ARC Review: Echoes by Laura K. Curtis

Decent mystery, great action, very entertaining.

Echoes in a nutshell: Callie discovers that something was not quite right about her birth. Her parents are deceased so Callie embarks on a mission to untangle the questions she has surrounding her birth by herself. Her quest takes her to St. Martin where she encounters the brooding and extremely fine Mac. Mac is embroiled in his own mystery regarding the disappearance of his estranged wife who happens to look exactly like Callie. Dead bodies, bombs and some James Bond level ish ensue.

As a mystery/suspense, this was a good book. It was intriguing and fast paced. The story line was interesting and took several unexpected turns. I personally am one of those mystery readers who want the answers dangled just out of reach for the entire story. I love to guess whodunit but really, I don’t want to know until the last possible moment. So, I was less than pleased when the whole mystery kind of unravels around the 58% mark of the book. I also wasn’t thrilled that I had figured out the “who” though not the “why” or the “how,” very early on. Even though the mystery collapsed before I would have liked, the action and suspense continued and my impression of the storyline was that it was pure entertainment.

This is not a romance in the traditional sense. I usually don’t read books with as little sex as this one had. Why? Because sex in a book is like carbs in real life. You need it to get you going but too much… makes you fat? I don’t know, that analogy broke down on me. The point is, I like a little spice to…spice things up. There wasn’t much spice here but a relationship does develop between Callie and Mac. Their interactions were well depicted and seemed genuine. I particularly enjoyed the substance of Mac and Callie’s dialogue. Readers get to experience Mac and Callie’s background and are drawn into the romance aspect of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed their emerging affair and though it could have been a little bit spicier, it certainly added flavor to the overall storyline. The Callie/Mac relationship also helped to keep things interesting when the mystery kind of crumbled on us.

The writing of this book is excellent. I respect authors who can write about a variety of locations and events in a believable voice because it indicates some effort was put into creating the story and that was certainly present in this book. I recommend Echoes for those readers who love suspense and action books. I would give it a less enthusiastic recommendation for mystery and romance readers but I would still suggest it because it’s a good story no matter what you like.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Shaken, Not Stirred by Sawyer Bennett

Shaken, Not Stirred is the fifth and final book in the Last Call series by Sawyer Bennett. If you haven't read the previous books in the series it isn't a problem, because each book is a standalone. I would definitely recommend reading them though since they are really good. I was excited to read this one, because I knew there was more to Casey than we had previously seen. It was really nice to finally get to know her and to see what had made her the way she was.

Casey Markham doesn't do relationships. Though she is monogamous in her arrangements she prefers to keep things casual so that she doesn't get hurt. But she is tired of the same thing over and over, and finally begins to wonder if it is time to put the past behind her and move forward with her life. When she meets the sexy biker Tenn Jennings, she knows that things will be different with him. He isn't her normal type, and he has the ability to get under her skin. Though Casey would prefer to keep Tenn at arm's length, Tenn can't get her off his mind and is determined to show Casey that they should be together. But can Tenn get through to Casey, or will she continue to run from feeling anything too deep? 

I really liked Tenn. He was this sexy alpha biker, with a total sweet side. He had a daughter that he absolutely adored, and it was clear he would have done anything for her. Same went for Casey though. He didn't let her get away with her normal crap, and he got her to see that what she was doing wasn't working for her. I liked that he challenged her, but that he also knew when not to push too much. He was also a super hot dirty talker, and I loved every bit of it! Casey had been keeping things casual with men that she knew she could never fall for. She knew that she would never get hurt if she never developed feelings for them. I understood so much more about her after getting some of her history, and things really started to make sense. I liked that she wanted to try for more with Tenn, and she really went through a lot of change in this book. She was also really fantastic with Tenn's daughter, and I loved how supportive she was instantly of his relationship with her. Tenn and Casey had so much chemistry, but I really loved seeing them develop such a strong emotional connection as well. These two were perfect for one another, and I really liked them together. 

Overall, this was a really great addition to the series and I am sad that it's over. I really liked the characters, and I love the camaraderie of their group of friends. Each book in this series is a good story, and I loved getting to see more of each couple as the series continued. I think that Sawyer Bennett is a great writer, and this series was a lot of fun to read. For me, there were a few times that I thought that Casey acted a bit immaturely and I wanted her to see that she didn't need to keep pushing Tenn away. That along with the fact that the ending got a bit cheesy for me were the only things that kept this book from being a five star read for me. I have come to expect with Sawyer Bennett's books that you will get a great story every time with a lot of steam, and Shaken, Not Stirred definitely delivered. I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

**ARC Provided by AToMR Tours**

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Feature and Giveaway: Suspicious Minds by Elizabeth Reyes

Good girls cheat too.

It's a bitter reality Lorenzo Moreno knows all too well.

After his "good girl" fiancée blind sides him by cheating on him with her ex Lorenzo swears off relationships for a while, if not forever.

Until Fate steps in.

Unable to fight the incredible pull he feels to Olivia, a girl who was supposed to be just a meaningless one night stand, Lorenzo gives into his heart. But only after making one thing utterly clear. He will not deal with any exe's or other men in her life. Period.

She's not that person anymore.

For too long Olivia Romero shamefully put up with an manipulative and overly controlling boyfriend. So when fate pairs her up with the gorgeous but intense Air Force pilot she's ready to stand her ground. Cutting all ties with her ex is no sacrifice for Olivia. It's why she willingly complies with Lorenzo's uncompromising stipulation.

As their relationship intensifies so do Lorenzo's suspicions about any man in her life. Determined to not be that weak girl anymore, Olivia demands to be trusted. Despite how vehement her new boyfriend can be, her diligence seems to be working.

But when an unforeseen crisis arises Olivia is forced to make a decision. A decision she knows in Lorenzo's jaded and suspicious mind could be unforgivable.

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Review: The Clocks of London by Pamela Lyn

I'm a fan of Lyn Brittan's Outer Settlement Agency series and I enjoy steampunk. So when The Clocks of London came out, it was easy to make the decision to spend my hard earned cash on it. Good decision!

Loved it! The Clocks of London is wonderfully original and utterly charming. Set in an alternate London that exists in tunnels covered by ocean waters, the setting is certainly unique. Ms. Lyn populates this world with quirky, entertaining characters that are out to solve a mystery the rest of London doesn't even realize exists.

Moira Gear sets out to demonstrate her talent as an investigator. Overshadowed by her brother and a family that does not acknowledge her talents, she has much to prove. When she notices that poor children are going missing, she decides to find out why, since nobody else has taken notice. A chance meeting with her brother's friend, Patrick Clock – also an investigator – gives her a resource and friend to help with her investigation. And, it turns out, they can help each other.

Ms. Lyn's singular writing style is refreshing. Her characters say what is on their minds instead of internalizing before speaking. Moira is essentially lacking any kind of internal filter which leads her to humor, shock, amaze and endear her to Patrick. And to the reader I would add. I think Patrick was smitten from the moment he met her, as was I.

Moira's relationship with Patrick's foster brother, Kennerick, is a love/hate relationship. Make that hate/love. So – fun also! Kennerick is an interesting character and I am looking forward to reading more about in The Doctor of London, #2 in the Waters of London series.

And somewhere in this amazing setting with its unconventional characters, there is a mystery to be solved. I do love a good mystery! Actually, there is more than one mystery. So, lots of investigating, which is exactly what Moira and Patrick are made for. Well that is not all they are made for. Did I mention there is a romance also?

So, if you like your history altered and laced with mystery and romance, The Clocks of London may be right up your alley. Or should I say tunnel?

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ARC Review: Pleasured By You by Steph Nuss

Pleasured By You is the third book in the Love in the City Series by Steph Nuss. Each book in this series is standalone, but the characters are interconnected. I would recommend reading these in order because I have really enjoyed every book in the series and you do get to know the characters better that way, but it is not necessary to understand or enjoy each book. Though I have really enjoyed each book in the series, I think that Pleasured By You was my favorite so far. This book was really good and I liked the characters a lot.

Pastry chef Baylor Jennings doesn't do relationships, and when it comes to guys she has a set of rules that she lives by. Fletcher Haney has no problem getting women into his bed, and he also lives by a set of rules. But when they meet on New Year's Eve and spend a passionate night together, they both can't stop thinking about one another. Now months later they haven't spoken since that night, but they are brought together when they both show up at the same wedding. When Baylor moves to NYC and interviews for her dream job at a popular bakery, she quickly finds out that Fletcher is the owner. Fletcher doesn't usually sleep with women that he employs, but he finds himself breaking his own rules for the chance to be with Baylor again. When Fletcher proposes the idea of a sex only friendship between the two of them, Baylor ends up agreeing. But the more they see each other the more they begin to fall for one another and soon things aren't as casual as they had planned on. Can Baylor and Fletcher ditch their rules and find happiness together, or will Baylor continue to avoid relationships at all costs? 

 I really loved Fletcher. He was so sweet and kind, and so super sexy. I loved his friendships and the fact that he was a Big Brother to a kid that had needed someone. He loved spending time with Rook, and they were pretty funny together. You could tell that they both really cared about each other, and I thought it was so great that Baylor was a member of the program as well. They connected on so many levels, and that was just one of them. Baylor was independent and sassy, and I was really glad that she was so comfortable with herself and her desires. But I didn't really like how she continued to think that she couldn't have a future with someone. She didn't have a reason for it at all, and I think that was what bothered me the most. She hadn't been hurt, so her reluctance to have anything with Fletcher despite her growing feelings for him just didn't make sense to me. These two were so hot together, and their chemistry was amazing. I just wish that Baylor had seen how great they were together sooner and hadn't let her insecurities hold her back so much.

Overall, this was still a really great story and was my favorite of the series. Baylor and Fletcher were great together and I really liked seeing them get closer. I loved that Baylor was into roller derby and was such a strong female. She was a great role model for Vail, and I liked that she never talked down to her and was always there for whatever Vail needed. Seeing Baylor and Fletcher with Vail and Rook were some of my favorite parts of this book, and I loved them all together. It was great to see them having such a good time together, and I think that Vail and Rook added so much to this story. If you are looking for an all around great romance series, I think that this is one that you shouldn't miss. Steph Nuss draws you right in every time, and you can't help but love the characters from her stories. I already can't wait for the next book in this series, and I look forward to reading more from Steph Nuss in the future.

**ARC Provided by Book Empire Promotions**

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ARC Review: The Witch of Painted Sorrows by M.J. Rose

The Witch of Painted Sorrows is pure gothic enchantment. The memoir of a woman becoming part of a centuries old legacy of passion and art is a fascinating story, filled with love and desire, art and architecture, ghosts and witches.

All of these threads combine to form the tapestry that depicts a few months in the life of Sandrine Salome. Sandrine is an American in Belle Epoque Paris. She lives with her grandmother, a well know courtesan. Having fled from her husband, after the suicide of her father, Sandrine is lost and longs to re-experience the joy she felt when she stayed with her grandmother as a young girl. Her grandmother's old house is where she feels happiest, so, defying her grandmother, Sandrine visits the old house often. It is there that she meets Julian, the brilliant art noveau architect. He introduces Sandrine to the occult underground of Paris. It is in the house and with Julian, that Sandrine evolves into the passionate lover and talented painter. It is in the house that Sandrine experiences the sinister force that may change her forever.

And there is the spirit that is La Lune. In her life, Sandrine's ancestor was the original inhabitant of the house. The first courtesan in a long line. La Lune's life was filled with passion and art and heartbreak. Sandrine's grandmother believes La Lune's ghost lives in her old house and is looking for vessel to inhabit. And she believes that Sandrine is just the vessel that La Lune wants.

The writing is lush and truly visual. Painting, art and architecture figure strongly in this saga. Reading about Parisian artists, art students and the study of painting is captivating and brings bright colors to a tale filled with dark shadows.

Ms. Rose's depictions of that part of Paris society that pursued occult studies, is fascinating, incorporating history and study of the arcane and of the relentless quest to solve eternal mysteries. Are these occultists the good guys or the bad guys? It is hard to tell.

The juxtaposition of art, passion and the occult is a mesmerizing. Once I started reading, I did not want to stop. And when I came to the end, I was sure there should be more.

Ms. Rose's novel is part ghost story, part horror, and part romance. Elegantly written with soul and with mystery, The Witch of Painted Sorrows is sure to appeal to lovers of romance, history and ghost stories.

**ARC provided by NetGalley**

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Feature: Reckless Love by Kendall Ryan

One reckless fighter.

One night of passion she can't forget.

The battle for sex and love is fierce and unrelenting.

And love is about to knock him on his ass.

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ARC Review: Reckless Love by Kendall Ryan

Reckless Love is the second book in the Hard To Love series by Kendall Ryan, but this book can be read as a standalone with interconnected characters. I hadn't read the first book in the series and didn't have any issues jumping in with this one. I love sports romance books, but I have to admit that I really love fighter romance books the most. There is just something sexy about a hero that is built and knows what to do with a hot body! I have really enjoyed all the books I have read by Kendall Ryan before, so this one sounded like a win all around. While I did like it, I had some things that kept this book from being a five star read for me. 

MacKenzie and Ian have been attracted to one another since they first met. Things sparked immediately for these two, but before things could go too far Ian pushed MacKenzie away. Since then he has watched her from afar, never giving into what he really feels for her. Kenzie has hated him since that night, and yet she finds herself unable to deny her attraction to him. When Ian gets injured before his debut pro fight, Kenzie agrees to use her skills as a nurse to help him get back into shape. But when their rehab sessions begin to heat up, they find themselves unable to continue to fight the connection between them. But there are still several reasons why they shouldn't be together. Kenzie will do whatever it takes to make sure that Ian pursues his dream and makes it to his big fight, and Ian will do whatever it takes to finally make Kenzie his once and for all.

I liked Ian and Kenzie. I had issues with both of their characters though. I didn't understand Ian's reasons for pushing Kenzie away originally. It didn't really make sense to me even when we got a little bit of insight into it. I thought that he was dedicated and hard-working, and I really admired how he put everything he had into being the best fighter he could be. He took his training seriously, and it really showed. I was glad that he finally realized that he wanted Kenzie and shouldn't keep pushing her away, but I did think that it took too long to happen. Kenzie had a few issues from the way she had grown up, and that had a huge effect on how she saw relationships. I didn't agree with a lot of her actions, but I could see her reasons behind them even if I didn't agree. I liked that she was so caring with Ian though, and she was very supportive and encouraging. She was always there for him when he needed her, and I really admired that about her. These two had great chemistry, and you could feel the tension between them. I just thought that things moved really slowly and I could have used a bit more of these two together rather than all the angst and drama. 

I think that this book definitely had it's sexy moments, and I did enjoy the ones we got. But this book wasn't as steamy as I have come to expect from Kendall Ryan, and I think it really changed how I felt about it. Not that a book has to be all sex, but I really felt like the connection between Ian and Kenzie suffered a bit because things took so long to happen. I kept waiting for them to finally figure things out and just when it looked like they would, something else would happen. I really didn't like Chris right from the start, and I just always felt like there was something off about his character. But I did like Jonah, Cade and Alexa. I am curious to go back and read the first book in the series to see how they got together. I will definitely still read more from Kendall Ryan in the future, but I have to say this wasn't quite what I have come to love and expect from a book from her. I thought that it had some really great moments and that it was enjoyable though. If you are looking for a story about a sexy fighter and don't mind some angst, you might want to give this one a shot.

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

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ARC Review: Confess by Colleen Hoover

I don't even know where to start with this review. I guess I should start by saying that Colleen Hoover is brilliant and frustrating, and she writes absolutely beautiful stories. Her characters are always unique and there is nothing cookie cutter about them or her stories. I especially love how with Confess and Maybe Someday the stories were so interactive for the readers. With the music in Maybe Someday and the paintings from Confess, they really add so much depth to each book and I always feel like her stories resonate more with readers because of that. All that being said, there were parts of this book that I really loved while there were also parts that really drove me nuts. 

Auburn Reed has a plan for her life, and she will do whatever it takes to accomplish it. When she sees a help wanted sign in the window of an art studio, she decides that a second job will help her reach her goals faster. Auburn finds herself drawn to the artist Owen Gentry and his beautiful works of art. He takes written confessions from people and turns them into paintings, and after an article put him on the map people go out of their way to buy them at his monthly showings. Auburn finds herself fascinated with the confessions as she has secrets of her own, and she quickly realizes that Owen does as well. Though Owen and Auburn have a connection unlike any they have felt before, his past threatens her future. Can Owen and Auburn confess their secrets and save their relationship, or will the truth destroy any chance at a future together? 

I liked Owen. He was a complicated guy that had experienced a lot of really rough things in his life. He was good though, and I loved how much he looked out for those around him. At first his actions confused me and I wasn't really sure what to think of him, but the more that I got to see of him the more I realized all that he was willing to sacrifice for those he cared about. Auburn was harder for me to like at times. I felt like she was weak most of the time and let others push her around. She would have brief moments where that would change, but I really needed her to stand up for herself more. She was young though, and I understand she was scared. But I just wanted to see more fight in her than I did. She also let things get completely out of control with a couple of characters in this story, one that really bothered me. She had such a connection and chemistry with Owen, that it really bothered me how willing she was to give that up. I understood her reasoning, but to me that wasn't enough. There is always a way to make things work, and I really felt like she should have done something about it far sooner. 

Overall, I feel like I can't really get into what my issues were with this story without spoiling anything. As with any Colleen Hoover book there are a ton of twists and turns that you will never see coming, and yet once all is revealed you find out how masterfully she wove everything together. I never could have figured everything out, though looking back there were clues everywhere. I truly hated a couple of characters from this book, and though I can't say why I will say that I thought that they should have been dealt with better. Though I was happy with how this story ended, I feel as if these characters got off far too easily and that one especially should have got what was coming to them. What this character did is never okay, and it was completely dropped. I hate that it was never dealt with, and I felt like there should have been more to it than there was. I do believe that Colleen writes beautiful stories though, and while they are heartbreaking at times they are also filled with hope and love. Owen and Auburn were fantastic together, and I felt like they really belonged together. There was a bit of insta-love on one side of the relationship and yet because of the circumstances of the story it wasn't that way on the other side. I never felt like it wasn't real though, and it really didn't feel as though it was unrealistic in any way. These two seemed like they were so perfect for one another that they had always been meant to be together. I do think that the blurb sort of mislead about Owen's confession though as it could have easily been talking about a few different things. When it came to one secret, it was revealed about halfway through and didn't seem to be as big as I would have expected. The other secret that I felt could be the one was never actually revealed, which didn't really fit to me with the title being Confess. I understand that it wasn't fully Owen's confession, but at the same time I really wanted him to tell Auburn. 

Regardless of whether or not you love each book you read from Colleen, they are guaranteed to make you think and feel. I always know that her books will bring out tons of feelings for me and that it will be an emotional roller coaster ride. I have come to realize that when reading any book by CoHo you just have to go in with no expectations and just experience the story. So while I had criticisms with Confess, I also had moments that I really loved. I know that I will continue to read whatever Colleen writes because her stories are always so unique and there is truly nothing out there similar to what she writes. If you are looking for something different, you really can't go wrong with any of her books. I think that a lot of readers will really enjoy this book, and it would be impossible to deny how gifted Colleen is as an author.

**ARC Provided by Atria Books**

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ARC Review: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington

I honestly don't even know where to start with this review. When I first read the blurb for Changing Tides, I have to say that I was intrigued. While I do read male/male books, I have never really read anything about a lesbian before and especially not one where she changes throughout that book and finds herself falling for a guy. But I was curious about this one and decided to give it a go. While I did enjoy parts of this book, I also have some issues with the story itself. 

Ellie Turner has always known that she was attracted to women. She has never been attracted to men, and though she isn't a virgin she has never had sex with a man before. But when she meets the handsome and famous Nate West, she is instantly drawn to him. She is a huge fan of his show, but she finds herself attracted to him as a person rather than the famous actor she has admired on TV. Ellie and Nate decide to see where things lead them and agree to spend some time together. Nate wasn't looking for a relationship after being cheated on by his ex-girlfriend and Ellie certainly wasn't expecting to find herself falling in love with a man. But Ellie and Nate quickly realize that they have no control over the connection they share, and soon they are hoping that the risk they are taking on each other won't leave them both heartbroken. 

I liked both Ellie and Nate. They were great together and I enjoyed seeing them start a relationship and explore the attraction that they felt for one another. Nate was sweet and I loved that he was so upfront with Ellie. He told her the truth and wasn't afraid to show how he felt about her. Ellie was likable, and I loved that she was so comfortable with herself. She knew she was different, and it didn't bother her at all. But I have to say that my biggest issue with this book was plausibility, and a huge part of that was with Ellie. I will admit that I hadn't read the previous book in this series, but this book is a standalone. Because of that I am not sure how much the reader gets to know Ellie in the first book. But judging off this book alone, you never actually see Ellie with another woman. She says that she is a lesbian and mentions thinking women are attractive. She even says that she has never been with a man or seen a penis in real life before Nate. But I just didn't really ever see her as a lesbian. Even when she was trying to figure things out and was going on blind dates, we hear about her dates with men rather than her dates with the women. I'm not saying she wasn't a lesbian, but I just never saw it or felt it. Her and Nate had such strong chemistry right off that it was just difficult for me to see anything else when it came to her, and so that was a pretty big deal to me. 

I also felt like besides her sexuality, that there were several things that happened in this story that just weren't realistic at all. One huge thing stood out to me over the rest, but I don't want to spoil it for those that haven't read this book or the first book. Suffice it to say, you will know what I am talking about when you read it for yourself. I just felt like it was completely weird that someone would do what this person did and never really explain their actions, especially after they took some steps in sharing the truth after trying to hide it. I also felt like this story was super rushed. Not only did Ellie suddenly find herself attracted to a man and exploring a relationship, but that relationship developed rather rapidly. I just felt like if she was as confused as she said that it wouldn't have happened as quickly as it did. That and the ending was really abrupt and pretty much just stopped. I understand that we will see more of the characters as the next story unfolds, but with it focusing on another couple it really felt like there was some unfinished business here. While I did have quite a few criticisms, I did have a lot that I liked as well. Ellie and Nate were good together, and I enjoyed seeing them get to know one another. They were sweet and fit together well, and I thought that they were really hot together as well. I just wish that I hadn't found this story so implausible. I really liked the secondary characters though, and I will read more from Sarah Darlington in the future. I am looking forward to the next book and hopefully getting some more information on what really happened for one of the big things in this book and the first book.

**ARC Provided by Author**

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Feature and Giveaway: Confess by Colleen Hoover

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a new novel about risking everything for love—and finding your heart somewhere between the truth and lies.

Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is keeping some major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin…

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ARC Review: Protecting Fate by Katee Robert

Good fun, shallow plot, easy to forget…

Protecting Fate is the story of Sara and Z. Sara is a fixer who fixes herself right into having to run out of town to save herself from…I’m still not exactly sure. Whatever she was running from, it led her out to the random ass country where Z was assigned to protect her. Sara is freaky circa BDSM clubs and what-not and so is Z. Obviously these two lasted two minutes (possibly less) before sparks were flying like the Fourth of July. The problem is they have issues (surprise surprise) that must be overcome before we can get our HEA.

I don’t have much to say about this book. That is probably more a reflection of the book than my verbosity (OMG, I totally thought I was making that up but it appears to actually be a word). There wasn’t a whole lot to the book. Sara and Z were all alone in the middle of nowhere for the majority of the book going through the normal push and pull of lust v. the need for psychotherapy.

Neither Sara nor Z were developed enough as characters for me to tell you much about them. As the reader, we were given only a very limited view of both characters. The limitations were both in terms of the time that we are exposed to the characters and the breadth of their actual depiction. Despite the lack of substance surrounding their depiction, I did still have a general sense of their chemistry and I liked them as a couple.

There really isn’t much of a plot in this book. There are a couple of paragraphs devoted to developing some back story with Sara’s job and Z’s military history but we as the readers don’t experience any of that. It’s given to us in summary form. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but it can leave you with the impression that the book was lacking in depth.

The majority of the book is the depiction of the sexual exploration between Z and Sara. The sex scenes were ok-good but like the rest of the book, there was nothing striking about the sex scenes.

I know it might seem like I’m writing a bad review but I’m actually not. The book was an easy read and I enjoyed it. I just know that by the end of the week (or day) I won’t remember much about it and I won’t be able to distinguish it from the hundreds of other similar books I’ve read.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Love Survives by Jennifer Foor

I have been waiting for this book for what feels like forever. I really loved Love's Suicide and felt like the biggest thing missing was Brooks' POV. I wanted to see inside his head, and also see what he experienced when he was away from Kat. This book was such an emotional read for me, and I think I felt the story so much deeper this time around. I didn't think it was possible for me to love Brooks any more than I already did, but Jennifer Foor proved me wrong with Love Survives. Brooks was even better than I had known, and this book was beautiful yet heartbreaking. 

Love Survives is the same story as Love's Suicide, but we are seeing it from Brooks rather than Katy this time around. While there isn't a ton of new content, we do get to see several things we didn't before. While Kat was on her own after leaving Branch, we didn't get to see what Brooks was going through overseas. This time however we got to see all of the horrors that Brooks was experiencing first hand. We got to see him writing in his journal as a way to cope and his letters to Katy. While I didn't expect him to be celibate (especially since Katy wasn't either) it was hard to see him with the other girls. I understood his need for some companionship and comfort though, and he and Katy weren't together so it wasn't cheating.

I have to say that I felt so much more emotionally invested in this story than the first book. While the first book was emotional for me and I felt for the characters, we didn't really get to see all the pain that Brooks had felt. This book was very hard to get through at times because of that. I felt so badly for Brooks because he had been in almost a constant state of pain since he was twelve years old. He had loved Katy so much and so deeply, and it really tore me apart to see him give that up because of Branch. I think I ended up hating Branch even more after this book, because we really got to see how thoroughly he messed with Katy and Brooks. The worst part is that Branch didn't really seem to be sorry for what he had done. He was jealous and wanted to take what he could so that Brooks wouldn't have it, and he never really seemed to feel any remorse. Katy and Brooks were always meant to be together and that was even more obvious after reading this story. These two had gone through so much, and yet they could never fight what was between them. Their connection was undeniable and these two would never have fully worked with anyone else. 

I loved seeing Brooks with his daughter in this book. He was adorable with her before, but I really loved seeing his thoughts and feelings upon first meeting her. Brooklyn stole his heart instantly, and Brooks could not have been a better father. Brooks and Katy were great together, but B completed them. Their family was so special, and I just loved seeing them finally get the happy ending that they deserved. While I really loved this book and seeing it through Brooks' POV, I only gave it four stars because I would have liked to have seen a bit more new content. Much of this book was what we already knew but just from a different angle. I would have liked the epilogue to have been longer, or maybe seen a bit further into the future and down the road in their lives. I still really loved this book though, and I think that if you have read the first book then you will absolutely want to read this one! If you haven't read these yet, I definitely recommend them. Jennifer Foor is a really great writer and she always delivers emotional and heartfelt stories. Parts of her books are heartbreaking, but she always gets her characters where they need to be in the end. Brooks and Katy and their little girl will always have a special place in my heart, and I know that I will read their story again in the future. I can't wait to see what else Jennifer Foor does in the future.

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

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