The Player Hater by Sara Ney {a review}

Hello my fellow book lovers! Happy Tuesday. Oof it's been a few days since my last post. Completely not planned that way, it's just the way things have worked out. I'm back though, and today I want to fill you in on The Player Hater by Sara Ney.

The Player Hater is the first book in the new Accidentally in Love series, and it just released today! This first book in the series kicked it off wonderfully, and I am definitely anticipating The MRS Degree (which is book 2).

Okay how to recap this book. Juliet is tagging along on a weekend trip with her best friend Mia and her boyfriend Thad. She's not thrilled about it, especially since she isn't too keen on Thad. There is something about him that just doesn't sit well with Juliet. Maybe it's the fact that he's a professional football player. Anyways, they arrive at the destination, and Juliet finds out that she is sleeping in a camper. Not a luxury hotel like she was imagining. A CAMPER. Thad is taking them camping. WHAT? Oh but it gets better. You see, Juliet doesn't get this camper to herself. Oh no. Davis will be rooming with her. Davis happens to be Thad's best friend, and he was invited as well. Obviously these two get off on the wrong foot, and it's awkward. But this weekend has the potential to change everything. Or at least it will if Juliet lets her guard down. Could Juliet find her happily ever after at this weekend getaway? Could these two find common ground?

If you follow me on Goodreads, then you know my general thoughts on The Player Hater. You know that I said I struggled with Juliet in the beginning. There was something about her character that just rubbed me the wrong way. Add in her disdain for Thad, and I wasn't happy. She came across as judgmental and a bit high maintenance. Of maybe that was just my grasp on the character. You could also tell though that Juliet was struggling with her best friend's relationship. Call it jealousy, envy, or even desire, but there was definitely an undertone there. Once they arrived to the campground, my opinion still hadn't changed. It really wasn't until the boat scene, and then the campfire scene that I started to change my tune. It was in those moments that you could see Juliet's mask slipping. You could begin to see the woman who wanted a relationship. She wanted a partner in her corner. She wanted a happily ever after.  It was after these two scenes that I found myself wanting to know more. I wanted to find out how Juliet and Davis were going to get to their happily ever after.  I was starting to root for them. I will say that I immediately liked Davis. He came across as a down to earth guy who was easy to like. 

I truly did end up enjoying The Player Hater. Rating wise I gave it 4 stars, and I am so glad I stuck with the book. Was the book perfect? No, but no book truly is. This book though had my curiosity. The storyline caught my attention. Juliet and Davis drew me in, and had me staying to the end.

Speaking of the end of the book...that set up for The Mrs Degree? OH MY WORD! Is it May 3 yet? Because I need to know how that story unfolds. Holy buckets.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on The Player Hater. If you happen to enjoy forced proximity stories, as well as extreme slow burns, then you need to go read The Player Hater. Just keep that slow burn aspect in the back of your mind.

Laura

Cover Design: Okay Creations

I would do anything for my best friend.

 

Well. Almost anything.

 

When she begs me to come on a weekend getaway so I can bond with her new boyfriend, I can’t say no—no matter how badly I want to. After all, who will keep an eye on the guy; he’s your stereotypical, professional football player (emphasis on PLAYER) and I don’t trust him with my friends heart.

 

Worse? He has the nerve to bring his single best friend Davis on the trip, too. Davis is too handsome, so funny and smart he can’t possibly be human. Grandma’s, babies and kittens all fall for his smile.

 

In fact, everyone adores but me **narrows eyes** What’s he hiding?

 

I refuse to fall for his act; at some point he’ll will drop the Good Guy act and show his true colors: he’s a player, too. He must be.

 

You know the saying: if he seems too good to be true, he probably is.

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Meet Sara Ney

Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

Connect with Sara Ney

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Book+Main | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub | Ney's Little Lattes

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Thank you to Sara Ney, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of The Player Hater.

Deking the Beauty by Crystal Perkins {cover reveal}

From author Crystal Perkins comes an all new fake relationship, older brother's best friend romance set in her Metros Hockey Series. Come find out what happens with Santo and Nita when Deking the Beauty releases on March 29, 2022.

Cover Designer: Kari March Designs

Santo

I'm the"beauty" of the Seattle Metros. The nice guy who always has a smile for the media and the fans. Until I have an "off day" at an event. Coupled with some on ice accidents, I go from fan favorite to pariah. To help my image, it's suggested I tone down my playboy ways and at least pretend to be in a serious relationship. Even if that fake relationship is with my best friend's little sister.

Nita

I've been in love with Santo since he was the boy next door when we were growing up. He's never seen me as more than his best friend's little sister, but now he needs my help. Being his girlfriend is all I've ever wanted, so a few months with him is like a dream come true. But, the dream turns into a nightmare when things become real between us, and he walks away.

With more than just the two of them to consider, can the Saint overcome his fears about relationships? And can Nita trust him to stay when she needs him the most?

Preorder your copy today!

Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo

Add Deking the Beauty to your Goodreads TBR! 

Meet Crystal Perkins

Crystal Perkins has always been a big reader, but she never thought she would write her own book, until she sat down in 2014 and did it. She's now published over 40 books, and has been featured in several anthologies as well.

She lived in Las Vegas for over a decade, where you could find her running author events and winning bookseller. After moving to ND for over a year, she’s back in Vegas again. When she's not reading a few hundred books a year or chasing after her grandson, you can find her watching hockey (Go Knights Go!) and trying to find the perfect shade of lipstick. A mac and cheese connoisseur, she travels the world looking for the perfect version, while attending book conventions and signings as a cover for her research. Poutine research is also conducted regularly on her trips.

Crystal loves hearing from her readers, so please feel free to send her an email, Facebook message, or Tweet! She's also on Instagram, where you can see her monthly reads!
Crystal@crystalperkinsauthor.com
 

Connect with Crystal

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Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher {cover reveal}

 

Lauren Asher has revealed the cover for Terms and Conditions!

This is the second book in the Dreamland Billionaires series, and I am so excited for it to be released! Ahh, cannot wait to return to this setting, and catch back up with the characters.

Releasing on February 24, 2022

Cover Design: Mary, Books & Moods

Declan
I'm destined to become the next CEO of my family's media empire.

The only problem? My grandfather's inheritance clause.

Fulfilling his dying wish of getting married and having an heir seemed impossible until my assistant volunteers for the job.

Our marriage was supposed to be the perfect solution to my biggest problem.

But the more we act in love for the public, the more unsure I feel about our contract.

Caring about Iris was never part of the deal.

Especially not when breaking her heart is inevitable.

Iris
My plan to marry Declan was simple in theory.

Move in together. Throw a wedding. Have a baby.

We set rules to prevent any kind of issues.

Ones that were never meant to be broken, no matter how much Declan tempts me.

But what happens when our fake relationship bleeds into our real one?

Falling in love was never an option.

At least not for me.

 

Pre-order your copy today!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

 

Meet Lauren

Plagued with an overactive imagination, Lauren spends her free time reading and writing. Her dream is to travel to all the places she writes about. She enjoys writing about flawed yet relatable characters you can't help loving. She likes sharing fast-paced stories with angst, steam, and the emotional spectrum.

Her extra-curricular activities include watching YouTube, binging old episodes of Parks and Rec, and searching Yelp for new restaurants before choosing her trusted favorite. She works best after her morning coffee and will never deny a nap.

Connect with Lauren

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The Plan by Karla Sorensen {a review}

The Plan by Karla Sorensen is the age gap, falling for your bodyguard romance you didn't know you needed! It was so good, and I could not put it down.

In this book we have Lydia. She is a social media influencer, and her parents are also well known in the NFL. So she has a following from that as well. Lydia was recently in a car accident, and she's definitely feeling some social anxiety, and is just really uncertain. Enter Erik Wilder. Erik is a former professional football player who is currently working as a bodyguard. Lydia's dad approaches him about the potential of guarding her. Erik isn't so certain on this, but goes for it anyway. Lydia finally gets wind of what is happening, and she is LIVID. This isn't going to happen. Erik will not be her bodyguard. That is until Erik asks her to walk him out, and he convinces her to take his card. He knows this bombshell has just been dropped on her, and so he isn't surprised by her reaction. Fast forward a little bit, and after an early morning conversation with her dad, Lydia decides to go for it. She wasn't expecting to feel comfortable around him. She wasn't expecting it to be fun to push his buttons. She definitely wasn't expecting to fall for him.

I went into The Plan knowing what the description told me. I knew football was involved, and I love me a sports romance. So obviously I went into this book feeling good. When I discovered it was a grumpy-sunshine romance, that just made it even better.

I so enjoyed reading this book. I found myself really enjoying who Lydia is, and the passion she has for football. Not only that, but the fact that she is so willing to help others expand their social media presence just felt so good.

Now don't get me wrong, there were times that Erik annoyed me a bit. I don't fully understand why he was holding back his story. Especially since it seemed like he and Lydia were getting closer. So it would be natural to share that info. I understand he has been hurt in the past, but you can tell he is falling for her, so you think he'd be comfortable opening up.

Doesn't really matter though because these two characters roped me in, and had me unable to put the book down. I had to see how they achieved their HEA, and how Lydia's dad would handle it all. Plus I really wanted the scoop on Ian, and what the issue was between him and Erik.

Also, I freaking loved Erik's family. They just seem amazing. I'd love to have a series that just focuses on all the Wilder family finding their happily ever afters. Speaking of series, this one isn't tied to the Washington Wolves series, but it definitely could fit in there. Especially since Lydia's parents were the main characters of The Bombshell Effect, which is book 1 in the Washington Wolves series.

So dang good! Highly recommend. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads. It maybe could be a 4.5, but right now I'm sticking with my solid 4. Whether you like age gap romances, sports romances, bodyguard romances, or the grumpy-sunshine trope, you need to go grab this new release! Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. I greatly appreciate it.

Laura

Cover Designer: Najla Qamber Design
Photographer: Wander Aguiar
Interior Design: Champagne Book Design

Have you ever fake dated your bodyguard? I don't recommend it. 

 

Especially if he's anything like Erik Wilder: former football player, world class know-it-all and unapologetic grump. 

 

To be clear, I didn't want a bodyguard (hence the fake dating idea). Most days, I can’t figure out why he wants the job either. We drive each other insane, probably because we’re as opposite as two people can be. 

 

He’s suspicious, never talks about his past and has the comfort skills of a cactus. I’m a happily ever after kinda girl who knows exactly what she wants out of life. 

 

Erik’s words might say that the lines have to stay firm between us, but those dark eyes of his? They tell another story when he looks at me. 

 

He’s just as stubborn as I am, but when our fake dating plan starts to feel a lot more real, it's only a matter of time before his professional walls come crashing down.  

I just have to hope my heart doesn't get buried in the rubble.

 

Grab Your Copy Here!

Meet Karla Sorensen

Well, let’s see ... I’m a wife and a mother. If the things that I write bring a smile to someone's face, then I've done my job.  

I am obsessed with Outlander (both the books and the show). I’m almost exclusively a romance reader, which means some people will never consider me a literary snob. 

If I could meet one historical figure, it would be Jane Austen. I received my Bachelors in Public Relations and worked in health care marketing before I had my babies. 

I hate Twitter. I do it, but I hate it. Also, if you want to get on my good side, bring me wine and I'll love you forever. 

Connect with Karla Sorensen

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Thank you to Karla Sorenson, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of The Plan.

It Went Viral by Stacy Stone {a review}

It Went Viral is the brand new book from Stacy Stone! This romance story starts off with a viral incident, and we witness how that affected Isla and Bryan. If you're looking for a best friends sibling romance, then consider picking up It Went Viral. 

I am opting not to recap this book for you, as the description that Stacy Stone wrote is perfection. It tells you everything you need to know about the book. So let's just jump into my thoughts.

If you follow me on Goodreads, then you already know my general thoughts on It Went Viral. Let's dive into a bit further though. I truly did like the premise of this book. The fact that there was this viral social media event surrounding them, and how it affected their lives. THAT was what interested me. For me though, while I liked the premise, the story left a lot to be desired. I feel bad saying that, and you may feel differently about the book. This is just my take away. If you know me, you know that the best friend's sibling is one of my top 3 favorite tropes, so that was what really sold me on this book. Add in the frenemies to lovers trope, and I should have been all in.

I felt absolutely zero connection to the characters. They weren't relatable. Bryan came across as indifferent. Isla came across as a hurt woman who hadn't healed from the situation in college, and she was a bit bitter. Then there was Bryan's marriage troubles that just felt weird. Yes, divorce happens. Yes, infidelity happens. Yes, communication issues happen. BUT both Bryan and his soon to be ex wife were just immature. It was ridiculous, and frustrating. In an ideal world, Bryan's divorce would have been finalized before Isla even agreed to help with the event. Then that character could have been eliminated from the story. For me, it was an unnecessary storyline. It Went Viral was supposed to be about Bryan and Isla reconnecting, but here was this third party with a foot still in the door. In my mind, and how I thought the story would play out, I fully believed the video would resurface, and THAT would have been the cause of their moment of conflict. I mean it makes sense if you go off the book cover. But It wasn't. Was the moment of conflict still drama filled? Oh absolutely. It just wasn't what I wanted.

Now here's the thing. I generally believe this is a decent story. I gave it 3 stars. Was it everything I wanted? Absolutely not. But there's potential. There were bits and pieces of this story that I did enjoy. When both Isla and Bryan shared about how the viral video affected them, THAT I was all about. I wanted to see how it affected them. How it affected their relationships, and their future. We did get to see bits and pieces of that. It wasn't enough though for me to rate this story higher though. I needed to feel the connection between the characters. I needed to find myself rooting for them in their times of trouble. I needed to not be able to put the book down.  Part of me wishes there wasn't that time gap written in. I think it would have been interesting to walk the walk with Isla, and Bryan, and had them reconnect when the event was still fresh. It is what it is though. It Went Viral was a decent story, and I stand by what I've said. I will say, the concept was so good. It had so much potential. Especially since social media is such a large part of our daily lives. 

Do I recommend It Went Viral? I do. It is very rare that I don't recommend a book I've read. I've said it before, and I'll say it many more times, book ratings are so personal. So while a book may not be ideal for one reader, another may absolutely love it. (and vice versa) When I go into reading an advanced reader copy, I go into it prepared to tell my true feelings. I'm not one who will rate a book high because I received an early copy. NO. That's not how it's supposed to be. A review is your true feelings about a book, and that should  be shared.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. If you choose to read It Went Viral, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Laura

She’s about to work with the man who ruined her college years…

Event manager Isla James still burns with shame over her college infamy. . Climbing naked out of the window, just to have it filmed by some fratbrothers was embarrassing to say the least. The fact that the video went viral made it so much worse. And though her professional star has risen since reinventing herself in a new town, returning to her old stomping grounds is not on her bucket list. But when her best friend asks her to promote her family’s charity ball, she relents despite fearing she’ll get stuck working with the last man she ever wants to see again.

…but he’s determined to change her mind.

Bryan Hunter’s biggest mistake was letting Isla go that fateful day. He was a stupid college boy back then, but he’s a changed man now. He’ll do whatever it takes to win her back. Now he just has to convince Isla that she can trust and maybe even love him.

She fled humiliation. He’s a changed man. Can they make a happy ending out of a bad beginning and get a second chance at love

Buy Your Copy Here

Meet Stacy Stone

Stacy Stone made her debut in Belgium with
her Verlangen series under her Dutch name Stefanie Van Mol.

 She loved writing so much, she kept writing. Say You Want Me, the first book of her Full Moon series.

 She won the Brave New Book of the year Award in the Netherlands in 2016 and decided to translate the book to English.

For more information about Stacy Stone, visit:

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Thank you to Stacy Stone, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of It Went Viral.

Offside with #55 by Piper Rayne {cover reveal}

 

Piper Rayne has revealed the cover for Offside with #55!

Releasing: May 31, 2022

Cover Design: Hang Le
Photographer: Wander Aguiar

The last thing any professional hockey player wants is to be the old man in the game. The guy who doesn't know when it's time to retire. Still, I can't bear the thought of leaving the game.

This past year I've reflected on all my regrets, and I told myself that once I retire it'll be the time to settle down and start a family. But this is where it gets tricky.

I think I've found her--my Mrs. Although she'll deny our connection to anyone who asks. We've been sleeping together casually and since I'm still playing hockey, I've let her get what she wants--me--whenever she wants.

After being told my career as a player is over, the owner of Florida Fury grants me a shot to stay in the game. A coaching position I didn't know I wanted until it was offered. The catch? He's also passing the family business down to his daughter.

Who's his daughter?

The woman who's been in and out of my bed for the past year. Which means the woman I intend to make my wife is now my new boss.

 

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

 Add to your Goodreads TBR!

 

Meet Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write "heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle" about families, whether that be blood or found. They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they're married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they're both chauffeurs to their kids. Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!

Connect with Piper Rayne
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The Lies You Love by Rachel Robinson {a review}

 

The Lies You Love by Rachel Robinson is now available! This is the second book in the Charge Men series, and it was an interesting read. There was a bit of mystery in the book, as well as a couple of surprises. So if that interests you, please go check it out!

Beck is a Charge Man. He is responsible for keeping his person alive, and tracking their every move. It is an exhausting job that has him working for a month straight before getting a month off, as he and his coworker trade off. Beck's current detail is with Ramsey. She's being taken care of by the Charge Men due to a situation with her parents that leaves her a bit vulnerable. Auden is Ramsey's best friend. These two are quite opposite, but their friendship works. Auden had her heartbroken by the man she thought she would marry. So to work on getting over him, she's been hitting the bars with friends, and having one night stands in the process. She's protecting her heart at all costs as she can't go through that pain again. Flash forward to a girls night out. They all agreed to dress like grannies, and have a blast. It is at this bar where she meets Beck, and the two have an amazing night together. Neither want it to end, but Auden doesn't do relationships, and Beck can only offer a month. 

There is more I could have put into my little recap above, but honestly it would ruin the story. So I can't do that. I'm not that person.

The way this book kicked off had me intrigued. That prologue had me so curious, and I could not wait to find out how the characters arrived in that situation. Once we moved out of the prologue, the book slowed down a bit. I'll admit that I struggled through the next few chapters, and did put the book aside for quite a few days. When I did pick the book back up, I still struggled a bit. Now, the story did pick up speed again, especially once Auden and Beck met. From there it was a whirlwind romance, full of steamy moments, and it was also filled with the mystery about who Beck is, as well as what his job entails. When Beck figured out the connection between Ramsey and Auden, it shook him a bit. He knew there was something familiar about her, but at the time he didn't put two and two together. It was going to be a problem. 

Later on we learned about what happened to Beck's sister, and how that lead to him becoming a Charge Man. I found that fairly interesting. I will say once I knew what happened to his sister, I quickly figured out the connection revealed in another scene. I think you will also.

Now, the situation with Ramsey captured my attention, and wouldn't let go. As that storyline built, I found myself wanting to know what was going on there. Right before things were revealed, I found myself wondering if something like this might happen. So when it all came out, I was a bit surprised, but not shocked by the news. Here's the thing, I don't feel like I know the Ramsey character all that well, and I'd wish the author had given us more of a backstory on Ramsey. I get it though, Ramsey wasn't the main character of this book, so those details weren't as necessary. Yes we had bits and pieces, but there was the potential for more.  Also, one thing I can't move past, is that if she was supposed to be protected, why was she allowed to stay in the same area? Why wasn't she relocated?

If you've read the book, then you know what happened in the prologue. But then you also know what happened toward the end of chapter 17. How did we get from the end of chapter 17, to what happened in the prologue? I want those scenes! I want to know how our characters wound up in that situation! This missing detail is one of the things that held me back from rating this book higher. The other thing that held me back was how disinterested I was after reading the couple of chapters after the prologue. That set up was so good, that what happened after left me a bit disappointed. The book did redeem itself though. So, what was my rating? I opted to give this 3.5 stars.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. The Lies You Love was a decent story. It just didn't give me everything that I had hoped for. If you choose to check out this book, please let me know what you think.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Auden

In a quest to forget my ex left me to marry a man, I turned to a few flings. Okay, more than a few, but I dare anyone to judge me after the life I’ve endured. Then, a one-night stand gets a little blurry in the emotions department. He’s muscular, smooth talking, and the chemistry is so hot that thinking about him makes me buzz. The catch is he can only commit to a one month fling. It’s so good, I agree, but it’s obvious there’s something between us that can’t be ignored. His secrets are deep, and I don’t want to get burned again yet, walking away is impossible.

Beck

I spend one month on duty guarding my Principal, and one month off letting loose. That’s my schedule, and I’m okay with it until I meet her. The night we meet is a little fuzzy, but our connection is not. When I wake up in the morning and discover my life-altering one-night stand is my Principal’s best friend, I know I’m doomed, but I make excuses to keep Auden for as long as I can. That is until both their lives are in danger and I can only save one.

My duty and honor, or the woman who I’ve fallen mercilessly for?

Always protect the heartbeat.

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Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Rachel Robinson

Rachel grew up in a small, quiet town full of loud talkers. Her words were always only loud on paper. She has been writing stories and creating characters for as long as she can remember. 

CRAZY GOOD and SET IN STONE, and TIME AND SPACE, three of her Navy SEAL novels are INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERS.

After living in San Diego, Virginia Beach, and then Fairfax, VA, she now resides in colorful Colorado with her badass husband, two children, her Sphynx cat, & her dog, Polly.

Connect with Rachel Robinson 

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Thank you to Rachel Robinson, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of The Lies You Love.

Ruin by Caitlyn Dare {a review}

Ruin, is a new dark romance from Caitlyn Dare.  This is a full length dark enemies-to-lovers/bully romance that also features the why choose trope. Why choose is also known as reverse harem, and it means the main character has more than one love interest. It is book one in the series, and the series needs to be read in order. This book will end in a cliffhanger!

I have been EAGERLY anticipating this book since I finished the Savage Falls Sinners series. From the very moment River was introduced, she had my attention. I knew there was more to her story. Then when things were happening with Jax, but weren't shared in Sadie's story, I was hoping that River was getting a story. Well here we are!

Before we jump into any talk about the book, I do want it to be known that there are consensual nonconsent scenes in this book, and there is also the mention of previous assault. So keep that in mind as you read in case those are triggering for you.

What can I tell you about Ruin? River is in her junior year of high school, and feels as though she's on her own. Sadie is busy with Rhett, Dane, and Wes, while Quinn is busy with Killian, and Ray has club business to attend to. Then there is everything that went down with Jax, and that practically destroyed her. River is heartbroken. Then there are things from her past that are trying to reveal themselves, and she doesn't want those secrets to be revealed. Everyone thinks she's this quiet, innocent girl, but in reality that's not her any longer. But then there's also the fact that she kissed Diesel, and he shut her down quickly. So she's licking her wounds from that one too. As for Jax, he's heartbroken too, but issues from his past are forcing him to push River away so that harm doesn't come to her. When it comes to Diesel, he doesn't want to take advantage of River, and plus she's his little sister's best friend. So that is a no go, but yet the attraction is there. Then there's Zach. He is a bit of an enigma. We know he's from the same town as River, and we know he has preconceived notions when it comes to her. Yet he is also here in Red Ridge hiding out, and from what? Will River and Jax be able to repair their relationship? Can River and Diesel just be friends? What will it take for Zach to change his tune about River? Also, what's going on with Kat (Diesel's sister/River's Best Friend)?

I enjoyed just about every moment of this story. I only had one complaint, and I'll get that out of the way now, and then we can focus on the rest of the story. River's age was my bone of contention. In this new adult romance, River is a junior in high school, and is 17 years old. So she's a minor. If this were a YA romance where the love interest is the also a minor, I wouldn't have an issue. But the fact that she is a minor, and her love interests are not, is what I struggle with. Does it affect the story itself? NO. Do I wish she were of legal age? Absolutely. This is a "me" issue though, and not a storyline issue.

Moving on...

River continues to hold my attention. From the moment we first met her in Savage, to this book here, she has come across as this sweet, quiet, little innocent being. What we are finding though is that she's had on an extremely strong mask, and that mask is starting to slip.

The picture of innocence and naïveté. That's what people think. But they don't know-they don't know what nightmares lurk beneath the surface.

Something happened to River when she was living in Colton, and I have a feeling that will be revealed sooner rather than later. I mean we did get a smidgen revealed, but full story is coming, I know it. So not only is River dealing with that, she's also dealing with the fact that Sadie has moved on leaving her behind, Jax did what he did, and then Diesel said what he said. River is going through a lot, and she feels lonely. She just wants someone in her corner. Someone she can authentic with. She's looking for a safe place to land. I will say I'm a bit worried about when Rhett finds out River's secret. I think big brother is going to go ballistic, and try to scorch the earth.

Shall we talk about her love interests?

Jax and River had been forced together, so to speak, when River first moved to town. Jax was entrusted to protect her, to keep her safe. He wasn't supposed to fall. Yet he did. Now he's pushing her away for reasons we don't fully understand. The secret he is keeping is bubbling to the surface, just waiting to pop, and I think it's going to be a doozy. I feel like that incident on his bike is related to this secret. And everything that happened with that scene has me intrigued. This thought by Jax had my heart shattering a bit.

They say if you love someone, you should set them free. Well, spread your wings River. You're too damn good to be shackled to the likes of me.

Diesel may very well be my favorite. He could be the safe place that River needs. He has that vibe of comfort. I feel he's keeping something quiet as well, but it isn't to the level of Jax or Zach. There is something under the surface though, and I look forward to that being revealed. I did want to smack him when he said what he did to River. I get it, he's trying to protect himself, as well as River's relationship with Kat (his sister). Yet at the same time, he didn't need to say it. He could have worded it way differently. But again, heat of the moment, and his brain didn't catch up. I did love when River called him out though.

"You're a coward, Diesel Walker. I know I'm in high school and I know you're my friend's big brother, but life isn't perfect. It's messy and hard, and it doesn't always fit society's norm. I might only be seventeen, but I'm not a child. I haven't been for a long time."

Lastly we have Zach. This man of mystery is a jackass. From the moment he first appeared in the club, I despised him. From the way he speaks to River, to what happened in the alleyway, to just his stalkerish tendencies, I don't trust him. Not one bit. Zach rubs me the wrong way, but I have a feeling is going to redeem himself. What is he hiding from though? Why did he leave Colton? Why is he with the Red Ridge Sinners? Part of me wonders if it is related to what Jax is hiding. I say that only because I can't imagine two huge storylines like that happening in this one series. So yeah.

There were definitely some steamy moments in this book, but it was also a pretty good slow burn. You could feel the tension building while in slow burn mode, and it was excellent.

Speaking of steamy moments, what happened on the rooftop, and what led to that cliffhanger, um WHAT? Like not the steamy part, that's whatever. But who appeared , what happened next, and how we are left not knowing the outcome, UGH! What just happened? Why did it have to happen that way? I'm speechless.

I know that was really vague, and it was completely intentional. 

If you are a fan of MC romances, of RH romances, or just of Caitlyn Dare's writing, you need to go read this book now. Even more so if you read the Savage Falls Sinners series, because you know a bit about River.

Thank you for reading my thoughts on Ruin. Highly recommend. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads. Honestly my issue with River's age is what held it back from a 4.5. Still though, go read it. Enjoy the ride with me.

Laura

My whole life I’ve been treated like some innocent naïve girl. Shielded from the dark and dangerous world my big brother inhabits.

But not any longer.

Now, Savage Falls is my home, the Sinners MC, my family. I’m the new club princess, a burden I neither want nor need.

Because I’m not as innocent as they all think. 

Not by a long shot.

Not when I spend most of my days dreaming of them. Club prospect Jax Pitman, my best friend’s older brother Diesel Walker, and the Red Ridge Chapter’s newest bad boy Zach Stone.

One of them broke my heart.

One refuses to fix it.

And one of them is slowly bringing me back to life.

But together… 

Together, they might just ruin me.

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Meet Caitlyn Dare

Caitlyn Dare is a Top 50 Amazon bestselling author of dark romance.  

She writes angsty, gritty stories about alphaholes you’ll love to hate and the feisty girls who bring them to their knees.

Her bestselling series include: Savage Falls Sinners MC, a dark high school reverse harem romance; and Rebels at Sterling Prep, a dark bully high school romance.

To learn more about Caitlyn Dare & her books, visit here! 

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Thank you to Caitlyn Dare, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Ruin.