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momwithareadingproblem's Reviews (1.18k)
I received a copy of this book via Lady Amber's Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Curse of the Sphinx by Raye Wagner is the first book in this urban mythology series, and I have to say, it blew me away! Hope is the daughter of the Sphinx, and like her mother, cursed by Apollo to change into the mythical monster two days and one night a month. As a monster, she and her mother live their lives on the run, constantly in danger from Skia and other demigods who would kill them if they were found. When Hope’s mother is killed, she has to learn how to survive on her own for the first time while trying to figure out what happened.
I really liked Hope! She’s a strong character. The author shows her through the grieving process and learning how to figure out life on her own. It’s truly a remarkable way to show this character’s growth. She starts the book as a sullen teen, never had a friend, never been kissed, always on the run. She’s bitter and wants a change. After her mother’s death, she’s lost. She understands why her mother had all the rules and reasons behind their constant moving. She makes mistakes, but she learns from them.
Then there is Athan, a demigod son of Hermes. He’s first introduced in the prologue when his father gives him the task of finding the Sphinx’s daughter after they witness her death. They promise her they will find her daughter and protect her. When Athan reenters the book as a new student at Hope’s school, I was on the edge of my seat. Athan is kind, charming, and he was a bit hard to figure out. I wasn’t sure if Hope could trust him or not. I wanted to trust him though….does that count?
The plot centers around Hope and the reasons behind her mother’s death. At 16, Hope never thought she’d have to live on her own so young. Her mother was immortal as long as she didn’t break the rules of her curse. So why was she killed? Hope has to learn to live on her own. Her “aunt” Priska is off searching for answers behind her mother’s death so Hope’s by herself.
The world-building is phenomenal! I’m a sucker for urban fantasy and this one really blew my expectations out of the water. Raye Wagner created an alternate reality in which the Greek gods are real, are still worshipped and their children live among us. Everything in the mythology is fair game for the book which was a real treat! If you enjoy mythology, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book! And BONUS it’s a clean read ♥︎
Curse of the Sphinx by Raye Wagner is the first book in this urban mythology series, and I have to say, it blew me away! Hope is the daughter of the Sphinx, and like her mother, cursed by Apollo to change into the mythical monster two days and one night a month. As a monster, she and her mother live their lives on the run, constantly in danger from Skia and other demigods who would kill them if they were found. When Hope’s mother is killed, she has to learn how to survive on her own for the first time while trying to figure out what happened.
I really liked Hope! She’s a strong character. The author shows her through the grieving process and learning how to figure out life on her own. It’s truly a remarkable way to show this character’s growth. She starts the book as a sullen teen, never had a friend, never been kissed, always on the run. She’s bitter and wants a change. After her mother’s death, she’s lost. She understands why her mother had all the rules and reasons behind their constant moving. She makes mistakes, but she learns from them.
Then there is Athan, a demigod son of Hermes. He’s first introduced in the prologue when his father gives him the task of finding the Sphinx’s daughter after they witness her death. They promise her they will find her daughter and protect her. When Athan reenters the book as a new student at Hope’s school, I was on the edge of my seat. Athan is kind, charming, and he was a bit hard to figure out. I wasn’t sure if Hope could trust him or not. I wanted to trust him though….does that count?
The plot centers around Hope and the reasons behind her mother’s death. At 16, Hope never thought she’d have to live on her own so young. Her mother was immortal as long as she didn’t break the rules of her curse. So why was she killed? Hope has to learn to live on her own. Her “aunt” Priska is off searching for answers behind her mother’s death so Hope’s by herself.
The world-building is phenomenal! I’m a sucker for urban fantasy and this one really blew my expectations out of the water. Raye Wagner created an alternate reality in which the Greek gods are real, are still worshipped and their children live among us. Everything in the mythology is fair game for the book which was a real treat! If you enjoy mythology, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book! And BONUS it’s a clean read ♥︎
I received an eARC of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review
Saven Deliverance by Siobhan Davis is the stunning conclusion to the Saven series which follows Sadie as she learns about the existence of aliens, their plans for Earth and how she fits into it all. I can honestly say that when I received this book I devoured it. I set everything else aside and started it because that cliffhanger from [book:Saven Defiance|25820867] was killing me. I had to know what was going to happen to everyone. I want to note that if you have NOT read the previous books in this series there may be spoilers for those books ahead. Read at your own risk.
Sadie is with Logan at Talla, and if you’re a little unclear as to why, don’t worry. The author does a fantastic job of recapping what has happened, why the characters are where they are and what they are preparing for. Sadie is feeling angry and a little lost at the beginning of the book. She thought she knew Axton and she thought she could trust him, but his betrayal at the end of the last book is still haunting her. Despite that she worries for him, what his mom will do to him. Sadie has never been my favorite character, that is no secret, but she’s finally grown on me. Her character has matured so much since her first appearance in [book:Saven Deception|31689306]. She’s not the selfish girl I thought she was and she isn’t consumed by hormones which is a nice change of pace.
Logan has also grown on me. Don’t get me wrong, I always liked him, but I didn’t like him with Sadie. Logan really shows his own maturity in this book as he takes control of Saven and begins the process of hunting down his brother. I LOVED how the author threw in his POV during this book. The chapters alternated between Sadie and Logan and I don’t think it would have worked any other way. Being able to read his perspective really helped me to understand his character and motives better.
The plot finally comes to a head in this book. Everything the series has been leading up to culminates and it is EPIC! The fast-paced, non-stop action had me reading into the wee hours of the morning with no regard for my own needs. Really, who needs food and sleep when there’s an epic alien battle waiting to be read?! Seriously though, the plot is super fast-paced and leaves no room for rest for the characters, or readers for that matter. Just as Sadie and Logan conquer one problem another crops up. From chasing Dante across the galaxy to the Amaretti threat still hanging over Earth, the characters have their hands full.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. In my opinion, it was a fantastic conclusion to the series. Sadie and Logan have come so far from the first book to who they are at the end. They are ready for what life throws at them and they take it all in stride together. If you’ve enjoyed the series so far, you will love this ending. If you haven’t read Saven yet and enjoy scifi, I highly recommend you grab the first book and have a binge week. You won’t be disappointed!
Saven Deliverance by Siobhan Davis is the stunning conclusion to the Saven series which follows Sadie as she learns about the existence of aliens, their plans for Earth and how she fits into it all. I can honestly say that when I received this book I devoured it. I set everything else aside and started it because that cliffhanger from [book:Saven Defiance|25820867] was killing me. I had to know what was going to happen to everyone. I want to note that if you have NOT read the previous books in this series there may be spoilers for those books ahead. Read at your own risk.
Sadie is with Logan at Talla, and if you’re a little unclear as to why, don’t worry. The author does a fantastic job of recapping what has happened, why the characters are where they are and what they are preparing for. Sadie is feeling angry and a little lost at the beginning of the book. She thought she knew Axton and she thought she could trust him, but his betrayal at the end of the last book is still haunting her. Despite that she worries for him, what his mom will do to him. Sadie has never been my favorite character, that is no secret, but she’s finally grown on me. Her character has matured so much since her first appearance in [book:Saven Deception|31689306]. She’s not the selfish girl I thought she was and she isn’t consumed by hormones which is a nice change of pace.
Logan has also grown on me. Don’t get me wrong, I always liked him, but I didn’t like him with Sadie. Logan really shows his own maturity in this book as he takes control of Saven and begins the process of hunting down his brother. I LOVED how the author threw in his POV during this book. The chapters alternated between Sadie and Logan and I don’t think it would have worked any other way. Being able to read his perspective really helped me to understand his character and motives better.
The plot finally comes to a head in this book. Everything the series has been leading up to culminates and it is EPIC! The fast-paced, non-stop action had me reading into the wee hours of the morning with no regard for my own needs. Really, who needs food and sleep when there’s an epic alien battle waiting to be read?! Seriously though, the plot is super fast-paced and leaves no room for rest for the characters, or readers for that matter. Just as Sadie and Logan conquer one problem another crops up. From chasing Dante across the galaxy to the Amaretti threat still hanging over Earth, the characters have their hands full.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. In my opinion, it was a fantastic conclusion to the series. Sadie and Logan have come so far from the first book to who they are at the end. They are ready for what life throws at them and they take it all in stride together. If you’ve enjoyed the series so far, you will love this ending. If you haven’t read Saven yet and enjoy scifi, I highly recommend you grab the first book and have a binge week. You won’t be disappointed!
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason is the second full novel in the Harmony Harbor series and follows the eldest Gallagher brother as he returns home to find that he not only still has feelings for his ex-wife but she may also have the same for him.
I’ll be honest I was more than a little curious about Ava’s story after reading the first book. Sophie’s concern for her cousin and how much the woman had changed was intriguing. It was even more so as I read the book. Ava is a head-strong, independent woman. Or at least she used to be and still believes she is. Instead she is a victim. It is written all over her in the form of having no appetite, keeping her head down, being timid and allowing others to do work she should be doing. It is obvious to the reader even if it isn’t as obvious to the character which for me just intrigued me more. I liked Ava! She is a character that I found myself routing for and hoping she’d find her way into a happy ending.
Griffin is another story. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about him. He’s had not one, but two failed marriages and seems to still love the first one but can’t let go of the second either. I mean, seriously?! How does that even work that you can be best friends with your ex? It just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Aside from that, Griffin is a great character, albeit a confused one. He is a retired Navy SEAL and well retirement doesn’t really suit him well. He is an active guy who needs to be doing something. When he’s invited to help at the manor, he goes and hopes he can avoid Ava. BUT in seeing her, old feelings resurface and he has this overwhelming urge to protect her.
You know how they say you never get over first love? Well in Griffin and Ava’s case this is true. I loved reading as their story and past unfolded. My heart ached for them both. It’s a sweet, yet predictable story. There is a nice curve ball thrown in for those that are on his second ex-wife’s team though. I found myself routing for all three of them which when you read the story you’ll understand. It’s hard to dislike any of the characters and even harder to understand the relationship among them. BUT it works.
Overall, this is a sweet, unputdownable book. Literally I started it at 10pm thinking I read one or two chapters and finished the book at 4:30am. Who needs sleep?! If you enjoy sweet, contemporary romance, I highly recommend picking up this book! While it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading the first book as it helps with the background story.
Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason is the second full novel in the Harmony Harbor series and follows the eldest Gallagher brother as he returns home to find that he not only still has feelings for his ex-wife but she may also have the same for him.
I’ll be honest I was more than a little curious about Ava’s story after reading the first book. Sophie’s concern for her cousin and how much the woman had changed was intriguing. It was even more so as I read the book. Ava is a head-strong, independent woman. Or at least she used to be and still believes she is. Instead she is a victim. It is written all over her in the form of having no appetite, keeping her head down, being timid and allowing others to do work she should be doing. It is obvious to the reader even if it isn’t as obvious to the character which for me just intrigued me more. I liked Ava! She is a character that I found myself routing for and hoping she’d find her way into a happy ending.
Griffin is another story. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about him. He’s had not one, but two failed marriages and seems to still love the first one but can’t let go of the second either. I mean, seriously?! How does that even work that you can be best friends with your ex? It just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Aside from that, Griffin is a great character, albeit a confused one. He is a retired Navy SEAL and well retirement doesn’t really suit him well. He is an active guy who needs to be doing something. When he’s invited to help at the manor, he goes and hopes he can avoid Ava. BUT in seeing her, old feelings resurface and he has this overwhelming urge to protect her.
You know how they say you never get over first love? Well in Griffin and Ava’s case this is true. I loved reading as their story and past unfolded. My heart ached for them both. It’s a sweet, yet predictable story. There is a nice curve ball thrown in for those that are on his second ex-wife’s team though. I found myself routing for all three of them which when you read the story you’ll understand. It’s hard to dislike any of the characters and even harder to understand the relationship among them. BUT it works.
Overall, this is a sweet, unputdownable book. Literally I started it at 10pm thinking I read one or two chapters and finished the book at 4:30am. Who needs sleep?! If you enjoy sweet, contemporary romance, I highly recommend picking up this book! While it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading the first book as it helps with the background story.
I received an eARC of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Y’all it’s been three years since I first read M.A. Wilder's The Té-Trad Tale. I have not-so-patiently been waiting for more from her. I loved her story-telling and writing style. So when I received an email from her just before Christmas asking if I’d read and review her new series, I was like
After I picked myself up off the floor, I immediately responded with a yes. I’ll be honest too, I didn’t even read what the book was about. I love Wilder’s other series that much! So I went into The Vampire Mafia blind. Y’all it’s amazing!
The Vampire Mafia is a collection of novellas that tell one large story from several different views. I became engrossed in each novella and read one a day until I finished. I loved how the author was able to make the cast of characters so unique. It’s hard to do this in novellas I think. I have found that a lot of times you get the main characters thoroughly fleshed out, but the side characters are usually flat. This isn’t the case here! All the characters are utilized and have their own unique identities which really makes for a great read.
As the name suggests, this book has an element of paranormal but also an element of mystery/thriller. Personally I enjoyed the mystery element to these novellas. Reading the first novella, I kept picturing those old, black and white detective movies despite the fact it’s set in the present. Then in the last novella, one of the characters reminded me of Humphrey Bogart, right down to the nickname of his girl.
My favorite of the four novellas is Collateral, which is the third in the series. It follows Sosie, a young woman who is being held by the vampires until her father can pay off his debt. I think the reason I like this one so well is the love interest. Rather than it being an insta-love/lust thing, it’s a slow build-up for Sosie. It’s interesting to read that slow build and how it plays out, especially in novella form. Plus I love J.M. He’s the ultimate bad-boy!
I loved the setting and world-building of these novellas. The story is set in the seedy underbelly of August, New York and focuses on the crime syndicate. I liked how the author built into the mafia-type world and gave it her own spin with the paranormal element of vampires. And friends, if you’ve read The Té-trad Tale trilogy, you’re in for some fun Easter eggs! I may or may not have squealed with excitement.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series. I liked each novella. There are some pretty graphic scenes of sex and gore which for me I can usually do without which is why it’s four instead of five stars, but that’s a personal preference and not a reflection on the story. The story itself is fantastic in my opinion! Oh and that ending!!!! Wilder has set it up for a sequel series and I'm crossing all my fingers and toes that it happens. If you enjoy mystery, horror, and urban paranormal romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy.
Y’all it’s been three years since I first read M.A. Wilder's The Té-Trad Tale. I have not-so-patiently been waiting for more from her. I loved her story-telling and writing style. So when I received an email from her just before Christmas asking if I’d read and review her new series, I was like
After I picked myself up off the floor, I immediately responded with a yes. I’ll be honest too, I didn’t even read what the book was about. I love Wilder’s other series that much! So I went into The Vampire Mafia blind. Y’all it’s amazing!
The Vampire Mafia is a collection of novellas that tell one large story from several different views. I became engrossed in each novella and read one a day until I finished. I loved how the author was able to make the cast of characters so unique. It’s hard to do this in novellas I think. I have found that a lot of times you get the main characters thoroughly fleshed out, but the side characters are usually flat. This isn’t the case here! All the characters are utilized and have their own unique identities which really makes for a great read.
As the name suggests, this book has an element of paranormal but also an element of mystery/thriller. Personally I enjoyed the mystery element to these novellas. Reading the first novella, I kept picturing those old, black and white detective movies despite the fact it’s set in the present. Then in the last novella, one of the characters reminded me of Humphrey Bogart, right down to the nickname of his girl.
My favorite of the four novellas is Collateral, which is the third in the series. It follows Sosie, a young woman who is being held by the vampires until her father can pay off his debt. I think the reason I like this one so well is the love interest. Rather than it being an insta-love/lust thing, it’s a slow build-up for Sosie. It’s interesting to read that slow build and how it plays out, especially in novella form. Plus I love J.M. He’s the ultimate bad-boy!
I loved the setting and world-building of these novellas. The story is set in the seedy underbelly of August, New York and focuses on the crime syndicate. I liked how the author built into the mafia-type world and gave it her own spin with the paranormal element of vampires. And friends, if you’ve read The Té-trad Tale trilogy, you’re in for some fun Easter eggs! I may or may not have squealed with excitement.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series. I liked each novella. There are some pretty graphic scenes of sex and gore which for me I can usually do without which is why it’s four instead of five stars, but that’s a personal preference and not a reflection on the story. The story itself is fantastic in my opinion! Oh and that ending!!!! Wilder has set it up for a sequel series and I'm crossing all my fingers and toes that it happens. If you enjoy mystery, horror, and urban paranormal romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy.
I received an eARC of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Okay I have to admit something….Losing Kyler by Siobhan Davis blew me away! I’m not usually a fan of YA contemporary, mainly because I loathe drama and teen angst. Knowing this about me, you are probably wondering why I even bothered reading this book. Honestly, it’s because I love the author and her other sci-fi series. Siobhan Davis is the master at writing complex characters, heart-stopping action/suspense, and swoon-worthy kisses. Seriously, sometimes a kiss takes a couple of pages worth of a book….that is one heck of a kiss!
But I digress, Losing Kyler is written in the same vein as The Royals series by Erin Watt. There is a ton of drama, a whole host of characters with their own, real-life problems, and more twists and turns then your run of the mill soap opera. Despite the teen angst, I found myself thoroughly engrossed. The book picks up right where [b:Finding Kyler|32827843|Finding Kyler (The Kennedy Boys, #1)|Siobhan Davis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1479679513l/32827843._SY75_.jpg|53428748] left off. So, if like me you’ve been on pins and needles wanting to know what happens, you get answers fairly quick.
Faye is not one of my favorite characters, even though she is the main character and it is told from her perspective. It’s not that I don’t like her, I do, she’s just hard to like, and sometimes a little hard to stomach. She claims to hate drama and tries to stay away from it, yet she seems to always be the center of it and even creates a little herself.
And then there is Kyler, the book’s namesake. I don’t like him. Sorry, it had to be said. He’s arrogant and his treatment of Faye is abhorrent. At times he’s the best and at other times the worst. I can’t understand how she could ever forgive him or be with him. Love is funny like that I guess. Personally I would’ve kicked him to the curb.
Now Brad on the other hand *swoon* Brad is Ky’s best friend and Faye’s fake boyfriend so you can guess where this is going. There’s a semi-triangle going on but it gets resolved quickly (thankfully, triangles make my eye twitch). Brad is kind and a genuinely good guy. So of course I’m #TeamBrad.
Overall Losing Kyler is a fast-paced, engrossing read. It’s like a train wreck that you can’t look away from, you just can’t stop reading! So why four stars instead of five? If I’m being honest (and I try to be), it’s because the first half of the book moves at a slower pace then the second half. It took me almost a week to read the first half, but only one night to read the second. Then there was the drama. While I enjoyed it because Siobhan Davis is the master, I felt it was a bit much. By the time I got to the end, my head was spinning from all the surprise twists. Now that’s just my personal opinion, others may not feel that way. If you enjoy YA bordering on New Adult contemporary with shocking drama, I highly recommend you read this series.
Okay I have to admit something….Losing Kyler by Siobhan Davis blew me away! I’m not usually a fan of YA contemporary, mainly because I loathe drama and teen angst. Knowing this about me, you are probably wondering why I even bothered reading this book. Honestly, it’s because I love the author and her other sci-fi series. Siobhan Davis is the master at writing complex characters, heart-stopping action/suspense, and swoon-worthy kisses. Seriously, sometimes a kiss takes a couple of pages worth of a book….that is one heck of a kiss!
But I digress, Losing Kyler is written in the same vein as The Royals series by Erin Watt. There is a ton of drama, a whole host of characters with their own, real-life problems, and more twists and turns then your run of the mill soap opera. Despite the teen angst, I found myself thoroughly engrossed. The book picks up right where [b:Finding Kyler|32827843|Finding Kyler (The Kennedy Boys, #1)|Siobhan Davis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1479679513l/32827843._SY75_.jpg|53428748] left off. So, if like me you’ve been on pins and needles wanting to know what happens, you get answers fairly quick.
Faye is not one of my favorite characters, even though she is the main character and it is told from her perspective. It’s not that I don’t like her, I do, she’s just hard to like, and sometimes a little hard to stomach. She claims to hate drama and tries to stay away from it, yet she seems to always be the center of it and even creates a little herself.
And then there is Kyler, the book’s namesake. I don’t like him. Sorry, it had to be said. He’s arrogant and his treatment of Faye is abhorrent. At times he’s the best and at other times the worst. I can’t understand how she could ever forgive him or be with him. Love is funny like that I guess. Personally I would’ve kicked him to the curb.
Now Brad on the other hand *swoon* Brad is Ky’s best friend and Faye’s fake boyfriend so you can guess where this is going. There’s a semi-triangle going on but it gets resolved quickly (thankfully, triangles make my eye twitch). Brad is kind and a genuinely good guy. So of course I’m #TeamBrad.
Overall Losing Kyler is a fast-paced, engrossing read. It’s like a train wreck that you can’t look away from, you just can’t stop reading! So why four stars instead of five? If I’m being honest (and I try to be), it’s because the first half of the book moves at a slower pace then the second half. It took me almost a week to read the first half, but only one night to read the second. Then there was the drama. While I enjoyed it because Siobhan Davis is the master, I felt it was a bit much. By the time I got to the end, my head was spinning from all the surprise twists. Now that’s just my personal opinion, others may not feel that way. If you enjoy YA bordering on New Adult contemporary with shocking drama, I highly recommend you read this series.
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
All I can say is WOW!!! When It’s Real by the author duo known as Erin Watt was a fantastic, contemporary read (and friends that comes from someone who doesn’t care for contemporary). Following the story of a former teen heart throb wanting to remake his rockstar image and the girl hired to be his fake girlfriend, I could not read it fast enough! I loved the characters, the story, and the combustible romance that followed.
Oakley Ford is an enigma. I honestly wanted to hate him. He is arrogant and entitled, two things I personally cannot stand, yet Oak grew on me. The son of a former Hollywood power couple, Oak has a role he was born to play and he is trying to break that model. He doesn’t want to be the teen heart throb pop singer any more. He wants to be taken seriously, he wants to reinvent himself. And honestly, I had to respect that even if the how is questionable.
Vaughn Bennett is the answer to Oak’s problems….sort of. At least that is what his management team convinces him of. Vaughn is a highly, independent girl with a ton of emotional baggage. Her parents died when she was young, leaving her and her older sister to raise themselves and younger brothers. It’s forced Vaughn to become an adult too early. She doesn’t know how to relax and she finds comfort in the familiar. When promised a ton of money to be Oak’s fake girlfriend, she waffles. I don’t blame her, in fact I admire her for it. The money is enough to make their living situation comfortable and pay for her brothers’ college tuitions. Yet she’d have to be something she isn’t to someone she really doesn’t like after their first meeting.
The plot is character driven which is something I have always loved. I love seeing the progression a character makes. In this story, it not only follows Oak and Vaughn’s relationship, but also them as they grow and understand their own baggage. Vaughn is broken in ways she didn’t realize and Oak is just starting to repair himself so he can pursue the life he wants. I loved reading their story and seeing their growth on the pages.
Overall, I highly recommend this if you are looking for a fun, beach read or a swoon-worthy weekend. When It’s Real encompasses everything I love about a good romance: complex characters, humor, and friendship before lust. If you enjoy Kelly Oram (who I LOVE) or enjoyed The Royals series, you want to grab a copy of this book!
All I can say is WOW!!! When It’s Real by the author duo known as Erin Watt was a fantastic, contemporary read (and friends that comes from someone who doesn’t care for contemporary). Following the story of a former teen heart throb wanting to remake his rockstar image and the girl hired to be his fake girlfriend, I could not read it fast enough! I loved the characters, the story, and the combustible romance that followed.
Oakley Ford is an enigma. I honestly wanted to hate him. He is arrogant and entitled, two things I personally cannot stand, yet Oak grew on me. The son of a former Hollywood power couple, Oak has a role he was born to play and he is trying to break that model. He doesn’t want to be the teen heart throb pop singer any more. He wants to be taken seriously, he wants to reinvent himself. And honestly, I had to respect that even if the how is questionable.
Vaughn Bennett is the answer to Oak’s problems….sort of. At least that is what his management team convinces him of. Vaughn is a highly, independent girl with a ton of emotional baggage. Her parents died when she was young, leaving her and her older sister to raise themselves and younger brothers. It’s forced Vaughn to become an adult too early. She doesn’t know how to relax and she finds comfort in the familiar. When promised a ton of money to be Oak’s fake girlfriend, she waffles. I don’t blame her, in fact I admire her for it. The money is enough to make their living situation comfortable and pay for her brothers’ college tuitions. Yet she’d have to be something she isn’t to someone she really doesn’t like after their first meeting.
The plot is character driven which is something I have always loved. I love seeing the progression a character makes. In this story, it not only follows Oak and Vaughn’s relationship, but also them as they grow and understand their own baggage. Vaughn is broken in ways she didn’t realize and Oak is just starting to repair himself so he can pursue the life he wants. I loved reading their story and seeing their growth on the pages.
Overall, I highly recommend this if you are looking for a fun, beach read or a swoon-worthy weekend. When It’s Real encompasses everything I love about a good romance: complex characters, humor, and friendship before lust. If you enjoy Kelly Oram (who I LOVE) or enjoyed The Royals series, you want to grab a copy of this book!