L.A. REVIEWS EL DIABLO...BY M. ROBINSON

In a very short period of time, M. Robinson has become one of my "go to" authors. I have enjoyed every book of hers I've read and this spin off of the Good Ole Boys series has only solidified her place in my author file.

If you're looking for a story that's going to take you on a roller coaster ride of emotion, go right to your Kindle and one click El Diablo. I promise you will be glad that you did.

If you read Crave Me, you've already met Alejandro Martinez. He's the Colombian crime lord uncle of Briggs/Daisy and if you thought he was intense in Crave Me, wait until you get to know him better in El Diablo.

El Diablo begins when Alejandro is a teenager. He's fifteen years old and trying to sneak out of the house to go to a party. His sister and her best friend are trying to talk him out of this. Being a fifteen year old boy he wants to go out and party, so he does. What happens when he gets back, is something no fifteen year old should ever go through. Not only what happens is shocking, but the reasoning behind why it happens is insane.

At this point in time, Alejandro becomes more involved in the "family business". He grows up overnight and becomes a man getting ready to walk in his father's footsteps. Alejandro's father is a despicable man and the things he does made me totally hate him.

As M. was writing El Diablo, she kept telling us we were going to hate Alejandro. As awful as many of the things Alejandro did were, I just couldn't hate him. I think he hated himself enough for everyone. He wouldn't allow himself to be happy. He wouldn't allow himself to get close to his niece Briggs. Oh and let me tell you something, the story of how Briggs actually comes to live with Alejandro just blew my mind. But that's what M. does. She blows your mind. She shatters your heart and then she puts you back together again.

Alejandro is sexy AF. His dark hair and bright green eyes put him in my love category instantly. His tan, muscular body is amazing and what he can do with those body parts had me tingling all over. He is sexy without even trying. I loved how passionate he was. When he loved he loved hard, just like the rest of the Good Ole Boys only amped up like one hundred times.

I'm doing it again. I'm totally telling you too much and I so want you to one click El Diablo.
M. is such an incredible story teller that you can't help but become totally invested in her characters. Believe me, I know since I still completely swoon over Lucas from Complicate Me.

As you get deeper into the story you learn so much more about Alejandro. There are so many twists, turns and secrets to be learned. Then there's the Sophia/Lexi connection. Good Lord my jaw almost hit the ground.

Lexi and Alejandro meet for the first time when she is very young. Their chemistry is immediate and steaming hot. And again Alejandro won't allow himself to have what he wants. The two of them can't get out of each other's minds. Without giving away too much, keep the ballet barre in mind because damn.

Remember, this story basically starts at the end of Crave Me and then works back. What you think is real is just an illusion and M. literally makes you wait until the very end to put it all together.

Of course I love, love, love the part where the Good Ole Boys come in, because those boys are everything. I have a feeling Lucas and Half Pint are in for a bunch of trouble when Mia's story comes around. And just like everything else M. writes I will gobble it up and without a doubt fall in love again.

Five steamy lip smacks for Alejandro Martinez and El Diablo.

LA REVIEWS TWISTED PALACE...BY ERIN WATT

I used to be scared of the future, I didn't know where I'd end up, didn't know if the anger and bitterness inside me would ever truly go away, if I could ever feel worthy or find someone who'd be able to see through the asshole I pretended to be to the rest of the world.


But I'm not scared anymore, and I did find someone who sees me. Who really, truly see me. And I see her, too. Ella Harper is all I'm ever going to see, because she's my future. She's my steel and my fire and my salvation.

She's everything.

Yes, I have been absolutely ruined by the Royals. Reed Royal is my everything.

If you haven't read the first two books in this series, Paper Princess and Broken Prince, seriously, one click them or buy them right now! I had to own both the ebook and hard copy because I am obsessed with this series.

My most anticipated book so far this year was 
Twisted Palace. And like the two books before, it did not disappoint.  There are so many twists and turns in Twisted Palace, you're on a roller coaster of emotion up until the very end of the book.

I don't even have the words to express how much I loved every part of this book. It is original and totally unpredictable and I wouldn't have it any other way!!

Think back to the end of Broken Prince. Ella and Reed finally stopped their hate fest and gave into the feelings they had for each other and then BOOM! Just like that the bottom falls out from under them and it's so much worse than they thought at first. Reed being taken away by police and the shadowy figure of someone from Ella's past looming in the back ground.

Twisted Palace begins with the shadowy figure being identified and Reed Royal in more trouble than even his dad and fancy five hundred dollar an hour lawyer can possibly get him out of. Reed also learns that even though he's a Royal there are some people that will do anything to hurt him and some just want to use him. OMG, I just can't. Twisted Palace is just amazing and the writing team that make up Erin Watt are completely my idols right now.

Of course a huge part of the story is Reed and Ella's romance and I don't care if he's only eighteen. That boy is so damn sexy it's scary. With his black hair and blue eyes he had me swooning from Paper Princess. Yes, he's a bad boy with an awful lot of issues, but I wouldn't change one single thing about him. All he needed was someone to really see him and that someone comes in the shape of Ella Harper. Their chemistry is steamy hot and yes there are some sexy scenes between the two of them. But I have to tell you, for me the best part was every time Reed kissed Ella  I got butterflies in my tummy and tingles everywhere else. Yes the boy is an amazing kisser.

Twisted Palace is written so incredibly well, it answers all of your questions, but makes you want more. Some of the answers you come across will leave your jaw hanging on the floor. Some relationships are made stronger and some are broken forever. Allies are formed  you thought you would never see, and when the truth finally comes out, holy jaw dropping moment. 

So let's see, there's Gideon, Easton and of course those cute little twins who have something interesting going on with that their girl Lauren. With that being said, I'm hoping for at least three more books so those Royals can continue to ruin me! Pretty please?

Five Royal lip smacks for Reed and the rest of the Royal family. I absolutely love this series!

RILEY REVIEWS NEIGHBOR DEAREST BY PENELOPE WARD

I am convinced that Penelope Ward can create a five star read out of a grocery list. I've enjoyed everything I have read by her, but she's absolutely outdone herself with Neighbor Dearest.

She took a secondary character from Stepbrother Dearest that I wouldn't have even thought about again and gave her a story of her own. 

Honestly, I probably would have never thought of Chelsea Jameson again. I mean Elec and 
Greta got back together. Which was what I wanted to happen in Stepbrother Dearest. I never really gave a second thought to Chelsea's broken heart so I have to say I'm so glad Penelope Ward gave Chelsea a voice to tell her story.

In case you don't know, Chelsea was absolutely devastated by her break up with Elec. So broken that she wouldn't visit her sister in New York City fearful that she might run into Elec. So broken that she was spending a bunch of money on phone therapy with a super expensive shrink. 

In the midst of all the heartbreak, Chelsea's sister comes to visit her and as they're sitting outside of her apartment building having sister conversation they happen to see a very sexy yet angry looking artist painting a mural. Now his description alone is delicious, dark hair, dark blue eyes, artistic type. Throw on that beanie and his tight body with tanned skin and well he just becomes irresistible. Irresistible and totally not interested in making friends with his neighbors. The sisters conversation about the angry artist is hilarious and it just so happens our neighbor dearest, has supersonic hearing, which makes it even funnier.

The angry artist? His name is Damien (insert Omen joke here) Hennessey and yes just about everyone he encounters makes some reference to his namesake. He not only lives next door to Chelsea with two very loud dogs, he also is the owner of the building. So when Chelsea goes to complain about said dogs, well she's not getting very far.

Damien turns out to be not completely anti social and he and Chelsea become friends. That is after they iron out some wrinkles, like Damien being able to hear her conversations with her shrink since their bedrooms back up to each other. He basically tells Chelsea stop paying this lady, she's not helping you. You can change your own story. 

Of course, the more time she spends with Damien, the more she begins to develop feelings for him. Damien, however is not relationship material. He lets Chelsea know they can be friends, but nothing more. There's no real obvious reason for his aversion to relationships. He just doesn't do them.

As you read Neighbor Dearest, you can see the obvious attraction between Damien and Chelsea. Especially, when the two are out for lunch and happen to see Elec in the distance. To distract Chelsea, Damien gives her a "fake kiss". You can literally feel the heat coming off of the pages during their kiss.

So why is Damien holding back? Why doesn't he just get together with this girl he so obviously is attracted to? Well, that's Damien's secret to tell and I'm not sharing it. So I would definitely one click Neighbor Dearest to find out exactly what's going on in this picture.

I completely love the way Penelope Ward writes. You can feel the emotion in every scene between Damien and Chelsea, between Chelsea and her sister Jade and even between Damien and his brother Tyler. And then there's the humor. Ask Damien and Tyler their middle names.

I laughed and I cried while I read Neighbor Dearest. This was also a book that I could not put down. I had to read it all in one sitting, because it held my interest from the very beginning until the very end. 

I'm so glad that Elec broke Chelsea's heart and she got her own book. Truth, I think I love Damien even more than I loved Elec. Maybe it's the beanie. I don't know.

Speaking of secondary characters, I'm hoping Jade and Tyler get a story! Talk about drama!

Five lip smacks from me for Penelope Ward and Neighbor Dearest.

EMILY REVIEWS TWISTED REALITY BY HEIDI MCLAUGHLIN

As you probably have figured out by now I am a huge fan of Heidi McLaughlin’s books, and the reason is simple…  Consistency.  Her stories are always intriguing and they keep my interest.  Her characters are always swoon-worthy, sexy and I can easily identify with them (or when required I feel real hatred towards them). Her writing is smooth and enjoyable to read. What’s not to love?  

Twisted Reality is another winner from Heidi McLaughlin.  A continuation of the big cliffy in Blinded Reality, where I was left crazed!!

Joshua Wilson is every girl’s fantasy and in Twisted Reality you get to really see what a good guy he really is.  He’s honest, emotional and he just really wants to be a good man for Joey! I am seriously in love with this guy!!

Joey Wilson is who every girl wants to be.  I mean can you imagine getting married to your celebrity crush?  Gah!  I would die!  I really love Joey and the way she stays true to herself, she really is a nice girl who has fallen in love with the real Josh Wilson, not just the celebrity.

What’s twisted about them?... Enter Jules, or as I like to call her the DEVIL!!!  She really is a sick and twisted puppy!!  She just rolls in and causes trouble and wreaks havoc whenever and wherever she sees fit.  I mean she is completely delusional!    Add the paparazzi, Josh’s jerky agent Matt, and Bronx into the mix and more chaos erupts.  At times, it seemed as though everything and everyone was against them.  Through it all Joey and Josh fight to stay together and fight for each other.  I believe their love really comes through when they are faced with the worst from Jules! 

Some of my most favorite parts in this book involve Joey’s family.  They are good people who have accepted this crazy, non-traditional union and have embraced Josh into their family.  The relationship between Josh and Joey’s dad had me all kinds of emotional and weepy, as Josh never had any of the love and friendship that exists between father and son.  I really admire how Josh recognizes what a good family is like and how he strives to make himself better, instead of just using his bad upbringing as an excuse for failure!

Twisted Reality was an emotional ride for me. Seeing Josh get pushed down and kicked over and over had me absolutely heartbroken.  It seemed like there was no one he could trust and I really felt for him.  Joey, too, kept getting hit over and over with the craziness of Josh’s world and I admired how she continuously dusted herself off and got up again!  They are both so strong and genuine.  Their love really grew and their bond was unbreakable!  Heidi McLaughlin really comes through with an amazingly crazy and emotional conclusion to Josh and Joey’s love story!!  

5 loving lip smacks for Twisted Reality by Heidi McLaughlin!!!

RILEY REVIEWS AN ACT OF OBSESSION...BY K.C. LYNN

After I've laid claim to every inch of her body, I hold her in my arms until she fall asleep and I decide this very second that I'm going to keep her forever.

Wow! Wow! Wow! I don't think I have the words to do justice to this review of K.C. Lynn's An Act Of Obsession. This story gripped me from the prologue and didn't let go until the end. Yes, I sat down and read it all in one session. 

I absolutely enjoyed both other books in the Acts of Honor Series, but K.C. Lynn outdid herself with this story. An Act Of Obsession is truly a story about two broken people making each other whole.

Sophie Parish has survived an unthinkable horror that forces her to leave behind everything she has ever known and loved. Fortunately, she finds a new home in Sunset Bay and has the good fortune to be working for Sheriff Cooper McKay. It's always good when the original Men of Honor are on your side.

But that's not what this story is about. I do love How K.C. Lynn keeps the original Men of Honor and their families connected to the Acts of Honor Series. I love the interaction between the characters and let's face it, I love knowing what's going on in everyone's lives.

This story actually begins when Sophie (now called Lia for her own protection) arrives at the Men of Honor center to sign up for self defense classes. She runs into none other than Kolan Slade. You remember him right? He was in a lot of trouble the last time we saw him. Trouble that brought Katelyn, Kolan's sister and Nick Kolan's best friend together in more ways than one,  An Act Of Salvation, (awesome story, go one click if you haven't read it yet). 

Anyway, Kolan Slade is a champion fighter whom for reasons I'll leave you to learn about he's retired. Kolan has zero plans of getting back in the ring. He's big and tatted up and intimidating, but something about Lia (remember secret identity) has him feeling things for this woman he thought he never could. Kolan is dark and has many secrets, which is ok because Lia obviously has secrets too.

During their self defense sessions the two are obviously attracted to each other. Lord, who wouldn't be attracted to Kolan? Dark hair and chocolate brown eyes, a body he clearly worked hard to achieve, covered in some super sexy ink. Of course a girl can't stop thinking about him after the lesson is over. Honestly, everything about Kolan is sexy. The way he controls EVERYTHING is enough to get any one hot and bothered.

Kolan even starts to think he might be able to have something with Lia. They do share a very sexy scene together after they attend a benefit dance Kolan only showed up to because he knew Lia would be there. Oh, is it warm in here? 

Then strange things start to happen. Things that no one seems to be able to explain. Cars and property get damaged. While Kolan thinks he knows who the culprit is, he gets Nick to do some investigating for him. 

The information Nick comes back with will blow you away. In this story, what you think you know, becomes something totally different. And you seriously won't be able to stop reading until you know it all. 

K.C. Lynn has given us an incredible story in An Act Of Obsession. We get a smoking hot alpha protector in Kolan Slade, and an amazingly strong beautiful heroine in Sophie Parish. A story that will keep you on your toes and a feisty little sassy pants named Benny who I totally loved! 

A total five lip smack read for me. Another awesome job by K.C. Lynn!

RILEY REVIEWS SEARCHING FOR HARMONY...BY KELLY ELLIOTT

Never did I ever for one minute think Kelly Elliott could make me love a book boyfriend more than Gunner Mathews. She came close with Thano, but hands down I am ridiculously in love with Preston Ward.

OMG Kelly! Dark messy hair, light green eyes, sick body and HE'S A FIREFIGHTER! I know, I know, Riley you're so superficial. But seriously looks are the first thing you see. Keep reading though because Preston is just as beautiful inside as he is outside. He's loyal, caring and adores his family.

I'm not going to lie to you. The beginning of this book. The way Harmony and Preston meet is completely gut wrenching. But, as bad as it is when their eyes meet, Preston can't get Harmony out of his mind.

Harmony has suffered quite possibly the worst tragedy that can fall on another person. She's broken and literally left with only her older brother Jake for support. You'll find out all the details when you read Searching For Harmony.

Harmony has made quite an impression on Preston. At first his coworkers worry his attachment to Harmony is for the wrong reason, but soon they come to see how much she means to Preston.

The two keep telling themselves that they're just best friends. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the attraction between them begin to grow. They spend a lot of time together and Preston even becomes good friends with Harmony's brother Jake. Their friendship continues to grow and of course their attraction becomes harder and harder to ignore. 

They become close enough for Preston to invite Harmony to spend Thanksgiving with his family. She agrees because well they're just friends and friends spend holidays together right? Of course everyone but Harmony and Preston can see that they belong together. I love Preston's little sister. Everything she says is on point. 

Guess what? They realize they can't stay away from each other anymore and Harmony goes to Preston's attic room one night. Good thing Preston's room is far from the rest of the family because together they are steaming hot. Preston is unbelievably romantic and the things that he says to Harmony turned me into a puddle of goo.

Kelly Elliott knows how to write insanely romantic characters. Preston is just so perfect. He absolutely worships Harmony and treats her like a princess.

Their need for each other continues to grow and they wind up spending a lot of time together. When someone from Harmony's past comes and dredges up memories from the past, the first person she runs to is Preston. Scarily, Preston is fighting a big house fire and gets trapped in the house. Losing someone she loves is something Harmony fears more than anything so she runs.

Will Preston find Harmony? Will Harmony get over her fears? You know you have to one click to find out. Searching For Harmony is just an amazing story. And it's true, Kelly's going to tear you apart with this book, but she'll also beautifully put you back together again. 

Kelly Elliott will forever be one of my go to authors. She can write a story like nobody's business and manages to make you fall in love with her characters. So yes, it finally happened, Kelly created a character I love more than Gunner (sorry Gunner). Five Texas sized (even though Searching For Harmony takes place in Boston) lip smacks for Kelly Elliott and Searching For Harmony!

RILEY REVIEWS BOSSMAN...BY VI KEELAND

Can you say sexiest boss ever? Not sure whether it's his name Chase Parker (I am very partial to the name Chase, thank you Molly McAdams)or the cover photo and teasers of Chase Parker being Bossman. Just know, if you're looking for a book that is swoon worthy from cover to cover go and one click Bossman now!

Did I mention swoon worthy? Because, I literally fell in love with everything about Chase Parker. From his sexy tousled hair to those chocolate brown eyes. Add to the mix his broad chest, toned arms and abs and he just keeps getting better. Then you get a peek at the tattoo on his ribs and the nipple ring. Gone. I tell you. I was gone.

Then some guys go and open their mouths and ruin it all. Not bossman, from the he told the story of how and Reese meeting as middle schoolers, he had me totally wrapped around his little finger. I almost forgot he's also brilliant, and any man that can go from wearing a thousand dollar suit to some gym shorts and look amazing is perfect in my opinion.

Of course middle school is not really where Chase Parker and Reese Annesley actually met. They met outside the restrooms of the restaurant they were both at with different dates. Reese is desperately trying to reach her BFF to get her out of the awful date that she's on and Chase calls her out on it. Even calls her the B word. Definitely not the way for instalove to start, but I think for Chase, that's what it is. The dinner date they wind up sharing when Chase joins Reese and her date at their table is hilarious and adorable. 

It seems that Chase and Reese can't get the other off of their minds. They also seem to keep running into each other and every time they do, Chase is always gorgeous and entertaining.

The story gets even better when the job interview Reese goes on is for none other than the company Chase Parker started back when he was in college. Reese gets the job with no problem and adds new life to Chase's already hard working staff. Beautiful, brilliant Chase has no problem letting Reese know he's attracted to her and has no problem starting an office romance with her. Reese let's Chase know she doesn't date coworkers (she's already had one bad experience, she's not about having another). 

Fortunately, rules are made to be broken and clever Chase gets Reese to attend a twice weekly eating event with him (most definitely not a date). These two are wildly attracted to each other. Chase occupies Reese's thoughts in and out of work and Chase has no problem letting Reese know all the naughty things he'd like to do to her. During a business trip (where Chase kind of stalked Reese onto the plane), the attraction is two much and our favorite bossman and employee share a very sexy night together. And yes Chase Parker is even perfect in bed. I love that dirty mouth of his and all the naughty things that come out of it.

Now you know there's more to this story. Chase and Reese have both been through significant tragic events in their lives. The both definitely keep their hearts guarded. Only with each other all of those walls start to come down. How could they not? Chase is so easy to be around and everything about him is absolutely adorable, except of course when he is so sexily naughty. Reese even gives in and allows PDAs during office time. A little uncomfortable, but not a big deal. After all, Chase is the bossman.

Then there's a bump and it's emotional and I will admit my eyes filled up with tears a few times. Can Reese and Chase get through it? Will they get a happily ever after, or will their emotional tragedies be too much to overcome?

Seriously though, you will swoon over Chase Parker for all of Bossman. I am a huge fan of Vi Keeland. I've always enjoyed her books, but Bossman is really an outstanding read. I loved the writing, and I totally enjoyed the relationship between Chase and Reese.

I'd LOVE to find a bossman like Chase Parker! Built, beautiful, brilliant and completely romantic. ****swoon**** A huge five lip smack review for Vi Keeland and Bossman.

RILEY REVIEWS FILTHY ENGLISH...BY ILSA MADDEN-MILLS

So I was a little apprehensive to start Ilsa Madden-Mills Filthy English. Given the reference to Romeo and Juliet, I was a little worried because we all know how their story ended, right?

Well I'm super glad I gave in and read it because Filthy English is one of my favorite reads of the summer.

Seriously, I couldn't put this book down and when I finished, I wanted more. And Dax Blay? He's been starring in my fantasies from the minute he sat next to Remi at Masquerade Bar.

Remi Montague, a soon to be college senior has been dumped by her fiancé two weeks before their wedding. Even though she's heart broken, she decides to take her honeymoon in London with her best friend Lulu. Lulu is a riot and a total party girl.

One night in London Remi and Lulu end up at...you guessed it...Masquerade Bar. While Lulu hits the dance floor, Remi sits adorably awkwardly at the bar. Then he walks in and sits down next to her. You can literally feel the electricity between them from the moment he sits down. Remember, they have masks on so they can't see each others faces, but they both feel as if they know the other.

At some point during the night Remi goes to get off of her barstool and ends up right in the sexy strangers lap. After a steamy make out session that left me tingly EVERYWHERE, masks come off and the two come to realize THEY. KNOW. EACH. OTHER. It turns out they go to the same university in the United States and shared a very passionate seventy two hours together three years before. Clearly it didn't end well and Remi makes an escape from the bar.

Now you know that's not the end of Remi and Dax because she's got more time in England and their chemistry is off the chain. It's like they're drawn to each other and can't let go. Unfortunately, according to Remi, Dax is a temporary guy and she's a forever girl, and the two just don't go together, ever.

Only, their attraction is just too strong and one night after lots of tequila the two wind up in bed together. Steamy, sexy, delicious and totally mind blowing for both of them. I'm going to give you two things to look for: Dax and Remi's dance at the club and their tattoos.

Let's talk about Dax Blay, shall we? The second he sat down next to Remi she swore she heard the lyrics to Salt-N-Pepa's "Whatta Man" in her head. Now when I think of that song, I think of some serious hotness. Dax has dark hair that has that perfect tousled effect. He has steel gray eyes and his body is built like a brick house according to Remi. Did I mention those perfectly full and kissable lips? Add in that sexy British accent and can you say Mr. Beautiful? Needless to say, he's still been starring in every naughty fantasy I can think of.

I'd love to tell you Dax and Remi are now together and happily ever after and all that, but that wouldn't be any fun for you. I will share, they do have to go back to university and they try to make believe nothing ever happened between them. Hmmmm...awkward when you're living with the person you had an unbelievable sexual experience with right?

Keep in mind, Dax and Remi have been together before and that part of their story is a little heart breaking. Then of course there's the annoying ex-fiance who wants Remi back. Ugh, I just wanted him to go away.

Anyway, I loved Filthy English. It's a great story and Dax Blay has fast become one of my favorite book boyfriends ever. Did I mention he has a twin? I've already one clicked Dirty English because now I need to read about Declan Blay. I can't get enough of those British boys!!

Five lip smacks from me for the sweet and sexy Filthy English.

EMILY'S REVIEW STONED...BY MANDI BECK

I NEED YOU, TO BE ME… My new favorite words from any book! <3 o:p="">

4:52… That’s 4:52 a.m., which is when I looked at the clock having just finished Stoned by Mandi Beck.  When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down, believe me that I am now ready to pass out having only had 3 hours of sleep last night!!  There is nothing in the world like the feeling of connecting with a book and its characters and Stoned did just that for me.  I found myself personally sympathetic to Stone’s character as well as Willow, and I think that is what has completely blown me away. 

Stone has become the ultimate bad boy rock star. Drugs and sex and more drugs and sex and damn the consequences.  It was absolutely devastating reading Stone’s fall from grace and hitting rock bottom.  Stone not only hurt himself, but his band mates and his girl, the love of his life Willow.  He completely decimated their relationship and her. It was dirty and disgusting and heartbreaking, but it was honest and realistic and true. My heart broke into pieces as their lives were shattered.

            “I need you, Birdie, Man, do I fucking need you so damn bad. Don’t you know I need you, to be me?” - Stone

Willow just might be the strongest female main character that I have read about.  I admire the way she made her decision to walk away and she stuck to that.  She made it nearly impossible for anyone from that life to find her, as she worked on getting her own self together and taking back a lot of what Stone took from her…. Man was she fierce!

            “A part of me died that night. A part of my heart, my soul” - Willow

Stone’s recovery was long and extremely painful but he did it, with one focus on his mind.. Get Willow back.  Willow, was the love of his life and he needed her to be whole. Birdie, aka Willow was determined to move on with her life and that did not include being with Stone.  As Stone fights with everything he has in his arsenal of memories I was just in awe of the flashbacks that Mandi Beck gave us.  They are deep and soulful and just filled with so much heart and love.  I was done for, I mean completely, hopelessly in love with their love affair and Stone and his sexy, romantic yet hot as hell ways and words.  The pair really shared a profound love for music and lyrics and they connected so deeply through song, again, totally freaking killing me.  I was completely drawn to them and every word written in this book! 

            “My heart doesn’t beat in rhythm when you’re not around. I need you, to be me. I’m your rhythm, and you’re for damn sure mine” – Stone

As well as the words, Ms. Beck referenced a few songs throughout this book and boy oh boy did she get me with the music.  At one point I stopped reading and listened to a song by Imagine Dragons as Stone was singing it and my heart just cracked open a little bit more.  The song so painful and hopeful and filled with love, I swear I was there with them, listening and watching as Stone sang to Willow!  I sat in my bed in the middle of the night with tears rolling down my face.  I was totally moved by the power the song had in this book!

            “Want you. Need you. Live you. Breathe you” - Stone

Love, heartbreak, angst and beauty. The pages in this book are filled with it all! Without a doubt, Stoned is a top book of 2016 for me! Be warned, do not make the same mistake I did and start reading early on in the day! You won’t be able to put it down!!! I know Stoned will be a book that stays with me for a very long time and I am definitely going to add it to my small list of books that I will re-read over and over again!! I am in LOVE with this book and I give it 5 lyrical lip smacks!!