ARC Review: Ball Peen Hammer by Lauren Rowe

I don't even really know where to start with this review. I have absolutely loved everything I have read from Lauren Rowe, The Club series is one of my favorite series ever! That being said, I have very mixed feelings about Ball Peen Hammer. While this book can be read as a standalone story, I wouldn't recommend it. For those that haven't read The Club series, there are so many familiar faces, names and storylines referenced here that it might be hard at times to keep track of everything. This story is about different characters though they are interconnected. 

All Maddy Milliken wanted was a parking spot for the coming year so that she could work as well as attend school now that she got into UCLA. When her sister Hannah lines up a parking spot, all she has to do is give Keane Morgan a ride to LA to meet up with his brother, and his brother will give her the parking spot. Maddy and Keane get off on the wrong foot, but soon they are talking and getting to know one another while driving. Both Maddy and Keane start to like one another, though they know that hooking up is the last thing they should do. Keane is a stripper knows as "Ball Peen Hammer" and he doesn't do relationships at all, and Maddy is one woman that Keane can't risk making angry. But can they possibly make something work between them though there are many reasons why a relationship between them shouldn't happen? 

I will admit that a lot of my issues here center around Keane. I really struggled to like him for a lot of this book. He came off as cocky, completely aloof and often times selfish. I just had a hard time really caring for his character and I felt like he was just a hero that I wasn't going to fall for. But I did start to like him despite all the issues I had, and then he ended up ruining things for me all over again. While I did think that he and Maddy had chemistry and were forming a connection, I just wasn't able to feel fully invested in their relationship because of Keane. Maddy was a character that was easier for me to like, and I thought that she was great. Unfortunately she wasn't enough to fully win me over here. 

My other big issue here was that while there has been humor in Lauren's previous books, it was too over the top for me here in Ball Peen Hammer. Lauren Rowe has a great sense of humor that really comes across in her writing, and I love the witty banter that is always present in her stories. But while I usually find that funny and well balanced, there were times here that it was just too much. I really struggled to stick with this story, and it wasn't until well after half of this book was through that I felt like I actually wanted to read the entire book. I have never felt like that before with one of Lauren's books, but there was just something about this one that wasn't working for me and that made it hard for me to personally get into. Things felt a bit slow and as though not much was going on, and there were just too many over the top conversations and interactions going on up until that point for me to love this one like I wanted to. I think that a lot of readers will really enjoy this one, and fans of The Club series will definitely want to give this one a shot. But this one didn't have the same effortless feel to me that Lauren's books usually have, and I felt like this one came off as forced and trying a bit too hard when it came to the humor.

**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**

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ARC Review: The Culmination by Lauren Rowe

The Culmination is the fourth novel in The Club series by Lauren Rowe and I could not have been more excited to read this as soon as I found out about it. I have loved every book in this series so far (all rated at 5 stars for me!), and Jonas and Sarah are without a doubt one of my all-time favorite couples! So to get more of them was something that I could not have been happier about, and Lauren Rowe definitely did them justice here. I knew that there was so much more to their story that could be explored, yet you always have to wonder at what time is it appropriate to say enough is enough. Well Lauren Rowe definitely proved that there was plenty to write about and I couldn't get enough of these two as their love story continued. 

The Culmination picks up after The Club trilogy and needs to be read in order. Make sure you start at the beginning so you don't miss out on all that Jonas and Sarah have already been through to get where they are here. So like I said this book picks up after the trilogy with Sarah and Jonas married. These two are in a good place, living life and their HEA. I don't want to give away too much in case anyone hasn't read the first three yet, but we get more of our favorite couple as well as Josh, Kat and Henn. These two might be living their HEA, but that isn't to say that things always go perfectly and I loved seeing how their relationship was progressing here. Trust me if you are a fan of the trilogy, you will want to read The Culmination. This is a full novel and has no cliffhanger.

Jonas and Sarah were even more fantastic here than I remembered, and I honestly will never forget this couple. These two are so special, and their love is rare and unique. I thought that Lauren Rowe did a great job here of giving us more of these two without repeating the same thing over and over. There was more story to tell, and I loved every bit of it. Jonas and Sarah are still the same sexy couple as they have always been, and their chemistry was hotter than ever here. These two really do have it all, and I loved seeing how they continue to deal with things together no matter what gets thrown their way. 

Overall, this another excellent story from Lauren Rowe and I honestly don't know if I will ever be ready to move past these two. I love them so much, and they always bring out all the feels! If you are looking for a series that is filled with humor, sweetness and some very steamy scenes, this is definitely the one you are looking for! Lauren Rowe is a great writer and she has never disappointed me yet. I highly recommend this series, and I honestly cannot wait for more from her! I am really looking forward to getting Josh and Kat's story too!

**ARC Provided by Sassy Savy Fabulous PR**

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ARC Review: The Club by Lauren Rowe

Wow, this book was amazing. The Club sucked me right in from the very first page, and I absolutely couldn't put it down! It was so refreshingly different, and I just loved every bit of it. Lauren Rowe has created such a different story and set of characters and I just couldn't get enough. I already can't wait for the next book because I need more Jonas. I will tell you that these books have cliffhangers and continue from one book to the next, but trust me it is worth the read. Luckily, all three books are now released so you don't have to wait to start the next one.

After hearing his brother talk about The Club, Jonas Faraday can't stop thinking about it and decides to join. When Jonas fills out the online application, he never expects to get a private message back from his intake agent. Jonas is immediately drawn to her and is compelled to learn everything he can about her. As Jonas becomes obsessed with learning who she really is, he enlists his brother and a friend to help them find her. But after he finds her will he continue to only want a short but passionate affair, or will she be the one to finally change his opinion about relationships? And what will happen to his newly purchased membership to The Club?

I freaking loved Jonas. Right away I could tell what would draw women to him, and he never disappointed. He was cocky and confident, and super sexy. But he was also sweet and thoughtful, and extremely smart and deep. This guy seriously had it all, and with each new layer revealed continued to make me fall in love with him just like Sarah did. Jonas Faraday is truly one of a kind, and I loved every side to him. Sarah was fantastic as well. She was smart and sassy, and I loved that she was a bit of a rule breaker. She did what she felt like, and wasn't afraid to challenge Jonas or put him in his place. These two were the perfect match for one another because they made each other better. They pushed each other when needed, and offered support and encouragement as well. Not to mention the chemistry between them was smoking hot! These two really clicked on all levels, and I couldn't wait to see how things between them would shake out.

I will admit that there were a few times in this story that things were a bit slow, and I think part of that was due to some inner monologues and details given. While normally that would made me lose interest in the story, it didn't in this case. It actually made me want to keep reading, because I loved getting inside Jonas and Sarah's heads. I liked seeing their thoughts and feelings, and I was so glad that Lauren Rowe decided to give us both of their POVs. The banter between these two was fantastic, and they were perfectly matched in every aspect. I never expected the twist, and it made me that much more intrigued with this story. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next, and learning more about this fantastic world that Lauren Rowe has created. I highly recommend giving this book a shot. Jonas is more than enough reason to read this story, and I can't wait to dive into The Reclamation.

**ARC Provided by Truly Schmexy PR**

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ARC Review: The Redemption by Lauren Rowe

The Redemption is the third and final installment in The Club series by Lauren Rowe. This series continues from one book to the next, and these absolutely need to be read in order. I was sucked in right from the start though, and I have not been able to put these books down. Trust me once you start, you will not want to stop until you have devoured every last word. Jonas is fantastic, and I adore his character so much. I couldn't wait to start this book after the cliffhanger from The Reclamation, and trust me Lauren Rowe delivered. 

The Redemption picks up right after the events of The Reclamation with Jonas having just found Sarah. Jonas struggles with his demons more than ever and is determined to get to the bottom of who is behind The Club. He won't rest until those that hurt Sarah are forced to answer for what they have done. As Jonas and Sarah work together to bring down The Club, they must face more obstacles in their relationship. Will they be able to make it out alive and together, or will there be too many things standing in the way of the love they have found in each other? 

I have loved Jonas from the very start, even when he has had his moments. He is so much more than you first think, and I have really loved getting to know him throughout this series. He is cocky and arrogant, but he is also so sweet and vulnerable. We got to see a lot more of his childhood in this book, and it really helped to explain so much about him. I didn't think it was possible to love him more, but Lauren Rowe proved me wrong. Jonas has definitely made it onto my all time favorite book boyfriends list. I loved Sarah as well. She is the perfect match for Jonas. She always stands by him and supports him, but she also isn't afraid to put him in his place when he needs it. She is strong and feisty, and I loved seeing her show Jonas that things happen and that he shouldn't always blame himself for them. The awesome witty banter between these two continued in this book, and I was so happy to see that nothing had changed when it came to that or their insane chemistry! These two are off the charts hot together, and they just seem to get better with each book. 

Overall, I have really loved this series. This is one of those that you go into not knowing what to expect since it is a new author, and then you wonder where they have been. Lauren Rowe has given us a solid series that in my opinion was great start to finish. These books never disappointed, and kept me on the edge of my seat and anxious for more. Jonas and Sarah's relationship was always at the heart of the story though and I love these two more than I can say. But I have to say that this book might just have been my favorite of the series. I love Jonas and Sarah, but the secondary characters in this series are just as great! I loved the whole gang working together in Vegas, and thought that they just made the perfect team. If you haven't read these yet, I definitely recommend them. I think that they really do offer something for everyone, and you never know what is going to happen next. This series gave me all the feels and I cannot wait to see what Lauren Rowe writes next.

**ARC Provided by Truly Schmexy PR**

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ARC Review: The Reclamation by Lauren Rowe

I really loved The Club and was left wanting more, so I couldn't wait to start The Reclamation. I honestly cannot say enough how much I am loving this series by Lauren Rowe. Be aware though that these are not standalone novels, and absolutely need to be read in order. If you haven't read The Club yet, you should stop reading in order to avoid possible spoilers. Also, if you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend that you check it out because it's fantastic!

The Reclamation picks up right after where The Club left off with Jonas and Sarah returning home to find that her apartment has been trashed as well as her friend Kat's. They know that The Club is behind it now that Sarah and Jonas have figured out the truth. Jonas and Sarah are determined to do whatever it takes to be together, but The Club will do anything to make sure that the truth doesn't get out. Can Sarah and Jonas make it out safe and together, or will the danger be more than they can survive?

I loved Jonas and Sarah in the first book, but after reading this one I love them even more. We got to know them both better in this book, and we really learned a lot more about Jonas and his past. Things have become much more clear as far as his actions and responses go. I wanted him to open up to Sarah more, but it was clear that he is trying. Sarah has been able to help him begin the healing process, and she couldn't be more perfect for him. These two are so connected on every level, and I really liked seeing them continue to strengthen their relationship. They are both dealing with new territory here and they both have issues and insecurities. But they also are learning more about each other and I was really glad that they didn't try to fight their feelings or run away from one another. These two were just as hot together as the first time around, but they also had so much more love and emotion between them.

Overall, this was a great second installment. I loved seeing more of these two as well as Kat and Josh. I love that the banter between Jonas and Sarah continued, and I really feel like these two challenge each other in the best way but yet they also know when the other needs support and encouragement. The love between them is clear, and I like that they are able to show it to one another without having to verbalize it. Music has been such a part of their relationship from the beginning and throughout their story I love finding out which song they will use to express themselves next. This series is well written and different, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what Lauren Rowe has in store for them next. I will warn you that there is a huge cliffhanger at the end of this book, but worry not because the third and final book in this series is already out.

**ARC Provided by Truly Schmexy PR**

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