Bücher mit dem Tag "5 stars"

Kaum zu glauben, dass dieser phantastische Sciencefiction von 2014 an mir vorbeigehen konnte. Durch Zufall sprach eine gute Freundin davon und schon durch ihren Schilderungen leckte ich Blut. Eigentlich will ich Andy Weir nur eine neue Fünfer-Bewertung gönnen, denn gesagt wird in den vielen, vielen Rezensionen eigentlich alles. Die Story jedenfalls ist genau mein Ding.

Es ist nun mal ein Hard-SciFi, und wem die technischen Details zu viel sind, der mag sie doch einfach getrost überlesen. Das schmälert nichts an der Spannung der Geschichte.

Eine schöne, außergewöhnliche Lovestory über Madeline, die ihr ganzes Leben lang schon abgeschottet Zuhause leben muss, da sie einen Immundefekt hat, der sie in der Welt draußen fast sofort sterben lässt. Doch dann zieht der eigensinnige Olly ins Haus nebenan ein und sucht den Kontakt zu ihr. Die beiden verlieben sich mit der Zeit und Madeline muss sich entscheiden, ob ihr vorheriges Leben wirklich lebenswert war oder sie vielleicht alles riskieren sollte, um »richtig« zu leben. Die Story geht schnell und leicht voran, ist süß und interessant gemacht und hält zum Ende sogar noch eine leicht schockierende Wendung bereit, mit der man so vielleicht nicht gerechnet hätte. Auch die Message der Geschichte ist gut gelungen und regt zum Nachdenken an. Dazu gibt es ab und an ein paar liebevoll gestaltete Zeichnungen, die perfekt in die Story eingebaut wurden und wirklich ein tolles, erfrischendes Stilmittel sind. Die Charaktere sind dabei sympathisch, wenn man Olly jetzt auch nicht super tiefgründig kennengelernt hat, und der Schreibstil, der in sehr kurzen Kapiteln aus Madelines Sicht erzählt, liest sich angenehm leicht und schnell, sodass man das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen will. Insgesamt ist die Geschichte wirklich schön und gelungen und definitiv mal was anderes in diesem Genre und so kann man sie ruhig fast jedem empfehlen.

Auf Englisch ein klarer Erotikroman, im Deutschen sind viele Szenen gekürzt oder aber "entschärft". Der Titel ist hier auch Programm, denn in vielen Passagen ist die Liebe, die Tate erfährt, düster und triebgesteuert. Gefühlt ist dieser Roman aber nicht so dramatisch wie andere Bücher von Colleen Hoover. Abgesehen davon baut die Geschichte auch eine zunehmende Spannung auf und die Charaktere hatten häufig nachvollziehbare Beweggründe für ihr Handeln.

Die zehnjährige Sophie beginnt glücklich das Schuljahr in der neuen fünften Klasse. Das Besondere dabei ist, dass sie auf die Aurora-Fanning-Gesamtschule in ihrer Heimatstadt Eden gehen darf. Diese Schule ist nämlich eine außergewöhnliche: Hier lernen nicht nur Menschen, sondern unter anderem auch magische Wesen, einige von ihnen sogar mit Zauberkräften: Feen, Hexen, Meerjungfrauen, Zwerge, Zentauren und Werwölfe. Sophie ist hibbelig, denn das alles fasziniert sie. Sie findet es spannend, mit magischen Kindern zur Schule zu gehen, möchte zu gern welche kennenlernen und zaubern sehen. Doch anfangs gestaltet sich das schwierig, selbst als das Klassenbuch durch die Luft schwebt, offenbart sich keiner. Und auch Klassenlehrerin Frau Thomas ist verschwiegen und verrät nichts.

Als ihre Grundschulfreundin Fenja nicht mehr ihre Interessen teilt, bekommt Sophie überraschend Anschluss und neue Freunde. Bald schon ist ihrer aller Spürsinn gefragt: Ein Einhorn aus der seltenen Herde im Mondmoor ist verschwunden.

Katharina Martin dürfte mit „Sophie und die Magie. Bio, Deutsch und Zauberei“ Mädchen und Jungen im Alter von acht bis zehn Jahren gleichermaßen ansprechen, wenn diese sich für magische Abenteuer und Wesen und natürlich auch für die Freundschaft zwischen Kindern begeistern. In ihrer Geschichte spricht die Autorin einige Themen an, überlädt das Geschehen allerdings nicht mit Problemen. Sie macht wiederum deutlich, wie wichtig die Akzeptanz von Andersartigkeit, Kameradschaft, das Einstehen füreinander und Rücksichtnahme sind. 

Das Zusammenleben von Magischen und „Normalen“ gehört in Eden, dem Ort der Geschichte, zum Alltag. Katharina Martin hat eine Gemeinschaft vielfältiger Charaktere zusammengestellt, die sich trotz ihrer unterschiedlichen Eigenschaften in vielen Dingen ergänzen. Sie agieren in einem Umfeld, das auch Streitigkeiten, Meinungsverschiedenheiten und Ängste vor dem Unbekannten beinhaltet, indes ebenso Verbundenheit und verträgliches Miteinander, Hilfsbereitschaft und Ideenreichtum.

Die Illustratorin Angela Glökler hat nicht nur ein bunt-fröhliches Cover entworfen, sondern bereichert zudem mit schwarz-weißen Bildern den Text. Dies geschieht dezent, so dass zwar die eigene Fantasie angeregt, aber ihr gleichwohl Raum gegeben wird und immer die Geschichte im Fokus bleibt, die von Katharina Martin mit Fantasie, Lebendigkeit, Schwung und Pfiff erzählt wird. Nach einem etwas ruhigen Start hält die Autorin neben aufregenden Momenten auch lustige Situationen bereit, die letztlich zu einer kurzweiligen und freudigen Lektüre beitragen.

4,5 Sterne

Als Sky Dean Holder an der Supermarktkasse trifft, hat sie gleich so ein Gefühl, dass dieser junge Mann ihr Leben verändern wird und ihm scheint es ebenso zu ergehen. Immerhin ein Lichtblick in der neuen Highschool, durch die sie sich allein schlagen muss, nachdem ihre beste Freundin und Nachbarin als Austauschstudentin das Abschlussjahr in Italien verbringt. Als Dean sich dann noch anbietet ihr täglicher Joggingpartner zu werden, ist es um Sky schnell geschehen. Doch es scheint als würde Dean Geheimnisse vor ihr haben, nur kann sie den Finger nicht darauflegen, was es sein mag. Er stellt ihr Leben auf den Kopf und bewirkt, dass längst verschüttete Erlebnisse aus ihrer Vergangenheit sich ihren Weg an die Oberfläche bahnen und das sind nicht immer die glücklichsten Erinnerungen.

Ich bin bekennender Colleen Hoover Fan und auch dieses Buch war wirklich gut, auch wenn es mich etwas mehr Zeit gekostet hat, es zu lesen. Ich weiß nicht warum, vielleicht lag es an der unbequemen Thematik, mit der man sich ohnehin nicht gern auseinandersetzen möchte, oder das mir das Kennenlernen von Sky und Dean so in die Länge gezogen vorkam, obwohl der Leser schon lange im Voraus die Wahrheit ahnt. Sei es drum dieses Leseerlebnis war eher Slowfood für mich. Dean und Sky haben eine ganz eigene Paardynamik und verwenden viel Zeit mit reden, vorlesen und sich kennenlernen, bevor es zum Äußersten kommt. Es ist hier nicht der moralische Zeigefinger, wie zum Beispiel bei Twilight wo das Konzept der Enthaltsamkeit bis zur Ehe propagiert werden soll, sondern Skys besonderer Situation geschuldet. Gerade dies macht den Zauber aus von dem die Geschichte lebt und natürlich, dass Dean Sky schon als Kind geliebt hat, bevor sie spurlos verschwand. Die Konfrontation von Sky mit ihrem Vater fand ich für mich unrealistisch, weil ich mir nicht vorstellen kann, dass Menschen die das durchgemacht haben, sich so ohne weiteres ihrem Peiniger stellen können. Dennoch trägt gerade diese Begegnung maßgeblich zur Heilung von Skys seelischen Wunden bei und füllt Erinnerungslücken. Ich empfand sowohl Sky als auch Dean als sehr sympathisch und glaubhaft, von daher werde ich wohl auch noch „Losing Hope“ lesen, damit ich mehr über Dean erfahre, denn in „Hopeless“ ist er der Held, der Sky den Schlüssel zu ihrer Vergangenheit bringt. Aber schon zwischen den Zeilen erkennt man, dass auch er einen steinigen Weg hinter sich hat und das er seine Geschichte erzählen sollte.

Ein toller Roman einer meiner Lieblingsautorinnen, mit einem sehr schwierigen Thema. Ich finde sie hat die Geschichte trotzdem richtig gut erzählt ohne viel Pathos und Klischees.

Ich habe lange überlegt ob ich die Geschichte von Bella und Edward wirklich mit vertauschten Rollen lesen will. Aber die Neugierde war dann doch stärker. Und was soll ich sagen, ich hätte „Life and death“ schon viel, viel früher lesen sollen, denn ich habe es verschlungen.

Zuallererst war ich einfach nur neugierig zu erfahren welche kleinen und großen Änderungen Stephenie Meyer an ihrer Geschichte vielleicht vorgenommen hat – welche mir übrigens gut gefallen.

Aber es dauert nicht lange und ich war in der Welt von Beau und Edythe gefangen und konnte nicht aufhören mit ihnen mitzufiebern. Mir gefällt die Dynamik zwischen den Beiden, die so ganz anders ist als die zwischen ihren Vorgängern Bella und Edward und doch so gleich. Das gleiche gilt für die Geschichte, die zwar im Grunde auch dieselbe ist, aber doch gleichzeitig so vollkommen verschieden. Man kann die beiden eigentlich gar nicht vergleichen, denn trotz aller Ähnlichkeiten sind es komplett andere Geschichten. 

Ich hätte auch nichts gegen ein Wiedersehen mit Beau und Edythe. Kann das Buch nur empfehlen.

What an enjoyable young adult story! Samantha is the daughter of the Connecticut's Senator and has lived next door to the large Garrett family for many years. She watches them but never engages until the summer before her senior year when she meets Jase Garrett and his seven siblings. Jase’s younger brother George is one of the most memorable characters I ever had the pleasure to read about, and I adored him, as I did the entire Garrett brood.

I really like stories like this, that get you through every stage of a young relationship; that make you hold your breath for the romantic moments, for the first kiss; that make you smile at all the silliness and cuteness of the couple; that make you ache for them when they are in trouble and fall apart; that make you love them more when they get back together, much stronger as a couple, much more in love, knowing themselves better, accepting each other with the good and the bad, feeling their love grow with every page, with every word.

“I realize that finding the perfect person isn’t going to be easy for me because I’m a lot to take,” she says, “but I’m not going to change just so that I’m more datable.”

Christina Lauren have once again, created a story that I have fallen head over heels in love with! Josh & Hazel's Guide to not Dating is a hilariously funny, silly and sweet ”friends-to-lovers”, romantic comedy.

Hazel Bradford is a bit of a weirdo, and I mean that in the best way possible. She knows she can be a lot to take, she gets it. She's fun, loud, a little crazy and a lot of amazing. When she meets Josh Im in college, she's got a bit of a crush, but Josh seems to be right there in the middle of all her embarrassing moments. Josh is very much the opposite of Hazel. He's mellow, cool, calm, and collective.

Fast forward years after college and Hazel becomes besties with a girl named Emily. She soon finds out that Emily is Josh Im's sister. Josh and Hazel are back in each other's lives and Hazel is determined that they become best friends. Josh is at a place where he could use a best friend, so even as different as these two are, they end up spending all their free time together and this unlikely pair just clicks.

Hazel and Josh were both such endearing and fantastic characters and I loved their connection and chemistry. I was completely entertained while reading this. Hazel’s character was a breath of fresh air and her voice drew me in. I loved her idiosyncrasies and honesty. Josh’s character was a nice contrast to Hazel’s. I loved all of the animals and other quirky little bits added in. While I knew where things were headed the whole time, Hazel’s character kept me invested in reading.

When one starts reading a romance novel by my favorite duo Christina Lauren, one should know that you will forever love the story no matter what.

Beautifully told with some pretty darn amazing characters! This book had it all... humor, romance, friendship, family, pets, food, and sizzle! Absolutely recommend to fans of this writing team, and if you aren’t a fan already pick this book up and you will become one! Definitely add this to your TBR if you're looking for some healthy romance that has equal parts cuteness and steaminess. I adored it thoroughly.

London lebt mit ihrer Mutter zusammen, sie kann sich nicht an die Vergangenheit erinnern, jede Nacht wird ihr Gedächtnis gelöscht, dafür sieht sie die Zukunft, kann diese aber nicht immer deuten…

Das Buch ist aus Londons Sicht geschrieben, leider hat die Protagonistin nicht sehr viel tiefe und man kann sich über den Charakter kein richtiges Bild machen. Sie versucht herauszufinden wer sie ist, was geschehen ist und weswegen sie in die Zukunft blicken kann. Ihr Handeln ist teilweise fraglich und diese Notizzettel verwirrend. 

Die Grundidee hat sich sehr spannend angehört ich habe dieses Buch schon seit Ewigkeiten auf den SUB und dachte ich schau mal rein. Die Schreibweise ist sehr fliesend und das Buch lässt sich gut lesen. Zu Beginn zieht sich das Buch, man kommt irgendwie nicht vom Fleck und die Tage drehen sich im Kreis, spannend wird’s dann zum letzten Drittel des Buches als ein wenig aufgelöst wird, doch irgendwie bleibt noch einiges offen und fehlt meiner Meinung nach… Als hätte man keine Lust mehr gehabt das Buch zu beenden. Evtl. wollte die Autorin Raum für Interpretationen oder so etwas lassen… Für mich ein Mittelmässige Buch aus dem man mehr hätte machen können…

Für die, die eine ruhigere Jugendgeschichte möchten mit offenem Ende für Interpretationen 😉

"Every night when I fall asleep with her in my arms, I thank God she’s mine. Every morning when I wake up, my first thought is that I’m grateful she married me. I will never be worthy of her. But I spend every day trying my damnedest."

Julia and Gabriel have come a long way. They first met when Julia was seventeen years old. Eight years later, it’s safe to say that their road to a HEA wasn’t easy, and yet neither time nor circumstances and enemies could prevent them from falling in love with each other and being together now and forever. In Gabriel’s Redemption we see Gabriel working as a professor at Boston University while Julia has just finished her first year as a PhD at Harvard.

Basically Gabriel’s Redemption is about guilt and fears and making the ‘right’ choices. It’s about making amends with the past, accepting what can’t be changed or reversed anymore. But of course it’s also about love. Love eases past mistakes and paves the path to a brighter future.

Gabriel Emerson is one of the most beautiful, romantic, and swoon worthy men I have ever had the pleasure to read about. I’ve loved him more in each book. His love, devotion, and charming nature just draws me in. I'm going to miss him so much.

It's no a secret that I admire Sylvain Reynard's writing style. I was excited and curious to see where he would take Gabriel who is one of my most favourite bookish characters ever. And Sylvain Reynard definitely didn't disappoint. His ability to express deepest feelings, fears and desires of his characters via words in this book was astonishing. He played with my emotions, he did it in very subtle way and I loved it.

I’m so sad to see this trilogy come to an end. But I'm also very glad that Julia and Gabriel have found their HEA. It goes without saying that Gabriel's Redemption is a must read for every fan of The Sexy Professor.

Gabriel's Redemption is a beautiful conclusion to a truly insightful and memorable, one-of-a-kind love story. This series is one of those stories that stay with you forever!

Brilliant, inspiring and interesting plot! Masterfully told! Unforgettable and swoon-worthy professor Gabriel Emerson! And… enough intrigue, suspense and romance to last throughout their saga! All the Stars!!!

`I promise to love you forever in this life and wherever we go in the afterlife, because I know I can’t go on in any life unless you’re in it too.´

Camryn and Andrew are together. Happy. More in love than they’ve ever been. Then something big happens to them both. Something that changes their lives forever. Camryn starts to change in little ways. Andrew knows he was to do something to bring her back to herself. He decides they need to go back to the start. Back on the road.

Andrew and Camryn’s love is like a journey. It’s not always easy, but they make it work. They truly are soul mates. People that were meant to meet, be together and stay together forever. They are passionate, full of love and life. They show that even when things get hard, with the right person by your side, you can get through anything.

This book was unlike any other I've read. The story really stands out and I was just so impressed with the direction the author took this story in and with the way she stayed so true to these beloved characters. This series has the perfect blend of romance and adventure combined with heartfelt emotional depth. I think fans of The Edge of Never will be very happy with this sequel!

The Edge of Always brought Andrew and Camryn's journey full circle giving a wonderful sense of closure to their story. I enjoyed it very much.

Natalie is a wife of a Navy SEAL and is pregnant with her first baby. She loses her husband in Afghanistan and, while she is completely shattered and heartbroken, she has to continue living for her child. Her husband's best friend Liam steps up to help her deal with the loss and offers the support she needs.

Any spoilers for this story would be such an injustice to anyone who is wanting to read it, so that’s why I’m being so tight lipped about the actual story. It’s one you’ll want to go into without knowing how it’s going to go.

If you have not read this book, or this series, you truly must. This is one of those books that will just make you feel everything. One you won’t forgot. This series is military related. It will give you a whole new level of respect for military families. Their struggles, their loyalties, their heartaches. Their strength. Their selfless sacrifices.

The Consolation Duet is a captivatingly beautiful story that gripped me from the very beginning. It has a fantastic heroine, a wonderful hero and the writing is superb. These books are  addictive, thrilling, emotional, romantic, sexy, and everything I could want in a series. This wonderful novel about loss, grief, hope and love sure gave me all the feels.

“You only get one life. Live it for you.”

The Flirtation, the tenth installment in the Submissive series. This second chance romance told in dual POV, highlights the ins and outs of a BSDM community and the nuances of the relationships embedded in this lifestyle.

I always like coming back to this BDSM-themed series, revisiting characters I know and love. It is hard to believe this is the tenth book in this series.

A while back Lynne and Simon had the startings of thing but then Simon suddenly bailed. He might have gotten a little scared. And neither ever really got over what they'd had. And now they're suddenly on each other's radar again, and, well, a flirtation starts up and leads to a whole lot more as they finally realize that, yes, their kinks? Totally rub along together nicely.

Lynne Ryder and Simon Neal are not new to this plot, having made numerous cameos in subsequent books. It was wonderful to finally peel back their layers. Their complexities and fetishes exposed in a tale full of lies and intensity. In a story full of unresolved issues, we witness seduction and sensuality. The Flirtation from secrets to desires, from desire to possible second chances. This D/s dynamic is full of naughty passion that kept me turning the pages.

The Flirtation is another great addition and I love getting to check in on past characters again. So all in all, a great addition to this series and i can't wait to see what's next since we know the female lead and have seen how her story has been woven into the mix over the years.

"She’s my love, my home, the solace to my soul, the keeper of my heart, the center of my entire fucking world. The only reason I really believe in my own goodness is because I see it reflected in her eyes."

Sidebarred was a short read but it packed so many wonderful things into it. I loved getting another glimpse into Chelsea and Jake’s life, along with all the kids. I felt so much love this family had for each other.

I really enjoyed Sustained but I have to say that I LOVED Sidebarred even more.

I highly recommend Sidebarred to everyone who has read and loved Sustained. You REALLY should NOT miss out on this one.

If there's a happiest of all happiest ending, I think this is the one. Emma Chase closed the series beautifully by giving us a glimpse of the lives of all the characters in this series years and years after their HEA. THAT EPILOGUE. It was one of the most beautiful epilogues ever.

“For me, there’s something liberating in knowing you can drop all your worries, cares, and inhibitions and just feel for a while. Trust someone else to take care of everything. To take care of you.”

Julie is a florist – a modest job for a modest woman. She’s in business with her best friend, who also happens to be a submissive. And one day she meets Daniel, who is in her flower shop making a purchase with his grandmother. She feels an instant connection to him, an attraction she can’t deny. And that attraction is mutual. Neither of them can stop thinking of the other.

From the moment you meet Daniel, he's instantly likable. He's good natured, fair, and confident in his sexuality. Julie is strong, successful, and not a push-over. Julie and Daniel are great together and the connection is instantaneous. I really liked them together and I liked their relationship.

These characters are well-rounded and written with a love and care that jumps from the pages.This is a beautiful story of Dominance, submission and friendships.

This was a really quick and really fun read. I can honestly say that I could not put it down. It had a very addictive quality to it. One where from the moment I began, I just needed to know where the story was going and where the characters would end up. The characters are likable and they have great chemistry.

Tara Sue Me can write a book and just capture me within the first chapter. I love that. I love her easy writing, her no-fuss manner. Her books are a breeze and refreshing. I’m looking forward to the upcoming installments in this series. And she did a great job setting up the love stories we’ll read in the future.

Excellent read! Four and a half stars.

“I’m so glad you fought for me. You’re the best chance I’ve taken.”

Alex Waters is the Captain of the Chicago Hawks NHL team. Violet Hall is the stepsister of Buck Butterson who is a rookie player on the team. The two meet at one of the Hawks away games when Alex slams into the plexiglass barrier that Violet’s seated behind. Once their eyes lock on to each other, they each feel a white-hot attraction. Later after the game they run into each other at a celebratory party. One thing leads to another and Violet ends up in Alex’s hotel room. She isn’t the type of girl to have a meaningless one-night stand with a hockey player but she can’t seem to say no to Alex. Alex is also very smitten with Violet and he honestly tries to be a gentleman that night.

Told in dual POV, Pucked is outrageously laugh out loud funny. I cannot tell you how many times I laughed so hard I cried! Violet is one of those characters you cannot help but love. She is so vulnerable and open with everyone and when she opens her mouth you never know what is going to come out! Alex is a perfect hero for Violet. He is more polished and paired together they are a perfect match! The plot is simple and yet the characters and their colorful idiosyncrasies make this a complex ball of fun.

I've been wanting to read Pucked for a long time, and I'm so happy that I finally did! It was the perfect read for me right now! Sweet, silly, and steamy!! I loved it! If you love sports romances and you love to laugh, THIS is a book you need to read! 5 Stars!

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better than Hopeless, Colleen Hoover proves me wrong! I loved that Losing Hope wasn’t just Hopeless from Holder’s POV... it was so much more. In Hopeless Sky told her side of the story, but this time, in Losing Hope we get Holder's side of the emotional journey.

Holder hasn't had an easy year, to say the least. Fortunately he meets Sky and discovers that after all, he might not be completely hopeless. She might be the one to put him back together in so many different ways, because she was his past and she now could become his future.

Holder and Sky are an amazing couple and this story is so well written and so freaking beautiful! I thought I already loved Dean with all my heart, but now I love him more. So. Much. More. I now understand every part of him. Everything he experienced, I went through it with him.

Colleen Hoover is seriously talented. She has a way to tell a story like no other. I get sucked into her books- I can’t get enough. And the letters...Those letters were so emotional, they were the best part for me.

So much of Losing Hope is new. It's not just an alternate perspective, it's actually a whole different part of the story entirely. But if you piece it together with Hopeless, you just get EVERYTHING.

Losing Hope was just absolute, beautiful perfection. If you've read and loved Hopeless as much as I did, you will not be disappointed by this wonderful re-telling of the story! And if you haven't read this series yet, READ IT! And I promise you won't be disappointed either.

Typisch Colleen Hoover.

“His was the face I saw when I closed my eyes, when I needed to feel comfort or thrill, grounding or lust. Niall Stella's face felt like HOME to me.”

Beautiful Secret is a fantastic addition to this fun, sexy series. I have grown to love these men and couldn't wait to meet the another Stella man.

We have the characters Niall Stella, Max's (from Beautiful Stranger) younger brother and Ruby Miller, an intern from Richardson-Corbett-- the company where Niall is the VP. Although they work at the same company, these two are basically strangers. Well, except for Ruby's side, because she has been crushing on him ever since forever. Niall Stella is successful, driven and focused. He is also recently divorced, that may be why he failed notice a beautiful woman staring at him. When the two of them went to New York to attend an international summit for a month, that's when Niall finally noticed her. That's also the time when their sexual connection started. However, Niall has reservations when it comes to intimacy because of his post-divorce issues.

I really enjoyed Beautiful Secret and I had big expectations for this one. It was funny, very hot and in some part awkward but in a good way.

"You deserve love and kindness because you put out those things, Sean. You deserve to feel wanted. I want you. I want you so much. Let yourself feel that..."

I'm a huge fan of the Dirty Deeds series! I have read all the books and I enjoyed them all! Bad For You is book three f the series. The story is about Sean and Shayla.

Sean Molina has never had an easy life. When the story first opens we witness his struggles as a young boy. Being a victim of child neglect, he had to fend for himself for the very basic necessities of life that no child should have to be without. Sean learned early on that his mother was never going to provide for him or give him the loving and nurturing environment that he so deserved. He had to steal food and clothing just to survive and later on in life he would turn to a life of crime because that’s all he had ever known. He made one huge mistake which landed him in prison but his biggest regret was that it took him away from his two little girls.

Shayla is full of life and love. She’s got a dream of opening her own hair salon and it’s just within her grasp. She is so beautiful inside and out. I really loved this character! From the moment she saw Sean, she had fallen hard. In the beginning, they would share some quiet time together at the restaurant and she enjoyed her conversations with Sean. But then she tried for more with him and it scared Sean. Sean has the worst self-confidence and in his mind, he wasn’t good enough for Shayla, and so he pushed her away. For several months things were strained between them until one night he catches Shayla crying and he can no longer stay away.

These two just held onto my heart all throughout their story and I loved both of them. They were truly perfect together and I was rooting Shayla on whenever she was there to help Sean realize he was worth a lot more than he thought.

This story is a super slow burn romance and I'm not complaining at all. Shayla and Sean are friends for more than half of the book and while I was eager to get to the romance part of the story I understood that she needed to establish trust before anything could happen. Sean is a bit like a deer in headlights when it comes to intimacy. Hugs are for him almost unbearable because he doesn't feel like he is lovable. So to me it was a natural development that they built on that friendship.

Overall, this book being the third in the Dirty Deeds series has brought so much love towards the characters that we have met before in the past—and also a curious touch towards the characters that are coming such as Nate and Jenna. I was happy to catch up with Tori and Jamie, Syd and Brian. The way they welcomed Sean into their fold, sharing their Sunday dinners with him and making him feel a part of the family was sweeter than candy. Now the anticipation begins for Nate and Jenna's story. Nate is a widower and single-dad. Pretty sure this will be just as heartbreaking.

Bad For You, without a doubt, is going on my “Best of 2018” shelf!  This book had it all—beautiful broken hero, phenomenal heroine, and a story that will absolutely melt your hearts!