Ruined Things {a review}

This is hands down one of my most anticipated reads for the month of June.

If you've been around, then you know that back in January I discovered Fragile Things and Fractured Things by Samantha Lovelock. I was immediately hooked, and could not get enough of the characters. Well then came March, and Restless Things released. The way that book ended? OH MY WORD. That cliffhanger. I can't.

That had me anticipating June 17, 2021. As that was the original release date for Ruined Things. At the beginning of June, Samantha Lovelock announced that she needed to push the date just a smidgen. While I was bummed, I completely understood her reasonings. As I think most people would.

So here we are, June 29, and Ruined Things is officially available for purchase. I was fortunate enough to read an advanced copy, but you know I have my orders placed on Amazon for both the kindle copy and the paperback. How can I not? I mean my obsession is there.

Time to recap, but I need to be careful because this is a continuation of an existing story. So if you haven't read the first three books, um, exit now.

If you've read Restless Things, then you know the "villain" that was mentioned. Well that person is BACK, and they are causing issues. You also know that at the end of the book, Payne was involved in a major car wreck. Could that villain be at fault for Payne's crash? Also, that whole event that happened at the party? WHAT WAS THAT? Egads. Anyways after Payne's crash, the trio rushes to the hospital, because you know where else would someone be taken?!? Well that's about to be revealed. Also, Sunday and Payne are on the outs. Throughout this book we witness them trying to repair their relationship, and try to understand that they are destined to be together. While their relationship stuff is going on, there is also that bomb that Hali dropped. Add that with what Sunday thought she had noticed at the compound, and well I have questions! Then there was the backstory on Stella's car, and we discover the connection to the past that the car has. Oofta I didn't see that little tidbit coming, but I can see it now, and how it all ties in. Last thing I want to mention is that ending. THE ENDING! Oh Samantha Lovelock, you're trying to kill me.

Do I even need to say that I loved this book? Do I? Because it should be pretty dang obvious at this point. I am freaking obsessed with this series, the setting, the characters, all of it. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am hoping for an origins story. If not an origins story, at least a story of the parents adventures when they became the Heirs. Loved Sunday and Stella together. Loved Poe and Stella together. Payne and Sunday, well that should be obvious. I loved them, and am so glad that things are headed in the right direction. Also, the fact that we got to see Raff and Heller? They've been seriously missed. The only thing that had me a bit bummed was that I didn't get answers. In my head I imagined that Ruined Things would be the "end" of Sunday and Payne's story, and everything would wrap up nicely. Instead I'm left wanting and waiting. Rude. Also, ahem, what's up with Sunday's parents? {whispers quietly: where'd they run off to, and why?}

Obviously I'm going to tell you to read Ruined Things. If you haven't read this series yet, what are you waiting for? GO READ IT! Go get sucked into the world of Folkestone. Also, I could totally see Folkestone Sins being a TV series. And I would watch it. 

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

How do you say goodbye to the one who holds your heart?

Payne Emerson should never have been behind the wheel, or on that stretch of road. It’s all my fault. The nightmare I feared most has come true and the boy I love is paying for my mistakes.

No matter how loud my screams or how deafening the sound of my heartbreak, he can’t hear me.

I am alone in this fight.

But I am fierce in my love.

And I will find out who did this.

My name is Sunday Grace Easton, and it’s time to make them regret the day they decided to take him from me.

Ruined Things is the fourth book in the suspense-filled Folkestone Sins series. While it is possible to be read along with the third book as a duet, to have the best reader experience it’s recommended to begin the series with book one, Fragile Things, where the characters and their world are introduced. As it is part of an ongoing series, this book does end on a cliffhanger.

This is a friends to lovers, angsty, mature new adult high school romance with a twist. It contains situations and flashbacks that may trigger some readers, including drug use, mental health issues, foul language, and scenes of a sexual nature.

One Click Ruined Things HERE!
Add Ruined Things to your Goodreads TBR!

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Other books in the series

Fragile Things

Amazon

Goodreads

Fractured Things

Amazon

Goodreads

Restless Things

Amazon

Goodreads

Meet Samantha Lovelock

Samantha Lovelock is a sarcastic individual with a decent sense of humour, darknesses hidden in mind-closets that occasionally Jack-in-The-Box her unsuspecting ass, and a love and loyalty for her friends and family that runs deeper than any ocean. Her guy means the world to her, and so does her cat; sometimes even in that order. Her Mum is her hero, hands down. She proudly wears the crown of a Queen of Innuendo, and of Name That Tune, and has never met a cliffhanger she didn’t like. She lives in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies with her British cowboy and their Norwegian Forest Cat, Winston Churchill.

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Thank you to Samantha Lovelock and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of Ruined Things.

Ruined Things {teaser}

RUINED THINGS by Samantha Lovelock is coming on Tuesday, June 29!

#1Clickhere → Ruined Things

How do you say goodbye to the one who holds your heart?

Payne Emerson should never have been behind the wheel, or on that stretch of road. It’s all my fault. The nightmare I feared most has come true and the boy I love is paying for my mistakes.

No matter how loud my screams or how deafening the sound of my heartbreak, he can’t hear me.

I am alone in this fight.

But I am fierce in my love.

And I will find out who did this. My name is Sunday Grace Easton, and it’s time to make them regret the day they decided to take him from me.

Ruined Things is the fourth book in the suspense-filled Folkestone Sins series. While it is possible to be read along with the third book as a duet, to have the best reader experience it’s recommended to begin the series with book one, Fragile Things, where the characters and their world are introduced. As it is part of an ongoing series, this book does end on a cliffhanger.

This is a friends to lovers, angsty, mature new adult high school romance with a twist. It contains situations and flashbacks that may trigger some readers, including drug use, mental health issues, foul language, and scenes of a sexual nature.

Add to your Goodreads TBR List

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About the Author

Samantha Lovelock is a sarcastic individual with a decent sense of humour, darknesses hidden in mind-closets that occasionally Jack-in-The-Box her unsuspecting ass, and a love and loyalty for her friends and family that runs deeper than any ocean. Her guy means the world to her, and so does her cat; sometimes even in that order. Her Mum is her hero, hands down. She proudly wears the crown of a Queen of Innuendo, and of Name That Tune, and has never met a cliffhanger she didn’t like. She lives in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies with her British cowboy and their Norwegian Forest Cat, Winston Churchill.   

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Ruined Things {cover reveal}

 

🔥🔥 COVER REVEAL 🔥🔥

RUINED THINGS by Samantha Lovelock is coming June 17!

Preorder Here:

http://samanthalovelock.info/RuinedThings

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐛𝐲𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭?

Payne Emerson should never have been behind the wheel, or on that stretch of road. It’s all my fault. The nightmare I feared most has come true and the boy I love is paying for my mistakes.

No matter how loud my screams or how deafening the sound of my heartbreak, he can’t hear me.

I am alone in this fight.

But I am fierce in my love.

And I will find out who did this.

My name is Sunday Grace Easton, and it’s time to make them regret the day they decided to take him from me.

𝐀𝐝𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐁𝐑 http://samanthalovelock.info/RuinedGR

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞! http://samanthalovelock.info/FragileThings

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Samantha Lovelock is a sarcastic individual with a decent sense of humour, darknesses hidden in mind-closets that occasionally Jack-in-The-Box her unsuspecting ass, and a love and loyalty for her friends and family that runs deeper than any ocean. Her guy means the world to her, and so does her cat; sometimes even in that order. Her Mum is her hero, hands down. She proudly wears the crown of a Queen of Innuendo, and of Name That Tune, and has never met a cliffhanger she didn’t like. She lives in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies with her British cowboy and their Norwegian Forest Cat, Winston Churchill. 

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Restless Things {a review}

It's release day for one of my most anticipated reads for March! 

That's right, Restless Things by Samantha Lovelock is now available. This is the third book in the Folkestone Sins series, but it is the first book that has Sunday and Payne as the main characters! That's right, they are getting their HEA. Or at least I'm assuming that's the case. I mean I haven't read Ruined Things yet, so I can't be certain, but I am hopeful.

note: If you have NOT read Fragile Things and Fractured Things, then go do so, as this series HAS to be read in order. 

If you know me, you know that I have been not so patiently waiting for this book since I finished reading Fractured Things. All the anticipation was worth it though. Except now I have a problem. I have to wait until JUNE for Ruined Things to be released. Excuse me while I go pout about it. (and sign up to maybe receive an ARC.)

The moment I noticed Restless Things appear on my Kindle, I immediately loaded it and started reading. How could I not? Thankfully I had just finished another book, so it wasn't like I abandoned my current read. Don't get me wrong, I totally would have, but it wasn't necessary.

Restless Things gave me just about everything I wanted, and now I need to process it all. I mean so much happened! Of course now I also have questions that I need answered. Is it June yet so I can maybe get answers? UGH. 

My only other complaint is that it was shorter than I would have liked. It is under 200 pages, and dang if it didn't feel like a novella. Sigh. It's fine. I'm fine.

If you've read Fractured Things, then you know the bombshell that was dropped on us at the end. WHAT? In Restless Things that gets revealed. With that revelation comes questions. And I cannot tell you my questions because it would cause spoilers. AHHHHHH! So there's that.

Then there is the relationship between Sunday and Payne. Which hello tension, nice to see you. Ooh the desire between these two. Dang. I'm glad they are getting their moment. I also like all the back story we are getting on them, as it brings more info to their relationship/friendship. They've been through a lot together.

Restless Things ends on a cliffhanger. Which should come as no surprise, it's how the other two books ended as well. I will say that my heart broke a bit, as I could feel the emotion in the scene. Darn being an emotional person.

Here is the teaser for the book. It gives you a little insight for what you'll get, while at the same time giving no spoilers. 🤣

Sometimes in ruin, we find our truth.

Sunday

Payne Emerson is the boy I grew up with. The one who kept all of my secrets.

My life was perfect, until that one fateful night it all fell apart.

And I became invisible.

When my brother died, my parents looked right through me. My lonely feet stumbled and I finally fell.

Nobody knows how deep the darkness within me dwells, nobody except him.

I'm afraid of the fire he ignites within me. Afraid it will burn through the walls I've built to shelter my bruised and wounded heart.

What if I can't find my way back?

I can't lose myself again.

Payne

Sunday Easton is the first girl I ever kissed. The one who holds my heart in the palm of her hand.

When her world collapsed, I tried to be there for her. We were young, I was powerless.

And I became invisible.
She confessed her sins and I kept her secrets, holding tight to her small hand in the dark. Now we don't talk about the heat that burns between us.

I'm the only one who truly sees her and I'm done pretending.

Will she ever trust me enough to let go?

I'll never let her disappear.

Dear Samantha Lovelock,

Please tell me that there will be more books set in Folkestone. I feel there are more stories to be told, and I'm not ready to leave.

Sincerely,
Me 

If you read the series, or if you have read it, please let me know! I'd love to discuss it with you.

Happy Reading,

Thank you to Wildfire Marketing and Samantha Lovelock for an advanced reader copy of Restless Things.
All thoughts about the book are my own, and a positive review was not required.

Fractured Things {a review}

Folkestone Sins is a series of interconnected duets.
Fractured Things is the second book in the Folkestone Sins series.
Ongoing questions about Stella and Poe will be answered throughout
all of the books in the series.

I'm going to throw this out there now, it's bold I know, but Folkestone Sins is going to be one of my favorite series of 2021. Yep, I said it. I truly believe it will be in my top 5. So thank you, Samantha Lovelock for creating this wonderful series.

Now that I've made that declaration, let's talk about Fractured Things. Well I mean, I can't talk about it in depth, but we can discuss a few things. I'm not about to spoil anything if I can help it. 

Before I say something I shouldn't, let's start with the book blurb:

Stella:
Poe Halliday could have been my everything. The boy who allowed me to dream again.

Over as quickly as it began, one night ended it all with a dark secret spit from cruel and twisted lips.
The secret that stole her from me.
After spending my entire life living with my mother's demons, I refuse to let them take anything else away from me.
I'm stronger than they think I am, and the only way I can escape this nightmare is to fight.

This time it will be on my terms.

I have to go back.

Poe:
Stella Bradleigh shone like the brightest star. Able to keep my shadows at bay with nothing but her smile.

I've been unknowingly living under the same roof as the devil incarnate--the architect of a horrific event kept secret for so long.
The secret that stole her from me.
When she left, my world turned cold again.
From the day she arrived, I knew my heart belonged with hers, and even though I tried to push her away, she became a part of me.
The shadows in this town are no match for the ones I carry. I'll stand by her side and fight.

This time it will be on her terms.

She has to come back. 

So if you remember how Fragile Things ended, you know that was a doozy of a cliffhanger. You also know that Stella ran, and rightfully so. She had a lot to process.

Fractured Things picks up right after all that occurred. The "Poe-logue" gives us a quick refresher into what happened. It does get one key piece of information wrong though, but that won't be revealed until sometime in chapter four. Ahem. Oh and Poe is keeping a secret that will be shared later. Well not in this blog post, but in the book.

Anyway, Poe goes after Stella. I had a feeling it would happen, but part of me wondered if he might not. So when Poe, Payne, and Mr Halliday head to New York, I had a bit of a smile on my face. When the guys find Stella and Sunday (because you know there was no way she was letting Stella go by herself!), they eventually make their way back to the apartment. Things happen there (with the sleaze ball landlord), and even though the girls are holding their own, Poe and Payne come with the assist. I had to smile when Poe said:

"You're a tough one, Stella Bradleigh, and I'm grateful for that. No more scrapping though, okay? Thank you for proving once again you can take care of yourself, but you'll give me a heart attack before I hit my twenties if you keep this up."

As they all are leaving the apartment, Sunday says this to Stella:

"This is not your home anymore. I don't think it was ever really anything more than a stopover. We are your home: me, Payne, Poe, Cecily--all of us. Folkestone is your home. It's time to leave this place behind." 

Yes! Give Stella the family she needs. Remind her that you all are her people, and that you care for her. 

When the group finally lands back in California, Poe made me laugh. Seriously.

"We need to work on your fear of flying because I want to travel everywhere with you. Recreate our first meeting in as many airports as we can find." 

If you recall their initial meeting in Fragile Things, then it might make you laugh too.

There is this whole thing that happens in Holt's (Mr Halliday) office, and oh my heart.  That reveal was just everything. I may have teared up a little. So when you come to chapter ten, come back and talk to me.

I want to tell you about Stella and Poe, and what happened after Stella's meeting with Holt. I want to tell you what Poe revealed to Stella, because oof it was a lot.

I also want to tell you how I cried a bit in chapter sixteen, because hello emotional. 

There is an epic scene in chapter eighteen with Stella and Hali, and oh how I want to share it all. But I can't, because spoilers.  Just know, Stella comes out on top. It is in this chapter when we learn a little tidbit about Sunday as well. More of her story will come out in Restless Things, so we need to be patient.

There is so much I want to talk about. Like what happened in chapter twenty at the hospital. Seriously, what was that?  Or the party, and the whole thing that happened outside. Um what? Why? But also, tell me more. My gut tells me this is important information for Restless Things.

Also this little piece I pulled from the book just sums up the pain that Poe is dealing with when it comes to his relationship with Stella.

What do you do when it feels like half of you is missing? Not missing like you can never see them again, but missing in the sense that you're forced to see them all the time, but they aren't beside you anymore. I think that's almost worse. That feeling of desire, of want, of a craving you can't satisfy. Having to watch them live their life without you keeps twisting the knife a little deeper.

Don't worry though. This graphic should tell you a bit about Poe and Stella, and the status of their relationship. 

Anyways, a lot of stuff went down in this book. All of it put together makes an incredible story. The fact that Fractured Things left off on another cliffhanger, that hurts. But it also sets the stage for Sunday and Payne. I'm excited to see Stella and Poe as side characters and focus on the relationship between Sunday and Payne. I'm curious about their past, and how the last few chapters for Fractured Things will play into Restless Things.

If you like new adult romance that has a bit of mystery and suspense to it, grab this series! I cannot recommend it enough. Oh and if you're wondering about the steam factor, there is a bit to be had. Really though it was the rest of the story that drew me in, and held me captive. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go add the paperbacks to my wishlist, so they can eventually come home to me.

Happy Reading,

Thank you to Wildfire Marketing for providing me with an e-arc of Fractured Things in exchange for review.

I am loving this series and the characters.

Fragile Things {a review}

One day I was scrolling through Instagram, and stumbled across a promo post for Fragile Things by Samantha Lovelock. I read the description and knew that I had to read this book! 

Sometimes what seems most fragile, can't be broken.

Stella
Poe Halliday was an accident. A chance meeting that changed my life forever.

My mother didn't have secrets; her secrets had her. After she disappeared, I had nothing.

Or so I thought.

When the invitation arrived, the opportunity to learn about my mother's past was too great to pass up. I know I was taking a risk, but I craved answers.

Now the dark history of this town threatens to tear me apart.

It's all about him.

I knew this was a mistake.

Poe
Stella Bradleigh was a distraction. Something to play with when my shadows got too dark.

I spent my entire existence forced to live a life I didn't want. There was only one way out.

Or so I thought.

Meeting the beautiful stranger with the mysterious past, I thought she would be a good time, and then I could just throw her away.

Instead, she consumed me, and now she's made me question everything I know to be real in my life.

It's all about her.

I knew I was a mistake.

Now I know you might be thinking, "Laur that doesn't tell us much". You're right, it doesn't. BUT it's enough to pique curiosity. Or at least it was for me.

Fragile Things is the first book in the Folkestone Sins series. It is a dark, young/new adult romance that is told from dual point of views. We first meet Stella while she's living alone in New York. Her mom disappeared a couple years ago, and after a short stint in foster care, Stella ran. She knew she'd be better off alone than living in that foster care environment. Shortly before her 18th birthday, Stella receives a mysterious package. Inside the package is a letter that is inviting her to take an all expenses paid trip to California. Needless to say, she accepts the invitation.

Upon arriving at the airport, Stella literally runs into a gorgeous man. She decides to go for it, and kisses the man. Oh what a kiss it was. Stella could practically feel the spark. But she's certain she'll never see this person again.

That is until the first day of school when she runs into him again. 

And that is how Stella and Poe met. 

(it feels like it could be instalove, but oh no friends, we're getting slow burned for a bit)

As the story progresses, we see how Stella has become friends a fantastic group of people, who are referred to as "the heirs". It seems that their families are the founding families for their little community. Stella is slowly finding out a bit more about her Mom's past. 

There is so much I want to tell you about Fragile Things. I want to tell you about Hali. She's our villain of the story, and she has her claws aimed right at Stella. Then there is the guy who takes Stella to the party, and all the horrible things that happen with that. I want to tell you about the tension between Stella and Poe, as well as between Sunday and Payne. I want to tell you about what happened to Stella's Mom (past and present). I also long to tell you about how the book wraps up, but hello major spoilers.

Just know, you go on a ride in this book. You'll love the characters. You'll be annoyed with a character or two. You'll be in disbelief about things from the past that are revealed. You may also feel like yelling at Stella and Poe. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find yourself wishing for a friend like Sunday. She seems awesome, but she definitely has some issues that she's working through.

So if you like dark young/new adult romance, that has a bit of suspense and mystery to it, then grab this book. Actually, just purchase the entire series now because otherwise you'll be going back to download the additional books in the series. Oh wait, maybe that's just me.

If you decide to read Fragile Things, know that the Folkestone Sins series must be read in order, as each book is the continuation of the story. Fragile Things and Fractured Things are currently available. Restless Things will be released on March 25, 2021, and Ruined Things will be available on June 17, 2021. 

Happy Reading book lovers,

Thank you to Wildfire Publishing and Samantha Lovelock for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Fragile Things. I am hooked on this series, and cannot wait to see how it continues. All thoughts about the book are mine, and I was not required to leave a positive review. I was truly captivated by this book, and cannot wait to see how it progresses.

January Top 5

Hello my fellow book lovers!

Now that January is officially over, I want to take a moment to take a look back and recap my month. I will also be sharing my top 5 reads for the month, and believe me it was very difficult to make that selection.

Let's start with the stats.

In January, I read:

• 19 books, all of which were e-books
• 5,776 pages
• 8 advanced reader copies 
• 1 library e-book
• 10 books I own and/or purchased

My average rating was 3.95 out of 5.

Speaking of ratings, my breakdown looks like this:

• 3 books received 5 stars
• 12 books were 4 stars
• 4 books were given 3 stars

Not too shabby!

The longest book I read was One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London, and it was 424 pages.

The shortest book I read was One Night with the Rebel by Kendall Ryan, and that was 67 pages.

I also read 8 new to me authors! So that's pretty darn amazing.

Weekly Wrap Up

Happy February my book loving friends!

I ended January by reading SIX books.  Four were full length, and the other two were novellas. If we break it down further 4 were ARCs, 1 was a new release, and 1 was a library book. 

I am obsessed with these books! I wish I could go back and read them again for the first time. Seriously. These books just sucked me in, and I want to live in them. There are two that I wish they become TV shows or made for TV movies, but then I worry about how they would be portrayed. So I'll just let them live on in my mind.

The first book I read this week was an ARC of The Edge of Happiness by Kristin Turnage. The Edge of Happiness is a new adult contemporary romance that discusses mental health, and healing from traumatic events. While reading the book, I found myself wiping away tears quite a few times. Yes, I'm an emotional person, but there was just something about The Edge of Happiness that had the tears flowing. I love that Cassie was able to find a group of people that took her into their circle. It was almost as though Cassie and these new friends had known each other their entire lives. 

Here is the blurb for the book:

Cassie Davis is the girl you'd look over in a crowd. She isn't the life of the party, she's the DD. The responsible one, the reliable one, the one you can count on. That's who she is. 

When her best friend dies a tragic death on her watch, her life starts to fall apart. The guilt and shame take their toll. Therapists aren't helping and her dad's out of options. That's until her estranged Uncle calls out of the blue, giving her dad the idea of sending her to his small NC hometown for the summer. 

Her goal is to fix herself, to find her happiness somewhere amidst the chaos. But, she's not ready for the smooth talking, gorgeous guy that gets injected into her life. Staying away from him would be best, but when he speaks to her, she feels her hope inside come alive. When he touches her, her world that's full of chaos and confusion, freezes. 

Ryan's someone that's never struggled in the looks department. His wounds are deep and he's not looking for someone to mend them. After his long-time girlfriend cheated on him and ended up pregnant, Ryan doesn't want to get tied down ever again. He wants to live out his life, working on his family's farm, and that's it. 

Parties and unattached sex are his new norm, trying to find happiness wherever he can. That's until her eyes make him feel stupid things in his chest. Ryan doesn't want to give himself to anyone again, but when she smiles, his world lights up. 

When they're both on the edge of happiness, will they risk it all for each other? 

I gave this book 5 stars. It grabbed my attention, and I cannot get it out of my head. I look forward to eventually reading more in this series. Kristin Turnage's first book has made me a fan.

Last year I heard so many people talking about One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London. After seeing it pop up again in the first part of January, I decided to see if my library had it available, and how long the wait would be. Thankfully I didn't have to wait too long, and I was able to dive into One to Watch this week. (I opted to go the library route, and not to buy the book, as the kindle price is too expensive for my budget.)

I adored Bea. She is an amazing woman, and deserves this opportunity presented to her. There were times that I was laughing. There were times where I was irritated on Bea's behalf. There were times I wanted to tell Bea to get out of her head and be open to the possibilities. I felt all the feelings at different times. Also, Bea's stepdad was one of my favorite side characters. He seems like a man who would do anything for those he cares about. 

I don't think I can fully explain the book without spoilers, so here's the info from Goodreads.

Real love...as seen on TV

Bea Schumacher is a devastatingly stylish plus-size fashion blogger who has amazing friends, a devoted family, legions of Insta followers--and a massively broken heart. Like the rest of America, Bea indulges in her weekly obsession: the hit reality show Main Squeeze. The fantasy dates! The kiss-off rejections! The surprising amount of guys named Chad! But Bea is sick and tired of the lack of body diversity on the show. Since when is being a size zero a prerequisite for getting engaged on television? 

Just when Bea has sworn off dating altogether, she gets an intriguing call: Main Squeeze wants her to be its next star, surrounded by men vying for her affections. Bea agrees, on one condition--under no circumstances will she actually fall in love. She's in this to supercharge her career, subvert harmful anti-fat beauty standards, inspire women across America, and get a free hot air balloon ride. That's it.

But when the cameras start rolling, Bea realizes things are more complicated than she anticipated. She's in a whirlwind of sumptuous couture, Internet culture wars, sexy suitors, and an opportunity (or two, or five) to find messy, real-life love in the midst of a made-for-TV fairy tale. In this joyful, razor-sharp debut, Bea has to decide whether it might just be worth trusting these men--and herself--for a chance to live happily ever after.

Now, was One to Watch perfect? No, it had its flaws. But I was able to overlook them and still enjoy the story. Seeing a plus size woman as the lead character, watching her go through this journey to finding herself, and ultimately choosing what is bets for herself, that was what I liked. Now would The Bachelor actually cast a plus size woman as the next bachelorette? I can't see that happening. If it did though, I would totally watch it. I gave One to Watch 4 stars.

My third book for the week was one I discovered because of Instagram. I don't remember who's post it was, but I read the blurb and I knew I had to read this book! There was just something about it that drew me in. Maybe it was how vague the blurb was. I'm not certain, but I am so glad I picked this book up! Full disclosure: I also applied to be part of the review/promo team, and was accepted. They provided me with an ARC of the book.

Fragile Things by Samantha Lovelock is a young adult slash new adult story. As for tropes, this is a dark rich kid romance, that is primarily set in high school.  So if either of those tropes are your thing. Read the book. I will let you know that you have to read this series in order. Fragile Things ends in a cliffhanger, so be prepared for that by having Fractured Things ready to go.

So what is this book about? 

Sometimes what seems most fragile, can't be broken.

Stella 
Poe Halliday was an accident. A chance meeting that changed my life forever.

My mother didn't have secrets; her secrets had her. After she disappeared, I had nothing.

Or so I thought.

When the invitation arrived, the opportunity to learn about my mother's past was too great to pass up. I knew I was taking a risk, but I craved answers. 

Now the dark history of this town threatens to tear me apart.

It's all about him.

I knew this was a mistake.

Poe 
Stella Bradleigh was a distraction. Something to play with when my shadows got too dark.

I spent my entire existence forced to live a life I didn't want. There was only one way out.

Or so I thought.

Meeting the beautiful stranger with the mysterious past, I thought she would be a good time, and then I could just throw her away. 

Instead, she consumed me, and now she's made me question everything I know to be real in my life.

It's all about her.

I knew I was a mistake.

I feel like the Folkestone Sins series would make a great TV show, mini-series, or made for tv movie. Although maybe that's just me wanting to see these characters (and the situations they find themselves in) come to life. Also, I really want to know more about the history of Folkestone! I wonder if Samantha Lovelock will ever go back and give us a prequel? Hmmm, wishful (and hopeful) thinking. As for rating, I gave this 4 stars. 

You shouldn't be surprised to see that Fractured Things is the next book I read. It just makes sense. After all when my jaw dropped at the end of Fragile Things, I knew I had to dive right in to book 2. 

In Fractured Things we picked up right where we left off. And I can tell you nothing because I don't want to spoil anything! 

The book blurb might give you a little insight, but it won't be much unless you've read Fragile Things. 

Stella 
Poe Halliday could have been my everything. The boy who allowed me to dream again.

Over as quickly as it began, one night ended it all with a dark secret spit from cruel and twisted lips.

The secret that stole her from me.

After spending my entire life living with my mother’s demons, I refuse to let them take anything else away from me.

I’m stronger than they think I am, and the only way I can escape this nightmare is to fight.

This time it will be on my terms.

I have to go back.

Poe 
Stella Bradleigh shone like the brightest star. Able to keep my shadows at bay with nothing but her smile.

I’ve been unknowingly living under the same roof as the devil incarnate—the architect of a horrific event kept secret for so long.

The secret that stole her from me.

When she left, my world turned cold again.

From the day she arrived, I knew my heart belonged with hers, and even though I tried to push her away, she became a part of me. The shadows in this town are no match for the ones I carry. I’ll stand by her side and fight.

This time it will be on her terms.

She has to come back.

So from that you know Stella ran. She's off to work things out in her mind, and is trying to come to terms with everything that happened. Is she ready to return to California and the life she was developing there? Or should she stay in New York? After all, this place was home before that letter arrived.

I loved this book also. I read it quickly (as per usual with me), and grumbled when it was over. Especially since we ended on another cliffhanger! Silly me thought I could move right into Restless Things, book 3, but that doesn't release until March 25, 2021. Excuse me while I go cry in the corner. Oh and Ruined Things doesn't come out until June. So I'll be tortured until then. Excuse me while I go cry.

After the suspense I was put through with those last two books, I decided to go with something light. I knew that About A Boy by Stephanie Kay would be perfect.  Plus I had an arc of it on my kindle, so why not jump in? Now if you've read my hockey romance series, then you know that I am familiar with Stephanie Kay's writing. I'm a fan. So going into this novella, I pretty much knew what to expect when it came to her writing style, as well as how her characters come across. What I wasn't expecting was for familiar faces to appear. I may have cheered a bit when some of the Strikers appeared.  I also wish that About A Boy was a full length novel, because I want more of the M&Ms. 

If you are looking for a friends to lovers romance, or the shared bed trope, then please pick up this book!

The best of friends, but nothing more. Until now…

Graphic designer Maddie Lanzi is still figuring out her life. Her freelance business is up and sort of running, but something is missing---her best friend. The only constant in her life since birth. Inseparable. Until a year ago.

Pastry chef Marco Marchetti has spent the last year in Paris honing his skill with all things chocolate. Life is good. The only thing that could make it better is having his best friend Maddie by his side. Now he’s heading stateside to make truffles for her brother’s wedding. He’s excited to see his family, but all he really wants is to hang with Maddie. They're even rooming together, just like when they were kids.

When a hotel mix-up turns two queen beds into one massive king-size, he's seeing his best friend in a whole new light. Will a weekend of passion turn into a lifetime together or will Marco be heading back to Paris alone?

Oh and be prepared for the steam in this book. Also be ready to fall for Maddie and Marco. I can only hope that they appear as side characters in future books.  I gave this book 4 stars.

My last book for this week was another novella. One Night with the Rebel wasn't even on my radar until Kendall Ryan announce that she was working on a new hockey series. You should already know that grabbed my attention. So I immediately preordered The Rebel, and then also downloaded this little prequel.

One Night with the Rebel sets the stage for what's to come in The Rebel.  And based on what I read, I want The Rebel to come out NOW. Thankfully my wait won't be too long, as The Rebel comes out at the end of March.

Here's the description, for One Night, if you're curious:

She barged into my life and turned everything upside down. 

We spent one scorching-hot night together, and then she disappeared into the sunset with the golden jock everyone adored. Which makes sense, right? A girl as beautiful and brilliant as Eden Wynn doesn’t end up with a rebel like me.

I expected them to live happily ever after, except that's not what happened.

She's back—and tempting me like no one else has. And while I'm certain I'll only tarnish her shine, I want her. Only her. 

I'd heard the old notion that one night held the power to change everything. I just never believed it. 

Until now.

Is it time for The Rebel to be released? Please? I need to know what happens with Eden, Holt, and Braun! Sigh.  Now I did only give this book a 3 star rating, as I have mixed feelings on it. Yes, knowing what happened in college is important to the storyline, BUT at the same time, I would have preferred more of the current day storyline. Which I know I'll get that in The Rebel, but it is what it is. I still enjoyed the story.

Those are the six books I read last week. I loved them all, and my series obsession is going to hurt me. The wait times between books is TORTURE. Kidding. Maybe. Although it does give me time to pick up another series, and then be giddy on release day, so there's that.  

What did you read last week? Any favorites? Tell me!

Happy Reading,

(note: I realized I didn't say all of the books that were arcs. I was provided kindle copies of About a Boy, Fragile Things, Fractured Things, and The Edge of Happiness in exchange for review. My thoughts about the books are just that, mine. I truly enjoyed what I read, and would have purchased the books regardless.)