A Wrinkle in Forever (Love Under Wraps Book 3) by Charissa Stastny

What do you do when forever unravels?

Laurel Tremain never imagined when she ousted Everett Montgomery from student council that she would lose her heart to the arrogant, but oh-so-charming jock. That was the moment their love story began and flourished into a forever kind of love.

But a tragic accident the night before their wedding leaves Laurel broken, unable to give Everett what he most desires. When she realizes he will never be the one to walk away, she runs, placing a permanent wrinkle in the fabric of their lives.

Years later, a twist of fate brings Everett back into Laurel’s orbit. He’s struggled to move on since she disappeared from his life, and the forever he longed for has diverged far off course. But being with Laurel again proves that time hasn't erased his feelings. Laurel is still his perfect match.

There’s just one problem. Their second chance rests squarely in the forbidden zone.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I have been loving this Love Under Wraps series.  The first two books were SO good.  I struggled with this one though and I really hate to say that.  I'm going to go with the good and the not so good for me.  This book is written in alternating perspectives and jumps back and forth through time.  Just make sure to pay attention to the dates to keep everything straight!  Oh, and this book is Looooooong.  Over 350 pages.

The good:  I feel like I really knew the characters- their motivations, their struggles, their strengths and weaknesses.  I was definitely sucked into the drama of the story and it was hard to disengage myself- especially in the first half.  I could picture the scenes in this book and felt like I was there with the characters.

The bad:  There was so much drama in this book.  So many depressing, hard and dramatic things happening.  All the time.  All the way through.  Just when you think there might be a speck of hope, nope.  Nada.  I had a hard time being in the throes of depression and hard things for the majority of the book.  As a reader, I really need to feel that hope and that light.  This book swirls in darkness most of the time.  It was depressing and I didn't like it.

I think the author threw in every single horrible thing she could think of into this book.  I was listing them all to my daughter and it almost got ridiculous saying them all out loud.  I won't list them all here because if you want to read this book, I don't want to give anything away but please be advised that I will be listing many things in my content head's up so read it or don't as you will.  I don't mind hard issues for characters in the books I read.  I love depth and growth but I really need a balance so the darkness doesn't become overwhelming.

The next thing I was surprised with was the swearing and sexual references in this book.  I wouldn't label it clean and I thought this was a clean romance series.  Also, there are a lot of potential triggers for people in this book so be aware.

I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy this book.  I really am.  Every book is different for every reader and this one just wasn't for me.

Content:  swearing, sexual references (groping), innuendo, crass thoughts and words, drinking to excess, teenage partying and drinking, references to casual sex, drug abuse and addiction, suicide, overdose, rape, molestation, depression, marital affairs, child neglect.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Rules Are Made To Be Broken (Love Under Wraps Book 2) by Mylissa Demeyere + $50 Giveaway!

I’ve loved Will Henderson from the first day I laid eyes on him. But I made a solemn promise that same day. I would never, ever date Will Henderson.

For almost a decade, Charlotte Dubois has loved Will Henderson from afar, squelching her heart's silent yearnings. But no way could she date her best friend Kelsey’s brother. Their whole friendship is based on one rule: No friend of Kelsey can ever date Will. Instead, Charlotte has watched him date and break more hearts than should be legal.

Will Henderson never got over that stolen kiss he shared with Charlotte years ago—though he's tried valiantly to rid his system of his sister's best friend.

When circumstances bring the two into each other’s arms again, Will wants to convince Charlotte to break the rules and take a chance on him. But to do so, they will have to hide their relationship from the ones they love most. Can true love triumph, or will they both end up losing?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Wowza.  This book has loads of excellent, sparking chemistry!  I loved that so much.  That whole forbidden love vibe really set the stage for the growing intensity between Will and Charlotte.  They have known each other for so long that all those repressed feelings are just bound to explode out at some point, right?  It's something you can just feel coming and the anticipation was fun!

Charlotte is trying so hard to guard herself against Will.  For her, it's more than just a promise made when she was young.  As her backstory unfolded, I found myself more and more sympathetic to Charlotte's plight.  I was rooting for her and I wanted so badly for all the good things to swing her way. 

As a reader, I am always looking for those personal connections to the characters and I want to feel emotion as I read.  This book had all of those things and I had a hard time putting it down.  I read late into the night to finish and it was ever so satisfying!  I really loved this one.  💙

This book is also on Kindle Unlimited!

Content:  kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Excerpt:

CHARLOTTE

“I let you out of my sight for one minute, and already you almost ruin a perfectly great tray of stuffed mushrooms, Charles?”

I didn’t need to turn around to know who had spoken. If the voice didn’t give him away, there was only one person in the world that would ignore using my given name and call me Charles, just to get a rise out of me. Will had an uncanny talent of sneaking up on me when I least expected it, delivering a line that sounded like melted chocolate with that husky voice of his. Most women swooned in his presence, especially when he worked his magic. I was not one of them. Well, at least not that I let him see. I’d known him too long and had trained myself to not give in to his charm. I’d been weak once before. Never again.

“You know me. I’m useless without you.” I laid on the sarcasm, and to add an extra push, I added, “William.”

It was our thing. Will riled me up by calling me Charles, I retaliated by calling him William. It was a childish habit we’d yet to outgrow.

Will’s face broke out into a wide grin, and I felt a flutter in my belly. No surprise there. He had that effect on me. He’d caught my attention that first day in high school, before I even met Kelsey. Who wouldn’t notice those ice-blue eyes and short, blond curls? It didn’t hurt that he had a broad chest with toned abs. I knew; I’d seen them up close many, many times. Be still my heart!

A female server passed with another tray, momentarily breaking up the intense stare-down between us. I took the opportunity to catch my breath and remind myself that Will was off limits. I would remain strong.

Will’s eyes followed the female staff member’s retreating form. She turned back and caught his eyes on her. I couldn’t blame her for turning back to take another look. The man was a nearly perfect specimen—absolute eye candy. He gave her his classic look, the one that made women want to have his babies, and her cheeks darkened. Instead of watching their exchange, I focused on Will. I’d seen him work his charm for almost a decade. I knew he was a player. So why did I let him get to me like this?

Without another word, I turned from the familiar scene. I was done having my heart crushed, as much as I hated to admit he still possessed the power to crush it.

Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, exercising, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast. 

https://www.mylissademeyere.com

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Rafflecopter Giveaway:

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Ends 21/12/2019

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway is organized by Mylissa Demeyere. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Heart Thief (Love Under Wraps Book 1) by Taylor Dean

I was warned about him. I should've listened. But I didn't.
Of course, I also thought Ryker Martel was about to propose.

He didn't.

I was ready to say yes.

He was ready to wait a little longer.

Now he's out of the country on an extended business trip and I'm staying in his penthouse apartment with seeds of disillusionment taking over my soul.

Ryker reminded me that his estranged brother might show up out of the blue at his penthouse. He told me to let him know right away if he did. He'd take care of it.

His brother is bad news. The rebel, the black sheep of the family.

"Don't trust him," Ryker said. "Stay as far away from him as possible. He's a thief, a snake."

Warning duly noted.

And ignored.

I considered myself equipped to handle whatever was thrown my way. I was wrong.

Nothing prepared me for Zane and the havoc he would wreak in my life--and in my heart. He turned me upside down and knocked me sideways.

Falling for the other brother is never a good idea. Keeping it a secret, even worse.

Especially when he proves to be the thief he was purported to be.

My heart will never be mine again and I want it back.

But it has been stolen and I'll never be the same.

Never.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

This book is yet another reason I adore Taylor Dean.  Honestly, I just LOVE her books.  They make me feel things and that is ALWAYS what I'm looking for as a reader.  The characters feel real- like they could be me or someone I know.  It's that familiarity that Taylor Dean excels at.  I will tell anyone who will listen that Taylor Dean is one of my favorites.  I was hooked from my very first book, years ago, (I Have People) and from there I binged on every book she had written.  Then I stalked her, I mean followed her, and I've never looked back.

Do you know that song, Stolen by Dashboard Confessional?  🎵 You have stolen my heart🎶 ?  That was the song playing through my head for half of this book.  Mila's heart is definitely put through the ringer in this book because life is not easy.  Bad things happen to good people.  Life can get overwhelming and sometimes, sad.  Mila feels the high of highs and the low of lows.  See?  Real.

There are so many things I loved about this book. The San Francisco setting!  Mila's love for music and piano playing.  Sparks!!  (vs. no sparks and the very real distinction in this book)  I loved the conclusion and the epilogue.  It made me utterly happy and content.

Oh!  And one more comment about this book cover.  I loved it before I read the book but then, after reading this book,  oh my perfection.  This cover is an absolute PERFECT snapshot of a scene from this book.  😍💙!!

No matter what kind of day you are having today- good or bad- my advice is to pick up this book and enjoy the journey it will take you on.  You won't be sorry.  This book is on KU if you have that!  Happy reading!

Content:  kissing, depression

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.