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jaimearkin's review against another edition
4.0
Allure is book 2 in the Spiral of Bliss series. I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up book 1 of this and was excited to get my hands on book 2.
Dean and Olivia are fighting for their marriage... after the lies and betrayal, they still refuse to give up. But they have a mountain to climb to get back to where they once were.
A family emergency takes Liv and Dean to his home where they are forced to face the hostility they have for her and for once, Dean can't protect her from everything.
I loved that Liv was more independent in this book, she is pushing to create her own identity and I know that she struggled with that in book 1, but it was wonderful to see her take those steps and start finding out who she wants to be without Dean hovering over her and making decisions for her.
"You have to let me fail, Dean, and you have to believe I can get back up on my own."
"I know you can."
My heart constricts. "But you have to let me prove it. You have to accept that I'm going to get hurt, but also that I can be self-reliant. You can't always save me."
Now, Dean has professional issues at home, and his career is in jeopardy. When he's forced to realize that he can't always protect Liv from everything, even though he would like to, he isn't sure where that leaves them.
Nina Lane gives us readers a wonderful story filled with intense and powerful feelings. A story that shows that a marriage is more than just sex and that finding the problem and not giving up despite how hard they may seem isn't the answer. A story that shows a couple who are determined to find their way back to each other and do what it takes to survive.
If you haven't started this series yet, definitely put it on your to be read list. I know I'm really looking forward to book 3 in Dean and Liv's story.
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
Dean and Olivia are fighting for their marriage... after the lies and betrayal, they still refuse to give up. But they have a mountain to climb to get back to where they once were.
A family emergency takes Liv and Dean to his home where they are forced to face the hostility they have for her and for once, Dean can't protect her from everything.
I loved that Liv was more independent in this book, she is pushing to create her own identity and I know that she struggled with that in book 1, but it was wonderful to see her take those steps and start finding out who she wants to be without Dean hovering over her and making decisions for her.
"You have to let me fail, Dean, and you have to believe I can get back up on my own."
"I know you can."
My heart constricts. "But you have to let me prove it. You have to accept that I'm going to get hurt, but also that I can be self-reliant. You can't always save me."
Now, Dean has professional issues at home, and his career is in jeopardy. When he's forced to realize that he can't always protect Liv from everything, even though he would like to, he isn't sure where that leaves them.
Nina Lane gives us readers a wonderful story filled with intense and powerful feelings. A story that shows that a marriage is more than just sex and that finding the problem and not giving up despite how hard they may seem isn't the answer. A story that shows a couple who are determined to find their way back to each other and do what it takes to survive.
If you haven't started this series yet, definitely put it on your to be read list. I know I'm really looking forward to book 3 in Dean and Liv's story.
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
habibaaibrahim's review against another edition
5.0
That’s me sighing over here after finishing this. That’s my voice saying how much I am in love with this series up till now. That’s me saying how much Liv and Dean are affecting me and teaching the meaning of true love and that maybe it does exist somewhere in the real word.
Nina Lane is taking me into an adventure, a sweet and passionate one. I can’t get over this and I don’t want it to end anytime soon.
“You’re the best thing that’s happened to me in… forever, Liv. The only person who doesn’t expect anything from me. Who doesn’t care that I’m not perfect.”
“You’re perfect to me,” I said honestly. “Perfect for me.”
Sexy Professor Dean is at Liv’s beck and call. This man is too much. He is amazing, loving and so damn protective. I love the way he loves Liv. You can easily feel it through the pages. Dean is struggling a lot in this part and I hate it. He deals with a lot of shit while trying to stay strong and protect Liv and I wanted him to give her the chance to try and fail and try and fail again.
“Girlfriend.” I rested my forehead against his chest. “I guess.”
“Not the best word, but it’ll do in public.” He kissed my temple. “In private, you can just be my beauty.”
Liv appears to be somehow weak at first but as we dig deeper, we find that it is quite the opposite. She is so much more than her problems and past. She is a bit lost but she wants to prove herself and find her place in this world. Dean is her protector who fails to recognize that he needs to give her her space but she forces his hand and I am proud of her for doing that.
“Remember when you told me everyone has a key to unlocking their secrets?” I whispered. “And you wanted to know what mine is?”
He nodded. “And you told me you didn’t have a key.”
“I think I do.”
“What is it?”
“You.”
After five years together, Dean and Liv still have so much to learn together. They are each other’s allure and for better or worse they will stick together.
Nina Lane is taking me into an adventure, a sweet and passionate one. I can’t get over this and I don’t want it to end anytime soon.
“You’re the best thing that’s happened to me in… forever, Liv. The only person who doesn’t expect anything from me. Who doesn’t care that I’m not perfect.”
“You’re perfect to me,” I said honestly. “Perfect for me.”
Sexy Professor Dean is at Liv’s beck and call. This man is too much. He is amazing, loving and so damn protective. I love the way he loves Liv. You can easily feel it through the pages. Dean is struggling a lot in this part and I hate it. He deals with a lot of shit while trying to stay strong and protect Liv and I wanted him to give her the chance to try and fail and try and fail again.
“Girlfriend.” I rested my forehead against his chest. “I guess.”
“Not the best word, but it’ll do in public.” He kissed my temple. “In private, you can just be my beauty.”
Liv appears to be somehow weak at first but as we dig deeper, we find that it is quite the opposite. She is so much more than her problems and past. She is a bit lost but she wants to prove herself and find her place in this world. Dean is her protector who fails to recognize that he needs to give her her space but she forces his hand and I am proud of her for doing that.
“Remember when you told me everyone has a key to unlocking their secrets?” I whispered. “And you wanted to know what mine is?”
He nodded. “And you told me you didn’t have a key.”
“I think I do.”
“What is it?”
“You.”
After five years together, Dean and Liv still have so much to learn together. They are each other’s allure and for better or worse they will stick together.
mafemoreno's review against another edition
5.0
After the fantastic cliff hanger of the previous book, I honestly have to say that this one was heartbreaking. After getting to know Liv and Dean, their pain and anguish was tough to take in and as always with books, you can't do a damn thing to change how things are going to end up. As they try and make their marriage work, trying to overcome all of their problems, they have to travel to California to deal with Dean's father who had a heart attack. Dean's family don't care for Liv and they don't hesitate to make her feel left out and continually remind her that she is an outsider. It is a really f*** up family with loads of troubles that can't really accept anyone and are so completely insulated and wound up tight that they don't really make an effort. The end once again like the previous book left a huge cliffhanger and I honestly can't wait to read the next book in the series.
rohaniroslan's review against another edition
5.0
I am in love with this book! My only regret is that I wish I had read it sooner! Liv and Dean are definitely one of my favourite ever book couples. It's seriously as good as the Crossfire series. In fact, it's BETTER. On to the third book now. Hoping it doesn't disappoint! :D
thefox22's review against another edition
5.0
It’s official; Dean and Liv are one of my favorite book couples. <3 Top ten, definitely. They probably even made it in the top five.
Lane is one amazingly talented author. She literally brings her characters to life, and when I’m reading, I feel like I’m reading about a real couple. And I love how she mixes the past and the present, intricately weaving together a solid story-line filled with passion, fear, insecurity, grief, heartache, happiness, and most of all: love.
So, I know nothing about what makes a marriage work. I only know what I caught glimpses of from my grandparents and my mom and dad. My grandparents, especially, were shining examples of what true love is. But what Dean and Liv have is what I want out of a marriage. Or, at least, what I think I want. A fiery passion, a safety net, a home. Their marriage isn’t perfect by a long shot, but they have something that would make other couples truly envious: true love. The kind of love, that no matter what, will stand the test of time, insecurities, external and internal conflicts that threaten to tear them apart. It’s a love that conquers all, from betrayal and secrecy to cruel tragedies. It’s the kind of love that fairytales are made of and what I strive to find.
But that doesn’t mean that their marriage goes back to the way it was before, or that it’s perfect. They’ve both changed, and so has their relationship. However, in this case, the change is good. It just proves to them that their love can conquer anything and that they were made for each other. Like two halves of a whole. Like two peas in a pod. Like two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly.
In Allure, Dean and Liv are still facing the repercussions of their fights. They take it slowly, one day at a time, trying to find some semblance of the normalcy that they both crave from before their marriage blew up. Liv’s pregnancy sheds a light on some things, and although it had been a complete surprise, they are both determined to do it right. And the longer time goes on, the more they want the baby. And the more they will do anything to push past the echoes of their conflicts and hurt. Because however much they want and need to protect each other from everything, at the end of the day, it was the two of them that had hurt each other.
Tragedy sends Dean home to California, and this time, Liv goes with him. And no wonder why Dean always went home alone over the years! His family seems perfect on the outside: sprawling house, lots of money, and his father has a big career. But that all hides their true colors: their cruel and cold demeanor, their sense of entitlement and superiority. Dean’s parents should have divorced years ago, but they decided to “stick it out” because of appearances. His sister is no better, having worshipped her older brother until he divorced Helen and shattered her ideal image of a perfect marriage. And the youngest, Archer, is the black sheep of the family. But I have a feeling there’s more to him than meets the eye. The brothers have never seen eye to eye, and after a painful family secret came to light twenty five years ago because of Dean, no one can seem to move past that. Especially Archer. But near the end, he and Dean face each other without any argument, fight, or snide comment. It’s a step, I think. A step in the direction of reclaiming the lost friendship and brotherly love they used to have for each other. I’m a sucker for strong family bonds, and I’d love to see that relationship patched up.
But this book isn’t about patching up family ties; it’s about Dean’s and Liv’s marriage. It’s about a couple so in love with each other that nothing, and no one, will bring them down or tear them apart.
***
Liv is such a strong woman, and it shows throughout the whole book. She had a horrible childhood, and it wasn’t until she met Dean that she found safety and security. He was the first man she could trust. He was her white knight, her Sir Galahad. He showed her how to love and be loved, how to open up to someone and how to take pleasure in life. But she no longer wants to be sheltered from everything. And after tragedy strikes their marriage, Liv not only has to deal with grief, but with her husband’s glutton need for punishment. For it to be his entire fault. He’s so protective of her.bitch’s student’s lies she understands why Dean has always tried to shelter her and protect her. Because she’s feeling like a mother bear, staking her claim on her man and wanting to go after the woman who could very well ruin an innocent man’s career because of a petty need to do what her rich father wants her to do. Oh, I just love the strong and fierce woman she’s grown to be, the woman who stands up for herself and the people she loves, and will fight for what she wants.
Two words: Professor. West.
God, I love him. I want my own Professor West. I’m not kidding. Seriously, he’s amazing.
It’s crazy how tied up I am over a book, how insanely jealous I am of something I’ve never experienced myself. It’s fiction, I know that. I’m not naïve, and I certainly know that this is not a real couple. It could be based on real experiences, whether by the author or someone she knows. Or it could just be the author’s exploration of love, of a marriage that seemed so perfect before it fell apart. Whatever the case, I am so invested in this couple’s story, and I will be extremely sad when Awaken comes out and their journey finally ends.
This story, their marriage, everything about Liv and Dean just feels so damn real.
Lane is one amazingly talented author. She literally brings her characters to life, and when I’m reading, I feel like I’m reading about a real couple. And I love how she mixes the past and the present, intricately weaving together a solid story-line filled with passion, fear, insecurity, grief, heartache, happiness, and most of all: love.
So, I know nothing about what makes a marriage work. I only know what I caught glimpses of from my grandparents and my mom and dad. My grandparents, especially, were shining examples of what true love is. But what Dean and Liv have is what I want out of a marriage. Or, at least, what I think I want. A fiery passion, a safety net, a home. Their marriage isn’t perfect by a long shot, but they have something that would make other couples truly envious: true love. The kind of love, that no matter what, will stand the test of time, insecurities, external and internal conflicts that threaten to tear them apart. It’s a love that conquers all, from betrayal and secrecy to cruel tragedies. It’s the kind of love that fairytales are made of and what I strive to find.
Our relationship, our love, cannot and will never be perfect. It will, however, always belong to us in all its flawed, intense beauty. Perfect in its very imperfection.Throughout Arouse, Liv and Dean were both keeping secrets. Sex wasn’t enough to save them from letting their insecurities, doubts, and hurt cloud their minds and their hearts. But their relationship, their marriage, their love is so much more than a passionate and fiery sex life. They saved each other, gave each other the warmth and security that they were missing from their childhoods. Their love gave them a chance to be themselves and to feel completely and wholly safe and protected. Whatever hits them from the outside won’t break them apart. But it was the conflict inside themselves that wrecked them and made them question everything about their marriage. Through honest communication, space, and time to reflect on their marriage and why they fell in love in the first place, Dean and Liv find the strength to push past their troubles. And they come out stronger as individuals and as couples.
But that doesn’t mean that their marriage goes back to the way it was before, or that it’s perfect. They’ve both changed, and so has their relationship. However, in this case, the change is good. It just proves to them that their love can conquer anything and that they were made for each other. Like two halves of a whole. Like two peas in a pod. Like two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly.
In Allure, Dean and Liv are still facing the repercussions of their fights. They take it slowly, one day at a time, trying to find some semblance of the normalcy that they both crave from before their marriage blew up. Liv’s pregnancy sheds a light on some things, and although it had been a complete surprise, they are both determined to do it right. And the longer time goes on, the more they want the baby. And the more they will do anything to push past the echoes of their conflicts and hurt. Because however much they want and need to protect each other from everything, at the end of the day, it was the two of them that had hurt each other.
Tragedy sends Dean home to California, and this time, Liv goes with him. And no wonder why Dean always went home alone over the years! His family seems perfect on the outside: sprawling house, lots of money, and his father has a big career. But that all hides their true colors: their cruel and cold demeanor, their sense of entitlement and superiority. Dean’s parents should have divorced years ago, but they decided to “stick it out” because of appearances. His sister is no better, having worshipped her older brother until he divorced Helen and shattered her ideal image of a perfect marriage. And the youngest, Archer, is the black sheep of the family. But I have a feeling there’s more to him than meets the eye. The brothers have never seen eye to eye, and after a painful family secret came to light twenty five years ago because of Dean, no one can seem to move past that. Especially Archer. But near the end, he and Dean face each other without any argument, fight, or snide comment. It’s a step, I think. A step in the direction of reclaiming the lost friendship and brotherly love they used to have for each other. I’m a sucker for strong family bonds, and I’d love to see that relationship patched up.
But this book isn’t about patching up family ties; it’s about Dean’s and Liv’s marriage. It’s about a couple so in love with each other that nothing, and no one, will bring them down or tear them apart.
***
Liv is such a strong woman, and it shows throughout the whole book. She had a horrible childhood, and it wasn’t until she met Dean that she found safety and security. He was the first man she could trust. He was her white knight, her Sir Galahad. He showed her how to love and be loved, how to open up to someone and how to take pleasure in life. But she no longer wants to be sheltered from everything. And after tragedy strikes their marriage, Liv not only has to deal with grief, but with her husband’s glutton need for punishment. For it to be his entire fault. He’s so protective of her.
"You just always wanted to give me the safety I never had. But life isn't safe, no matter how hard you try to make it that way."And it was because of Dean’s need to protect her and shield her that their marriage started to fall apart in the first place. He kept secrets from her, and it made her question their marriage, but not their love. Never their love. When her husband’s career is threatened because of some
Two words: Professor. West.
God, I love him. I want my own Professor West. I’m not kidding. Seriously, he’s amazing.
“Beauty, you’re the only thing I’m sure of.”
“My beauty. I’d wait for you forever.”
“You’ll always be my allure.”I just melt when he calls her beauty. <3 He definitely made the top ten book boyfriend list. Maybe it’s because I’ve been reading too many young adult novels with the stereotypical “bad boy” versus best friend of the female protagonist. Maybe it’s because I’m always partial to those bad boys that I find this studious, medieval studies professor so damn sexy. And maybe it’s just because I need to get the hell away from the “cutesy” and adorable love between teens. Whatever the case, I am so glad I stopped putting off reading this book. Dean has such a three-dimensional personality that makes him a believable and lovable character. The tentativeness he shows toward Liv, that fierce protectiveness, that possessive and dominant sexual side of him. He may be an esteemed professor, but that’s not even his best side. The reason his parents weren’t thrilled about Liv was because of that esteemed side to him, yet it has never mattered to either of them. Why? Because they’ve never had to be anyone but themselves with each other. But after a previous failed marriage and what happens with Liv while he was away, the guilt and failure starts to eat away at him. Add in false accusations that threaten his jeopardy and the career he’s worked so hard to build, and everything comes crashing down around him. With a push from Liv, Dean makes a plan to move past all of the shit that has flooded his life in the past year. And I have no doubt he’ll find his way.
It’s crazy how tied up I am over a book, how insanely jealous I am of something I’ve never experienced myself. It’s fiction, I know that. I’m not naïve, and I certainly know that this is not a real couple. It could be based on real experiences, whether by the author or someone she knows. Or it could just be the author’s exploration of love, of a marriage that seemed so perfect before it fell apart. Whatever the case, I am so invested in this couple’s story, and I will be extremely sad when Awaken comes out and their journey finally ends.
This story, their marriage, everything about Liv and Dean just feels so damn real.
gerireads's review against another edition
5.0
5 Beautiful Stars!!
In that place of us, Liv and Dean, love has its own poetry and language. Allure, quatrefoil, fleur-de-lis. Right here. PR9199.3 R5115 Y68. My white knight. I’m yours. Give me a kiss. Pie love you. I remember. Professor. Beauty.
Considering how much I loved Arouse, I had very high expectations for this book. And I am happy to say that this book did not disappoint. I never thought I could fall more in love with Dean and Liv's story but I did. This book delivered on all points--great main characters, steam, angst and of course, just overall enjoyment and then some.
Nina Lane, in my opinion, outdid herself in this book. It was raw, real, emotional, gripping, beautiful, tragic, heartbreaking. Some things hit too close to home, which is probably one of the reasons I loved it since I was able to really connect with it on a very personal level.
Our relationship, our love, cannot and will never be perfect. It will, however, always belong only to us in all its flawed, intense beauty. Perfect in its very imperfection.
Allure starts off hot. Real hot with Dean and Liv going at it in a coat closet. We knew that they separated briefly for three weeks and they are just getting back together and feeling each other out. You can feel the underlying tension between them, sexual or otherwise. Liv is pregnant and Dean is on the cusp of a career breakthrough but their new found togetherness is tested when Dean had to go back home to California for a family emergency and an accusation at work threatens Dean's career.
The Main Characters and the Story...
I've lost count how many times this guy had me melting. Dean West, gawd, there are no words to describe how wonderful he is in this book. He had me swooning from the first page until the last. And seriously, every time he calls Liv, Beauty, I melt. His love for Liv is so palpable and so fierce, it jumps off the page. He's overprotective but somehow I get his reasons for it.
Liv, I love her as much I love Dean. They're perfect for each other really. In the first book, her insecurities are almost too painful too read but here, she's definitely coming to her own as a woman, as a wife and more importantly as an equal partner to Dean. And I cannot wait for book three because I feel like Liv is going to seriously kick ass--or more accurately, kick someone's ass in that book. Yes, I'm talking about you Maggie.
Both characters are flawed, both with their own insecurities and fears but Dean and Liv are two of the strongest characters I've come across in a while. They have their moment of suspicion and doubt but all married spouses go through this at one point or another. This is one of the reasons why I love this book. It depicts very real situations and emotions married couples go through.
My heart broke for them whenLiv miscarried the baby. and it didn't feel contrived. I already had a sinking suspicion that it will happen but when it did, I seriously cried with them and was rooting for them to have that baby but I guess it wasn't meant to be yet.
This review would not be complete without mentioning the writing on this book. Let me tell you, the writing is phenomenal. I loved how Nina Lane was able to seamlessly switch from Dean's POV to Liv with the flashbacks. And the prose is just beautiful. I know. I sound like a broken record but it is what it is. Beautiful.
Final Thoughts
I cannot wait for Awaken to be release. I know something big is going to happen with the Maggie situation. I fear for Dean and Liv but I also cannot wait for them to face this together. Someone needs to seriously kick Maggie's ass. Seriously, the girl just pissed me off! I praying for some comeuppance coming her way in the third book. What she did with Liv in the first book and then Dean here is just unforgivable. Grr!
I'll end this review with some of my favorite quotes from the book...
“Girlfriend.” I rested my forehead against his chest. “I guess.” “Not the best word, but it’ll do in public.” He kissed my temple. “In private, you can just be my beauty.”
“You don’t need anyone to fix you, Olivia, least of all me.” Dean pulled me closer, his eyes never leaving mine. “Because you’re not broken.”
“Thanks for waiting,” I whispered. “My beauty,” he said, “I’d wait for you forever.”
He nodded. “And you told me you didn’t have a key.” “I think I do.” “What is it?” “You.”
“I was so glad you asked me.” I rub my hand over his leg. “I had a big crush on you.” “I know.” I raise an eyebrow. “You know?” “Why else would you knock the other girls aside whenever I walked in?” Dean looks rather pleased with himself. My mouth drops open. A flush scorches my cheeks. “I did not knock the—”
“You sure did. And you think I didn’t notice the chocolates or the extra cookie you’d put on my plate? Or the time you gave me a box of shortbread and told me it was a free sample?”
“No doubt about it, beauty.” I press my face against her sweet-smelling hair. “You’ll always be my allure.”
“Feel that?” he asked. “You’re the first woman who’s ever made my heart beat like that. You’re the first woman I’ve ever wanted to spend all my time with, the only one who could convince me to start a new life. You’re the first woman who’s ever made me genuinely happy. Who makes me glad to be alive, who makes me burn hotter than fire. You’re the first woman who’s ever made me afraid.”
“You know I’m not much of a romantic.” He looks at me. “But that semester, even I had to admit it was more than just a coincidence.” “What was?”
“The fact that I was studying the perfect harmony of the stars and planets at the exact same time I was falling in love with you.”
Ever After Romance Book Blog
In that place of us, Liv and Dean, love has its own poetry and language. Allure, quatrefoil, fleur-de-lis. Right here. PR9199.3 R5115 Y68. My white knight. I’m yours. Give me a kiss. Pie love you. I remember. Professor. Beauty.
Considering how much I loved Arouse, I had very high expectations for this book. And I am happy to say that this book did not disappoint. I never thought I could fall more in love with Dean and Liv's story but I did. This book delivered on all points--great main characters, steam, angst and of course, just overall enjoyment and then some.
Nina Lane, in my opinion, outdid herself in this book. It was raw, real, emotional, gripping, beautiful, tragic, heartbreaking. Some things hit too close to home, which is probably one of the reasons I loved it since I was able to really connect with it on a very personal level.
Our relationship, our love, cannot and will never be perfect. It will, however, always belong only to us in all its flawed, intense beauty. Perfect in its very imperfection.
Allure starts off hot. Real hot with Dean and Liv going at it in a coat closet. We knew that they separated briefly for three weeks and they are just getting back together and feeling each other out. You can feel the underlying tension between them, sexual or otherwise. Liv is pregnant and Dean is on the cusp of a career breakthrough but their new found togetherness is tested when Dean had to go back home to California for a family emergency and an accusation at work threatens Dean's career.
The Main Characters and the Story...
I've lost count how many times this guy had me melting. Dean West, gawd, there are no words to describe how wonderful he is in this book. He had me swooning from the first page until the last. And seriously, every time he calls Liv, Beauty, I melt. His love for Liv is so palpable and so fierce, it jumps off the page. He's overprotective but somehow I get his reasons for it.
Liv, I love her as much I love Dean. They're perfect for each other really. In the first book, her insecurities are almost too painful too read but here, she's definitely coming to her own as a woman, as a wife and more importantly as an equal partner to Dean. And I cannot wait for book three because I feel like Liv is going to seriously kick ass--or more accurately, kick someone's ass in that book. Yes, I'm talking about you Maggie.
Both characters are flawed, both with their own insecurities and fears but Dean and Liv are two of the strongest characters I've come across in a while. They have their moment of suspicion and doubt but all married spouses go through this at one point or another. This is one of the reasons why I love this book. It depicts very real situations and emotions married couples go through.
My heart broke for them when
This review would not be complete without mentioning the writing on this book. Let me tell you, the writing is phenomenal. I loved how Nina Lane was able to seamlessly switch from Dean's POV to Liv with the flashbacks. And the prose is just beautiful. I know. I sound like a broken record but it is what it is. Beautiful.
Final Thoughts
I cannot wait for Awaken to be release. I know something big is going to happen with the Maggie situation. I fear for Dean and Liv but I also cannot wait for them to face this together. Someone needs to seriously kick Maggie's ass. Seriously, the girl just pissed me off! I praying for some comeuppance coming her way in the third book. What she did with Liv in the first book and then Dean here is just unforgivable. Grr!
I'll end this review with some of my favorite quotes from the book...
“Girlfriend.” I rested my forehead against his chest. “I guess.” “Not the best word, but it’ll do in public.” He kissed my temple. “In private, you can just be my beauty.”
“You don’t need anyone to fix you, Olivia, least of all me.” Dean pulled me closer, his eyes never leaving mine. “Because you’re not broken.”
“Thanks for waiting,” I whispered. “My beauty,” he said, “I’d wait for you forever.”
He nodded. “And you told me you didn’t have a key.” “I think I do.” “What is it?” “You.”
“I was so glad you asked me.” I rub my hand over his leg. “I had a big crush on you.” “I know.” I raise an eyebrow. “You know?” “Why else would you knock the other girls aside whenever I walked in?” Dean looks rather pleased with himself. My mouth drops open. A flush scorches my cheeks. “I did not knock the—”
“You sure did. And you think I didn’t notice the chocolates or the extra cookie you’d put on my plate? Or the time you gave me a box of shortbread and told me it was a free sample?”
“No doubt about it, beauty.” I press my face against her sweet-smelling hair. “You’ll always be my allure.”
“Feel that?” he asked. “You’re the first woman who’s ever made my heart beat like that. You’re the first woman I’ve ever wanted to spend all my time with, the only one who could convince me to start a new life. You’re the first woman who’s ever made me genuinely happy. Who makes me glad to be alive, who makes me burn hotter than fire. You’re the first woman who’s ever made me afraid.”
“You know I’m not much of a romantic.” He looks at me. “But that semester, even I had to admit it was more than just a coincidence.” “What was?”
“The fact that I was studying the perfect harmony of the stars and planets at the exact same time I was falling in love with you.”
Ever After Romance Book Blog
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