Undressed (The Men Of West Beach #1) By: Kimberly Derting

I want to send a huge thank you to Kimberly for sending out the ARC for this one. I thought the book sounded amazing from the description, but y'all, it was even better once I dove in. And I'm so excited to share my review with you.

Be sure to grab a copy of UNDRESSED August 27th when it releases!! 💙💙💙

Can two people whose dreams have been cast aside find a new passion...together?

No one ever expected straight-A student Lauren Taylor to make waves. But that was the old Lauren, before she went to college and became an online stripper to make ends meet. Now, Lauren is on the run with a secret and a bag of cash, fleeing landlocked Arizona for the beaches of California. 

Will Gabaldon was one of the hottest surfers on the circuit, but fate had something else in mind. When a surfing accident shattered his budding career, Will was forced into a life of tending bar and doing odd jobs just to survive. 

A swim instructor with secrets like Will is the last thing Lauren wants. A distraction like Lauren is the last thing Will needs. 

But soon, both discover there’s one thing more dangerous than the wave that ended Will's career: Love.

Sleep? What is this sleep thing you speak of? Haha

I will learn one of these days to actually space out a book and take my time enjoying it... Said no book worm ever!

But seriously y'all.... I LOVED this book.

Surprisingly this was my first time diving into one of Kimberly's books (Although Body Finder's been on my radar for quite some time) but I'm so glad I got the opportunity to finally give a book of hers a shot. Because Undressed was just so so good.

From start to finish I was drawn in.... Between the great character development, to the fun and intriguing. And even a bit mysterious story line. I found myself not able to put this book down until I hit the last page (I may not have slept.... again)

And I think I broke a personal reading record this book. With my mad reading skills and all hehe. It took me maybe 4 hours to finish though. (I was on a roll haha)

And I literally didn't want to stop flipping pages until I knew what was going to happen.

The story just draws you in so much, and you can't help but want to see what's going to come about with these fictional people.

In my opinion, a great end of summer book. One of those fairly light and flirty ones. But yet, that still offers just a touch of mystery and suspense to offer an incredibly well rounded story.

I adored Will and Lauren so much too.

Will is the ultimate cocky, knows he's flaming hot Cheetos hot, surfer dude. But also has such a complicated past to go along with it all, that gives him a level of down to earthness (that is too a word hehe). And you can see just how hard working and caring the guy really is.

Plus I just love a good sweetie that's got a bit of a cocky side. It makes things so much more interesting and fun.

And man does it make him offer a great start to some major tension.

But as they say, it takes two to tango. And Lauren is the other half to Will's crazy.

I really really liked this girl (and as many of you know. I don't through that around often with female characters in my reviews)

There's just something about her though, that was so fun to read. But yet you feel so understanding and sympathetic towards her too.

She takes no crap, and is very strong on her opinions. But we also get to see the shy more vulnerable side to her on a. couple different fronts. And I loved that about how she was written.

It gives her that much needed depth I feel gets lost on so many female characters these days.

And made you just want to root for her, and cheer her on. Beg her to open up a bit. and stop worrying.

If she were a real person and not a fictional character in a made up world..... I could totally see myself hanging out with someone like her.

She's spunky and very mkuch in your face when she wants to be. And I totally just enjoyed getting her POV in this story.

And something else to add. I loved the secondary characters this story had to offer. We honestly don't get a ton from them. Just enough to add to the main. Characters histories and all that fun.

But they were involved just enough to let us have some fun and get to build a bit more on Lauren and Will's personalities.

Plus they just offer those fun little moments that make you snort at times.

And man. Just the story line to this books itself.

I really did love it. It was a fresh take on a topic I've seen pop up a few times now in books.

And I absolutely loved how Kimberly built on it all.And made this amazing cohesive story. that was able to really expand away from just one or two key topics. And then weave them all back together so they make a truly wonderful story. That keeps you flipping that page and begging to know what will happen between our two characters. As well as their friends and family. And how all that tension and those problematic situations will be resolved.

I can't sing enough praises for Kimberly, as she branches out into the NA/Adult romance world.

She did such a wonderful job of it.

And this book is all kinds of hot too! (Did I forget to mention that before? hehe) 🔥🔥🔥

Because the romance in this book is freaking fantastic and, all I can say at this point is that I'm just ready for the next book to be here already haha.

UNDRESSED gets

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Really like 10. But hey. I don't make the rules here hehe)

In The Crease (Assassins, #12) By: Toni Aleo

I want to send a huge thank you to Toni and Ardent Prose PR for getting this awesome ARC sent out for review.

Y'all rock, and I can't thank you enough for getting me Wren and Jensen's story. I absolutely adored this book, and was so excited to finally get their story. And man, Toni, you did not disappoint

😍💓😍💓😍💓

Jensen Monroe is a unicorn. As handsome as any model, as polite as can be, a goalie of unmatched skill, and the best friend anyone could ask for. But he longs for a particular special someone to make his life complete. He’s been in love with Wren since he was a teenager, but as his best friend’s sister, she’s always been off-limits.

Wren Lemiere has prided herself on being a love ’em and leave ’em girl her whole life. She’s all about equal opportunity in the battle of the sexes. Why should guys like her brother and his best friends get to be the only ones allowed to play the dating game? One wrong move, however, and she finds herself in violation of her own rules.

In need of a fake husband and baby daddy for her unexpected bundle of joy, Wren finally accepts Jensen is the logical one to ask for help. Except he has a counteroffer…one with so many strings attached, they may just find themselves wrapped up in ties that bind. Forever.

Let me just say... This is one of those books that I was dying to get my grubby little hands on. I totally fell for Jensen and Wren back in Vaughn's book, and was literally bouncing up and down at the idea of finally getting to see what was going to happen between them.

So when the email went out that they were being sent out I was freaking ecstatic. 

I can't even tell you all.This book did not disappoint one bit. It had everything I could have wanted... Amazing characters, a great plot, sexy times galore, and yes, even a few overly frustrating scenes I just wanted to reach in and strangle some characters over.

But the plot was just so adorable, and man were the hockey men a swoony bunch haha.

But it was more than just some hotties out on the ice.

Toni gave us a well developed story that left be feeling so satisfied at the end, and more in love with this group of characters than I already was. The story was fairly fast paced, and had oodles of romance, drama, and silliness.

And let's not forget out star characters.

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect with Wren. She's shown up in several of the books in the series, and she's always been one of those characters I liked enough. Especially as we got a bit of a better glance at her in DELAYED CALL.

So I was really interested in what she was going to give us in this book.

And in true Toni form (I swear this woman must be able to like predict half my life at this point haha) she gave me another female character I related to immediately. There were so many things about Wren that I saw in myself. Her personality, unwillingness to trust or lean on others, her insecurities, her experience with awful douche canoes.... I mean honestly there was a lot. And no they weren't all bad. Wren is totally a dork, and funny too, and hey... I appreciate a girl who can joke about her black black soul, because I do all the time too haha. I swear I don't have a heart sometimes hehe.

Now don't get me wrong though. Wren and her multitude of insecurities did try to annoy me here and there. But only because I think they were a bit overdone at times.

I mean I get it, a girl has things that bother her. But I feel like at times they had too large of a presence in this book. And at times, defined Wren more than some of her other amazing qualities did.

But I also liked how Toni used those things to show Wren's growth through the story. She was one of those complex characters that had a ton of different sides to her, and I think by giving her those real life like qualities that most woman go through... It allowed for Wren to seem more real, not just a character in a book. And that's a testament to just how well Toni knows how to write.

It's funny too. A friend of mine who also blogs and received a copy of the book was talking with me, and had a good point. that I totally agreed with. Wren reminded them and me very much of Elli back in TAKING SHOTS.

They have very similar personalities and even insecurities and fears, and I kinda liked that little nod back to the original book (Even if that wasn't really intentional)

And then... There is Jensen....

I wanted this boys book sooooo bad haha.

He seemed like the biggest sweetie ever back in Vaughn's book. And I wanted to see the full extent of that.

Plus let's face it. Kayla has a soft spot for the goalies haha (Tate still makes me all swoony hehe 😍😍😍)

I blame Ben Bishop for my obsession. But I mean, can you blame a girl? He's so adorable haha

🏒🔥🠋🔥🠋🔥🠋🔥🏒

But anyways, back to Jensen.

He's just one of those characters that you automatically fall for.

He really is too sweet for his own good, and just such a caring nice guy. Plus he's funny. But I mean could you expect anyone who grew up around Vaughn and Wren to be any different?

That whole group, Wells included too, cracked me up from the start of getting to meet their characters. And Jensen just has that infectious personality and so many jokes and quick quips that cause you to have to put the book down for a few seconds and just giggle. (Like full on girly girl giggles haha)

But he's also one of the most loving and compassionate characters I've read in a while. He literally lives with his heart on his sleeves, and I adored how open and caring he really was. And man Jensen's been through his own share of crap too. But I loved how Toni wrote that all into his story and still let him grow from that, even if it meant still struggling sometimes with it too.

If I thought Wren was complex, she has nothing on Jensen.

He has so many layers [Insert bad Shrek joke here]

But getting to see all those sides to him and see that it only makes him more sure and confident warmed my heart. I wanted to root for him with Wren. I wanted to see him get everything he wanted.

He's definitely scored a spot in my top 5 guys Toni's given us so far.

And let's not forget all the fun characters that made a comeback in this book. Obviously Vaughn and Brie were back (And thank god because I needed more of that troublemaker in my life haha)

And man were those two cute as heck. And so so funny. Vaughn is back in true Vaughn fashion, and between him, Jensen, and Wells, I was about in tears a few times laughing so hard.

But also we get some fun little glimpses of Elli and Shea. And to my absolute delight even Tate (Even if my heart kinda broke for my original Assassins BookBF)

Plus a ton of other familiar faces here and there.

But that's something I've always loved about these books. Getting those small looks into how everyone's lives are going and progressing. It's so fun, and totally sweet to see how favorite characters and couples are doing.

And one thing I think I always kinda forget to mention in these reviews is, Toni has this way of bringing real life issues and situations into her books. Her character's either seem to face something themselves or know someone who is. And I love the way she sheds light on these things. How she shows her readers that yes, these things do happen in the world. And there is a way to live with them and even make your life better because of them, or learn from them.

I don't want to get onto specifics because I don't want to giveaway any plot points from this or previous books in the series. But if you follow Toni's books, you know what I'm talking about.

But I just want to say thank you Toni. For not being afraid to bring real life situations into your books. And allowing your characters to hopefully give some hope and strength to anyone in your characters shoes.

This book was such a great read. And I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on it. It really was a sweet story.

I give IN THE CREASE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Winner Takes All (A Champion Valley Novel) By: Erin Kern

First off I want to send a huge thank you to the team over at Forever Romance. For not only sending me the ARC for this one, but for all the work they put in to getting posts for us bloggers made up and sent.

They work so incredibly hard and I can't you enough guys *Kisses and Hugs

Money. Fame. Endorsements. Blake Carpenter had it all—before his professional football career spiraled out of control. Determined to rebuild his life, he takes on coaching the high school team in his Colorado hometown. Despite a few fumbles, Blake knows he can lead these boys to victory. As long as he can keep his eyes on the prize and off the team's distractingly gorgeous physical therapist.

Annabelle Turner knows all about the scandal that cost Blake his NFL career, and she'll be damned if she's going to let his mistakes hurt her team. What she doesn't count on is the intense attraction that turns every heated run-in they have into a wildly erotic competition. Point by point, play by play, kiss by kiss, they try to keep things professional for the good of the team. But when the score is this close—and the passion this fierce—it's anybody's game . . .

Add to Goodreads

I was quite surprised by this book.

I'm always up for a good sports romance. so when the awesome team at Forever reached out to review an early copy if the book, I jumped on it.

But this one was really nothing like I expected. Blake and Annabelle were two characters that both had extremely strong personalities, and where I thought things would burn Bright and hot and then explode just as quick, they sort of took the more slow burn path.

Don't get me wrong. The chemistry between the two was hot for sure, and I loved the bit of tension that would play between them.
But for once a book just kind of let things simmer. and I found that to be a great change.

Plus it was extremely fun seeing a book about a coach. I read so many football player books rather than coaches, that this book made for a fun change for me.
Plus Blake's back story while a bit sad, I think played the perfect part in this book. it made him stronger in a way while also leaving him open to vulnerabilities (if that makes sense to be both)
He was exactly the driving force the high school football team needed, but also by returning to his roots, it allowed him to battle his own demons and see how these kids and Annabelle could heal and make him better.

I also loved Blake's alpha side. It wasn't that let me chain you to the bed type, but more just the I get my way and not many people care to argue with me type. And in all honesty I found it pretty endearing.

This gruff broody character actually kinda had this fun enduring side once he finally pulled his head out of you know where and realized he didn't have to choose between football and love.

There were a couple times I wanted to smack him upside the head when he would make a dumb choice hehe. But in all Blake really was one of those characters that grew so much as the story progressed.

I really liked him, and found myself not only cheering for his redeeming success but also for the kids on the team he coached.

The biggest shock I think  for me in this book was Annabelle Though.

And I'm pretty sure it's because I saw a fictionalized version of myself. Someone who really had given up a lot to be the ones to take care of a loved one. to pretty much give up your own happiness and free time to take care of those that can't and slowly loose your passions and things to it.

But also Annabelle's need for structure and control. and it reminded me so much of everything going on in my life right now. and I just bonded to the character.

I'm sure many of you know if you follow my reviews, that I very rarely take kindly to female characters. Most of the time they annoy me or aggravate me being whiny and naive. So for me to find this character that I bonded with so much is a huge thing for me as a reader. And then to find so many similarities between us on top of it.It was sort of refreshing and scary at the same time. Because it put some things in perspective I try to ignore or pretend I'm not doing.

I know what it's like to care for an ailing mother. To drop your dreams and things that you would rather be doing to take care of her. To have a sibling that has other things going on leaving you to pretty much take the brunt of the work. To stay close to home because you have an obligation to family.

It's hard to realize that you give up a bit of yourself sometimes to be the person others need. And seeing all that Annabelle deals with allowed me to see that.

And having structure and control of everything else  in my life lets me keep going. It keeps me sane, and lets me feel like not everything is out of my control. And I feel like Annabelle kinda experienced something similar.

Like I said. This character kinda bonded with me unexpectedly.

But also something I want to add about Annabelle is how similar to Blake she is.

She's also this alpha type, and I really liked seeing the two butt heads and go at it. Neither would back down, and neither gave up. and it made it a fun story. 

And to be serious here, almost every character in this book was fun and lovable. Even the crazy sex hungry older ladies hehe.

But it was Blake's cousin Brandon, his best friend Cam, Annabelle's friend Stella and so many others that rounded this book out well.

They allowed for this great comic relief at times,and gave you glimpses into the two's lives that they were more reluctant to share.

I can't wait to see what Erin has planned for us next with Brandon and Stella.

I without a doubt give WINNER TAKES ALL

*****5 STARS *****

Release Blitz/Q&A: Fighting To Be Free By: Kirsty Moseley

 Hey ya'll I hope you enjoy the super fun interview I got to do with Kirsty, and be sure to checkout the excerpt and awesome giveaway at the bottom of the post ;)

Also my full review on Fighting to be free will be up later this week too. So be on the look out for that as well.

All his life, people have told Jamie Cole that he was born bad. Maybe it's true, maybe it's not. But that doesn't matter now. Because after a lifetime of demons, Jamie has finally found an angel.

Ellie Pearce learned the hard way that boys can't be trusted. But the night she meets Jamie, something shifts. He's different: brooding, a bit dark, determined to change. The connection they share is intense, compelling. Ellie tries to resist, but with each breathtaking kiss, she can't help falling deeper.

Things between Ellie and Jamie are perfect—and perfection can't last. When fate goes horribly wrong, Jamie's only hope of saving his family is to strike a deal with the devil. Most of all, Jamie wants to prove he's the person Ellie believes him to be. But if she learns just how much he's been hiding, Ellie won't be able to believe anything Jamie has ever told her…

The original Wattpad sensation, with 6 million reads online – fully revised and with brand new content!

BUY THE BOOK HERE

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

Google Play

iBooks

Indiebound

Kobo

THE FIGHTING TO BE FREE SERIES

Fighting To Be Free, #1

Worth Fighting For, #2

Series Page on Goodreads

What was your favorite part of writing this series?

The emotional journey it took me on. I fell in love with the characters while creating them.  Their story had so many highs and lows, it was definitely a challenge to bring all the right emotions in. I just loved every minute of it. 

Star Wars or Start Trek?

Star Trek!! My dad is a huge fan of Star Trek so I remember sitting with him and watching re-runs of the old TV show on a Sunday. I guess you could say I was forced to love it too! William Shatner FTW!

If you could change one thing about Fighting To Be Free what would it be?

Fighting To Be Free took me two years to complete, from first draft to the published version that’s out now. During that time it went through several rewrites, cuts, additions and edits to tweak it until I was totally and completely happy with it. I don’t think I’d change anything about it.

How do you feel the book differs from when it was on Wattpad?

The published version has been through significant editing to make it flow better. When I was writing the first draft I was posting the chapters as I finished them onto Wattpad, so the end result was very serialized and a bit choppy when the whole book was read in one sitting. The published version has a much better flow, extra scenes, whole extra chapters and an extended epilogue. Although the storyline is the same as the one on Wattpad, the published version is everything I hoped it would be when I started writing it.

If you had to date a character from Fighting To Be Free who would it be and why?

Well, Jamie would be the obvious one, but since Ellie might have something to say about that, I’ll choose someone else…. I’ll pick Dodger. He’s only in the first book for a few chapters but I loved creating his cheeky, cocky character. I think he’d be a lot of fun on a date.

 What three words do you associate the most with Fighting To Be Free?

Perseverance, nerve and romance.

Describe yourself in three words.

Chocoholic, Mummy, Hopeless-romantic (I know, that’s four words, but I snuck in a hyphen…. Can I get away with that?? Lol)

What was your favorite book growing up?

Forever by Judy Bloom.

Why did you start writing?

I’ve always loved writing. I remember always writing short stories when I was at school, but I never imagined I would ever DO anything with any of them. It wasn’t until after the birth of my son that I got back into it. Babies sleep a lot, so one particularly boring nap-time, I went on the internet and stumbled across Wattpad. I spent a few months just reading on there, but then decided to open an account and upload one of my stories. It all took off from there really.

Have you ever wanted to give up writing?

Every time writers block hits!

What would you say to all your readers?

Thank you all so much for reading my books and loving the craziness that comes out of my head! It’s been four years since I published my first book and I am still astounded by readers and the passion that they love books with. I am honestly humbled and floored by your support of my writing, you guys rock my socks right off.

Do you have a favorite character from any of your works?

I have two. Nate from Enjoying the Chase, and Jamie from Fighting to be Free.  Both characters are so different, but I love them both to death. Nate because he’s a cheeky, lovable, confident guy (in a SWAT uniform no less!) with a great sense of humour. I don’t want to spoil the story too much, but there’s something incredibly sexy about guys that are good with kids. 

And Jamie because he never gave up. After everything he’s been through, he still fights on and didn’t let it beat him. He’s a flawed character, but he strives to be better. I fell in love with him hard while writing him. Plus, he’s a badass car thief, that always adds a little shine. Who doesn’t love a bad boy? 

What book has been the most thrilling to write?

I have to say Fighting to be Free. I love writing action scenes and there are a fair few in this book! I also loved all the research I had to do in order to write it – pretty sure I could hotwire a car if I had all the right tools, that’s pretty thrilling. ;P  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kirsty Moseley has always been a passionate reader with stories brewing in her head. Once she discovered Wattpad, she finally posted a story. Seven million reads later, she self-published her debut novel, The Boy who Sneaks in my Bedroom Window, which later became a finalists for the 2012 Goodreads' Choice Awards. Kirsty lives in Norfolk, England with her husband and son.

Website**Facebook**Twitter**Instagram**Pinterest**Goodreads

Excerpt

He rolled onto his side, reaching out his hand and pulling me against him as he slowly ran his hands down my back.

“That was incredible, Ellie,” he murmured, kissing my nose. He was grinning from ear to ear as he stroked his fingers across my cheekbone.

I smiled and sighed contentedly. “Yeah, it was.” And it really had been. That was incredible; he had been soft and tender, his hands seeming to explore every part of me as he’d taken my body to heaven and back again. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me tightly against him, tangling our legs together as he just looked at every inch of my face with a small, satisfied smile on his lips.

“You don’t have much stuff,” I stated after we’d been silently cuddling on his bed for a couple of minutes.

He frowned. “Uh, no, I haven’t even been here a week.”

“Where were you living before?” I probed, wanting to hear the sound of his sexy voice some more. He shifted uncomfortably, and I took the hint that he didn’t want to talk about it. “That’s okay, you don’t have to say.” I rolled so that I was on top of him and sat up, straddling him. He ran his hands up my thighs and rested them on my hips, just watching me with a satisfied smile on his face.

I sighed. It was time to go. This was where it got a little awkward. What was I supposed to say? Thanks and good-bye? “So, I guess I should get going. Would you mind calling me a cab?” I asked, climbing off him and looking around the room for my clothes.

The bed creaked behind me. “You’re going? Why?” I didn’t need to look to know he would be frowning—I could hear the shock in his tone.

I smiled at him over my shoulder. He was sitting up on the bed, a little pouty expression on his face as he watched my every move. “Well, I’ve never had a one-night stand before, but I thought that was how it worked: You have sex and then you leave,” I joked as I pulled on my panties.

He shook his head. “No, I mean, why do you have to go now? You can stay the night; I’ll drive you home in the morning.”

“You want me to stay the night?” I asked disbelievingly.

He pushed himself up off the bed and walked to me in all his naked glory. I couldn’t keep my eyes off his body. “Yeah, I want you to stay the night,” he confirmed, smiling his sexy smile at me, making my stomach flutter.

Oh, I can definitely stay the night!

FOLLOW FOREVER ONLINE

Website**Facebook**Twitter**Instagram**Pinterest

RAFFLECOPTER

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Furious Rush By: S.C. Stephens

First off I want to give a huge huge thank you to the amazing people over at Forever Romance and Sullivan & Partners. Ya'll know how to treat us bloggers so well, and I can't thank you enough for all not only sending out review copies of your books, but for all the questions you put up with me asking.

ya'll are serious rock stars :)

And I can't say it enough, thanks for sending me this beauty in particular. I was so excited when I got the email about it, and flew through the book. Even my silly cat Mo couldn't keep her paws off Hayden and Kenzie hehe ;)

Mackenzie Cox has a lot to prove. Daughter of a racing legend, she is eager to show the world that she has inherited her father's talent in the male-dominated sport of professional motorcycle racing. The last thing Kenzie needs is to be antagonized by her rival team's newest rider, Hayden Hayes. Plucked from the world of illegal street racing, Hayden immediately gets under Kenzie's skin. His insinuations that Kenzie is a spoiled princess who was handed her career fuels her desire to win, and much to her surprise, Kenzie soon learns she performs better when she's racing against Hayden.

As Kenzie and Hayden push each other on the track, the electric energy between them off the track shifts into an intense--and strictly forbidden--attraction. The only rule between their two ultra-competitive teams is zero contact. Kenzie always does her best to play by the rules, but when her team slips into a financial crisis, she has no choice but to turn to Hayden for help. The tension simmers during their secret, late-night rendezvous, but Kenzie has too much to lose to give in to her desires. Especially when she begins to doubt that Hayden has completely left his street life behind...

AVAILABLE AUGUST 23, 2016

So let's get this thing started shall we?

I absolutely FLOVED this book!!!

I mean like seriously fell in love with it. I haven't had the opportunity to read any of S.C. Stephens other books yet, but they are on order from Amazon and slowly making they're way to me (Used books from 3rd party vendors take forever sometimes) but I have a feeling when I get around to reading them I'm going to be in a predicament. Because I absolutely loved Hayden Hayes, but everyone has told me that Kellan Kyle from S.C's Thoughtless series is pretty much the ultimate book boyfriend. 

But anyways, I guess I'll update you on how my poor heart is doing once I finally crack open Kellan's books haha ;)

But back To Furious Rush...

So obviously this book is about motorcycle racing. Which tosses it into that sports romance genre (Which is one my favorites by the way) 

So of course you give me a sports romance with motorcycle racing none the less, and I practically fell in love from page one.

I'm from the south, born and raised in Florida and been living in Georgia for several years now... So any sort of auto type racing is pretty much ingrained in my soul to love. You watch some form of racing every weekend, at least that was how it was growing up. And that only grew when I moved to Georgia a mere messily minutes from Atlanta Motor Speedway. Were talking especially in the summer time, some form of racing every Thursday and Friday. And possibly weekends some weeks. (I recently moved about 45 minutes south of the track now, so I don't deal with the NASCAR traffic and craziness first hand, but it's still fun to go and enjoy the antics as a spectator.

And as much fun as all those car races are I'm pretty sure motorcycle racing is by far the coolest. There is this air of danger involved. The riders go insane speeds with not much for protection except for a helmet and a layer of leather, Plus when those riders make their turns, you're talking like centimeters away from the ground to them where their bikes are leaning so far over.

It's pretty amazing to watch, and was even more exciting to read about.

S.C. Stephens did such a good job at explaining everything, and it made it so easy to visualize it all. I mean we're talking like full HD movie going on in my head. And I love it when authors can create that good of a picture with their details and explanations.

Also I want to take a quick moment to just talk about the tension in this book. I mean we are talking Ghost Pepper hot *fans self

There was just so much build up in this book and I literally got to a point where I didn't care what happened as long as something happened, good or bad. 

Like I was ready for Kenzie and Hayden to kiss, or her run him over with her bike, slap, sleep with, SOMETHING!!!

But I think that tension being drawn out as long as it did was actually a good thing. It made it when something finally did happen that much better. I won't give details because I don't want to spoil anything, but I will tell you that I almost had a break down during this one. I had to really fight myself not to start flipping pages to find out what was going to happen. I was DYING waiting. I have tendencies to skim to the end of sentences every now and then, but I had to pretty much physically keep myself from jumping chapter until all that tension was resolved somehow.

But take my impatience as a bad thing. I know some people assume when you get antsy about things like that it means you were bored or just wanted to hurry through. But that isn't the case with this. I wanted the whole story, every little part. But I just wanted to know what was gonna happen between Kenzie and Hayden more. If that makes sense.

Pretty much be ready for a hurricane of OMG's and Please Pleas Please's hehe.

I guess I should get on to the characters now huh?

Let's start with Kenzie.

I want to BE her when I grow up hehe.

She is just one of those characters that you just bond with. (*gasp I know... I actually like a female character. Settle down ya'll. It's been happening a lot more frequently lately haha)

Kenzie is so fierce and so strong though. As one of the only females in motorcycle racers she gets a lot of shade. But the thing I love is that she just let's it kinda roll off. I mean she is under this insane amount of pressure and it keeps her strung pretty tight. But I think that her knowing she has a lot to prove helps some. It keeps her focused and always at the top of her game. And when Hayden worms his way into her life he just makes her that much better.

I don't think I've ever read about a character who grows as much as Kenzie did with the addition of the male protagonist.

She lets Hayden push her to her limits and in turn it helps both of them to be better racers and to build this unexpected and forbidden friendship of sorts.

And it isn't just Kenzie's skills that impressed me. It was her drive. She not only has something to prove, but has a reason for proving it, to help keep her family business alive. I respect characters like her I think. Even though she comes from this big in the industry racing family, she's worked for everything she has. Nothing is just given to her because of her last name. And I think that is such a good trait for fictional character or not to have.

I think another reason I like Kenzie so much, is because she's a character I can relate to.

She has this huge responsibility to her family and risks a lot to try to help them and support them. And especially lately I know that feeling. I've always been one of those people to drop everything to help my family, more lately then before. And I've sacrificed a lot to be there. And done things I'm not necessarily sure was the right thing to do to make sure I could help and be there. And while I know Kenzie isn't real, she gave me something to grab on to. (It's probably weird that I can get comfort from a story like this, but Kenzie just spoke tome and I spent a majority of the book going "I get it girl. I really do")

I'm so happy that S.C. gave us this amazing character. I think ya'll will seriously love her, and spend a majority of the book rooting for her.

So on to Hayden. *Smiles like a total creeper

I LOVED this boy. I told you earlier that I know I'm gonna have a serious complex when I get to reading about Kellan. And that's because Hayden is just so amazing I just cant imagine anyone being better then him.

he is the hotshot, smooth talking, cocky as heck, H.O.T.T racer. And he knows it.

He's like this bod boy that when it really comes down to isn't all that much of a bad boy.Oh he's got the leather jacket, motorcycle, and attitude of one. But he's also this amazingly sweet guy who just wants to help the people he cares about in his life.

I found myself wanting Hayden to have so much more out of life. He was dealt a crap hand when he was younger, and still manages to make the best of things the only way he knows how. Even if that may not be the right thing to do.

He also has this mystery surrounding him. He isn't one of those guys that opens up very easily and as Kenzie starts to unravel him, I found myself falling for this fictional guy more and more.

I also liked the way he pushes Kenzie. he truly wants to help her, and despite all the sketchy happenings around him, I spent a majority of the book wanting to believe that most was just coincidental. (I'll let you decide if it is or not when you read)

Something else about Hayden was just how much you could tell he wanted to be loved and cared for. For someone who didn't have the normal sense of the word family in his life, you could just see this man wanting to care for someone and have them care for him in return.

He comes off as this different girl every night player, but as time goes that may not necessarily be true.

Hayden is so complex and I seriously just adored him.

Plus the chemistry between him and Kenzie was so so hot. The two of them just connect in this amazing way. And because of that you get this awesome romance out of it.

I think some of my favorite Hayden moments were when he was laid absolutely bare to Kenzie and didn't hold anything back.

Those were the moments you see how selfless and kind he is.

And the thing I think I loved most?

It was that he was willing to give up so much. There is this moment near the end of the book that absolutely stunned me and when it happened I almost cried. It was just one of those moments that you go "that's the kinda guy I want. That's the kind of love I want"

It was the moment you really saw the true Hayden. And it was sort of beautiful in a way. I'm not a sappy person most times. Maybe it's all the stuff I've been through lately and my extreme anxiety talking, but this book just gave me so many feels. Especially where Hayden is concerned. But it also left me kinda empty in a way. What Hayden is? That's what I want. And while I know I can't have him (I'm not that crazy ya'll hehe) I want to be able to find someone like him. Someone so completely selfless that they risk everything for me. But also show me so much love and kindness I can't help but feel cherished.

So thank you so much S.C. Stephens for giving me a glimpse at the kinda guy I should deserve, because heaven knows I sure haven't realized it before this (My track record with men is pretty pathetic)

And I know my fictional prince charming on a motorcycle may not find me, but I know I want something as close as I can get. In whatever form he may come in.

I also want to touch real quick on a couple of the other characters. Like Kenzie's dad to start. OHHHHHH this man made me so ragey! Like I seriously wanted to reach into this book and run him over with his own motorcycle. He isn't a bad guy, but some of the things he does to Kenzie made me so mad. (I have daddy issues so let's leave it at that) So seeing him act the way he did and some of the way he treated her had me literally seeing red. God he was infuriating at times.

I also want to mention Miles and Nikki.

I loved them both in this book. Even if Nikki is crazy and Miles spent a majority of the book being a brooding jerk.

they both care about Kenzie so much, and added some comic relief at times.

But what I didn't much appreciate was that they were so eager to throw Kenzie under the bus. Miles more than Nikki. And as friends they should have protected her better. So that kinda made me mad.

But for the most part these two were great characters and I wouldn't even mind seeing maybe a novella or something about them later down the road. Hint Hint S.C. haha ;) 

Pretty much to wrap this up, I just need to say that I really did enjoy this book so so much. And that I cannot wait to see what S.C. has coming for us in the next one.

Furious Rush, really is a great fast paced book. That will leave you hanging on every word. It's insanely romantic, and such a fun read.

Plus the racers are just as quick and hot as the story itself ;)

I give FURIOUS RUSH a definite

*****5 STARS*****