Meli Mel's Book Reviews

♥ ♥ ♥ 3.5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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'Kole was mine, she'd always been mine, and always would be, even if she didn't know it.'

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Nikole Castro hasn't had the greatest upbringing. She has had to depend on herself for most of her life. And when an even alters her life, she decided to make a new start in California. She does this when she is given a scholarship that will allow her to study without worrying about paying for it. She still needs to work, so she end up at a coffee shop. This is where she literally bumps into Adam Lane, the rich playboy that all women seem to fall for. Nikole is determined to not end up like her mother did, so she makes sure to make it clear to Adam that she isn't into flings.

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"You're it for me, so I hope you feel the same way, because I don't think you can get rid of me if you tried."

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There is something about Nikole that just draws Adam in. He doesn't usually do relationships, but Nikole makes him want one with her. Unfortunatley, Adam isn't in control of his life it seems. His father has his entire life mapped out until it's time for him to take over the family business. Adam is done letting his dad dictate his life. However, a misunderstanding leads Adam and Nikole to break up in a heartbreaking way. They both changed because of that day and they never thought that twelve years later life would bring them back together.

I quite enjoyed this one. I liked seeing how the relationship between Nikole and Adam developed when they were eighteen and twenty. However, it was also very frustrating because of how immature these characters were. I still very much liked them despite that. I think things between them happened a little too rapidly, because of that I had a bit of trouble connecting with them as a couple. I did like the sexual tension and the angst in this book, though. Again, they were immature and young, which is what led to their miscommunication. That part was painful and very frustrating but I was happy to see how twelve years would change them.

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'I'd do anything and everything to keep her because what we were sharing was something I hadn't felt since I lost her."

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In the second part of the book, Adam and Nikole are adults with their lives very put together. I liked seeing how mature these characters became. I liked them a whole lot better because of it. There was a bit of a twist in the second half that I kind of saw coming. In this part I was able to connect with them much better. I did want to see them fall in love with each other again in a bit of a slower pace, rather than just kind of continue where they left off. One thing I loved were the secondary characters, they were awesome. And I was very happy with the ending of this book. Especially the epilogue. I really enjoyed it. Overall, this was a great read.



~ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.~

♥ ♥ ♥ 4 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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“Today may be a very bad day, but tomorrow may be the best day of your life. You just have to hang on until you get there.”

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Kira Dallaire finds herself in a place she never thought she would be in, penniless and alone. She is determined to make it on her own and not seek any help from her wealthy father. Then she overhears at the bank that a man is being denied a loan, she recognizes his name, Grayson Hawthorn. Grayson is a an ex-con trying to keep the vineyard his father left him after his death afloat. But he has very limited funds and it doesn't seem like he will be able to keep it open for much longer. Things change when a young woman shows up at his home with a crazy scheme that would benefit the both of them.

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“Love is not always smooth and easy. Love can be piercing. Love means exposing yourself – all of yourself, every tender part – to being hurt. Because true love is not only the flower, true love is also the thorns.”

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Kira knows her idea of getting married may sound insane to Grayson, but it makes sense to her. She proposes they get married in order for her to be able to get the trust her grandmother left her and split it with Grayson. They finally agree to it, despite the fact that they can barely tolerate each other at times. The deal is to split in half, live together for about two months, and in a year's time, they will divorce keeping their own money without taking any of the others.

Kira may have had a tough childhood, but that has only made her stronger. She refuses to lose hope or her optimism that things will get better. She enjoys having fun, and isn't afraid of working hard despite her coming from money. Meanwhile, Grayson has also had a terrible way of growing up, and it has affected him deeply. After being sent to prison, he changed a lot. He has built a wall around himself so that nothing can ever emotionally affect him again. He feels unworthy nor does he ever want love in his life. So, in other words, they are quite opposite. But that made things so much more interesting. These two fought, argued, and disliked each other, but each day they felt a little more for one another. Having the story in both of their P.O.V. was perfect. I loved knowing how Grayson was feeling and how he was slowly falling in love with Kira.

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‘My beautiful little witch – there was magic within her, and I wanted to bathe in its light.’

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This book was a little bit different the few previous books of the Sign of Love series. This one wasn't as heavy or heart wrenching as those. There was quite of bit of angst, though, which I enjoyed. I loved the characters and how they challenged each other. I love Kira and how selfless and sassy she was. I liked Grayson despite how stubborn he could be, because when he let go, it was heartwarming. The story was really cute with a very fairytale like quality to it. The only thing I can say is that there were moments that seemed a little too perfect and too sweet to me, and I usually don't get bothered by that sort of thing, but it did a bit in this one. I also wish Kira would have made Grayson work harder for her near the end. Other than that, it was really great. I loved many of the secondary characters. I just really enjoyed it, and didn't really want to put it down. Overall, it was a wonderful read.



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♥ ♥ ♥ 4 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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"You don't simply feel the rhythm. You must feel the soul, both of the dance and of your partner. The tango isn't something you dance. It's a story you create with another."

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Ed Maurer is an ex-semipro-football player that has had to leave his athletic glory behind due to a neck injury that bans him from ever playing again. Ed doesn't want to accept his fate that he is disabled as a result. He is determined to live his life as normal as possible even without football, by trying to ignore the pain he sporadically gets. That means having an office job he hates. While also volunteering at a community center, the only thing he looks forward to.

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"With the right partner, it's like I'm anchored, and I can do anything."

Ed's lips brushed Laurie's ear, sending electricity through his body, but his words burrowed into Laurie's soul. "I want to be your right partner."


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Laurie Parker was once a rising star in the ballet community. But after an event left him feeling humiliated he has turned his back to competing professionally. Now, Laurie is a dance instructor at the same community center. Everything is great for Laurie until Ed enters the picture pestering him about the volume of his music he uses in his classes. Things change when Ed ends up being his dance assistant in exchange for turning the volume down.

I can't tell you how much I loved these two characters. They were so freaking cute together. When Ed and Laurie begin dancing together, it made me giddy seeing that attraction between them grow. They were pretty opposite as well. Ed was a "manly" broad football player making average pay, while Laurie was a slightly "feminine" dancer with a wealthy background. Yet, they worked so well together. I loved being inside Ed's head and seeing how he was falling for Laurie, it was so damn adorable. Another thing I really enjoy, and something have noticed from ready many of Heidi's books, is that she thoroughly researches what she writes about. In this case, it was the dancing. It was described so well with some delicious sensual tension that the only thing that could make it better was to see it live.

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'I don't ever want to disappoint you. I want to stay here, like this. Always. I don't want to just take care of you. I want you to take care of me too.'

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This book also had many emotional moments that made me feel for Ed and Laurie. They were both a bit broken, but together they calmed, supported, and healed each other. I loved how Laurie took care of Ed. It was really just a beautiful story. The only reason I didn't give it a higher rating, was because some parts of the book were a bit slow at times. I also didn't really care for one sex scene in particular. But other than that, it was a wonderfully written story that was very enjoyable. I loved both the characters and really connected with them. I definitely recommend this one.





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♥ ♥ ♥ 5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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“This is always, Wildcat. You...you're my always.”

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Kona Hale is a college football player working his way into the NFL. Unfortunately, his skills on the field aren't the only ones he is famous for. He is also known for his womanizing ways. When he is partnered with Keira for a project, he thinks he can charm her into doing what he wants but she is not easily swayed, in fact, it seems she can't stand him. Keira is trying to make it through her years of college without upsetting her mother too much, by appeasing her when needed. She is also still quite affected by the death of her father years back. The only way she has to connect with him is through music. She knows what Kona wants, and she doesn't want "thin love" which is only lust. She wants "thick love" that will last and she knows Kona can't give her that.

Kona is determined, no matter how selfish it may seem. When they finally get together it's dangerous and frenetic. They get consumed but what they feel and it can be a scary thing. Especially when they both have problems when it comes to dealing with their tempers. They are both broken by it. But this is also why they get each other so well. They push and pull each other, hurt and heal each other. They have become addicted to one another. Their relationship may not be a healthy one but they can't seem to stay away. That all changes by one event where Kona pushes her away for good and causes their hearts to shatter.

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“I will haunt you, Kona. When you think of me, see my face, hear my name, you’ll only remember that I loved you. You’ll remember that my love for you was never thin. You’ll remember this moment because it will be the biggest regret of your life.”

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Sixteen years later, fate brings them back together again. They still have strong feelings for each other after all these years. And this may be the chance Kona needs to make things right with Keira again.




This is one of those books where I ask myself 'why in the hell hadn't I read it before?', but I am so glad that I finally did. It was a page turner that's for sure. I didn't want to stop reading it, and when I did, I kept thinking about it. I was completely engrossed by this book. Oh, the angst...I keep telling myself I won't read books with too much angst but I guess I'm glutton for punishment because I keep doing it. I just can't help it. And this drove me completely off the wall with frustration. The relationship between Kona and Keira was an intense one. I would get so damn upset, and angry with them both. Then there were moments that freaking melted my heart. I was all freaking over the place. I wanted things to work between them so bad, that when it didn't, I was a frightful mess and I'm sure there might have been some snot running down my nose from all the tears. Yeah...it was not pretty.

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“This time when you walk away, I won’t let you stay gone. This time, Wildcat, I’ll follow.”

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Their journey was a long one and it was definitely not an easy one, but I loved it! Kona, that lovable idiot, was a possessive alpha and very caring which earned him a spot in my heart. Keira frustrated me but I still managed to really like her. They were both immature when they were young which makes sense with how old they were. So, it was great to see how much they had grown since they were nineteen and twenty years old. I was glad how I was really able to feel the connection that they shared. Which is why I was an emotional wreck from this roller coaster ride. I felt everything they were feeling. Their chemistry was explosively hot, something I highly enjoyed. I just plainly loved this book and I can't say it enough. I can't wait to read Ransom's book next. I am hoping it will be equally as amazing as this one. So, go ahead and give this book a read, if you haven't done so already. But, ye be warned, the angst is crazy high.



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♥ ♥ ♥ 4.5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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“I liked you as ‘Thoreau,’ but I love you as Andrew.”

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I loved this series so much. It has been a while since I've enjoyed a series so thoroughly that when it was over I was so freaking sad. I liked Aubrey and I LOVED Andrew. I mean what is there not to love. Sure, he was a jackass many times but he was so damn sexy. I just want to marry his freaking dirty mouth. I was so happy with how Aubrey made Andrew work hard near the end. The steam throughout the series was freaking amazeballs! Seriously, it was scorching hot that I just couldn't get enough. The angst in this series definitely heightened my enjoyment of it. It wasn't too much or too little. The ending was so, so good. I just loved! It was sweet that I just melted. And I am so happy there was an extended epilogue that you can read online. I'm not lying when I say I was so sad to see this end. Which is why I just had to read it. Overall, this was really great. I will definitely be re-reading them.

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“I wish I could take all your pain away...even though you think you've been permanently damaged. You have so much to give and you deserve so much in return. I just hope that eventually there might be some room left in your heart for me.”

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Here is the link to the extended epilogue:
http://www.whitneygracia.com/2014/09/...

Here are my mini reviews of each part in the series:

Volume One
Volume Two
Volume Three




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♥ ♥ ♥ 3.5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

If you have already read TAG, then you are already familiar with Cali and Tango. This book takes place four years after the last book ended. Everything seems to be going well for them. Thanks to the injection Tango had, his health seems to be very good as well. Suddenly someone wants their daughter Tyler for testing, to see if the injection Tango took had any affect on her when she was conceived. There is no way Cali and Tango will let anything be done to their daughter. They will fight whoever they have to to protect her.

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“Know everyone. Trust no one,” he warns me.

“Except me,” Tango pipes in. “She promised to trust me.”

“You she can trust, son. You're the only man I will ever trust too. You are the exception. You're it.”

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Cali and Tango are total bad-ass parents. I loved them in the first book and enjoyed the connection that they shared. In this book, you still get that connection. The sexual chemistry between them was pretty hot. It was great seeing how parenthood changed them a bit. They no longer only had to care for themselves but for their daughter, too. It was cool having Tango's friend Jag come in to help them out. I really liked him. My only complaint would be that I would have liked some more action scenes and that it would have been a little longer. Other than that, it was great catching up with Cali and Tango again.




~ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.~

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♥ ♥ ♥ 3.75 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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“I wish I could take all your pain away...even though you think you've been permanently damaged. You have so much to give and you deserve so much in return. I just hope that eventually there might be some room left in your heart for me.”

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This book is a bit different to what I usually like to read. This is why I was a bit hesitant to read it. But after a friend here on Goodreads recommended it to me and read a few reviews, I decided to give it a try.

Right off the bat, the prologue hooked me in. A man named Jack is seen running in the snow with his wife Caroline trying to get away from something. Caroline is wounded and it seems they are tiring fast. And whoever they are running from is only getting closer. The suspense of what was happening had me turning the page and not wanting to stop. From there on, the story was told alternating from past to present in Caroline's P.O.V.

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“You see my humanity. And you accept me anyway. I feel like when you look at me you can see straight to my heart, bypassing all the messy details. You like me. I trust you. None of what I have matters to you nearly as much as who I truly am.”

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In the past, we see how it is that Caroline met and fell in love with Jack. I really much loved watching Caroline's friendship to Jack grow into love. I loved it! I enjoyed the chemistry between them. I loved Jack and how he treated Caroline and her daughters. He was caring and hot. Caroline was a snarky intelligent woman and a very loving mother. I really liked her and I was very happy to see her slowly open up to Jack. They really were great together. Another thing I liked was that these characters acted like the adults that they were and never came across as childish or anything like that.

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He backhanded her a final time, and everything went black.
Caroline jerked at the memory. Fuck. This definitely wasn't purgatory.

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While I was drawn to the romantic story line, I won't lie, the whole political aspect didn't really do it for me. I've just never really enjoyed things involving politics so it was hard for me to follow their political jargon. These parts caused the books to become really slow for me so I did skim through it at times. However, I still managed to enjoy the story. The book picked up for me near the end that I became engrossed in what was happening between Jack and Caroline in the past, and what was happening with Caroline in the present. Then the ending happened...that freaking cliffhanger. I need to read the next book! Overall, this was a really good read. I didn't end up loving it but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy or like it, because I did. I can't wait to read the next one but I think I will wait for all the parts to be out before I do. I just can't deal with them cliffhangers.




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♥ ♥ ♥ 4 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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“Want you,” I whisper.

Lately those two words define me.

“Have me,” he says.

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Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley use to be attatched to the hip. They met at a Hockey summer camp on Lake Placid as kids and became the best of friends. As they grew up, the closer they got. When they were both eighteen, they got a little drunk and they made a bet that changed their friendship. Next thing Jamie knows, Wes completely shut him out of his life, and he doesn't know what went wrong. Wes has been in love with his straight best friend for quite a while. That night they shared tortures Wes. He feels responsible for pushing Jamie into doing something he probably didn't want to. As a result, he lost his best friend and he will always regret that.

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'Our mouths fit together so perfectly. Every time we kiss, I fall even more in love with him, and it has nothing to do with sex or lust. It's him. His closeness and his scent and the way he soothes me.'

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Fast forward four years, Jamie is now a coach for the hockey summer camp. He is also doing really well in his college hockey team. He may soon be getting a second chance with his best friend when he finds out his team and Wes's will competing in the same championship. Wes is a star player in his college hockey team and life is pretty good. He has come to terms with his sexuality. He no longer hides it but he doesn't flaunt it either. Now that he has the chance, he wants to make things right with Jamie. He wants to apologize and hopefully become friends. He will try to put his feeling aside in order to get Jamie any way that he can, even if it's just as friends.

These two were awesome! I loved their banter, it was really entertaining. You could feel how close they once were. I loved that the past was mixed in with the present in the form of flashbacks. It was done very well. It also helped me connect with them a whole lot better. This was a friends to lovers story which I am totally a sucker for. Not to mention a second chance at romance. I love the connection between them. I really loved Wes and was very happy when he decided to coach along side Jamie at the summer camp. The tension was crazy good. Don't even get me started on the steam...scorching hot! *fans self*

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“You really do love me, huh?”

“Always have. Always will.”

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I loved the pace in which their relationship developed into a more romantic one. There were so many moments that this story made my heart melt and swoon. This book was not just purely sex, there were so much more it. The emotions in the book made things intense and passionate which I really loved. My heart broke and swooned and did all these dances at what was going on. They were just so adorable and perfect together. And the humour was pretty great as well. Then that ending was so awesome! It left me with a feel good vibe. Overall, it was really great read. It wasn't too angsty or too dramatic, which was nice. It was cute and steamy and definitely something worth reading.



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♥ ♥ ♥ 4.5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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“Nila had my heart. But my father had my very existence.”

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What. In. The. Ever. Loving. F*ck. Just. Happened!?!?! I am completely destroyed by this book. Holy hell!





If you read the previous book then you know the huge cliffhanger in which the last book ended. Nila has done what Jethro asked of her and has left without a backward glance. Jethro is utterly shattered and isn't able to cope with his emotions hitting him all at once. In this book, we finally get to learn so much about Jethro. With each book we seemed to be getting glimpses of who the real Jethro is. And that was thanks to Nila slowly breaking down his walls. Now we see him with his walls completely down and it was heart wrenching to read.

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“We were both destroyed. And the only cure was to give in.”

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So much happens in this book. Holy cow! Some things I didn't see coming. God, and that third debt. Kes is a character that I have loved cautiously. Because there were moments I had doubt that he could possibly be as evil as his family. But after what he did for Nila in this book, I love him a whole lot more. And Jethro, my poor Jethro. I hated seeing how much of a victim he is in all this as Nila. It was complete torture. To say my emotions were all over the place is a freaking understatement. I was hurtled around in a freaking roller coaster. I honestly don't know how Nila can remain so strong after everything that has happened. But, I hope that she remains that way after how this book ended.

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"She was my salvation, my reason for existence, my queen."

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This book was crazy intense. I could not stop turning the page to find out what would happen next. It was so frustrating seeing Jethro turn back to his old ways. I was on the verge of hating him like Nila did. But after I finally got to understand him, I was so angry with his father Cut for causing so much pain to Jethro. After everything that happened, Nila and Jethro are definitely a lot more closer in all ways possible, and that was beautiful to see. I loved seeing the open and vulnerable side to Jethro. It melted my heart to finally know how he felt. But then that ending had to happen. It was freaking painful! Ugh, I am still reeling from it. I can not wait to see what happens next. I just hope it doesn't get any worse.



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♥ ♥ ♥ 4.5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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“You, Flame. My tortured boy. You gave me life and light.”

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If you've read this series before, than you are familiar with who Flame is. When I found out he was having a book...I. Could. Not. Wait! I am so glad I did because it did not disappoint.





Maddie is Mae's younger sister. Like Mae, she grew up in the commune and suffered horrific things that no child should ever have to endure. This has led her to become broken. She hates men, and is distrustful of them. That is why she hides out in her room watching people live their lives outside her window. But somehow, the unlikeliest of all men seemed to get her attention, his name is Flame. The man looks like evil personified with his dark stare, and his body covered in tattoos and scars. The intensity of his stare is was draws her in. She feels safe near him and only wants to be nearer.

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"No one has ever cared for me like this before."

"That is in the past. Because I will care for you every day for the rest of our lives. You are my Flame. I will treasure you always. More than you will ever know."

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Flame is the complete opposite of Maddie. He seems to be unstable and dangerous. Bu,t they share one thing in common, they are both broken by their past. Flame is drawn to Maddie. She is pure and light while he sees himself tainted and dark. Still he can't help the need to see her or be near her. He makes it his mission to make sure is always safe. When Flame ends up having a breakdown, the only one that is able to get him out of it is Maddie. Maddie doesn't leave his side. As each day passes, they learn more about each other and become closer, which results in them falling in love.





I seriously loved this book. Flame's story tore at my heart strings. I could not believe the atrocious things that were done to him. I just can't freaking fathom how there are people who think this shit is okay. I teared up so bad for him and had such a tough time reading it all. To be honest, I had to skim a bit of it because it was just too much for me. And Maddie didn't go through her childhood unscathed. It just hurt so damn much to read what happened. I can't tell you how happy I was watching the relationship between these two blossom. It was just so heart warming. Flame completely stole my heart. They had this innocence about them in how they discovered each other that just melted my heart.

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“I used to wonder how two people--one broken girl, and one broken boy--could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know. Together, that’s how. They fight their way through… together.”

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The story was really interesting in this one. I'm not gonna lie, I was completely hooked to Flame and Maddie's story line. I didn't really care about the commune stuff, but it definitely got a whole lot interesting near the end. I am so looking forward to the next book because of it. Flame and Maddie have a lot of demons to let go of, so it was so beautiful to see them help each other overcome them all. This story had me going weepy, happy, sad, and mad. I felt it all. Despite this being so freaking graphic, I thought it was a beautiful story. But, it is definitely not for everyone. The conclusion for these two was so heartwarming. That sketch, though. For those who have read it will know what I mean. I was left with a big grin on my face. Overall, it was a really great read and one you should definitely check out.



***WARNING: Contains scenes with graphic violence and rape.***

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♥ ♥ ♥ 4.25 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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'Something was building between us, something that took my breath away from anticipation, but also created anxiety about how little I could handle the possibilty of it all going wrong.'

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A straight to the point review. Sorry, kind of short on time these days.

LOVED:

♥ The writing was really awesome!

♥ Mikey and Nunzio's chemistry was off the charts smoking hawt!! *My lady bits were very happy about this.*

♥ That threesome with David, though. *Hottest sex scene I have read in a LONG time.*

♥ Nunzio's dirty mouth. *I need a Nunzio in my life.*

♥ The overall friendship and banter between Mikey and Nunzio.

♥ Nunzio's eyes.

♥ That story line. It was so much more than just sex, there were issues on depression and addictions. It was quite the journey seeing all of this through Mikey's eyes. It was just so well written.

♥ I was really able to connect with both characters.

♥ How caring and protective Nunzio was of Mikey.

♥ I was captivated by the story because again, the writing was so great.

♥ How real this book felt.

♥ The funny moments. *I seriously laughed hard in some parts.*

♥ The secondary characters. David and Raymond.

♥ Nunzio's unconditional love.

♥ The angst that had me even more hooked.

♥ And before I forget, I just plainly loved Nunzio.

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"Maybe you don't want me here--" He brushed his fingers over my heart. "But I know when we're having sex, when I'm in you deep, you don't want anyone else. It's just you and me, and it's fucking perfect, and you're mine. That could be enough for me."

"I don't think that's true."

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Things that could have been better:

● Oh, Mikey how you frustrated me at times. My poor Nunzio.

● An epilogue maybe? I just wanted more of Mikey and Nunzio happy together.

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'My thoughts had rerouted to an option I'd never even considered before: my best friend, my one and only, my fucking soul mate. Nunzio.'

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Overall, I really loved this book. It was real, steamy, and just beautiful. I loved watching Mikey overcome his struggles even though it was very hard and painful at times. I even liked Mikey's brother Raymond. David, you annoying in a good way "kid", how I liked you. I think he needs his own book. I highly recommend this one.



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♥ ♥ ♥ 4 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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"Being with you, taking care of you, fills up my holes. I don't want to stop."

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This book picks up where the last one left off, at Walter and Kelly's "Big Gay Disney Wedding"--which was totally them. Baz and Elijah are attending the wedding and this is where Baz can't seem to stop staring at Elijah. He wants to get closer as the tension bulids with each second. They end up having a smoking hot night in Baz's Tesla. But like Baz always does after sex, he pushes people away, and that is exactly what he does to Elijah. Elijah becomes upset, he knew there wasn't going to be more to their relationship but he never expected to get the cold shoulder. After everything Elijah has been through, he feels more lonelier than before. He hates that he cares about Baz's attitude but it does.





Later on, Baz is in need of a date for a fundraiser his wealthy political mother is organizing and it is important he brings a date. His mother was more than willing to find him one, be he decided to lie and say he had a boyfriend. He didn't know who to ask, so he decided Elijah was the right candidate. Elijah is over being used but after some coaxing he finally relents and goes with Baz. After pretending to be boyfriends that weekend, something happens between them. Neither of them wants it to be over. This is where a real relationship blooms between them.

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"In the moment I felt the most scared and alone, helpless because there was no escape--there you were. Literally saving my life. Not because you wanted something from me or because we were friends. After years of being told I wasn't worthy to be saved by the people who were supposed to love everyone unconditionally, the coolest guy on campus rescued me because it was the right thing to do."

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These characters are both broken in their own way, and both feel alone, except Elijah really is because he has no one. Elijah has a hard time trusting people. While Baz's disability sometimes gets in the way of feeling normal, which makes him feel not worthy. But together they both felt whole and so much more. Baz helps bring Elijah out of his shell more and to accept that people care about him. Elijah challenges Baz and teaches him that he is perfect the way he is. I loved watching these two grow in love together. I was addicted to them. Baz was a total flirt, while Elijah was more reserved but sassy. I was so happy with how well I connected to them. I felt for Elijah's upbringing that made me a whole lot emotional, and then to learn what happened to Baz, I was so upset. I was so glad they found each other because they were actually perfect for one another.

Another thing I really liked was that once Baz made up his mind that Elijah was all he wanted, he didn't let anything get in the way of breaking them up. And there was one part in particular where it could of happened, I'm just glad Baz finally stood his ground. I was also really happy to see Walter, Kelly, Giles, and Aaron were still a part of this story, as well as the rest of the gang with some new members, one being Lewis/Lejla--whom I really loved. I loved all the references made throughout the book because it made the story that much more cuter and interesting.

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"I know where you keep your heart, Sebastian."

"Yes." He pressed the flat of his hand over the fluttering organ inside Elijah's chest. "It's right here."

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Overall, I really liked this one. I loved both characters and I loved seeing them fall for each other and slowly picking up their broken pieces to become whole. I loved the awesome secondary characters that really added so much to the story. I loved the story line, there were some emotional parts, as well as a little bit of drama, but very little to no angst. The ending was crazy over the top fun and enjoyable. I had a big grin reading that part. This series has become known for being quite cheesy, and this book had plenty as well, which didn't bother me because I felt like it really worked. That ending really left me smiling and I couldn't have been more satisfied with their ending. I totally recommend this series. If you haven't checked it out you should.





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♥ ♥ ♥ 3.5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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"The life you're meant to lead is worth fighting for. Worth crying for, even worth bleeding for. When you sing the right song, your life opens before you, and all the pain and sorrow become the bricks you build your castles with. You, Aaron Seavers, will build amazing things. I look forward very much to seeing that unfold.”

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Aaron Seavers is scared to take that step out of the closet for the fear of what his strict parents would think. Meanwhile, Giles Mulder is out and proud but getting bashed for being who he is. They meet at a party and they instantly connect. They had one night together before they both part ways to go to college. But, both are left wanting more after they leave, even if it ended on a bit of a bad note. Never did Giles ever think that Aaron would end up going to his school and seeing him again.

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'Giles shut his eyes once more--and surrendered to the kiss he'd been dreaming of for six months.'

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I did enjoy this book, but maybe not quite as much as the first one in the series. The first third of the book was really slow to me. It took forever for these two characters to come to speaking terms after their misunderstanding from that one night they shared. I wanted them to clear the air sooner, but that did not happen. Once it finally did happen I was able to get into it. I loved the musical aspect that was put into this book. Since Aaron is a singer and Giles is a violinist. There were many moments I really wanted to actually listen to the music that was being described. I think the music just made the story so much more better and emotional. I just really loved it. And there were many emotional parts that made me tear up. Some not even involving music. I hurt for Aaron so much during one scene. I just couldn't believe what his parents did to him. It made me so upset and angry

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"I'll never do that you. Ever. I've been to the mountain top, and I came down with a Uzi. You're strong too, and you're going to get through this. The world's not too hard for you, Aaron. And you don't have to face it on your own.”

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I was very happy to see Walter and Kelly from book one in this one as well. Walter played a bit of a role in Aaron's life, for which I was grateful for. Just when I thought I couldn't possibly love Walter more, he goes off and cares for Aaron selflessly. I liked some of the secondary characters, although there did seem to be quite a lot of them. I did like the set up for Baz and Elijah's story and am very curious about those. The shooting though, I was not expecting, and I'm still not too sure how I feel about it. But everything else I did enjoy. Something I really appreciated about these characters, is that Heidi knows how to make her young characters actually sound like young characters. She uses references to things young people use or talk about. That was something I really loved. I also really liked the cheesy ending. My heart was melting so bad.

Overall, I may not have loved this one as much as the first, but I did enjoy it for the most part. I also really loved how Aaron and Giles finally came together. They were really cute together. I can't wait to move on to the next book.



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♥ ♥ ♥ 4 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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"Sometimes they never do, and that’s a risk we take. But sometimes what they need most is to see us sitting still, patient, waiting. To understand that we’re going to be there no matter what, that we’re the ones who are always sitting there waiting, loyal, loving. Sometimes that’s more powerful than any words.”

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All Walter Lucas wants is to live off campus. He is known as a casanova for his never ending list of hookups, and he just keeps adding more men to that list. But when they deny his request, they stick him in a single dorm with another young man who has a long list of his own, but this one is of his allergies. His name is Kelly, and his the complete opposite of Walter. Kelly is shy, a virgin, and waiting to have his Disney happily ever after with his prince charming.

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"Walter, I can't. I feel things when we do this that I shouldn't. You don't feel those kinds of things, not with anyone."

Walter nuzzled Kelly's neck, then his ear. "Maybe I do, with you."

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Walter is very cynical when it comes to love. But, he decides to show Kelly that the only way he'll ever meet his "the one" is by going out there and looking. The more time these two spend with each other, they closer they become. I loved watching their relationship form into best friends status, and then to so much more. I loved the pace of the romantic storyline, as well as the character development. There was only one part where I did feel the story slowed down too much for me. I loved the tension between them that a great slow burn. I loved the banter and just the overall connection. I was falling for both of them. They were just so damn adorable together. I couldn't get enough of theses guys.

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'Need. It was need.
I want Kelly.
I need Kelly.
His heart beat so hard it felt like he was going to have an attack. It wasn't anything, though, next to the pain of what he realized that fervent beating meant.
I love Kelly.'

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I liked that we got to see who Walter really was. He was hiding behind his cocky mask so that no one would see the hurt and uncertainty he was feeling inside. I loved that Kelly was able to bring him out of his shell and help him see that he is worth loving. The part that I mentioned before that caused the story to slow down for me was when they tried to help a professor at the school. I wasn't able to stay interested in it, but I did like that we got to see how caring and unselfish Walter really was. Overall, it was a really great book. Yes, it was overtly sweet, especially near the ending, but damn it...it wouldn't be a Disney happily ever after if it wasn't. I loved it so much it melted my heart for the both of them. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I totally recommend giving this one a read to all those hopeless romantics out there.



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♥ ♥ ♥ 3 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

I don't....I just don't...I don't know. This book wasn't what I was expecting. Some parts I did like and enjoy. Especially when I started because it was great seeing all the characters again. Nine Minutes was such an incredibly raw story that was quite the page turner. But in this one, at some point in the middle, I just got so freaking bored. All this information was thrown at me like crazy--I'm talking like ALOT--and I guess it was hard for me to follow. It didn't help that the info we were given was given out of order and jumping all over the timeline. It kept going to past to present to even further in the past to present. It was hard to keep track of it all. Things did pick at the very end, but I totally guessed what was going to happen. I don't know, I keep saying that because it's so hard for me to rate this. I guess I'm just sad I didn't love this one like the first. I did like that we get a lot of answers as to what the heck went on in book one. But some things seemed so far fetched, I had trouble believing it all.

In conclusion, I just don't freaking know. I'm very in the middle about this one. Like I said before I liked some things and others not so much. So, I guess 3 stars it will be from me. Not going to lie though, that cliffhanger ending has made me so damn curious. I don't want to not enjoy it fully the next book but I really want to know what happens next. I really hope the next book comes out real soon.

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♥ ♥ ♥ 4.5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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"Flint, don't get so caught up on the shadow that you forget the man who casts it. You might not be able to walk, but that's the extent of your disability."

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After meeting Flint in Fighting Silence, I could not wait to get my hands on Fighting Shadows. After the way the last book ended for Flint, he now finds himself in a very difficult place in his life. He's in love with a woman who will never feel the same way, and now he is wheelchair bound for saving that woman's life. He is filled with so much hurt and guilt that he doesn't know what to with it all, so he ends up lashing out to those who love him, his family. He pushes them away and isolates himself from them. His family wants to help him get through it, but he just won't allow it. His life takes a turn when Ash Mabie enters his life.

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'The only thing that I'd figured was that Ash always made things lighter for me. Gravity didn't keep me pinned to my wheelchair when I was with her. She freed me.'

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Flint may want to seem like a jerk to everyone around him, but Ash sees the real him under that facade. She is determined to bring out the real Flint. She likes him when he's real, and unguarded. She doesn't care that he's in a wheelchair. She just likes him for him, and the fact that he tried to save her, something no one has ever done for her. No matter what she tells herself, her heart has already fallen for him. Something that ends up hurting her deeply when Flint tells her he's in love with his brother's wife Eliza. After Flint pushes her away in such a painful way, she leaves and never wants to return.

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“I may not be able to chase you physically, but we need to be clear on one thing, Ash. I will not let you go again. You belong with me. And I will do whatever I have to do in order to keep you. I fucked up the first time. I won’t do it again. You can walk out that door, but know that I will find you. I will chase you for the rest of my life if that is what it takes to be with you.”

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This is the part where I was so hurt by the things Flint said to Ash. I couldn't help the tears that fell during this part. Ash was such a bright and quirky character. I loved her. I loved how hopeful and trusting she remained despite her not so great upbringing. She smiled, joked around, and brought so much light into Flint's life. It was really contagious, that Flint found himself addicted to her. Ash was the only one who was able to get the real Flint to come out. So it really hurt me that he hurt her. Luckily he realized his mistake and didn't give up until he finally found her again, three years later.

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“In my dreams, you were walking,” I whispered, kissing his chest.
“In mine, you stayed,” he replied on a deep, content sigh.

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This is where things got a whole lot interesting for me. I was pissed at Flint for what he did but I was hoping he would redeem himself, and boy did he. I loved how hard he worked to get Ash to trust and fall in love with him again. You know I'm a sucker for second chance at love stories so the second part of this book totally did it for me. I just completely melted and fell in love with Flint. He was so sweet and gentle yet so possessive and alpha. I loved all of him. I loved the banter Ash and Flint shared throughout the book. Their chemistry was very strong and smoking hot. I loved both characters with their flaws and all. It was just a great second book to this series. I was very happy with how things concluded for Ash and Flint that I had a big goofy grin on my face. And then that part in the end that was setting up Quarry's book....what the heck!?! I need his book now! But I will have to wait *sigh*. Overall, Fighting Shadows did not disappoint. It was one of those books I didn't want to put down. I definitely recommend this one.



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