Love Lessons (Brooklyn Bruisers #10) [Ian & Vera] by Sarina Bowen

It has been a hot minute... My life took quite the turn and reading haven't been on the agenda.. It is now! I started reading this book MONTHS ago. When I opened it again I couldn't remember A THING. So I started from the beginning (and immediately everything came back...). I have to say this one wasn't my favorite. If you're looking for a HOT read with an easy vibe this one will be just for you. For me it simply wasn't "enough".

I've been following the Brooklyn Bruisers for what feels like years. They're all a fun bunch together or on their own. This time they are all going on vacation together meaning the somewhat uptight Vera with the carefree Ian. 

Shenanigans (Brooklyn Bruisers #9) [Neil & Charli] by Sarina Bowen

While I waited impatiently for this book to come when I finally got it I was drowning in a sea of commitment I couldn't shake. So the minute I felt I could do this I delved in. Maybe it's the fact I hadn't read (or even listened) to a book for a whole month, but the start of this one was a bit slow for me. Took me time to understand and connect with the characters and I still feel a bit unsure about my feelings towards Charli (though I understand her motives). Neil on the other hand I all heartedly ADORED and it has nothing to do with him being a billionaire and everything to do with how thoughtful and caring he is (also fun!)

This book contains two tropes I'm usually not a fan of - billionaires and accidental (Vegas) wedding. Since this is Sarina I really wasn't worried. I think it suited the story and them perfectly. It also highlighted not only the difference between their backgrounds but their current situation as professional athletes and the outrageous difference in salary (and status) between men and women in sports. 

Charlotte "Charli" Fern Higgins is more than surprised to wake up half naked with her friend Neil barely remembering the night before. But when she does she realizes they have made several HUGE mistakes - making out for sure, but getting married?!?! How could they do it? How could SHE? (who barely even date and if she does it's women). 

Cornelius Harmon Drake III - or in short, Neil - is also shocked he has done such a huge mistake. He was always attracted to Charli but he just broke with his girlfriend Iris and though he didn't love her it doesn't mean he wanted to be hitched to someone else, just thinking about the family drama is enough for him, and they are also LATE for the plane home to where both need to be ASAP for their respective hockey practice. 

As Neil's family owns their own jet company it's easy to get a ride home but what's much more complicated? Getting divorced and before that? dealing with the press, their friends and Neil's evil uncle. 

The Best Men by Sarina Bowen & Lauren Blakely

This book was BEYOND HOT. It was scorching! ~fans myself~ But putting that aside it was also a BEAUTIFUL love story. I really enjoyed the way their relationship progressed and how much these two fit even if from the outside you wouldn't think they would. There was just something about these two, on their own, that allowed the other person to blossom. A deep acceptance that neither of them felt before. It was EVERYTHING. 

We had a glimpse of these two in the prequel - "Super Hot Wingman". There's already a buildup on the "Enemies to Lovers" so when we start this one there's anticipation of what's going to happen next - Mark screwed up and he needs to deliver an apology as well as deal with everything he shouldn't have said about said HOT Wingman - Asher. 

By way of making it up to his sister, Mark Banks agrees to head over to Miami to check all the arrangements for the upcoming wedding of his beloved younger sister - Hannah - and her soon to be husband - Phillipe "Flip" Dubois. Lucky? Unlucky? for him he is sent with the other Best Man - Asher St. James - Flip's best friend. While Mark is ALL about spreadsheets, organizations and being hands on concerning EVERYTHING. Asher is a laid back kinda guy who had more beach and parties on his mind. Naturally he wanted to help his best friend, but he wasn't going about it as meticulously as Mark.. But he quickly learns Mark's spreadsheets has A LOT more than he could have even imagined..  There's a lot more to Mark on many aspects.. But first Asher needs to know -  

Super Hot Wingman (The Best Men Prelude) by Sarina Bowen & Lauren Blakely

This was a great prelude to the romance between Mark and Asher. I really like this teaser idea! Getting to know a little bit about both MCs (from their own POVs) as well as the general setting was fun. 

Mark Banks isn't thrilled when his sister meets Flip and falls head over heels with him in a matter of weeks, moving in with him and now engaged to be married. 

Mark is TOO familiar with hasty decisions and their consequences and he doesn't wish those on his sister. Especially considering her previous disastrous relationships... 

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. 

Bombshells (Brooklyn Bruisers #8) [Anton & Sylvie] by Sarina Bowen

What a pleasure this one was! It's been too long since I immersed myself in a book like this. I simply don't have the time and energy these days so sitting down with this book felt like basically being ME again. It also made me wish I could have the time to re-visit ALL the books in the series, included the much loved Ivy Years. If you've read those, there's a sweet surprise with a reappearance of the MCs from "The Year We Hid Away".

Anton Bayer, or as he's often called "Baby Bayer" enjoyed himself a bit too much the previous year resulting in almost losing his career. After a break in which he made himself a few serious promises as well as a punishing regimen he is finally back (and in shape) with the Bruisers hoping to show his true skills. 

After losing her mother not so long ago Sylvie Hansen didn't expect to be playing this year so when she gets invited to play for a new team - The Brooklyn Bombshells - she is all for it! Especially considering the man she believes she is going to marry plays for the "brother" team - The Brooklyn Bruisers. Yet the first person she meets on the ice from the team is Anton Bayer and both of them have a feeling there is something significant and special about the encounter. The meeting with Bryce Campeau doesn't go as well.. 

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. 

Loverboy (The Company #2) [Gunnar & Posy] by Sarina Bowen

This book was a real treat! With my schedule these days I don't have time or energy to read and I REALLY miss reading as I used to. Getting to read this incredible book was exactly what I needed. Loved the connection and interaction between Gunner and Posy. It was fun and light hearted and though their "falling apart" 15 years ago wasn't very pretty they mended their relationship beautifully. Gunner was exactly the confidence boost Posy needs right now, and for Gunner this is a real opportunity to consider what he wants in life. He isn't a kid anymore and he might have his reasons to avoiding New York but it's time to look the past square in the eyes. 

Gunner Scott grew up in New York but he didn't have the luxuries he currently has. It's easy for him to remember the struggles and the hard work he needed to put into everything he wanted. That's why he worked so hard as a bartender on "Paxton" hoping to get another promotion but it was stolen from him by the the boss' daughter. That was 15 years ago. Now he own a security company together with his best friend Max Bayer and he lacks for nothing. When Max asks him to help on a job as a barista for the same woman who stole his promotion he isn't thrilled.. But seeing Posy again brings back memories and most of them are of happy and fun times. Makes him wish he can rekindle what they used to have back then even if just until the job here is done. 

Lies & Lullabies (Hush Note #1) [Jonas & Kira] by Sarina Bowen

When I say I got into this book blind as a bat I MEAN IT. This book was waiting on my kindle and I was swamped studying for an exam. Once it was over I delved in. Haven't read the synopsis. I knew this series is going to be about a rock band but I was mildly surprised there was a girl involved.. (I was THAT out of it hehe). Also was surprised and not in a good way to realize this is a "surprise baby" trope which to say mildly isn't my favorite but I just exhaled trusting Sarina she knows what she's doing. I REALLY enjoyed this one, it wasn't what I was expecting on any level. It was an honest and mature love story that started when both MCs weren't honest OR mature but 5 years later they are both ready to face the truth and life differently. 

When "Rock-Star" Jonas Smith needed to take a summer off he found himself visiting a small town in Maine his mother used to talk about when he was as small kid. His days were peaceful and quiet, writing music and swimming in the lake. Exactly what he had in mind. It was also where he met Kira Cassidy. He didn't want a summer fling and it's the last thing she needed as well, which is how they became friends, spending time together, getting to know each other. Kira knew almost anything there is to know about Jonas, except for who he really is and that's part of the reason why after their final night together she hasn't contacted him with the consequences.. 

Sure Shot (Brooklyn Bruisers #7) [Mark & Bess] by Sarina Bowen

Honestly, this book was a struggle for me. It's no wonder it took me a week to read it, I simply couldn't connect with Bess, our MC. I didn't LIKE her, I didn't understand her and her way of thinking and near the end I didn't BELIEVE her. Yeah Sarina made everything happen in a perfect kind of way both her and Mark but if Bess was a "real person" and this wasn't a book promised to have a "Happily Ever After" I can guarantee her relationship with Mark would have ended and badly. 

We've met Bess Beringer. She is Dave's little sister. Though Dave was part of the "Brooklyn Bruisers" hokey team he found his own HEA with Zara in "Bountiful" (part of the "True North" series), and now it's time for his sister a sports agent to find her own. Spending time with Dave and Zara she makes a 5-year plan when she realizes her 30th birthday is near and though she has the career she has always wanted and is fairly secured financially she is still missing two key elements and time is running short at least on one of those – having kids. But her nicely laid plans are smacked when she meets the new add to the team Mark "Tank" Tankiewicz. Seeing him a day before her birthday reminds her of the last birthday she celebrated with him 9 years ago. They were both young not thinking things through when Bess was made to realize what a bad decision it was to have a relationship with him. 

For Mark, seeing Bess at a party he doesn't even feel like attending, bring hope for a better night than the previous ones and maybe the next to come. His life couldn't be more complicated. His wife divorcing him might not be a real shock to him, being transferred to his team's worst opponent is. They don't like him, they don't trust him, and they don't know how to work with him making the practices horrendous so he can't imagine the games would be any better. There are rumors as well, but he isn't interested enough to even pay attention to those. They can say whatever it is they want. It's all lies. 

Epic (Him #2.5) by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

This short novella was the best thing ever! It was also what a doctor SHOULD subscribe when anyone is in my state - haven't been reading in WAY too long.. Jamie and Wes are epic as a couple for sure but this novella was especially awesome because it put them at the exact point where their whole relationship started.

There isn't a lot to say about this without spoilering.. I'll just say having more of Blake is ALWAYS a good idea. If you don't know who I'm talking about you are missing out! he's the MC in "Good Boy" in which he is coupled with Jamie's sister Jess.

Heartland (True North, #7) [Dylan & Chastity] by Sarina Bowen

This book was my treat. I'm in a strange mood this week maybe even longer than that. I feel it's hard for me to commit to actually reading. But you know what? once I started this one it was IMPOSSIBLE to put down and I only did it because it was VERY late, and I had to wake up early the next day. I can tell you 5 minutes after I returned home I sat to finish this one and now all I want it to get the next one which I truly hope will be of Daphne (Dylan's twin sister) and Dylan's roommate Rickie. There are already sparks so I CAN'T WAIT.

We've already met both MC of this book - Dylan is the youngest (well, he was born a second before Daphne, does it count?) in the Shipley clan and though he is twenty years old and in his second year in college everyone still consider him the "kid" who can't commit or be serious about anything, moving from one warm body to the other included. Chastity Campbell came from the same highly religious cult Zach, Leah and Isaac came from. She bravely ran away into the warm hands of Leah and Isaac and was happy to find Zach who in a way had a very significance role in her decision to escape. Now she is also in college, getting a little bit of help from Dylan, mostly in Algebra but he tries to help he on other accounts whenever he can.

Moonlighter (The Company #1) [Eric & Alex] by Sarina Bowen

Loved it! This new series by Sarina has SO MUCH promise! I can't wait for the next book! It's somewhere between your "regular" Contemporary Romance with an element of suspense. Not sure how to categorize it. Anyhow, though this book is a bit long I finished it in a day. Sat down, thought to myself, well it's a bit long so it's a good thing it's a holiday weekend so I have time.. yet somehow I kept turning the pages as I just COULD not put it down. It wasn't just the suspense, it was this sweet and HILARIOUS couple (even when they are not a couple YET). The chemistry was OFF THE ROOF as well as a sort of easy going companionship that made them PERFECT for one another.

If you've read the Brooklyn Bruisers you've met Eric Bayer and you already know he isn't in his best state. He wants to keep on playing but his knees might have a different opinion on the matter. It's not the best time for his brother to spring on him a mission to help out an old friend (whom we actually also met very briefly in a Brooklyn Bruisers book). See though Eric makes A LOT of money playing hockey, his family sees him as a "slacker". They would much prefer he join the family's business. It a sort of security firm though they do so much more than your regular bodyguards. But for this mission HE is expected to be just that while playing the over protective jealous boyfriend.

Superfan (Brooklyn Bruisers #6) [Silas & Delilah] by Sarina Bowen

This book was THE sweetest thing! I LOVED Silas, especially when Delilah is concerned, their story was so endearing! You'd maybe expect an athlete to be more "macho" but Silas couldn't be further from that, he is caring, sensitive and romantic. Funny how difficult it was for Delilah - a song-writer and singer to express herself like he seemed to do effortlessly. I really enjoyed how thoughtful he was towards her, not truly pressuring her into anything. Letting her get used to ideas, to himself, and often giving her the opportunity to lead when she so needed it. He called it "Zero ego", I kinda like that :)

I feel like the paragraph above is mostly what anyone should need to go ahead and grab this book.. and yet there is much more to say about Silas and Delilah, about how they met, missing opportunities but also making new ones..

Top Secret by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

This was SUCH a great read and exactly what I expected from Sarina and Elle. Though the idea behind the synopsis sounds like a great fun, a spice up sexual experience, this book is much more complex, it's not a MMF novel, it's a story about two young men finding a special friendship, learning to trust one another and against their "better judgment" also falling in love. It was tender, it was raw, it was difficult to read at times being so heart breaking, yet the sweet moments between these two, the hope they both share made this book a BEAUTIFUL read.

Keaton Hayworth III has it all. He is studying biology in a prestigious college, he has a beautiful girlfriend - Annika - he adores. They have been together for 5 years and she is his best friend. He lives with his friends at their "Alpha Delt" frat house preparing to becoming its president. He is wealthy and he is very close to fulfilling his dream in an exciting expedition looking for a new species of killer whales. Well, his parents won't approve as his dad have BIG plans for him running their pharmaceutical company, but he'll get to telling them when he actually gets accepted.

When Annika surprises him with the offer of a threesome for her 21st birthday. At first Keaton isn't sure if she is serious but once he realizes she MUST be if she keeps bringing it up, he opens up the "Kink" app looking for a candidate.

Extra Credit: Three Ivy Years Novellas (The Ivy Years #6) by Sarina Bowen

This book is a compilation of 3 novellas from the Ivy Years series. The 1st has been available on it's own for a while now, but the 2nd was published for short period of time as a serial for Sarina's website subscribers. The 3rd is a total new addition I enjoyed delving into today :)

If you haven't read the Ivy Years series, seriously, what are you waiting for?! You can sample it through this one but only through the first two as they are totally stand alone (containing characters we've met but were only side characters at best), the 3rd one I suggest you read only after "The Understatement of the year" because it contains a continuation for their story (FYI, it's M/M, unlike the first two and the rest of the series which is M/F).

Overnight Sensation (Brooklyn Bruisers #5) [Jason & Heidi] by Sarina Bowen

This was a fun read! Heidi and Castro are perfect together. They are both a force to be reckoned with. Each on their own and especially together. While being together, spending time together is easy for both of them, the prospect of a relationship is something both of them isn't sure about. It's not the right time for neither.

Jason Castro's previous year might have been GREAT yet it finished horribly so from an "Overnight Sensation" he became someone who isn't sure about his future in the team. Yet he is willing to put up a fight to be a better player so he can keep playing the game he loves so much. Jason is known for being easy going, especially when the ladies are concerned, but his reasoning isn't just about having fun it's him not being ready to put his heart on the line after losing his ex-girlfriend in a car accident a few years ago. So when he sees the HOT intern - Heidi Pepper - or as everyone calls her - Hot Pepper - he wants a fun night but nothing more, he's just not sure about doing it with someone he sort of works with..

Fireworks (True North #6) [Benito & Skye] by Sarina Bowen

 We've met Benito a bit, mostly in Zara's book and I was curious to who will capture his big heart. Turns out, she already did YEARS ago on the one year Skye spent living in the trailer park Benito and his family used to live in. It wasn't the most beautiful time of their lives and yet it was because together things WERE different, there was a sort of unspoken hope that sadly disappeared when Skye left town without a word..

Benito Rossi is on a mission and he plans on delivering it ASAP, though he is all about the job - catching a drug dealer who messes around with his drugs making them more lethal then they suppose to be - it's actually personal on so many levels.. When he was growing up, his family had a tormentor - the cop living in the trailer park with them. He made Zara's life such a living hell they had to move her to another place and their lives weren't easy with so many times the police were on their case when they really shouldn't... It got even worse on the last year of school when Skye and her mother moved in with said cop.. He was horrible to Skye, she was frankly TERRIFIED of him and for good reasons.. So now when Benito is the cop and he has his sights on FINALLY arresting Jimmy Gage.

The Accidentals by Sarina Bowen

Sarina is a MUST read for me, and there's a good reason for that. When I heard she is releasing a Young Adult novel I was intrigued and maybe a tiny bit worried. Worried is a strong word. Let's just stay with intrigued :) Generally speaking I don't like and therefor don't read YA but with Sarina I knew the only real option is READ IT and of course I wasn't disappointed. I was FLOORED! I started this book nearing midnight, thinking I"ll just read a bit before I fall to sleep and found myself reading until the birds started chirping outside and light streamed through the window into my room. yeah, I had one of THOSE days today where I could barely hold myself upright but it was SO worth it.

The Accidentals isn't truly a love story though there IS a bit of romance mixed in it. A very sweet and tender one. This book is YA and intended for young readers in that there is few little sexual content. I actually really liked it and how sexuality was discussed in the book. It felt very genuine and heart felt. I think any young reader can and will enjoy this one, even if at times it deals with difficult situations. I know I'm going to cherish this one for a long time.