Review: Hart Broken by Annie Arcane

Book details can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31358357-hart-broken 

*E-book is received from the author for free in exchange for an honest review*

My Rating: ❤❤❤❤ (4 hearts)

Hart Broken is interestingly unusual and have the right dose of swoon-worthy moments, angst and slapstick humor. 

Mickey Hart met the gorgeous, successful and paraplegic Cale Windermere on a rather unexpected situation but later on she mistakenly thought that he is a criminal and have to fight her attraction towards him. After the misunderstanding has been cleared, they becomes more attracted to each other and feelings deepen. However both have their own demon that they have to fight and they have to built the trust between them to have a shot of their own happiness together.

❣ My Opinion ❣

I think Hart Broken is really a unique story because we usually have the perfect ten hero and although Cale is almost perfect he is also paraplegic and that just makes him human because we human are simply imperfect. And I love how even though Cale is a paraplegic, he is also handsome, sexy, and smart which totally makes me swooning. Furthermore, Mickey is an interesting character as heroine too because she can be funny, outrageous but at the same time she also have this added layer in her character that makes her kind of broken and I'm intrigued and fascinated by her. On a slightly different note, I know I'm usually fixed on reading stories with HEA (Happily Ever After) and although this book doesn't really have a HEA but it have HFN (Happy For Now) so I'm pretty okay with how the story ended in this book.

(or in other words, Things that I love about the book)

1) I especially love how independent and strong-willed Cale is because I think it is admirable that he do all the stuffs himself that any other normal paraplegic will have others to assist them. 

2) The part where Mickey mistakenly thought Cale is a serial killer is hilarious! It is really funny when Mickey had the scares of her life when she thought Cale is a dangerous criminal although in actuality he is definitely not. 

3) Shirtless Cale! Oh my gosh. Absolutely, totally and definitely dreamy. *Sigh*

(or in other words, Things that I can live without from the book)

1) The boyfriend and girlfriend declaration. Or the lack thereof. I mean, I understand that in reality we don't usually have to declared ourselves as boyfriend and girlfriend in relationship but in Cale and Mickey case, it would be nice to know at least there is a sort of discussion about that or anything so that I could comprehend how they moved from being not in a relationship to bf/gf's phase.

2) The part where Mickey called Cale 'cripple'. I totally understand that she didn't mean it and it was like the words we normally say when we are in anger or frustration but we actually didn't mean it. Even if I know that, when Mickey said it, I couldn't help but gasp in disbelief. And I get that she apologize to Cale but it didn't feel enough because maybe I wish she apologize harder and explained thoroughly why she said that.

All in all, I think Hart Broken is a really good story and if you're a fan of unique, sexy and angsty romance then this one is for you. 

So I guess that's all for now. Till next time sweethearts!

Yours truly,

Abby❤

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Review: This Love by Lea Darragh

Book Title: This Love 

Author: Lea Darragh 

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Women's Fiction 

Release Date: September 15, 2016 

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Forgiveness can be hard—even when it’s the only way to save your life.

When Emmy’s fiancé, Ethan, is killed by a speeding driver on the way to their wedding, she is devastated beyond words. Numb and confused, she withdraws from the world.

Eighteen months later, Emmy has settled herself into the coastal town of Cobbler’s Cove. With satisfying work in a new restaurant, a quiet home by the sea, and friends who pick her up when grief comes back to haunt her, she’s finally daring to dream of a bright future.

That is, until she meets Jack Archer—a worldly chef who draws people to the restaurant. Emmy and Jack have mutual friends and a common goal, but their history could tear them both apart.

When Emmy finds herself falling for Jack, she begins to question her love for Ethan. She’s tortured by the past and scared of the future. Does she have the strength to forgive and move on?

Lea Darragh is a married mother of three who has lived in the Gippsland area for her entire life, blessed with family and friends who during cold and stormy nights introduced her to the breathtaking world of fiction, of romance and of the uplifting sense of pleasure left only by a great book. She began to write…and hasn’t looked back.

*ARC is received from Book Enthusiast Promotions for free in exchange for an honest review*
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤( 4 forgiving hearts)

This Love is heartbreaking, angsty, and intensely hot. It is a story about forgiving and being forgiven to fully fall in love.

I think the story have a unique plot in the way it brings the villain-to-hero arc to Jack's character although I didn't really think he is a villain at first. I mean I know he is generally a good person and him being a villain was an accident but it happened and I've found myself rooting for him to forgive himself even after Emmy has forgive him.

I am also drawn to Emmy and Jack's love story as I love how they have this same wavelength that only they know how each other is badly grieving and how desperately they search for something to move beyond that phase. It is so beautiful how they found each other in the midst of all that.

(or in other words, Things that I love about the book)

1. I love how despite everything that happened to Emmy in the past with Jack, she still could find it in her to forgive him and helps him to finally let the past go.  It think it is an interesting healing process and it is really believable.

2. That scene at the bed and breakfast is brilliantly written. I like how Jake and Emmy talked about what happened in the past and then really have to struggle their affection towards each other. I love how their their romance were not being forced at that moment and it is also when I can see the glimpse that they could be great together.

3. That first kiss at Emmy's cottage after Adam has left and Jake suddenly came back to her. I was glad that we readers have to wait for awhile for their first kiss but the anticipation is one of the many things that I've enjoyed. 

(or in other words, Things that I can live without from the book)

Adam! I know every story perhaps need an antagonist but he really infuriates me. I don't know really know if he really is attracted to Emmy or he feels like he have to honor his late brother either way he makes me cringe every single time when he shows his interest to be with her. And I understand his anger towards Jake but it feels too much but then, I'm glad towards the end he (seems to) finally came to his senses. 

Overall I think This Love have a good premise and the book managed to deliver it well. This book is totally suitable to the romance lover who love angsty love story and wants to skewed away from the sweet and fluffy romance.

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Review: Just One Week by Alice Gaines

Book cover and media kit received from Tasty Book Tours

Just One Week by Alice Gaines

Release Date: September 12, 2016

About the Book:

“Alice Gaines will tantalize your romance taste buds with a book you can’t put down until the very last page.” NYT bestselling author Jasmine Haynes

Her brother’s best friend is not only the hottest man Michelle Dennis has ever seen, he’s the one man she hopes to avoid after leaving town eight years ago. Of course he’s the one waiting at the airport. Worse, he made sure they’re staying in the same house.

Pro football player Alex Stafford is expecting to pick up his friend’s kid sister, not a full-fledged bombshell. He was planning to apologize for their past, but the feelings he had years ago come roaring back…and this time, there’s no denying them.

Keeping his hands off is a test he’s bound to fail—especially when they’re stuck in close quarters. But falling in love with Michelle, living in her world, isn’t an option for a guy like him. And remembering that will save them both a lot of heartache…

Links:  Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Goodreads

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Just-One-Week-Alice-Gaines-ebook/dp/B01KTEH68K

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-one-week-alice-gaines/1124434176?ean=9781633757233

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/just-one-week/id1146814339

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/just-one-week-1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30356812-just-one-week

Author bio:

Alice Gaines loves her romance hot. She’s been writing since forever and has no plans to give it up.

Alice lives in the San Francisco Bay Area in a fixer-upper she never fixed up. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her knitting, crocheting, cooking, or vegetable gardening. Her main companions are her pet corn snake, Casper, and a collection of neglected orchids.

She loves to hear from readers at authoralicegaines@gmail.com. You can join her newsletter at http://alicegaines.blogspot.com/. She periodically gives out her handmade items to people on her mailing list.

Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter

Author Website: http://alicegaines.blogspot.com

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/AliceGaines

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alice-Gaines-Romance-Author-141294779233454

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/212024.Alice_Gaines

Newsletter: http://alicegaines.blogspot.com

❣ My Opinion ❣

*ARC is obtained through NetGalley from Tasty Book Tours in exchange for a honest review* 

My Rating: ❤❤❤❤  (4 hearts!)

Just One Week is a cute love story, pretty steamy and very engaging. Simply put, it is a story where the heroine is a beautiful PhD holder that is on her way to be a lecturer at a prestige university and the hero is her brother's best friend who is also her childhood friend and he can be described as a hot linebacker of a pro football team.

I love the story because as I've mentioned in my previous reviews I'm fond a story where the lead characters know each other for a long time. Even though Alex and Michelle had separated for eight years I still feel there have a special bond between them albeit the incident that causes the separation. I am also liking the whole theme where the hunky famous sportsman meets the super smart girl. It is an interesting pair and with them growing up together, things just got more interesting. 

(or in other words, Things that I love about the book)

1. It is really nice that the author makes Alex have dyslexia when he is suppose to be the invincible football player. I think that certainly gives Alex an added layer to his character instead of the usual famous sport celebrity with cocky attitude and overly confident.
2. Alex's mother is a relentless matchmaker and I am kind of in love with her. It's amusing that she have the decency to pretend that she didn't do anything to match Alex and Michelle when she obviously did.
3. I found it interesting that it is portrayed how Michelle got to seduced Alex because it is usually the hero who is seducing the heroine. It is a refreshing change that I dig.

(or in other words, Things that I can live without from the book)

1. Alex apparently realized he loves Michelle while in the midst of having sex with her for the very first time. I probably can fathom that after they are close again since they have been separated for eight freaking years!
2. It is a bit infuriating at Alex's mum and dad anniversary when Alex just leave the conversations when he feels intimidates with other people who seems 'smarter' than him. I mean I get that he have trouble reading and is insecure about it but I just wish instead of leaving from the conversations maybe he could charmed others with his charming personality.

As a whole, I've truly enjoyed reading Just One Week and although I heart this story, there were also some moments that I dislike but I have lots of love for the book so that's why I gave it 4 hearts. I would surely recommend this to fellow contemporary romance lover that want their HEA and doesn't mind the sport and childhood friends' themes.

So that's all my review for this time around. See you at the next post!

Yours truly, 

Abby❤

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Review: Play Calling by Kate Donovan

Book details can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31806749-play-calling

*ARC is obtained through NetGalley from Beyond the Page Publishing in exchange for a honest review* 
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤  (4 Zombie hearts!)

Play Calling is a sexy read, enjoyable and pretty entertaining! Hunky head football coach meets gorgeous author-slash-sociologist? Refreshingly interesting!

The story is basically about Daniel Riga/Coach Riga/Daniel/Dan, the head coach of Portland Lancers who was suddenly caught in media frenzy when Noelle Sharpe, an author and sociologist, called him zombie in a newspaper column. Feeling guilty, Noelle went out of her way to remedy the situation and although some turns out great, some becomes a complete nightmare for her. Interestingly, Daniel and Noelle hit it off during their first time encounter with each other and later on agreed to date during the off-season which is few months away. Daniel and Noelle then struggle to stick to the plan as they started to developed feeling towards other and wish they can date during the football season. But Daniel has to focus all his attention to football and Noelle is busy with her column and book tour so they must decide which way to choose to have their own HEA. 

❣ My Opinion ❣

I think this book is very refreshing because although I've reads lot of stories with the hero as superstar sports player, I've never read one about a coach let alone the head coach and Daniel Riga makes a very interesting (and delighting) head coach. I was intrigued by the set up that link Daniel and Noelle together and I was kind of in the mood for the hero and heroine that start off as stranger at first so Play Calling comes to me at a perfect time.

(or in other words, Things that I love about the book)

1. The idea that relates Daniel to zombie. It is brilliant and funny at the same time to say he is like a zombie because he gives his 100% focus to just one thing which is football. 
2. Noelle's love for football especially toward Lancers. It's pretty cool that she has a very good understanding about the sport. 
3. That first time Dan send Noelle a flower as surprise AND secretly watch her receive it from the delivery guy. That's really sweet and the message on the flower is sweeter! *Swoon*

To the prettiest girl I'm not dating until February. Here or anywhere else. ~Dan

(or in other words, Things that I can live without from the book)

1. The fact that Daniel and Noelle have sex on their very first encounter. It feels a bit weird that Noelle meets him to apologize for the zombie incident, then asking him a favor and then boom they are having sex. It just doesn't bode well with me and I don't know why, maybe I need more chemistry at that particular scene.
2. Noelle is being way too kind. I get that she is selfless and a very good-natured person but that interview with Hutch and helping Farrow with articles and questions? I was feeling quite frustrated that she doesn't just tell them off. But then the Hutch's incident gives a wonderful result and Farrow gets a satisfying end so I'm good.

As a whole, I think Play Calling is a pretty good book and although it is a part of a series, it can also be read as a standalone. However, it is better to read the previous book because there are lots of interesting supporting characters. I would recommend this book to football lovers that wants some romance with HEA.

That's all for today. Till later, sweethearts.

Yours truly,

Abby❤
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Review: PLAY by Piper Lawson

Cover from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30094632-play

*ARC is obtained through NetGalley from Victory Editing*

My Rating: ❤❤❤❤  (4 Real Fantasy hearts!)

Sexy, badass game developer meets sophisticated finance associate? Totally and utterly brilliant! PLAY is a very delightful New Adult romance.

Max Donovan is not your typical game developer kind of guy. With the eyebrow's piercing, he is obscenely hot and looks intimidating but, he is also a genius. He hires Payton Blake, a financial associate to help him with the loan that his company needs to make an entirely new game's platform and a brand new game. Payton and Max then becomes romantically attracted towards each other and they have to tackle the trust issues between them to move forward.

(or in other words, Things that I love about the book)

1. Those sweet (not so) little things that Max did for Payton like giving desk as a gift and making personal message inside a game. It's pretty romantic and makes me feels all mushy inside.
2. Payton's determination to get an update from Max initially. The length that she was willing to go through just for that is pretty impressive and quite amusing.
3. Payton's outrageous mother and best friend.  They were funny and Charlie's antics especially were definitely among the highest order of hilarity.

(or in other words, Things that I can live without from the book)

I actually don't have much that I specifically dislikes in this book except for maybe this one thing:

1. The jerk-vibe that I felt at the beginning when Max didn't pay for drinks. He totally wins me back after that but I just can't help from feeling that at that particular scene.

All things considered, I would absolutely recommends this book to contemporary romance lovers who enjoy games, finance and steamy, 'smoking hot' scenes. On a different note, I hope there is a story for Charlie in future because she is simply phenomenal and hilarious.

And on a totally unrelated note, am I the only one who noticed the guy in the book cover is a ridiculously good-looking guy? Who is that guy really? I might have to stalk him on his Social Media just to imagine what he looks like with eyebrow's piercing ;P.

Anyway, that's all for today. Hope you will enjoy reading Play as much as I do.

Till next time sweethearts.

Yours truly,

Abby❤ 

Review: 12 Steps to Mr. Right by Cindi Madsen

Cover from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31428210-12-steps-to-mr-right

*ARC is obtained through NetGalley from Entangled Publishing, LLC*

My Rating: ❤❤❤❤  (4 hearts)

I decided to give it 4 hearts because it is so captivating and I feel like as if I've been transported to a La La Land where I am living a life like Savannah and felt in love to a guy like Lincoln. However dreamy that was, I can't help but also feels there were little bit of some tiny stuffs that I can live without.

Savannah Gamble is a successful dating consultant and confidently teach women on how to find the right guy. She reconnects as friends (initially) with Lincoln Wells despite how he left her heartbroken few years back. Lincoln (or Linc) was a baseball player in minor league but due to a critical injury, he quit the profession and then works part time as a bartender and coach for high school kids at a summer baseball camp. I would like to think of it as friends-turn-lovers kind of story as I love how comfortable they are towards each other as friends and how sweet they are as lovers.

12 Steps to Mr. Right had mostly captured my heart and it makes me always curious on what is going to happen next to Linc and Savannah. It makes my heart flutters a lot for good reason and it also does one or twice gave me a (very) minor heart attack. But it's okay because I can still feel an abundance of love for this book.

(or in other words, Things that I love about the book)

Frankly speaking, there are a lot of things that I love about it but, it would be a super long list to write them all so here a few of my favorites:

1. Linc and Savannah doing crossword puzzles together. I mean, I have never imagined in my life how that activity could be sweet but they make it feel so sweet! *Swoon*
2. Linc teasing the way Savannah seems to blurt out motivational quotes out of sudden without warning. I personally think that particular trait of Savannah is cute but Linc teasing her for that is pretty cute too. *Sigh, swoon again*
3. How observant Savannah is when detecting Red Flags in a guy (or at least for her clients). It's like she has a superpower detecting ability and she makes it look so cool!
4. The normal banter between Linc and Savannah because I've found myself often chuckling or swooning when reading their lines.

(or in other words, Things that I can live without from the book)

1. The lengthy monologues that Savannah seems to always have. I actually love some of them though because they can be so funny but whenever I feel it kind of being drag, I skip through it.
2. Supporting stories are great and all and I understand their importance but I just wish there were less stories of Annabeth, Amy Lynn, Abigail and maybe Aunt Velma too.

With that all being said, I am totally and definitely recommending this book to fellow contemporary romance readers especially for those who love friends-turn-lovers theme and doesn't mind reading a tad bit lengthy book. However, if you're looking for romance story that have hot-steamy scenes, I'm afraid this one might not be your cup of tea. So choose wisely. Sweet book leads to sweet escapes.

Yours truly,

Abby❤