Fuck Love Review

Author: Tarryn Fisher

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

Rating: 5 STARS!!!

“We were both on the search for something true at the same time. Sometimes a person’s truth is another person’s love.”

Fuck Love is a game changer for me. This novel is out of this world amazing. I sat through reading this novel thinking "OMG, HOW AM I ALLOWED TO BE PART OF THIS?" The story line is so authentic and so heartbreaking beautiful, I spent most of this novel in tears (but happy and sad). There are just stories that INSTANTLY click with you and this was it. From the first word in, I was hooked. Tarryn Fisher became my drug dealer and her books are my drugs!!!!

"...Being Single. It’s freedom and loneliness, exhilaration and inner calm. It’s the best high and the worst low.”

Have you ever had a dream that just changed everything? That alters everything you knew about yourself and your future? Well, Helena did! And from the moment it happened, her world changed. It was the sort of dream that made you question all the decisions that bring you to a certain point in life. Helena decides the dream is a wake up call to start living her authentic self and being the person she was supposed to be! She is a crazy, weird, bubbly, contemplative character and one of the best characters I have read so far. Most importantly, she is trying to find herself and accept herself. 

"I don’t want to be someone’s ‘girl who got away.’ I want to be someone’s ‘girl who’d I’d never let get away.'" 

Kit Isley is equally charming, honest, and compassionate. Their story gives me the chills even thinking about it now! :D They meet in college where they are both at different stages in their lives and have different commitments (cough cough). They spend a majority of the novel not knowing each other too well. Their friendship begins to grow and so does their trust. 

Because I’m not brave enough to change with everyone watching me.I’m scared of what they’ll really think of me. If I embrace who I know I am.

Fuck Love does have some romance, but saying it is a romance love diminishes ( just had a economics exam, mind my econ terms) its complexity and depth. I loved it with all my heart! What makes a great romance novel is incorporating all these other factors, such as friendship, family, truth and acceptance, into one cohesive evolving element. It was no overly-dramatic or angsty, it was a great balance between romance and a coming of age/a search for the truth. 

What does it feel like? I ask myself. Like cold air in your lungs after too much warm air. Maybe this is how you feel when you find your place in the world.

And, it is weird to say, but I don't think I will read it ever again! It was/is powerful as it is. 

“Okay, but I’m trying to find myself.”

Greer grins. “That, my dear, is the scariest thing you’re ever going to do.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you might not like what you find.”

Please read this! :D

Trying to walk away from something you love is like trying to drown yourself. You want to, but it’s unnatural to not crave air. Your body demands it; your mind says you need it. Eventually you break to the surface, gasping and unable to deny yourself that basic need of air. Of love. Of fierce desire.

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

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Complicate Me Review

Author: M. Robinson

Genre: Romance, Mature, Coming of Age

Rating: 5 Stars

Our first kiss was our beginning and in some ways our end.

I just know that after M. Robinson finished this novel, she smirked at her manuscript, smoked a cigar and thought, "let me give my readers hell". And hell she brought. The most wonderful kind of hell. Complicate Me was simply a stunning literary work. It was authentic, captivating and heartwarming while still being brutally tragic and raw. Complicate Me encapsulates the beauty, pain and happiness of life. 

She would tell me later in life that nothing calmed her more than my arms around her, and if I had known that then, I would have held her every time she looked at me with sadness or disappointment. And maybe it could have helped heal the wounds that I cut along the way.

In this little town of Oak Island, the story of Alex and Lucas begins. Now I know what you are all thinking; another romance story, sigh, what is new? And I am here to say that Complicate Me is refreshingly new, original and kick ass. Alex and Lucas have been best friends, soulmates, and each others salvation since birth. Complicate Me begins at the end and goes through the chain of the events that lead to a heartbrokenly powerful moment. Most importantly, Complicate Me felt like an out of body experience as I vividly lived through someone else's story. It taught me to live. 

“You’re a good girl, Alexandra. That’s what makes you my Half-Pint. You’re the calm to my storm. It’s always been that way,” he paused to let his words sink in. “You’re my refuge.”

Being best friends, one would assume things would come easy for Alex and Lucas. It becomes blatantly clear that this is not the case. Alex is born a few years after Lucas and her three other best friends, Jacob, Austin and Dylan, and because of that she has always been seen as "the baby". As they all begin to grow up, Alex struggles to break out of their image of her. Mostly, she struggles to show Lucas that she is conscious and mature enough to see the impenetrable bond between themselves. Lucas struggles with accepting that Alex will not always be his brown-eyed girl. 

I was slapped in the face with my own hurricane. The winds turned against me and I didn’t even fight it. I let it take hold. I deserved it all.

There are so many turns and obstacles that both Alex and Lucas have to face. What sets this novel apart from others is its theme. Not only are we in the search for love but also comfort with being ourselves. Ultimately, it is a coming of age story, trying to find your place in the world and accepting everything that you are. Every character in this novel is constantly evolving and growing through their life experiences. M. Robinson shows both the happy and the dark moments, creating a constant rollercoaster ride of emotions. I was on the edge of my seat through out this reading experience (I still am from the ending...on to book 2). 

I loved picking on her as much as the other boys did. I believed it was in my blood to do it. My dad picked on my mom relentlessly, and my grandfather did the same with my grandmother. It was a Ryder trait. If we didn’t pick on our girls, then we didn’t love them enough. My dad constantly reminded my mom that the day he stopped picking on her would be the day he stopped loving her.

M. Robinson creates a great romance novel and ultimately a great life novel. The characters were all so dynamic, witty, intuitive and just plain fun. There were moments where I wanted to become part of their family; they are literally SQUAD GOALS! The plot is simple yet complex at the same time, having a lot of substance and depth to it. Ultimately, I just loved, LOVED, Complicate ME. I would honestly not change one thing. 

“One day I’m going to fall in love and he’s going to love me fearlessly. He’s going to protect me and fight for me. He won’t care about what anyone thinks, because he’s not a dummy like you are. We’re going to be happy because all you need is love."

There is something about love stories that bloom from childhood that always tugs at my heart. I think it is the truest form of love; it is a time where we are too young to be dishonest with ourselves, where society's expectations haven't hammered down on us, and we are unabashedly free. Complicate Me, at its core, is liberating. I loved and hated reading it. 

I love every single thing about you. I love you because I need you. I love you because there is no me without you. I love you because I can’t stop loving you, and I would be lying if I said I had tried.

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

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Breathing Fire Review

Author: Rebecca K. Lilley

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 Stars

" Things have been too fucking calm lately.  I’m ready for a storm.”

Breathing Fire has been on my to-be-read for far too long. I curse at my previous self for never having the balls to read this. Breathing Fire is a great urban fantasy novel. It encompasses all the good attributes of the genre. We are introduced into a compelling society with magic and mischief. After reading Eragon, stories involving dragons and folklore have always interested me. Breathing Fire is a cup of fresh air in the Urban Fantasy department, continuously engaging the reader.

“Kinda?” “Yes, I have a plan, kinda-ish.” “Ish?” “Ish.  Worst-case scenario, I’ll have to go see Dom.  But I should have it under control.  Ish.” “Your confidence is inspiring-ish.”

The heretic sisters are two siblings who come from an infamous dragon line. Both sisters escaped in order to escape the brutality that is forced upon women with dragons. Being on the run for a few years leaves them apprehensive and anxious of the people around them. Especially the druids, the guards and watchers of the magical society. This all goes to hell when Jillian unintentionally falls in-love with the most powerful druid. And leaves him.

“But I suppose, in the dark, lying down, it’s all the same to you.”

Fast forward to the present, two druids enter jillian's book store  in order to retrieve their registration documents. The danger of being recorded on the public druid system is their exposure to the dragons they are running away from. In order to prevent this, Jillian takes some harsh measures to ensure that her dragon family will not find them. This means asking help from the one person who loved, now vehemently hates her... the highest ranked druid, the Arch. This is a crazy journey around Las Vegas filled with action, mischief and classic banter. 

The pain was sharp and enduring.    He was the only thing in my life I’d ever wanted badly enough that it made me shake like an addict.

Overall, I really enjoyed Breathing Fire. I wouldn't say it was my top urban fantasy novel ( that spot is saved for the Kate Daniels series) but it has the potential to be. I really loved Jillian; there is something about powerful, smart and driven women that makes a story more enriching. Yes, there were moments where I was pissed at her, but she remained a strong MC through out the whole novel. Her sarcastic, witty and cynical humour got to me and just made the reading experience that more vibrant. Not only that but the support characters were all complex and unique in their own way. It created a versatile world with enigmatic individuals. Excited to explore more of these character developments in the sequel. 

Sometimes you have to laugh in the face of the things that scare you about yourself, or the fear alone will drive you mad.

As I mentioned previously, the plot is fast paced and hectic, which I love! However, there were some plot developments that just didn't make sense (especially in the end). This didn't necessarily detract from the novel, just something a few readers have picked up. Hoping for more action and battle scenes in the sequel as those were written in a superb manner. 

“Right this way, Barbie and Ken,” Corbin said, heading resolutely towards the house.   “Okay, Buffy,” I murmured to his back.  He’d started the name calling, after all.   He stifled a laugh.  “Guess I asked for that,” he said, his voice pitched-low.    “That round went to Barbie,” Christian added, helpful as always.

I urge and beg you (yes, you!) to read Breathing Fire. It was an amazing and fun-as-hell reading experience!

“Damn you,” he said roughly, kissing me with all of his pent-up rage and anger.  “Damn me,” I agreed, when he finally came up for air.  The storm took us yet again.

Find Breathing Fire on Amazon and Goodreads!

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Black Lies Review

Author: Alessandra Torre

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Dark

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Alessandra Torre once again surprises everyone with a dynamic and complex story of love, devotion and decisions. This summer, Hollywood Dirt was released and to be brutally honest, it didn't live up to my expectations from such a authentic author! This right here, reading Black Ties, restored my faith in Alessandra Torre. She has an epic craft of creating the most original and entertaining love stories out there. It is an ingenious craft. 

The synopsis remains intentionally vague and indistinct. For this reason, my review will take on the same theme. I beg anyone planning to read this to go into to blind. Having a blank slate makes the reading experience so much more vibrant and enjoyable. It is like going to a horror movie and knowing what will happen; it takes off the edge factor.... You REALLY don't want to lose the edge factor with this novel. 

“You been hurt?” 

“Not yet.” 

He stared at me so steadily, an odd emphasis placed on the words, as if he was giving his heart to me with both hands, certain that it would lead to his demise.

At the age of 29, Layanna is placed at the pinnacle of her life, she loves two men wholeheartedly. Now some people would justifiably say that is not a good enough excuse for "stringing" along two men. However,  Alessandra Torre takes us into this world of greyness, a world where everything isn't as seems. One has to maintain their wit in the hopes of not being too disillusioned. More than being a good read, the novel is a real life game between reality and abstraction. 

“Yeah. I couldn’t even tell you where I’ve been. Everything…” he grew quiet. “Everything fades unless I’m with you.” It should have been a compliment. Instead, it felt more like a prison sentence. A statement of fact. 

I didn’t respond.

The characters were all so complex and evolutionary. The development is phenomenal and really bring together the ending (can we call it an ending with that prologue though? who knows...). They were all so distinct, flawed and human. Torre personified human ambitions and faults through her characters, adding substance and complexity to Black Lies. 

“Why’d you leave with me?” Open curiosity in his eyes. Like any woman needed to explain running off with a billionaire. “I figured you should have one night you didn’t have to pay for.” 

His eyes smiled. “I like paying.”

 I was honestly enamoured throughout Black Lies. It pulls you into the core and everything else around ceases to be real. I was hypnotised and spellbound. I really recommend this novel for anyone who loves romance and is willing to have your mind challenged, if not, misled. 

“I loved you. I still love you. Even when I hate you, I love you. I always will. I’m not a smart man, but I know that."

Find this gem on Goodreads or Amazon!

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Before We Were Strangers Review

Author: Renée Carlino
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 5 stars

We both cried together, surrendering to the reality that we had to accept. 

I have been so scared of reviewing Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino for some particular reason. Maybe it's the fact that it affected me so much that every time I think about the novel, I want to burst into tears. This is not a normal reaction. It is also not a rational or explainable reaction. It is what it is. And Before We Were Strangers is definitely brilliant.

Friends forever might have been a tired expression, but when he asked, it was like music or poetry. I knew it meant something else. I knew it meant I need you in my life.

Matt and Grace met in NYU at what was arguably the best time of their lives. They were both artists with strong pasts. They became fast friends, creating such a unique and poignant bond that almost nothing could tarnish it. Both leaned on each other and complemented each other on a physical, emotional and psychological level. This is hard to achieve. It is even harder to create such a distinct and raw relationship in a novel; Renée Carlino achieved it all. 

Three seconds doesn’t seem like a long time, but when you’re gazing into someone’s eyes, it’s long enough to make a silent promise.

The operative word used previously was "almost" when stating that few things could have endangered Matt and Grace's relationship. There were a few instances where their relationship was tested and pulled. What I loved most about this story was the authenticity and rawness in the conflicts. It felt so authentic, mimicking real life and its struggles. This makes the reader relate to the issues presented. It makes you care. It makes you feel. It makes you think and question your own life. While reading, thoughts popped up like; I am truly happy? I am living to my most potential? When I look at myself, am I the person I wanted to be? These are simple thoughts but the fact that someone else story could make me question my own was a bit unnerving. 

Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.

A truly great novel doesn't need flash, glitter or a production. It just needs to break the barrier between the reader and touch the heart. Great novels makes you feel. I state this a lot in my reviews, but its the truth. Feeling reminds us we are human, we are vulnerable and susceptible to the world. Before We Were Strangers felt like drinking wine after a long day. The writing was poetic and basically flowed across the page,as if a song and dance was going on.  The plot remains haunting beautiful, tragic and so so raw. It was gut wrenching and somber. The characters.... were not characters in the manner where you know they are fictional. Before We Were Strangers felt like a glimpse into the genuine lives of two individuals and the world around them.

I became acutely aware of everyone around me carrying on, living life. I was static, standing on the platform, watching train after train go by, wishing I knew which one to be on.

Matt and Grace fought fate and ended up together at the end. The fact that they conquered all odds is heart warming. I really, really enjoyed this novel. It just made me wonder and hope... 

She was perfect . . . poetry in motion—the evidence of a life burning well and bright.

Find this novel on Goodreads and Amazon! 
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Not You It's Me Review

Author: Julie Johnson

Genre:Contemporary, Romance

Rating: 4 Stars

“I can’t imagine there’s any man on earth who would regret kissing you.”

As I read more and more contemporary romance, I begin to feel disappointed in myself for thinking novels like 50 Shades of Grey were a great novels (besides the erotica). As the years continue and romance novels move back to Romance instead of Sex, I feel grateful. Don't get me wrong, sex is a huge part of most relationships, but it is not everything. I loved Not You It's Me because it had the perfect balance of both. First of all, Julie Johnson has a name that is just made to be published. I don't know why I find this important but it is! 

I might have given my heart to this novel.I can tell a novel is great from my body's response to it. There were shivers going through me. My body was saying; Yes, MORE of THIS! A novel is great, in my opinion, when it unifies not only your mind but your body, your soul. There is a certain magic in that that I rarely encounter. 

“You’re one of those weirdos who plays chess against himself, and lays awake at night thinking through strategy, and has a first edition of The Art of War on his bookshelf, aren’t you?” I shake my head in faux-exasperation. “I have a strict rule against dating men like that. I don’t want to be the Luke to anyone’s Yoda, you know what I’m saying?”

Not You It's Me is a story about two individuals, Gemma and Chase, brought together from years of pain, anger and disappointment. Gemma Summers is a 29 year old art curator, who is too scared of showing her art, her soul, to the world. Chase Croft is the soon to be CEO of Croft Industries, crushed by the pressure of expectation and duty. During a basketball game, their worlds combine and set in motion a chain of events that end in their happiness. 

“Stop looking at me like that, Gemma,” he says, his voice so low, it sounds like a threat. Probably because it is one. “Like what?” I ask defensively, my eyes locking with his. “Like you’d like to see what not dating me entails.”

Not You It's Me is a beautifully simple story. That is what makes it so special; it allows the reader to explore emotions rather than plot. I was a completely endearing story about struggle and love. The plot could be easily predicted but that didn't take away from the story too much. However, the ending felt too rushed; it could have been developed better to end on a stronger note. But the characters really did make up for it. Both major and minor characters made the novel flow naturally and realistic. I couldn't help but relate to their issues, laughing at their jokes, and crying alongside them.

“I know how it feels to be disappointed by family — by the people who are supposed to love you unconditionally. It’s a betrayal of everything that makes us human.

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Sugar Baby Beautiful Review

Author: J.J.McAvoy

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Dark

Rating: 5 "freely given" stars

Sugar Baby Beautiful by J. J. McAvoy has been taking the book community by storm. Only released on the 21st of August, and its seen an outpour of high reviews and ratings. It makes people wonder, what makes this novel so special? What does it have that can cause such a stir in a community that at most times is critical and apprehensive about most novels. Having my favourite reviewers singing its praise, almost shocked me. This is the moment where I reveal how I judged a book by its cover (I'm sorry but its the first thing you see when you pick up any novel and even though I have been proven time and time again, I still do it). There is a pretty male and female on the cover, which is pretty standard in any contemporary romance. Nothing new , right? Wrong. Wrong in so many ways. 

I can't justify or excuse myself. I entered this book with my own prejudices and judgments, thinking this might be one of those overrated novels. Anyways, now that we have come to the conclusion that I can be an idiot (It really does happen to the best of us), I can get into the review.

Sugar Baby Beautiful is a beautiful story about two broken individuals finding light within each other and also within themselves. It is about coming out of a dark place and still finding a reason to live. It's about compatibility; finding that one person who accepts you flaws and all. Sugar Baby Beautiful might be categorised as contemporary romance, but from what I read and felt, it went far deeper than it has been credited for. It explored the human mind, depression, societies response to such matters, happiness, love, and this self inadequacy that I KNOW we have all felt at some point in time of our lives. J.J. McAvoy effortlessly and artistically approaches dark, and in some societies, taboo subjects.  From my perspective, this novel acted as a mirror, reflecting all my issues, emotions and scars and forcing me to open that floodgate of emotion. 

“Isn’t that the game we’re playing? You tell me to do something, I say no, yet you get me to do it anyway?”

The reader is introduced to Felicity Harper, a woman just trying to deal with life day by day. She lives in an apartment with her best friends, Marc and Chloe; making up her family.  One night, her friends convince her to go to this Sugar Daddy party where she can meet a rich guy and he can provide for her. At first, she is apprehensive about the party, not wanting anything more than sex from her companion. Finally she goes and meets Theo, the owner of the house, and there is instant intense and dark connection between both of them. It felt like two lost souls gravitating toward each other, forming an impenetrable bond. Felicity's music touches Theo and makes him feel, something he hasn't really done for a while. With both of their guards up, they work through their amazing but at times frustrating relationship. When Felicity joins Theo's entertainment company and gala performance, things get a bit REAL. At this point, I can't say any more without ruining the story. But expect the unexpected. There was this point in the novel where Sugar Baby Beautiful transformed from a contemporary romance to dark and uncharacteristically real story. 

The plot...damn...enough said....

The characters... holy mother.....

The last 20% of the novel....shaking my head...

This novel... left me speechless....

“How about Sugar Baby Beautiful?” I replied. He looked confused. “What does that mean?” “I’d like to think it means the kind of beauty even the richest people can’t buy.”

Sugar Baby Beautiful needs to be read. 

You can find this amazing novel on Goodreads, Amazon and Audible!

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The Black Mage: First Year and Apprentice Review

The Black Mage is a new Young Adult Fantasy series revolving around the world of Jerar. It is an original and insightful perspective on magic and power. In this world, from a young age, people have the choice of either staying in the traditional route in life or applying to one of the three war schools: The Academy, The Calvary, or the army. The Academy is the most prestigious of them all, as Mages are of high value in their society. 

In this first novel , First Year, we are introduced to Ryiah, an aspiring Combat Mage. With her brother by her side, they begin the tumultuous year trails at the Academy. Not only are there Combat Mages but also Restoration Mages, who deal with healing, and Alchemy Mages that alter and create various potions and weapons. The students' will and magic are pushed beyond limits, friendships are strained and tested, enemies rear their ugly head, and love sprouts. Each student is there  to prove something, most importantly, Prince Darren the Second Heir of the Crown. Darren and Ryiah form a shaky and unlikely friendship, however, everything isn't as it seems. The big question seems to be; does Ryiah have what it takes to become an apprentice? 

Review:4 STARS In terms of story building, Rachel E. Carter gets an A+ as the descriptions felt effortless and the story continued to flow naturally. Rachel builds this beautiful, but harsh world where power and influence are held at high esteem. The vivid imagery takes away any difficulty with the time period and society. The characters were complex, driven, dark, vulnerable, and endearing. I know I have used a lot of adjectives, but trust me, I could have used so much more! It isn't every day you meet a heroine who isn't naturally the best at her field. Ryiah had to WORK for everything she achieved which made her actions even more honourable. The novel showed so much determination, commitment and passion from Ryiah, even if she didn't have the best odds. Yes, she did make mistakes but what was so remarkable is she did learn from them. The supporting cast deserve a round of applause; the banter and rivalry between the characters made it more enjoyable and added some light into an already dark year of study.  The Academy was brutal and harsh but you couldn't help respect and admire what it all stood for. The plot was well placed but it didn't give the reader much time to adjust to the academy, being a reflection on the characters experiences (good technique , hehe). I am so excited to continue on to the second novel and only hope it is as captivating as the first.

In Apprentice, Ryiah has become the unlikely sixth mage of Combat. However, she realises soon that being an apprentice isn't what its cut out to be. She is stuck for four years with a mentor that hates her and Prince Darren, who only continues to confuse and unravel her. The apprentice combines "boarding school" life with the real world. Being a Mage stops being  romanticised  and  idealised when faced with the implications and                  consequences. As rebel groups grow bigger and tensions arise, Ryiah showcases both her strength and intelligence. There is a four year time span where the reader sees the gradual growth of character, maturity and depth. It is very apparent we do not know the true length of her magic. With all the unknowns, Ryiah and the series have no bounds.... 





My Review:4.5 STARS
I know I am idiot for not giving Apprentice 5 stars or more. But something is holding me back. This novel was truly spectacular as it artistically touched of my favourite themes : Magic and power. There was something very uplifting and real about this sequel. The characters were fearless, strong and 'heroic' whilst still remaining vulnerable and impressionable. There was more darkness, more danger, but also more opportunities to prove oneself. I think I am just holding out for the third book for that last star. In my previous review of First Year , I finished by hoping the sequel would live up to the first. What a fool I was for doubting Rachel E. Carter for a second! She got my back and did not disappoint. Her writing in Apprentice might have even surpassed all of my expectations. The reader is thrown back into the realm of Jerar and the apprenticeship begins in full force. If you thought The Academy was tough, you are out of luck. Ryiah and her friends are thrust into the competitive and intense world of magic. Each character is pushed harder both emotionally and physically. Four years of hard work, dedication, mistakes, pain, loss and struggle accumulate to the ascension. There is much more drama and adventure as the characters are thrown into the real world with a war with a rival kingdoms looming. With that said, it's best to go blind with this novel, the surprises and intensity make the novel even more gripping! 

I can't wait for the next one! *squeals*

Find The Black Mage series on Goodreads and Amazon now!
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Goodbye for now!