Review ~ Be My Temptation (The Crawford Brothers Book 2) by Rachel Brookes

ebook received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
You met Josh Crawford and Ashlyn Hart in Be My December, now its time to read their story. 

One night connected them. 
One decision separated them. 
One craving tempted them. 

Ashlyn Hart was done with men, or at least those outside of her books. After stupidly falling for the charms of her cheating ex and having her heart broken yet again, she decided to create a new life. One that involved a career change, a new wardrobe, and the possibility of moving abroad. There was just one hurdle: the confident, stubborn and insanely-tempting Josh Crawford. 

Josh Crawford hid behind the cliché bachelor lifestyle and a never-ending parade of women. He knew the game and played it well, but the night he tasted perfection four years ago never left him. Back then, he made a spur of the moment decision, one that he has battled with ever since. But beneath the playboy façade was a yearning that wouldn’t disappear. A craving for the only woman who could bring him to his knees: Ashlyn Hart. 

Two weeks changes everything. 
One night unravels the deepest of desires. 
A simple taste unleashes memories that can’t be tamed. 

When the girl who dreams of a happily ever after collides with the guy who lives the ultimate cliffhanger, what ending awaits them? Will fear overshadow love? Will the past play hindrance to the future, or will temptation conquer it all?

My Opinion

This was a good follow up to Be My December and it was great to get inside Josh's head to see the reasons behind everything he did. I'm not sure which book was my favourite since they both have different qualities I liked, but it was definitely enjoyable.

Be My Temptation was an easy read to swoon at. Josh constantly says thing that made me 'aww' and as the book progressed his love became even stronger to witness. I liked watching him try to prove himself and I felt the chemistry between him and Ashlyn. Their romance was one of romance novels--Ashlyn likes to read and she gets a love straight from her books.

As for the plot, I enjoyed the majority of it. I did think the strand which included Lachlan could have been developed slightly more, but for the most part I thought it flowed well and moved at a good speed.


Overall I can't wait to meet this author next year and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to review these books. They're interesting and engaging reads.

4

Review ~ Be My December by Rachel Brookes

ebook received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
I knew the exact moment I’d become a ‘yes’ girl. 
December 16th, a cold winter’s night, four years ago. 
The night my innocence was stolen, the night I made the mistake of saying no—a mistake I’d never make again. 
The dream of a ‘happily ever after' was now a locked away myth. I promised myself that I’d never return to the place of my worst nightmare, that I’d never let anyone get close, but then again, I never thought I’d meet someone like him. 
The intense, confident and beautiful Ky Crawford.

I had no plans to become someone’s Prince Charming. 
I couldn’t be. I refused to be. My plan was simple—do whatever it takes to correct my biggest mistake, my one regret that now controlled my life. 
I was on track. I had plans, but then everything changed when I saw her—the girl in the red jacket, the girl who I was told couldn’t say no. 
The reserved yet stunning Eden Rivers.

A girl who can’t say no.
A guy who craves redemption.
A chance encounter?

It all comes down to this.
One question.
One month.

Be My December?

My Opinion

This is the first book I've read by this author. Since she will be at a signing I'm going to next year when I saw her offering review copies I couldn't resist.

Be My December was an interesting read. It started off strong and engaged me well. I could sympathise with Eden well and I felt for her because of her story. I thought she reacted in a believable manner. Similarly, I liked Ky and I understood his motives. He was a strong support system and I liked how he pushed Eden.


Although the story and what Ky was hiding was predictable, and some of the content dragged a bit at times, I still found Be My December an enjoyable read and I am excited to read Josh's story.

3.5

Mini Reviews ~ Books by Joss Stirling, J.L Perry, and Huntley Fitzpatrick

Bastard and Angel Dares were purchased myself. I received My Life Next Door in via NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review.

Because I purchased 2 of these book I read them purely for my enjoyment so I didn't want to write a long review for them. However, they were both enjoyable reads and I wanted to recommend them to you guys!

Bastard by J.L. Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read with interesting characters. I did like the early chapters more than the ending since I felt it lost some of its momentum as time went on. Nonetheless I couldn't stop reading and I'm not going to write any more since I purchased this book purely for enjoyment. I will say I loved the use of British English, spelling, and grammar, though!!



My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
DNF

I've seen this book floating around for a while so I couldn't resist requesting it. Maybe I should have listened to the feeling of why I hadn't bought it when I'd seen it around for so long. Sadly I'm going to have to DNF this book. I'm just not connecting with the writing style or characters. For me it feels very childish and it doesn't seem to be improving.



Angel Dares by Joss Stirling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable read by this author who is still one of my favourites. I loved Angel's personality and bubbly-ness. She contrasted well with Marcus' serious and suspicious character. I also liked the musical element.

While it's not my favourite in the series--the Benedict Boys will forever hold that title even if they make an appearance here--I still found it a hard to put down read.

Review ~ Resisting the Moon: A Royal Shifters Novel by L.P. Dover

eARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: December 28th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
The past was pain.
The present unclear.

For Tyla Rand, her future couldn't be bleaker. Death follows her everywhere, especially to those she loves. Being a member of the royal pack, she believes her time of happiness will come. That is, until wolves from her old pack show up missing. Her mission is to find them, but she won't be going alone.

Sebastian Lyall, a true born royal and the one man Tyla loathes, has offered to help in her quest. Their journey not only brings out their true desires, but attracts the attention of another, someone from Tyla's past. However, nothing is as it seems. Death is not done with her and now he wants her to pay. He won't be satisfied until he's taken everything away . . . including those she loves.
*~* CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE *~* 

My Opinion

I don't know how LP has interested me with this series since I've lost interest in the paranormal genre recently. However, it's a credit to her writing that even through that she manages to create a story that immersed me in her world and refused to allow me to put the book down.

Like with all of her other reads, Resisting the Moon captured my interest from beginning to end and I loved the subtle connections that link her books together.

Resisting the Moon followed Tyla. I loved her stubbornness and alpha tendencies right from the beginning. I also could understand why she refused to let Sebastian in.

Sebastian on the other hand was a loveable lead. He did everything right where Tyla was concerned and I sympathised with him when she still pushed him away. However, I loved his loyalty, determination, and protectiveness over not only Tyla but his family and friends. He was a true protector but he had a great balance or rough and softness.


Overall, another fast-paced, drama-filled read from LP. I can't wait for whatever she releases next, whether it shifter, MMA, undercover agents, or sports personalities!

4.5

Mini Review ~ One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy Baggot

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: October 2nd 2015

Publisher: Bookouture

Description:
Christmas: it's the most wonderful time of the year...to fall in love The temperature is dropping, snow is on its way and Hayley Walker is heading for New York with one wish... to start over. With her daughter Angel, Hayley is ready for adventure. But there's more to New York than twinkly lights and breathtaking skyscrapers. Angel has her own Christmas wish - to find her real dad. While Hayley tries to fulfil her daughter's wish, she crosses paths with billionaire Oliver Drummond. Restless and bored with fast living, there's something intriguing about him that has Hayley hooked. Can Hayley dare to think her own dreams might come true - could A New York Christmas turn into a New York Forever?

My Opinion

I've had this on my Kindle for months, but I couldn't bring myself to read it in October. However, with Christmas right around the corner it finally felt right.


One Wish in Manhattan was a sweet, festive read. It brought a smile to my face numerous times and I adored the characters. It is a slow build and a grower, but I fell in love with it the more I got to know the characters. If you're looking for a read to give you that warm, mushy, festive feeling look no further.

4

Review ~ Firebird by Jennifer Loring

Title: Firebird

Series: The Firebird Trilogy Book 1

Author: Jennifer Loring

Genre: Contemporary Romance (erotic elements)

Published: October 20, 2015 Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Stephanie Hartwell is a journalist chasing the story of her career… 

When superstar hockey player and notorious bad boy Aleksandr Volynsky is traded to the Seattle Earthquakes in a blockbuster deal, Stephanie demands the opportunity to prove herself by scoring an exclusive interview with a man with no love for the media…the same man she once thought, as a naïve teenager, she’d someday marry. 

An Olympian and Stanley Cup Champion, Aleksandr has achieved every goal he’s ever set… 

Now expected to carry a failing team on his shoulders, Aleksandr’s troubles deepen when he encounters Stephanie after a season-opening loss. His lifestyle of drinking and random hookups has been a futile attempt to forget the beautiful tomboy who stole his heart nine years ago. And worse, fame and fortune have made it impossible for him to trust anyone—especially Stephanie, who is engaged to another man. 

Romance rekindles, but tragedy reveals Aleksandr’s dark side…

Being with Aleksandr in the first place jeopardizes Stephanie’s journalistic integrity and threatens her career, and when he spirals out of control, it reawakens fears from her own history, making her unable to commit to a future with him. 

When Aleksandr discovers the truth behind his self-destructive behavior, will his newfound self-awareness be enough to convince Stephanie to give him one last chance… 

Or will his revelation drive her away for good?



Review

I've wanted to read this since I saw the cover revealed. This is probably one of my favourite covers of the year and the story sounded just as good. Therefore I couldn't resist signing up to the review tour.

Firebird is a mixed read for me and I'm not quite sure which side of the fence I fall on. There were parts I liked, and other parts that failed to hold my attention.

To start with the parts I liked: there was always something going on. Plenty happens in Firebird and I think it's all tied together well. Similarly, I believed in Alex's authenticity. I didn't always understand what he was saying but I think the author did a good job of making his Russian side believable without going over the top with stereotypes. I'm assuming she has some knowledge or researched Russian culture because it came across that way in the book.

Moreover I liked the hockey element. Whilst brief, who doesn't love the bad boy of his sport, right? I didn't always understand the terms used for plays and such, so I may have imagined sections differently to as described but I still enjoyed them.

As for the romance, it started off well. I really looked forward to where the author was going to take it. However, this is where the majority of my issues stemmed from. It just didn't hold my interest. I felt the spark and chemistry died early on between Alex and Stephanie. As the book progressed emotions and situations seemed repetitive and I didn't really understand why they did what they did. I don't know why, I just didn't connect with their relationship, there wasn't the intensity I like.

A part of it may have been down to the fact so much was crammed in. Firebird is on the longer side and I said it was a positive thing. However, it was also a negative in my eyes too. It meant certain things were pushed to one side in favour of a new issue and maybe underdeveloped slightly. There were also unnecessary details or filler information where the author described every action made by the characters which became monotonous.

Overall I still don't know where I stand with this book. It wasn't bad, and I enjoyed it for the most part. I just think I went in expecting too much. If you like hockey romances this may be for you.

3

Jennifer Loring's short fiction has appeared in numerous magazines, webzines, and anthologies. In 2013, she won Crystal Lake Publishing's inaugural Tales from the Lake writing competition; in 2014, DarkFuse published her novella Conduits, and in May 2015, Omnium Gatherum released her debut novel, Those of My Kind. She recently signed a deal for a contemporary romance trilogy with Limitless Publishing; the first book, Firebird, was published on October 20, 2015. Jennifer lives in Philadelphia, PA with her husband, their turtle, and two basset hounds. She is currently at work on the second book in the Firebird Trilogy as well as a paranormal romance.

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Review ~ Dirty Billionaire (The Dirty Billionaire Trilogy, #1) by Meghan March

eARC received via the tour company in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: December 8th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
I've got a big dick and an even bigger bank account. That's pretty much where my bio ends. Honestly, I don't need to say anything else. I've just sold 99% of women on going home with me. 

Do I sound like an asshole to you?

That's because I am.

And guess what? It works for me just fine. 

Or at least it did.

Until I met her.

Books talk about sparks flying. Fuck that shit. With her, it was like emergency flares mixed with jet fuel. Or maybe just straight up napalm. 

Only one problem. 

She didn't leave her name or number when she disappeared from the hotel room after the hottest fucking night of my life. Now I've had a taste of unicorn pussy—the sweetest, rarest of all pussy—and I need it again.

So what's an asshole to do?

I took this problem to the street. A missed connection gone viral.

And when I find her? I'm keeping her.

My Opinion

This was a surprisingly enjoyable read for its novella length and I'm so glad I signed up to review the entire series.

Dirty Billionaire is hot read. Of course things move quickly, however, with Creighton's supposed control--since Holly challenges him brilliantly--it dampened the instant feeling and gave things a deeper thread. He was possessive and an asshole, but God he was hot.

I'm not going to say any more since its a short read but I can't wait for the next book.

4

Review ~ Four Week Fiancé (Four Week Fiancé #1) by Helen Cooper

Paperback purchased by myself

Release Date: August 20th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
What would you do if the hottest man on earth made you an offer you couldn’t refuse? 

What if it was the offer of a lifetime? The sort of offer that would make you blush as he offered you whatever you wanted to make you accept. What if the offers were so spicy, so naughty, so scandalous that you wouldn’t even want to tell your best friend? 

If you were me, you would say yes. 

There are three things you should know. 
His name is TJ Walker. He’s 28, hot as can be and he’s my brother’s best friend. 
TJ asked me to be his fiance for four weeks. 
I’m hoping to make the engagement real. 

I know. I can’t believe it either. What am I thinking? There are so many things that could go wrong by accepting to be TJ’s four week fiance? But, I can’t stop thinking that there are also so many things that could go right.

My Opinion

Firstly, this book is not a standalone like advertised. Had I known that, and the fact book 2 has been delayed repeatedly, I may not have bought it.

As for the book, I can't help but feel disappointed. What was included was all right, and it did engage me. However, it seemed to take so long for the story to actually get going. Then, just when things started to get interesting it stopped. If I'm honest, I don't really understand the need to split the book into 2. It's not exactly a long read and it seems more like a money making scheme because there is no ending other than a big cliffhanger. 

It's a shame really, as I was interested in TJ and Mila. I want to know what's going on, but it will all depend on when the sequel actually comes out. 

Moreover, the book did feel childish at times. I did think there was room for improvement, so I'm not sure where I stand with this book.

3

Review ~ Make Me Believe (Believe #1) by Karen Ferry

Paperback purchased by myself

Release Date: July 6th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Sometimes, a chance meeting is just the push you need in order to break free from the darkness within…

My name is Emma, I’m 23, and I’ve never been kissed. I’m no virgin…But kissing is too intimate, too intense, and I don’t want that – not ever. I like sex, though, and most of my hook-ups don’t seem to mind the no-kissing part. 

But then I meet Daniel, who’s such a geek, and definitely not the kind of guy I’d normally take an interest to. He’s the shy, quiet type, but with such a charming smile, and he makes my heart race – something I’ve never experienced before. 

Daniel has his own issues to work through, and I know my hardened heart shouldn’t melt when he looks at me. I really shouldn’t be falling for him, either, but somehow, he manages to tear down my walls, and I’m scared…because once he learns my secrets, he’ll want nothing to do with me.

All I know is that Daniel makes me feel things that I have never felt before – but do I dare let down my walls and confide in him? 

Will I let him be my first kiss?

This is my story, and I’ll reveal everything in my own sweet time…

Just don’t expect all the hearts-and-flowers stuff.
Life is messy, and mine is no different…

My Opinion

This book has a gorgeous cover and an interesting premise. However, it fell flat to me and didn't have the emotional intensity I was expecting.

For me, this book just didn't go anywhere. The problems the characters supposedly had didn't really seem that big of a deal. I was always told they were, but they never felt like it. The consequences all felt very minor.Emma had a little more depth, but I just didn't buy into her as a character. 

As for Daniel, I really didn't believe in him. He was supposedly a virgin, geek, uncoordinated, dyslexic, and had a stutter. However, none of these challenges seemed to develop of go anywhere. It felt to me like halfway through--maybe even before then--the author decided she wanted an alpha male and the qualities just didn't work for Daniel for me because of the aforementioned.

This was the main issue for me. I didn't connect with either character and therefore I found my attention drifting. I did also think the writing could have been condensed to take out some of the repetitive actions and unnecessary details.


Overall, although it wasn't a bad book, it just didn't work for me. I expected more emotion from it and I couldn't believe in what was written.

2

Review ~ Forever with You (Wait for You #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Paperback purchased by myself

Release Date: September 29th 2015

Publisher: Avon Books

Description:
In the irresistibly sexy series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, two free spirits find their lives changed by a one-night stand…

Some things you just believe in, even if you've never experienced them. For Stephanie, that list includes love. It's out there. Somewhere. Eventually. Meanwhile she's got her job at the mixed martial arts training center and hot flings with gorgeous, temporary guys like Nick. Then a secret brings them closer, opening Steph's eyes to a future she never knew she wanted—until tragedy rips it away.

Nick's self-assured surface shields a past no one needs to know about. His mind-blowing connection with Steph changes all that. As fast as he's knocking down the walls that have kept him commitment-free, she's building them up again, determined to keep the hurt—and Nick—out. But he can't walk away. Not when she's the only one who's ever made him wish for forever . . .

My Opinion

Like always with Jennifer L Armentrout books I fell in love again as I read Forever With You. Her books are always moving and enjoyable and I can't get enough of this series.

Whilst Forever With You isn't my favourite of the series since it was a little predictable and I didn't feel as much happened, I fell in love with Nick. He manned up when it counted and for that I respected him. It also helped he's incredibly sweet to Stephanie.


Overall another enjoyable read. It didn't move me as much as previous books, but it engaged me and if you love this author you won't be disappointed.

4

Review ~ Kick Push (Kick Push, #1) by Jay McLean

Paperback purchased by myself.

Release Date: August 4th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
There’s a single defining moment within every skater.
It lasts only a second. Two if you're good.
Three if you’re really good.
It’s the moment you’re in the air, your board somewhere beneath you, and nothing but wind surrounds you.
It’s the feeling of being airborne.

The sixteen-year-old version of me would’ve said it was the greatest feeling in the world.
Then at seventeen, I had my son.
And every single second became a defining moment. Even the ones that consisted of heartbreak when his mother left us.

Seventeen. Single. Dad.
That’s what my life became.
Yet, every day, I managed to find that feeling of being airborne.
Or at least I convinced myself I did.
But I lied—to myself and to everyone around me.
Until she showed up; Tanned skin, raven dark hair, and eyes the color of emeralds.

You know what sucks about being in the air?
Coming down from the high.
Sometimes you land on the board and nail the trick.
Then kick, push, and coast away.
Other times you fall.
You fall hard.
And those are the times when it’s not as easy to get back up, dust off your pads and try again.
Especially when the girl with the emerald eyes becomes your drug...
And you become her poison.

My Opinion

This was a good read. It had its ups and downs and did bring out certain emotions. I liked it more than her other books I've read, but it was a shame about the ending.

I enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster this book took me on. Josh was a character I easily connected with and respected. Right from the start his only concern is for his son Tommy and his loyalty never wavered. The love he had for Tommy and the lengths he went to to make his son happy was endearing. He was a great dad.

Similarly, Becca was an unusual character because of her problems with speech. I liked watching her relationship with Josh develop but I'm still unsure about how I feel about her. She didn't grow enough for me and I never felt like I got to know her.

That leads me to the ending. I thought this was a standalone but clearly that's not the case now. I wanted resolve and to me the ending fell flat. The book had all these highs and lows and I was ready to get that closure. I wanted an ending not a mini cliffhanger.

The only other slight issues I had was it did seen a little jumpy. I'm not sure if that was aided by the poor formatting in the paperback which made scene breaks hard to figure out, and it seemed like some of the graphics were in the wrong place, but the story did jump around quite a bit.


Either way, Kick Push was still an interesting read. Whether I read the next one will more than likely depend on how quickly it releases since I wasn't a fan of the ending and I'm not sure there is another book to Becca and Josh's story.

3.5

Review ~ When I Was Yours by Samantha Towle

Paperback purchased by myself

Release Date: November 10th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
“Marry me.”
“What?” I stared back at him, unblinking.
He moved closer, taking my face in his hands. “I love you, Evie. I look into the future, and the only thing I see clearly is you. Marry me.”

What’s an eighteen-year-old girl who was madly in love with her nineteen-year-old boyfriend say? 

Of course, I said yes.

Twenty-four hours later, I married Adam Gunner at a Vegas chapel to the sounds of “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. Not the best omen. I get that now.

Then, exactly one week later, I left him. I walked out, leaving behind my wedding ring, annulment papers, and my heart, and he never knew why. 

I haven’t seen him since. Not in ten long years.

Now, he’s here, standing before me. Looking at me with nothing but hurt and hatred in his eyes, he wants answers. 

Answers I can’t give.

My Opinion

This was another cute read from Samantha Towle. It held my interest well and I liked the split in time periods. The book was paced brilliantly and I'd definitely recommend it.

Although it's not my favourite book by this author, it was enjoyable. I did find it predictable, and the reveal didn't exactly live up to the hype built, but that's a small problem. I felt the chemistry between Adam and Evie. They had a lot of passion and I believed in their emotions and feelings. They grew well and I'm glad they got their HEA.

4

Review ~ Screwed (Screwed, #1) by Kendall Ryan

Paperback purchased by myself

Release Date: September 15th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
I have one rule: Don’t shit where you eat.

Several of the women in the condo complex I own would love some one-on-one playtime, and why wouldn’t they? I’m young, fit, attractive, and loaded. Not to mention I’m packing a sizable bulge below the belt. It’s a combination that drops panties on a regular basis. 

Yay, me, right?

But my cock, troublemaker that he is, has been confined to my trousers by my business partner. A concession I agreed to, and one that’s never been hard to enforce until Emery moves in across the hall. She’s smart, young, determined, and sexy as hell. I want a taste. I won’t stop until I’m buried deep inside the succulent new-in-town brunette.

After being warned about my past, she does her best to steer clear, but I’m about to show her that underneath it all, I’m a guy with a heart of gold and a cock of steel.

My name is Hayden Oliver, and this is my story.

My Opinion

Hmm... I'm not sure about this book. Having read a few of this author's other books and finding them hot and engaging I had high hopes for Screwed and I think that was its downfall. I went in expecting too much.

While Screwed held my attention and had its hot moments, the thing I had most problem with was the fact there didn't seem to be much story. I found the author explained unnecessary things and ignored the development of the relationship. She detailed lawyering a lot or inner thoughts but I thought the interaction and actual events were lacking. For me things were too basic or glossed over. There wasn't enough detail for me to really feel anything about this book.


Saying that it was still an enjoyable read. It has its moments if passion but I don't think it's this author's best release.

3

Review ~ Hard to Forget (Alpha's Heart, #3) by Bella Jewel

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: December 15th 2015

Publisher: St. Martin's

Description:

Delaney, a professional bodyguard, has spent years trying to prove herself in a male dominated industry. Now she's facing her greatest challenge yet.

Bad boy billionaire Jax Shields has made plenty of enemies on his climb to the top, but being in the wrong place at the wrong time has put his life at risk. Now he's putting his life in the hands of Delaney and her team. He demands the best in everything, and he doesn't think she has what it takes to protect him. He's also made it clear he'd rather have her on her back then covering his. Will Delaney be able to prove herself to the most arrogant—and devastatingly handsome—man she's ever met?



**Hard To Forget is a full-length standalone romance with a HEA**

My Opinion

I really like this series and I will admit I squealed a little bit when I got an email with an advanced copy.

One of the things I like most is that both characters are strong. You have Delaney who's a kick-ass bodyguard. She's strong and passionate about her job, and also determined to prove it to all of the men who doubt her. Then on the other hand you have Jax the dominant millionaire who's struggling to cope with handing over his safety to a woman.

I thought the chemistry and forbidden nature of the relationship was developed well in this situation. It built well to a great intensity all the while the danger surrounded them.


I'm not going to say any more, you'll just have to read the book. It was a captivating read I finished in one sitting and I'd highly recommend the books in this series. I hope there's more to come.

4.5

Review ~ The Aftermath (The Hurricane, #2) by R.J. Prescott

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: December 15th 2015

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Description:
When you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose. But what happens when you have everything you ever wanted? You fight to keep it.

Cormac “the Hurricane” O’Connell’s star is on the rise. Billed as the most promising young boxer of his generation, his new career is taking him to places he never dreamed. But O’Connell only needs one thing in life: his wife. In her final year of college, Em cannot follow him around the world but together they make it work.

Just when everything they ever wanted is on the horizon, the past resurfaces to haunt them and O’Connell realizes that justice might not be a part of his happy ever after. 

He couldn’t protect Em once before, but in the aftermath of the hurricane, he will make sure that never happens again.

My Opinion

I don't know what to say...

Really, I'm struggling to form sentences here that doesn't detail how hard I'm finding it to write anything.

Earlier this year I stated The Hurricane was one of the best books I've read in 2015. It takes a lot for me to fall in love with fighters because my standard is so high in them. I've read so many, but RJ has worked her way to near the top of my list. I fell in love with Con in The Hurricane almost as much as I love LP Dover's fighters, which are my favourite.

Therefore when I got the chance to read an ARC of The Aftermath I jumped around the room. I wasn't even worried this book wouldn't live up to the first...I knew it would.

Throughout The Aftermath I fell in love with Con all over again as I witnessed his thoughts, emotions, struggles, and love. Although a tough fighter, he's a guy with a soft heart and melts around Em. The love he had for her was believable and it makes you fall for him even more because it's obvious he only has eyes for her. His loyalty and almost worshipping of her is touching.

Moreover, the way Em returns it is great. Whilst you don't hear from Em's POV until the epilogue (wished she'd was in it a little more), I felt her pain and sadness, but also her love of Con. They're a perfect couple and their story continues to interest me.


Overall, a great continuation. I hope RJ plans on writing the other guys' stories, especially Tommy! I'd love to read about them. Both books are near the top of my list of favourite reads of the year. I can't recommend them enough.

5