Review: Christmas With Holly

Christmas With Holly by Lisa Kleypas

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



The first in the Nolan brothers series by Kleypas and although its on the short side (less than 200 pages) it's still a very sweet and cute story. Another feel-good that tugs on your heart when you read about Holly. Her mother (Mark Nolan's sister), passes away in an accident, and is left in the custody of Mark Nolan. Mark and Maggie Collins fall in love and they end up as a happy family by Christmas. It's a really easy read and Holly is the cutest. There were so many "Awww" moments, so if you don't like the mushy, sweet-bordering-diabetic, type of story then this isn't for you.

This story was much like eating a slice of pie.. When you've finished it, you wish you could have more, but you know it was enough to make you full. Overall, its very cute, not a very complicated story, there isn't much depth to the plot. It's really very simple. Man takes custody of niece, meets woman, man and woman fall in love, then they all live happily ever after. It's predictable but it wasn't a bad thing. Just nice to know everything ended well for them and Holly gets the family she deserves. Very cute, 3/5 stars.



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Review: Dream Lake

Dream Lake by Lisa Kleypas

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Oh man, Alex Nolan is a HUNK. At least in my imagination he is. Moody, angry, brooding, recovering alcoholic... What's not to love? And Zoe is a bombshell, but super sweet and patient with him.

Dream is another one of those "feel-good" novels where after reading it, you're left with fuzzy goodness in you. It's very cute and the characters are relatable and likeable. I was satisfied that it met my expectations. Lisa Kleypas has always been really good with the feel-good sweet stories without overdoing it. The plot isn't overly complex and most of the time predictable but her style of writing is smooth so I don't really notice.

Overall, its a simple and straightforward story with likeable characters that have enough backstory so you won't have to do much to wrap yout head around figuring out what type of person they are. Its easy to read and not overtly sexual though there are some pretty heated scenes. The ghost also adds something extra to the plot so I was always curious what was going to happen or what they were going to discover next.

It was an enjoyable read so I gave it 3/5 stars.



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Review: Grounded

Grounded by R.K. Lilley

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



The final installment was much more interesting and less annoying than the 2nd installment of the Up in the Air series. Bianca is by far one of my least favourite heroines of all time. I do understand that she was "damaged" for a long time and she has security and self esteem issues but by the third book I was disappointed that it took her so long to gain confidence in herself and her relationship with James. It was frustrating and annoying because of how many times all the people around her, including James, kept telling her she's beautiful and strong and a talented artist. Even at the end of the series I felt like she never actually accepted.

There is a happy ending to the story so I was as frustrated anymore by the end of it but the series as a whole is not as great as I expexted it to be. The sex is amazing of course, the plot was interesting, but the main characters' development was really lacking. Even her gay best friend seemed to grow more despite being a supporting character.

Oh well, the third book ended the story well and there was closure for everyone so it was a satisfactory conclusion to all of the anger and frustration I felt for the 2nd book. 3/5 stars



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Moving to Wordpress!

I'm moving my blog to wordpress.

http://noodlekitty.wordpress.com

It's just easier to manage.

Sorry for the inconvenience!

x.M

Review: The Witness

The Witness by Nora Roberts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Definitely one of Roberts' best work. I loved the characters she created in The Witness. Elizabeth Fitch has it tough. Her mom doesn't love her and considers her almost like a lab experiment. Then she witnesses something she wasn't supposed to see and then disappears, creating a new identity for herself. She's super smart, a bit of a geek, and throughout the entire book I really felt bad for what she had to go through as a child. Then as an adult, I respected how she pieced together her life and was able to move on, albeit with some OCD tendencies but that's pretty understandable considering what she went through. Her character/personality was complex but believable and it made me love her more because she had so many issues she wanted to solve on her own but it wasn't fully possible until she met Brooks Gleason.

Brooks Gleason is so disarming and charming and its a definite plus that he's supposed to be a handsome fella. I loved his character because he was so good for Elizabeth. He really complemented all her faults, and he had a few of his own which made me like him more because he wasn't "the perfect" type. He's pretty easy-going, relaxed, and so patient with her. Roberts doesn't generally create perfect characters, even their physical attributes have minor flaws that can become endearing.

The story really touched my heart and I was completely swept away in their love story, the suspense and development from beginning to end. Roberts almost never fails to create a believable and heartwarming novel, complete with a past, present and future for her characters.

5/5 stars.



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Suits

With the impending return of Suits: Season 3 next week, it seemed appropriate to write up a post about suits. Men in suits. Women in suits. Suits suits suits. Anyone who has seen the TV show, Suits, will understand the appeal. For those of you who live under a rock ... or maybe just don't like TV, get out from under there and WATCH IT. Suits is amazing. Even my boyfriend, who absolutely hates drama TV shows will admit he loves it after I badgered him into watching it. Now he's as excited as I am for its return, but I digress.

Suits is about a lawyer named Harvey Specter (right) who hires a college drop-out, Mike Ross (left), to work for him at one of the most famous law firms in New York City. Mike has a photographic memory, and Harvey is the (self-proclaimed) best closer in town. Together, they make a very interesting Batman-Robin duo in the field of law. If you're not interested in law-related TV show, then at least watch it for the drama and the suits. Plus the show constantly keeps you on your toes, Mike isn't a real lawyer after all. There's tension, romance, and good looking characters. What's not to love? A lot of the scenes are filmed in my home city, Toronto (Ontario) as well! Anyone who's a Torontonian should be able to spot our skyline/streets/restaurants in the background of the scenes.

Anyways, back to the topic of suits. There's something about a suit that exudes power, confidence, and instantly makes a man seem more intimidating and sexy at the same time. Especially if he fills it out properly. Harvey Specter is definitely one of those men. Mike Ross is leaner but he manages to look sharp too. What's that saying, "The clothes make the man"? Maybe its the clean strick lines, the emphasis of broad shoulders that tapers to a narrow waist and long, long legs (it helps if the guy is tall too). A suit should accentuate and complement a man's body, making it look more sleek and refined but at the same time powerful and influential. It is a huge turn on. I think Megan Markle says it best "Seeing a guy dressed up when you're not used to seeing them that way is a big turn on". It's not even that big of a change, but it can make a world of difference.

Women don't generally get the same reaction in suits, I don't think. At least not from my perspective. Formal business wear on women is a turn on more often when it covers more skin, but leaves more for the imagination. Men seem to love peeling off layers of clothing on a woman. I think its a combination of "the chase" and mystery that makes it more appealing than a woman simply wearing a mini dress. All of the women in Suits have their own style, but essentially follow the same rules. Formal business wear that covers more skin and still appears classy and sexy all at once. The most provocative thing you'll see is cleavage, but its always tasteful, imo.

     

Overall, its an amazing show, I suggest it to everyone who hasn't seen it yet. The fashion is sexy, the side romances are hot, and the drama will keep you off the edge of your seat. 

M.

Review: Mile High

Mile High by R.K. Lilley

My rating: 1 of 5 stars



I'm seriously PO'd with this book. The first one was alright, I didn't think it was amazing but I think I just got really annoyed with James Cavendish and Bianca Karlsson. It wasn't enough to put me off finishing the first book though.

This one however, is extremely frustrating. It doesn't seem like the main characters are progressing/developing at all. The sex is still hot, and their sex-capades are more varied but their core issues as people still haven't been resolved. James is trying his best to exorcise his demons, and convince Bianca that she's THE ONE but she absolutely refuses to entertain the thought. This woman has some serious inferiority issues. I know, I know, its because of her childhood and all that but halfway into the 2nd book now, and I'm so frustrated and exasperated from reading her annoying complaints, panicky thoughts and denial of almost EVERYTHING, that I'm seriously tempted to just stop reading this book.

Fortunately, I'm stubborn enough to force myself to continue, if even just to find out how much more Bianca is going to complain and reject James over.. and over.. and over. One second, she says she feels/cares for him, the next second when he's asking her to move in and she reacts with panicky thoughts. Maybe I have a one-track mind and I'm siding with James too much, even though I don't really like his character that much now either. They both need to grow up. James has to stop acting so needy and give Bianca space. It's a huge turn off to read about this powerful man sound so weak, needy and desperate for a woman who can't make up her damn mind if she wants to be with him. This woman is a walking contradiction!

She'll get mad at James for being easily jealous of her flirtations with Damien, but thinks her own is justified of his past which he can't erase. I mean, she's STILL being friendly to Damien and she hasn't shut the guy down and made it crystal clear. So, of course James is going to be jealous every time she so much as smiles at Damien. What an idiot.

The only difference in their relationship from the first to the second book is that Bianca's moved in with James now. James is still desperate for her attention, and Bianca's as indecisive as ever.

The only redeeming aspect of Mile High are the sex scenes, but I have to say the horseback riding didn't do it for me. It was awkward to read and I felt bad for the imaginary horses who had to endure it.

Hopefully, when I start the 3rd book, the characters will be on their way towards becoming more wholesome, maturing people, both individually and as a couple. There's only so many more Bianca-thoughts I can read that say she's panicking because James asked her to move forward in their relationship, before I give up on the Up in The Air series altogether.



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Romance in the Rain

Okay, time for a real blog post and not one of my reviews via Goodreads. The topic today? 'Romance' in the rain.

Singin' in The Rain

I think we all know where this is going. I'm talking about every scene, kiss, hug, embrace you can think of that's happened in the midst of a torrential downpour. Has anyone ever noticed that in the movies, its never just a light drizzle? In a book/story you can imagine it however you want, but in the movies its almost always raining HARD. Like, soak-you-to-the-bone-type-of-rain. When you're in love though, you really don't care what the weather is like outside...unless its a hurricane.

In all seriousness, rain scenes are possibly one of my favourite moments in any romance story. There's something about standing outside in the rain, facing that person and seeing a myriad of emotions in their eyes and face as you stare each other down and ultimately embrace. Its the passion, the heat, oh and especially the anticipation of what's to come. You don't know if you're going to get lips crushed from a scorching, soul-searing, kiss of a lifetime or just expecting it because deep down, that's what you're secretly wishing for. In movies, we know its going to happen before it happens but that's the beauty of the moment. It's what makes the scene positively delicious. The wait. The expectation. We all want it to happen so badly because we want to support the main characters and their love for each other.

We've seen it in The Notebook when Rachel McAdams all but tackles Ryan Gosling's face (I mean, who wouldn't? That man is a masterpiece.)

The Notebook

We've seen it in Spiderman in the scene with the famous upside-down kiss.

Spiderman

Personally, I don't think Tobey Maguire is a 'sexy' man, but if you're into the scrawny, nerdy type then I guess I can understand. Don't get me wrong, intelligence is SO sexy, but I'm shallow enough to admit I have huge weakness for a 6-pack of abs and bulging biceps that can lift me with ease. Sigh, a girl can dream can't she? Being a hero and saving the damsel in distress gives Spiderman points too.

If we stick to old-fashioned romance though, my favourites would be the ending from Breakfast at Tiffany's or Mr. Darcy's first proposal in Pride & Prejudice (2005). Mr. Darcy and Lizzie didn't exactly kiss in P&P but the anticipation was there. There were so many underlying emotions and I could definitely feel Mr. Darcy's love for Lizzy in his rushed proposal. It was so heart-wrenching and I felt so bad for him, but at the same time I empathized with Lizzie's situation despite her not knowing how much he would do for her to return his affections. Agh, I don't want to spoil anymore of it so I'll leave it at that, but it's just so romantic. They're both wet and out of breath and have so many things to say they can't get them all out in that one scene, but you know they both feel strongly for each and its only a matter of time before everything falls into place.

On the other hand, Holly Golightly in B@T's is such a classic. The ending scene in the rain, when she reconciles with Paul Varjak and they both look for her cat. That kiss is definitely up in the Top 10 Best Movie Kisses of all time. How can you look at their earnest, desperate kiss in the rain with that adorable cat squished between them and NOT go AWWWW~? It's impossible I tell you. 

Breakfast at Tiffany's

If you haven't had a rain scene of your own yet, you're missing out. Next time you're caught in a sudden drizzle, shower or downpour - go for it! Lay a wet one on 'em!

x.M

Review: Deeply, Desperately

Deeply, Desperately by Heather Webber

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Deeply, Desperately was a cute love story. Nothing more, nothing less. I gave 3 stars because of the Valentine curse which added an interesting element to the mix but otherwise its your run-of-the-mill contemporary romance.

Girl likes guy, guy likes girl, there's an ex wife in the picture, a bit of jealousy, a few sexy scenes and a happy ending. Most of it was predictable but in a comforting way. It was cute and left me feeling good about their story at the end of it.

3/5 stars.



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Review: The Night Circus

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



The Night Circus had a different tone of writing than I'm normally used to. It's dark, angsty and the magic completely draws you into the world of the Night Circus. It's also painfully slow. 95% of the book is description, after description, after description of any and everything. It is not a book that'll wow you, but it was different in a way that made me feel like I was constantly in a dark theater, watching the magical challenges bounce back and forth between Celia and Marco.

I really loved Celia's character. She was endearing, and Morgenstern did an amazing job at portraying her as a strong "weak" character. Marco was both an enigmatic adversary and lover. If you're looking for contemporary romance, this is not the book for you. It is not bright, cheerful and painless. There is mystery, intrigue and most of the time I was sad because of the complications between Celia and Marco that prevented them from being together.


The Night Circus was beautiful and sad at the same time and kept me rooting for Celia and Marco from beginning to end. 4/5 stars.



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Review: In Flight

In Flight by R.K. Lilley

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Oh Mr. Cavendish. You are positively dreamy. He is definitely worthy of joining the ranks of Christian Grey and Gideon Cross imo.

So far, the first book gives me the impression that he's super hot, a bit of a sadist and half-way in love with Bianca (if not already head-over-heels). Its refreshing but also a little fast in how i prefer love stories to progress but it's a different feeling for me I guess. I'm more used to women being more desperate and needy first in most stories I read. James Cavendish seems more earnest in his pursuit of Bianca, and I have to agree with him when he repeatedly assumes she's indifferent to his advances. If it weren't for the undertones of desperation in his character already halfway into the book (the span of a few weeks - which is a bit early imo when all they've been doing is having sex), then i would have given this rating 4 stars. But alas, there was slightly too much desperation which turned me off.

Bianca has every right to act aloof and indifferent of course considering her childhood trauma. I wouldn't say I'm in love with their story just yet, but the sex is definitely on par with 50 Shades if not slightly more intense.

The cliffhanger wasn't really that suspenseful, but its enough to make you curious. Overall, the story is intriguing and I'm really interested to find out how Bianca is going to face her father, what's going to happen with Bianca & James' relationship, will Jules player a bigger role in trying to separate B&J.. there's a lot of questions that need to be answered.

Hopefully, the second book has more drama, excitement and further develops James and Bianca's characters (in and out of their relationship). This first book was more focused on their initial sexual attraction, touching on the secrets of their past. In Flight was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to #2 in the series. 3/5 stars.



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Review: Mars, Volume 01

Mars, Volume 01 by Fuyumi Soryo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



One of the most original (for a bad-boy meets good girl plot), and amazing mangas I have ever read. This series, made me laugh and cry to no end. I was so sad when it ended and I absolutely fell in love with the main characters. They grew and changed as the story progressed. There was drama, love triangles, fights, breakups, make-ups, and so much love. Everything was complicated, and wonderful all at the same time.

From beginning to end, I cheered for Rei and Kira. They're two fragile souls learning how to love and heal each other. Its a great manga series, and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves romance, shoujo and the "Bad Boy falls for Good Girl" plot scheme.

5/5 stars.



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Review: Welcome to Temptation

Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I loved this book. Jennifer Crusie's writing style is very easy to read and I fell in love with all of her characters in Welcome to Temptation. Everything from the town, to the male and female protagonists, to the cute daughter, and the overbearing mother. Every single part of this book hooked me and held on.

The chemistry is smoking hot, the daughter is so endearing, and I couldn't help but respect the difficult mother because she was just looking out for her son and for the town's reputation.

I think my favourite scene was the pool table scene. I mean really, when a woman beats you at your own game, and that leads to marrying her as the only logical conclusion. How can anyone not chuckle to themselves and think, "Damn right buddy. She beat you and now you better put a ring on that before she slips through your fingers."

The banter is witty, the romance is sizzling, and the characters are flawed and you can easily relate to the characters.

What's not to love. 5/5 stars.





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Review: Damaged 2

Damaged 2 by H.M. Ward

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Much like the first Damaged book, I just wasn't satisfied with the characters. The only reason I gave this book 3 stars instead of 2 is because Peter's character was so much more interesting than Sidney's.

The plot finally progressed and it seemed like the characters were getting over their issues/insecurities, and I was glad Sidney finally faced her fears against her abuser. Overall, the story seemed to revolve around Sidney and her problems so there wasn't really a feeling of progression in her relationship with Peter. At the core of it, I felt like she still didn't trust him fully because of his initial deception and its almost like, as soon as the issue with her abuser was over, then the story pretty came to an abrupt conclusion.

I guess at the end of it, the story was easy enough to read and follow but I didn't fall in love with either of the characters, so I'll give it 3/5 stars.



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Because I love Hardwell...if you don't like electro/house/trance-type music, then you're missing out

I AM HARDWELL - 2 HOUR HD LIVESET GIVEAWAY #HARDWELL1000000

I love Hardwell. For those who don't know who he is, he's a DJ. An amazing DJ. There is something about his sets that always get me pumped with the urge to dance no matter where I am. My boyfriend unfortunately doesn't share my love for Hardwell, but I'm still a big fan regardless.

Other artists I'm a fan of and will probably post videos/sets I love; Dada Life, Armin van Buuren, Paul Van Dyk, Zedd, Above & Beyond, Bingo Players, Knife Party, Dash Berlin, Seven Lions, Tommy Trash, Gareth Emery, W&W, Dyro, Steve Aoki, Wolfgang Gartner, Dirty South, R3hab, Tiesto, John Digweed, Afrojack, Steve Angello, Kaskade, Calvin Harris, Nicky Romero, Krewella, Fedde Le Grande, Marcus Schulz, Ferry Corsten and many many many many many more. Seriously, the list just goes on.

Anyways, enjoy 2 hours of Hardwell's concert tour! :)

M

I'M BACK! . . . AGAIN!

After what seems like a life-time ago (4 years I think...) I'm finally blogging... AGAIN!

I know, I know. This may or may not turn out to be short-lived but I'm really going to try this time.

I think I have a better idea of what I'm going to be writing/blogging about this time around: any and all things romance! [Insert hearts and flowers here]

The first time I attempted to conduct this blog, I struggled with topics to write about, most of it being teenage rantings and random internet findings. I'm sure that'll happen again when boredom strikes, but hopefully this time around I'll have a bit more focus on what grinds my gears. And that is Romance. I'm talking everything from traditional notions and customs, to the contemporary, to the young adult. Mainly, this will be a result of many book reviews as my favourite genre to read is Romance. Specifically Contemporary, Historical and Paranormal romance. Eventually, I would like to write a romance novel of my own but it may be a long time before my efforts come to fruition.

Thanks to Goodreads, I'll be able to write reviews for all the books I'll be reading, and share them through this blog for those who don't have Goodreads accounts.

Mainly though, my blog will feature reviews, quotes I like and relationship tips/advice from either my own experience or what I've witnessed.

--

So to give a little bit of insight to what I've been up to for the past 4 years while on an unintentional hiatus from blogging, here's what you missed (not that anyone should care):

Convocation Tix. Yay!

* I've finally finished my Bachelors degree in Urban & Regional Planning although I'm not too sure I'll even become a planner .. that's a whole other can of worms I don't really want to open at the moment

* My cat is still alive and well (although Whiskey is starting to put on the pounds, I still love him dearly)

* My relationship is alive and well too .. the boyfriend and I hit the 5 year mark in January this year (2013) - no we're not going to get engaged or married any time soon. I still feel like i'm way too young for that.

* I'm looking for a "big girl/real adult" job now to start a career but so far - zilch. I'll probably write a whole blog post on this when I'm worked up and frustrated from not landing a job yet. Not that I don't have anything to do, I'm technically working for my parents/helping them out or whatever you want to call it. My parents have a home business and I do their paper work, payroll, emails and all that fun schtuff. Not to mention, I run the errands, banking, and all other manner of chores now that my mom's health prevents her from being able to do anything physically demanding. By physically demanding, I mean if she has to walk down the stairs, it ain't happenin'.

Don't get me wrong, I love my mom and that's why I have no qualms about helping the family out. I think I'm just stuck trying to figure myself out and what I want to do with myself while I'm obligated to take my mom's place in the household hierarchy. You know, that age-old question of "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Well apparently, because I'm in my 20s, that means I'm a grown up now, but I'm no closer to answering that question than I was when i was 7 years old.

But moving on...

* My boyfriend and I taught ourselves how to wakeboard and realized we love it so we've started teaching all of our friends

* I've started playing the piano again ever since quitting back in high school

* I've started writing but we'll see if anything interesting/substantial results from this brain of mine... University kind of killed my imagination plus its one thing to read books and know what I like/don't like in a novel or author's writing style, but its an entirely different ballpark to be in the author's chair.

Kudos to all of the independent authors out there. It is no easy feat, that's for sure. I'm 7 pages in, and already hate everything I've typed out. God help me.


Anyways, I think that's the gist of the past 4 years up until now, minus all the embarassing party photos, missing one of my final exams before graduation, and multitude of fights with the boyfriend.

If there are any requests/questions for my thoughts on specific blog topics, please don't hesitate to ask and I'll do my best to accomodate with my limited wisdom.

M

Review: Damaged

Damaged by H.M. Ward

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



So this is another student-teacher story, but i found the characters weak.

It was easy to read and yes, Peter sounds pretty hot, but Sidney is all over the place with her emotions.

I couldn't take Sidney seriously. Peter had a pretty interesting story which gets more depth in the 2nd book but this one centered around Sidney and her secrets. I found it a bit slow, and although the initial passion in the first scene of their meeting is what hooked me into the story, it simply ...fizzled by the end of the book (for me at least).

I empathized for Sidney's trauma and abusive past, but that was pretty much the only interesting bit of information about her. I couldn't get a grip on her personality. One moment she'd be fun/flirty/sarcastic in her banter with Peter, and then next moment, she's moody, depressed or suddenly reminded of her trauma. It was confusing.


Peter was the more interesting character, IMO and he had more secrets, more mystery to reveal which kept me reading just to find out more about him. I was a little disappointed in this one because so much of it revolved around Sidney and her fear of facing her family and abuser.

The book wasn't as intriguing as I'd hoped, so 2/5 stars for me.



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Review: Falling Into You

Falling Into You by Jasinda Wilder

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



The characters started off interesting but there wasnt as much development as i'd hoped for. Its almost like it was half-finished. Even the ending didn't feel satisfying. Nell's feelings/grief and guilt over Kyle never felt resolved and Colton's story and issues get mentioned for all of.. 30seconds.


~WARNING: SPOILERS~

Nell never actually TRIES to get over Kyle's death and its really frustrating that she keeps saying it over and over again. I get it already. You can't/won't forgive yourself for Kyle's death.

Then she meets Colton, and they fall in love, and have great sex but she keeps reminding him that she can't get over his dead brother/ex-boyfriend.

Seriously woman, how many times are you going to say it? Its a serious turn off if you keep bringing a ghost into your relationship. Move on already, your dead boyfriend's brother is trying to help you move on in your life, and all you can do is say "Yes, I love you... BUT your brother's ghost will forever haunt our relationship."

By the end of it, I wasn't really sure if Colton and Nell were able to find closure, especially after losing the baby. That's just another tragedy in itself. How did it take 90% of the book to focus on Kyle's death, but then only 1 chapter for the loss of their baby?

Overall the chemistry is hot but the story felt rushed near the end and I never felt like any of the characters got closure.
2/5 stars.


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