Review: Bitter Sweet Love by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Bitter Sweet Love (The Dark Elements #0.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: December 1, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 105
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased by Reviewers
Goodreads • Amazon

Emily's Rating:


Izzy's Rating:

In a sizzling prequel novella to her new series The Dark Elements, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout draws readers into the extraordinary, irresistible world of Wardens and demons.

Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining balance between good and evil. He was her everything...right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again...


Emily:

Novellas are always interesting endeavors. It's hard to fit a well-developed story with multi-dimensional characters into what's usually half the length or less of a regular novel. It's the nature of the novella to feel a little rushed as a result—either the entire story feels like a surface-level retelling of events, or the end is abrupt and generally unsatisfying. Add to this the fact that the premise of this series—gargoyles—was unorthodox and unimaginable to say the least, and I was a little bit apprehensive. But, in JLA we trust, so I still waited on bated breath for the release.

Really I never should have doubted the master. Serving as a prequel to her new Dark Elements series, Bitter Sweet Love is our introduction to a whole new, fantastic world. The Wardens—a version of gargoyles that combines elements of the classic mythology with a whole lot of new intrigue—and their world will pull you in from the start. They're human hybrids that can take on the form of the iconic stone guardians, tasked with fighting demons and protecting unsuspecting humans around the world. It's an involved, awesome concept rounded out by a rich developed history and way of life.

We're also introduced to their rather bizarre mating ritual, made necessary by their dwindling numbers. Since females are frequently targeted by the demons they hunt, the clanswomen are highly protected and kept in confinement in many ways. It's intense and disconcerting, but its crafted into the story in a way that makes you understand the fear the clans have, if not completely condone it. The scenario doesn't improve once the girls come of age—marriages happen young in an effort to boost population, and once a male Warden has chosen a mate, he makes his intentions clear to the entire clan. The weird part? The girl has no say in this declaration. She's given seven days to either accept or decline, but still, the original uncomfortable feeling is there. It's a whole lotta weird, but you can't help but be fascinated.

These are the circumstances in which our heroine, Jasmine, finds herself. Dez, her childhood friend-turned-crush, has returned after an abrupt departure years before to make his intentions known...for Jasmine. And fiercely independent, rebellious Jasmine is less than amused. But Dez is determined to use his seven days to win her over. What ensues is nothing short of magic.

In the typical way of JLA books, Jasmine is a fantastic heroine. She's struggling with the confines of her community and a heavy destiny, trying to find a balance between obligation to her people and what she wants in her life. She's a fighter—and that includes where Dez is concerned. Jasmine is the kind of girl I want not only read about, but be. Her approach to Dez has a healthy level of skepticism and she does an impressive job of resisting the beyond enticing Warden. The voice with which she navigates the adventure and supremely high tension of their courtship is entertaining as anything, filled with the unique and sharp quips that are JLA's staple.

It's this courtship that really is the star of the show. Jasmine's quest for independence, coupled with Dez's willingness to give it to her—to give her the world, really—is touching and empowering all at the same time. And with the romantic and sexual tension abounding, you'll be hard-pressed not to squeal at all the near misses and sweet moments. I certainly lost the battle more than once.

Bitter Sweet Love is, in my opinion, at the top of the novella game. The story felt complete, with enough depth to the characters and story to make you feel the full effective of the story. I don't know how she does it, but JLA once again brings a winner. It's the perfect setup to the world of White Hot Kiss (even introducing you to its main characters!) and an incredible feat for such a small page count. If you have yet to start the series, you should absolutely do so. And if you have but skipped over this prequel, I highly recommend going back to the beginning. This is the beginning of and sets the stage for what has been one of my absolute favorites series this year.

If you're a fan of the young adult genre, this is definitely a winner. JLA is one of the best authors out there, and if you haven't already become acquainted with her awesomeness, I honestly have no idea what you're doing. Seriously, pick this one up!



Izzy:

When series have a prequel novella, I get super excited. I just do. I love the fact there is an expansion of the author's universe; and I find that I am greedy when it comes to extended universe material. I basically hoard this information like a dragon. Let that image sink in: a manic gleam in my eye (maybe even a slight twitch) as I clutch novellas, sneak peaks, and excerpts to my chest. Smaug's got the general idea:

And this photo of Benedict just cracks me up:

But I digress, this is about JLA and her infinite awesomeness! Bitter Sweet Love is a wonderful introduction to her Dark Elements series. It does a fantastic job encapsulating Warden culture in a succinct manner. In my opinion, Bitter Sweet Love augments the series (granted, there is only one out...but I await October with baited breath).

If I hadn't read Bitter Sweet Love first, I probably would have thought all Wardens were immense douchebags. But reading a short story from their perspective, it is easier to sympathize with them. They seem less stoic and stick-up-their-@$%y. And it familiarizes you with the sad truth that they are a dying race.

So while their mating ritual is a little...disconcerting, it is understandable. Females are few in number and aggressively protected. But our heroine is having none of that!

Also, I kind of love Jasmine. JLA has an incredible talent when it comes to constructing her narrating characters (and writing in general).

Here's a short summary:

Jasmine is doing her own thing, sneaking out and asserting her independence, when her childhood friend-crush returns after three years. He claims her. She revolts. He has seven days to win back her trust.

Short. Sweet. Simple.

And so full of sexual-tension. Dez is one sexy gargoyle...which is a sentence I never thought I'd write. But the relationship between Dez and Jasmine is wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Also, I'd like to point out that Jasmine is perfectly justified in her refusal to immediately cave in to Dez. I know that the temptation to scream at her, "Just say 'yes,' already!" is at an all time high—trust me, I know—but once I took a step back from it, I realized that I couldn't actually fault her. If I were in her position, I'd be just as reluctant (or possibly more) as her. But that's neither here nor there, I just wanted to give you something to think about as you go through the ten bajillion stages of frustration.

But, in short, this is a good warm-up to White Hot Kiss. I'd definitely encourage people who want, or already have read WHK to try this one out!

About the Author

# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Armentrout lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

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Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo


Release Date: June 4, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)
Pages: 432
Format: Hardcover
Sources: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon


Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.


Do you guys remember my Shadow and Bone review? Same thing. Loved it.

Alina never asked for this. She never asked to be the Sun Summoner. She never asked to be a Saint. She never asked to be hunted across the world by the most powerful Grisha to ever have lived. But she is. Alina must come to terms with the fact that she’ll never be free—that something, someone, will always be there to expect something from her.

The second installment of The Grisha Trilogy is less action-y and more political. Alina and Mal’s flight from the Darkling doesn’t last long, before they are drawn back into the fold (no, not the Fold) of Ravka. While they were fleeing, they learn that the Darkling staged a failed coup and that Ravka is on the brink of civil war.

Temporarily, they find themselves in the grasp of the Darkling as he hunts the northern seas for another legendary amplifier for Alina to wear. And guys, there are pirates! I’m serious. Pirates. I love pirates. Oh, I’m sorry, I think they prefer to be called privateers in this book (read it, you’ll get the joke).

Anyway, the captain of the ship, Sturmhond, is dreamy and just a tad-bit crazy. Not Darkling crazy—I’d like to think I have better taste in crazy than that. But for realz, he is everything a privateer-loving girl could dream of. And his sense of humor is after my heart. I think you guys will love him!

Fast forward: they’ve escaped the Darkling and now they’re forced to forge unlikely alliances as they head back to Os Alta.

This is where the book takes on more political tones. Everyone in Os Alta has a motive, even Alina. She must learn how to play the game of politics, so that she can have a chance to save Ravka. However, the deeper she gets drawn into court life, the more she is drawn to power and the further she gets pulled away from Mal.

Slowly, Mal and Alina realize that they are changing—that they are no longer the orphans from Kermazin. As the gap widens between them, they must fight for their survival and the survival of Ravka.

However, like always the Darkling is looming in the shadows: terrorizing Alina as he is gathering his forces for another attack.

I’m sorry; my summary doesn’t do the book justice. But trust me: this book is great! It’s still filled with Russian Folklore, and I love it. For those of you who have seen it/speak Russian, there is a part that straight-up made me think of Летучий Корабль (Letuchy Korabl: The Flying Ship). Watch the link, please.

That movie just makes me crack up, every time (specifically the merman part at 8:12). It’s so weird!
It doesn’t really pertain to the book, but you guys will get what part I’m talking about after you read it/watch the movie.

And there is so much intrigue and plot twists that I literally had to put the book down and scream into a pillow. That is not a lie. Ask my roommates; they’ll affirm it.

Actually, come to think of it, I put the book down a lot.

The only thing that bothers me about this book is Mal. I don’t know what it is about him, but I just really dislike him. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, and I understand where he’s coming from, but I just want to reach into the book and slap him out of his perpetual bad mood. Though, I guess the same goes for Alina, sometimes.

That’s the problem with books: the characters become your friends, but you can’t slap some sense into them when they desperately need it. It’s infuriating, but in a good way.

I don’t trust myself not to start writing spoilers, so I’m going to cut myself short.

I strongly recommend this book to you guys, after you read Shadow and Bone, of course. It will keep you on the edge of your seat/toes/bed/horse—wherever you’re reading this book. Alina is a wonderful character, and I love reading about her trials and tribulations! So this series is definitely taking a place of honor next to Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight, for me!

Also, Ruin and Rising will be coming out in June TODAY! (JUNE 17TH!!!), and I await it with thinly veiled enthusiasm (THE ENTHUSIASM IS HERE)!

С любовью, мои дорогие!
With love, my darlings!

About the Author

Leigh Bardugo was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University. These days, she lives in Hollywood, where she indulges her fondness for glamour, ghouls, and costuming in her other life as makeup artist L.B. Benson. Occasionally, she can be heard singing with her band, Captain Automatic.

She is the author of the New York Times Best Sellers, Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm (Holt Children’s/ Macmillan). The final book in the Grisha Trilogy, Ruin and Rising, will be published in 2014. She is represented by Joanna Stampfel-Volpe of New Leaf.

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Review: Prodigy by Marie Lu

Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu

Release Date: January 29, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Publisher: Putnam
Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long. 

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller Legend, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

So Day is now free and him and June are on the run. With no where to turn they head to the Patriots, but the rebels help comes with a price. For a new leg and some supplies, they dynamic duo is enlisted to carry out an assassination attempt on the new Elector.

The second installment of the Legend series is more action-packed than its predecessor. It's interesting to see Day and June work together instead of against each other. Their skill sets compliment each other, but unfortunately their time together is short-lived.  

June is sent back to win the trust of the Elector, while Day helps the Patriots cause the usual trouble for the Republic. But something is off, and June can't help but feel something for the country she has spent her life serving. Will she be able to live up to her end of the bargain, or will her old loyalties get in the way?

Where Legend was a story of betrayal and government cover-ups, Prodigy offers a different perspective. Rather than the government being the unstated antagonist, the roles are reversed. Now Day and June are on the side of subversion.

I don't think I ever gave a character break-down in my last review, and I certainly have things to say (mainly gushing, so bear with me). Let's start with June:

June may seem like a Mary Sue at first--perfect score, dazzling military reputation and graduated by the age of fifteen--but she has her own flaws. One of which happens to be that she is absolutely terrible with emotions, specifically of the romantic variety. It's kind of hilarious that she is able to face down a firing squad, but not her own relationship. Maybe it's my own, socially awkward, romantically inhibited nature, but I enjoy watching her stumble her way through her impromptu relationship with Day.

And that leads us to our leading man: I like to think of Day as the Batman of LA. He's not the hero they deserve, he's the hero they need. He works in the shadows to bring the corruption of the government to light. Should I continue with the platitudes? I really don't understand why functioning on the periphery of the law is so alluring, but it is and it works for him. Although, I have to say he is one of the few characters I simply cannot imagine. Not in that his character is unbelievable--I just can't piece together his description...

But back to the story: I thought Prodigy was a page-turner. I loved watching them slowly piece together all of the information for the big twist. Although, the plot twist was a tad on the predictable side, but I don't think it detracted from the story. At its center Prodigy is an entertaining story.

Sorry, I realize my review is on the vague side, but I'm trying to keep from blurting out the ending, because OH MY GOD, THE ENDING! It was the most surprising unsurprising surprise ending. It was totally predictable, but I didn't think she was going to take it that route. BUT SHE DID.

It's a little on the heart breaking side, but I think it will be cathartic.

Anyway, I've really enjoyed this series thus far. I haven't completed Champion yet, but I've heard great things and I am excited about it!

So if you're looking for a completed series for your summer reading list, I would definitely consider the Legend series!

About the Author

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. I like food, fighter jets, afternoon tea, happy people, electronics, the interwebz, cupcakes, pianos, bright colors, rain, Christmas lights, sketches, animation, dogs, farmers' markets, video games, and of course, books. I suck at working out. I also get lost very easily, but am a halfway decent driver. At least, I like to think so. :)

I left Beijing for the States in 1989 and went off to college at the University of Southern California. California weather sweet-talked me into sticking around, so I'm currently in Pasadena with my boyfriend, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and a chihuahua mix. In my past life, I was an art director in the video game industry, but now I write full-time.

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

Release Date: February 5, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Publisher: Square Fish Books (Macmillan)
Pages: 512
Format: eBook
Sources: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison--even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive. Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. 

It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. 

As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

So yeah, I'm assuming you've read Cinder in the short period of time between that review and this one. If not, well you probably shouldn't have read the synopsis above. And you should probably stop reading...right now. Unless you don't mind spoilers, then, by all means, continue.

We left off with Dr. Erland dropping off a new state of the art foot and hand and a not so jaw dropping revelation (for us). Realizing what her true identity entails, Cinder makes good on her promise to escape and picks up a new companion along the way, the charmingly daft Captain Thorne. The American rogue. Who is by far my favorite. 

What can I say? I have a thing for pirates.

Thousands of miles away in Toulouse, France, Scarlet Benoit is searching for her grandmother, whom nobody seems to care about. In the midst of all the confusion with Cinder's escape and the threat of a Lunar war, she meets a shy-looking street fighter who simple refers to himself as Wolf.

That's right ladies and gents, we have ourselves a Little Red Riding Hood interpretation. I'm going to be honest, Little Red Riding Hood has never been my favorite, nor do I keep up with the new interpretations of it. However, I think that making Red a kick-ass wolf hunter is a trope. 

Scarlet is less of a wolf hunter, but she is pretty kick-ass. 

Wolf offers Scarlet his assistance to find her grandmother, hinting that he may have an idea of who has taken her. And, well, the rest is kind of spoilers, so let's just say she accepts.

Meanwhile, Cinder is searching high and low for any information about her childhood--the times she can't remember before her surgery--and she finds out more than she might've wanted to. 

So, the second installment of The Lunar Chronicles is still wonderful and exciting and everything that Cinder was, but it definitely felt like a transitional novel. Don't get me wrong--I love the characters, but the plot wasn't as...well, I can't really specify what it was that bothered me. 

It was good--don't misinterpret my hesitancy--but I felt like something was missing. I still consider it a page-turner and definitely highly recommend it, but I just want to let you guys know that I felt like something was off. Maybe it's just that I'm not a fan of the original story. Actually, that's really probably it. So don't worry about it. 

Anyway--keep reading the series! The third and most recent installment, Cress, is awesome. Expect the review soon, because I'm going to write it as soon as I finish this sentence!  

About the Author

Marissa Meyer is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles. She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and three demanding cats. She’s a fan of most things geeky (Sailor Moon, Firefly, any occasion that requires a costume), and has been in love with fairy tales since she was a child. She may or may not be a cyborg.

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend #1) by Marie Lu

Release Date: November 29, 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Publisher: Putnam
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

Legend is in it's own category as a dystopian, I think. Centuries ago, floods plagued the US and eventually causing a chasm to form between the Eastern and Western states. In the western half, now referred to as the Republic, is a militarized zone. 

Divided amongst strict echelons, each citizen must take the Trial at age ten to determine their place. The highest scoring receive the best education and proceed to pursue either a political or military profession. Those who receive a moderate test score get some education, their college is selected for them, and they take more functional jobs. Low scorers get little to no education and get the menial jobs of society.

Those who fail are killed.

Enter Day: our mysterious protagonist who failed his examination, but miraculously lived through the horrific experiments the Republic conducted on him. Well...not according to the records. Officially, he died five years ago.

Taking his aggression towards the Republic to the streets, Day is now a vigilante--a legend among the people. He does anything in his power to fight against the Republic military and bring justice to the poor sectors of his city (which is LA). So when Republic soldiers do a sweep of his home sector and marks his family's door with a strange three-lined X, signifying it's a plague house, he sets out to get some cures conveniently housed in the military hospital.

When his operation goes south, he has to go on the run again...but this time, he has the Republic's golden girl on his tail.

June is the only person to ever score a perfect score on the Trial. Serving as a special agent, she is given free-reign to track down the notorious criminal. Using her training and her natural intellect, she gives him the most elaborate game of cat and mouse he has ever had a part in...except he doesn't even realize that the prodigy is tracking him down.

Naturally, their paths cross, sparks ensue and the rest is history!

I really enjoyed this story. Where good there is no distinct good or bad side--it's all a matter of perspective. Marie Lu has definitely given this series a lot of thought. As a former art director in the video game industry (consider me jealous, by the way), Lu has a very keen ability to describe a scene. Her imagery is pervasive, vibrant and really adds to the style.

The only aspect of the story that constantly throws me for a loop is when I remember that June and Day are both fifteen. And that really shouldn't confuse me, because it's a YA novel, but for some reason it just irks me. They don't act fifteen--they act like they're in their twenties. Granted, they are not average teenagers and their childhoods certainly aged them beyond their years.

Also--this doesn't really bother me, just terrifies me--the concept of a standardized test determining your place in society is hardly novel, but it was something that disturbed me. I thought that the SAT determining where you go to school was bad enough, but for it to categorize your entire social status? That is the stuff of high school nightmares....

For all the dystopian lovers (and I know there are a lot of you folk out there), this is definitely a must-read!  

       

About the Author

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. I like food, fighter jets, afternoon tea, happy people, electronics, the interwebz, cupcakes, pianos, bright colors, rain, Christmas lights, sketches, animation, dogs, farmers' markets, video games, and of course, books. I suck at working out. I also get lost very easily, but am a halfway decent driver. At least, I like to think so. :)

I left Beijing for the States in 1989 and went off to college at the University of Southern California. California weather sweet-talked me into sticking around, so I'm currently in Pasadena with my boyfriend, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and a chihuahua mix. In my past life, I was an art director in the video game industry, but now I write full-time.

Review: Beautiful Broken by Nazarea Andrews

Beautiful Broken (University of Branton #2) by Nazarea Andrews

Release Date: September 24, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: A&A Literary
Pages: 273
Format: eBook
Source: Review Copy from Author
Goodreads • Amazon • B&N


She's been broken by her past. He's been breaking for as long as he can remember. Together, they can make each other whole—or destroy each other.

When his best friend asks for something, Dane rarely says no. But babysitting a newly sober Scout Grimes for three weeks isn't exactly a normal request. And with their history, it's a recipe for disaster. Not to mention, she's drop dead gorgeous and he can't touch her.

There are few people Scout trusts as much as Dane Guillot. He's always been her safe place, where nothing can hurt her. He's also been the only man she's never let herself want—screwing up their friendship isn't worth one amazing night together.

They have too much history, and too much personal baggage to ever work. But if they are willing to take a chance on love—it might be worth the risk.


While I enjoyed This Love (the first book in the series) for what it was—a sweet, fun, and simple romance—Beautiful Broken is a completely different kind of book. For one, there's a lot more heaviness to it. While Avery and Atticus from the first book had their struggles, Scout and Dane are truly troubled with quite a few skeletons lurking in their respective closets.This also isn't anywhere in the realm of a new romance, instead falling in the friends-to-romance/former pseudo-sibling realm (which I am, really and truly, a sucker for). From the get-go, this premise was already totally in my wheelhouse, even more so than This Love. Add to that more developed characters and back story (in large part, I believe, as a result of the longevity of Scout and Dane's romantic tension), and I enjoyed it from start to finish.

Our leading lady, Scout Grimes—Atticus' little sister, who made a brief appearance in This Love as she headed off to rehab—has just been released from treatment for what is presented as a long-running struggle with substance abuse. But it's seeing her outside of her big brother's view and finding out the root of her problems that makes her a compelling character. While it certainly doesn't justify her mistakes, you can't help but feel for her. And even like her. She's spunky and loyal and, thankfully, determined to change.

Which brings us to Dane, who is just as determined to help her. Previously, all we knew about Dane was that he was a successful lawyer and notorious playboy, while remaining fiercely loyal to those he cares about—Scout included. In this book we get to learn where some of that comes from—the good and the bad. And while I really shouldn't, I can't help but swoon over "prowly" Dale...

The progression of their relationship, though, is what I really loved about the book. They have so much history and so many reasons to stay apart because of it, but they just can't manage it. Under the same roof, the tension is only that much higher until they're forced to deal what exactly it means for everyone involved. The build-up between them is delicious—a perfect mixture of sexy, comforting, supportive, and sweet. I became very invested in the two of them together and was engrossed in the story from start to finish.

Beautiful Broken is a great choice for those who love stories about wounded characters overcoming their pasts. It's a sexy, fulfilling read for any new adult romance fan!

About the Author

Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog.

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