​PAPER PRINCESS (Royals series) by Erin Watt
So I am going to start this edition off with a bang and with one of my favourite, FAVOURITE series. The Royal Series (Paper Princess, Broken Prince and Twisted Palace) was one of those book series I just devoured. For those who know I love the Fallen Crest series, this to me, had similarities.
The heroine (Ella) being 'adopted' (moving) into the brothers family... Check!
​The heroine's own family drama/secrets coming out... Check!
​The alpha, cocky, gorgeous, lovable brothers who learn to adore and protec her.... Check!
But what made this its own story was the writing, the characters and the chemistry... oh lord, the chemistry. I love me a little mystery and drama, and I love the quiet, alpha-type heros. And my love for Mason Kade, was brought to the ultimate test with the very lovable Reed Royal. There were times I wanted to smack Reed across the head for being so stupid, but alas, thats the kind of book boy we love to hate. His devotion, loyalty and the powerful love he had for Ella was off the charts. I really enjoyed this series and it is definitely a series I will re-read over and over. Loved it!

OBSIDIAN (Lux Series) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
What can I say about this series, except that I freaking loved it! It was different to my usual darker read, but the constant recommendations from friends about this series had me deciding to bite the bullet. And I wasn't disappointed. I'll simplify it a little by saying it reminded me of a cross between Twilight and Roswell (for those that remember that Alien tv show with the gorgeous cast). Set in highschool, the new girl meets her bubbly and beautiful neighbour Dee and she's excited about the prospect of making a new friend in a strange town; until she meets her brother Daemon. Now Daemon is an arsehole. Just putting it out there. But as the story evolves you discover their secrets, and the friendship between the three of them transforms into an entirely different world that you can't help but be sucked into. Now its obvious for those who know what I like that I LOVED Daemon. As far as book boys go, he was utterly awesome. But what I loved about this was the draw I felt for our heroine Katy. She had some back bone, which is hard to come by in books of late and I loved that she stayed true to that throughout the series.

 KING & TYRANT, by T.M Frazier
​So I just finished this series and my God, I just realised how much of a sucker I am for dark romances. These two books, cant get much more confronting. Themes like drug use, rape, killing and a whole stack of violence and in-humane behaviour are quite confronting topics to read about. But whilst these serious issues could lead to a variety of unease when reading about them; the flip of the coin is the relationship between King and Doe. From the time these two lost souls meet, to the times when they are torn apart. Both from their own choices or by outside forces - you honestly get caught up in rooting for these two to work it out. Doe cant remember her past, and is living a life where she can barely survive each day, and King, hes a bad ass ex-felon who believes he isn't worth anything except the chance to live his non-emotional life with his bestfriend. That life for him, consists of endless women, killing and money, until little lost Doe 'Ray' stumbles into his crazy world. Enjoy the journey with these two. Whilst it's angsty and quite a wild ride - their story is one worth reading about.

GINGERS HEART by Katy Regnery
​This book came recommended by a friend and I have to say I enjoyed this sweet, less angsty read. It was a light read, flowed nicely (although at times it was repetitive), and I enjoyed watching this story unfold. Ginger was best friends with two completely opposite cousins growing up. Woodman was her white, shining knight; and Cain was her dark, broody wolf. It was common knowledge that Ginger would end up with Woodman. Their families knew it, Woodman prayed for it, and Ginger..? Well, she cared for him, but always felt alive around Cain. Unfortunately, despite Cain feeling the same about her, he was a self-destructive bad boy who didn't want to tread on his cousins shoes (or heart) - hence the root of the drama between this love triangle. Another first for me with this one, as I usually don't enjoy the sweet reads, and this was told in third person but from everyones POV at one point or another. It was hard for me to get used to, but I just really wanted to know what happened. I was so hooked on the first half of this story, but have to admit by the second half I skimmed just to see where it ended. I did love Cain - as those who read these posts know I love the leads a little rough and damaged ;) but hoped the story wouldn't have turned in a few places it did ( no spoiling I promise ) All in all, if you enjoy a light, easy read, with little angst - give this one a go.

BLACK by T.L Smith
So this book came up on one of my bloggers I follow and I read the synopsis and was so eager to read it. I really worry when this happens, as the book usually disappoints me, however this was NOT the case with this one! I absolutely loved it! 
Black is about a man who has a dark soul. He keeps his distance from people and human emotions, does his 'job' and leads a quiet and empty life. He always remembers the girl in his neighbourhood from his childhood though, and how her 'light' used to brighten his dark soul. But when he sees this blast from his past looking anything but the spark he remembers - he jumps in to help her. He isnt sure why. He doesnt do feelings. But he is determined to bring her light back so she can shine like she always did. 
Ah, I literally get the tingles just thinking about their journey. Yes, this story is dark and contains quite confronting themes at times - but at the core is a developing story about two individuals who are trying to find themselves amongst the insanity. I could not put this book down and cannot wait until the next one is finished! Did I mention that I loved this book? :)

BALLER by V.I Keeland
This is the second story I have read from Keeland and I am starting to see that this lady knows how to write male leads. This story centres around a journalist who is determined to get ahead in her career, despite being a female in a heavily dominated male industry; and the cocky athlete who is out to have a good time at any cost. 
On the surface this story has been done many times before, but as soon as I started this I had a real hard time putting the darn thing down. And it all came down to Mr Brody Easton. Oh my. He was arrogant, cocky and a typical male alpha athlete - but the banter between feisty Delilah and Brody was so captivating, that I would at times find myself smiling and giggling. I really enjoyed this story and the evolution of their relationship. Their struggles were real in their industry and I loved the fact that Delilah was career driven and strong, unlike some other wishy washy females of late. She didnt need (or want) rescuing from the confident Brody - she honestly needed to work out on her own terms what she wanted from him. 
A great, enjoyable, and fun read that will have you wishing you knew some cocky footballers of your own to banter with ;)

ROOMHATE by Penelope Ward
Again, another novel that one of my bloggers recommended, and my gosh am I glad I read this one. Eeek! Loved it!!
This was a friends to enemies to friends to lovers story, that evolved so beautifully. Justin and Amelia were best friends since childhood, until a revelation and supposed betrayal of trust - sent Amelia packing. She ran away, leaving her bestie Justin devastated. For years she tried to reach out to him, but he hated her for leaving without a word. When her grandmother leaves her the beachhouse when she dies, she leaves it in both Justin and Amelias hands. After years apart Amelia was meeting Justin again, and also Justins girlfriend. This story was written so so well. The development between all of the characters felt realistic and the reasons behind Justins anger toward Amelia felt justified too. Justins character was dreamy and strong, without being cheesy that he actually reminded me a lot of Kellan from Thoughtless (for any Kellan fans out there) He had the right amount of everything to make him such a great male lead in this story - who really wanted to find himself after feeling so lost over the years without his 'patch' (Amelia).
I really, really enjoyed this and would happily recommend away! Loved it!

WAITING ON THE SIDELINES by Ginger Scott
This novel came up on a bloggers feed I follow, and despite it sounding a little familiar for this genre - something about it appealed to me and I just had to read it. On the surface this story is about the usual high profile school jock and the tomboy outsider. But what appealed to me was that this story started in highschool and saw their journey end in college. This meant the span of their friendship/relationship journey was set over a couple of years.
For those who know me, know I need a hook to get completely captured by a story and despite the drama of ups and downs that I usually love in these friends to lovers stories - it just didnt happen for me. I did enjoy it, and loved seeing Reed's evolution; however too many of the 'miscommunications' between these two meant it fell a little flat for me.

NOVEMBER 9 by Colleen Hoover
Okay, so one of my favourite reads ever has to be Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. I have to admit when I became introduced to this genre early last year, I had literally smashed through several Colleen Hoover books and I did enjoy them a lot. 
First, Ill get the obvious out of the way. Her writing, storytelling, and characters - always fantastic. I even found the entire idea of this story really interesting, which is why I was also salivating to read it. But for some reason, it fell a little flat for me.. (yes I am starting to see I use that line WAY too much!)
Now read the reviews. The MANY reviews. It is probably just me. But I just couldn't get my head around the fact that the main characters just insisted to not contact one another each year. In a world that is so dominated by so easily keeping in touch with people - as each year passes and they spent such little time together - the more I lost interest and lost their connection. 
Now PLEASE don't send me hate mail! I love, love her stories and since I am completely alone on my thoughts on this novel, I will more than likely read it again. ;)

 THIRD BASE by Heidi McLaughlin
This was a book I had seen on a book bloggers promotional post, and the synopsis had me salivating to read it! It would be my first Heidi McLaughlin book as well I know, crazy right! and I pre-ordered and read it the day it came out. I'm not going to lie. It took me awhile to get into this story. For some reason, for me, the synopsis didn't hit the mark to accurately describe the book. I didn't really feel the main character was as he had been alluded to, and therefore found it hard to get into Ethan and Daisy's story. 
I did enjoy it by the end, even though I did predict the big curveball that was thrown - but I have to admit I wasn't entirely convinced by Ethan :( I have to say, I did LOVE that this was in his pov which was a fantastic change of pace, and I also enjoyed her writing style. I definitely don't think this will be my last Ms McLaughlin read that's for sure :)

ZACK by Sawyer Bennett
Another author I had not read, and again, I am certain I will read others by this talented writer. This book is in the Cold Fury Hockey Series. Whilst it isn't the first book in this series, they can be read as stand alones and during my annoying habit of researching books to death before I read them Yes it is a VERY bad habit.. I decided to read Zack! And...? 
I am SO glad I did! This story was a sports romance yes, but most books in this genre that I have read tend be more of a college based. What I liked about this was that he had a career as a professional athlete and had a life outside of it - which was as a single father to his son. Bring in a geeky looking nanny and I bet most of you are thinking it's way too cheesy and predictable. I suppose for some parts you are right; but what made this book so enjoyable for me is quite simply... ZACK. He had just the right amount of, well, everything, that I found myself understanding and knowing him. A really sweet read, that isn't too intense and is hard not to love.

THE HOOKUP by Kristin Callihan

So this was one book I have picked up before and tried to get into. It is constantly showing up on my recommended books. Obviously I am into swoon-worthy, angsty, collegey type NA books :) Who would've thought?!?

So after failing to read this last time, I dug it out and started it again. Whilst the story developed well and the writing was great - it didn't grab me like other similar books in this genre. It might just be me, as this book is rated quite well - but for me, there has to be a hook to grab me. Whether that's the characters, the journey, the emotional development... just something. I kept waiting for it to happen, but it just didn't - which is a shame. For those that do love your sports college romances, and a really nice, sweet guy - you will like this book.

On second thought, It is probably just me. I think I like my main men a little damaged and broken :) Issues... :)

EMPATHY by Ker Dukey
Well those that know me well, know I am rarely left speechless - but this novel (series) did just that. I literally had more than one 'WTF' moment whilst reading this series. Not usually my go-to type of book, as this one was dark. Very dark and twisted. If you are into all things killing, manipulation, and soulless human beings - this would be right up your alley! The first book I did enjoy as the romance element and strong love between the two main characters was built beautifully and woven through the story. I really enjoyed it, despite me feeling queasy at some of the scenes - I am a massive sook though :) 
Unfortunately for me, the later books in this series just got far too twisted and removed from the core love story that I fell for in book one. An unpredictable, twisted story with many unpredictable moments -  just not for the faint hearted.

THE END GAME by Kate McCarthy
There were two main reasons I picked up this novel. The first being the book cover. It was pointing towards all kinds of a sweet and sporty romance which instantly drew me to the characters on the cover. The second reason was the fact that it was an Australian author with an Aussie female main character - who also happened to be a star athlete. Yes, it wasn't just the guy who was the superstar sportsman - Jordan was the 'ít' girl in her chosen sport too. 
I really enjoyed this sports story, as for me, it was far different to others in its genre. I felt the battles this couple went through were very real, and it was a relief that they were dealing with more current situations than a severe dark past like in others. An easy read if you enjoy your angsty college romances, where there are many hurdles faced in order for the two to find a happy ending.

WHEN IT RAINS by Lisa De Jong
Yes, we all know - I love love. One thing you may not know, is I am not a fan of tear jerkers. It isnt the fact that I get emotional over a book; no, not at all. I guess it's the fact that I read to escape and to feel good. When a novel is gut wrenchingly sad - I can't handle it. So this brings me to 'When It Rains.' Prepare yourself. It. Is. A. Tearjerker.
I wasn't expecting this at all. The story follows a girl and her bestie that is honestly the sweetest guy in the world. He loves her. She loves him. But she isn't ready for him to know her that way. When he goes off to college, she meets a new mystery guy called Asher. On the outside, he appears like he is not right for her - but he too, is the sweetest guy in town. Yes, I know what you are all thinking. Where are of these sweet guys in our towns?!?
Anyway, this story has some nice twists and explores the possibilities of love, soul mates, and how certain people are just right for certain times of your life. A different (and did I mention teary) story that really crawled its way into my heart; despite being drowned by salty tears. ;)

THE HURRICANE by R.J Prescott
When I started this book I didn't think I would like it. And you know what, I was right.... I loved it!

This book follows the story of smart mathematician Emily, who befriends an old owner of a gym during her shifts at the local diner where she struggles to make ends meet. Its through this guy she meets Cormac. A lethal weapon in the ring and to the outside world. Now despite this sounding similar to a lot of other novels out there - it's better. Well written, captivating with enough drama to keep you in without it pushing you away. I really enjoyed this read, and look forward to the sequel which comes out soon (hopefully) :)

LAWLESS by Tracey Ward
A book about a good-looking and laid back surfer who commits to nothing except the ocean; and the day he crosses paths with a local girl who he has known about forever. The two never really make contact despite always crossing paths until the day she is in the ocean and almost doesn't make it out in one piece. 

This book doesn't only tell the story of a growing romance, but facing fears and dealing with your past; and that sometimes what you see isn't what lies beneath. An easy read with a story that develops nicely.

BEAT by Vi Keeland
Lucky feels she is just that. Girlfriend to her long term boyfriend who also happens to be a famous rock star, and forging her own career that she loves. She has everything she ever wanted. But something appears to be missing, and she doesn't really know it...

That is until the pre-show entertainment arrives on tour in the form of cocky newbie Flynn Ryder. The friendship and connection between these two is what holds the story together for me, and also Lucky's struggles with why she feels the way she does considering she has everything she wants. Not usually a fan of love triangles, but I did enjoy this and their journey. Flynn is also that perfect combination of cocky and sweet.