HOLD ME by Anna Zaires and Dima Zales

Review shared by Melody’s Love 4 Books

The first Anna Zaires book that I stumbled upon was Close Liaisons, which is part of the Krinar Chronicles. I have never been a fan of Science Fiction romances, but this one just hooked me. Before I knew it, I sailed through book 2 & 3, Close Obsession and Close Remembrance. When I was done, that begin my search for more of Anna Zaires. And of course, I found Twist Me…this was right after it had been released. I immediately one-clicked it and OMG, what a surprise I found! LOL, when i look back, it makes me laugh, because I was so appalled by Julian’s behavior, the sexy/very scary hero. Suffice it to say, it was my first “dark romance” and I kept thinking, “how can i be reading this?” Of course, I kept it up…i secretly liked it a lot and I definitely was reading it to the end. So that was my intro to Julian and Nora. I know this is a review of Hold Me, but I had to get that down because I remember private messaging Anna Zaires and saying I couldn’t believe how drawn I was to Julian. Wow, I bet she laughed…and now I’m bugging her for more books of him or I was befoe this one was released. Ok, enough about the other books in the series.

I didn’t think Hold Me was ever going to get here. I’m a bit impatient when it comes to my books and secretly I kept hoping there was going to be some type of change in Julian’s perception of things. Of course, not too much, or he wouldn’t be the Julian we love 😉 If you have read Twist Me and Keep Me, then you know that Julian and Nora are together. And they have been through hell. I don’t know how they survived their relationship with bad guys chasing them, disapproving in-laws and friends, and then of course, there are some events that just made me suck in a breath and think, wow, I’m glad i’m not them. One of the events really hit close to home for me and I had a hard time reading it, but there was no way i was going to not finish the book. In true Anna Zaires form, she addressed it graciously and I admire her for that.

I definitely got my wish. There are some huge changes to Julian and Nora’s relationship…some I didn’t think he was capable of doing or feeling. At some points in the book, I could feel his fight within himself because he was conditioned to think a certain way, yet there was a desire to change, even if he didn’t fully understand it.Wow! It’s amazing how parents, bad events, etc can really screw up a person’s mind. I was so thrilled to see the evolution of Julian…lol, that’s what I call it anyway. Now, don’t think he turned into this lovable teddy bear…he is still Julian, never mind, you will understand when you read the book! In addition, we see Nora really come into her own. She is no longer the scared little girl from the beginning of the series. I have to say that I admire her strength and how she stayed true to the love she felt for Julian, no matter how anyone felt. Of course, she had questions, but who doesn’t question their relationship at various points throughout.

Hold Me is the ultimate end to a fabulous series. From the first book, Twist Me, all the way through book #2, Keep Me and finally with Hold Me, I got exactly what I wanted. All of these books are definite rereads for me, but I have a special place reserved for Hold Me. It takes society’s perceptions as well as personal identities and makes mush out of them. You think a character is one way, in a mold, and bam…Anna Zaires turns your thoughts upside down and the opposite happens. So, I love the book, hate that the series is ending…hint hint, Anna :), and I hope my review will convince you that if you haven’t read Hold Me or the other books in the series, you will do so.

I love the way Anna Zaires and her husband, Dima Zales, write. Their books are hot, suspenseful, romantic, and did i say hot? Yep, be prepared for some major steam with Julian and Nora. Get yourself a fan because you will definitely need it 😉 I am looking forward to future books from these two. More hints, Anna…Krinar Chronicles, Koram & Mia…a baby?? Ok, i will stop now. Seriously, I can’t get enough of her work. And just saying, you won’t meet a nicer person.

NINE MINUTES by Beth Flynn

Review shared by Melody’s Love 4 Books

I’m going to be honest and say that I avoided reading Nine Minutes for quite a long time. It had been0 recommended to me many times, but for some reason, I just didn’t want to read it. No, I’m not psychic lol, but after reading the synopsis and then some reviews (which I rarely put stock into), I knew without a doubt that I couldn’t read this book. Dramatic and over-the-top it may be, but I had a feeling if I read it, I wouldn’t be the same. A couple of days ago, a really good friend gifted me some books and then loaned me some others, one of them being Nine Minutes. Needless to say, it stayed in my Kindle carousel until finally I thought, “this is ridiculous, its a book! If you don’t like it, then stop reading it.” So, I gave in…how could I not, I secretly wanted to read it even though i’m a great big wuss! LOL.

I began reading and the first few pages just about did me in. I thought “ok, if its going to be like this the rest of the way through, I can’t do it.” But, now it was under my skin, I couldn’t not read it. I’m not going to tell you what happens in those first few pages, but it will break your heart in a million pieces…i know it did mine. God, I’m a sap…I have tears in my eyes now just thinking about it while I’m writing this review. I know you are probably thinking either she is just nuts or there is something really to this book. Let me tell you there is, Beth Flynn wrote a masterpiece.

I’m really not going to go into the plot because I hate reviews with spoilers. What I will say is that a young woman was kidnapped by a biker gang in the formative years of her life. Some might say she was better off coming from the home she was in. But, this is no random kidnapping even though it seems like it might be. Rather this kidnapping was something that had been in the works for years. Ginny aka Kit (her biker name) was brought to be a present for Grizz, the gang leader. I was so prepared to hate Grizz. I kept waiting for the violence, the rape, the sharing of her with other men, but it never came. Instead, he showed her a lot of love (at least the way he knew how to love..maybe not in the traditional sense), love I think she had been missing her whole life time. Of course, this is not to say that Grizz is an angel because he’s not…he just shows her a different side of himself. In addition to Grizz, Kit makes friends with some of the other people in the club including a young man named Grunt. I could tell there was some strong feelings between the two of them, but you will have to read the story to see what happens. Let’s just say that things are not what they seem. That should be the motto for this book. If you are reading something in this story, remember there is a motive for it happening and the people behind it that look like they are the greatest can turn out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I just hope the real bastard in this story gets what is coming to him…even if its in a later book.

So, I found myself hoping that Grizz and Kit could make it together. Yes, i know that’s weird since he kidnapped her, but still I could tell he loved her and she loved him. It may not have been love in the traditional sense, but who is to say that the way we love has to be cookie cutter. Ms. Flynn’s story did just what I knew it would do to me. I was unsettled, but what I didn’t expect to find was hope. I’m hoping that the next book coming up will answer some of the questions I have concerning this story. I could go on and say Beth Flynn had multidimensional characters and a plot line that had so many twists and turns, it was hard to keep up. Instead, I’m going to say that Beth did what only a truly amazing author can do. She took an unlovable character and made us want the best for him. She also made us see that true love doesn’t have to come in a pretty package tied up with a beautiful bow. Sometimes love can be hurtful, gritty, and makes you want to scream (and not in a good way lol). But it’s real and that is what I liked most about it.

I’m so glad I read Nine Minutes…never thought I would say that…but I’m really happy I did. For one thing, it made me want to hold my husband a little bit closer and be thankful for what I have with him. Please give this book a try…its not the traditional biker MC book. Nine Minutes is real and gritty, but at the same time, there is a thread of love growing through it. 5 stars to you, Beth Flynn…you really changed my mind…when an author can do that…in my opinion, they are truly great at their craft!

QUIET ANGEL by Prescott Lane

Review shared by Melody’s Love 4 Books!

Quiet Angel is a coming of age romance tied in with a second chance romance. The love in this story just beams out of the pages and makes you want to really believe that true love is out there. I already do believe it so I guess I mean it for people who haven’t found it or experienced it yet. This may seem like a traditional love story, but there are issues running through it that will make you sit up and take notice.

I was so in love with Quiet Angel from the very beginning. Gage Montgomery and Layla Baxter were made for each other even though this was first love and they were teens. I was worried about how things were going to progress in their relationship. Was I in for a surprise! After making love one night, Layla disappears and Gage searched for her for 12 years! If that isn’t love, I don’t know what else you can call it. Ladies, if you ever have a man that does something even similar for you, give him a chance. I felt so sorry for Gage, he just seemed so lost and as he got older, there was a harder version of himself that I knew was a front. You know the kind we all put up when we’ve been so hurt its hard to breathe.

Little did Gage and Layla know, but someone or something was looking out for them. Maybe it wasn’t their time when they first met, but suddenly Layla was there trying to get a flight on Gage’s airline, which he had inherited from his dad. Gage feels a gamut of emotions and gets on the plane with Layla so he can be with her. There are so many things that Gage doesn’t know about Layla. She has been to hell and back with her family as well as abuse in the worst form, sexual abuse by a family member. But, both want to be together even though its 12 years later. Gage has some anger and trust issues that he has to work through and I was cheering for him all the way.He had his moments, but you knew he loved Layla so much and was just scared he would lose her again. He was such a Southern gentleman and Layla was just what the title says, a Quiet Angel. My heart ached at the beginning for the both of them, but by the end I was cheering both of them on.

I admired the way Prescott Lane addressed issues in this story by shining a light on them. That is exactly what we need for our society to recognize that sexual abuse, physical abuse, homelessness, and every other issue truly exists and it doesn’t have to happen to a bad person. Look how it affected Layla! Prescott Lane took some very serious subjects and said, here they are, now what are you going to do about it…through Layla that is. What I loved more than anything is the grace with which Prescott wrote this novel. Though there were tough issues addressed, there was also a beautiful love story that stood the test of time. She just made it seem so effortless and that is talent!

Finally, I have to mention the side characters in this story. OMG, wasn’t Dash and Poppy something else? I wanted them together just as much as I did Gage and Layla. And I am cheering Emerson on….i hope she gets a book…that girl needs some love after what she has been through. She has some great kids and oh my, did they make me laugh. They made quite a bit of money off of Uncle Gage…you need to read and see how they did it. I thought Gage’s family was the perfect foil for the nightmare that Layla’s family was. His family opened their arms to Layla and that was just what she needed…to see how a real loving family worked.

I know I need to stop now before I tell you the whole story. I just loved Quiet Angel so much, its hard not to tell it because I want everyone to read it and love it as much as I do. Congratulations Prescott Lane on delivering a phenomenal novel! Your characters were so complex and never dull. And I never knew what was going to happen in the story, which I loved. You definitely wrote a page turner. I’m so excited to read more of Prescott’s books. If anyone was ever a quiet angel, this author qualifies.

DARK BOUNDARIES by Michelle Horst

Reviewed shared by Melody’s Love 4 Books

I was so surprised that Michelle Horst had written a dark romance…I’m new to her work and I just had to read it and see what it was all about. I have to admit I was a little nervous at first considering the subject material, but Michelle addressed it like a pro. She pulled a whole wide range of emotions out of me. I wanted to cry, scream, give a hug, etc. If an author can do that, then you know they are good…no they are great…and that’s what Michelle is.

I loved everything about the book. From the cover and title to the content and characters…it was fantastic. In Dark Boundaries, we meet a group of friends, Riza, Kelly, and Kristine. They have just graduated from college and are on a celebratory road trip. While in Vegas, they go to an adult club and meet up with a group of men. Ladies, if you are in Vegas and are in this type of club, be careful of who you spend time with. Ok, lecture is over 🙂 Anyway, while watching the show, the ladies are introduced to Garrett, Justin, and Warren. Little do they know, but their lives are about to change. All three girls plus another one are kidnapped by these men and are supposed to be turned into sex slaves and sold at auction. I was freaking out at this point because all i could think of is how in the hell is there going to be a good guy in this scenario. But, there is a plot twist that I am not going to tell you about…all I can say is that things are not exactly what they seem. That’s not to say that I didn’t still want to hurt these guys, but I realized I had to have patience and just keep reading. I’m so glad I did. Of course, along the way, all those emotions I talked about before got ripped out of me. So thanks a lot, Michelle! LOL, just kidding…it was awesome! I don’t want to give away any more of the story, but I have to say that I have never wanted to hug and hurt a man like I did Garrett! You will have to read the book to figure out why I say that, just be prepared for a big shock and plot twist.

This was really delicate subject matter and I think Michelle Horst handled it fabulously. This book is not for the faint of heart and its not all hearts and flowers, but what it does have is tons of emotion, both negative and positive. I always say if an author can get me to care about a character whether it be in a positive or negative way, then they know how to write. And that’s exactly what Michelle did! I can’t wait to read more of her books. I am definitely a fan 🙂

BECOMING MRS. BENEDICT (Becoming Her Book 3) by K. Webster

5 STAR Review shared by Melody’s Love 4 Books

What a great ending to a fantastic series! Though I got to read it before it was released, I was still excited for it to come out. For one, now that its released, this means the box set will be available at some point. I love all of the covers for each of the Becoming Her novels. That is one thing about Kristi Webster’s books, the covers are freaking gorgeous! Ok, now on to the book.

In the Becoming Her series, each of the sisters have very different personalities. Because Ella, the heroine of the story, was the youngest and the description of her demeanor in the other stories, I pictured her to be a docile, sweet, and very innocent girl. Unfortunately, those traits are taken from her at the hand of someone we all hate in the series…not going to tell you who, but I bet you know. Ella has to overcome some very serious and life-changing experiences that alter her irreparably. At various points in the story, I felt so sorry for her. Not only had she lost her family, but she lost some other things that she could never get back. I kept wondering when she was going to snap. And, she did, but she had the love of a great man to catch her. Her brother-in-law, Alcott, the Count of Dumas’s brother has had his eye on Ella since his brother and her sister Edith were married. Of course, Edith warned him away saying Ella was too innocent. Thankfully, he kept tabs on her and found out that she had been taken (oops, spoiler, but that’s the only one, i swear!). After Ella’s experience, he gives her space, love, and understanding to try and recover. Ladies, we all need men like this! Ella and Alcott have many obstacles to overcome, but love prevails and they get their HEA. Oh and BTW, Kristi has a surprise for you in the story, lol…so read carefully! That’s all I’m telling you…hurry up and one click it…its so worth it!

I love this whole series by Kristi Webster. She really surprised me w hen she started writing a historical series. I was so thrilled because that’s what I read when I began reading romances…i still love a good historical romance story. I think the way Mrs, Webster made her characters so multidimensional is what really made the story. I love how these characters could be in a historical romance or they could be in a contemporary romance with little adjustment. Oh and wow, can the men in this series talk dirty…i think they all have a penchant for it lol. Of course, we love it even if we don’t want to admit it. I admit it proudly lol! I know I keep mentioning the series, but I don’t want to take away from Becoming Mrs. Benedict. The characters were so awesome and the plot in this story was so freaking unreal. And though I don’t want to give it away, way to go getting rid of you know who!!! As usual, Kristi Webster has written a fantastic story…she just keeps getting better and better. I hope to read more historical romances from her. Definitely 5 stars for Becoming Mrs. Benedict. Hurry and buy the book and if you haven’t read the other books in the series, get those too!

THE ROAD BACK TO US by K. Webster

Review shared by melodyslove4books

I was really excited when I found out that Kristi Webster was going to release The Road Back To Us. The subject of this book, fighting for your marriage, is one that is close to my heart. There are so many marriages that end in divorce now days because one or both people forget that marriage takes work and without cultivating the love you have for each other, it will just wither away and die. I’m not saying that no couple should get divorced…every one has their own reason for doing so and no way am I going to judge those that choose this avenue…but for those of us who fell in love, then drifted apart, don’t let your first answer be to divorce…fight like hell to get back that love you had with your spouse or partner. So, enough being preachy…i guess its just that i have been married to the love of my life for twenty years and i’m a hopeless romantic…i want everyone to have what I do. Ok, on to the book 🙂

In The Road Back To Us, we meet a high powered couple by the names of Bentley and Caroline Harrison. They met back in college and got married with stars in their eyes. Little by little, life crept in and Bentley started trying to take over the world with his investment banking career. In addition, Caroline has become a shell of her former self and drifts listlessly from various friends to activities…she no longer has the drive to be what she wanted to be back in college.Also, she is trying to be something she is not to fit in with her friends by going vegan, wearing certain designers, etc…this is where I say that nosy friends need to butt out…they can do way more harm than good in these situations. When the story begins, the couple has met with lawyers and their divorce is about to be finalized. They have not told their family of their impending divorce and decide to spend one last Christmas with Bentley’s family while letting them think they are still very much in love.

On the way to Bentley’s family’s home, they get caught in a snowstorm. In my opinion, this is the best thing that could have happened because they are forced to have to work together to save themselves. They are also far away from Bentley’s job, Caroline’s nosy friends, and they soon come to realize that their is still love there between them. But, are they too late with their discovery; the snowstorm they are caught in is a dangerous one and they have little to no food, no shelter, and the clothes they packed were not the right kind for the weather. As they pull together and start to remember the real them, the people that fell in love in college, I begin to cheer for the Harrison’s…well in mind anyway lol…I knew they still loved each other and somehow they had to overcome this obstacle. Its obstacles and situations like this that will either make or break a couple…when we are faced with adversity, all of our weak points are glaringly obvious, but at the same time, our strong points are there and that’s what you have to hold on to, just like the Harrison’s did.

I don’t want to reveal any more of the story, but I will say that this is one of the best of Kristi Webster’s works. And I love all of her books, there was just something about this one that felt intensely personal. I love when an author’s feelings can be seen in the book. It felt like Kristi wrote this book with a ton of love and that made me like it all the more. The Road Back To Us was flawlessly written, the plot twists were plentiful, but realistic, and her characters were multi-dimensional. It seemed that as the story progressed, each character had layers upon layers that were pulled back for the reader to see. I love when characters are like that…they seem one way at the beginning of a story…and by the end, all I can think is where did that come from? All of these things are the sign of a great writer and that is what Kristi Webster is. I have never seen a writer so dedicated to her work yet always has time to chat with her fans. Yes, I am a fan of hers, but its for good reason…just read her books and you will agree with me. Oh, BTW, i have to say that I love Bentley’s family…omg, his brother is hilarious…he needs his own book! I am definitely giving The Road Back To Us 5 stars…so get yourself a copy and read it!

CAN’T LOVE YOU MORE by Sabrina Quinn

Review by Lizzie M.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Quinn’s debut novel is one that Gone Readin’ happily recommends to those who love a tragic love story. The story behind the relationships Braelyn has with both Aiden and Gabe develops through a few surprises that will bubble up a few stray tears and tug on your heartstrings. It is gripping and heart breaking and it definitely offers enough angst for one love story. However, Can’t Love You More starts off a bit slow, and I found it difficult to engage for the first few chapters. But once invested in the characters and story, I finished the last two-thirds of the book in one sitting.

The characters are developed well, and I found myself rooting for everyone’s happiness. I love secondary characters because they breathe life into the principal parts, but there were A LOT of them. At times, names were dropped and I couldn’t remember who they were. I also liked that the story moved through dialogue. There wasn’t a ton of internal monologues, and the characters interacted at a perfect pace. The storyline is a fairly typical “young love” tale. For those looking for a novel in this genre minus the sex – you have a good option here. I think the author’s goal was to really develop a story based on the growing feelings the characters were discovering about themselves as well as each other. The plot is well thought out and a bit deceiving. All the relationships are pretty unique. Most romance books are saturated with so much sex, that it is hard to comprehend how the characters can function without that element, but that is nowhere to be found in this novel. My favorite part of this book was the shift in time and POV. Several chapters shift from the past to present day, to a few months earlier, or to a completely different POV. That’s what gave life to these characters – seeing them interact at different moments in their lives, and hearing another’s POV. Finally, there is some evidence that Quinn is a first-time published author, but nothing a great editor couldn’t correct.

Overall, I loved the premise of this book. Unfortunately the execution fell a bit flat. I liked the story and characters but felt the first few chapters didn’t suck me in, giving me that moment of “I can’t put this book down.” I need a visceral reaction to the characters – love them, hate them, even indifference. The bottom line – I have to react. I had a tough time doing that in this book. I wanted to hate Aiden, but couldn’t, and I just never fell in love with Braelyn. It’s a pleasant story and I’m more than curious how Quinn will tie up all the loose ends in her next book. Although not a cliffhanger – we are definitely left with a few questions! Sabrina Quinn’s debut novel, Can’t Love You More is a solid 4 star read – and I anxiously await the next installment.

 

The Ilia Stone by RJ Loom

Review by Lizzie M.

Nia Williams could never have imagined the way her ordinary life would be turned upside down after the death of her grandfather. A chance find unwittingly has her discovering the truth of an ancient Greek myth, plunging her into a world where the legends she only read about in her history books become her reality. Plagued with a strange link to others’ past, she follows the path of an ancient artifact around the world and throughout time as it reveals its story to guide her to contain powers once thought lost to the rise of modern religion. Two men affected by the artifact vie for her allegiance; Gabriel, a man haunted by his own past, and smooth talking Viktor who wants Nia to embrace a life she never imagined.

This is by far one of the best books I’ve read in a long, long time. Loom has blended several genres together and created an edgy, humorous, dark paranormal romance with a side of Greek mythology. What a concoction! At Gone Readin’ we always look for the perfect trifecta: character development, seamless storytelling, and intriguing plot twists that keep us guessing. This one folks is most definitely a winner!
Ms. Loom has done a phenomenal job creating characters we love to love and yes, love to hate. Nia is clearly a multi-dimensional character with strength yet vulnerability. The love triangle fashioned by Loom leaves you guessing, and hoping for a perfect outcome. Viktor and Gabriel are an interesting pairing of characters that offer depth to Nia. It doesn’t hurt that the men are hot and intelligent – offering a dose of humor at that perfect moment.
The storytelling is incredible, not missing a beat – even with the genre mash-up. The flashbacks offer a whole other layer to the story that adds to the development of Nia’s character. There’s no rote formula followed here, but instead a unique and twisted plot that leaves you begging for more. We’re left with somewhat of a cliffhanger, but there’s good news at the end – a little sneak peak at what’s up next. It will leave you wondering – who’s coming for the stone next.
The Ilia Stone by new author, RJ Loom, is simply a diamond in the rough.

FALLEN by Ann Hunter

Reviewed by Ameena Z.

“Once upon a time, I fell in love. Madly, deeply. With my whole being. I’d do anything for the girl who robbed me of my heart.
I tried to save her…
But Darkness came. The ban sidhe, Crwys, death herself, wants me for her own. She thinks I am someone from her past, and she will not rest until I submit.
I have secrets. Some I can barely live with myself for, and every night I dream of two women. One I cannot save, the other I cannot escape….”
–Prince Sylas of Killeagh

Ann Hunter has written a wonderful tale in her fantastical retelling of the Frog and the Princess. The story begins with Prince Sylas running off to avoid an arranged marriage. Like many royals his bride has been decided by the families. On his journey, he encounters a band of robbers who kidnap him and hold him for ransom. The leader of this group is Laittie, and after one kiss between the captor and the prince, they have “fallen.” During this time, Sylas’ grandfather, a man Sylas loves and reveres, has been called upon by death, Crwys. Cryws is the woman who takes the lives of those whose time has come to an end. Sylas, who loves his grandfather, takes his place. From here the story shoots off on wild ride of fate, courage, understanding power, and the meaning of life.

As I ventured into this story I wondered “wait, they have met, are in love so what is this story going to be about?” Hunter weaves a tale of a fantastical world that literally blends between the realms of the living and non-living. She has painted a story of love, fealty, revenge, toil, death and friendship. I was very impressed with this story as the characters are so richly developed. The plot moves along at a decent pace considering its complexity and style of writing. What I liked most is at each corner is the twist. As soon as you thought you knew where Hunter might go with the prince’s life she makes an expected turn. If you love fantasy fiction, this book is for you!

 

LOVE NOUVEAU by B.L. Berry

Review by Lizzie M.

What can I say about this debut novel from B.L. Berry that hasn’t already been written? Let’s face it, stories of beautiful romances about beautiful people and their beautiful lives are completely overdone. In fact, many are just regurgitated tales with different characters. However, Berry’s book is all about starting over, starting fresh, and inventing something new. This is the story of how Ivy and Phoenix survive distance, change, parents, siblings, friends, pain, hate, and finally love. Told from Ivy’s POV, Berry weaves an emotional tale with writing so seamless it’s easy to get lost and feel transported into the story.

For a debut novel, Berry has done a phenomenal job engaging her readers in a unique tale that crosses a few lines and gives the reader something to truly think about. Here’s what we loved. First, I’m impressed by the characterization Berry developed. Ivy and Phoenix are real, full of flaws and mistakes. I fell for both of them because I was so immersed in both their happiness and pain. A book without great characters is just a bunch of words on a page. Next, Berry’s words are some of the best I’ve read this year. Hands-down, the descriptions of events and places is like devouring a beautiful poem or looking at an exquisite piece of art. I did however, want more dialogue. I wanted to hear Ivy’s pain come through a masterful monologue that I’m sure Berry could deliver.

I could picture Phoenix with ease. Every nuance of his body and personality is detailed flawlessly. However, I never saw or found a true picture of Ivy. Her physical description is vague at best. Finally, the story is edgy and raw. It’s different. It’s emotional. At times, it’s painful. The epilogue is told from Phoenix’s POV. When I saw his name – I fist pumped the air. This is my only criticism of story. I didn’t like his message. While the end is technically not a cliff-hanger, it does leave the reader with a ton of questions which will be answered in book two sometime in 2015. This, I’m sure, is why we’re introduced to Phoenix in this manner. Overall, Love Nouveau is a quick and fabulous read from new author B.L. Berry. Gone Readin’ highly recommends LOVE NOUVEAU as a must read and congratulates Ms. Berry for delivering an amazing debut novel.