ARC Review: Devil's Kiss by Ella Frank

I couldn't wait to get Derek and Jordan's story after reading Finley by Ella Frank. These two had so much between them in that book that I knew there was so much more that needed to be told when it came to their story. I have to say that while there were times that I really loved Derek and Jordan in this book, there was also a lot that didn't work for me here. I wanted so badly to love their book, but unfortunately I had mixed feelings here and this one wasn't everything that I had been hoping for. 

Derek Pearson and Jordan Devaney are about as opposite as you can get. Though the attraction between them was instant, things between them have been complicated since the day they met. Starting off as student and teacher kept them from seeing where that attraction could go, but as time went on Derek and Jordan struggled with more than just how things were in the beginning. Years go by and Jordan and Derek find themselves in different places until it finally appears that they have a shot at exploring the connection between them. But what happens when one person finds himself wanting more than the other might be capable of giving?

I loved the heat between these two. The chemistry and attraction was there right from the start, and you could tell that when it came to the physical aspect of their relationship there would be no problems. But there was a lot of push and pull here and it got to the point that it was just too much for me. These two not only went back and forth constantly, but it truly felt like they were fighting for 95% of this book. I expected some of that seeing how they were in the previous book, but it was more than just tension here and Jordan made me really angry on more than one occasion. I was hoping that by the end of the story he would beg for Derek's forgiveness and I would feel like he had redeemed himself somewhere along the way. Unfortunately though that didn't happen, and I felt like what little he did do was too late and that at that point he didn't deserve Derek. 

I also felt like while it was great to see the history between these two, that the huge jumps in time gave this book a choppy feel. I understand that the author was trying to move the story along and just give the highlights, but it just felt like at times there was too much time in between events and it sort of drew me out of the story. While I could clearly see the chemistry and attraction between Derek and Jordan, I had trouble seeing the relationship between them as anything more than physical. There just wasn't as much emotional connection or depth as I needed to truly believe that these two had more than just lust between them. Overall, I did like Derek and Jordan when they were together. They were hot together and I thought that they had some really cute moments together. I also loved that Jordan was supportive of Derek and all that he had gone through with his family, but I just wish I had seen more of them working on being together rather than the constant fighting and push/pull that was going on. I think that this one had a ton of potential and just sort of got a bit lost along the way. I do hope that Ella Frank writes a story for Derek's roommate Dylan. I liked what we got to see of him here and would love to get to know him better. If you are a fan of Ella's and enjoyed Finley, I think that this one is worth the read. If this one sounds like something you might like though and you haven't read Finley yet, Devil's Kiss is a standalone and can be read with no problems.

**ARC Provided by Between the Sheets Promotions**

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ARC Review: Finley by Ella Frank

Finley is the first book in Ella Frank's new Sunset Cove series which is a spin-off of her Temptation series. Don't worry if you haven't read the Temptation series, Finley can be read as a complete standalone story and readers will be happy to know that there is no cliffhanger. I really liked this book and the characters and I think M/M fans will enjoy this story a lot. 

Seven years ago Daniel Finley left Florida for Chicago to attend law school after being sent away by the man he thought he would spend the rest of his life with. But when he receives a note telling him it is time to come home, Daniel knows that he needs to return to Florida to see what made Brantley Hayes contact him after all this time. Daniel is no longer the same guy he was seven years ago though, and he will do whatever it takes to put the past behind him and move forward for good. But Brantley isn't willing to give up without a fight and is determined to show Daniel just how much he cares about and has never forgotten him. 

I really liked both Finn and Brantley. These two had such a great connection and a ton of chemistry. It was obvious right from the start that what they shared ran so deep for both of them. This wasn't some fling between them, and my heart broke for all the pain and hurt they each felt. I understood why Brantley had sent Finn away, and yet I hated him a bit for it just like Finn did. It was so hard to see how much that hurt him and I was glad that he was able to ultimately see why Brantley had done it as well even if he didn't like it. The connection these two shared had never gone away, and it was great to see them reconnect and get to know who they were after seven years apart. 

I did have a few things that kept this one from being five stars for me though. I thought that at times there was a lot of stuff going on while not much was actually happening. The story seemed to suffer here from not much plot, a ton of inner dialogue, and quite a bit of back and forth/push and pull. I also felt like at times the switch between past and present really removed me from the story. The transitions weren't as smooth as I would have liked and I sometimes wished that things would have just been explained or gone over in the present without an entire flashback to the past. We would be right in the middle of something and it would just suddenly switch to the past, which really messed up the flow and pacing of the story for me. I also found it confusing at times with the POV switching mid-chapter which of them was speaking. With a male/male story it can be tough to keep track of when the speaker is only referred to as "he" and I found that it happened quite a bit here and I would have to try and figure out who it was as it wasn't clear. I do think that these two were great and I liked them a lot. I just wish a few of these things had been handled a little different as I think that Finn and Brantley's story could have been a five star book had some of these things been done differently. I am excited to see what happens next in this series as Ella Frank did a great job of setting up such an interesting story for two of the secondary characters here. There was a ton of tension and a lot that has obviously happened, and I can't wait to find out more!

**ARC Provided by Between the Sheets Promotions**

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ARC Review: Calling Me: The Complete Series by Louise Bay

I have been waiting for Luke and Ashleigh's story since I first read Louise Bay's Lightning series. I really loved Haven and Jake's story, but I knew there was so much gonig on between Luke and Ashleigh and I couldn't wait to get more of these two. Fans of the Lightning series will recognize Luke and Ashleigh as she is Haven's best friend and Luke is Haven's brother. Not only did I really enjoy the Calling Me series because it just so happens to be one of my favorite tropes, but it was also just a really great story. Louise Bay has never disappointed me yet, and this series was yet another example of why I rush to get whatever books her name is attached to. If you are a fan of contemporary romance, Louise Bay is definitely an author that you should be reading. 

Ashleigh Franklin has been in love with her best friend's brother for as long as she can remember. But after years of him never seeing her as more than another sister, she is finally trying to move on. But just when she thinks she finally has a chance at doing just that, Luke breaks up with his longtime girlfriend and realizes that the one he wants has been right in front of his face all along. But Ash isn't convinced that he has suddenly changed and that he wants a future with her. Can Luke prove to Ash that they belong together and are more than just friends, or will they destroy everything in the process including the friendship they share as well as that between Ashleigh and Haven? 

I will admit that I was very frustrated with Ash at times throughout this story, and she really got on my nerves. As much as she irritated me though, I also understood a bit of where she was coming from. While I wanted her to just take that chance and throw caution to the wind, I knew that she was just trying to protect herself and ease the risk of getting hurt. I thought that Luke had moments where he really shined here, and I ended up loving him far more that I thought possible. I loved Jake so much in the lightning series and he was my favorite of Louise Bay's heroes until I read the Calling Me series, and I really think that Luke might have topped him here. I still love them both, but there was just something about Luke here. He was sexy and impossible not to fall for. The best thing about this series to me though was the connection and friendship between Luke and Ashleigh. They were close from having been around each other for so many years, and yet seeing them get to know one another in an entirely new way just showed how much closer they could grow. The chemistry had always been there as well, but to see it finally explode here was beyond steamy and I couldn't get enough. 

Overall, this was another really great series from Louise Bay. I am so glad that I waited to read all of these stories at once as I am not sure that I would have been able to handle the wait in between with the cliffhangers. Luckily if you haven't read this series yet, they are all available now and you won't have to wait either. The Calling Me series includes Calling Me Back, Calling Me Away, and Calling Me Home. These do need to be read in order as they are not standalone stories, and I recommend having some time available before starting as once you start you are not going to want to stop. I definitely recommend this series and I cannot wait to read more from Louise Bay in the future.

**ARC Provided by Love Between The Sheets**

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ARC Review: The Weight of Rain by Mariah Dietz

The Weight of Rain is my first book by Mariah Dietz, but it definitely won't be my last. Though I did have a few issues with this book, I found so much to enjoy here as well. I really liked the characters a lot, and I think that a lot of readers will really like them as well. 

Lauren (also known as Lo) is studying art at a college in Oregon, though she is from Montana. One night she goes out with friends and while drunk hooks up with a stranger she meets. Though she can't forget about him and remembers vague things about him, she can't find him or remember his name. Then months later she takes a job working for Kash as a nanny for his daughter. When she finally meets Kash's brother King, she finds herself face to face with the man she can't forget but couldn't remember. But things don't get off to a great start and though there is a connection between them still, Lo finds herself confused on where they go from there. 

While I really liked Lo and the person that she was, I did have a few issues with King. For a good portion of this story I didn't like how he was toward Lo at all. He was rude and would push her away, then flirt with her and be friendly. He was a bit all over the place, and he really didn't turn around into well into the story. So while I did like him, he also really confused and frustrated me. Lo was a great person, and I really liked how sweet she was with Mercedes. She got along well with others and wasn't afraid to stand up for herself and her friends. I thought that Lo and King had great chemistry together, and they did have a great connection. I just wish that things hadn't taken so long to turn around here. 

I also thought that the story itself had a few things that could have been better. There were several times that I felt like the transitions needed work or were basically non-existent. It would just go from one paragraph to the next with no notice that things had moved time or location. Often times a character would seem to come out of nowhere and I was left scrambling to try and figure out what was going on. It was a disorienting and gave the story a disjointed feel. These things could possibly have changed in a final draft as I read an ARC of the story, but I do not know if they were altered any. I will say that I felt like the last third of the book or so that things started to get much better, and I noticed that the flow was a lot better. I wish that the first two thirds had also had been just as good, because I really think that this book could have been great. I will still read more from Mariah Dietz in the future and I think that a lot of readers will definitely enjoy this book. I felt the blurb was a little bit vague and could have given potential readers a bit more as I really didn't have much of an idea of what I was in for before starting. But if this sounds like something you might like, I would absolutely give it a shot.

**ARC Provided by Between the Sheets Promotions**

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ARC Review: Heartfelt Lies by Kristy Love

Heartfelt Lies is the second book in the Undone series by Kristy Love. This book can be read as a standalone, but the characters in this series are interconnected. This book was really good, and I liked the characters. They were flawed and real, but I liked that they weren't perfect and they felt like you could really relate to them. They struggled, but it was about their journey and how they were able to pick themselves up after falling that mattered. 

When Jax first saw Cassie he knew that he needed to get to know her. Cassie made him work for it, but eventually gave in to the attraction between them. The more she got to know him, the more of a connection they each felt. But when Jax's life began to fall apart, so did their relationship. Cassie knew that she had to leave Jax, even if it was the last thing she wanted to do. But she couldn't put up with his lies anymore or the man he had become. Now five years later, they haven't spoken and Cassie is set to marry someone else. But Jax isn't willing to let Cassie go without a fight, and he is determined to prove to her that he really has changed and is the man she always wanted him to be. 

Jax and Cassie both had their issues in this story, and I will admit that I had a few problems with each of them. They handled several things poorly and they were both flawed. But they were real and that is what made them so easy to like despite their issues. Jax had a lot of bad things happen in his life, and he didn't know what to do. He took the easy way out and got himself in a bad situation. He never stopped loving Cassie though, and it was clear that he just didn't know how to handle things. He felt like he had to be the strong one, and I really wish that he had asked for help when he needed it. It broke my heart to see him trying so hard, yet falling so hard that you knew rock bottom was coming. He was so sweet and loving and such a good guy, that it was really tough to see him lose everything that mattered. Cassie loved him and stuck by him so long, but she had some really tough choices to make considering her situation. I really believed that both Cassie and Jax's sister Ry made the right choice in walking away from Jax. He needed to see what he stood to lose, and I really think they had no other option. When Jax reentered Cassie's life though, I knew she had to be cautious. She needed to see the changes in him and take things slow. But I did think that her mind games went a bit too far, and that drove me nuts. I was glad that her sister Roxie let her have it and got her to see just what she had been doing. Cassie and Jax clearly never stopped loving one another, and I really think that these two belonged together. It was hard to see them go through so much, but I never gave up hope that they would find their way back to one another. 

Overall, this was a really great story. It was emotional and hard to get through at times because it was so heartbreaking, but it was also filled with hope and love. This book really was a journey for all these characters, and I really liked seeing them face their issues and move forward with their lives. They deserved to be happy, and that wasn't always easy for them. But they were all great and I was really happy with how things ended up. I have to say I can't wait for Roxie's story. She was so much fun, and I loved her for being so willing to tell it how it was. She didn't pull any punches, and I found myself really relating to her character. I can't wait to get to know her better and see what happens next in this series. If you are looking for something real and emotional, I highly recommend this story. I look forward to more from Kristy Love, especially Roxie's story!

**ARC Provided by Between the Sheets Promotions**

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Feature and Giveaway: Heartfelt Lies by Kristy Love

Loving Cassie was effortless.

She was a thirst I couldn’t quench.

She was everything I needed, but nothing I deserved.

I failed her more times than I could count.

I lied relentlessly.

And she always forgave me.

Until she couldn’t.

Maybe I deserved to be left behind.

* * *

Jax swept me off my feet with his disheveled hair and his easy smile.

I loved him fiercely.

He made me believe in the fairytale.

Then the walls crumbled around me.

The lies never ended.

I left him behind. I had no choice.

I mourned the loss of him.

But I moved on.

I created a new life,

Now, I was marrying someone else.

Where do we go now that he’s back?

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ARC Review: Still Into You by Ryleigh Andrews

Still Into You is the second book in the Never Over You series by Ryleigh Andrews. These books have to be read in order, so if you haven't already read Bring Me You then you should start there and beware of possible spoilers in this review. I will warn you that these books do contain cliffhangers since Ethan and Mia's story continues from one book to the next. Though I hate waiting for more, Ryleigh Andrews is a great writer and her books are worth waiting for because they are so good!

Mia knew that she needed to work on herself and take care of her past before she could ever hope to have a future with Ethan. Though she knew she wanted to be with him, she knew it was unfair for him to stay with her while she worked on what she needed to. When she walked away from him, she broke not only his heart but also her own. But just because she knows what she needs to do, doesn't mean that she won't hit rock bottom before getting there. Mia has been running from her demons for years, and now that she has finally seen how low she can get she starts to begin the long and painful process of taking back her life. But after everything is dealt with and all the time apart, will Ethan still be around or will he have moved on?

I love these two together so much! There has never been a question in my mind of whether or not Ethan and Mia belonged together. They have had such an undeniable connection since they first met, and the chemistry and passion between them was never an issue. These two are beyond hot together, but they also have such strong feelings for one another that it makes them even more compatible. They work well together and they understand one another. Though they don't always agree on the best approach to things, their unwavering love and support for one another is unlike anything I have ever seen before. These two might have taken time apart and there might have been both physical and emotional distance between them, but they always knew what the end game was. They knew that they wanted to be together, and that unfortunately that sometimes means being apart for awhile to figure things out. I will say that it definitely wasn't easy for either of them, or for me as a reader to get through some parts of this book. My heart literally broke for them so many times, and I honestly was unsure of what would happen with this two. Their story is still far from over, but I am really glad that they are finally starting to get to where they need to be.

Mia and Ethan have been through so much and while I love them for one another, they have also put one another through a lot. I really hated how far apart they were for so much of this story, and it was especially hard to see them with other people knowing how perfect they are together. But I also know that these two have to end up together because there is no way that they have such a special relationship and don't wind up together. Ryleigh Andrews has written such beautiful yet flawed characters, and I love that they are so real. They struggle with things and make mistakes, and that makes their story so believable to me. Life is messy and things get complicated, and Ryleigh Andrews has done a great job of showing that sometimes just because you love someone doesn't mean that the timing is right. We as humans are constantly growing and evolving, and that is definitely the case with Mia and Ethan. I saw a lot of growth and change in Mia in this book, and I was so glad that she was finally starting to open up to those that she loved and to move forward with her life. This story is emotional and captivating, and I honestly cannot wait to get more of all these characters. I love Ethan and Mia, but I also really love the secondary characters and Mia's best friend Luke is one of my favorites. I am really enjoying seeing him start to move forward with his life also, and I can't wait to see what happens next for him as well. I highly recommend this series, and I really think that there is something that everyone can relate to with these characters. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series, and hope that we don't have to wait too long to get more of these fantastic characters.

**ARC Provided by Between the Sheets Promotions**

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ARC Review: Forever Red by Carina Adams

I have read and enjoyed books by Carina Adams before, but I can honestly say that Forever Red is my absolute favorite by her. I could not put this book down! It has several of my favorite tropes, and it all added up to one fantastic story. This friends to lovers story was also a second chance romance, and Nate and Lia were fantastic together. I know that I will absolutely be reading more from Carina Adams in the future, especially after this book. 

Nathaniel Kelly is a successful country star but no matter how much he has, he has never been able to forget the girl that broke his heart. He had loved and lost Cecelia when they were kids, and he never expected to see her again. Nate spent years trying to find her, but he never had any luck until he does a show close to home. Nate is surprised to find her there with her friends, but he figures that it is time to finally get some answers. Cecelia had her reasons for doing what she did, knowing that she could never live with herself if she let Nate give up his life to stay with her. That has never stopped her from loving him or wishing that things had been different though. When they are suddenly thrown back together, they realize that the connection they once shared is as strong as ever. But can Nate and Lia have a chance together after all their years apart and all the obstacles that now stand in their way? 

I cannot even begin to describe how much I loved these characters. Nate was so sweet and he really made me fall in love with him right along with Lia. He was such a good guy, and my heart absolutely broke for him when things ended for them as kids. Nate would have done anything for her, and it was clear that it was more for them than just a childhood kind of love. Their connection was deep and their feelings true. Lia had not had the easiest life, and I understood why she made the decisions she did even if I didn't like them. She was doing what she thought she needed to, and I was so upset for her because she broke her own heart right along with Nate's. These two were meant to be together, and that was clear to me right away. Their connection was so strong that it couldn't be broken, even with years and secrets between them. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was so good, and I was instantly drawn in. I was so captivated by this story that I read it pretty much in one sitting. I found the world falling away as I became more invested in Nate and Lia's story. I loved that Carina Adams gave us both the past and present, and also Nate and Lia's POVs. I felt like it really allowed the reader to get a feel for exactly what each character was going through, and it gave this story a depth that is often missing when a story is told from only one POV. I really enjoyed being inside these character's heads and seeing how they were experiencing everything that happened. I would definitely recommend this book to those looking for a solid romance story with all the feels. This book was exactly what I needed, and I know that Nate and Lia will be characters I want to go back and visit again. I cannot wait to read more from Carina Adams in the future.

**ARC Provided by Between the Sheets Promotions**

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ARC Review: Need by K.I. Lynn and N. Isabelle Blanco

Need is the first part of a two part series by K.I. Lynn and N. Isabelle Blanco. This is the first book that I had ever read by either author, so I really didn't have any expectations going in. I just knew that after reading the blurb I really had to read this book. This book had some things that bothered me, but I couldn't put this one down. It captured my attention right away, and I couldn't stop until I had finished. I absolutely need the next book, because I have to know what happens next for Brayden and Kira. 

Brayden and Kira have been best friends and neighbors since they were kids. They grew up hanging out with one another and Kira's brother Ryan. When Brayden's dad and mom get divorced, he decides to stay with his dad so that he can continue to be around Kira. As they get older, Brayden and Kira's feelings for one another begin to change and they start to see each other differently. Brayden has known that his feelings for Kira were wrong, and has tried to forget her by sleeping with other girls. When he finally decides to tell her how he feels, everything is quickly ruined when his dad announces that he is marrying Kira and Ryan's mother. Brayden is once again forced to push Kira away in order to stay away from her. But after going away to college and finally realizing that the love he has for Kira is too strong to live without, Brayden decides to finally take what has been his all along. But now Kira is tired of Brayden's games and is ready to move on once and for all. With Kira's 18th birthday coming up, Brayden is determined to do what he should have before and fight for her. Will Kira be willing to give Brayden another chance, or will she finally be done with him for good?

I had issues with both Kira and Brayden, but I think a lot of these issues were because of their ages. They acted immature and did stupid things at times, and I really wanted them to just talk to one another. While I liked Brayden and couldn't help but feel drawn to him, he really screwed up a few times. He was sexy and alpha, but I did feel like his manwhoring ways got a bit out of hand at times. Especially when he knew how he felt about Kira, and how she felt about him. Kira drove me nuts a few times as well. For most of the story she was weak and let Brayden walk all over her, then she finally decides to grow a backbone and proceeds to do things that irritate me again. I wanted her find a happy medium, and unfortunately she never quite reached that. She might have said that she hated Brayden and didn't want anything to do with him, but she was clearly lying to herself as well as him. Her body wanted him and so did she. I just wanted her to accept that and give him a chance after everything that they had been through. I thought that Brayden had come a long way and he deserved to have another chance. The passion and chemistry between these two was off the charts though, and they were super hot with one another. I liked the tension and build up between them, and what made them hotter was the connection they shared. They had grown up together and knew each other so well. These two just fit together, and I really thought that they were meant to be together. It seems crazy to me that no one picked up on things sooner with these two and the way they were around one another, or at least that no one said anything to either of them.

I will say that there were a few issues with the actual story to me. I felt a little uncomfortable with things between Kira and Brayden early on. While three years isn't a huge age difference, the fact that things between them started so young was a bit of a problem for me. Kira was under 16, and for me that was a bit of a weird thing to read about when it came to the sexual thoughts and feelings that were being expressed. As they got older it wasn't anything that would be unacceptable, but things were a bit hard to get through before then. I also felt like the timeline on this story was a bit confusing. The date and year were listed when we advanced in time as the story went on, but there were several times that it didn't seem to match up for me. Maybe I was mistaken, but it just seemed like there were some inconsistencies with the timeline and I found it hard to follow. I also thought that there was a little too much push and pull at times, and it did get a bit old after awhile. I was ready for these two to finally start to figure things out, and it seemed like that took too long at times. I understood that the circumstances these two were facing were a bit messed up and hard to deal with and the fact that they were so young allowed me as a reader to cut them a little more slack than I normally would. These two had such a strong connection, and I felt like they had a lot going against them that was out of control. I can't imagine how I would have handled things at their age, so while it drove me nuts it didn't stop me from wanting to continue the story at all. I do need the next book though, and it honestly can't get here soon enough. I have to know what happens next for these two, and I just know that they have to find a way to be together. They are perfect for one another, and I really like them together.

**ARC Provided by Between The Sheets Promotions**

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ARC Review: Innocent Ride by Chelsea Camaron

Innocent Ride is the fourth book in the Hellions Ride series by Chelsea Camaron. This book can be read as a standalone, but the characters are interconnected and readers will get the most enjoyment from reading these books in order. If you haven't read any of this series yet I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning, but it isn't necessary.

 Drexel "Rex" Crews and Caroline "Lux" Milton are complete opposites. She is corporate where he is rough around the edges, yet they find themselves drawn to one another. Rex has always been of the motto to hit it and quit it, but after making some really bad decisions he finds out that he has a child he never knew about. As he tries to move forward with his life and turn things around, he finds that Lux is able to give it to him straight in a way that most people don't. They begin to form a friendship, but both of them can't help the attraction they feel for one another. When Caroline's past comes back and threatens her life, Rex will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and make up for his past mistakes. But Lux doesn't want Rex to only see her as the girl that corrects all his past mistakes. Can Rex and Caroline find a way to turn their feelings and attraction into forever, or will there be too many differences between them to make things work? 

I really liked Rex. He had a lot to make up for, but I never felt like he was only interested in Lux because of that. He was sexy and protective, and you could really tell how much he cared about her. He might not have had any experience with relationships, but things were different between him and Caroline. Caroline was strong and independent, and she had always done what she had to do to advance herself. She made some choices that she wasn't proud of, but she did what it took for herself. Rex wasn't afraid to say what was on his mind or go after what he wanted, but Caroline gave it right back. She challenged him and made him better. I loved the chemistry between these two, and I am always a sucker for an opposites attract story. These two were so great together and I loved seeing them as they helped one another move forward and leave their pasts behind. Rex and Lux were super hot together, but I loved seeing them really get to know one another and form a relationship. 

Overall this was a really good story, and I loved that Chelsea Camaron was able to show Rex redeem himself. He was everything I had hoped for and more. I really liked him with Caroline, and it was great to see familiar faces. I will say that Caroline annoyed me a couple times in this story with her attitude, but I was glad that she came around. I really liked the story though, and enjoyed reading this book. There were a few times that Rex was with other women and I could have done without those, but once he had chosen to be with Lux there was no cheating. These two had some really steamy moments and I loved every bit of it, but the best parts for me were when these two were realizing the connection they shared. I absolutely loved when Rex took Lux on his bike for the first time. She finally started to open up and really let go of her past, and I think it was such a great moment for both of them. I definitely recommend this series and Innocent Ride if you like MC books. Chelsea Camaron does a great job of giving the reader enough suspense and action to keep you interested, but also enough romance and steamy moments as well. I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

**ARC Provided by Between The Sheets Promotions**

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ARC Review: Beautiful Burn by Adriane Leigh

Let me start off by saying that I hate having to do this. I have really enjoyed previous books from Adriane Leigh, and she is such a nice person. That being said, this book was nothing like I expected and sadly it wasn't for me. I was so excited to read Beautiful Burn after I first heard about it, and teacher student forbidden romance stories are definitely one of my guilty pleasures. While I did finish this book, I had a lot of issues with it. I would recommend that if you don't want anything spoiled that you go ahead and stop reading. I don't think it would be fair to say I had problems and not give examples of what didn't work for me, and that could lead to some parts of this story being revealed that readers might not want to know about going into the book.

Auburn Lawrence and Reed West have always had a special connection since they first met. They share a love of reading and writing and can spend hours together just talking. But while they have always felt a pull towards one another, they have never been able to admit their feelings or take a chance on something because Reed was her teacher. Three years pass without them speaking or seeing each other until Auburn returns home over the summer to take care of her sick grandmother. She decides to take a writing course, and Reed ends up being the one in charge. As Auburn and Reed grow close again, their connection seems to be stronger than ever as though they have spent no time apart. But with the age difference as well as him having been her teacher, things still aren't easy for them. They can't fight their feelings though, and soon their summer is filled with passion and they find themselves desperate for one another. But the closer they get, the more there seems to be standing in their way.

I didn't understand Reed other than to say that he was a guy who wanted what he wanted, and was out to take it. He had his sweet and kind moments, and I honestly thought that he did care about Auburn. But he also strung her along while he wouldn't divorce his wife. Yes, the entire summer they are pursuing the connection and passion between them, he is married and won't get a divorce. He and his wife were separated and had been for awhile, yet he wouldn't divorce her and kept telling Auburn that it wasn't the right time for him which didn't make any sense until the end of the book. I honestly thought that he was never going to leave her, and I couldn't make any sense of his actions. Auburn was a bit weak in that she just seemed to put up with it. She let him call all the shots and keep her a secret, and every time she would even think of putting up a fight she would almost instantly relent and give in. She came off as a bit of a doormat and I didn't get it. I also felt that while they had attraction and chemistry and clearly shared a lot in common, that I just didn't really feel the love between them. They had a connection, but it just felt superficial. I think that is because I feel like we really didn't get to truly know either of these characters. They were flat and didn't really seem to have any depth to them at all. I wanted to know more about them, and I just don't feel like we ever got that.

Another issue I had was that it is billed as a teacher student romance, but yet they aren't really teacher and student. He taught her when she was in high school but now they are both well over legal age. She is 21 and turns 22 during the book while he is stated to be 28. She goes to college and is home over summer break where she enrolls in a writing course. The writing course doesn't actually seem to be for credit though or a grade, so to me it just didn't feel like their relationship was as taboo or forbidden as the author was trying to convince us of. Honestly I thought the bigger problem was the fact he was married rather than the age or teacher/student aspect.

I also will say that I had a huge problem with the ending. I know that this is Adriane Leigh's story to tell and that a lot of people will find the ending heartbreaking yet beautiful. But to me, it was unsatisfying and it made me mad. I felt like I had wasted so much time and emotions getting to this point where things would finally turn around, only to have the rug pulled out from under me. The silver lining in the ending felt too little to me while my heart was still lying on the ground from where the author had just ripped it out of my chest and discarded it. I read romance, and I want a happy ending. It doesn't have to be perfect, but for me this one took me by complete surprise and I didn't find it happy at all. I think had I known what I was getting into with this story that I probably wouldn't have read it. It was sad, and felt like a ton of angst and hype for nothing. I never expected things to go the way they did, and I really felt like this was so different from the blurb and what I had been lead to believe this was about. Clearly there are plenty of others out there that felt differently about this book with the higher ratings that I have seen, so you may still want to give this one a shot. But honestly I just couldn't get over all the issues that I had with this story and then the ending pretty much destroyed all the good that I had felt about it. It was nice that this was told mostly from Reed's POV though, even if I did feel like we missed out on getting to know Auburn better because of it. I am sure that I will read more from Adriane Leigh in the future since I have liked other books by her, this just wasn't the one for me.

**ARC Provided by Between the Sheets Promotions**

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