average New Adult opposites attract story, but it surpassed my expectations in every way. It’s extremely rare that I give five stars to a novella. That’s mainly because the short length doesn’t allow an author to sufficiently develop characters with whom I can connect. Novellas also tend to suffer from rushed or disjointed narratives. Such isn’t the case with Attraction: Elements of Chemistry #1.
I utterly, completely fell in love with this book, and now I have the worst book hangover! It hits the mark in so many areas: banter, sexy hero, laugh out loud humor, sexy hero, emotional storyline, sexy hero. The Score is all that and a bag of chips. This is the third book in the Off-Campus series and it’s right up there with The Deal, which made my Top Ten of 2015 list.
Say what you want about Colleen Hoover, her writing is exceptional. Her books always have extremely original plots that captivate me from the very first page. New Adult novels tend to be hit or miss with me, and despite some objections I really enjoyed this one.
One word to describe the Sweet Home series: emotional. The previous books revolve around tattooed bad boys and cocky NFL-bound football players – unexpected vehicles for delivering serious, moving messages. Tillie Cole has saved the sweetest hero for last.