Built by Jay Crownover ♡♡♡♡

Built by Jay Crownover is the first book in her new series Saints of Denver. I put off reading this book, much like I do all of Jay’s, because not only did I wanted to savor it, but I was slightly apprehensive about starting a new series.

Built tells the story of Zeb and Sayer. Zeb owns his own construction company, but has a bit of a murky past (although not Welcome to the Point murky) and Sayer is a family attorney who moved to Denver to reunite with the brother she didn't know she had. Sayer tries hard not to have feelings for Zeb, but he's a difficult guy not to melt for.

I love Jay Crownover and her books. I was happy to start this new series, and I think I'm going to really enjoy getting to know new characters. That being said, I am disappointed that this is more contemporary and less new adult than her previous books, something I was not expecting. The charters in this story start to deal with more “real adult” issues, and I'm personally not at a point in my life where I'm interested in reading about characters who are more settled in their adulthood. I also felt like this book had more sex scenes, and I wasn't prepared for that either.

Even though I'm not sure I'm ready to.make the move from new adult to contemporary romance, this was a extremely well written book that tackled emotional abuse very well. To me, it also felt like the most poetically written of Jay’s books. I look forward to seeing where the rest of the series goes, especially the next book, Charged!

Built on Goodreads

Draw Me In by Regina Cole ♥♥♥.25

Draw Me In by Regina Cole is a book I found while browsing NetGalley. There were some things I loved about this story, and some not so much.

Draw Me In tells the story of Hailey and Neill. Hailey is having trouble with school and her family. She desperately needs a job, and she finds one at a tattoo parlor. She meets Neill, who also happens to be her new boss. They’re attracted to each other, but Neill has a past that is holding him back from letting Hailey in.

Let’s start with the things I didn’t enjoy; then we can end on a good note! We got the story from the point of view of both Neill and Hailey. It would have been better to have to the story told from one character, preferably Hailey. The point of view changes made the timeline of the story more difficult to follow. And it was more difficult getting to know the characters. There were also much less surprises.

But I did enjoy the characters; they seemed really genuine, like people you might know. Also I liked the premise of the story. The plot was great, and what can I say, I’m a sucker for those tattooed boys.

I would recommend giving it a go. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Draw Me In on Goodreads

Boomerang by Noelle August ♥♥♥

Boomerang by Noelle August (A pen name for Veronica Rossi and Lorin Oberweger writing together) is a book I found out about through emails from Harper Collins (who will send you emails about books of theirs on sale). It sounded like a cute and quick read, so I gave it a shot.

Boomerang is the story of Mia and Ethan who wake up from a hazy one night stand to find out they are sharing an internship where they will be competing for one job at the casual dating site Boomerang. Mia and Ethan have undeniable chemistry, but Boomerang has a policy against dating coworkers. So they try to keep to their work while trying to deny their feelings for each other.

We watch as both of them try to sort out their feelings and what they feel is more important, an opportunity for a job or for love. But they also have to deal with the past hurts from former lovers, who have jaded their hope for the future.

Just like I thought, this was a fairly fun quick read. I never really felt particularly close to either character. I usually really enjoy changes in point of view, but Ethan’s point of view seemed less genuine. I would have rather stay with Mia for the entirety of the book. There was nothing wrong with the story; I enjoyed the premise of the story itself. I just never felt close to the characters or really excited to keep reading. I’m glad I gave the book a chance, and I may read the rest of the trilogy when it’s released. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! 

Boomerang on Goodreads