Eden Butler
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A Few Book Recs…
I've read quite a bit, especially in the past couple of weeks. In general, I tend to read about 80-100 books a year, but the past week or so, I've tackled eight, I believe.
I'm recommended a few out of that eight and yes, I realize that I'm likely well out of the loop. Additionally, I'm recommended a few of my personal, all time favorite books. Tell me what you think. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the following.
1. On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
I literally read this book about three times (with lots of skipping to the "good bits") In case you've been under a rock, like me, apparently, here's a brief synopsis.
Four years ago, Jocelyn Butler left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Edinburgh. Burying the grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without any real attachments has worked well for her so far but when Joss moves into a fantastic apartment on Dublin Street, her carefully guarded world is shaken to its core by her new roommate's sexy older brother.
Braden Carmichael is a man who always gets what he wants. And what he wants is Jocelyn in his bed. Knowing how skittish Joss is concerning any kind of relationship, Braden proposes a sexual arrangement that should satisfy the intense attraction between them without it developing into anything 'more'. An intrigued Jocelyn agrees, completely unprepared for
the Scotsman and his single-minded determination to strip the stubborn young woman bare…to the very soul.
I loved this book. It was hot, it had impact and a main character, Joss, that I really adored. Bredan, her love interest was wonderful and the dynamic between them really was sweet.
2. Slammed by Colleen Hoover
This was a sweet, sweet book about youngish love and how responsibility and commitment doesn't care what your heart wants. There was a lot of sexual tension in this book (which I adore), but not a lot in the way of the "resolution" of that tension. Still, Slammed is very well written and the characters are very likable.
Falling in love can feel like poetry. Or it can feel like a slam to the heart.
Colleen Hoover's romantic, emotion-packed debut novel unforgettably captures all the magic and confusion of first love, as two young people forge an unlikely bond before discovering that fate has other plans for them. Following the unexpected death of her father, eighteen-year-old Layken becomes the rock for both her mother and younger brother. She appears resilient and tenacious, but inside, she's losing hope. Then she meets her new neighbor Will, a handsome twenty-one-year-old whose mere presence leaves her flustered and whose passion for poetry slams thrills her. Not long after a heart-stopping first date during which each recognizes something profound and familiar in the other, they are slammed to the core when a shocking discovery brings their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together and the forces that tear them apart. Only through the poetry they share are they able to speak the truth that is in their hearts and imagine a future where love is cause for celebration, not regret.
3. Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise
This was a funny, funny contemp romance with a "fluffy girl" main character and I cracked up reading it. There are some great, great one liners and a main couple that really get each other. This book was so much fun to read that I didn't mind that there wasn't a lot in the "hot and heavy" department. Still, I'd definitely go back and read more of Cruise's novels.
Minerva Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man who asked her to dinner to win a bet. Even if he is gorgeous and successful Calvin Morrisey. Cal knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs. Even if she does wear great shoes, and keep him on his toes. When they say good-bye at the end of their evening, they cut their losses and agree never to see each other again.But Fate has other plans, and it's not long before Min and Cal meet again. Soon, they're dealing with a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kreme donuts, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a freakishly intelligent cat, Chicken Marsala, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of. Including the biggest gamble of all-true love.4. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
I can only say that I am in love with Travis. Seriously. Totally and completely in love with this caveman. Lots and lots of sexual tension, lots of bickering, lots and lots and lots of "almosts" with a wonderful pay off.
The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn't drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand.
Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby's resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis's apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.
Old favorites I adore:
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Daughter of Smoke and Blood and Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
The Hollows Series by Kim Harrison
Do yourself a favor and check out these classics. They changed the way I write!
Cal, Dublin, Dublin Street, Edinburgh, Erin Morgenstern, Jocelyn, Joss, Kim Harrison, Laini Taylor, Neil Gaiman
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