The Play - Elle Kennedy

" - So what are you saying? We're going to be together forever?- That's exactly what I'm saying."

Pages: 422

Published: October 4, 2019, by Elle Kennedy Inc.

Kindle: 3,99 €

Paperback: 15,75 €

Available on Audible

Plot:

What I learned after last year’s distractions cost my hockey team our entire season? No more screwing up. No more screwing, period. As the new team captain, I need a new philosophy: hockey and school now, women later.  Which means that I, Hunter Davenport, am officially going celibate…no matter how hard that makes things.

But there’s nothing in the rulebook that says I can’t be friends with a woman. And I won’t lie—my new classmate, Demi Davis is one cool chick. Her smart mouth is hot as hell, and so is the rest of her, but the fact that she’s got a boyfriend eliminates the temptation to touch her.

Except three months into our friendship, Demi is single and looking for a rebound.

And she’s making a play for me.

Avoiding her is impossible. We’re paired up on a yearlong school project, but I’m confident I can resist her. We’d never work, anyway. Our backgrounds are too different, our goals aren’t aligned, and her parents hate my guts.

Hooking up is a very bad idea. Now I just have to convince my body—and my heart.

Conclusion:

'The Play' was a slow burn romance with lots of sexual tension between the protagonists, Hunter and Demi. 

They had great chemistry, their banter was funny as hell and I liked that they actually tried to communicate with each other. 

Demi was an independent, smart, and funny heroine. I'm glad Hunter treated her the way she deserved to be treated. 

Hunters celibacy was kinda funny to read about because I have never read a new adult book where the guy was celibate for most of the book. 

I really liked how their characters developed with each other. They built each other up. 

Pablo Eggscobar was a hilarious addition to the story. Almost every scene he was in made me laugh.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes sports romance, hockey, and friends who turn into lovers.

PS: Chapter 39 might need a trigger warning for some people.

5 out of 5 stars

The Risk - Elle Kennedy

" I have faith that he'll always choose me. "

Pages: 410
Published: February 19,2019, Elle Kennedy Inc,
Kindle: 4,99 € 
Paperback: 15,75 € 

Plot:

Everyone says I’m a bad girl. They’re only partly right—I don’t let fear rule me, and I certainly don’t care what people think. But I draw the line at sleeping with the enemy. As the daughter of Briar’s head hockey coach, I’d be vilified if I hooked up with a player from a rival team. And that’s who Jake Connelly is. Harvard’s star forward is arrogant, annoying, and too attractive for his own good. But fate is cruel—I require his help to secure a much-coveted internship, and the sexy jerk isn’t making it easy for me. I need Connelly to be my fake boyfriend. For every fake date…he wants a real one. Which means this bad girl is in big trouble. Nothing good can come from sneaking around with Jake Connelly. My father would kill me, my friends will revolt, and my post-college career is on the line. But while it’s getting harder and harder to resist Jake’s oozing sex appeal and cocky grin, I refuse to fall for him. That’s the one risk I’m not willing to take.

Conclusion:

I liked this book a smidgen better than 'The Chase'. Brenna and Jake had lots of chemistry and sexual tension. I loved their banter. I loved how Jake helped Brenna out with her internship job interview even though he did not have to

Brenna was so sassy, fierce, strong, smart, and really funny. She now is one of my spirit animals. Her interest in hockey and in sports journalism was another thing I really liked about her character. 

I also really liked the secondary characters in 'The Risk'. They were a great addition. 

If you like a good enemies-to-lovers, fake-relationship and sports romance story including hot hockey players then I would recommend this book. 

5 out of 5 stars

The Chase - Elle Kennedy

" We live in a society where too many woman tear each other down instead of raising each other up. "

Pages: 372
Published: August 28, 2018, by Elle Kennedy Inc.
Kindle: 0,00 €
Paperback: 11,54 €
Available on Audible

Plot:

Everyone says opposites attract. And they must be right because there’s no logical reason why I’m so drawn to Colin Fitzgerald. I don’t usually go for tattoo-covered, video-gaming, hockey-playing nerd-jocks who think I’m flighty and superficial. His narrow view of me is the first strike against him. It doesn’t help that he’s buddy-buddy with my brother. And that his best friend has a crush on me.And that I just moved in with them. Oh, did I not mention we’re roommates? I suppose it doesn’t matter. Fitzy has made it clear he’s not interested in me, even though the sparks between us are liable to burn our house down. I’m not the kind of girl who chases after a man, though, and I’m not about to start. I’ve got my hands full dealing with a new school, a sleazy professor, and an uncertain future. So if my sexy brooding roomie wises up and realizes what he’s missing? He knows where to find me.

Conclusion: 

'The Chase' is the first book in Elle Kennedys' new book series 'Briar - U'. I read it after reading dark romance books for like four weeks so this was very refreshing and I really enjoyed it. 

I loved that Fitzy was an athlete but at the same time he was an introvert and a double major in computer programming and fine arts. That differentiated him from other male protagonists.

Fitzy's' and Summers relationship was really adorable. I enjoyed the slow burn of their romance.

There was a perfect amount of angst and drama. Not too much and not too less. 'The Chase' is a great start to a new series and it really hyped me up for 'The Risk', which is book number two in the 'Briar - U' - series.

Elle Kennedy is a queen in the sports romance genre and she has a great writing style. 

If you like sports romance books, especially hockey romance, and adorable relationships I would recommend this book to you.

5 out of 5 stars

The Dare - Elle Kennedy

“Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don’t know how you ever lived without them.”

Pages: 352
Published: June 16, 2020, by Elle Kennedy Inc.
Kindle: 4,99 €
Paperback: 15,75 €

Plot:

College was supposed to be my chance to get over my ugly-duckling complex and spread my wings. Instead, I wound up in a sorority full of mean girls. I already have a hard time fitting in, so when my Kappa Chi sisters issue the challenge, I can’t say no.

The dare: seduce the hottest new hockey player in the junior class.

Conor Edwards is a regular at Greek Row parties…and in Greek Row sorority beds. He’s the one you fall for before you learn that guys like him don’t give girls like me a second glance. Except Mr. Popular throws me for a loop—rather than laughing in my face, he does me a solid by letting me take him upstairs to pretend we’re getting busy.

Even crazier, now he wants to keep pretending. Turns out Conor loves games, and he thinks it’s fun to pull the wool over my frenemies’ eyes.

But resisting his easy charm and surfer-boy hotness is darn near impossible. Though I’m realizing there’s much more to Conor’s story than his fan club can see.

And the longer this silly ruse goes on, the greater the danger of it all blowing up in my face.

Conclusion:

'The Dare' ticked a lot of my boxes: sports romance, fake relationship, curvy heroine, and a college romance. 

I really loved how Conor empowered Taylor and how sweet he was in general. The scene at the beginning where they fake having sex was really funny. I liked how he was okay with helping her. I also liked that he didn't pressure Taylor in any way and just waited until she was ready.

Something I really hated was the sorority sisters. Typical mean girls who're just super insecure about themselves and let that out on others. 

Taylor was a very relatable character because of her insecurities. I, and most other young girls, know how it feels to be insecure about our bodies all the time because we don't fit society's beauty standards. 

I'm really sad that the 'Briar-U' - series is over now but Elle Kennedy is the queen of sports romance books so I'm sure that she'll release more books that I'm gonna adore. 

5 out of 5 stars

Fall from India Place - Samantha Young

             “When I’m with you it feels like everything’s going to be okay. I can’t explain it.”

Pages: 384
Published: June 3, 2014, by Piatkus
Kindle: 3,99 € 
Paperback: 9,81 € (English); 4,26 € (German)
Available on Audible

Plot:

When Hannah Nichols last saw Marco D'Alessandro five long years ago, he broke her heart. The bad boy with a hidden sweet side was the only guy Hannah ever loved-and the only man she's ever been with. After one intense night of giving in to temptation, Marco took off, leaving Scotland and Hannah behind. Shattered by the consequences of their night together, Hannah has never truly moved on.

Leaving Hannah was the biggest mistake of Marco's life - something he has deeply regretted for years. So when fate reunites them, he refuses to let her go without a fight. Determined to make her his, Marco pursues Hannah, reminding her of all the reasons they're meant to be together . . .

But just when Marco thinks they're committed to a future together, Hannah makes a discovery that unearths the secret pain she's been hiding from him - a secret that could tear them apart before they have a real chance to start over again . . .

Conclusion:

'Fall from India Place' is a second-chance romance. It was a really captivating and refreshing read. 

I really enjoyed reading about Hannahs and Cole's friendship and that we got to see characters from the previous books again.

With Hannah and Marco, the protagonists in this story, we got two very mature characters. 

Hannah is Bradens' little sister so she has always been protected by him and Adam. She is also very sweet and loves to read.

 Marco and she have great chemistry but because he hurt her when they were teenagers she can't forgive him easily.

Marco was Hannahs crush in high school. Even though Hannah thinks it, he did not just give up on her and he is very determined to make things right with her. 

I really liked the plot twist and the amount of drama that we got in this book.

I would definitely recommend reading the books in the 'On Dublin Street' - series first because you get to see Hannah grow up and can get a feel of her personality and even a little bit of the time when she was crushing on Marco. 

If you liked her in the other books you are definitely going to like 'Fall from India Place'. 

I know I loved it. 

5 out of 5 stars

Clockwork Princess - Cassandra Clare

" Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read. " 

Pages: 576
Published: September 5, 2013, by Walker Books Ltd.
Kindle: 8,39 €
Paperback: 8,99 € (English) ; 15,99 € (German)
Hardcover: 40,89 € (English); 19,99 € (German)
Available on Audible

Plot:

A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain needs one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. But Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.

Conclusion:

Listen. 'Clockwork Princess' is one of the best stories that was ever written in my opinion. 

Cassandra Clares writing style is just perfection. I loved, devoured, and enjoyed every single word. 

There were so many scenes and quote that gave me chills all over. 

This is probably going to be the only story including a love triangle that I am going to like.

The ending of this series was perfect and that epilogue. Oh my goodness. I cried so much. 

I'm sad that the journey is already over but at the same time I'm glad I got to experience it. 

'The Infernal Devices' will always have a really special place in my heart. 

5 out of 5 stars

Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare

" One must always be careful of books, and what is inside of them, for words have the power to change us."

Pages: 544
Published: November 7, 2019, by Walker Books Ltd
Kindle: 6,52 €
Paperback: 6,86 € (English) ; 14,99 € (German) 
Hardcover: 18,14 € (English) ; 18,99 € (German)
Available on Audible

Plot:

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural fold stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons.

Conclusion:

'Clockwork Angel' is set in Victorian London and is the prequel to 'The Mortal Instruments'. 

Even if you did not like 'The Mortal Instruments' you should try reading The Infernal Devices. It is way better. 

The plot, writing style ad characters were amazing. There were so many great quotes about books.

 I loved how much Tessa and Will love literature. I also liked their relationship a lot. 

Will was my favorite protagonist. He is extremely funny, sarcastic, and very hot. 

His friendship with his Parabatai Jem was one of my favorite parts of the storyline.

The only thing I did not like about this book was the love triangle but because it was not as bad as I expected it to be I'm alright with it. 

If you like fantasy books, love triangles, or Shadowhunters I would definitely recommend 'Clockwork Angel' to you. It was a great first book to a new series by Cassandra Clare.

5 out of 5 stars 

Clockwork Prince - Cassandra Clare

" We live and breathe words."

Pages: 495
Published: May 3,2012 by Walker Books Ltd.
Kindle: 6,74 €
Paperback: 7,09 € (English); 14,99 € (German) 
Hardcover: 20,48 € (English); 19,99 € (German)
Available on Audible.

Plot:

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Conclusion:

'Clockwork Prince' is the second book in the 'The Infernal Devices' series, which is a prequel to 'The Mortal Instruments'. 

I read this book in one sitting because it was so freaking good. Cassandra Clare keeps breaking my heart and putting it back together. 

I have said it before but I love how almost every character loves literature. It makes them a little bit more relatable for me. The things they say about books are basically the same things I feel. 

The quote I put under the picture is my favorite quote of all time. I even got it tattooed on my underarm because I love it so much. 

In this book, we have a little bit more romance than we had in 'Clockwork Angel'. 

I really want my future husband to write me the kind of love letters that Will writes. 

Next to The Perks of Being a Wallflower, 'Clockwork Prince' is my favorite book of all time.

+5 out of 5 stars

After Passion - Anna Todd

" My life before him was so simple and decided, now after him... It's just... after."

Pages: 592 (US- Edition) ; 702 (German- Edition)

Published: October 21, 2014, Gallery Books ; February 9, 2015, Heyne Velag
Kindle: 12,26 € (US-Edition) ; 9,99 € (German- Edition)
Paperback: 9,22 € ( US- Edition)  , 12,99 € (German Edition)

Available on Audible and Wattpad

Plot:

There was the time before Tessa met Hardin, and then there’s everything AFTER

Life will never be the same…

Tessa is a good girl with a sweet, reliable boyfriend back home. She’s got direction, ambition, and a mother who’s intent on keeping her that way. But she’s barely moved into her freshman dorm when she runs into Hardin, her mother’s worst nightmare. With his tousled brown hair, irresistible British accent, tattoos, and lip ring, Hardin is undeniably attractive but completely different from what Tessa is used to.

But he’s also rude - to the point of cruelty, even. Tessa should hate Hardin, and she does… until she finds herself alone with him in his dorm. His dark mood grabs her, and when they kiss, something ignites within her - a passion she’s never known before…

He’ll call her beautiful, then insist he isn’t the one for her and disappear without a word. Despite the reckless way he treats her, Tessa is compelled to dig deeper and find the real Hardin beneath all his lies. He pushes her away again and again, but every time she pushes back she winds up being pulled further in.

Will Tessa risk everything for someone she can’t trust?

Conclusion:

As most people know when After was published it was basically a One Direction fanfiction. I really hate that people still judge it based on that. The only thing 'After' has in common with One Direction is that in the Wattpad version the members' names are used for characters and that Hardin, the protagonist, is British and has lots of Tattoos. They have nothing else in common whatsoever. 

Tessa is this innocent good girl whos' just starting her first semester of college. 

Hardin is a typical bad boy with lots of tattoos and an attitude. He has a dark past and a bunch of family drama going on. Hardin is also really possessive and jealous when it comes to Tessa.

Because they are so different they fight a lot. Many people say that this book is romanticizing abusive and toxic relationships. In my opinion that is not true. Hardin would've never hurt Tessa. If he did he wouldn't be able to ever live with himself. Sure, maybe he was manipulating her a little but when she found out the truth it was up to her to stay away from him.

This book is one huuuuge rollercoaster. There is lots of angst and double as much drama. For real, if you do not like drama this might not be the books for you. 

I can't even explain how much I love this book. I have read it at least six times by now. 

If you saw the movie and don't want to read the book because the movie was so bad let me tell you that everyone thinks the movie was crap. The producers really butchered Tessas and Hardins' story. The actors were great and are basically Hardin and Tessa coming to life but apart from that, it was bad. Do not judge the book because the movie was bad. 

Something I really loved about 'After' is how much they love literature, especially the classics.

This book ends in a big cliffhanger so be prepared for that. 

If you like bully romances, lots of drama, typical bad boy / good girl stories I would recommend 'After' to you. 

PS: If you're unsure about this book and you do not want to waste money you can still read it for free on Wattpad. The same thing goes for the next few books.

5 out of 5 stars

Feel Again - Mona Kasten

" Wir sind nicht das, was sie über uns sagen, Sawyer. Lass dir das nicht einreden."

Seiten: 480

Veröffentlichung: 26. Mai 2017, LYX Verlag

Kindle: 9,99 €

Broschierte Ausgabe: 12,00 € 

Verfügbar auf Audible

Inhalt:

Sawyer Dixon ist jung, tough - und eine Außenseiterin. Seit dem Tod ihrer Eltern lässt sie niemanden an sich heran. Das ändert sich, als sie Isaac Grant kennenlernt. Mit seiner Nerd-Brille und den seltsamen Klamotten ist er eigentlich das genaue Gegenteil von Sawyers üblichem Beuteschema. Doch als Isaac, der es satthat, single zu sein, sie um Hilfe bittet, schließen die beiden einen Deal: Sawyer macht aus Isaac einen Bad Boy und darf dafür seine Entwicklung als Fotoprojekt für ihr Studium festhalten. Aber Sawyer hat nicht mit den intensiven Gefühlen gerechnet, die zwischen ihr und Isaac hochkochen ...

Fazit:

Mit 'Feel Again' hat Mona Kasten wieder eine tolle Geschichte veröffentlicht. Auch hier war der flüssige Schreibstil vorhanden.

Isaac ist eher ein 'good boy'. Am Anfang fühlt er sich noch relativ unsicher, vor allem was Mädchen betrifft, aber im Laufe der Story und vor allem mit Sawyers Hilfe findet er zu sich und gewinnt an Selbstbewusstsein.

Sawyer ist das komplette Gegenteil von Isaac. Sie bringt sich oft in Schwierigkeiten, sagt frei raus was sie denkt und auch ihr Klamottengeschmack ist das komplette Gegenteil von Isaacs'.

Aber wie sagt man so schön? Gegensätze ziehen sich an.

Das Fotoprojekt fand ich sehr interessant zum mitverfolgen. Es war schön zu sehen wie die beiden sich, trotz ihrer Unterschiede, ineinander verlieben und merken, dass es egal ist was andere über einen sagen und denken.

Leider konnte ich mit Sawyer, und auch mit Isaac nicht ganz so warm werden wie ich es mir erhofft hatte. Vielleicht konnte ich auch mit der Geschichte um die beide nicht warm werden. Im Gegensatz zu den vorherigen Büchern der Again – Reihe gab es meiner Meinung nach auch viel weniger.

4,5 von 5 Sternen