Perfect Score (Easton U Pirates #3) [Morgan & Elliot] by Christina Lee

While usually I'm a HUGE fan of Christina, a definite auto-buy / auto-read, this one didn't work for me. I don't know exactly why. I thought maybe it was them being rather young (this IS New Adult), but I think it's mostly the way they circled each other didn't get me excited, rather frustrated by their redundant thoughts, trying to justify every little step they made outside of their friendship as "not a big deal" while it CLEARLY was for both of them. 

Elliot and Morgan have been best friends for years. They love each other dearly and couldn't see themselves living without one another (which is another justification for NEVER changing their bestfriends dynamics). Morgan has a certain disability. I like the way Christina finds unique yet genuine characters, flawed like we all are, even if we don't share exactly what the MCs are dealing with. For Morgan, this is who he is but he IS frustrated people - guys - think less of him or are not interested in him (sexually) due to his disability. Another reason to love Elliot who sees FAR past Morgan's daily difficulties. 

Boyfriend (Moo U #0) [Weston & Abbi] by Sarina Bowen

This book was the exact comfort read I needed. Had a few difficult days, with NO kindle (!)  but I knew there are no excuses when it comes to Sarina. Reading on my phone has been a struggle but I made it work as every page turned I fell for both our MCs. They were beautiful on their own, but together ~sigh~ I couldn't have asked for more. 

Both Abbi and Weston has their own personal issues the people around them know nothing about. It's easier for both of them this way as they need to focus on other things. For Abbi, it's finishing college early, finding a well paying job, enough to leave and be able to take care of herself without her step-father's help. She works 2 jobs, study hard, and somehow manages to keep her grades. It's only a few more months. She can feel it. She doesn't need distractions, especially not in a 'player' like Weston, but his offer is more than intriguing. 

Weston's life used to be quite ideal. Two loving parents, two siblings, playing the sports he loves. Things changed when his parents got divorced. Suddenly it's not such a bad thing being away from home studying at Moo U. It's trickier on the holidays which is why he posts an ad offering to be the perfect (fake) boyfriend (just) for Thanksgiving (if good food in on the menu). 

Waylaid (True North, #8) [Daphne & Rickie] by Sarina Bowen

OMG this book!!!! I feel like this could almost be categorized as Romantic Suspense. The elements to Richie's past put me on edge, and I just couldn't stand not knowing what happened. In a way I think that's why HE couldn't remember. I loved EVERYTHING about this book besides the fact it needed to end and I CLEARLY needed more. It somehow felt different than Sarina's books. I don't remember something as dark and suspenseful. I hope it's something she explores more and if I can suggest - PAUL! But I'm getting ahead of myself as this is Daphne and Richie's story. These two.. ~sigh~

Have you met the Shipleys? If the answer is no WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? or rather what have you been doing with your life since 2016? I'll be the first to admit me and Griffin had our issues way back then but I'm a Sarina's fan through and though so I'm long passed it. Also now we have the True North World with so many authors and sub-genres all taking place in the same area. I'm saying there's A LOT to read but don't be overly intimidated, the series is seriously AWESOME and I truly think it would be better getting to know the other members of the family before delving into this one (though it's not an absolute must). But if you can't commit to 7 books I'd say at least read the previous one "Heartland" of Dylan (Daphne's twin brother) where Rickie is introduced as well. 

Better For You (Harrison Campus #3.5) [Charlie & Evan] by Anyta Sunday & Andy Gallo

Like the previous ones, this was a sweet heartfelt story of two guys coming from very different backgrounds yet having so much in common. Both being shy and a bit insecure not being sure the other was interested but when the two of them were left all along in the dorms on Christmas break it was just the time for finding courage to go after what they wanted. 

The story is told from both guys so it's easy to see how much this new relationship was affecting them. Evan Tergen might be very wealthy but it's exactly why he feels insecure about guys, thinking they are just into his family's wealth. It doesn't help that people perceive him as being stupid because of his learning disabilities. Charlie O’Leary is on a scholarship, while he was interested in Evan before he thought someone like him would never even look at someone from such a different background as well as a geek (and not sporty like Evan). 

Gametime (Moo U #4) [Pax & Naomi] by Jami Davenport

While I enjoyed this book, I can't say I loved it. Maybe it's me feeling so far away from the New Adult genre (or being at that age) it was a rounded up 4 star most of the time. There was a lot of angst from the MCs as well as the (deteriorating) relationship between the twins. At times I was exasperated with them but honestly, if they would have worked things out sooner it wouldn't have felt real, especially considering how young they are (21 years old). I needed to be patient with them in a way like they needed to be with themselves and realize their true priorities but also how to get there and not lose who they are and the people they hold close. It was quite a journey for the three of them (even if we don't really see what happened or WILL happen with Patrick). 

So why am I giving this book a 2 star rating? Because I can't ignore the ending. I don't want to spoiler anything, so I'll just say Jami dealt with a mental situation with one of the characters in a very unprofessional way and since this is MY field of study it really rubbed me the wrong way. I knew it was coming, there were enough hints and honestly if it didn't happen right at the end, I would have put the book aside. 

Heartscape (Vino and Veritas #2) [Tanner & Jax] by Garrett Leigh

Honestly I'm not sure how to review this book. It was SO intense. I wouldn't say it was angsty or maybe it was. These two silent types were hard for me to handle for some reason. It might have been the mood I was in I just wanted them to TALK and say what's on their minds. There were times they read each other's minds and yet there wasn't enough communication and Tanner would be the first to admit it's just something he is bad at. I don't now. I loved how they DID connect through sharing space together and getting to know each other though action and motions. It was quite special. 

Tanner Reid have been living in the town of Burlington for most of his life but now he is sort of lost. A job as a bar manager from Harrison (the owner and Vino and Veritas and the MC in the 1st installment "Featherbed" by Annabeth Albert) is literally a life-saver for him. He might not know anything about wine but he's willing to learn and surprisingly enough he now loves the job and the people who work for him. When a communal house burns down close to the bar he finds himself offering a stranger a place to stay. It's not something he would expect himself to do, but there is very little he is willing to deny his best friend Eve who considering the (complicated) relationship she have had forever with his brother is family or as close as he can get anyway. 

Pretty Wild (Boys in Makeup #3) [Skyler & Clark] by Christina Lee & Riley Hart

If there is a theme in this series I'd say it's how FREAKING ADORABLE all these couples are. This one was a DELICOUS slow burn best friends to lovers which is my absolute favorite trope. I read it in one sitting not wanting to put it down (also why I timed it on the weekend ;)). Skyler and Clark might seem to be polar opposites but I don't think they are and if they are they totally and absolutely complete each other. 

Skyler and Clark first met when they were 12 years old at gymnastics. Though they come from VERY different backgrounds they hit it off from the start. They might have not realized it at the time but they were each other's first crush. When Clark's parents saw the class brought somethings they weren't so pleased with they pull him out of the class and that's the last they see of one another until a very familiar face pops up on Skyler's Instagram. 

Featherbed (Vino & Veritas #1) [Harrison & Finn] by Annabeth Albert

This book was simply ADORABLE. I loved the whole feel of it. It was strange getting Sarina's Vermont in someone else's point of view, but it also made it somewhat more "real". While this wasn't a true full length novel I still felt like the arc both characters went through (mainly Harrison) was genuine. I think he needed a sort of "excuse" to live and Finn was exactly it. 

Harrison Phillip Fletcher III had a great life in New York as a lawyer but when he lost his job it felt like the right time to make a change - a big one - opening "Vino and Veritas" - a bookstore with a bar - in Burlington, the city his mother was born and raised in. This is HER dream but he is more than happy to make it come true for her. He has his reasons which were sweet but mostly sad. I loved his relationship with his mother, Harrison is such a loving and caring guy. 

Unpacking all the boxes the last box he expected to land on his front door is one containing a rare breed of chickens! It's a mistake in address so the right thing to do is contact the owner - enter Finn Barnes. He has been a farmer all of his life as so many generations before him. He loves his job but it does tend to suck all of his time. He isn't very patient with Harrison when he arrives to take his chickens to their new home mostly because seeing Harrison reminds him of his ex - and nothing good could ever come of that!

Home Plate (Easton U Pirates #2) [Mason & Dominic] by Christina Lee

This book! I have NO WORDS to describe how much I enjoyed it. Honestly can't remember the last time I wasn't just "sniffling" a bit, but down right crying, not being able to continue until my vision is cleared. Mason KILLED me and Dominic being all sweet and caring towards him only made it worse (for my tears). I finally understand why we need the new waterproof e-readers.

While this novel can be read as a standalone I think you'll get both characters a bit better if you start with "Bat Boy". Maybe I think this way because I could see a start of a change in Mason and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one! Dominic and Mason have been "circling" each other for a while now and not even as friends. They need to be able to work together on the team but grumpy Mason is making it VERY difficult. 

If you've read the first book you might be wondering who are these guys.. Well, I feel entitled to use their first names now that I've finished the book (and miss these guys already!) Mason Maclain is no other than Donovan and Hollister's roommate. While he sometimes acts like a douche he is just pessimistic and reserved and he has good reasons. He likes to play confident but it's easy to see it's all a façade. 

Winter (Signs of Love, #0.5) [Caspian & Eli] by Anyta Sunday

This short novella was THE sweetest thing EVER. I LOVED IT. I'm so sad it's no longer available! I really hope Anyta would bring it back!!! Caspian and Eli have been the best of friends since they were teens, living and studying in far away places makes both of them miserable and that's without admitting to themselves they wish for more than they have in this friendship. 

Best friends to lover is my absolute favorite trope so it's not wonder I'm all over this novella. Caspian has been trying to find his "guy" for the longest time, going through all the astrological signs but no one feels right. He doesn't feel comfortable with any of them especially not to proceed to something a bit more. 

The First Boy I Ever Kissed (The First Boy #1) [Tommy & Kim] by Suki Fleet

I simply ADORE Suki's writing. There is something so genuine in the way her characters view the world but mostly their special person. Tommy and Kim, like many of their characters come from a difficult background and yet there is still innocence and wonder to everything they share. Life might have tainted them in certain aspects but luckily not all. 

In the year and a half they knew each other, Kim and Tommy became fast friends and nearly a bit more. But though Kim knew exactly what he was feeling towards Tommy, Tommy was still uncertain about his sexuality or willing to explore this side of him. They share one kiss on the night of their highschool's prom before Kim disappears from Tommy's world leaving both guys with a longing they can't shake. 

Roommate by Sarina Bowen

This book is one of those I feel like writing "A MUST READ" and being done with it. Honestly there is very little to add to that. It has anything I love in a book. Two endearing and wonderful characters, each battling with his own demons, finding solace in one another (even if it takes time to actually admit what they are hiding / dealing with or the fact they are friends..). A heart felt story of coming of age and finding yourself in your own world and naturally love. The best kind. The one we all wish for ourselves. 

While this is a standalone novel, it has quite a bit of a connection to Sarina's "True North" series. Both guys work at the "Busy Bean" owned by Zara Rossi Beringer and Audrey Kidder Shipley (having each her own story). Kieran being a Shipley has been mentioned in the books as being a great guy who keeps to himself. That being said I truly think this COULD be read as a stand alone and if you haven't read "True North" while I DO recommend it, the characters are older and  more mature than Kieran and Roderick. No matter where you're coming from my message is clear - READ THIS BOOK. 

As I've mentioned there is very little I actually knew about Kieran Shipley before this installment. 24 years old. Works HARD both at the "Busy Bean" as well as at an advertising agency, trying to find a future for himself. He has his reasons for leaving the family business of raising cows to his older brother Kyle. The atmosphere in his family couldn't be more uncomfortable. his parents not really getting a long, especially when he and Kyle are concerned, his father's disapproval of him and his brother trying to get a way from his duties by dumping them on him. He couldn't wait for Zara's tenant to leave so he could take the place for himself. It's bigger than he needs but he can look for a roommate to split the rent. The drive to both his jobs would be for shorter - and longer to his family's house the perfect excuse for keeping away - meaning he FINALLY gets to be free of the pressure. 

Bat Boy (Easton U Pirates #1) [Brady & Kellan] by Christina Lee

In one word this book was ADORABLE. Kellan and Brady have been circling around each other and wanting each other for a few months before we get into the story. They are both unsure about anything possible between them for more than one reason. Seeing them becoming friends and progressing into lovers was such a heartfelt journey. Their innocence was refreshing. I don't remember when was my previous New Adult and I liked that though their had their sexy times together it wasn't at all focused about that but about finding  something special in each other, in their companionship. 

Brady Donovan is the captain of the Easton U Pirates Baseball team. Things are going pretty great for him on his first year of college working hard on his studies and having fun on the field with his new team. He is living with two of his teammates - his best friend from childhood Trent Hollister and Maclain (who has his issues for sure) and is working his way to building some sort of friendship with the team's "Bat Boy" - the coach's son - Kellan. While they have fun teasing each other, Kellan always keeps a distance which frustrates Brady but he is persistent! There is something MORE about Kellan. Something he has never felt before.  Makes him question what he assumed about himself.. 

Sometimes There's Stars by Suki Fleet

I need to be ready mentally before I start Suki's books. While they are always heartfelt on the romantic side, the life situation is almost always horrific. This one was no different, at least for Echo. The sorrow, helplessness and general despair killed me. But with someone as sunny as Peri on his side things started to look up for him, or at least made him hope and wish for a better present and maybe even future. It wasn't an easy journey I can tell you that!

Echo (Ezekiel Bashir) didn't have an easy life growing up with just his mother Marsha but they loved each other with all their hearts and mostly it was enough even if they were poor and struggling. After Marsha died Echo totally lost himself and not only because he became indebted to the local loan shark. When he wasn't able to pay his new "employer" paid it for him and thus he became his errand boy and considering One-Eyed Frank's business (you can guess) things weren't exactly getting better. Then one day on his way to meet another one of Frank's clients he meets Peri and though the whole situation is not exactly a bright one considering Peri gets hit by a car and later on Echo is attacked himself that's the exact mark things change for both Peri and Echo.

Better Be True (Harrison Campus #3) [Nico & Luke] by Anyta Sunday & Andy Gallo

This book was THE sweetest. I loved everything about it so it's no wonder I finished it literally in one sitting. I'm already sorry this series is over. I hope Anyta and Andy have more plans for collaborations in the future they work so beautifully together - Nico and Luke are a "living proof" of that. While this is not exactly friends to lovers as they haven't known each other for long, it's more of a close proximity to lovers, the easy friendship they established right from the start made the transition from "pretend" to real more than natural. Both men were after a very recent breakup so jumping into a new relationship wasn't the best bet, but I think as both haven't experienced THIS kind of a connection, it was easy to put aside the heartache to build something real.

We've met Nico Giacomo Amato in the previous installment. He's
Isaiah roommate and best friend. While he's definitely the guy who knows how to have fun he doesn't seem to be able to keep any guy long term. People consider him to be "too much" - too touchy-feely, too colorful and too loud. But that's just who he is, and being anything else is simply unacceptable so when Tomas dumps him for exactly these reasons it hurts. That's exactly the moment his sister Elisa asks him to take over arranging her wedding and he NEEDS the distraction. Only problem is, he has to find a place in Philly for the summer to be able to do that and while he generally has the means to do it, he would rather find something cheap. That's where Luke comes in.

Lucas "Luke" DeRosa had it all figured out. He's the man with the plan. Always. So this time it's not different. After 9 months together (mostly long distance) he and Kent are going to share an apartment in Philly and work together in the law firm both are doing their internship in. That's when he gets an Email - an Email (!) - from Kent ending their relationship. As he's already signed his lease with Mrs. Randazzo for a one bedroom apartment - he cannot afford on his own - he doesn't know what to do. Looking for someone to share freaks him out but with his best friend and roommate Coury's encouraging him he puts an ad and hopes for the best.

Conventionally Yours (True Colors #1) [Conrad & Alden] by Annabeth Albert

Though I'm a HUGE Annabeth fan (read ALL of her books) this one just wasn't for me. Somehow the plot and the characters simply didn't "grab" me. I felt like the road tripping itself (shifting drivers and getting lost) and the card game (including too many actual games) made this, well, boring.. I used to be into RPG (Role Playing Games) back in the day so I COULD relate and yet I totally couldn't because I don't know this game (or interested in it).

Conrad Stewart seems like he has it all but it's all a front to a lonely life. He used to have a loving family, a promising start in college and a very active social life. What's left? Working in as many jobs as he can and playing "Odyssey ". After coming out his family basically thrown him into the wolves leaving him with no way of paying college (so he dropped out) and barely a way to make things end enough for him to even feed himself. Two weeks on the road to get into an "Odyssey" convention seems like a waste of time and money but if he wins the big price he might FINALLY have means to support himself (while doing something he loves).

Alden Roth looks to have won the jackpot of a family. Two extremely loving moms (and two older sisters) with a planned future as a doctor. But he hides how much his family's expectations is weighing on him. He hasn't been able to get into any program and after two years trying he doesn't feel like going through it again for a third. His moms are pushing him to make decisions concerning his future and all he feels like doing is hiding and playing "Odyssey" - one of the few if not only thing he feels he is good at. Though he has a group who plays "together" he struggles socially. The guys don't really like him - especially not Conrad but the convention might be his way out. Winning big can change his future! Though it might not be the kind his family "approves" of, at least they are happy he is going with friends.. (though they don't know they aren't really).

Better Have Heart (Harrison Campus #2) [Isaiah & Darren] by Anyta Sunday & Andy Gallo

This book! THIS BOOK! I don't really know what to say and certainly not where to start. I LOVED IT. I loved everything about it. I want everyone to read it. It was a PERFECT slow burn. It took these two FOREVER to actually act on their feelings (which was more than understandable considering the circumstance they were in). It allowed them to actually get to know each other and make the first move when the feelings were already there and it meant much more to both of them.

We've met Darren Gage in the first installment of this series "Better Be Sure" (though this book could TOTALLY be read as a standalone (just be advised there is  a little spoiler related to the first book). He started as being the "bad guy", not for his actions but for the lack of, as a friend of Harper he stood by when he was being a total douche. But near the ending he realized he couldn't just stand there and do nothing and so he made the right move and from there things have changed for him in the fraternity though his personal situation just got worse (not that anyone knew about that..)

Darren is born of money. A LOT of money. But it doesn't mean his life is easy. Well, it used to be until he came out of the closet and his father, who was one of the closest people in his life, totally and absolutely shut him from his life. He was crashed. His only hope of proving his father he is not a total failure and disappointment is "winning" the family's scholarship. As one of Darren's ancestors helped found Harrison College, each year there is a scholarship including a position in the family business to a student who wins out of all participants. Yet in a year a Gage is in school the scholarship automatically goes to him as it was meant to be for the family first. Yet this year things are a bit different...

Pretty Sweet (Boys in Makeup #2) [Seth & Jake] by Christina Lee & Riley Hart

When I say this book was ADORABLE I mean it. It was the sweetest thing ever. Truth being told, I'm having a hard time lately committing to a whole length novel yet once I started this one I couldn't put it down and I was reminded how happy I get when I immerse myself in a beautiful heartfelt book. Jake and Seth's story was vulnerable and tender. they were both exploring parts of themselves they haven't before and that's without mentioning the sexual part that was rather new to both of them. 

We've met Seth in the previous installment. He is Jesse's best friend. They used to live together in Seth's apartment before Jesse found his own HEA with Dane (If you haven't read "Pretty Perfect" it's simply a MUST). Jake has lived a rather sheltered life. He comes from a wealthy family but a cold one. It used to be different when his father was alive, but after his death his mother became WAY too controlling, trying to build a perfect life for her only son, not seeing for a second it's never what he wanted for himself. He didn't know how to stand up to her, how to pursue his real interests which is a big part of the reason he has left home to study (what she wants - and he dislikes), in the university his father went to, and more importantly far from home. 

Better Be Sure (Harrison Campus #1) [Jack & Ed] by Anyta Sunday & Andy Gallo

It's been a while since I've read a book resembling this one. In a way it's a typical New Adult, yet there is something about both characters as well as the setting of a college sorority that almost made these two (and the people around them) feel even younger than they actually were. Yet both MC are dealing with difficult issues - Jack with the loss of his parents and Ed with financial problems which also impact his struggle with coming out as gay. 

Jackson Murphy and Marcus Reynolds are best friends, just like their dads used to be. They are even sharing the same exact room their fathers shared in their own years at Harrison college. Yet the excitement is more bitter than sweet considering the accident that resulted in the death of both Jack's parents. He is still dealing with it, having panic attacks but Marcus' presence helps. 

Jack loves a fun bet, but when he finds himself betting said room as well as his place in the sorority against coming with a date to a dance he starts to doubt his ability considering his bad luck dating guys from college. His hope is renewed, at least for a little bit, when he meets Ed. 

Marc Jillson & The Gazebo (Love Inscribed #2) [Marc & Hunter] by Anyta Sunday

I ADORED this book. Marc, Hunter, the issues the book dealt with, everyone who was given a second chance - in romance or generally in life. There was so much optimism and also acceptance. Let's be honest, Marc wasn't always a "good guy", if you've read "Liam Davis & The Raven" you might recall, but even if you didn't, Marc takes ownership on his behavior, only thing is, he isn't sure how to actually express his apology and mostly how to BECOME the person who DESERVED to be forgiven or maybe just accepted. His struggle is even more intense with Hunter but it's also complex with his uncle Ben (whom we've met as Chief Benedict the guy in charge of the "Scribe" newspaper). 

As I don't want to spoiler the previous book I'll just start by saying Marc Jillson was HIGHLY affected by the occurrence of last year leaving him isolated. Most of it was self imposed. He simply couldn't step outside of the basement he lives in with his uncle Ben, spending his time playing online games and eating Cheetos - that's how or rather where he "met" DeMage. They play the game together, or rather DeMage keeps saving him, but they also chat quite a lot about their lives. Yet once DeMage reveals he has figured out who he is, things change. Marc would never have guessed it's actually Travis Hunter who also works at the "Scribe". The same guy he more than just rude to more times than he can count.