Be with Me

 

 

I have been in such a reading "funk" lately. I've felt overwhelmed with all of the wedding planning and things surrounding the big day. I mean, who knew that one day could take so much preparation? Thankfully, Jennifer Armentrout (J. Lynn) pulled me out of my funk with Be with Me.

 

I actually had the chance to meet Jennifer Armentrout at a book signing a few months ago and she had the group rolling. She's sarcastic, hilarious, and very down to earth. I already loved all of the books I had read by her, but I'm an even bigger fan now.

 

 

 

Be with Me is Theresa and Jase's very raw, yet adorable, love story. Theresa first met Jase after he started coming to her parents' house to visit her brother, Cam. They shared a passionate kiss, one that she compares anyone after to, but Jase fell off the face of the Earth after that. Theresa, a dancer, tore her ACL and attends the same college as Cam and Jase while waiting to heal and return to dancing. There seems to be an instant connection between Tess, as Jase calls her, and Jase and soon they're having to face skeletons in their past to ensure a future together.

 

Everything about this story drew me in. The love between Jase and Jack was so sweet, I'm a mother so this had me hooked in pretty quick. Jase was clearly a hottie, Theresa was a victim turned bad ass survivor, and those two together were swoon worthy... I loved it. I was so glad it turned out the way it did for them in the end. I'd even love to see more of these two in the future. 







One Tiny Lie

 

 

I had an awful time getting into this book. It took me forever to read because I was avoiding it for so long. I enjoyed Ten Tiny Breaths, but this just didn't do it for me.

 

Livie is starting at Princeton. Kacey comes to help her move in and spark a social life. Livie, Kacey, and Reagan, Livie's roommate, attend a frat party. Livie gets drunk and throws herself at Princeton's beautiful, man whore, Ashton. He is the complete opposite of anything she, or her parents, would want for herself. But, as she starts a relationship with Ashton's best friend, Connor, she can't seem to get him out of her head. This is a book about self discovery and ultimately allowing yourself to accept that your goals and paths in life may change.

 

I just never connected with the characters in this book. Livie was a straight A, super geek smart, student, but as soon as she meets Ashton all of that changes. I just found this so far fetched. She's strived her whole life to get into and attend Princeton, but she never seems to study. She's always partying or with one of the guys (Ashton or Connor). I understand that she realizes that her childhood career aspiration did not pan out. I've been there before, but I also worked my ass off before I realized that it wasn't for me. I even understand her feelings of not fitting in at Princeton. I had the exact same feelings my freshman year of college and I transferred, but that's not to say that I partied all of the time. It just seemed very passive.

 

Let's not get me started on Dr. Stayner, I cannot stand his character in this book. I do not believe that any psychologist would do half of the things that he did. I know that this is a work of fiction, but come on. What doctor would suggest that an underage girl go to frat parties and drink? None.

 

The only redeeming quality in this book for me was Ashton. I'm a sucker for a guy with a dark past (cliche, I know). I could do without the whole man whore aspect because I really think that's been overdone in this genre.

 

Overall, I was underwhelmed with Livie's story. She annoyed me in in Ten Tiny Breaths so I didn't really expect to like her more in this. With that being said, I still love K. A. Tucker, and I will most definitely be reading her next books. 

The Sea of Tranquility

 

 

The Sea of Tranquility is heartbreakingly beautiful. I loved it so much and it's not often that you feel changed after reading a book, but this is one of those for me. My words couldn't possibly give this book the praise and credit it deserves. It is beyond moving and quickly moved up to number one on my "favorites" list.

 

Nastya is the new girl in school. It's her senior year, but she is not interested in fitting in or making friends. Her attire alone tends to repel most people, but as if that is not enough, she doesn't speak. All of that changes when Josh Bennett enters her life. He's sitting alone at lunch and she is impressed by the imaginary force field that seems to emanate from him and keep people away. She instantly wants to know him. Nastya and Josh become close, but her secrets are constantly lingering. When everything comes out, they both realize how much they need one another.

 

I've never read a book where the last page (or three) were my absolute favorite. I just loved Nastya/Emilia/Sunshine's "last secret" for Josh. It was an absolute perfect ending. I know I'm gushing, but this book was the epitome of perfection.

 

While Nastya and Josh weren't your typical young adult characters, I found them to be endearing. Katja Millay did an amazing job in taking raw pain and suffering and turning it into something beautiful. I am in awe of her and cannot believe that this was her first book. Needless to say, I cannot wait for more from her. 

Rule

 

 

This book had been suggested to me several times before I have in and read it. Boy am I glad that I did. If you you're looking for a read full of tension and angsty love, then this is for you.

 

Shaw Landon has plans to become an ER surgeon. She leads an extremely busy life, putting others before herself and constantly trying to live up to her parents' expectations. She's prim and proper on the outside, but inside she knows it is just a front. She has been in love with Rule Archer for years. Unfortunately for her, most days he doesn't even acknowledge her existence. The two grow closer after a drunken night together, but Shaw carries a secret that could not only destroy Rule, but the whole Archer family.

 

At the beginning of this book I hated Rule. I am not attracted to the whole man whoring type of guys that tend to find themselves in novels. Ladies, why do you find that attractive?! However, my feelings changed once he started to fall in love with Shaw. He was sweet and irresistible as far as book boyfriends go. Still, I would love to see more of books from this genre take a pass on the whole reformed man whore scenario.

 

I definitely saw the whole thing with Remy, Rule's twin, coming. I had a feeling from the beginning that Shaw didn't have a relationship with him because he was gay. I wish that we could have seen more of their friendship (a prequel) because it seemed so loving and endearing.

 

This book had me hooked from the first page. There was so much angst- I LOVED it. I cannot wait to read Jet, Rome, and Nash's stories. I'm so glad that I've been introduced to Jay Crownover and her bad boys.