Kelly

Alex Parker works for a shadowy government agency as an assassin. He doesn't like it, but it's a commitment he made. When he meets Mallory Rooney, an FBI Special Agent with a haunted past, he falls instantly in lust, but when she starts investigating a potential vigilante - him, he's ordered to keep an eye on her. He gets closer than his bosses ever imagined, and their feelings become so much more than lust. When Mallory's life is endangered by the same person that abducted her twin sister 18 years ago, Alex will stop at nothing to keep her safe. But with all the lies, can they ever make things work?

I really enjoyed Toni Anderson's writing, it was captivating. I listened to the book in one sitting, once I started I just couldn't bear to stop. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It had more of a thriller feel to it than a romance, don't get me wrong, it did contain plenty of romance so all you romance junkies will be satisfied, and just in case you're wondering, it had some steamy moments that romance lovers are going to swoon over, but it's not the primary focus of the story. I love a bit of a mystery and wondering when the main characters are going to figure stuff out, so I really enjoyed that aspect of it. I'll definitely be listening to more in the series. If you like Criminal Minds? I think you'll love this book.

The main characters were very likable. I thought Mallory was a strong woman that had been through a lot and kept going, she never gave up. She ignored the horrible things that people said and did around her. I don't know how she did it. I wanted to punch a couple of people on her behalf. Her sense of justice made her feel very real and the conflict she had. Alex was a wonderful character, he was riddled with guilt and his inner demons, but he fought them and did what he felt was right. He's the type of hero that blurs the lines between good and bad a little, but not an anti-hero. He was a man making the best out of his situation. I liked the way they gave each other something that they didn't realise they were missing. Watching them come together and their relationship bloom was interesting, mainly because of them really being on such opposite sides of the law. Their relationship was sweet and that contrasted well with the horrible things that were eluded to in the book.

Eric G Dove is a dream. I loved his performance, it was riveting. I was hooked. His characterisations worked well, and each character was distinct. He conveyed the emotion the characters were feeling and the inflections he used really gave the performance that much more power. I will be looking for more of his work in the future. The production was fine with no issues that I could tell.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but I'd heard great things and let me just say it was not an exaggeration, the book is fantastic, it has twists and turns, definitely keeps you guessing. The sex scenes are smoking hot.

This book was so cute. I loved listening to it. Definitely put me in the Christmas mood.

This was a cute and fun story. I loved the characters, although I didn't quite understand Casey's nervous tick and think it could have been explained more, plus it kind of just disappeared. Gareth was swoony even with his own hang ups. The progression the characters go through was shown really well. I do think the book dragged on a little and it was often difficult to know the age of the characters, especially the side characters. This is one of those books that will be a comfort read for people because it is an easy happy-go-lucky read.

Callie Dalton and Lee Samuels were perfection. They were such a joy to listen to. Their voices complement each other perfectly.

Side note. The title and cover may make you think this book contains Scottish characters, and you'll hear some Scottish accents. That is not the case. A small portion of the book is set around Highlands Games. Hence the play with the title and cover. Personally, for me it wasn't enough of a central part for it to warrant it.

I didn't quite know what to expect from this book, but my god, it was wonderful. I couldn't put it down. So many emotions I didn't know what to do with myself. I was so mad to begin with and then when the plot twist hit, Jesus, I was furious, I wanted to reach into my kindle and cause some bodily harm to a character, I sobbed - how did this happen? Why did it happen? It explained so much and made me feel guilty for my earlier ranting. I felt Ella handled a difficult subject sensitively and brought something that isn't discussed very often to the forefront and I love her for it.

Taylor and Renee were hilarious - I loved them so freaking much. Jared was such a sweetheart and I hope he gets his own HEA. Leo, oh my Sweet damaged man, I cursed him so much to begin with but once the true was out and we saw the real him, I fell madly in love with him. His love for Dahlia was so strong. Dahlia, she is one of my favourite heroines, she was in a difficult situation and made decisions because she didn't have all the facts, they may not have been the right decisions, but she owned them none the less. The way she handled herself once she knew the twist was how I hoped she'd be. Her love knew no bounds. The children were so sweet. I adored them. The relationship between Leo and Dahlia is complex and that came across very well, it was great seeing all different sides to it and this book worked perfectly from Dahlia's PoV. We really got to be in her head and honestly, I was a mess, I felt every heartache.

Ella Fields never fails to grip me by the feels and drag me around until I'm left utterly exhausted. But, also grateful, her words help to make my reading experience better. I'm hooked on her writing and a fan for life.

This was such a great book. I am so invested in these characters and this story. I need the next part already. That cliffhanger! As is normal for me, I refuse to pick a guy. I will take all three, please and thank you! The suspense. The spice. The characters. All of it. I love when Meg and Kim come together, there is just something so captivating about their writing.

You've been following Amy Daws on social media, right? So you know her Tires Tires Tires Story? No? Oh boy. It's hilarious and I was super excited when I heard Amy was inspired to write a book based on some of her experiences. Wait With Me did not disappoint, it was hilarious and cute, sweet and sexy. It was such a joy to read. It's the type of book that you recommend to a friend if they've had a rough few weeks, it really is a fun and uplifting story. I'm loving this cover too.

If you did follow Amy's journey some moments in WWM will jump out at you and make you chuckle as you remember them. I remember laughing when she posted about receiving the letter, and the pizza, and a few other moments, reading about them in the book made them even funnier, mainly because they were steeped in reality. I love Amy's writing, it really does captivate the reader and pull them into the world she is creating and makes them want to put their feet up and never leave.

The characters in this book are fabulous. Dean? oh my, somebody get that book boyfriend a book already. I'm told you're not supposed to swoon at a secondary character, but what do they know? Just read his description and try not to swoon, I dare you!
Miles Hudson is a sexy mechanic, I loved him, he had a little baggage from a previous relationship but not too much, he was always so sweet to Kate, I liked his flirting ways. His jealousy was quite endearing and definitely made sense after all he'd been subjected too.
Kate Smith was so much fun, I loved her as a character, she was something special. Every time she said or did something misleading I shook my head and thought ‘Kate, girl, stop, back away slowly, this is going to bite you in the behind' and of course, she didn't listen. I understood her reasons though, it made sense to me, I had my fingers crossed throughout that she'd get her HEA, because if anyone deserves it it's a romance writer who gives so much pleasure to so many readers.

Kate and Miles are perfection together, they're such a cute couple. I loved how their research came together. Watching them spend time getting to know each other and falling for each other and fighting against it. The sexy times were pretty darn sexy and fit with the timing of the story. Their banter was great and worked really well for them as a couple. The ending was everything I hoped it would be. Now, about Dean's book?

I didn't really know what to expect from this book, it had been recommended to me and I thought the synopsis sounded interesting but apart from that, I knew nothing about it and therefore didn't have any expectations going in. Holy crap! This book is AMAZING! Seriously, it blew me away. The story is told in three parts, and it's almost like reading three different genres because the story covers so much of the lives of this couple. I was mesmerised by this couple and what they were going through and experiencing. I felt every heartache, every happiness, every thing. It was like I was there with them. Ana and Kevin have carved a place in my heart. Fiona Cole writes so beautifully. Fiona is like the dominant person in this story, and the readers are the submissive. She enforces her words onto us and we willingly give up control knowing she'll take good care of us. This book contains subjects that are tackled with thought and understanding. Her words are raw, and deep, and addictive. Once I started reading I just didn't want to stop. I really liked this cover, it was different and pretty.

Let's talk about the characters for a second. My God! Where to begin? Ana and Kevin are ALL THE THINGS. I adored them, they are the type of characters that you become attached to and never want to leave. They each have their demons that they're fighting, and it makes them even stronger for doing so. Sometimes it takes them longer than the reader (and other characters) hopes it'll take. I cringed at Kevin, I threw a ‘really?' question at Ana, and a host of other emotions passed over my face and words out of my mouth as we spend 10 years with them. In the first part of the book Kevin is a young man discovering himself and his desires, and they scare him...a lot, and watching him come to terms and accept that about himself was both beautiful and heartbreaking, as the story progresses we see Ana struggle with some of those same issues but for different reasons and that too is heartbreaking. But with acceptance comes the beauty. We're introduced to some characters in the first part of the book that you think you're going to hate but end up loving, and those you thought you'd love and you end up hating. I loved that about it.

Ana and Kevin's relationship spans the course of 10 years. From friends to lovers, they experience so much. From the last years of high school to college, to their adult lives. They're there for each other in the best ways they can be. I just can't get enough of this couple. The draw they have to one another is electric. I dare anybody not to be affected by it. I loved their banter, you believed that they were the best of friends. The physical side of their relationship is smoking hot. Seriously, I gotta check my kindle for scorch marks. There is a lot of sex but it all fits in with the story being told, none of it is misplaced or used as a filler or for shock purposes. Each scene is used to progress the story and explain more about their desires and how it affects them. This book is filled with angst, it made me cry, it made me want to throw my kindle, and at times it gutted me - ‘I'll be your normal', however, it is also uplifting, and happy, and sexy. It literally has everything.

This book has my heart, and it has my soul, I happily gave them up to this story. I don't know if I'll ever get them back, and I don't really care. This book is going to stay with me for a very long time. It was a pleasure to read and I'm super excited to dive into the follow-up novella.

**Note: This book contains a lot of sex, and rough sex at that, if you do not like that sort of thing this book may not be for you. However, what I will say is that this book is built on consent, learning how to deal with your feelings and wants and desires. Anybody that doesn't understand the dynamics of this sort of relationship can learn a lot from experiencing Ana and Kevin's story.

I didn't know what to expect from this book but I was not expecting to love it quite as much as I did. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Sloane Howell is fantastic at blending humor and emotion. Ethan Mason is a dreamy, cocky bastard and I loved him. I also wanted to slap him and shout at him and then hug him. Literally a full range of emotions. Jenny Jackson is my kind of girl, she's smart and witty and gives as good as she gets. I loved the banter between the two of them and their interactions with Matt, Kelsey and Jenny's dad; pure honesty and it felt very real. I cannot wait for Scored.

This is a short story, less than an hour reading time. Yet in that time Abby Gale managed to destroy me, I was an emotional wreck. It was beautiful and sad and so perfectly written.

The Hearts on Fire series by Heather Lyn is one of those series' that when a new book is released you cannot wait to read it and see what she does next. Heart's Desire does not disappoint. Heather puts her heart and soul into these books and it shows.
I went through so many emotions reading this book. I laughed, I cried, I put the book down and quickly picked it back up again.

The emotion conveyed in this book is astounding. I devoured the book in a day, I just couldn't put it down. Heather Lyn's writing just grabs the reader and inserts them into her world of sexy firefighters, and emotionally driven subjects and characters.

Carmen melted my hard heart, I felt so much for this character; what she experienced, how she felt. Her journey was heart-wrenching but so beautiful, seeing her learn how to open up and love again. The relationship between her and Noah is just so sweet. I loved how Heather conveyed the sibling love and conflict which so many people experience. Then, of course, there is Hunter; sheesh that man...is it getting hot in here? He is funny and charming, so cocky but in an endearing way. At one point during the book, my heart was breaking for him - that's all I'll say about that, don't want to ruin it, but just know that he'll make you feel for him, you might even feel the need to send the author a message and ask WHY?!?!?!

Sweet Torment is a quick, fun and sweet read. It can be read in under two hours but they are a wonderful couple of hours. Bram has been friends with Owen his entire life, he never wanted to fall in love with his little sister but it happened anyway; no matter how hard he tried to stop it. Staying away was near impossible and seeing as the feeling was very much mutual, he struggled to find a reason. Claudia has loved Bram her entire life, she doesn't have a memory that he isn't part of, he is like a brother to her, only she doesn't feel very sisterly towards him and makes it her mission to wear down his defences. They want to be together, but will their family approve?

When this book landed on my kindle I dived right in, I'd been waiting for it, after seeing the teasers I knew I had to read it. The teasers held such promise and the book delivered. It was so good. I love Georgia's style of writing and she never fails to immerse the reader into the world of her characters.

I am often wary of novellas because they can leave so much out, but Sweet Torment doesn't feel like that at all. It is a complete story that I absolutely adored. The story progressed at a suitable pace and it never felt rushed. Bram is such a sweetheart that you can't help but love and respect. His ‘little dove' pet name for Claudia was perfection. I loved Claudia, she had such a cheeky attitude and she knew what she wanted and worked to make it happen – gotta love that. For the romance lovers, you'll love how this story plays out...not everything is how you imagine from the blurb, which is classic Georgia. For those looking for a bit of sexy time, trust me, you get plenty of that and it is scorching. I thought the epilogue was fantastic but that's all I'm going to say on that because I don't want to ruin anything. I actually cannot wait to read this book again, I enjoyed it that much.

I read the first book in this series about a year ago and loved it, but as is typical I got side-tracked before diving into the next book. When the collection was released containing books 1-5 I jumped at the chance to purchase it but hadn't found the time to read it yet again. Lucky for me they released the collection on audio and I was finally able to enjoy all the goodness that it is.
Shannon Jacoby is a mystery shopper...an incredibly clumsy mystery shopper, she must keep her cover at all costs, even when meeting a handsome man aka ‘hot guy', in the men's room....with her hand down a toilet. (I'm not kidding) And she does it. Until a meeting with executives from a new potential client and in walks Declan McCormack ‘hot guy' and that's when things really start to get interesting and fall into place. Their relationship is a mash-up of sexy dates, clumsy events, and rumours. Is there love strong enough to weather the potential storm heading their way? You'll have to read or listen to find out.
I love Shannon, she is funny and charming and I think a lot of readers/ listeners will be able to identify with her. She's an everyday girl with crazy family and friends. Her mother is hilarious; I adored her.
Declan is a great character, I'll be honest at a couple of points during the book I wanted to slap the guy...hard. But, during the course of the story you find out more about him and it starts to make sense, you might not agree with how he handled it, I didn't, but you understand him.
The supporting characters in this series really enhance the story and made for many, many laugh out loud moments.
Julia Kent's writing is funny and sweet and she'll make you fall in love with her characters. It's a light-hearted romantic comedy that will touch your heart. It'll make you swoon, it'll make your sides hurt from laughing and it might even make you cry.
Tanya Eby is fantastic, so much so, that I forgave her pronunciation of ‘dalek' (I'm British and a Whovian – these things just jump out at me). All joking aside, she really did an amazing performance. The book has a lot of humour, which was performed amazingly, some people can tend to over perform but that wasn't the case with Tanya, she made it believable. There were also some emotional moments in the books and these were performed beautifully. I'm extremely choosy when it comes to female narrators but I can hands down say I would most definitely pick up another audiobook which Tanya was narrating. Each character was unique, the subtle changes Tanya made to her voice changed the whole characterisation.

I love this series. This book is told from Declan's POV and is a fun, sweet book. I laughed so much throughout it. I also cried, this book had some emotional moments and I loved that.

More to follow

Wow. Heather Lyn has knocked it out of the park with this book. I absolutely adore Chase and sweet, damaged Landon. Those boys broke my heart so many times. But they also fixed it. This book was the perfect ending to this series. I can't praise Heather enough for the wonderful way she handled several tough subject matters. This woman amazes me with each book she releases and this was no different. I look forward to reading many, many more amazing books in the future.

More to follow but it's almost 3am right now.

This book completely destroyed me....and then put me back together again. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. Isabella Starling is a fantastic storyteller, she immerses you on her world. I'm not ashamed to say I cried while reading this book....I also cried afterwards when thinking about certain scenes. Very powerfully written book.

More to follow

I love this book. Isabella Starling is the queen of raw, gritty dark romance and I love her for it. Carter is the perfect anti-hero, the relationship growth between him and Evangeline is sweet to watch unfold. Evangeline's struggle with her emotions - how she was feeling as opposed to how she felt she should feel, felt very real. It had a few twists that made the reader think and wonder what was happening and where she was taking the book. I cannot wait for the next instalment in this series.

*This is the first book in the Empire Sins series but reads as a complete book.

Warning: This is a dark romance, as such, it has some moments that some people may find difficult.

Full review - https://www.readerstogether.com/single-post/2017/07/14/Vengeance-by-Isabella-Starling

I am loving this series. I didn't think anyone could compete with Sebastian Bennett but Logan is definitely giving him a run for his money. Logan knows his family; mainly his older brother and younger sister are trying to set him up on a date with Ava's best friend, Nadine but he is sure he can resist, maybe they'll just have a bit of fun? Sparks fly early on and soon the couple cannot keep their hands to themselves. I loved Nadine, she was feisty, didn't take any crap and was focused on building her career. Logan Bennett stole my heart, I am not joking. He was sweet and sexy, and I loved that even though he knew Nadine could do things herself, he supported that and was there to help, if and when she needed it. Of course, he's a guy, so he might have got a little carried away at times but it just made me love him more!

Cristin Harber never ceases to amaze me with her books, this one is no different. Each book stands on its own merit and takes the reader on one hell of a wild ride. Ryder is dreamy, and so sweet, talk about being a badass gentleman. I loved how Victoria was a strong woman and although she had something horrific happen to her, she came back fighting and became stronger than ever. Seeing their relationship blossom and grow and be different to the start of most relationships was refreshing and sweet.
Lots of action in this book, just how I like it. It was fun seeing the interaction between the Delta boys and the Titan men, both at work and in play.

I cursed Cristin a few times....she should expect this by now lol. (I love her really!) I'll go into more detail on the blog review on Aug 2nd.

Porter is a standalone in the Men of Lovibond series and I read it as such, although I can't wait to dive into the previous two books I honestly think it read as a standalone...and I'm very choosy about what I consider a standalone.

I loved Porter and Frankee's story, it had lots of different elements that weaved together to form their relationship and make it something special. I really liked that and felt the ‘issues' raised in the book were handled sensitively and intelligently...obviously not wanting to give anything away here.

Charlotte was an interesting twist and I really liked how that came to be and that I really disliked her, from the get go. Seeing that play out was fun and frustrating in equal measure.

Did I mention this book is hot? As in, steaming. The sex scenes will have you hot under the collar in no time.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

I struggled with the rating for this book, and even more so with the review. I used to rate everything 5 stars and say how great it was, because I never wanted to hurt someone's feelings, but that doesn't help the author grow, I still don't want to hurt feelings, especially Anna's because she is a lovely person that I consider a friend, however, I need to be honest. And let me just say here, before I get started that I know my opinion isn't going to be popular, I've seen reviews from people that fell in love with this book. When you read on please remember this is just one person's opinion. You may take something different from this book than I did.

“No two persons ever read the same book.” (Edmund Wilson)

I thoroughly enjoyed Anna Bishop Barker's first book, Going Under and really wanted to fall in love with Journey to Faithful but it just didn't happen for me, I'm afraid. I felt that there were too many POVs, it would have read better if it was just from Jake and Laura's - it was their story to tell, after all. It was a good storyline but I felt like it was missing the suspense that it could have had. Part of that, I think, was the Brotherhood POV, it wasn't necessary and took away some of the suspense of the story.

It truly was a book of two halves, the first half was the escape, that we know about but don't actually see, and the journey cross-country to Faithful, it was kind of slow and I found myself getting distracted easily. The second half was more about the romance and Jake and Laura's relationship, which was much better for holding my attention, I really liked them as a couple, even though, that L bomb was a little premature for my tastes. Seeing the relationship grow and finding out more about them was sweet. Again, personally, I would have liked to have experienced them getting to know each other a little more, rather than Sam telling each of them about the other in what I'm calling ‘flashbacks', I just don't think it was necessary and messed with the flow of the story.

I enjoyed the supporting character interactions, Mercy is a hoot and I adored Kyle, but the less said about him the better because I am very, very upset. I'm not joking, Anna, how could you?!?!

The writing is great, Anna knows how to tell a beautiful love story, like I said, I just wish there was more of it. She definitely knows how to hit me in the feels department...Kyle (insert angry emoticon here) and I'm not ashamed to say she had me in tears...that takes talent, which she definitely has in abundance.

There are a few little inconsistencies in the book, that although small, took me out of the story. I really wish they had been caught, as I think it makes it harder to fully immerse yourself in a story when you stop and say to yourself, ‘what? But I thought....'

With all this being said, Journey to Faithful is only Anna's second book and I feel she is still honing her craft, I will read the next book in the series.


*Warning: I know I'm normally pretty strict about spoilers, however, I know some people need a warning to prepare themselves. This book insinuates child rape.

I think this is my favourite book in the series so far. Layla Hagen writes books that draw you into the story and each book feels like your favourite, had something that resonates and keeps you coming back for more. This book hit me in the feels more than the first two, I had a few tears at a couple of parts. Eric Callaghan is a single father who is only going to be in San Francisco for a short time, he isn't looking for love but there is something about Pippa Bennett that he just can't resist. Pippa has been hurt, she is now focused on helping her 8 siblings find love, that is until she meets Eric. Sparks fly and soon they're in head over heels, but what will happen when Eric has to leave?

Rating: 4.5 Stars

When I was asked if I wanted to read this book, I said yes after reading the synopsis because it sounded good, I'm very pleased to say that the book lived up to the hype, it's a lovely story. The chapters are short and sweet, which personally I like, when I needed to stop, I could finish a chapter, go feed the family and then dive right back in again.  I understand this is Sharon Kay's first book in the contemporary romance genre and I hope it isn't her last. I loved it.  

Cruz Zaffino has just been released from wrongful imprisonment after 10 years and wants to start fresh, he moves to a small country town where he meets Rosie Marlow, a happy go lucky bartender with a secret. Will they survive Rosie's secret, will Cruz's past come back to haunt him? Join this flawed and sweet couple as they get to know one another and watch their relationship bloom.

Plot.
I simply loved how Sharon Kay wrote this book. It's not what I expected, a guy that's been wrongfully imprisoned for 10 years, sheesh, I expected him to have a lot of anger and be a jerk, to begin with, but he just wasn't, it was a nice surprise. Don't worry if straight up romance isn't your thing, it's not all hearts and flowers, we get to experience Cruz being a badass more than once and the last few chapters are suspenseful, to say the least. 

Characters.
Cruz was a fantastic character, I loved the tough guy he was and that he could be so sweet with Rosie. I liked when the tough guy came out, whether it was protecting Rosie or helping someone he didn't know, his heart was in the right place. The scene with Ariel and Iris was probably the cutest scene in the book, it melted my heart and really gave another side to his character.

I liked Rosie, she was a fun, warm character. At times she annoyed me, she went on a little too much about her secret, which I guessed pretty early on, but overall, she was a cool chick that I'd hang out with. I loved that she never doubted Cruz, she was always on his side.

I really liked Shane, at the end of the book it says the next one centres around him, and I'm super happy about that. He has a story to tell. I adored Denver, nothing better happen to him...that's all I'm saying! What I liked about Shane was that even though he was concerned and felt he needed to do ‘the big brother' thing, he didn't overdo it and took Cruz's back when other people made insinuations and I loved that, it was different and really made his character more appealing.

Relationship.
I loved the way the relationship progressed from the instant attraction to getting to know each other, and falling in love. It was lovely to follow their story and see it all play out. The way they supported each other and believed in one another. I loved that there wasn't a major conflict between them, they fell in love and made it work, even when each of them tried to push the other away, they stood firm. It was beautiful. Also, the sex scenes were steamy as heck and very well placed.

Lexi and a heavily pregnant Sugar go on a surveillance mission to check out a possible new recruit for Titan – Bishop O'Kane. A safe and easy job, or so they thought. When the gym they're checking out is taken over by terrorists, they must work together with Bishop to get out in one piece.

Live Wire is a quick, easy read. Under 3 hours. It's really a cute story. It gives more depth to Jared Westin and explains why he is the way he is. Of course, this is Jared and Sugar, so expect some sexy time...although, Parker and Lexi give them a run for their money in the sexy time department. It was fun spending a little more time with two of the fan-favourite couples, who don't disappoint in this book. The introduction to Bishop was fun and set's up the listener for Bishop's Queen (I already love him!)

I love Cristin Harber's writing style, she always hits home with a great story that is well written and will have you laughing and sat on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen. Not many authors can grab a reader's attention in a novella enough to get the reader invested in the characters and the story, this isn't a problem that Cristin has. From the opening chapter to the final one, she has me riveted.

Two of my favourite scenes are Bishop's first meeting with Sugar, it was funny and quite endearing. I definitely wanted more of Bishop after that introduction. Also, Parker's geek make-over, his interactions with Beth were hilarious. And let's take a moment to think about Jared and a baby...sigh, that big bad alpha is a big softie!

Stevie, the Ghostface killer is sent on a simple mission, find her mark and kill him, easy, she's done it plenty of times before, only this time, the lines get blurred and she can't bring herself to pull the trigger. Baz has issues, which are fully under control, that is until he realises Stevie was sent to kill him. Can they get past what has happened and what both of them represent to give their relationship a chance, or are they doomed to fail?

I felt so many emotions with this book it was hard to keep track. I was disgusted, I was sad, I was annoyed. But then I was happy and charmed, and angry and happy again. Seriously, if there was an emotion, I felt it. M Never has an amazing talent for writing characters that you just can't help but have a connection and reaction to. 

I really liked the plot of this book. A character that has been beaten down so often that she builds herself up and is a strong, capable woman. I loved that. I think that is one of the reasons I loved Stevie so much, she didn't take any crap, she could hold her own. I think falling in love actually made her stronger. She had something to fight for and she fought for all she was worth. Baz was also a great character, I loved him to begin with, then he got a little dodgy (hey, he's a guy with complex issues, don't judge) but once he broke down and got himself sorted I just completely fell in love with him. He stepped out of his comfort zone and went against everything he wanted to protect the people he loves. He was confident but vulnerable, sweet and badass. I only have one question – the beard...why?!?! And you all know how I love to have characters to hate and this book sated that need, I hated certain characters so, so, so much! This book just really grabbed me and took me on a heck of a ride.

With that being said I don't feel the prologue was necessary, I think the book could have started at chapter one. Stevie alluded to the events enough in her thoughts and reactions that we knew something had happened. The revelation of telling Baz would have had a greater impact if the listener didn't already know, in detail, what had happened. Plus, we really didn't need it twice. Part of this will be because I struggle with the subject and wasn't expecting it. Being hit with it in the first few minutes kinda put a dampener on it for me, in fact, I turned it off and had to think about whether I wanted to continue. I did continue and enjoyed the story, as stated above. The relationship between Baz and Stevie is actually quite beautiful. The twist at the end was very clever and I didn't see it coming, I was in shock and may have shouted at my phone as I listened to it lol. Although the revelation that happened I did know, from the get go, again, that would have been more of a shock and major revelation had we not had the prologue. But that is just one person's opinion.

Jacob Morgan narrated the epilogue and I must be honest, he was the pull for me to get this book in the first place, so I was a little disappointed to find out he only narrated the epilogue...which he did wonderfully, as always, however, as I was listening I thought it wasn't really necessary. Muffy could have done the entire book, that is how amazing her performance was. Muffy Newtown was absolutely fantastic! I adored her performance, there wasn't one part or one character that she didn't excel at. Her male characters are amazing, I even had to check that it was still her at times...just in case they sneaked in another narrator while I wasn't paying attention. I feel like she has totally ruined my JM narrator crush and now I'm all MN narrator crushing. 

Warning: This is a dark romance. It contains violence, dubious consent, suicidal thoughts and the sexual assault of a minor (in the prologue, if you struggle with this trigger, you might want to skip ahead to chapter one). Listen at your own discretion.