Book Review and Giveaway for The Girl in the Painting by Max Monroe

THE GIRL IN THE PAINTING
by MAX MONROE

Ansel Bray, an artist known around the world for his tragic hiatus from the canvas.
Ansel Bray, a broody, handsome man not known by me, at all.
Long dark hair, blue eyes, and dimpled cheeks. I’ve never met her, but her image is imprinted in my mind. An angel muse who inspires me to paint again.

There is something about him. Something that spurs a need to be as close to him as possible. A need to find out why.
There is something about her. Something that draws me in. Something that urges me to find out what her presence means.

Why does the girl in his painting look so much like me?
Who is this girl, and why can I see her so vividly?

I shouldn’t fall in love with him.
I shouldn’t fall in love at all.

But fate plays her hand.
But fate has other plans.

The lines of my life will blur.
The needs of my heart will change.

What a beautiful mess we’ve made.

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REVIEW: 2 Disappointing STARS
"She's a red string tied to my finger, and I can't forget her."

Unpopular opinion warning: I need this review to come across as me being upset at the lack of emotional depth needed to carry off this storyline, and not the thought that Max Monroe can't write a story. I want to stress that while the story had an amazing synopsis and plot, the execution lacked immensely for me. As predictable and clichéd as this one was, it was ok - a decent read. I think I went in with higher expectations than I should have, and knowing that this one was supposed to be more heartfelt and emotional, the boldest emotion I felt was let down. When this is the opening line of the book, I should be awarded the emotions to accompany it:

"Do you think the universe fights for souls to be together? Some things are too strange and strong to be coincidences. " 
-- Unknown

I know I have some favorite authors that write FATE like it's as simple - and necessary - as breathing, and they set the tone from the beginning and roll with it through to the end. I love when an author can effortlessly tell me a story that shows me why the universe works in tandem with FATE. I didn't quite get that with this one. I have always heard Max Monroe was an amazing read: their stories are funny, the banter is hilarious, and the heroes are swoony. And before I get any farther in this review, their newsletters are THE BEST author newsletters I receive and I read them from the beginning to the end, religiously. I feel like those are a good "introduction" to them and their personalities, so signing up for this one felt like a no-brainer for me. Needless to say, I was very excited to jump into a more emotional book by this well-loved duo as my first read by them - and I thought, what a great opportunity for me to "meet" them. I don't do a lot of romantic comedies because I like the more powerfully emotional ones - the ones that leave me feeling raw and gritty. I prefer those because I want to feel my stories. However....

"To my soul, I know this isn't some random coincidence."

This book lacked the very necessary heaviness that was required to actually pull off the emotions needed to emphasize the journey these two characters took. Not only did it lack any actual emotion, I think it had the opposite effect on me because it angered me. That's not what the authors were going for, of that I can assure you. For involving my #1 favorite trope ever, I couldn't help but hate the heroine for her actions. H A T E. I couldn't connect with her at all and she felt very dry to me. She was one bad excuse/decision after another, and that felt very off-putting. I know there is supposed to be drama in every book - necessary for plot movement, but some of it is not necessary and when I start picking out things that bother me, other things start to stick out too. I nitpicked all her complaints about her job and lessons plans and anything else she mumbled about. I understand taking liberties with stories. I really do, but make them believable and not eye-roll worthy. Or laughable. So I know that's on me, and I get it, but that was one of those things that emphasized the distaste I felt for Indigo. Her ridiculousness was....well, ridiculous.

Ansel, though? All sorts of sexy. I won't lie. Swoony has a big ol check next to his name. His whispered comments gave me goosebumps. His promised affections gave me the anxiety pangs and butterflies. His turmoil? I felt it. He really was a brooding, tortured artist and they pulled that off exceptionally well, enough for me to empathize with him and hope against hope that this worked out for him. I just couldn't get on board with Indigo. <sigh> I didn't even feel Ansel and Indigo's pull to one another - like, at all, and that's the saddest part for me.

I didn't hate it...I just didn't love it.

I realize I am in the vast minority with this review and my opinion, but I will still do a giveaway even though I wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for an emotional book. Max Monroe die-hards will love this, and for that, I'm happy to give a copy away. I will most definitely read more from them because I can't seem to stop laughing at their emails, but that also tells me that I need to stick to their comedy and stay away from their drama. That synopsis gave me all kinds of promises, and I'm bitter because I feel like they were all broken. I know there should have been some emotion built into this one, and yet I just didn't get that emotional gut-punch that I was set up to feel. I will definitely read Max Monroe again, and I will take recommendations for the best comedy of theirs to read, because I can only imagine those will be side-splitting funny.

"All you can do is lead with the best intentions, and then it's up to fate to decide."
~BEE

PURCHASE:   AMAZON - Kindle Unlimited

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~MEET MAX MONROE~

Over two years ago, a dynamic duo of romance authors teamed up under the pseudonym Max Monroe, and, well, the rest is history...

Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of more than ten contemporary romance titles. Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their Facebook newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far. ​

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DNF Review for Pride by JD Hollyfield

PRIDE 
by JD HOLLYFIELD

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

But who said the devil was a he?

In my world, she was out to cause havoc on all our lives.

She’ll use the one thing I care most about to control me—force me into her Elite world, filled with sin, deceit, and power. And under her spell, I’ll lead a sinister brotherhood of seven at one of the most prestigious universities in New Orleans.

Seven tasks set forth by the devil herself, promising nothing less than the forbidden fruit of power. What they don’t understand is it will all end in bloodshed and regret.

They call me the alpha. The one in charge. The one with pride bigger than any task I could be given. And my pride won’t let me be anywhere but at the top of the food chain until she gives me what I truly want.

My task is Meghan Benedict.

She’s too pure for me to touch, too good for me to ruin—and the only thing standing in my way to freedom.

Accept your sin wisely, for the tasks given to earn your place are not for the weak...they’re for The Elite.

As they say, pride comes before the fall.

I am Mason Blackwell.

I am Pride.

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REVIEW: DNF and very paced review....

This was definitely a start to Mason's book, and Pride was definitely his book, his sin. Most definitely. It played very well into his upbringing and the way he handled his business, but it was a rough start. Tumultuous doesn't even begin to describe this book. Having said that, I did have a hard time in the beginning and this hard time weaved itself throughout the entire book. It was so frustrating to see how everything started out and played into Mason's world.

With that frustration came some serious hatred. I struggled so much, and I wish I could pinpoint exactly what it was, other than this one never really picked up for me and the necessary explanations weren't there while the overly described unnecessary parts were overabundant. Why is Lillian so instrumental - who is she - and why was that whole beginning of this story even necessary? It was, like, kindle throwing maddening!! These are only a few of the questions that I hope to find answers to as this series progresses, but I couldn't make it through this one to get some of the important answers. I have been reading this book for a few days now, and I have struggled every day, so I know that I needed to put it down. I got increasingly frustrated the longer it took me and the more <sighs> I expelled, which is the step right before I start skimming and I count a skim as a DNF because I can't get through it in one piece. I kid you not, this book put me in a terribly bad mood while I read it. It was so grotesque the way Lillian handled every little thing she said and did - with some of it being very unbelievable. It wasn't even a pleasure to read - which I am sure was the exact intention for her character's persona as seen by Hollyfield. I can't lie and say it was easy to read. The hatred for her was coming off me in waves and the anger was literally pissing me off, and again - I'm sure that's the emotional mindset Hollyfield would have loved to have me in for this character. But seriously -- pissed.me.off. I love angst and heavy emotional stories, but when helplessness mixes in with anger, it starts to take a whole new turn. Helpless because of the drama in the first 20% that you cannot even begin to manage, or even how to control the rage of the selfishness and the ludicrousness that surrounds it, and the anger because you want to beat an ass - HARD.

The lack of communication and secret holding in this one was high and quite frustrating - which plays into the meaning of Pride, being too proud to let weakness show, but why, if these are the boys of your brotherhood and supposed best friends, would you hold out the truth and the information from them. Same with your sister/brother. I really had a hard time with that aspect, and it didn't make much sense in the whole scheme of things but Hollyfield's writing conned me into staying a little bit longer. She definitely lured me in with some parts but I have to admit I didn't enjoy this as much as I wanted to.

It was neat to read the story from another perspective, even though there was a lot of overlay. This was not necessarily the same story being retold, but more like seeing the story from another POV being embellished from another side. It's an entirely different perspective and some of the same happenings are there to tie the stories together, but it was interesting to read it this way. With each book being as short as it has been so far, this is a rather interesting way to tell this group's tale. I also liked that they've been told mostly from the Elite Seven POV....the male POV. So far, two very differing and warring and very volatile opinions on the Elite Seven from one book to the next, from one character to the next. Polar opposite desires and yet, the outcome is the same...I still fell like I need more. I want more....but this one just wasn't working for me.

I will say that some parts felt very forced or unnecessary and with Megan trying to explain why she had certain proclivities felt very.....forced, for the lack of a better word. Don't make romance readers feel bad for their love of a good romance book or feel the need to justify their likes and desires, regardless of the content. I guess that didn't sit too well with me, but again - interesting POV change and telling, just the writing felt a little forced.

I don't want this to read as a negative review in general, please understand that. I feel that this book is instrumental in the overall traction for the storyline, but I had a really hard time with it and some of the elements of it left me quite salty over it all. I have now seen the crossover in the stories between Lust and Pride, so I am hoping to gain more knowledge with each additional book. I am enjoying the basic storyline that is unfolding while I read, so this is an easy series to follow so far - but I think the harshness of this one just did me in. I would *not* recommend reading these out of order, though. The buildup and the character growth in each book adds to the background, and in turn giving you better insight as you get deeper into the Seven. I cant wait to check out WRATH  next.

~BEE 

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My review for LUST

My review for PRIDE

~MEET JD HOLLYFIELD~

Creative designer, mother, wife, writer, part time superhero...

J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, son and three doxies. With her love for romance, and head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.

Life in a Rut, Love not Included is her Debut Novel. J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest, and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor and HEA's.

~CONNECT WITH JD~

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Excerpt for The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros

~EXCERPT~

“Ella.” It was a plea to speak, to not speak. Hell, I didn’t know anymore.

“You don’t see me like that. I totally get it.” She reached for the TV remote.

“How exactly do I see you? Please, enlighten me.” I leaned forward, stealing the remote. She’d opened this box and had better well dish it.

She huffed in annoyance. “You see me as a mom. As Colt and Maisie’s mom. And of course you do, because that’s what I am. A mom with two kids.”

“Well, yeah,” I said. Her motherhood—that selfless devotion she had to her kids—was one of her most attractive attributes.

She rolled her eyes with a little sigh, and the metaphorical light bulb went off in my head.

“You don’t think I want you.”

She shot me a look that confirmed my guess and blushed the same crimson of her couch. “You know, you’re right. It’s late.” She faked a yawn. “Suuuuuuper late.”

“I want you.” Damn, it felt so good to say the words.

“Yeah, okay.” She gave me a goofy look and a thumbs-up. “Please don’t make me feel any more idiotic than I do right now.”

Yeah, enough of this bullshit.

I pounced in one smooth motion, taking her back to the couch, sliding over her as I gathered her wrists in one hand above her head and settled between her open thighs.

Home.

“Holy shit, you move fast.” There was no fear or rejection in her eyes, just surprise.

“Not in every arena,” I promised.

Her lips parted.

“Ella. I want you.”

“Beckett…you don’t have to.”

Yeah, that soft little sigh she did was going to be my undoing.

I let go of her wrists, letting my fingers trail down her arm until I had one hand weaving my fingers into the hair at the base of her scalp and the other at the curve in her waist.

“Feel this?” Then I slid forward, letting my dick stroke along the seam in her pajama pants hard enough for her to gasp at the contact. I couldn’t remember ever wanting to shred a piece of fabric so much in my life. “I’ve never wanted a woman as much as I want you.”

I moved again, and her eyes slid shut as she let loose the sweetest moan.

My dick throbbed, knowing everything I’d fantasized about for the better part of the last eight months was one decision away.

“Beckett.” Her hands found my biceps, her nails digging in.

“Don’t ever think that I don’t want you, because if things were different, I would have already been inside you. I would know exactly how you feel, and what you sound like, look like, when you come. I’ve thought about it at least a hundred different ways, and believe me, I’ve got a great imagination.”

She rocked her hips against me, and I locked my jaw to keep from giving her exactly what her body was asking for. “Ella, you have to stop.”

“Why?” she asked, her lips dangerously close to mine. “What do you mean if things were different?” Her eyes flew wide. “Is this because I have kids?”

“What? No. Of course not. It’s because you’re Ryan’s little sister.” Before I could do any more damage, I got the hell off her and sat back on my side of the couch.

“Because…I’m Ryan’s little sister,” she repeated, scooting so she sat upright, facing me. “And you think he’d, what? Haunt you?”

Three things: The letter. The cancer. The lie.

I repeated those in my head until I was certain I could look at her and not drag her back under me.

“Beckett?”

“When I was growing up, if I wanted something, I took it. Immediately. I had sex at fourteen with a girl in my foster home of the moment. I opened Christmas presents early if I was lucky enough to get one, and it was usually from my social worker or some charity.”

“I don’t understand.” She wrapped her arms around her knees again.

“I took it immediately because I knew if I didn’t, chances were I wouldn’t get it. It was a now-or-never kind of thing—there weren’t second chances.”

“Okay.”

“I can’t touch you, can’t talk about it, because I’m afraid I’ll act on it.”

“And why does that matter if I want you to?”

“Because I won’t get a second chance. And I’m crap with people, with relationships. I’ve never had one that lasted more than a month. Never loved a woman I’ve slept with. And chances are I’d do something to screw this up, because it’s not just my dick that wants you, Ella.”

That O popped right back onto her face, and I closed my eyes to keep from lunging across the distance and kissing her. Knowing she’d let me—that she wanted it—sent my need from a bullet to a nuclear missile.

“And when I’d screw it up, because it would happen, trust me, it would hurt Colt and Maisie, too. You’d be on your own again, because there’s no chance you’d let me hang around and help you out like Ryan asked.”

“And there it is.”

“There it is. You’re Ryan’s little sister.”

“There were only five years between us. Not so little, you know.” She reached for the remote.

“I’m well aware.”

“So if Ryan were still alive…” She shot one last look at me.

I let everything slip for a millisecond, letting her see it all in my eyes, how badly I wanted her, and not just for her body. “Everything would be different.”

“Everything?”

“Everything but the way I feel about you, which he probably would have killed me for. Where does that leave us?”

“You mean besides me being a dried-up spinster and you being honor-bound to a ghost?”

“Something like that.”

She rolled her head along the back of the couch, muttering something that sounded like a curse word under her breath. Then she sat up straight and powered on the TV with a click of her thumb. “That leaves us choosing a movie on demand. Because I’m not letting you walk out that door right now.”

“You’re not?”

“Nope. You walk out now, you might get all weird about this and not come back. Honor is a fabulous thing, but sometimes pride can be a lot stronger, especially when you convince yourself it’s for the good of the other person.”

Damn, the woman knew me.

“So movie it is,” I agreed. “Just…stay on your side of the couch.”

“I wasn’t the one who crossed the center line,” she teased with a smile that got me hard all over again.

Movie chosen, we sat and watched, both of us stealing sideways glances. There was that saying…the horse out of the barn. Yeah, the horse was out of the barn, and it wasn’t going back in. Not no way. Not no how.

That horse was running amok and screwing with my carefully constructed control.

But I didn’t complain when she moved over. Or when she pressed against my side. Nope. I lifted my arm and savored the feel of her curves, her trust. Still didn’t complain when she lay down in my arms. Hell no, I held on and memorized every second.

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THE LAST LETTER

by REBECCA YARROS

Beckett,

If you’re reading this, well, you know the last-letter drill. You made it. I didn’t. Get off the guilt train, because I know if there was any chance you could have saved me, you would have.

I need one thing from you: get out of the army and get to Telluride.

My little sister Ella’s raising the twins alone. She’s too independent and won’t accept help easily, but she has lost our grandmother, our parents, and now me. It’s too much for anyone to endure. It’s not fair.

And here’s the kicker: there’s something else you don’t know that’s tearing her family apart. She’s going to need help.

So if I’m gone, that means I can’t be there for Ella. I can’t help them through this. But you can. So I’m begging you, as my best friend, go take care of my sister, my family.

Please don’t make her go through it alone.

Ryan

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~MEET REBECCA YARROS~

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and lover of all things chocolate, coffee, and Paleo. In addition to being a mom, military wife, and blogger, she can never choose between Young Adult and New Adult fiction, so she writes both. She's a graduate of Troy University, where she studied European history and English, but still holds out hope for an acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Her blog, The Only Girl Among Boys, has been voted the Top Military Mom Blog the last two years, and celebrates the complex issues surrounding the military life she adores. When she's not writing, she's tying on hockey skates for her kids, or sneaking in some guitar time. She is madly in love with her army-aviator husband of eleven years, and they're currently stationed in Upstate NY with their gaggle of rambunctious kiddos and snoring English Bulldog, but she would always rather be home in Colorado.

~CONNECT WITH REBECCA~

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Book Review and Giveaway for HALO by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

HALO

by ELLA FRANK & BROOKE BLAINE

Massive world tours. Over a hundred million albums sold. Groupies galore.

Every day is a party for Viper and the guys of TBD, the biggest rock band in the world. But it all comes to a screeching halt when the lead singer walks out of the studio one day and never comes back.

Ear-blistering vocals. Butchered lyrics. Fame chasers.

After months of lackluster auditions, Viper, the lead guitarist and resident bad boy of the group, is ready to find solace in the bottom of a bottle. Time’s running out and the pressure’s on to find a new singer, but it isn’t until an angel walks through the door that the band’s prayers are answered.

Charismatic. Talented. Magic behind the mic. Halo is everything they’ve been looking for.

With a voice to match his stunning good looks, it isn’t long before Viper’s taking notice. But there are several reasons this is a bad idea:

1. Interpersonal relationships in the band are discouraged

2. Viper has already broken rule #1—big mistake

3. Halo is straight

Too bad Viper’s body isn’t listening to his head—at least not the one on his shoulders. But you can’t fake chemistry, not onstage and certainly not off it, and Viper and Halo? They have it in spades.

As both men try to resist the fire blazing between them, and the band is forced to reinvent themselves, it’ll be a complicated rise back to the top. But from the ashes of what was, something beautiful is born. Something better. And when the world finally sees Halo stretch his wings, they’ll discover what it’s like to fall for an angel.

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REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"It was a strange sensation to feel so aware of your body and yet be so unsure of it at the same time."

After reading Ella Frank's most recent Confessions series, I knew I had to add her to my permanent list of authors to read. I loved her flow and the beauty in her words. She gave me a deep and healthy love story told almost effortlessly. Well, I have now added this duo to my list. Brooke and Ella together are the epitome of SEAMLESS storytelling! Absolutely seamless. I heard two voices. I felt two hearts falling for each other. I definitely enjoyed this first book in the series!!

"Confidence. Halo had it in spades. and hell if that didn't make him even more tempting."

Their rhythm....their beat was so cohesive and sexy. They vibed off each other and I couldn't help but feel the sexual tension pour off Viper and Halo. While we know Halo is straight, the reactions were not what I would have naturally assumed, and I am so thankful for that. I loved the way this story was told, because it really made me think along a different trajectory, which piqued my interest even more. The curiosity and the reality of their feelings they felt made me feel all the butterflies. I smiled throughout 99% of the book. Don't worry, that 1% was me knowing it was ending in mere pages. HA! The situations were understandable - written to be relatable. The emotions were palpable, and I felt all the feelings right along with Viper and Halo. The story was very engaging and I was completely enamored. I just couldn't get enough of them!! I wanted MORE!!

(NOT) First of all - but holy cow: HOT! Woah. The intensity, the desire, it was spilling off the pages and I could definitely tell Viper was very predatory in nature when it came to Halo. His demeanor mixed with Halo's personality: explosive. So.Very. Hot. I seriously smiled through the whole book. I enjoyed this world Ella and Brooke built and I want to permanently reside in it!

I do know that I want more background and explanations for a few things, but I am hoping we get more of that with the second and third book. After reading this book, I am excited for what this story holds and the titles of the next two books, Viper and Angel, obviously give me some insight on what I will be seeing here soon. I do know that I can see Viper's world changing, just as he changed Halo's - and I welcome that stumble in his step. I am *stoked* for more!! I want sooo much more from this duo and I'm in it for the long haul. I'll take all three books, but feel like I want (or need) more than that. (pretty please with sugar on top??)

"You made me nervous that night. I was so confused about you."

~BEE

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~MEET ELLA FRANK~

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite contemporary romance, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Phillips.

~CONNECT WITH ELLA~

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~MEET BROOKE BLAINE~

Brooke Blaine is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance that ranges from comedy to suspense to erotic. The latter has scarred her conservative Southern family for life, bless their hearts.

You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.

She is the author of Flash Point, a romantic suspense standalone, as well as the co-author of the erotic series, A Desperate Man, with Ella Frank. The latter has scarred her conservative southern family for life, bless their hearts. Licked, a romantic comedy, will be released November 11th, 2015 and is the first in the L.A. Liaisons series. 

If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find - just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.

~CONNECT WITH BROOKE~

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Book Review and Giveaway for What He Never Knew by Kandi Steiner

WHAT HE NEVER KNEW
by KANDI STEINER

I never learn my lesson. 

And I always want what I can’t have. 

When Sarah Henderson walks into my life, I tell myself she’s off limits. She’s my student, sixteen years younger than me, and my boss’s niece. It doesn’t matter that I see the same pain reflected in her eyes that I have in my own, or that the dead organ better known as my heart kicks to life when she’s around. 

I’ve been here before, and I know how this ends. 

It’s been two years since I fell for the last woman I knew I couldn’t have, the one with the ring on her finger that I chose to ignore. 

Two years of trying to overcome that heartache when Sarah slides into my life. 

Another woman I can’t have. Another woman I can’t stop myself from wanting. 

I never learn my lesson, but with a constant reminder of how that last forbidden love burned, I think I’ve finally learned this one. 

This time, I won’t chase what’s off limits. 

This time, I’m staying away. 

And I’ll keep telling myself that until I believe it.

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REVIEW: 4 STARS

"Love doesn't play by the rules we have set for it in society."

If you do not want to ruin the What He Doesn't Know series before reading it, you probably don't want to step into this book because some things may be spoiled for the first two books.....but I can't imagine you don't know the outcome of those. It's been a while, yeah? No? Well, fair warning given. I will NOT spoil anything about ANY book in this series, but I'm pretty sure the synopsis gives away the outcome of the duet...if the cover doesn't already. 

As you are well aware, this is Reese's story and HE was my pick the entire time I was reading the duet. Is that horrible of me? I feel like I can finally say that, but I can also say that 'everything happens for a reason' and I'm a firm believer in that. And he obviously hadn't met his one true love, despite the heartache he felt after the duet - because his story wasn't done. And let me tell ya, his heartache was palpable. It was so sad and painful to watch him go through it not only once, but twice because of how this one was told. 

"We're not destined to run from our misery, we're destined to bathe in it - and to somehow find a way to make it beautiful."

I feel like Steiner did Sarah's brokenness justice. I obviously already knew Reese had a lot to go through, was going through, would go through....but with Sarah, I feel like I saw a very strong character, but a very broken one too. She was younger, and I felt that in some certain situations that highlighted just how young she was, but man! She was strong. I loved seeing how these two worked with each other but also helped each other in very unconventional ways. I will admit seeing Reese in his element in this one was so perfect for the storyline, but I feel like I got more of a deeper look into his pain and his emotional turmoil because he was more raw after everything that happened in the duet. These characters had a likeminded pain.

This was a wordy book - I won't lie, but a powerful message was weaved throughout the entire thing. Heartache coupled with trust, fear combined with need......emotions played heavily throughout. The pain was laced from beginning to end and was expertly laid out on the pages, leaving me with no other options but to devour the words. My *only* issue was that I felt like I wanted to skim some of the passages because they were either long-winded or repetitive, but I also know that Steiner has a way with her words and I enjoy them very much, so I had to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the story.

I'll be honest....I was worried about her making Reese's love story separate and independent from the duet because that's where we were introduced to his emotions and his love. I was worried about us seeing the same "acts of love" and proclamations. I saw a completely different side of him and not only his pain, but his growth. A whole 'nother love voice was shared in this book and I liked that side of it. 

Last but certainly not least, that cover model is all sorts of perfect for the way I saw Reese in my mind the entire time I was reading these stories, and I still cannot imagine any cover matching as perfectly as this one does.

"She was quiet, but in a way only a fire can be."

~BEE

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~MEET KANDI STEINER~

Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer. 

Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).

When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order. 

Join her group Kandiland HERE.

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