Rain Check by Gypsy Rae Choszer

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Synopsis:

For Avery Montgomery, the devastation of losing her parents in a tragic accident has left her completely shattered. As she begins to pick up the pieces of her once perfect life, she uncovers a secret that will forever change her—she’s adopted!

In a search for answers, Avery ventures to Portland where she rents a room from Jonah, a quirky artist who quickly becomes her best friend. His house puts her in close proximity to the metaphysical shop run by her birth mother, the free-spirited Marianna Hutchins. Avery enters The Crystal Moon fully intending to confront Marianna, but instead she chickens out and inquires about a job. She's hired; yet remains leery about confessing her secret.

As Avery settles into town, she has an embarrassing encounter with Gabe, the incredibly attractive man who works a few doors down. Despite the awkward introduction, there is undeniable chemistry, but after a recent heartbreak all he’s looking for is friendship. 

Everyone deserves a second chance. Will Avery get hers with a new family? Will Gabe allow himself a second chance at love? Will they embrace their new relationships, or will they simply decide to take a rain check?

Review:

*I was given this book for an honest review*
Wow, so this book was really good. But it was good in a way that is different than other books. It's subtle. I'm not saying anything bad about hte storyline but it wasn't anything that is unique in a phenomenal way. Even though I do love the story concept and the way it flowed. The story started off with Avery eperiencing the car crash that killed her parents, almost like a flashback or a dream. The next chapter is her in Portland with her new roommate Jonah, who I love. Throughout the story we get to see Avery and Gabe meet, which is hilarious, and watch as their relationship grows. While that is taking place, Avery is trying to work up the nerve to tell her birthmother, Marianna, who she is while working at her shop. 

I think the thing that really made this book so good for me was that I have never felt such a wide range of extreme emotions all within one book. In the beginning I was laughing so hard that I had to stop reading to catch my breath. Oh god, the awkwardness. It was amazing and hilarious and just so much fun. Avery is such an awkward character in certain situations and I can relate to that. There were moments when I was reading the book through my fingers because I was covering my face in embarassment for her. It was so good. I don't think I have ever laughed so much while reading a book. And then on the flip side of that, there were moments when I was crying. And it takes a lot to make me cry, especially when reading a book. The author just wrote in a way that made you feel what was going on. And when we meet Gabe's dad it is just so sad. Or in the end when things aren't going so great for Avery (I don't want to give any spoilers), it was sad and I felt it. 

So the characters ... Avery ... I like her. I began picturing her as Emma Stone, who I love, so therefore I loved Avery.

 She was open to possibilities and I definitely felt like she acted her age, if not maybe a little bit more mature. But she also, didn't take crap. When Gabe was sending mixed signals she called him on it and she wasn't a push-over. In the end she held her ground but wasn't unnecessarily stubborn about it. She was the right amount of confidence and modest. She really was just a good character. Here is a glimpse of her embarassment: 

                          “I really was planning to tell her who I am… but when I spoke, instead of saying ‘Hi, my name is Avery, I am the daughter you gave up for adoption twenty-one years ago’, I said something more along the lines of ‘Are you hiring?’”

                          “Oh. Right. Well-” I point at him, making a finger gun, clicking my tongue and winking, “maybe a rain check then.” Embarrassment floods through me. I am such a dork. What did I just do? I paste a smile on my face, refusing to let him see how mortified I am.

                          “It’s possible I called him Captain, as in Captain Beautiful. It’s possible I gave him that name in my head before I knew his real name.” I glance at my new friends and wrinkle my nose at Jonah as he covers his mouth to hide his laughter. “We shall not discuss this again.” I fix them all with a glare.

Gabe ... Usually I like an alpha male, and while Gabe wasn't some dominant he was comfortable with who he was and that is sexy as hell. He was happy with where he was in life even though things didn't work out like they planned. He was also pretty open about his feelings toward Avery. I think I really fell in love with him when he started talking about how beautiful Avery is and mentions her inner beauty more than the outer. 

                         “Apparently. Poor Tess, she wants to make sweet, sweet love to you and have all your babies,” I joke. 
                        “No. I think she’s jealous of you. She’s insecure. I told you, you’re beautiful. It’s not just how you look. It’s how you are. She might be good looking, but she doesn’t have the rest of it. She’s all surface. She’s fake. You aren’t,” Gabe says, dead serious.
Throughout the book we don't get too much about Gabe. We know he has a lot of things he is dealing with, but not many details. I think that is the one thing I didn't like about the book. With Gabe, we know he is trying to take over for his ill father at their coffee shop and that he is dealing with this huge issue of his ill father, but it is very unresolved in the end. I was really preparing myself for the sorrow that situation would bring to never see it happen. It was a little disappointing. 

Jonah ... He was a side character, but he was a good one. He was funny and supportive and I really believed in the friendship forming between Avery and him. He has funny moments and he says stuff like this: 

                              “I will cut him!” Jonah slaps his hand on the counter. “Okay, not really. I’m not a violent person. But I will send him death glares and make him uncomfortable. And I’ll tell everyone he’s a man whore.”

And the scenes between Avery and Gabe are just ... just .. steamy, yummy, delicious, HOT, all other sexy adjectives!!

                            "Let me see you.” He commands while pushing my knees apart. A sudden shyness comes over me, but I force it aside. This is no time to be timid. “I told you that you’re beautiful,” he whispers and leans down to press a kiss just below my navel at the same time he slides a finger inside me.

Whew!! *fans face*

I think the one thing that really stood out to me about this book was how it was written. The author is a really amazing writer. Some of the parts that I would read would feel almost poetic and in the way she writes. And not in a corny way. It was beautiful. I know this excerpt is long, but it really is great. This is a whole sex scene and usually I want more than just a paragraph ... but this is all I needed. It's beautiful. 

                                “Come back to my place,” Gabe asks. I say nothing, but I smile as we link fingers and begin walking to the truck. “Stay with me tonight,” he whispers as he opens the truck door, waiting for me to climb in, trailing a finger over my collarbone. I don’t answer him with words. My answer is in the kiss I lay on his lips. It’s in the way I open myself to him, letting his tongue slide against my own. It’s in the way I gasp and cling to him when he tilts my head, and pulls my hair, and drags his lips across my neck. My yes is in my hurried footsteps as we climb the stairs to his apartment, and my laughter as he ushers Buster into another room. It’s in the way I remove my clothes and lay myself bare on his bed, savoring the way his eyes drink me in. My answer is in the way I pull his jeans over his hips, taking him in my hand. It’s in my moan when he fills me, rocking into my body, moving inside me. It’s in the sweat that builds and the slick wetness between us as our hips meet again and again. My answer is the wordless cry that spills from my mouth as I come.

Overall, this book was really good. It was really well written with some great characters and a great story line. I would definitely suggest to anyone to read this. 

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Just A Little Crush by Renita Pizzitola

Rating: 4.5 stars

Synopsis: Good girls stay away from Ryder Briggs . . . or, at least, they try to. In Renita Pizzitola’s emotional novel of heartache and seduction, one college freshman just can’t get enough.

Brinley Dawson doesn’t drink, she studies—and despite the accusations of her alcoholic mother, she’s still a virgin. But if Brinley’s life is so put together, why is she freaking out to be going to college with the gorgeous, green-eyed jerk she kissed on a stupid dare in high school? Ryder Briggs can have any girl he wants . . . and the rumors say that he does. So why, after publicly embarrassing Brinley four years ago, is he suddenly acting like he’s interested?

Ryder never forgot Brinley. In fact, those perfect seven minutes permanently raised the bar for what a kiss could be. The truth is, Ryder doesn’t dare get too close to anyone. He knows how that worked out for his parents. But when his roommate takes a shot at Brinley, Ryder can’t contain his jealousy. Now he must do the hardest thing he’s ever done: forget about sex and convince Brinley his feelings are real.

Brinley isn’t sure whether she believes Ryder, but for the first time, her body isn’t playing by the rules. Then she discovers that she’s an unwilling part of a cruel game, humiliating her all over again—and Ryder might be to blame. Has Brinley’s little crush turned into a huge mistake . . . or has she found the one guy worth trusting with her heart?

Review: *I was given an ARC for an honest review*

This book was a classic New Adult book, and frankly, I like it. I like what I like and sometimes I just want to read what I like ... You got me?!?!?! Good! I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of other new adult books that I have read before, in the fact that it has the same layout. Good girl, deceptively bad boy, both have issues, college, and a past. But I like the way this was written. I liked the characters and the lack of extreme situations. I love the side characters. I just really loved this book. It flowed really easy for me and I read it in less than a day.

So the characters ... both Ryder and Brinley didn't really play any games about their feelings. Well maybe Ryder a little bit, but c'mon, there had to be some give and take. Brinley was just very accepting of what she wanted and I liked that. She was very mature about a relationship. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't and she was willing to take that chance. I always find books with females who are open to the possibility of love much more enjoyable. The story then becomes solely focused on the building of the relationship between characters. I tend to fall more in love with those characters and their story. I also enjoyed the reprieve from an overly tragic story. Don't get me wrong, I love a story when characters have a tragic past they overcome, but I was in a place when reading this that I just needed a break, and this book gave it to me. Brinley had issues with her mom, but they weren't this HUGE dark cloud hanging over her head. We really got to know her and see her grow without the constant reminder that she is damaged. In fact, it only added to her maturity and made her more relatable. 

The same with Ryder. He had some upsets in his past, but nothing horrifying. Just something that made an impact. He was a sexy character. He was forward ... I mean he did not play coy or anything. He kissed Brinley right there in the coffee shop and I was all about that. SEXY!! And that lip ring ... I mean really ... I wanted to nibble on it a little bit half way through the book. 

The story flowed well and focused on the building of their relationship. There were obstacles they overcame and learned more about each other. Of course the last event was the worst, but it moved along well and I like the way they played out. I also loved the side characters. I enjoyed watching Mason and Brinley's friendship. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, but I enjoyed the struggle throughout. It just gave another bonus to the plot of the book. And then there was Fallon .... At first Fallon was a bit alarming, but by the third comment I was laughing hysterically. She is hilarious and needs a book of her own. Goodness she was hilarious. I'm very much hoping to see some more spin off books from this author. It was an enjoyable read. It was classic new adult in all the right ways. 

This book releases October 21st so go pre-order a copy and enjoy!! At least at it to your TBR list!!

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Where We Belong By K.L. Grayson

Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis: 

I’ve tried several times to regret the events that took place on June 5, 2008, but for the life of me, I can’t. I'd never regret the pain, the suffering, or the heartache because it ultimately led me to the place I am now. And I can’t regret the place I am now. What I still can't figure out is this: how is it possible that the single worst day of my life inadvertently became the very best day?

Five years ago my life was irrevocably changed.

Seventeen minutes was all it took—
to lose my best friend…
to lose the love of my life…

Seventeen minutes was all it took for the seeds of hope—the seeds of my future—to be planted in the worst possible way.

My name is Harley Thompson, and this is my story

Review: 

*ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review* 


I don't give out five stars to books lightly .... but oh my goodness .... five stars all the way. 

Now hear with me through this review, because I am just so excited about so much that I might not be able to make flow as nicely as I want. But I WILL get it all out there. 

First of all, the prologue ... I was sucked in from the prologue. I even stopped and updated my goodreads to say I loved the book after that. That was it for updates, because I just couldn't stop after that. Ain't nobody got time for updates when a book is this good and you want to take every second to read just one more sentence. So anyhoo ... The prologue sucks you in and gives you this look into the dynamic of the book and allows you to feel the devastation of losing so much more than a friend. I'm not going to lie, I did not see that coming. Uhg, and when Tyson is driving away wondering where Harley is, you just want to be like "STOP!! GO BACK!!!" It was heart breaking without really going into detail. I feel like sometimes authors will rip this sorrow from you by going into more details. And when they do that, well of course your going to feel horrified. But for this author to get those same emotions if not more from not giving too many details ... I'm in awe. And that is really the amazing thing about this book. She doesn't need to be graphic to get the emotions from you ... she just writes and I'm drawn into the story. 

Another thing I love; sometimes an author will have this big secret and you can kind of guess what it is, but the reveal is at the end. Grayson just keeps giving you more and more, so your not so anxious to discover the secret that you just want to figure it out already. It's like this book has these explosions that just keep moving this book along. It flows so well. Each piece of information is vital and enjoyable and satisfying to keep you going, but feel like you know what is going on. It is just a really mature book. 

Gosh! I haven't even started on the characters!!! Harley .... I love her. She is strong and beautiful and I love her. 

             "I wish I could say my journey to this happy place was an easy one, but I’d be lying. It was a bitch. My soul was tried and tested, along with the patience of the people I love most in my life. But with their persistence and support, I was able to find peace and smile once again."

If I wasn't into this book before ... well I was after that quote. I think I wanted to be her. Did I mention that this book was written with an epic amount of maturity. She was an honest and true character. I believed her. She was hurt by waht happened and she had honest reactions when it was brought up, but she wasn't traumatized by it and dragging it around with her, letting it pull her down. She was so positive by looking at Max and seeing the silver lining. I loved that she wasn't afraid of her sexuality and being a woman. I'm glad that her character was based on her building relationship with Tyson and not surrounding this entire tragic event. And Tyson ... whew ... what a man's man. He was also and honest and true character. He was honest about his choices, mistakes and reactions. You could tell he was just a typical guy and I liked that. He was some damaged man that needed to be fixed and Harley fixed him. No, they had both reached a point in their lives when they were ready for each other. I think that is what I liked about this book ... it wasn't about fixing each other, it was about just being together and making a future despite the past. By the way Tyson was funny when he got sentimental ... 

                      "My knees bounce nervously under the table. I stare at my phone for a full minute before I realize what I'm doing. Jesus Christ, when did I grow a fucking vagina?"

He mentions his "vagina" frequently ... and I laughed every time. You definitely get that he is a strong guy. So when he discovers the what, how, and why of what happened to Harley, his reaction is epic. It was probably the hardest part of the book. Oh my goodness ... tears you guys ... I had tears. I am not a crier, but it was just so sad to see him fall apart. 

On the flip side ... the sex scenes were steamy and well worth the wait ... 

                      "“I’m going to take my time with you," he whispers, his breath warm on my skin as he lowers himself between my legs. I squeeze my eyes shut, a harsh moan falling from my lips when I feel his tongue slide across my apex, mere inches from my core. His hands spread my lips apart and I wait for him to devour me. “Watch. Me,” he growls and my eyes snap open. With a devilish grin on his face, he lowers his lips to my clit. The pad of his tongue slides down my core. My toes curl and my heels dig into the bed. With each lick and every suck, my moans grow louder."

Whew!!! *fans face* 

Finally the side characters ... I loved them. Quinn is my favorite and I hope and pray she gets her own book. She is another strong woman, and we need more awesome books about strong women. Also, Levi, I feel in love with him in the beginning and I kind of wish he didn't fade out towards the end. I was expecting to see more about their relationship. I hope he gets his own book too. 

Okay, okay, I'm done. I could write more but I'm just going to say this ... GO BUY THE BOOK!!! It's worth it and you will love it. This is one of my new favorites! I'm so thankful that I was able to stumble upon it! Enjoy!!! 

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Adam's List by Jennifer Anne

Rating: 3.75 stars

Synopsis: She's ready to give up on life, hiding her depression with sarcasm and booze. He's got a secret and quit college, with few friends to lean on. When they discover each other, the sexual attraction is undeniable. So why does it seem impossible for them to be together?

Everyone wanted to be Jewels Peterson in high school. Naturally beautiful, exceptionally smart, talented cheerleader, life of the party, and with an All-American boyfriend to boot. One regrettable choice and fatal accident later, and Jewels found herself unceremoniously knocked off her pedestal. Now she’s in college, going through the motions, but not really living.

Adam Murphy is easy-going, charming, considerate, and crazy good looking; he’s exactly the kind of guy Jewels pictures herself being happy with. But Jewels is already involved with someone, and Adam makes it known that he’s guarding a dark secret, one that makes him the wrong guy for her. Trumped by the promise of an innocent friendship, Jewels is forced to ignore her overwhelming hunger for Adam.

After Jewels unknowingly helps Adam create a bucket list, they embark on the adventure of a lifetime that pushes their platonic relationship to its limits. But does she want to be with Adam without knowing the truth behind the skeletons in his closet, or is being with him just another pointless thing in her life?

Review: I was given this book for an honest review. 

I gave it a 3.75. It wasn't quite a 4 for me, but better than a 3.5. 

I liked this book a lot. I liked the story concept and how it was written. It definitely took us on a long journey that I enjoyed reading. 

In this story we learn about Jewels meeting Adam and watch their relationship grow. When she meets Adam she is slightly involved with someone, but we soon realize that it is nothing more than sex. It's an interesting beginning because we kind of only get slight glimpses at each character. We know Levi is older, but not how much older. Part of me pictured this guy in his thirties ... not at all. Then we meet Adam and we don't really know too much about him either. He's definitely protective of Jewels, but is he more geeky or bad boy? Is he more playboy or serious? Is he rich or poor? We don't get this information until later in the book. Same questions with Jewels. Part of me wishes that we knew this information earlier, but another part likes the slow reveals. I ended up really liking Jewels. Early on I pictured her as this really preppy cheerleader who was stuck up and rude and maybe had this fall from grace that led to her being a grunge and recluse. I think she was always who she is throughout the book and I ended up liking her character. If for nothing else than her sense of humor and music interests. She was someone who seemed nice with close friends and always had a love of music and sense of humor. We don't get any real solid story on what happened to her with her mental breakdown. We get it in its and pieces, so sometimes it's hard to follow. 

I really liked her friend Kelly and I'm looking forward to the next book, which is Kelly's. She was funny and I like the way that she reacted with Jewels. She was the voice of reason and realistic options for Jewels when she needed it. Adam was a good guy, but there were times where I still feel like I didn't get to know him as much as I wanted to. 

I feel like this book was broken up into two parts. Before the trip and during the trip. I think of some of the parts in the beginning that occurred with Levi and Jewels that I'm not sure were important, but at the same time it really made the story and build up between Adam and Jewels more informative. Even though it seemed irrelevant in the end.

the thing that kept me from giving this books a solid four was that I wasn't sure I really believed the build up between Jewels and Adam. I was almost just as thrown as Jewels when the time came that Adam finally kissed her. I know it was supposed to be passionate and feeling ... but I just wasn't really into it. There were a lot of time when Jewels debated her feelings with Adam and I didn't really believe the back and forth. Jewels went on and on in the beginning about how much she was falling for him that I didn't believe her when she was trying to fight them later on. That being said, once they finally got together, I was in it with them. I loved the relationship and the sorrow that I felt through this book. I loved the story and while Adam's actual secret may have crossed my mind, I wasn't 100%. I loved the twist and I felt the sorrow. It was just written very well. This book was also written really well to be set up for following books about characters in this book. I'm excited to see more from this author and plan on reading any other books to follow. Enjoy!!