Lexy's Top 15 of 2016

This was hard to do! There were so many books released in 2016 that I loved. If you haven't read any of these, go one click them. They are amazing. 

I can't wait to see what our amazing authors bring to us in 2017.
Happy reading! 

Lexy's Top 15 of 2016

The Spire
Kate Canterbury

Rebel, runner, recluse, rich girl. Nine years ago, Erin Walsh ran away from everything.
Home.
Family.
Secrets.
Tragedy.
Herself.
 The only permanence in her life is catastrophe.
 She travels from country to country, chasing disaster, teasing fire, playing with poison. She guards against real connections, and shuns the only family she has left.
 She holds everyone—even her siblings—at a mile-long distance. It's the only way to protect herself.
  But she can't protect herself from him.
  He's the ice to her fire, and he's willing to sacrifice everything to bring her home.

Review
**5 Stars**

Let me just start out by saying this review will be short, this only because I can't put all of my thoughts into words besides that this book was perfection. Next? Make sure you are sitting down for the prologue, it will rock your world and leave you dying to read the next page. I've had an ongoing battle with every book in this series as to which Walsh my my favorite. After the Cornerstone came out, Shannon has been my favorite Walsh with a close tie to Patrick. After reading The Spire, I can say Erin is my absolute favorite.

Erin was always so mysterious (besides the bits and pieces we saw of her in the other stories) until now. I loved every letter, every word, every sentence, every paragraph, and every page of her story. It was perfect. You feel for her. You hurt for her. You heal for her and most importantly? You love with her. Kate did an absolutely amazing job with her story. Erin was ready to talk and boy did she. You fall in love with you, you can't help it.

This book also gave you a side to Riley you've never seen before. Let me say this, I want his story. Waiting until May 2017? Well it just may be the death of me and I'll have read the entire series over again, more times than I'll want to admit.

I can't wait for people to read this. You need to read this. If you love the Walshes at all, you'll love this. It is absolute perfection.

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

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Lucas 
Jay McLean

In a sprint, every millisecond counts.
When you’re waiting for love, those milliseconds can feel like eons.
High school senior Lucas Preston has it all: star of the track team, a scholarship waiting for him, an apartment to himself and a revolving door of girlfriends. He also has an older sister, five younger brothers and a father who relies on him to make sure those brothers don’t kill each other.
His saving grace? Lois “Laney” Sanders, a girl he started to fall in like with when he was just eleven.
A girl who became his best friend, his confidant, his courage.
It took only sixteen clicks and eight seconds for Lucas to realize that his like for Laney had turned into love.
Eight life-changing seconds.
It’s also the exact length of time it took to lose her.

Review
**5 Stars**

"It took only sixteen clicks and eight seconds.."

Jay is my absolute favorite one click author, hands down. If she has a new release coming out, there is no need to read the blurb, just one click it. Every word she writes hits me in the feels every time. She is amazing. Her ability to tell an absolute phenomenal story happens with every one of her stories. When you're reading you get lost in that world she has created; you feel as if you're apart of their world. Reading Lucas was no different and not only did you feel as if you were apart of their world, you were a part of the Preston family. Every word of this story is perfect. It grabs you from the prologue and keeps you going until the very last word u until you read "The End".

My initial reaction after reading Lucas was I wanted to smack him, I wanted to ask him what he was thinking, and I wanted to hug him. I felt for him. I loved reading his story. After the glimpse of him on More Than Forever, I found him intriguing. Reading his story gives you the full picture of how amazing he is an individual. I loved him.

Laney sweet, sweet girl. Jay did an amazing job writing her character. Like my reaction with Lucas, I wanted to ask what she was thinking so many different times. I wanted to hug her and just tell her it'd be okay. My heart hurt for her multiple times but in the end, I just wanted to keep reading her story and watching her grow as an individual. Seeing where she was in the beginning and seeing where she is at the end hurts you and heals you.

You also learn more about the family Preston family. This family is amazing. You see different aspects of the family and learn about how they operate and function. You see a bit of Cam and Lucy, you see Little Logan as a teenager. You fall in love with Leo. You laugh with Lachlan. You see with Liam and Lincoln that twin bond is a real thing and love them even more. Tom Preston is an amazing man and he has raised an even more amazing family. You get lost in the Preston family.

I hope we get more of this amazing family and the rest of their stories.

* Amazon US * Amazon UK *

Coast 
Jay McLean

One life-changing summer.
One boy.
The boy.
The boy who offered me safe touches and heart-stopping smiles - smiles he shared with his son.
We filled our days with porch-step kisses,
filled our ears with laughter,
filled our hearts with love.
Deep, soul-aching, desperate love.
But love is misleading.
It's an invisible, fleeting moment.
Somewhere between false adoration and pure hatred comes an emotion, a vulnerable need, a single desire.
It lives within the ones who miss it, who crave it,
who know better than to expect it.
Love is relentless.
Even when that love turns to hate, turns to loathing,
turns to pain.
Love should heal you.
But it can also break you.
Believe me, I know...
Because I'm Becca Owens - a broken girl...
...And he's Josh Warden - the boy who broke me.

Review
**5 Stars**

Coast is the book of healing, hope and new starts.
After the fall out at the end of Kick Push between Josh and Becca I was nervous for Coast and the emotions it would bring. From the first couple of pages in I was hooked. This is Becca’s story. The girl with raven dark hair and eyes the color of emeralds. McLean did an amazing job at showing the growth Josh and Becca both have gone through Kick Push, the struggles and how they have become who they are.
You can feel the tie they have together, the desire to be better and to what the other person needs. The struggles they face are real and the desires to do what is right for themselves, for Tommy and everyone else are noticed and felt.

Coast will heal your broken heart and help you recover.

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Anti-Stepbrother 
 Tijan

He told me to 'settle, girl.'
He asked if 'something was wrong with me?'
He said I was an ‘easy target.’
That was within minutes when I first met Caden Banks.
I labeled him an *sshole, but he was more than that. Arrogant. Smug. Alpha.
He was also to-die-for gorgeous, and my stepbrother’s fraternity brother.
Okay, yes I was a little naive, a tad bit socially awkward, and the smallest amount of stalker-ish, but if Caden Banks thought he could tell me what to do, he had another thing coming.
I came to college with daydreams about being with my stepbrother, but what would happen if I fell for the anti-stepbrother instead?

Review

**5 Star**

Where do I begin with this review? I wanted to read it purely because Tijan wrote it. It’s no secret I am a Mason Kade lover, but hot d*mn, Caden Banks might have just taken over. That right there is serious business, hands down.

Summer Stoltz has been in love with her stepbrother since her dad married his mom. After following him to the college he went to be with him, she learns the hard way that he is a jerk in more way then one. Having been jerked around by him she isn’t prepared for Caden or feelings that come with him. What might have started out as an unusual friendship ends up being something more for Summer in the most perfect way ever.

Caden Banks. Where do I even begin? How about with, I love him. He’s tall, he’s tattooed, he’s muscly and he is the unspoken leader of the fraternity. After having family drama of his own and keeping things to himself, he wasn’t prepared for Summer. Caden wasn’t one to have friends, he isn’t one to protect but when he does protect, he protects those that ARE friends. Summer came out of nowhere for him and watching their relationship develop had to be one of my absolute favorite things.

I have to say, to date, I think this is my absolute favorite TIjan story. Caden is so far from what Summer was wanting, but I am so glad with how it ended. I am so excited for people to read this. To fall in love with Summer and her Summer-isms and to fall in love with Caden just for being him.

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After We Fall 
Melanie Harlow

Jack Valentini isn’t my type.
Sexy, brooding cowboys are fine in the movies, but in real life, I prefer a suit and tie. Proper manners. A close shave.
Jack might be gorgeous, but he’s also scruffy, rugged, and rude. He wants nothing to do with a “rich city girl” like me, and he isn’t afraid to say so.
But I’ve got a PR job to do for his family’s farm, so he’s stuck with me for ten days, and I’m stuck with him. His glares. His moods. His tight jeans. His muscles.
His huge, hard muscles.
Pretty soon there’s a whole different kind of tension between us, the kind that has me misbehaving in barns, trees, and pickup trucks. I’ve never done anything so out of character—but it feels too good to stop.
And the more I learn about the grieving ex-Army sergeant, the better I understand him. Losing his wife three years ago left him broken and bitter and blaming himself. He doesn’t think he deserves a second chance at happiness.
But he’s wrong.
I don’t need to be his first love. If only he’d let me be his last.
“Second chances are not given to make things right, but are given to prove that we could be even better after we fall.” —Unknown

Review
**4.5 Stars**

Where do I even begin with this book? I loved it.   Jack and Margot are a perfect couple and I loved every bit of their story. The progression of their story was every bit my favorite, from start to finish, I need more of them. That's for sure.

Jack, where do I start with him? I loved him. He was prickly and standoffish and not ready for change but once you learn his story you can't blame him. I would have been too. Once he decides to go for something, he goes all in. He loves fiercely and gives his all, but it'll take a force to make him want it all again. The force he wasn't prepared for was Margot Lewiston.

Margot has always been told how to live and what is expected for her. After a disaster of a year the chance to work on an out of town project is one she latches onto, what she wasn't prepared for was the handsome middle brother Jack in the Valentini Brothers Farm. He brings out this side of her she didn't know she had, but if makes her feel something she never knew she had.

I loved every bit of Jack and Margot's story. You catch a glimpse of Jamie and Quinn from Man Candy and has you calling in love all over again. I can't wait for more from Melanie!

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The Goal 
 Elle Kennedy

She’s good at achieving her goals…College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.
But the game just got a whole lot more complicated. Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.

Review
**5 Stars**

I was dying to read this book after the teaser in The Score. Dean was replaced by Tucker as my Off-Campus man! Elle did an amazing job on Tucker and Sabrina' story and it not disappoint.

Tucker is amazing. Playing hockey at Briar is something he loves, but with all of his friends starting to get girlfriends, he is feeling something missing. Hitting up a bar after practice or game isn't something unusual for him or his buddies, but the love at first feeling with Sabrina he has while at Malone's is something he wasn't prepared. Tucker is my favorite Off-Campus man because of his caring and responsible side. He works hard for where he is and doesn't take things for granted.

Sabrina has no time for men. She works two jobs and is pre-law, getting accepted into Harvard Law is her dream. Meeting and falling for Tucker wasn't something she had on her radar or something she wanted to do. She fought and then she got pregnant. Sabrina's character is amazing. It shows how when you're determined enough you don't let little things stop you, especially when you have goals to better yourself.

Tucker loves fiercely, but he does it in a way that allowed Sabrina to love him back and to move at her own pace... even after they found out she was pregnant. Tucker and Sabrina's story is my favorite of the Off-Campus series. I love how it started and I love how it ended. They both deserve the HEA they received at the end and the life they created together.

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Say You Want Me 
Corinne Michaels

There’s no way I’ll fall for Wyatt Hennington.He can keep his Southern drawl, irresistible smile, and those pick-up lines all to himself. I made the mistake of sleeping with him not once, but twice. I’m not stupid enough to give him round three, especially after he left me in the middle of the night so I could see myself out. I vow to return to Philadelphia and forget him.
It proves easier said than done.
When the doctor informs me I’m the winner of door prize number two, I put my life on hold and head back to Bell Buckle. Three months and if we can’t make this work, I’m gone.The problem is—when the cards are stacked against us, and I can’t bring myself to leave him, I’ll finally know if he truly loves me or if all my fears were real . . .

Review

**4.5 Stars**

I've been waiting for this book since the first one came out and we saw bits and pieces of Wyatt in Say You'll Stay. There is just something about him that I love and I fell even more in love with his character in Say You Want Me. Say' You'll Stay was one of my top reads of 2016 and now so is Say You Want Me.

Wyatt had me hooked on his character from the beginning, he's sweet, charming and is full of sex appeal. He is just delightful, add in the cowboy factor and I was hooked. I learned so much more about his character and all the different things about him just made him even better. I wasn't prepared for how utterly sweet he was going to be on his quest to win Angie. The man has some moves. I love how he is with Angie, that he's himself and at home with her.

Angie is one fierce woman. She's smart, successful, sassy, and oh so independent. She has this sass about her that just makes her so lovable and perfect for Wyatt, even though she fights it tooth and nail. She's always had to be strong, learning the reasons why for this broke me. I hurt for her, but it makes you love her even more. Watching her fall for Wyatt was one of the sweetest parts to their story, because they both deserve to be happy and loved forever.

The twist to their story about killed me inside. My heart broke for them both over and over and over. You aren't expecting it and it hurts. I wasn't prepared for that curve ball and I'm not sure I've fully recovered from it. But, I'm happy with how their story ended. I can't wait for Trent's book. That will be one fun and interesting adventure I can't wait for.

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Stripped Down 
Emma Hart

What do you get when you mix a bottle of tequila, a single mom moonlighting as a stripper, and her sinfully sexy boss with an impulsive side?
Married. You get married.
Rich. Demanding. Hot. Crazy.That was Beckett Cruz in a nutshell.Not to mention wild, determined, dangerous, and forbidden.He was my boss—and, after a drunken moment of insanity, my new husband.An annulment was impossible... so was keeping him. I was taking my daughter and leaving, determined to give her a quieter life.But Beckett Cruz had never taken no for an answer.And he wasn't about to take mine. What happens in Vegas... might just keep you there.

Review

**5 Stars**

Oh man, when I finished Stripped Bare and read that little excerpt of Beckett's story, I was DYING for it to come out. I couldn't wait to get my hands on his book and the woman who he married. The book ended up being more than I was expecting and I loved every second of it.

Beckett, after being introduced to him in Wes and Mia's story I couldn't wait for him to get his own book. Beckett was so much more than I was prepared for. I was on team Wes but now I've fully been converted to team Beckett. He cares with all of him and protects those who important to him. He fights for what is important to him and those that he loves. One of my favorite aspects of his character is when he would address Cassie as Cassie Cruz, claiming her as his.

Cassie, I loved this stubborn woman and all of her insecurities. Being a single mom isn't easy, but she does it and loves her children with her all. Ciara, Cici, knows her mom loves her even if at times she doesn't think so. Cassie does everything in her power to protect and take care of Cara, even if it means working at a job she isn't fond of. Until Beckett makes it so much better.

I love Beckett and Cassie's story. I was sad it ended, but I loved their journey from start to finish. It was so much more than I expected and it was perfect.

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Royally Screwed  
Emma Chase

Nicholas Arthur Frederick Edward Pembrook, Crowned Prince of Wessco, aka “His Royal Hotness”, is wickedly charming, devastatingly handsome, and unabashedly arrogant—hard not to be when people are constantly bowing down to you. Then, one snowy night in Manhattan, the prince meets a dark haired beauty who doesn’t bow down. Instead, she throws a pie in his face. Nicholas wants to find out if she tastes as good as her pie, and this heir apparent is used to getting what he wants. ***
 Dating a prince isn’t what waitress Olivia Hammond ever imagined it would be. There’s a disapproving queen, a wildly inappropriate spare heir, relentless paparazzi, and brutal public scrutiny. While they’ve traded in horse drawn carriages for Rolls Royces and haven’t chopped anyone’s head off lately—the royals are far from accepting of this commoner. But to Olivia—Nicholas is worth it. *** Nicholas grew up with the whole world watching, and now Marriage Watch is in full force. In the end, Nicholas has to decide who he is, but more importantly, who he wants to be: a King... or the man who gets to love Olivia forever.

Review
**4.5 stars**

I am a huge Emma Chase fan so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this story. The cover alone would have been reason to read the story, but after reading it? The story itself makes it even better! Prince Nicholas is hot and watching him fall for Olivia is even hotter.

Nicholas, the hot prince of Wessco. I think he is one of my favorite Emma characters to date. He says what he thinks and goes with it. He lives his life with security, he tries to stay out of the public eye and doesn't do relationships. Every aspect of his life is planned, including who he is to marry. After being sent to Manhattan by Queen, he isn't prepared for the change his will take when he meets Olivia.

Olivia is the glue to her family. She's tough, she gorgeous, yet she doesn't live her life to that fullest due to running the family business. After a snow storm that shuts the city down her life changes in ways she wasn't prepared for. Meeting Nicholas came out of left field. He intrigues her in a way she's never been intrigued before and gives her a reason to get out and adventure.

Overall, I would have to say this is one of my all time favorite books by Emma. The loved Nicholas and Olivia. I loved how their story unfolded, the adventure and the romance was fitting for them. I feel like they found themselves in each other, this made the story even sweeter.

I can't wait to read the rest of this series. I'm ready for Henry's story.

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Dare to Dance 
 SB Alexander

This story will grab your heart and never let go! Based on true events.Hoping to sign with one of the biggest boxing promoters in the country, Kross Maxwell has to maintain a near perfect record. He can’t afford to lose any more bouts. But his head isn’t in the ring. Instead, he can’t seem to shake his past that’s been beating on his mind. To get back in the game, he goes in search of the girl he walked away from--the one girl who's always owned his heart.Twenty-year-old, Ruby Lewis, is angry and frustrated with the way her life turned out. She dreamed of becoming a ballerina, but instead of performing for the rich and famous, she’s swinging her fists at girls twice her size in filthy, underground fights. She’d give anything to sleep in a bed, rather than the cold dark streets of Boston. Begging for her next meal, she often thinks of the friends she once had, the nice home she lived in, and the only boy to ever steal her heart. But Kross Maxwell wouldn’t want her now--not with dirty fingernails, ragged clothes and oily hair. But when she runs into him, the concrete wall she’s erected around herself threatens to crumble, and she can’t let that happen--if she wants to survive and get back the only thing that's ever mattered to her.
Dare to Dance is the 4th book in the Maxwell Series and can be read as a stand-alone. The book is intended for audiences 18+

Review
**5 stars**

I love SB Alexander's work and this series, I was so incredibly excited for Kross's book that I wasn't even prepared for how amazing it was going to be. Out of the 4 books in the series so far, Dare to Dance takes the cherry on top for being my favorite. I wasn't prepared for how much I would love Kross after Kade and Kelton, but Kross is my new favorite Maxwell.

Kross, how do I even describe him? He's a boxer and he let go one of one the best things in his life because he wasn't ready, but he never forgot her. He wasn't prepared for how he would find her again either or the circumstances that would be revealed once he found her and she told the full story...

Ruby- sweet, amazing- Ruby... She is my favorite leading Maxwell lady. There were so many times I wanted to crawl into my kindle just to love her. She hasn't had it easy and letting the one person back into her life who broke her heart isn't going to easy, especially with that secrets she has.

I was in a puddle of tears with many parts of this book. It tugs at your heart strings and makes you want to hug Kross and Ruby. I wish I could say more, but I don't want to spoil it for others. Know this, Kross Maxwell loves fiercely and that family always comes first.

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Mr. President 
Katy Evans

He's won the hearts of millions. But is he willing to lose his?
I met the president’s son when we were both young. Matthew Hamilton was handsome, polished, and intelligent. I’d never met a guy like him.
He promised me that he’d never run for president. I promised that if he did, I’d be by his side.
Three terms later, an invitation to join Matthew Hamilton’s campaign is the most exhilarating opportunity I’ve ever experienced. I'm determined to make a difference; he is determined to win.
Focused on his goal, Matt is steadfast, ruthless, and disarming. All eyes are on him and his popularity is surging. But soon, the next possible president of the United States is possessing me in more ways than one—and despite the risks, I'm helpless to resist.
We're stealing touches, stealing moments, and stealing away at night. But our chemical connection is quickly becoming dangerously combustive, putting not only my heart, but Matt's chance at the presidency on the line.
Winning will take everything. Walking away will be the hardest thing of all.

Review
**4.5 Stars**

Oh how I loved this book. It sucked me in to the point I couldn't put it down. I had to know what was going to happen and I loved every second of it. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book because of the politics. But Katy did such an amazing job at making this story perfect. Matt is a character I can't stop swooning after and Charlotte is the perfect female lead. I won't talk too much about the plot because there is a book two coming (all I can say is praise the lord for that!).

Matt is one hot presidental candiate. He is pure alpha and holy crap. He is hot in alpha mode. I couldn't get enough of him. He wasn't super dirty, which is how I feel most alpha's are. He is smart, strong and has this love for his country that is unreal. I loved his character and I need more of him.

Charlotte, sweet gorgeous girl that she is. I love her character. She is flat out perfect. She's young, beautiful, and has a heart of gold. She has this innocence about her that just makes her perfect for Matt.

I can't wait for book 2. After reading I text my friend saying "I NEED IT NOW'. This story is so good. Angst, passion, love... all the things that make me love a story. I can't wait for book 2, I need it.

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Rookie Move 
Sarina Bowen

In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold... Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL. But on the first day he’s called up to the newly franchised Brooklyn Bruisers, Leo gets checked on both sides, first by the team’s coach—who has a long simmering grudge, and then by the Bruisers’ sexy, icy publicist—his former girlfriend Georgia Worthington.
Saying goodbye to Leo was one of the hardest things Georgia ever had to do—and saying hello again isn’t much easier. Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast....

Review
**5 Stars**

If you're a hockey romance fan, this book is for you. I was so excited to read this book because of how much I love Sarina's writing. Like all of her other books, Rookie Move did not disappointment. It sucked me in, it gave me my happily ever after, involved hockey and had a second chance love... What more could I ask for?

Georgia, Gigi, is the PR person for the Brooklyn Bruiser, a new and upcoming team in the NHL. I think she is my favorite leading female in a hockey romance. She's a killer and does all she can to be the best that she can. When the love of her life comes back when she least expected it, she has many different feelings and thoughts approach, but she took it all in stride and more happiness was achieved. Opening her heart up again, to the one person who has always had it wasn't in her plan, but sometimes life happens.

Leo, after a sudden trade from the AHL league to NHL, he knew this was his chance to make it big. What he wasn't expecting, was his high school girlfriend and her dad to be involved with the team he was traded to. After a shakey first press conference, he wasn't sure how the season would go, but knowing he wanted to be successful he gave it his all, on and off the ice. Winning Gigi back, wasn't part of his plan, but he wanted it to be a major part of his future.

I loved Leo and Gigi's story. Going into the book, I knew I was going to love it because Sarina wrote it, but I wasn't prepared for how much I was going to love it. She successfully achieved overcoming demons to let love win. She let the reader get fully involved with the characters and pulled them in. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

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Four Letter Word 
J. Daniels

Sydney Paige was never so mortified to hear the words "wrong number" in her life. She meant to tell off the guy who broke her best friend's heart, but unleashed her anger on a perfect stranger instead. And now her world is turned upside down by the captivating man who wants to keep her on the line.
Brian Savage is living a life he's quickly come to hate-until Sydney's wild rant has him hooked and hungry for more. Soon the sexy woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed. But Brian has secrets, and the closer he lets Syd get, the harder it is to shield her from the devastating mistakes of his past . . .

Review

**4.5 stars**

I love J. Daniels and her books, when I heard she had a new one releasing I had to have it, no question about it. Nothing about Four Letter Word disappointed me and I hung onto every word of Brian and Syd's story. The perfect four letter word for their story is love.

Syd, this spit fire of a redhead is one my favorite characters written by the author. After making a phone call to the wrong number, Syd's life was on a course she didn't know she was prepared for or needed. I loved the meeting she had with Brian and how their relationship started. Syd loves fiercely and with her all. She's sweet, caring and helps heals those important to her.

Brian, I love his character. After receiving a phone call meant for someone else, he was intrigued. The spit fire on the other end did all sorts of things to him and caused laughter, something that had been missing in his life. Not wanting to lose this, he makes a bold move and does something he isn't sure he should- making it one of my favorite stories by J. Daniels. He loves just as fiercely as Syd and will do anything in his power to make her happy and heal her.

Syd and Brian's story is adorably perfect. I laughed, I cried, and hurt for them, but at the end I was happy with where they were and how they got there. Every situation happens for a reason, Syd's misdial lead to them both finding happiness.

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Even The Score 
Beth Ehemann

Single dad Andy Shaw loves his job as a sports agent, with one exception: it doesn’t leave him much time for his kids. No parent likes being sidelined, so Andy decides to hire someone to share the workload. But when one of the hottest agents in the industry applies, Andy knows that this deal is definitely trouble.
Danicka Douglas works her butt off, but being an attractive woman in a testosterone-heavy industry isn’t exactly a cakewalk. She guards her professional reputation fiercely, which means no crushing on her gorgeous boss. But the more they ignore that sexy little spark, the more it sizzles…
Just when it looks like romance might be in the game plan, Dani is threatened by a stalker with dark intentions. To keep her safe, Andy must cross the line between professional and very personal…because this time, he’s playing for keeps.

Review
**4.5 Stars**

Man, oh man, Beth nailed it with this one! After meeting Andy and his horrendous ex-wife Blaire, I was dying for his story. He deserves happiness and his two adorable children deserve someone who will love them and be a mother type figure to them. Needless to say, it was everything I wanted his story to be and more. Beth did not disappoint on delivering his story and having it be everything I needed it to me.

Andy, then agent and friend of Brody and Viper's that we first meet in the Cranberry Inn series, is probably my next favorite character within this group of friends. After kicking his ex-wife to the curb, he has been the rocking the single dad and business owner thing, but he finds himself in the position of working more than he should and spending less time with his kids. When Brody dreams up a brilliant idea to hire a partner, Andy can't wait to start sharing some of the responsibility, what he didn't know was that Danika was more than he knew he needed.

After making a name for herself in the sports agency field, Danika (aka Dani) jumped at the chance when she knew Andy's company was looking for a new partner. Finding herself in an awkward position with her old agency, Dani jumped at the chance to join the agency, what she didn't know was that she was jumping in with more than just business with her new boss.

I loved Andy's story. The tough sports agent was trying to do it all on his own and didn't realize that having a business and a happily ever after were just what he needed. Andy and Danika's story was real. You feel their love, pain and all the other emotions and you experience their joys and triumphs as well. You see more of our favorite Cranberry Inn and Viper's Heart characters but, you get a whole lotta Andy love. I can't wait for others to read his story and fall in love.

Amazon US

Black Swan Affair 
K.L. Kreig

I’ve loved him as long as I can remember.The gangly boy with big brown eyes and unruly hair who grew up into an intoxicating man. He wears scruff like he invented it and ambles with a swagger that makes panties drop. Killian Shepard. Shep. We grew up together. We played Ghost in the Graveyard. Had our own rock band. It didn’t matter that he was five years older than me. It didn’t matter that he looked at me as a kid sister even as I grew into a woman. It didn’t even matter when he left me behind to go to college and start his adult life. He’d be back. He was always meant to be mine. He came back, all right. But instead of smelling of promises, he stunk of betrayal. And he destroyed me—us—the day he married my sister instead of me. So I did the only thing a girl like me in my position could do. I got my revenge. I married his brother, Kael. Now we’re one big happy fucking family.

Review

**4.5 stars**

This book. Oh man, did I love it. From the first page up until the very end, I loved it. From the second I read the blurb, I knew I had to read it. I was curious on how the story would go and the characters would develop throughout the story, none of it, absolutely none of it, disappointed me.

The love story is this book is epic. You aren't sure how the story is going to play out based off of it jumping from present time to past tense and the different character views. I was sucked in from the preface and I continued to get sucked in clear up until the very last page.

Maverick's character is one of my absolute favorite characters of 2016. I wasn't sure how her character would grow and develop after reading the first character, but I knew I liked her.

For the male character we have two brothers, Killian and Kael. That's all I'm going to say because I want others to go into completely blind like I did. Just know, I have a favorite and he deserves to be that favorite page 1 of character.

I loved this story. I loved how it ended and loved how the characters ended. I can't wait for more by K.L. Kreig.

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Honorable Mentions

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[Blog Tour] Face-Off at the Alter by Toni Aleo

Markus Reeves is sucking. Big-time. Toiling away on a minor-league hockey team hundreds of miles away from home, he's watching his dreams of an NHL career fade away. Add in the lingering guilt he has over the dramatic demise of his relationship with college girlfriend, Mekena, and he's a mess on and off the ice.
But the family of his heart, the Sinclairs, won't let Markus suffer any longer. When he arrives himself back in Nashville for a trial run on the Assassins, it feels like his life may be making a turn for the better. If only he could get Mekena to forgive him...
Mekena Preston has been hurting since fleeing Nashville following the horror of Markus's betrayal with her sister. Now a professional photographer, Mekena finds herself in the same place at the same time with Markus to celebrate Lucy and Benji Paxton's wedding. Neither of them has been able to move on—and they're starting to wonder if they really want to.
They're headed for a face-off at the altar unless they can confront their past and unearth the truth about what really happened on that fateful night.

 Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Amazon AU 

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Review

**4.5 Stars**

I have loved this series from book 1. Being the Bellevue Bullies characters becoming a part this makes it even better. Markus and Mekena's story was just as good as the others. I don't know what it is about their story that made it so good, but it was so sweet.

Markus has only had one dream and that's to play for the Assassins, the NHL team

In Nashville. What he didn't plan on was playing for the AHL in Florida. He hurt the one person he loved and life has never been the same. When his best friends sister decides to get remarried, he wasn't prepared for the run in Mekena again. Can he make her forgive him or is what they had gone forever?

Mekena is trying to forget one person who betrayed her. Living in Florida with her aunt has been refreshing, but when her best friends sister in law asks her to take pictures for her wedding she's back in Nashville. What she wasn't prepared for were the memories that would follow her there. Can she forgive Markus and be happy or does she throw it all away?

I loved their story. It was sweet and fit their characters perfectly. I can't wait to see where Toni goes with this series next!

Excerpt

“You are, by far, the most patient man I know.”

Baylor grimaced as she took Dawson from Markus’s outstretched hands. He smiled as Dawson looked at him innocently. He knew the little guy didn’t mean to puke all over him and he wasn’t upset, but he was trying to figure out a way to get to the house and shower before he had to talk to Mekena. He highly doubted that baby puke would be an aphrodisiac. Maybe it would be? Huh.

He wasn’t going to try, though.  

As Baylor cuddled Dawson against her, Markus waved her off. “It’s no big deal. He’s a baby.”

She smiled shyly. “Yes, but Ashlyn pooped on you too.”

He grinned as he shrugged, trying not to laugh. It was a tough rehearsal for Dawson, Ashlyn, and Markus. Puke and poop were big-time stars during the hour of watching the Sinclairs and Grace Justice try to put together a wedding. He wasn’t sure what was funnier, Jace glaring as Jordie walked with Avery, or Ashlyn farting and then realizing she had just shit all over him. It was a toss-up, but then Dawson decided to puke down the front of his shirt, and he figured he was now a substitute for a baby rag. “I volunteered.”

“Still, we’re really sorry,” Avery said, holding Ashlyn close as she rocked her back and forth. “I understand if you don’t want to watch her ever again.”

“Nonsense,” he said, laughing as he tucked his hands into his pockets and looked around. He spotted Mekena at the front of the altar, taking pictures of random things. He wasn’t sure if she was done, but maybe he could slip away. “How much longer until y’all are done?”

“We’re done, but Lucy and Benji have some pre-wedding pictures they’re having done with Angie.”

“So Mekena isn’t done?”

Avery smiled. “Nope, she’s got a bit.”

“Can you pass a message for me?”

“Sure.”

“Let her know that I went back to the cabin to shower and clean up?”

“Yeah, of course. I’ll tell Jace to tell her since I’m taking Ashlyn to bed.”

“Cool, thanks,” he said, kissing her cheek and then Baylor’s, before rubbing Dawson’s head. “I’ll see you guys in the morning.”

Before he could get far, though, Baylor smiled. “Thanks again.”

“Anytime. I mean that.”

Avery smiled. “Thanks.”

“Also, good luck,” Baylor added.

Flashing them both a big grin, he nodded. “I need it.”

Heading out the back, he made it back to the cabin quickly. When he entered, though, Mr. Right was sitting on the windowsill howling. “Whoa, man. What’s up?”

Meoooooowwwwwwww, he wailed, with his mouth wide open as his hair stood on end.

“Bro, I don’t know what to say. I don’t speak your language. Are you singing? Do you want me to sing too? Meoooowwwwww,” he said, and Mr. Right looked back at him, almost with a glare. “We should add some beat to that and make a remix,” Markus joked as the cat wailed. Deciding that was a good idea, he pulled out his phone and started to beatbox as the cat wailed, recording it on his SnapChat. The cat must have realized what he was doing because he looked back, scowling, and Markus hid his phone. He didn’t want to admit it, but Mr. Right kind of freaked him out.

About Toni Aleo

My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.

I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.

I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!

When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.

I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.

… and did I mention I love hockey?

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Tanya's Top Ten of 2016

One

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people. Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two. Rhys has to be my favorite book boyfriend of all time. He is my husband and my one true love. I can't even believe just how perfect he is. I loved everything about him since I first met him, but in ACOMAF he just blew me away. Rhys and his trust and belief in Feyre was astounding. I love that he just supports and trust her and lets her take charge. And even with all that, he is still so powerful and it attracts me to him even more. The action and the journey this book took me on was amazing. I loved everything about this book. I can't wait for more of him in book 3. I have told everyone and anyone that they need to read this book. And I mean that. Go read these books.

Favorite Quotes: “To the stars who listen and the dreams that are answered.”

“And I wondered if love was too weak a word for what he felt, what he’d done for me. For what I felt for him.”

“I sipped from my wine. "And if he had grabbed me?"

There was nothing but uncompromising will in his eyes. "Then I would have torn apart the world to get you back.”

Two

Lucas by Jay McLean 

In a sprint, every millisecond counts. When you’re waiting for love, those milliseconds can feel like eons.  High school senior Lucas Preston has it all: star of the track team, a scholarship waiting for him, an apartment to himself and a revolving door of girlfriends. He also has an older sister, five younger brothers and a father who relies on him to make sure those brothers don’t kill each other. His saving grace? Lois “Laney” Sanders, a girl he started to fall in like with when he was just eleven.A girl who became his best friend, his confidant, his courage.  It took only sixteen clicks and eight seconds for Lucas to realize that his like for Laney had turned into love.  Eight life-changing seconds. 

Oh, Lucas. This book just tore me apart and made me FEEL. Jay McLean is unlike any other author. She knows how to write with deep emotion and gripping feelings. I could not put this book down. Lucas was not perfect. In fact, most of the times I wanted to stab him. As the book continued, I saw him grow and develop and become an amazing man. It was not an easy journey, but he was always learning. Lucas is one of my absolute favorite book boyfriends written by Jay. The other main character, Laney, was one of the best female characters I have read this year. She was so strong and beautiful and genuine. I connected to her and felt all her drowning emotions and feelings. It was as if I was inside her feeling all the things. Like I have said before, if you haven't read Jay McLean go do it now. She will blow you away.

Favorite Quotes: "It is hard to control your body, your lust, your desire. Especially when it's connected to a girl you've been in love with before you had a grasp on what love was."

"Sixteen clicks. Eight Seconds. That's how long it took me to realize I'd been in love with her for four years. Eight, life-changing seconds. It's also the exact length of time it took me to lose her."

Three

It End With Us by Colleen Hoover 

SOMETIMES THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU IS THE ONE WHO HURTS YOU THE MOST Lily hasn't always had it easy, but that's never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She's come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up - she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily's life suddenly seems almost too good to be true. Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He's also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily, but Ryle's complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan - her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened. With this bold and deeply personal novel, Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

After months of reading this book it still affects me. I can still feel the power of it's words. This is how I know that this book deserves to be on this list. It is just too good and real not to be included. I won't talk about this book or tell you much about it because I would ruin it. It needs to be experienced and felt. I cried and I felt all kinds of emotions. This book is not typical and it is not something that a lot of people expect. Sure, it has romance, but that is not what this books is about. It will open your eyes in so many ways. It will leave you questioning and wanting to be brave and bold. It is some of the best work I have ever read.

Favorite Quotes: “He pulls back to look down at me and when he sees my tears, he brings his hands up to my cheeks. “In the future... if by some miracle you ever find yourself in the position to fall in love again... fall in love with me.”

“All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.”

Four

Four Letter Word by J. Daniels 

Fate. Hate. Love. Lies. Which four letter word will change their lives forever? Sydney Paige was never so mortified to hear the words "wrong number" in her life. She meant to tell off the guy who broke her best friend's heart but unleashed her anger on a perfect stranger instead. And now her world is turned upside down by the captivating man who wants to keep her on the line. Brian Savage is living a life he's quickly come to hate-until Sydney's wild rant has him hooked and hungry for more. Soon the sexy woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed. But Brian has secrets, and the closer he lets Syd get, the harder it is to shield her from the devastating mistakes of his past...

I have never read any books by J. Daniels. This was my first book and I fell in love with it. I became obsessed with this book. I couldn't put it down and I was drowning in her words. This book blew me away and I was hooked to it from the beginning all the way until the end. Brian was a dream. He was so perfect and loving and caring. His compassion and care melted me. Sydney was such a beautiful woman that learned so much about herself in this book. I loved that this book was different and hot. The whole story was unique and I LOVED that. I will forever be obsessed with this book. Now I am off to read every J. Daniels book to that exists.

Favorite Quotes: “Love was a risk. It was wild and unpredictable. You could either hold on for the ride, not knowing how it would end, or you could let go and never know the amazing you could have had.”

“I fell in love with Wild’s voice in my ear. Now I had her in my arms while she was giving it to me, and I was out of my fucking mind lost for this girl. There was no turning back.

I’d be anything she needed. I’d be everything she needed.”

Five

The Playbook by Kelly Elliott 

My life revolved around two things. Football and my cock. And not necessarily in that order. Being the head football coach for a top university in Texas had its ups and its downs. The ups? Endless women to f*ck. The downs? The politics that came with the job. From the moment Aubrey Cain walked into my office, she turned my world upside down. Being forced to have her follow me around for a month was going to be a pain in the ass. Especially since I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her. The best I’d hoped to come out of this was a few nights with her in my bed. I never imagined she’d be the game changer. Brett Owens was my assignment. Head football coach for a top college, bad boy reputation, short temper, and handsome good looks should have scared me off. But I was tougher than that. From the first words out of his obnoxious, dirty-talking mouth, I knew it was going to be a long month. It wasn’t five minutes after meeting him, he hit on me. If only I had known his blue eyes would haunt my dreams and awaken a desire inside of me I never knew existed. This was business. There was no way I would be tempted by him no matter how good looking he was or how many things he whispered in my ear. He was only supposed to be my assignment. Not the man who threatened to destroy both my heart and my career. I would follow along with his playbook for now. But who would end up winning was anyone’s guess.

Kelly Elliott has to be one of my favorite authors. I read all of her books that she publishes. They Playbooks was so good and so different from her other books. It was hot and sexy and fun. It made me blush and fall in love with Brett Owens. He was just something else. And as for Aubrey, she is one of my favorite Kelly Elliott heroines. I saw so much of her in me. I just loved reading this book and falling deeper in love with these characters. This story is pretty amazing.

Favorite Quotes: “He leaned closer, his lips inches from mine. “The only woman I want trying to get into my pants is the one I’m about to kiss.”

“She could make my worst day feel like it is the best day of my life.”

Six

Empire by Rachel Van Dyken

I have lost everything.
My purpose.
My love.
My soul.
Death knocks on my door, I want to answer, but every time I reach for the handle--the promise I made her, brings me back.
So I breathe.
I live.
I hate.
And I allow the anger to boil beneath the surface of a perfectly indifferent facade.
I am broken, I dont want to be fixed.
One last trip to New York, one last chance to redeem a lost part of the mafia family. The Empire is crumbling and it's my job to fix it, my job to mend the pieces that were scattered over thirty years ago.
The only issue is, the only way to fix, is to do something I swore I'd never do again.
An arranged marriage.
Only this time.
I won't fall.
Or so help me God, I'll kill her myself.
My name is Sergio Abandanoto, you think you know my pain, my suffering, my anger, my hate--you have no idea.
I am the mafia.
I am the darkness.
Blood in. No out.

No words for this book. I LOVE this book so much. I love RVD so much for her words. To say I was scared to read Empire is an understatement. I was terrified. I suffered through Elude, and to go into this book, I could barley function because I just kept thinking of the previous book. I didn’t want to move forward just like Sergio didn’t want to either. We were both hurting and feeling such sadness. As I kept reading I started to fall more and more in love. This book brought on more feels than ever, but it also healed me. I made me whole again. It was perfection. This series is perfect. I love every book more and more but Sergio will always be my number one mafia boy.

Favorite Quotes: “The course of true love, never did run smooth.”

“I didn’t want to be saved. No saving was needed. Because the truth of the matter was, I wasn’t really lost. I was just… empty.”

“That’s the thing about pain. You live with it, you embrace the rightness of it , until someone finally reaches through the broken glass, and grabs ahold of the real you, the you that had been lost and hurting. Broken and bleeding, they hold on for dear life, refusing to let go. They join you in your pain.”

“Our love would be ugly, deformed, awkward. It would be so many things, but I hoped, that in the end, above all else, it would be good enough.”

“Beasts are fierce because they protect what they love.”

“My lips buzzed while my body craved the nearness her soft curves promised.”

Seven

Away From The Dark by Aleatha Romig 

Nine months ago, Sara Adams awoke with no memory. The man holding her hand told her she’s a member of The Light, a tight-knit religious group led by the terrifying and charismatic Father Gabriel. As a woman in the community of The Light, her duty is to be unquestionably obedient and to submit to the will of her husband. But as Sara’s memory starts to return and she remembers her past, she sees that everything she’s been told is a lie. The Light is an insidious and dangerous organization, and its corrupting influence reaches well beyond the confines of the remote campus where Sara is being held. With everything at stake, Sara struggles to sort out her true memories from her indoctrination. The desire to escape consumes her, but who can she trust? And which other followers of The Light were forced into this life, brainwashed to believe they belonged? The more she remembers, the more it becomes clear that Jacob, the man who calls himself her husband, is keeping shattering secrets of his own. But Sara cannot flee alone, leaving innocents behind. She must fight to extinguish The Light.

There has never been a book that has thrilled me and made me feel so much anxiety like this book right here. I was blown away by this book and book 1. I have not read anything like this before. I am addicted to these books. I tell everyone to read them. These books are weird. They are strange, but they are intriguing. I can’t say much anyway because if I did you all would be confused and think I am crazy. So just go and read them and experience a whole new world.

Favorite Quotes: “Fear happened for a reason, and I needed to embrace it. To survive this I needed both. The peace and the panic.”

“With only a whisper of distance between us, his lips crashed over mine. Their warmth was the fire that ignited my body in a way I no longer wanted to admit. ”

“I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you, and now, the more I learn about you, the more I love.”

Eight

Say You Want Me by Corinne Michaels 

There’s no way I’ll fall for Wyatt Hennington. He can keep his Southern drawl, irresistible smile, and those pick-up lines all to himself. I made the mistake of sleeping with him not once, but twice. I’m not stupid enough to give him round three, especially after he left me in the middle of the night so I could see myself out. I vow to return to Philadelphia and forget him. It proves easier said than done. When the doctor informs me I’m the winner of door prize number two, I put my life on hold and head back to Bell Buckle. Three months and if we can’t make this work, I’m gone. The problem is—when the cards are stacked against us, and I can’t bring myself to leave him, I’ll finally know if he truly loves me or if all my fears were real…

Say You Want Me by Corinne Michaels is a book that made me feel and wonder and think and ponder. It was just unbelievable what a hot cowboy does to me. Wyatt was my favorite since getting introduced into this series in Say You’ll Stay. I fell in love with this attitude and his personality. He was everything I was expecting and infuriating too. By the end of the book thought, I fell in love with all of him. That stunt at the end really grabbed me. Oh, Wyatt you just know how to make a woman swoon.

Favorite Quotes: “I don’t know if we’re right for each other. I don’t know if I’ll come out of this thinkin’ you’re a pain in my ass that I hate, or the girl I want to come home to.” His eyes hold mine captive, and I wait for him to keep going. We stand in the middle of the dance floor, lost to each other as other couples move around us. “I do know this, honey. I won’t walk away without finding out.”

“You’re mine because I want you to be.”

I smirk. “So I’m yours?”

His grin grows playful. “You will be again.”

“Does that mean that you’re mine?”

“I’ve never been anyone else’s.”

“I love watching your walls crumble. I love watching your reasons diminish. I’m really going to enjoy it when you finally realize just how much you want me.” His voice drops, and he looks at me again, serious this time. “Because make no mistake— you’ll want me. I’m makin’ damn sure of it.”

Nine

Coast by Jay McLean 

One life-changing summer.
One boy.The boy.The boy who offered me safe touches and heart-stopping smiles - smiles he shared with his son.We filled our days with porch-step kisses,
filled our ears with laughter,
filled our hearts with love.
Deep, soul-aching, desperate love.But love is misleading.It's an invisible, fleeting moment.Somewhere between false adoration and pure hatred comes an emotion, a vulnerable need, a single desire.It lives within the ones who miss it, who crave it,
who know better than to expect it.Love is relentless.Even when that love turns to hate, turns to loathing,
turns to pain.
Love should heal you.
But it can also break you.
Believe me, I know...Because I'm Becca Owens - a broken girl......And he's Josh Warden - the boy who broke me.

Coast is a book that you feel very deep in your heart. It is heartbreak and tears. It is a bumpy ride. You fall, you hurt, you break, but eventually you heal. This is what this book feels like. I couldn’t escape the emotions. I felt every piece of this book. I was destroyed. Jay McLean kills and revives me every time with her book. Coast was no different. Josh Warden, Becca, and Tommy are my heroes. In this book they grow and they learn so much about life. I loved every second of this book, even the times where I couldn’t breathe.

Favorite Quotes: “I’m here now, and I’m not letting you go until I give you everything I am … And if it’s still not enough, if you still won’t believe me, then I’ll keep trying. Over and over. Until you realize that you could have come to me shattered, broken, in an infinite of pieces, and I would’ve made you whole. I would have loved you. Every damaged piece of you. In all ways and for always.”

“We loved in ways that can’t be explained, hurt in ways that can’t be justified.”

“We fall. We get back up. We kick. We push. Again and again. Because the joy of success is greater than the depression of failure.”

“I kissed him that day, his lips warm and soft across my mouth. The taste of his kiss forever scarred on my lips, lips that have longed for him.”

Ten

Dirty Little Rendezvous by Emma Hart 

Sometimes the past becomes the present... And he's hot, cocky, and British. Leila Burke expected a lot of things when she joined her brothers on tour in Europe. He wasn't one of them.Jase Masters had no idea what to expect when he agreed to support Dirty B. on tour. She definitely wasn't it.It's been eighteen months.He remembers that night a little too well.She insists she has no idea who he is.He's rugged and determined.She's wild and free.Together, they're a tornado.Keeping it from touching down is the least of their worries.

Jase and Leila were made to be. This book was just absolute perfection. It was like I was submerged in my own fairytale. This book was that good. I was feeling complete and loved. Jase literally ruined every rock star out there. He melted my heart and gave it little earthquake. This book made me feel whole.

Favorite Quotes: “She's the girl you write songs about. Not just any song though. The songs that makes albums that go to number one worldwide and go on to be platinum... She's the girl that makes you sing them from their god damn soul.”

“I want to be kissed the way they kiss in my books... With everything except resttraint or concern for the rest of the world. For even two minutes, I want to feel like I am the world.”

BONUS

Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas 

“We were perfect together. Until we met.” Misha I can’t help but smile at the words in her letter. She misses me. In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed. It didn’t take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever… And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us. Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there’s one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She’s the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am. We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it? Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name’s Ryen, loves Gallo’s pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances? F*ck it. I need to meet her. I just don’t expect to hate what I find. Ryen He hasn’t written in three months. Something’s wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch. Without him around, I’m going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It’s my own fault. I should’ve gotten his number or picture or something. He could be gone forever. Or right under my nose, and I wouldn’t even know it.

So I just finished reading Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas after I started this list. I knew from the moment I started reading that this book was an absolute MUST and I needed to include this on my top books of 2016. This book was so amazing. So good. So true. It was an incredible piece of art. I just fell in love with the whole book. Sure, I hated it. It wasn’t your typical book and that’s why by the end I fell in love with it a little more. The heroine is horrible. She is mean and rude and plain nasty at times. That is why I loved it. Because we are not all perfect and a book finally showed this. It shows the ugly side of people and how sometimes we can change and grow. This is what happened in this book. Plus, the guy, Misha, was INCREDIBLE. I fell in love with him and his character. His purpose, his mission, his being. By the end of this book I was hypnotized by Ryen and Misha. I can’t recommend this book enough. It deserves to be read and hated, but then automatically loved. There is not way around that and it must be experienced.

Favorite Quotes: “We’re all ugly, Ryen. The only difference is, some hide it and some wear it.”

“It gets better, you are important, and you can't be replaced. Hang on. You'll fing youre tribe.”

“You don’t have to be afraid or embarrassed. No one does you better than you. You can’t be replaced. Not everyone will see that, but only you need to.”

“I have no life there if you're not in it. You're part of everything good I've ever done, Ryen.

Honorable Mention

This year has been one of the best reading years I have had. I read so many amazing books! It was great book after great book. I am amazed by the incredible writing and the amazing authors I have met this year. I also had to include these books that I LOVED as well.  All of them are so incredible and I am so happy to have had the chance to read them!

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