REVIEW: Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews (The Iron Covenant #1)

Iron and Magic

Title: Iron and Magic
Series: The Iron Covenant #1
Author: Ilona Andrews
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 5/5

No day is ordinary in a world where Technology and Magic compete for supremacy…But no matter which force is winning, in the apocalypse, a sword will always work. 
Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, served only one man. Now his immortal, nearly omnipotent master has cast him aside. Hugh is a shadow of the warrior he was, but when he learns that the Iron Dogs, soldiers who would follow him anywhere, are being hunted down and murdered, he must make a choice: to fade away or to be the leader he was born to be. Hugh knows he must carve a new place for himself and his people, but they have no money, no shelter, and no food, and the necromancers are coming. Fast.
Elara Harper is a creature who should not exist. Her enemies call her Abomination; her people call her White Lady. Tasked with their protection, she's trapped between the magical heavyweights about to collide and plunge the state of Kentucky into a war that humans have no power to stop. Desperate to shield her people and their simple way of life, she would accept help from the devil himself—and Hugh d’Ambray might qualify.
Hugh needs a base, Elara needs soldiers. Both are infamous for betraying their allies, so how can they create a believable alliance to meet the challenge of their enemies?
As the prophet says: “It is better to marry than to burn.”
Hugh and Elara may do both. 

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My Review

Ilona Andrews never ever disappoints! And they probably never will. 

Such an amazing start to this trilogy, Iron and Magic is action-packed, thrilling and sexy, with two powerful characters I cannot get enough of. I was never a big fan of Hugh back in Kate’s books, I always thought he was a bit creepy and maybe a bit of a maniac (he still is), but there was always something interesting about him and his character made a great bad guy. Here, Hugh is still a bad guy, but one I absolutely fell in love with. 

This book was just fantastic, the world was so well built, characters developed to the max and honestly, there was nothing more I could’ve asked for (except for the next book, bet I gotta wait another year or two for that). Personally, I think Hugh D’Ambray is one of the best characters Ilona Andrews has ever written. They completely redeemed him from the unforgiving villain in Kate’s books, but still kept him grounded to who he really is (still an unforgiving mass murdering maniac), and honestly, I couldn’t stop reading and I want more just to jump back into Hugh and Elara’s world. 

Talking about Elara, she is my newest favourite heroine. This woman is mysterious, I feel like I know nothing about her. I have no idea what her powers are, I don’t know her origins, but I do know that she is strong, beautiful, scary and the best match for Hugh. I can’t wait to read more about her, because she is so different from every character in this world, and I just love her. There’s so much tension between her and Hugh, but there’s no spontaneous love getting thrown around, it’s just pure character development and slow-burning romantic tension, and I love it.

I don’t want to give away anything about the plot, but the book is filled with action, vampires and magic, with new foes and friends and I hope Hugh and Elara jump into the fight with Kate against Roland in Kate’s finale (that scene with Roland and Elara had me trembling). The book was just epic, Ilona Andrews did an amazing job, and I cannot wait for the next book!

About The Author

Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.

REVIEW: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)

A Court of Wings and Ruin

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #3
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genre: High Fantasy, Romance, YA/NA
Rating: 5/5

Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all. 

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REVIEW: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (The Raven Cycle #1)

The Raven Boys

Title: The Raven Boys
Series: The Raven Cycle #1
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publication Date: September 19th 2012
Publisher: Scholastic
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magical Realism
Rating: 5 Stars

Even if Blue hadn't been told her true love would die if she kissed him, she would stay away from boys. Especially the ones from the local private school. Known as Raven Boys, they only mean trouble.
But this is the year that everything will change for Blue.
This is the year that she will be drawn into the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys. And the year Blue will discover that magic does exist.
This is the year she will fall in love.

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REVIEW: Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

Nevernight

Title: Nevernight
Series: The Nevernight Chronicle
Author: Jay Kristoff
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Publication Date: August 11th 2016
Genre: Adult, High-Fantasy
Rating: 5 GAZILLION STARS

In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.
Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.
Now, Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic—the Red Church. If she bests her fellow students in contests of steel, poison and the subtle arts, she’ll be inducted among the Blades of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the vengeance she desires. But a killer is loose within the Church’s halls, the bloody secrets of Mia’s past return to haunt her, and a plot to bring down the entire congregation is unfolding in the shadows she so loves.
Will she even survive to initiation, let alone have her revenge?

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REVIEW & PLAYLIST: Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass #5)

Empire of Storms

Title: Empire of Storms
Series: Throne of Glass #5
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Publication Date: September 6th 2016
Genre: Young Adult, High Fantasy, Romance

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't.
As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.
Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

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REVIEW: The Allure of Julian Lefray by R.S. Grey (The Allure #1)

The Allure of Julian Lefray

Title: The Allure of Julian Lefray
Series: The Allure #1
Author: R.S. Grey
Publication Date: June 29th 2015
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Comedy
Rating: 4.5 Stars

From: JosephineKeller@LLDesigns.comTo: LilyNBlack@gmail.comSubject: Justin Timberlake Nudes!
Lily, you predictable perv. I knew you’d open this email faster if I tempted you with a glimpse of JT's “PP”. Well, put your pants back on and grab some bubbly because I have much better news to share.
I GOT A JOB!
As of tomorrow, I’ll be the new executive assistant at Lorena Lefray Designs. I am SO excited, but there’s one itty bitty problem: I won’t be Lorena’s assistant. I’ll be working for her older brother, Julian.
I know what you're thinking- "But Jo, what’s the problem?"
Google him. Now. He’s the man in the fitted navy suit whose face reminds you that there’s hope yet for this cruel, ugly world. Keep scrolling…Do you see those dimples? Yup. That’s the Julian Lefray I will be reporting to tomorrow morning.
Lord, help us all...
XO,
Jo

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REVIEW: Capture by Rachel Van Dyken (Seaside Pictures #1)

Capture

Title: Capture
Series: Seaside Pictures #1
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Publication Date: August 20th 2015
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Losing your ability to speak at the age of seventeen; it’s not normal or fair.
But trauma, has a way of throwing normality out the window.

Dani lives anything but a normal life.
Her sister is married to one of the biggest names in Hollywood.
Her best friends are rockstar duo AD2.
And she has more love around her than most people experience in a lifetime.
But that doesn't change the fact their parents are dead.
Or that it's her fault.

It seems her new normal is being a mute, living on the inside, unable to actually communicate on the outside.
That is until Hollywood’s newest heartthrob Lincoln Greene hires her as his assistant for the summer.
He's gorgeous, completely unavailable, and unobtainable.
But that doesn't stop her from wondering...if things were different...would he want her?
If she was whole, would he be the other half?

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REVIEW: Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen (True North #1)

Bittersweet

Title: Bittersweet
Series: True North #1
Author: Sarina Bowen
Publication Date: June 14th 2016
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars

The new series is set in Vermont. True North is populated by the tough, outdoorsy mountain men that populate the Green Mountain State. They raise cows and they grow apples. They chop a lot of wood, especially when they need to blow off steam. (Beards are optional but encouraged.)
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the orchard.
The last person Griffin Shipley expects to find stuck in a ditch on his Vermont country road is his ex-hookup. Five years ago they’d shared a couple of steamy nights together. But that was a lifetime ago.
At twenty-seven, Griff is now the accidental patriarch of his family farm. Even his enormous shoulders feel the strain of supporting his mother, three siblings and a dotty grandfather. He doesn’t have time for the sorority girl who’s shown up expecting to buy his harvest at half price.
Vermont was never in Audrey Kidder’s travel plans. Neither was Griff Shipley. But she needs a second chance with the restaurant conglomerate employing her. Okay—a fifth chance. And no self-righteous lumbersexual farmer will stand in her way.
They’re adversaries. They want entirely different things from life. Too bad their sexual chemistry is as hot as Audrey’s top secret enchilada sauce, and then some.

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REVIEW: Monster In His Eyes by J.M. Darhower

Monster In His Eyes

Title: Monster In His Eyes
Series: Monster In His Eyes #1
Author: J.M. Darhower
Publication Date: April 27th 2014
Genre: Adult, Dark, Romance, Suspense
Rating: 5 Stars

Ignazio Vitale is not a good man.
I suspect it, the first time I see him, sense the air of danger that surrounds the man. He has a way of commanding attention, of taking control, of knowing what I'm thinking before I even do.
It's alarming and alluring. It's dark and deadly. It's everything I've ever wanted but the last thing I truly need. Obsession.
It doesn't take him long to draw me into his web, charming me into his bed and trapping me in his life, a life I know nothing about until it's too late. He has secrets, secrets I can't fathom, secrets that make it so I can't walk away, no matter how much I beg him to let me go. I see it sometimes in his eyes, a darkness that's both terrifying and thrilling. He's a monster, wrapped up in a pretty package, and what I find when I unmask him changes everything.
I want to hate him.
Sometimes, I do.
But it doesn't stop me from loving him, too.

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BLOG TOUR: Life After Juliet by Shannon Lee Alexander

Life After Juliet

Title: Life After Juliet
Author: Shannon Lee Alexander
Publisher: Entangled: Teen
Publication Date: July 5th 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Becca Hanson was never able to make sense of the real world. When her best friend Charlotte died, she gave up on it altogether. Fortunately, Becca can count on her books to escape—to other times, other places, other people...
Until she meets Max Herrera. He’s experienced loss, too, and his gorgeous, dark eyes see Becca the way no one else in school can.
As it turns out, kissing is a lot better in real life than on a page. But love and life are a lot more complicated in the real world...and happy endings aren't always guaranteed.
The companion novel to Love and Other Unknown Variables is an exploration of loss and regret, of kissing and love, and most importantly, a celebration of hope and discovering a life worth living again.

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ARC REVIEW: Full Share by Eliza Freed

Full Share

Title: Full Share
Author: Eliza Freed
Publication Date: June 21st 2016
Publisher: Brunswick House
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars

Nora Hargrove’s post-grad life includes a horrific entry-level job, a cave of an apartment, and a strict avoidance of all interpersonal relationships. She knows only one thing about herself—she wants to be left alone.
Avoiding her mother’s forced family time, she seeks solitude on her own terms. In a poorly ventilated, overcrowded Dewey Beach rental, she discovers there’s no place to hide. Not from yourself, not from your life, and not from love. This is the story of Nora Hargrove’s full share.
I learned the healing power of a good bloody Mary and a dip in the Atlantic. I kayaked in the dead of night and witnessed the only shooting star I’ve ever seen. I fell in love on a bed made of pallets. I lived.
Life is deep. Dive in.

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*Thank you to Netgalley for providing an e-ARC for review purposes

REVIEW: Behind The Hands That Kill by J.A. Redmerski (In The Company of Killers #6)

Behind The Hands That Kill

Title: Behind The Hands That Kill
Series: In The Company of Killers #6
Author: J.A. Redmerski
Publication Date: May 7th 2016
Genre: Adult, Crime, Thriller, Suspense, Romance, Dark
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Even professional killers need vacations, but for Victor Faust, his vacation in Venezuela is about more than relaxation and time alone with Izabel Seyfried. It is a chance for him to come clean to Izabel: to tell her the truth about why he sent her to Italy with his brother, the truth behind his interest in Nora Kessler, and about his knowledge of Izabel’s child with her former captor. But before Victor can spill his soul, reality proves that for some killers, vacations are just pipe-dreams.
Attacked and kidnapped, Izabel finds herself stuffed in a suitcase, while Victor later wakes up imprisoned in a cage. In any other situation, Victor would find a way out and save himself and the woman he loves—but not this time. When the identities of their kidnappers are revealed, Victor loses all hope, and begins the mental process of accepting his and Izabel’s last moments together. And Izabel’s final moments of life.
As if his circumstances are not complicated enough, members of Vonnegut’s Order are finally closing in on Victor. And when they do, he comes face-to-face with someone else he once knew and loved, who could either help him, or make a grave situation much worse. Victor’s past has finally caught up with him: the women he has cared for, loved, and killed; the families he has destroyed; the unforgivable crimes he has committed. And now he must face the consequences, and pay the ultimate price for absolution.
But when it is all over, Victor may not have the strength to pick up what is left and move on. Because the event changes him. Because love changed him. And because, unlike before when he thought it is was for the best, he cannot imagine a life without Izabel in it.

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REVIEW: Dearest Clementine by Lex Martin (Dearest #1)

Dearest Clementine

Title: Dearest Clementine
Author: Lex Martin
Series: Dearest #1
Publication Date: May 25th 2015
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Suspense
Rating: 5 Stars

Twenty-year-old Clementine Avery doesn't mind being called bitchy and closed off. It's safe, and after being burned by her high school sweetheart and stalked by a professor her freshman year of college, safe sounds pretty damn good.
Her number one rule for survival? No dating. That is until she accidentally signs up for a romance writing class and needs material for her latest assignment. Sexy RA Gavin Murphy is more than happy to play the part of book boyfriend to help Clem find some inspiration, even if that means making out...in the name of research, of course.
As Gavin and Clem grow closer, they get entangled in the mystery surrounding a missing Boston University student, and Clem unwittingly becomes a possible target. Gavin tries to show Clem she can handle falling in love again, but she knows she has to be careful because her heart’s at stake…and maybe even her life.
DEAREST CLEMENTINE is a stand-alone novel with two companion novels. This New Adult romance is recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.

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BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY: Lies in the Darkness by Amanda J. Clay

Lies In The Darkness

Title: Lies In The Darkness
Author: Amanda J. Clay
Publication Date: May 9th 2016
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars

It’s senior year at Pacific State University and all-night parties, cheap hookups and regrets are the ruling pastimes.
Sophie DeLuca used to be a nice girl—but that was before Luke Lamanuzzi tore her heart to shreds. Now she’s a walking trail of vodka-soaked destruction, something her sexy, smooth-talking coworker Davis won’t let her forget. He might have a secret crush on her—but his playboy reputation would never let him admit it. His best friend Blake’s own love of all-nighters and debauchery comes crashing to a halt when a one-night stand backfires. Level-headed Cassie seems like she’s the one who has it all together, but she’s just better at hiding her skeletons.
Ungracefully pirouetting in and out of love triangles, drug addictions and unwanted pregnancies, four friends stumble their way through their last year of study and try to grasp the realities of the world on the other side.

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REVIEW: Forget Me Always by Sara Wolf

Forget Me Always

Title: Forget Me Always
Series: Lovely Vicious #2
Author: Sara Wolf
Publication Date: Nov 1st 2016 (first published Feb 8th 2014)
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars

Light meets dark. Secrets meet truth. 
It's been three years, twenty-five weeks, and five days since Isis Blake fell in love, and if she has it her way, it'll stretch into infinity.
After a run-in with her mom’s ex-boyfriend, she scrabbles to remember what she’s lost to amnesia. Her ex-nemesis Jack falls deeper into a pit of despair, and his girlfriend Sophia does all she can to keep him to herself. But as Isis’ memories return, she finds it harder and harder to resist what she felt for Jack, and Jack finds it impossible to stay away from the only girl who’s ever melted the ice around his heart.
As the dark secrets surrounding Sophia emerge, Isis realizes Jack isn’t who she thought he was. He’s dangerous. But when Isis starts receiving terrifying emails from an anonymous source, that danger might be the only thing protecting her from something far more threatening.
Her past.
***This book contains language and sexual scenes, some of which may be unsuitable for younger readers. 

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REVIEW: Manwhore by Katy Evans (Manwhore #1)

Manwhore

Title: Manwhore
Series: Manwhore #1
Author: Katy Evans
Publication Date: March 24th 2015
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Erotica
Rating: 5 Stars

Is it possible to expose Chicago’s hottest player—without getting played?
This is the story I've been waiting for all my life, and its name is Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint. Don’t be fooled by that last name though. There’s nothing holy about the man except the hell his parties raise. The hottest entrepreneur Chicago has ever known, he’s a man’s man with too much money to spend and too many women vying for his attention.
Mysterious. Privileged. Legendary. His entire life he’s been surrounded by the press as they dig for tidbits to see if his fairytale life is for real or all mirrors and social media lies. Since he hit the scene, his secrets have been his and his alone to keep. And that’s where I come in.
Assigned to investigate Saint and reveal his elusive personality, I’m determined to make him the story that will change my career.
But I never imagined he would change my life. Bit by bit, I start to wonder if I'm the one discovering him...or if he's uncovering me.
What happens when the man they call Saint, makes you want to sin?

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REVIEW: The Bad Ones by Stylo Fantôme

The Bad Ones

Title: The Bad Ones

Author: Stylo Fantôme

Publication Date: April 12th 2016

Publisher: Battleaxe Productions

Genre: Adult, Romance, Dark, Suspense

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Love isn't always bright and shiny. 
Sometimes, it's dirty and wrong, buried six feet deep in a secret place where only wild things dare to go. Hidden behind a big black curtain that covers things no one should ever see.
Sometimes it happens between two people who should never be allowed to come together. One who is a match, and the other who just happens to be gasoline.
One strike is all it takes to burn the whole world down, and that's exactly what they plan on doing.
Even if it kills them. 
Warning: this book contains graphic sex, extremely brutal violence, foul language, and people repeatedly and knowingly breaking the law. 80,000 word full length novel.

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REVIEW: Love Me Never by Sara Wolf

Love Me Never

Title: Love Me Never
Series: Lovely Vicious #1
Author: Sara Wolf
Publication Date: April 5th 2016 (first published November 4th 2013)
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars

Previously published as Lovely Vicious, this fully revised and updated edition is full of romance, intrigue, and laugh-out-loud moments.
Don’t love your enemy. Declare war on him.
Seventeen-year-old Isis Blake hasn’t fallen in love in three years, nine weeks, and five days, and after what happened last time, she intends to keep it that way. Since then she’s lost eighty-five pounds, gotten four streaks of purple in her hair, and moved to Buttcrack-of-Nowhere, Ohio, to help her mom escape a bad relationship.
All the girls in her new school want one thing—Jack Hunter, the Ice Prince of East Summit High. Hot as an Armani ad, smart enough to get into Yale, and colder than the Arctic, Jack Hunter's never gone out with anyone. Sure, people have seen him downtown with beautiful women, but he's never given high school girls the time of day. Until Isis punches him in the face.
Jack’s met his match. Suddenly everything is a game.
The goal: Make the other beg for mercy.
The game board: East Summit High.
The reward: Something neither of them expected.

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REVIEW: Best Laid Plans by Stylo Fantôme

Best Laid Plans

Title: Best Laid Plans
Author: Stylo Fantôme
Series: The Mercenaries #1
Publication Date: September 5th 2015
Publisher: Battleaxe Productions
Genre: Adult, Thriller, Action, Suspense, Romance
Rating: 5 stars

THE PLAN:
* Smuggle diamonds from Liberia to Morocco
* Make the trip in three days
* Don't get caught
* Don't kill each other
* Don't have sex with each other
* Don't fall for each other
* Stick to the plan
This is the story of what happens when an unlikely bond is formed between enemies, causing tensions to rise, and igniting a chemistry that threatens to burn them both. Together, they'll learn that sometimes even the best laid plans can fail.
If this NOVEL were a MOVIE, it would have an R rating from the MPAA. Contains: Violence, Grisly Images, Strong Language, Nudity, and Graphic Sexual Content.

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REVIEW & PLAYLIST: Innocents by Mary & Sarah Elizabeth (Dusty #1)

Innocents

Title: Innocents
Series: Dusty #1
Author(s): Mary Elizabeth, Sarah Elizabeth
Publication Date: July 14th 2014
Genre: NA, Romance, Contemporary, Coming of Age
Rating:

The girl with an innocent heart knows all about bad choices, but has yet to make them for herself. Searching for freedom, she finds it in the delinquent down the hall.
The troublemaker with summer-sky blue eyes knows he should stay away, but can’t resist the blissful wonder who makes his house a home.
She’s a hopeless romantic. He’s just hopeless.
She’s his reason, but he might not catch her when she falls.
She loves him. He loves her crazy.
This is what happens when a love made of secrets is kept with rules instead of promises.

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