ARC Review: The High Road by Lauren Runow

The High Road by Lauren Runow is a short and sexy novella that was previously published in the Secret Affair Anthology. This is a standalone story and a great read if you are needing something quick. I have read a few of Lauren's books now, and have really enjoyed each one. The High Road was no different and I think readers will enjoy it like I did.

Jenelle was used to living her life by following the rules and putting on a fake smile when she needs to. But when she learns that her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she decides to go out with her friend and live a little. When she meets Alex though, he changes everything and she soon finds herself living a life she was missing before. But what he didn't mention was that he is actually her subordinate and a relationship between them is forbidden.

I really liked Jenelle and Alex. Jenelle was straight-laced, yet you could tell there was more to her. She just needed to find the right person that she could be herself with. Alex had a lot to overcome and learning about his past had me feeling so much for him. I liked him and Jenelle together, and though it was supposed to be something quick for them it was obvious that there was so much more happening. They had great chemistry and a connection that was natural and easy to believe in. 

Overall, this was a really good quick and sexy read. It was also just a good story and I found it easy to believe in the relationship which can sometimes be hard with a novella. I liked the characters a lot and I think that contemporary fans will as well. I look forward to more from Lauren Runow in the future.

**ARC Provided by Author**

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ARC Review: Falling Into the Black by Lauren Runow

Once I started Falling Into the Black by Lauren Runow, I didn't want to put it down! I was originally drawn in by the blurb, as it sounded like it would be sexy and full of angst. It was everything I was expecting and I was captivated from start to finish. I really enjoyed the characters and the story and I wasn't ready for it to be over when I reached the end! I really hope that Lauren writes the story of the guy that didn't get his HEA here. 

Evangeline left her small hometown behind and changed her name with the hopes of moving forward and past the pain. But ten years later, she still finds herself unable to forget everything that she left behind. She is working at a law firm and going to night classes to become a lawyer and when her friend asks her for help at the exclusive sex club her husband owns, Evangeline jumps at the chance thinking it can do nothing but help. But when she meets two masked men that love to share their women, she finds herself drawn to each of them for different reasons. As they all begin to get to know one another, things quickly get complicated as identities are revealed and they must all come to terms with what that means for them. 

I really liked these characters. They had moments where each of them showed some immaturity and I wanted to shake them a bit. But it was nice to see that they were human and that what they were all feeling was real. Evangeline had a past with one of them men, and the more that was revealed, the more my heart broke for them. I was rooting for them from the start. That being said though, I was just as drawn to the other man as Evangeline was. There is no denying that there was a connection there as well. It was sweet and sexy, and I was rooting for him as well. Honestly, I was so torn here because I felt like there really was no wrong choice for her, and that in any other life she could have been happy with either of them. While I do think that she ended up where she belonged, I think that she would have been just as happy with the other option. I was really starting to hope that this wouldn't be a love triangle and that in the end they would all stay together. 

Overall, this was a really great story and it drew me in right away. I am pretty new to Lauren Runow's books, but this defiitely won't be the last I read from her. I enjoyed this one, and I felt connected to the story and the characters. It was sweet and emotional, while also being sexy and full of steam. This story had it all, and I definitely recommend it to those that are looking for something on the erotic side. As I mentioned above, I am really hoping that we get the other man's story that didn't get his HEA here as I really loved him and think he deserves everything he didn't get here. I wasn't ready to let him go at the end of Falling Into the Black and I think readers will love him like I did and feel the same way.

**ARC Provided by Author**

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ARC Review: Gravity by Lauren Runow

Gravity is the first book that I have ever read from Lauren Runow, so I went into this one not knowing entirely what I should expect. While there were things that I enjoyed here, I did have mixed feelings about the book. The one thing I will say is that the author said that this wasn't your normal friends to lovers story, and that is true. This book spans a large amount of time in which the characters are apart and real life takes them on a real and often raw journey. 

Trevin and Lily grew up next door to each other. Though they were different, they had a special connection that drew them to one another and they found that they understood and supported one another no matter what. They became everything to each other, but once Trevin's dream and the fame and fortune that came with it took over, Lily lost herself. Trevin knew that Lily was no longer the same as he remembered after everything that they had been through, but he also knew that he needed her. Can Trevin show Lily that he is the man she needs?

I liked Trevin and Lily for one another, and they had so much history. Their connection was there from the start, and it was clear just how much they meant to one another. Yet I was also really frustrated with them at times. I didn't like how Trevin treated Lily at times. I didn't like how Lily handled that and let him treat her. But even while they irritated me, I never stopped rooting for them. I really felt like they belonged together, though I wasn't always happy with the path that their relationship took. 

I will say that I felt like something was missing here, and the story fell a bit flat for me. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but this one was a bit different than I had thought it would be. I Think part of my problem was how Trevin treated Lily and the fact that it took her so long to really stand up for herself, and by the time it happened I was sort of over it. Too little, too late. While there wasn't cheating, these two were apart and in the world of music that comes with sex, drugs and rock and roll. I understand when characters aren't together that they will hook up with others and for the most part that doesn't usually bother me, but it did a little here and I know that isn't entirely fair of me to be upset about it. They weren't together so it wasn't cheating, but it did bother me and I had a tough time getting over some of that. All in all, this one was okay for me. I wouldn't turn down another book from Lauren Runow, but I don't know if I would run out to get another either. I think if you like rockstar romance and second chances, this one might be worth taking a chance on. While it wasn't my favorite, it might be one that works for you.

**ARC Provided by Author**

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